The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 446
AT-TABLIGH- TO ELDERS OF INDIA, AFGHANISTAN, EGYPT & BEYOND 445 while they do not believe in it; they say, 'We follow the examples of Holy Prophetsas' while they do not follow them. On the contrary, they veer to erroneous paths. Those who discover truth sever all ties with worldly objects despite having a necessary connection with them, and they address themselves wholly towards Allah in such a way as if they have no spouse, offspring, camels, and horses. They all prefer Allah to their progeny, family, and wealth. They are the ones who are helped by God. They are the ones upon whom descend the blessings and mercy from their Lord, and they are the ones who are rightly guided. There are some of you who were inclined towards immorality and followed your carnal passions, entering the desert of destruction and death. They squandered their enormous assets, provisions, and posses- sions. They forgot their camps and destinations and displeased their Lord. The wind shattered their sailboat and they were counted among the drowned. Does not such a man know that taking provisions is a fundamental principle for both lives-here and the Hereafter-and that one needs this in this very world as well? He does not grow weary of earning wealth and pursuing his objectives in this world. Thus, very soon, at the time of his departure from this world, he will come to know that he is departing empty-handed to the eternal abode. Amongst them are some who have mixed good deeds with evil ones and confused disbelief with firm faith, and infused certainty with suspicion. They are resolutely inclined towards carnal desires and have plunged from the shore into the ocean of darkness and lustful desires. They drove themselves to the ways of destruction and the valleys of devastation and did with themselves what even the insane do not do. Alas! They concocted innovations in the Faith and everyone followed his own desire. Woe betides them and everything they concocted. They have fastened a number of innovations around their necks and are glad- dened by their disordered state. They protect the innovations of Hindu Brahmans and the practice of the sinful disbelievers. They have adopted all their practices like mesmerism, casting attention to the heart, sitting