1/5/19, 12:15 PM
Imaam Ibnul Jawzi [rahimahullaah] said: A thought came to my
mind regarding the calamities, hardships and great afflictions that takes place
in the world; so I said: Glorified is Allaah and free is He from all imperfections! Indeed, Allaah is The Most Generous of all those
who show generosity, and generosity necessitates forbearance and forgiveness.
So, how do we look at those punishments? I contemplated and saw that the
presence of many people is as if they do not exist – neither do they study the
evidences about the Oneness of Allaah nor do they abide by the commandments and
prohibitions of [Allaah]; rather they carry on in their habits like cattle. And
unless the Islamic legislation agrees with what they want, otherwise they cling
to selfish interests. And after obtaining the Deenar [money], they do not care
whether it was [earned] through lawful or unlawful [means].
They pray when it is easy for them, otherwise they abandon
the prayer. Amongst them are those who openly commit great sins, whilst being
aware of its prohibition. And it may be that there is a scholar with robust
understanding, but his sins are grave indeed. So, I came to know that even when
the punishments are great, they are lesser [in severity] than their crimes. And
when punishments occur to wipe away sins, those [responsible for such sins]
say: “Which sin is this for?” And they forget what has proceeded [i.e their
previous sins]. An old man becomes so insignificant to the extent that the
hearts become sympathetic, whilst he is unaware of the fact that this is due to
not giving importance to the commandments of Allaah in his youth.
Source: Saydul Khaatir: page: 18-19. Abridged & slightly
paraphrased
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