An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
5. Piety
~ 145 ~
are very attractive, but he who takes such things out
of greed and uses them badly will not be blessed
therein. He will be like a man who eats, but is never
filled. It is only he who takes a thing with a pure
heart and uses it well who will be blessed. And
remember that the hand that gives is better than the
hand that receives. “Even in your case, Prophet of
God?” asked Hakim. “Yes, even in my case,” was
the Prophet’s reply.
(KANZ AL-UMMAL)
PREOCCUPATION WITH PRESTIGE CAN LEAD
STRAIGHT TO PERDITION
Muawiyah, the first Umayyad Caliph went over to
where Abdullah ibn Amir and Abdullah ibn Zubayr
were seated. Abdullah ibn Amir got to his feet on
seeing Muawiyah approach, but Abdullah ibn
Zubayr remained seated. ‘I recall these words of the
Prophet,’ remarked Muawiyah: “One who likes
people to stand up for him might as well build for
himself a home in the Fire.”
(AL-ADAB AL-MUFRAD)
