Aslam

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Chapter X: Living and Character of the Prophet

O Gommander of the Faithful, I heard that Gebriel once came to the Prophet and said : When God passed order to enkindle the fire of Hell I have come to you. Fire has been placed in Hell for the Resurrection Day. He asked : O Gebriel, describe the fire of Hell to me. He said : According to the orders of God, it burnt for one thousand years and then it assumed reddish hue. Then it burnt for another one thousand years and then it assumed yellowish colour. It burnt for another one thousand years and then it assumed black colour. The fire of Hell is at present dense black.
Its fleak does not rise up, nor can it be extinguished . By One who sent you as a true Prophet , if a piece of cloth of the inmates of Hell would have been exposed to the inmates of the world. All would have expired owing to its stench. If an iron chain would have fallen in the world, all would have expired owing to its stench. When the Prophet heard it from Gebriel, he wept and Gebriel also wept . Gebriel said : O Muhammad why are you weeping ? Your past and future sins have all been forgiven. The Prophet said ; Shall I not be a grateful servant ? O Gebriel, why are you weeping ? You are the trusted spirit and trustworthy in Tauhid. Gebriel said : I fear I "may be tried as Harut and Marut were tried. I can't trust my rank near God: They both wept till a proclamation came from heaven : O Gebriel, O Muhammad . God

Vol-II The Book of Wordly Usages 203

made both of you safe from punishment . Muhammad's rank over all other Prophet is like that of Gebriel over the rest of the angels.

O Commander of the Faithful. I heard that Hazrat Omar said : Don't give me time even for moment if two persons wait long before me seeking justice in the matter of their property. The greatest difficulty is to establish the duties towards God. The greats honour near God is God fear. God gives honour to one who seeks honour by doing divine service. God disgraces one who seeks honour by committing sins.

These are my advises to you, peace be on you. The Caliph Mansur then gave him the present of a purse. He did not accept it saying: I will not sell this advice in lieu of a temporary thing of the world.

Source: Imam Al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Islamic Sciences)
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