An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
4. Sincerity
~ 123 ~
CHOOSE THE SIMPLER, NOT THE MORE
DIFFICULT WAY
It happened once that a Companion of the
Prophet found himself in a wide open area
when the time for prayer came round. Still
clutching the reins of his horse, he duly said his
prayers. A watching Kharij ite expressed his
doubts about the propriety of this action, but
other companions told him that the Prophet
habitually favoured the simpler way in all
matters. The Companion whose behaviour had
been called in question then pointed out that if
he had let go of the horse, it would have run
away” and I was in no position to walk; I would
have been creating difficulties for myself for no
good reason.”
MAKING THINGS UNNECESSARILY DIFFICULT
FOR ONESELF DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PIETY
While on a journey, the Prophet caught sight of
a cluster of people crowding around a man to
shade him from the sun. When the Prophet
asked what was the matter with him, it was
explained to him that he was fasting. “There is
