Lessons from Nahjul Balagha [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

Sermons
Sermon
160

SERMON 160

Deputation of the Holy Prophet

Allah deputed the
Prophet with a sparkling light, a clear argument, an open path and
a guiding book. His tribe is the best tribe and his lineal tree
the best lineal tree whose branches are in good proportion and
fruits hanging (in plenty). His birth-place was Mecca, and the
place of his immigration Taybah (Medina), from where his name rose
high and his voice spread far and wide.

Allah sent him with a
sufficing plea, a convincing discourse and a rectifying
announcement. Through him Allah disclosed the ways that had been
forsaken, and destroyed the innovations that had been introduced.
Through him He explained the detailed commands. Now, whoever
adopts a religion other than Islam, his misery is definite, his
stick (of support) will be cracked, his fate will be serious, his
end will be long grief and distressing punishment.

Drawing lessons from
this world

I trust in Allah, the
trust of bending towards Him, and I seek His guidance for the way
that leads to His Paradise and takes to the place of His pleasure.
I advise you, O' creatures of Allah, to exercise fear of Allah and
to obey Him because it is salvation tomorrow and deliverance for
ever. He warned (you of chastisement) and did so thoroughly. He
persuaded (you towards virtues) and did so fully. He described
this world, its cutting away from you, its decay and its shifting.
Therefore, keep aloof from its attractions, because very little of
it will accompany you. This house is the closest to the
displeasure of Allah and the remotest from the pleasure of Allah.

So close your eyes, O'
creatures of Allah, from its worries and engagements, because you
are sure about its separation and its changing conditions. Fear it
like a sincere fearer and one who struggles hard, and take a
lesson from what you have seen about the falling places of those
before you, namely that their joints were made to vanish, their
eyes and ears were destroyed, their honour and prestige
disappeared and their pleasure and wealth came to an end. The
nearness of their children changed into remoteness. The company of
their spouses changed into separation with them. They do not boast
over each other, nor do they beget children nor meet each other
nor live as neighbours. Therefore, fear O' creature of Allah, like
the fear of one who has control over himself, who can check his
passions and perceive with his wisdom. Surely, the matter is quite
clear, the banner is standing, the course is level and the way is
straight.