Guidance for Perceiving Minds — Page 55
55 trapped in a narrow space with no way out, their dates eaten by worms of their desire, leaving only a small thread of a date-stone behind. Their tongues go too far in disputes, and they do not prepare arguments to refute their adversaries during debates. They fail to reveal the essence of Islam; instead, they speak deceitfully, like one who staggers, making Islam vulnerable to attack. These individu- als resemble animals; it is not natural for animals to speak, and associating with the silent is more difficult than facing death. They pursue wealth avidly but neglect to seek enlightenment. They present their barren clouds as rain-bearing and their unsold goods as precious gems, akin to a deceptive hunter. I do not speak out of envy or hastiness; I seek refuge in Allah from envy, falsehood, and accusation. Rather, everything I express stems from genuine encounters and experiences, with exception of the individuals who have virtuous dispositions and pure inten- tions, as they are far above such criticism. I do not label anyone as immoral unless their actions truly reflect it, nor do I deem anyone as ignorant unless they lack knowledge. The majority of grains lie within this pile, and if doubt arises, scrutinise closely, examine repeatedly, and reflect with prudence and respect. Do you perceive them as supports of Islam and servants of faith? Do you discern within them the traits of righteousness and intellect? Instead, they resemble barren clouds. They are akin to haughty and sly individuals. You will not find in them the scent of the truthful, nor the fragrance of the wise. They mould themselves as scholars, yet they lack the heart of the pious. They are only like animals. They have neither been nourished by the milk of