such a person loves his own self and because of his love of the self he
loves the things connected with his own self. His narcissism makes him
blind to his own follies. It is a well-known proverb that excessive love
for a thing renders a man blind and impervious to reason. Besides, such
people look with repulsion upon beloved with love. And, therefore, it
has been expressly stated in the Traditions of the Holy Prophet that one
should not blow breath over food. And so we find that the reality behind the above-mentioned things is revulsion and their seeming charm is
but temporary. What is temporary always disappears and a thing reverts
to its original form.
Pause
There are different aspects to a man's life. Some are praised, others
reprehended. The superiority of good things is but obvious, as the depiction of an evil aspect pertaining to an evil man is revolting to even that
man, and he gives the lie to the others, claiming that he does not have
that defect. He is pleased by descriptions of good things, even if he has
not done anything good. He does all this in order to save himself from
disrepute and punishment. Laudable actions and noble qualities derive
from muru'at, and muru'at stems from personal cleanliness and nobility.
People of affluent means treat others chivalrously and generously out of
their own good will. How can the poor act generously? As for the man
of average means, his sincerity depends upon a true and altruistic person
possessing a noble disposition and good manners, such that both are
fused into a single soul with two hearts beating side by side. It has been
said about a real friend: "He is thee, even though he be a stranger to
thee"'. Such friends detest the same kind of things, and a friend chooses
for his friend what he likes for himself.
There is no limit to the number of friends that one can have. This
number is proportional to one's capacity. But at the basis of sincerity is
the sentiment of muru'at. They should be so placed as to be of help to
each other, and, despite the large number of true friends, keep the fire of
muru'at burning, and thereby advance towards government and leadership.
One should keep his courage high in his quest for good. He should
always be observant as to what is good for his own people, especially
those close to him. He should be humble in his desire and should rise to
the occasion.
The thing closest to man is his own self, for which he desires good.
Then come those things that are closest to his animating self and the
body, such as apparel which clothes his body, his wife whom he loves,
his servant who fulfils his wants, dining utensils, etc. As for corporal
beauty, it is appreciated and loved by men in people they come across.
