Once a person came to a pious servant of Allah Ta’ala and complained of his poverty. He explained to the pious man that he was undergoing great distress and preferred death to such a life. The pious man asked him: “Are you willing to have your eyes removed in exchange for ten thousand dirhams?” The man replied: “Certainly not.” The pious man further asked: “Would you like to have your tongue plucked out in return of ten thousand dirhams?” The man replied: “Definitely not.” The pious man then asked: “Would you agree to have both your hands and feet severed in return of twenty thousand dirhams?” The man said that he would not agree. The pious man asked: “Are you willing to become a mad man in exchange of ten thousand dirhams?” The man said that he was not prepared. Upon this, the pious man said to him: “Are you not ashamed of yourself? You admit that Allah Ta’ala has granted you so many precious gifts, the value of which, in your own estimation, exceeds fifty thousand dirhams (counting only a few limbs on his body by way of illustration) and yet you complain of poverty?! ( Fazaail Sadaaqaat pg.552)
On one occassion Ibn Simaak (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) paid a visit to the king of the time. It so happened that when the sheikh (ibn Simaak (Rahmatullahi Alaihi)) greeted him, the king was holding a tumbler of water in his hand. The king said to the sheikh: “Give me a word of advice.” The sheikh said: “Suppose this tumbler of water could only be obtained at the cost of your entire kingdom and you had to choose between dying of thirst and giving your kingdom away, which one would you prefer?” The king replied: “I would naturally prefer a tumbler of water and part with my entire kingdom.” The sheikh then said: “Then I do not understand why anyone should take joy in a kingdom which is worth only a tumbler of water!” (Fazaail Sadaqaat pg.552)
On one occasion Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyas Kandhelwi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) said: “Those involved in the work of tableegh should strive to inculcate mercy within their hearts for the ummat. This quality will be engendered within their hearts by focusing on the infinite mercy of Allah Ta’ala. Thereafter, due importance should be shown towards one’s tarbiyat (i.e. improving one’s character). (Malfoozaat Moulana Muhammad Ilyas, pg.50)
Hadhrat Luqmaan (Alaihis Salaam) once advised his son: “Remain in the company of the Ulama, and listen attentively to the words of the wise, for therewith Allah Ta’ala revives the dead hearts, just as He revives the dead earth with heavy rains; and indeed the wise are those who understand Deen.” (Fazaail A’amaal)
In the time of the Sahaabah (Radhiallahu Anhum) if they were not sure of anything, they would ask you to refer to someone more knowledgeable. Nowadays, everyone has become a mufti and has the ability to answer. If someone asks you a question and you have the slightest reservation, then ask the person to refer to someone. When the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam) and Malaa’ikah did not know something, they would say that we do not know. However, nowadays we feel ashamed to say, “I do not know.” (Mufti Ebrahim Salajee)
Source: Al-Haadi
