Guidance for Perceiving Minds — Page 35
35 hordes of enemies have risen up to hunt it down like a hunter? Nothing remains that pleases the hearts or averts distress. Muslims appear as thirsty wanderers in the wild, as sick individuals in the throes of illness, with hardly a speck of life, or a drop of sweet water, or a peel of fruit. They have been afflicted with all kinds of diseases and various types of symptoms. All that is apparent and what is hidden in them has been corrupted. Both their ignorant and wise have become weak. Blindness has struck those among them who left the homeland or stayed in it. Their prosperous days have disappeared and been replaced by tragic events. The religion has been changed and is almost ruined. Its sea has become dry, and people have preferred lies over truth, and a place of refuse over a spacious palace. As they strayed, the world parted ways with them, and they became accustomed to affectation. Upon forsaking justice and equality, they bid farewell to gold and sil- ver. This truth is unveiled to those who have endured the twists of time, who witness the flames igniting among both the elite and the common. Today, Muslim nights are bereft of moonlight, their watchers forming groups; some pass by them with laughter, while others observe with tears in their eyes. You witness hearts growing cal- lous, sins multiplying, chests constricting, minds troubled, heed- lessness, laziness, and disobedience rampant. Ignorance, misguid- ance, and tyranny prevail, while piety disappeared and is snatched away by Satan. There is no light left in the hearts from which faith can be strengthened. Eyes, tongues, and ears have become impure. Beliefs have been corrupted, and knowledge has been taken away, while ignorance and blindness have appeared. Ostentation has entered worship, and arrogance has entered asceticism. Misery