Chapter II: Patience and Gratefulness
CASES IN WHICH PATIENCE IS GOOD: There are two kinds of things which a man has to face in this world, things which are conformable to his nature and things which arc against his nature. In both these things, patience is necessary. Things which are conformable to nature are physical health, safety, properties and wealth, name and fame, great number of followers and helpers. To keep patience at these worldly things is necessary as he who throws himself to enjoy these things without control keeps himself busy in sins. A wise man said: A believer can keep patience in untoward circumstances but nobody other than a truthful man can keep patience in pleasures and happiness. The saint Sahal Tastari said: To keep patience in pleasures and happiness is more difficult than to keep patience in disasters. WheVi the treasures of the world fell into the hands of the companion^, they said: We have been tried with various kinds of dangers and difficulties and we kept patience over them.' But now we are being tried with wealth and riches and we can't keep patience about them. For this reason the Almighty warned us from the following things. God says: O believers, let not your property or your children keep you forgetful from the
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remembrance of God - 63 : 9. God says: There are enemies for you amongst your wives and children. So be careful of them - 64 : 14.
The Prophet said: Children are the causes of miserliness, cowardice and sorrows. When the Prophet saw his grandson Hasan* coming towards him drawing up his clothes, he descended from his pulpit, lifted him up and said: God has truly said: Your properties and your children are trials for you. When I saw my grandson faltering, I could not help but lift him up. There are lessons from this for the wise men. He who can keep patience at pleasures and happiness is called a real man. The meaning of patience from pleasures and happiness is not to be addicted to these things. Such a man thinks that everything has been kept as trust to him and soon he shall have to return it. He does not let himself swayed by the strain of happiness and does not keep himself engaged in sports and plays, enjoyments and happiness.
He spends his properties and wealth in the way of God, and towards fulfillment of his duties towards God and His creations.
He fulfills the duties of his tongue by delivering sermons and speaking truths and the duties of his body by physically helping others.