Salaam and Greetings of Peace:
Here is blessed advice from Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, the second Shaykh of the Shadhili Sufi Order, to Muhammad ibn ‘Ata’illah al-Iskandari, that precipitated a major shift in Ibn Ata’illah’s life. He stated that after this conversation he felt that his worries and grief were like a garment that had been taken off.
There are four states in a man’s life:
1. Blessings
2. Trials
3. Obedience
4. Disobedience.
If you are blessed, what Allah requires of you is thankfulness.
If you are tried, what Allah requires of you is patience.
If you are obedient, what Allah requires of you is your contemplating His blessings upon you.
If you are disobedient, then what Allah requires of you is your asking for forgiveness.”
- from the Book of Aphorisms by Ibn ‘Ata’illah (( Being a translation of the Kitab al-Hikam)
Ya Haqq!
Note: Ibn ‘Ata’illa eventually became the third Shaykh of the Shadhili Order.
This is very well said.
Alhamdulillah! I will have to add this book to my wish list, insha’Allah!
Brilliant reminders. So much truth in them!
Great thoughts by the wonderful mystic saint. Thank you for sharing it, Brother Irving.