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We have before us
two ways of thinking. One way to think is that, in order to live in this world,
we become so influenced by our surroundings that we imprison ourselves within
mountains of resources. And that we care for nothing but luxury and comfort and
consider it the purpose of our lives.
The other way of
thinking is that we not only live a life of moderation, but also take account
of our lives and assess what have gained and what we have lost.
We accumulate wealth
in pursuit of the enticing prospect of gaining worldly honour and respect. We
advertise this wealth building magnificent mansions. We keep such articles of
beauty and display in our homes as would be a proof of our own worth and significance.
As far as acquiring
honour and respect by amassing wealth is concerned, it is only self-deception-a
self-deception which none can deny. Castles of the Pharaohs of Egypt and
treasures of Qaaron tell us that wealth is faithful to none. History repeats
itself and, in every age, it reveals to us the reality of wealth. We are all
aware of the life stories of majestic emperors. Even with their grandeur and
glory and all their royal majesty, it has happened [at times] that fate did not
grant them even small piece of land for graves in their native lands.
How faithless have
proven the mountains of gold, silver and jewels for the wealthiest of men in
the world! Does reality not warn us with its sobering lessons!
The earth recognizes
only itself, and it keeps its each and every part connected to its womb. If
earth is considered an individual then everything made of the earth becomes a
part of its body. Gold and silver, iron and copper, and precious jewel are all such
limbs and parts of the earth-parts on which it established its identity. Man's
body is also composed of the earth, but because man has been entrusted to carry
within him. Allah's trust, the conscious of the earth considers him, apart from
all the other body parts, its heart. When the heart within a body is affected,
the body is eventually rendered paralyzed and useless. A paralyzed and useless
body is nothing but it burdens upon the earth.
Everyone knows that
even if a person builds a mansion with fifty rooms, he is still only able to
sleep on one bed. In his greed for wealth, he may add to his piles of gold and
silver (particles of earth) as much as he wants, yet he still only requires
three square meals a day to fill his belly. No matter how illumined and
fragrant man makes his surrounding with artificial lights and perfumes, they
cannot replace that which rots within him.
It is earth's nature
to want to see its children clean; and it keep them clean. When its children
refuse to leave filth and decay it leaves them alone. This misfortune turns man
into something, that is repulsive and cancerous. Indeed, there isn't a punishment
worse than this for any man. The Holy Quran says:
"And
those who collect gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah are
given the tiding of a painful punishment."
[Holy
Quran ch9:v34]
KHWAJA SHAMS-UD-DEEN AZEEMI
Science has made immense progress, yet many believe that, even with all of the modern tools at our disposal, human beings function at no more than 10% of their mental capacity. This leads to the question of what exactly it is that comprises the remaining 90%. Yet another question that arises is this: If it has taken man four and a half billion years to be able to apply only 10% of his ability, how long will it take for him to make use of the remaining 90%?
