Chapter VIII: Evils of Status and Ostentation
One of the objects which are lawful is to seek rank by the qualities which a man has got, as Hazrat Eusuf said: Appoint me treasurer of this country - 12 : 55Q. He know that he was a trustworthy treasurer and as such he sought this rank. Another lawful object is to try to conceal one's sins and faults that they may not come out. This is lawful as to conceal evil things is allowed and it is unlawful to disclose sinful acts. One of the prohibited things is to pray well before the people with the object of getting their respect and good ideas. This is deception. It is unlawful to seek name and fame in this way. This is just like earning wealth illegally.
CAUSES OF LOVE OF PRAISE AND HATRED OF BACK-BITING
There are four causes of love of praise.
(1) First cause is appreciation of one's own qualities. This is a strong cause out of all causes. Owing to praises of others, one thinks that he has got all qualities. The praise with which a man is praised is either clear, open or appreciable. If you say to someone - you are pretty, the praised man gets pleasure. If praise is made of doubtful thing, it is more relishable. If a man is praised for his perfect. learning or perfect God fearina quality, he gets, more pleasure and taste. It is more relishable when it comes from a learned man or a God fearing man.
(2) Second cause is wide appreciation of one's own influence. It appears from the praise that the mind of the praised
' man has become under the control of the praiser. To subdue man's mind is a covetable thing and there is a great relish in it.
For this reason be finds great taste if the praise comes from powerful men or rulers, kings and great men.
(3) Third cause is the joy of the increase of the number of praises. The hearers of the praise also fall under his snare.
(4) Fourth cause is appreciation of power and influence.
Praise shows the power and influence of the praised man. It is understood from the praise of the praiser that he praises a proud
Vol-III Love of power and show 219
man after being subdued by the latter. He either willingly praises him or is compelled to praise.