Hazrat Haatim Asamm رحمه الله once said to his disciples; “I have devoted a great portion of my life teaching you. Is there anyone among you who could be said to be cultured and refined?”
A disciple said; “A certain person has spent much time in Jihād.”
Hazrat Haatim Asamm رحمه الله replied; “He is called a Ghaazi. I am in search of a cultured and refined person.”
Someone else said; “A certain person had spent much wealth in the path of Allah Ta’ala.”
Hazrat Haatim Asamm responded; “He is called a generous person. I want a cultured and refined person.”
Another disciple said that a certain individual had performed many Hajj to which Hazrat Haatim Asamm رحمه الله said; “He is called a Haaji. I ask for a cultured and refined person.”
The disciples then asked; “Hazrat, do inform us who is a cultured and refined man.”
Hazrat Haatim Asamm responded; “(A cultured and refined person is..) The one who fears Allah Ta’ala and has no hope in anyone but Allah Ta’ala.”
REFLECTIONS
There is no doubt whatsoever that one of the root causes of sin, deviation and heedlessness is due to the lack of the fear of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. We have drifted away from acknowledging Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله as He ought to be acknowledged is due to a deficiency in the spiritual virtue of khawf (fear). Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Maseehullah Khan Sahib رحمه الله has advised that a person should inculcate khawf (fear) by reflecting on the retribution of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله with regards to his actions. Presently, it is the sheer tolerance of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله that has prevailed. Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Farooq Sahib رحمه الله has said that it is by virtue of the elderly, children and animals that has resulted in the punishment being withheld. Had it not been the sheer magnanimity of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله; matters would have certainly been different.
The underlying lesson is that we require to focus on the aspect that Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله is Ever Watchful and at the same time involve ourselves in those actions that will earn His Divine Protection and Mercy.
