Ship of the Heart

"Shaykh S‘adi rahmatullahi alayh explains the relationship of man to material wealth by using the example of a ship and the ocean. A ship cannot function and reach its destination without water; however, the water of the ocean must not enter the ship, otherwise the ship will ultimately sink and be destroyed.Similarly, man’s heart is also a ship and its ocean is material wealth, without which it is difficult to survive. As long as he keeps the water (the love of material wealth) outside the ship of his heart, he will be able to safeguard himself from sinking. On the contrary, if his heart’s ship begins to let in the water from the ocean he will sink and perish.We need to understand that this world has been designed for us to use as per need, only enough to reach our destination.”

Courtesy of In Shaykh's Company: a blog maintained by the students of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizullah www.shaykh.org

Naseehat

Shafeeq Balkhi set off for Hajj. When he reached Baghdad, the Khalifah, Haroun Rashid highly honoured him and asked for naseehat. Shafeeq Balkhi said: "Allah Ta'ala has made you the representative of the four Khulafa-e-Raashideen. You will be questioned about truth, justice, shame and knowledge. Allah has granted you wealth to give to the needy. He has given you power to compel people to observe the Shariah. If you f ail in these duties, then in Qiyaamah you will be the leader of the inmates of Jahannum. The Khalifah is like a fountain and his subordinate officers like streams springing from the fountain. Govern righteously so that your offices emulate you."

When Haroun Rashid asked for more naseehat, Shafeeq Balkhi said: "If you are overwhelmed by thirst in a desert and someone offers you water in exchange for half your kingdom, will you accept?" The Khalifah said: "Yes."

Shafeeq Balkhi: "If after drinking the water, you are unable to urinate and suffer great pain and distress, a physician says that he will cure you for half your kingdom, will you agree?" 

The Khalifah said: "Yes."

Shafeeq Balkhi: "A kingdom which worth a cup of water and its release is not worth to be proud of." Haroun Rashid wept profusely.

Scattered Pearls