Lisanu’l-Hal
The Beloved and the Disdained
Samarqandi (rahmatullahi alayh), a renowned scholar of Hanafi madhhab, states:
“There exist three kinds of individuals who fall under the shadow of divine displeasure from Allah. Yet, within these, there are certain groups who invite a greater measure of this displeasure.
The first category comprises those who persist in committing sins. While Allah disapproves of all sinful conduct, He is especially displeased with older individuals who, despite their age, continue to transgress His commands.
The second group is composed of those who are miserly. Allah does not look favorably upon the hoarding of wealth. However, the displeasure is even more acute for the affluent who, despite their wealth, refuse to distribute it generously.
The third category comprises those inflated with arrogance. Allah's affection eludes the prideful, but His disapproval intensifies for those who, even in their destitution, choose to carry themselves with conceit.
Conversely, there are three types of people who earn Allah's divine favor. Within these categories, there are those who attain His affection on an even deeper level.
The first among these cherished groups are the Allah-fearing, the virtuous. While all virtuous individuals are dear to Allah, it is the youth who carry virtue in their hearts that occupy a special place in His esteem.
The second set consists of those who are generous. Allah loves the generous-hearted, but His affection soars for those who, even in the clutches of poverty, exhibit remarkable magnanimity.
Lastly, the third group is composed of the humble. Allah esteems all those who show humility, but those who are affluent yet choose to retain their modesty and humility are held in His highest regard.”
Abu al-Lays Samarqandi, Tanbih al-Ghafilin
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The Most Formidable Adversary
From the pioneering ranks of Sufis, Harith al-Muhasibi (quddisa sirruhu) presents a stern warning concerning the shaytan:
"There is no adversary more formidable for you than the shaytan. Therefore, against his deceit and traps, you must maintain a state of keen vigilance and prudence. For the shaytan is indeed crafty; in the fleeting span between an eye's opening and its closing, he may beguile you. Ultimately, you either adhere to him, incurring Allah’s wrath, or resist him, attaining salvation through Allah’s grace. May Allah protect us from the wickedness of the shaytan and his accomplices."
Harith al-Muhasibi, Sharh al-Ma’rifah
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The Most Devoted of Servants
Once upon a time, a question was posed to Said b. Jubayr (rahmatullahi alayh), one of the luminaries of the generation of the Followers (Tabi’in):
“Who among mankind is the most devout in worship?” To this, he replied with measured wisdom,
“It is those who, upon recalling their own transgressions, are stimulated into increased efforts towards righteous deeds.”
Harith al-Muhasibi, ar-Ri’ayah
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The Purpose of Our Devotion?
One day, a confidant approached Ma’ruf Karkhi, one of the earliest zahids and Sufis, and asked,
- What is it that compels you to retreat from the world and its people, committing yourself to solitude and devotion? Is it the fear of death, the terror of hellfire, or the allure of Paradise?
Karkhi replied:
- None of these. Allah is the Master and Possessor of all things, including what you have mentioned. Should you taste but a drop of the divine love and friendship, you would forget all else. If you were fortunate enough to truly know Him, you would be ashamed to worship merely for these considerations you've listed.
Imam Ghazali, Kimya-i Saadat
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"For He Knows!"
Amir b. Abdullah, a notable figure from the generation of the Tabi'in renowned for his zuhd and piety, had the habit of feeding those who were not in sound mental health. When queried,
- Why do you feed them? They don't even realize, he responded,
- Even if they don't understand, Allah knows. And that is enough for me.
Imam Sharani, Tabaqat al-Kubra
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The True Guardian
On one occasion, when someone asked Caliph Umar (radiyallahu anh),
- O Leader of the believers, would you like us to guard you?
He answered,
- The true guardian of a person is their appointed time of death.
Imam Sharani, Tabaqat al-Kubra
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May Allah Forgive
Once, the news reached Imam Zainul Abidin, the youngest son of Husayn b. Ali (radiyallahu anh), that a man had insulted him, laying bare his faults. In response, Zainul Abidin approached the man and gently said,
- If what you say about me is true, may Allah forgive me. And if it is not, may Allah forgive you. May Allah's peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you!
Imam Sharani, Tabaqat al-Kubra
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The Refinement of the Nafs
When Abu Hafs (quddisa sirruhu), one of the great awliya, was asked about how the nafs could be reformed, he responded: "The nafs is the source of all calamities, all tribulations. It is through standing against it that it can be refined."
Abu Abdurrahman as-Sulami, ‘Uyub an-Nafs
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How Could I Not Go?
Rabi’ b. Haytham (rahmatullahi alayh), one of the great scholars from the era of the Tabi'in, was quite advanced in age. Despite his ailment, he would go to the mosque to perform prayers with jamaah, aided by two people. People told him,
- You may not join the jamaah; Allah has given you concession in this condition.
To this, Rabi b. Haytham replied,
- When the muazzin calls hayya-al as-Salah (come to prayer), what do you expect me to do? How could I possibly not go?
Imam Sharani, Tabaqat al-Kubra
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Drawing Closer to Allah
Abu Abdurrahman as-Sulami, one of the great Sufis, once said, "Reciting the Holy Quran, the Book of Allah the Exalted, contemplating His commands and prohibitions, brings you closer to your Lord. In this state, you hold fast to His commands and avoid His prohibitions.”
Abu Abdurrahman as-Sulami, ‘Uyub an-Nafs
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“To take His commands lightly stems from knowing little about the one who commands.”
Ismail b. Majid as-Sulami (rahmatullahi alayh)
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“Whosoever does not increase their righteous deeds is deficient in themselves."
Imam Ali b. Abu Talib (radiyallahu anh)
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Eser Sazak
