Guidance for Perceiving Minds — Page 57
57 fervour, with bones worn defending it? Yet, laziness and neglect thrive among them, while insight dwindles. Are there any among them willing to journey to the distant, uncharted realms, diving into springs or plunging into the depths of the sea to extract pearls of knowledge sorely needed in this time? Instead, you see them wander like drunkards in the desires of the self and are ensnared like captives by its lusts. They are unable to confront problems head-on or revive what has been left behind and forgotten. They lack the ability to reassess matters, discerning what is right and good to avoid futile endeavours. They do not dedicate their lives to seeking truth or sacrificing their bodies to grasp sublime knowledge tirelessly until their path becomes clear and the secrets of religion are absorbed into their chests and the knowledge of certainty is placed in their hearts. Surely not! Instead their labour is all lost in search after things pertaining to the life of this world, and they think that they are among the doers of good. Their words lack spirituality, and you will find them collecting worthless things. In our time, Islam is in dire need of sound opinions, well-de- veloped ideas, fervent spirits, pure hearts, steadfast aspirations, accepted supplications, continuous blessings from Allah, and ongoing efforts toward His guidance. The window for reforming the Ummah is narrowing, and all that remains is one final breath of life. So, what is the use of seeking knowledge of the past if the eye has lost sight? O honourable ones of Islam, take a look at the present time! One-fifth of the century has elapsed since its inception, and now its full moon has set. Who among us has stepped forward dur- ing this period? Who has risen to mend the shattered throne [of