Sunday 27 December 2015

The Fruit of Good Character


Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Sheikh Shibli (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) was once harassed and persecuted by the people.

With a lot of grief in his heart, he left the locality and after walking for some time, sat down in an orchard, at a date palm, and leaned against its trunk.

Allah Ta’ala is All-Seeing and All-Knowing. Allah Ta’ala was aware of the feeling of isolation, and the sadness and hurt in the heart of Sheikh Shibli (Rahmatullah ‘alayh). Allah Ta’ala offered His friend some comfort and consolation. In the form of a Karamat (miracle), Allah Ta’ala gave the palm tree the ability to talk.

The date palm said: “O Shibli! Become like me!”

Sheikh Shibli (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) asked: “And what is your description?”

The date palm responded: “They throw stones at me and I throw fruit at them!”

Remain patient. If the people throw criticism, ridicule, and they cause hurt and pain in the heart, we should throw the fruits of Akhlaaq (good character) and good morals. Allah Ta’ala will change the hearts; if not, we will receive rewards in abundance in the Hereafter.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq.


Adapted from a Majlis of Sheikh, 
Hadhrat Moulana Saleem Dhorat (Daamat Barakaatuhum), 
Leicester, United Kingdom.