The Essence of Islam – Volume IV — Page 258
258 Essence of Islam-IV There are many who show meekness, but they are wolves inside. There are many who appear clean but are serpents within. You, therefore, cannot be ac- cepted by Him unless you are the same inside and out. Being great, have mercy on the lowly and do not look down upon them. Possessing knowledge, admonish the ignorant ones and do not humiliate them by self- conceit. Being wealthy, serve the poor and behave not arrogantly towards them. Dread the ways of ruin and always be fearful of God. Adopt the ways of righteousness and worship no crea- ture and cut asunder from everything to turn to your Lord. Turn your hearts away from the world and be- come wholly His, and live for Him alone and, for His sake, hate every impiety and sin, for He is Holy. Let every morning bear witness that you have spent the night in righteousness, and let every evening bear witness that you have spent the day in His fear. Be not afraid of the curses of the world, for they are apt to disappear like smoke and cannot turn day into night. But be fearful of God's curse which descends from heaven and upon whomsoever it falls it con- sumes him in both worlds. You cannot save yourselves with hypocrisy, for the eye of the God you believe in penetrates you through and through; can you then deceive Him? Become straightforward, clean, pure and truthful. If even a particle of darkness is left in you, it will dispel all your light. And if you have any portion of arrogance, or hypocrisy, or self- love, or sloth, you are not something worthy of accep-