The Fountain of God’s Unity — Page 22
they are committing shirk, because they fear their employer more than they fear God, or they rely on the help of others rather than seeking help from God. Even friendship can serve as a disguise [for shirk]. For instance, sometimes in order to please their friend, a person does something which is against the shariah and completely overlooks the fact that in reality he ought to please God, as opposed to his friend, and thereby committing shirk in the process. And sometimes he relies on his wealth or loves his children to such an extent that this act of his reaches the standards [or definition] of shirk. Thus, one ought to abstain from these forms of shirk. Pray to God and strive [to avoid this] yourself, for the one who calls upon God never returns unsuccessful. He responds to those who supplicate to Him. Observe just how terrifying this era is; just by thinking about it makes one fearful. On the other hand, it is equally blessed or even more so, and reflecting on this will make one [truly] happy. -22-