The Twelve Qualities of the True Ulama – Third Quality – Fazaail Sadaqaat – Taleem Series – Part Nine

(Continuing with the eight lessons which Hazrat Haatim Asamm [rahimahullah] learnt in the company of his Sheikh, Hazrat Shaqeeq Balkhi [rahimahullah])

(c) Third Lesson – Investing in the Aakhirah through Sadaqah

Hazrat Haatim (rahimahullah) said, “I see in the world that things which are precious and beloved to people are protected with great care. Then, I read in the Qur’aan Majeed that Allah Ta‘ala says:

مَا عِنۡدَکُمۡ یَنۡفَدُ وَ مَا عِنۡدَ اللّٰہِ بَاقٍ ؕ

That which you have with you (in the world) will perish (i.e. either it will perish in your life, or you will die and leave it behind – in both cases, it will be lost), and that which is by Allah will remain (eternally). (Surah Nahl v. 96)

“It is because of this aayat that whenever I had something which was of great value to me, or which I loved more than other things, then I sent it ahead to Allah Ta‘ala so that it will remain preserved forever (i.e. I gave it in sadaqah for the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala, so that the reward will remain forever).”

(d) Fourth Lesson – Seeking Nobility through Adopting Taqwa

Thereafter, Hazrat Haatim (rahimahullah) mentioned, “I have observed that in the whole world, for honour and glory, all men turn to wealth, noble lineage, and other things of pride. That is, they become proud due to their wealth, family status, etc. and think that they are better than others because of these things. However, I have read in the Qur’aan Majeed that Allah Ta‘ala says:

اِنَّ  اَکۡرَمَکُمۡ  عِنۡدَ اللّٰہِ  اَتۡقٰکُمۡ ؕ

Certainly! The most noble of you, in the sight of Allah, is the one who is the most pious. (Surah Hujuraat v. 13)

“Therefore, I have adopted taqwa (piety) in my life so that I should become among the noble and the best of people in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala.”

(Fazaa’il-e-Sadaqaat [English] pg. 435, [Urdu] pg. 480-481)