The Scholar and the Labourer
A scholar of Islamic jurisprudence, Bakr Al-Muzani, saw a labourer carrying goods with him while constantly uttering, ‘Alhamdulillah’ (all praise is for Allah) and ‘Astaghfirullah’ (I seek forgiveness from Allah).
The scholar said that he waited for the labourer to rest from his load before he spoke to him. Then Al-Muzani asked him, “Do you not know anything other than this (Alhamdulillah and ‘Astaghfirullah)?”
The labourer responded, “Indeed I know much else and I do read the Book of Allah, except that a slave of Allah is constantly shifting between a state of blessing (from Allah) and sin. That being the condition of man, I praise and thank Allah for the blessings He (swt) has given me and seek His (swt) forgiveness for my sins.”
The scholar said, “Certainly this labourer has a deeper understanding of the religion than Bakr (himself).”
The above is from Gems and Jewels, a book of wise sayings, interesting events and moral lessons from the Islamic history compiled by Abdul-Malik Mujahid.
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Love and salams,
Taji
🧔 What have I been up to?
I should be travelling when this lands in your inbox, inshaAllah.
Apart from having great experiences, I find travel is always a good time to reflect and think of solutions to issues I face in life, work, family, and dawah.
I’ll share some pictures when I return inshaAllah.
📖 Ayah and Hadith
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah will take the whole earth and will roll up the heaven in His right Hand, and then He will say, "I am King! Where are the kings of the earth (on this day)?” [Bukhari]
We should be awestruck by this hadith. It should destroy any arrogance and pride one may have because of some position as the hadith reminds us that Allah (swt) is the True Sovereign of the universe.
Quote of the Week
“A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”
– Malcolm X, Hajj Malik Al Shabazz
❤ My Favourite Things
Podcast – Mutiny, Uprising, and Rebellion – Episode 3 of Empire, a new history podcast hosted by William Dalrymple and Anita Anand.
In 1857 tensions in Company-controlled India came to a head in what the British called 'The Indian Mutiny', now referred to in India as the First War of Independence.
The uprising and bloody reprisals sent shockwaves through the British Empire, ended the rule of the East India Company, and led to the creation of the Raj.
Read past newsletters at tajimustafa.com