dieren (8)

Our Grandshaykh described...

how a dervish may be acceptable as a servant to Allah Almighty.

"He must have one character from each of three animals," he said:

-

DONKEY

"From the donkey, he must be able to carry burdens with patience, and without objections. Unless he can do this, he will be unsuccessful. For without patience, one cannot carry the responsibilities of life."

DOG

"From the dog, he must learn faithfulness to his master. If the master tells the dog to stay somewhere until the man returns, that dog will stay. Even until death. If the owner beats it, and chases it away, the dog will still return  - with tail wagging - when its master calls."

PIG

"Finally, when a man looks at a pig, he must know that his nafs is dirtier and filthier than the pig.

The dirt of pigs is external, while the nafs is dirty inside. The nafs’ dirt comes from fighting with his Lord, pigs’ dirt comes from eating dirty things, not from fighting.

Perfect man must have such a character that he will accept whatever dirt is thrown on him! Whether by words or actions. Knowing that his nafs is dirtier!"

These three characters of animals are for Prophets and Awliya.

If a man doesn’t have these characters, he isn’t a Prophet who carries all the burdens of the world, accepts all sorts of abuse, and still keeps total faith in his Lord and patience for all.

These are the footsteps upon which we must follow. These characters give man rest and satisfaction in his heart. Only in this way can he reach happiness in this life. Otherwise, he will be unhappy always.


~bron~
(p.37)