Dear Beloved Son: Extracts 2

My Dear Son...

Be not bankrupt of good deeds, nor empty of [spiritual] status. Know for certain that abstract knowledge alone will neither increase you in power nor strengthen your situation. Likewise, if a brave warrior in possession of ten Indian swords and other weapons, was alone in the wilderness, and a great ferocious lion attacked him, do you think the weapons could defend him if they were not used against the lion? It is well known that arms cannot defend people unless they are brought to use.

By the same principle, if a man read a hundred thousand scientific theories, they would be of no use to him if he did not try and apply them. Similarly, if a man suffering from fever and a kidney disorder, he should be treated with ginger and [other] plants. Without treatment no recovery is achieved.

Though you measure two thousand bottles of wine

Unless you drink, no thrill is thine.

If you studied a hundred years and collected a thousand books, you would not be prepared for the mercy of Allah the Exalted, except by action. Allah says:

“Man shall have nothing but what he strives for.” [53:39]

“Whosoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness.” [18:110]

“A recompense for what they used to do.” [9:82]

“As for those who believe and do good work, they will have for them the gardens of paradise as an abode. No change will they desire from them.” [18:107]

“Except he who repents, believes and does good works.” [25:70]

And what of these traditions from the Prophet Muhammad SAWS:

“Islam is based on five pillars;

Testifying that there is no deity but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,
Establishing the prayer,

Paying the Zakah

Fasting in Ramadhan

And performing hajj of the sacred house for those able to do so.”

Iman [faith] is confession with the tongue, belief with the heart and performance of the pillars of Islam. There are countless proofs on the necessity of actions; this is despite the fact that the servant shall attain Paradise by the Grace and Favour of Allah the exalted, for such after the slaves readiness to obey and worship Him. Verily the Mercy of Allah is near the doers of good.

It may be said that the slave may reach that status through faith alone. We say ‘Yes’, but when will he be able to reach it? Hpw many obstacles will he be faced with. The first of these obstacles is the ravine of Iman and who is secure [enough to guarantee] that he will not lose his iman? And if a man loses his iman he will be bankrupt and dismayed in the hereafter. Hasan Al Basri said:

“Allah will say to His slaves on the Day of Judgement: ‘Allow my slaves to enter Paradise by My mercy and divide it amongst them according to their deeds.’”

Has not the time yet come for those who believe

that their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah and what has

come down of the truth?

[57:16]