16
one verse, Allah says: 'Do not direct your eyes longingly to what
We have given certain of them to enjoy, the flower of the life of
this world, so that We can test them by it. Your Lord's provision
is better and longer lasting.' (Surah Ta Ha: 131) What Asim did
was wrong, but wasn't it also wrong for his friends to be im-
pressed and act in a way that wouldn't be pleasing to Allah?
Although it is Allah Who has given us our clothes, food, home
and car, being spoiled really humiliates us,
doesn't it?"
Zubair thought for a moment: "Sure.
That's a good way to explain it. Let me
tell you a story from the Qur'an as an
example. In the Qur'an, Allah
gives an example of two men.
One of them had two gardens.
Allah filled each garden with
dates and various crops. When
the time came, both gardens yielded
their crops. There was a river between
the two gardens and so the man had fruit in
abundance. When the owner of the garden
Allah brought you out of your
mothers' wombs knowing
nothing at all, and gave you
hearing, sight and hearts so that
perhaps you would show thanks.
(Surat an-Nahl: 78)
