Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 277
277 selfish purpose. The point that the individual conveys is good in and of itself. Therefore, it is incumbent on the pure-hearted to reflect on what the individual enjoins. There is no need for one to debate over the objectives and purposes in view of which the individual exhorts them. How excellent indeed, is the follow- ing verse of Sa’di: ی�وار � رگ ونتش اتس دنپ رب د رمد اب�ی� د ہک گ�ی�رد ادنر وگش A man ought to put into his ear; a piece of advice, even if written on a wall. Look At What is Being Said and Not Who Says It It is absolutely true that one ought to focus on what is being said, and not on the person who makes the statement. For if not, a person can be left deprived of accepting the truth, and the seed of arrogance and pride begins to germinate from within. For if an individual genuinely seeks the truth, what need have they to find fault in others? A preacher may have their own vested interest in admonishing the people, but why should you care? Your fundamental purpose is to seek the truth. There is no doubt that these people begin speaking about irrelevant matters, without con- sideration for time or place, and when they advise and counsel, they do not ad- dress issues that the present time demands, nor do they keep in view the sorts of ailments by which their addressees are afflicted. In fact, they only come to beg in various manners. The Manner of Speech Employed by the Messenger of Allah sa If such people had closely observed the manner of speech employed by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, they would learn the art of admonishing others as well. A certain individual came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and inquired: ‘What is the greatest virtue?’ The Holy Prophet sa responded: ‘Generosity. ’ A second person came and asked the same question and the Holy Prophet sa said: ‘The service of your mother and father. ’ A third person came and he received a different response altogether. Here we have the same question, but different answers. Many people have stumbled in the face of such Hadith and even the Christians have levelled forceful allegations against such Hadith. However, these asinine