At times we very much want a certain thing...

At times we very much want a certain thing, and the circumstances too are congenial, but that thing doesn't come about. Some years ago, Sadr al-Hukama, who was a physician of very high repute, mentioned to me an anecdote. He said that once a patient was brought to him who was very weak and thin. When he, the hakim , tested the patient he found that he was in a very precarious condition with the kidneys, liver and heart very badly affected.

He felt that the patient might live for a few days only and that he had refused to treat him. The patient's relatives taunted the Hakim and said that perhaps he was imperfect in his calling that he expressed inability to treat him. The Hakim was upset with their misbehavior but kept quiet. In a lighter vein he told them to go home and give him Joshanda (a simple decoction of herbs used in homes for common colds). After sometime, the same patient visited the Hakim. He was now in perfect health.

His relatives, who were angry on him during their previous visit, were also there. They brought with them lot of cheese and shortening as gift for him. They said that when he had such a simple cure for the patient, why did he disturb them by saying that there was no hope for the patient. This proves that Allah (S.w.T.) has Power over everything. All circumstances and reason have no effect when He wishes anything to happen.

We find through our experiences that sometimes the most ineffective things have tremendous effect. At others, things that have proven effectiveness turn out to be ineffective. All this is definitely the result of Allah (S.w.T.)'s slightest gesture! Allah (S.w.T.) told Hadrat Musa (a.s.), that he should seek even the salt for his use from Him. Allah (S.w.T.) told him that He is the provider of everything.

This doesn't mean that one should keep sitting at a place and expect Allah (S.w.T.) to provide everything. It means keeping Tawakkul on him and keep searching for the salt for your requirement! If Allah (S.w.T.)'s Wish is not there, the entire land will be full of salt, but you may not get a grain of it for your use! Fiqh and Tawhid As long as one doesn't have absolute faith in Tawhid , a person cannot become a Faqih or Islamic Jurist. The person will not have the vision of the Faith.

The skills acquired with hard work are a prelude to attaining enlightenment. For this one has to be a friend of learning and to be fully conversant with the dictates of the Shari’ah .