Sermon of Muttaqin, Part 6 — They remain the same during trials and hardships as times of comfort and ease

The Sixth Characteristic of the God-Conscious (Muttaqīn), Based on the Sermon of the Pious

They remain the same in hardship as they are in ease:

“The people of piety remain the same during trials, hardships, and changing circumstances as they are during times of comfort and ease.”

It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (PBUH):

“Uthman sent two of his freed servants to Abu Dharr, carrying with them two hundred dinars. He instructed them:

‘Go to Abu Dharr and tell him: Uthman sends you his greetings and says, “Take these two hundred dinars and use them to meet your needs.”’

Abu Dharr asked:

“Has Uthman given this same amount to any other Muslim?”

They replied:

“No.”

He said:

“I am only one of the Muslims. Whatever is sufficient for the Muslims is sufficient for me.”

They then said:

“He says: ‘This money comes from my own lawful personal wealth. By Allah, besides Whom there is no god, it has not been mixed with anything unlawful, and I have sent it to you only from lawful earnings.’”

Abu Dharr replied:

“I have no need for it. This morning I awoke as one of the wealthiest people.”

They said:

“May Allah grant you well-being and righteousness. We do not see anything in your house, whether little or much, from which you could benefit.”

Abu Dharr answered:

“Indeed, beneath this saddlecloth that you see are two loaves of barley bread that have been with me for several days. What need do I have for these dinars?

No, by Allah! I will never accept them until Allah knows that I am content whether I possess little or much.

I have found all the wealth I need through the wilayah of Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH) and his Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT)—those who are rightly guided, pleasing to Allah, who guide people with the truth and judge with justice.

I also heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) say:

‘It is disgraceful for an old man to be a liar.’

Therefore, return this money to him and inform him that I have no need for it, nor for anything he possesses, until I meet my Lord. Then Allah will judge between him and me.”

References

• Bihar al-Anwar: The جامع Collection of the Traditions of the Pure Imams (PBUT), Vol. 22, p. 398.
• Rawdat al-Wa’izin, Vol. 2, p. 284.
• Ikhtiyar Ma’rifat al-Rijal (Rijal al-Kashshi), Vol. 1, p. 27.