CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

ADVICE EVERYONE NEEDS

Man is not an animal. Whatever else, he is not an animal. There is a difference between his soul and the soul of an animal. An animal follows its lust and its savagery. Man follows his reason and his heart. The animal is occupied with the cares of its body, man with the cares of his soul.

Those who take care of their souls are set apart from animals. It is enough for a person to feed his body so as to stay alive. Above all, he should be concerned for his soul.

The soul is heavenly. Its nourishment, too, has been sent down from heaven. What is earthly is of dust, and that is why its food comes forth from the earth.

Every person, from the moment he comes of reason, must grasp these truths. If he does not understand this deeply, his actions will not differ from those of an animal: he eats, drinks, sleeps, mates. Of course, he forms groups, tries to preserve his life in groups, attacks, defends himself, is jealous over his mate, and prepares his young for life — for the hunt. But if he knows and comes to realize that the nourishment of his soul has come down from heaven, he will plan his life accordingly and build it accordingly.

In the last chapter of our book, the advice that everyone needs is as follows:

1. Returning to God is a certainty. That we will give an account of how we lived is an undoubted truth. Let this not be forgotten.

2. Do not burn with worry over provision. One of God’s names is Musabbib — that is, the One who built the worlds upon causes. Prepare all the causes for living — work, exert yourself, make dua — but await the result as though you had set up no cause at all. Fulfill the causes, but lean on Allah. If you fear that your provision will dwindle, if you worry that tomorrow you will be left without provision, you will die without ever knowing what happiness and peace of mind are.

3. From now on, the danger is not only to humanity but to husband and wife. This means that an era has begun in which a husband’s manhood and a wife’s womanhood are made to be forgotten. Whether you call it the era of the Dajjal or the digital era, the essence does not change. Now the attack is aimed not at religion but at human nature, the fitrah. The corruption of the fitrah is beginning; perhaps it has already begun.

The world’s thinkers have understood this truth and are sounding the alarm; alas, in the thought of Uzbek society there is as yet no awareness of this danger. Uzbek-speaking thinkers are still debating primitive questions, and at the core of these debates one can see a movement to destroy the family and the sexes under the mask of freedom and human liberty.

Orators with childish minds are unaware — or, even if aware, do not yet fully grasp the magnitude of the matter — that the main issue has become not awakening the nation or political activism, but preserving humanity and protecting the fitrah with the fortress of manners and morals. That is why let husbands guard their manhood and wives their womanhood; that is, men should learn the manners befitting a man and live by them. Women should take upon themselves the gentleness befitting a woman, and let them not give up the qualities proper to womanhood.

4. Rely on reason. Push feelings aside. For feelings have lost their purity these days. That is why, to always be at peace, it seems right to put reason first. Through reason, distinguish benefit from harm: before deciding on any matter, weigh its material and spiritual harms and benefits. Flee from harmful deeds that burn up this world and the Hereafter.

5. Think far ahead. Picture the outcome of what is done today and of what is left undone. Be able to see clearly that delaying some matter will lead to a great loss tomorrow. The fruit of deeds that demand patience and endurance is sweet. Do not fear hard work. Do not seek to get rich quickly. Stay with one thing for many years without hurrying, and you will find blessing in it.

6. Hold fast to patience and forbearance. Under no circumstances answer hastily; be patient. Even if they speak to you very harshly, stay calm and composed, smile as much as you can, and you will never lose. In life there is no need to prove anyone’s superiority; what matters is to stay far from harm and humiliation. It is very ridiculous when someone holds himself superior and high. Do not put yourself in a ridiculous position.

7. Rely on fairness and contentment. When you pay someone for work, be fair. Be content with what you have. Do not run about saying, I want more. One can live with little too. Do not cut your cloth to the measure of other people’s shadows.

8. Do not fear God’s servants. Do not let them intimidate you. Do not consent to their taking away your right; never let them break agreements and devour your right by tricks. God stands by the one who fights for his lawful right. Humiliation awaits the coward who lets his lawful right be taken.

9. Speak little. One who talks a lot only loses respect; even the most beautiful and truest words should be spoken sparingly. As much as you would feel shame walking about with your body uncovered, feel shame at too much talk as well.

Akrom MALIK