Eight Things to Learn
One time a scholar asked one of his students, "You have spent a
long time with me, what have you learned?
He said I learned eight
things:
First, I looked to the
creation. Everyone has a loved one. When he goes to the grave,
he leaves his loved one. Therefore, I made my loved one my good
deeds; that way, they will be with me in the grave.
Second, I looked to the verse, 'But
as for him who feared to stand before his Lord and restrained
his soul from lust,' and,
therefore, I struggled against my desires so I could stay
obeying Allah.
Third, I saw that if anyone has something with him
that is worth something, he will protect it. Then I thought
about the verse, 'That which you have is
wasted away; and that which is with Allah remains,'
therefore, everything worth something with me I devoted to Him
so it would be with Him for me.
Fourth, I saw the people seeking wealth, honor and
positions and it was not worth anything to me. Then I thought
about Allah's words, 'Lo, the noblest of
you in the sight of Allah is the most aware of Allah,'
so I did my best to become aware of Allah in order to nobility
in his sight.
Fifth, I saw the people being jealous towards each
other and I looked at the verse, 'We have
apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the
world,' so I left jealousy.
Sixth, I saw the people having enmity and I thought
about the verse, 'Lo, the devil is an
enemy for you, so take him as an enemy,' so I left
enmity and I took the Satan as my only enemy.
Seventh, I saw them debasing themselves in search of
sustenance and I thought about the verse, 'And
there is not a beast in the earth but the sustenance thereof
depends on Allah,' so I kept myself busy with my
responsibilities toward Him and I left my property with Him.
Eighth, I found them relying on their business,
buildings and health and I thought about the verse, 'And
whosoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him,'
therefore, I put my trust only on Allah.
Translated by: Jamal Zarabozo