The Noble Prophet (S) asked Abu Hurairah: “How do you contemplate?

The Noble Prophet (S) asked Abu Hurairah: “How do you contemplate?” “As stated by Allah in the Qur’an: ‘ (Men of understanding) reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth.’ [^6]. I too reflect upon the wonders of the heavens and the earth,” he replied.

The Noble Prophet (S) remarked, “One hour of your contemplation is better than one year of worship.” Then turning to Ibn ‘Abbas, he asked, “How do you contemplate?” “I reflect upon death and the horrors of the Day of Judgment,” replied Ibn ‘Abbas.

The Noble Prophet (S) said, “One hour of your contemplation is better than seven years of worship.” Then, he asked the other companion, “In what manner do you contemplate?” The companion answered, “I reflect upon the fire of Hell and its dreadfulness and severity.” “One hour of your contemplation is better than seventy years of worship,” the Noble Prophet (S) stated.

In this way the issue was solved and it became clear that the rewards for contemplation depended upon the intention that accompanied it.[^7] Thoughts of Leadership Sa’di narrates: “One of my friends who was disturbed and distressed due to his meagre livelihood, complained to me about his low income and a large family.” “In order to safeguard my reputation, I intend to shift to another city so that no one becomes aware of the abject state of my affairs,” he said.

“You are aware that I know accounting and can maintain accounts; I have approached you so that you use your rank and position to get me a job in the government so that I might lead my remaining life with peace of mind and will be grateful to you for your efforts!” I said to him, “Handling the accounts of the king entails two aspects; on the one hand it carries hope while on the other hand it is also work which has to be feared.

Do not place yourself in an ominous situation for the hope which the work possesses.” “In view of my condition, your advice appears to be inappropriate; in addition, you have not responded correctly to my request,” said the friend. “You surely possess piety, knowledge and trustworthiness but (do realize that) envious and fault-finding individuals lie in wait for you. It is in your own interest that you lead your life with contentment and abandon the idea of a high rank and post,” I explained.

My friend was upset when he heard this and said, “What kind of reasoning and deliberation is this?