Download PDF: [S] Go out to Seek your Sustenance (Islamic story)

Everyone is aware that the two eminent Saints, Hadrat Sayyiduna Shaqeeq Balkhi – may Allah be pleased with him – and Hadrat Sayyiduna Ebrahim bin Adham – may Allah be pleased with him –lived in the same era. It is mentioned that one day, Hadrat Sayyiduna Shaqeeq Balkhi – may Allah be pleased with him – came to visit his beloved friend and said to him, “I am leaving for a business trip and it might be that I will be away for a few months.”.

 

However, a few days later, Hadrat Sayyiduna Ebrahim bin Adham – may Allah be pleased with him – saw Hadrat Sayyiduna Shaqeeq – may Allah be pleased with him –in the local Masjid and he was surprised. He then asked him whether he had not gone on the business trip he had spoken about. Hadrat Sayyiduna Shaqeeq Balkhi – may Allah be pleased with him –replied that he had seen an incident on the road and because of this he had decided not to go on this trip.

 

He explains, “I had reached a barren and dry place. I decided to place my camp at this place. I also noticed a bird which was unable to fly. When I saw this bird, I felt extreme pity for its state. I began to think of how this small bird would be able to acquire its sustenance in this dry and barren place especially when it cannot even fly. As I was thinking about, suddenly another bird appeared and it seemed to be holding something in its mouth.

 

As this bird landed near the injured bird, she dropped this food in front of the injured who immediately swallowed this food which was especially brought for her. After the first bird had eaten, only then did the second bird depart from the area. When I saw this amazing incident, I said, “Glory be to Allah Almighty, when the sustenance and rizq of such a small bird is delivered directly to her, what is the need for me to travel all over the world looking for sustenance. Therefore, after seeing this incident, I immediately returned home.”

 

After hearing this story, Hadrat Sayyiduna Ebrahim bin Adham – may Allah be pleased with him –replied, “O Shaqeeq! Why do you wish to be like the disabled bird? Why do you not strive to be like that bird which brought the food in the first place and who survives through its own effort and also help others to survive.”

 

It is mentioned that when Hadrat Sayyiduna Shaqeeq Balkhi – may Allah be pleased with him –heard this answer, he kissed the hands of Hadrat Sayyiduna Ebrahim bin Adham – may Allah be pleased with him –and declared, “O Abu Ishaq! You have certainly removed the veil from my eyes. And there is no doubt that what you have stated, that is the correct thing.” (Raah Hayaat)

 

In this incident, one person learnt the importance lesson of trusting Allah Almighty and the other person learnt the lesson of giving help and support to everyone. In like manner, in every incident in life, there are always two sides of the story. It is up to a person which side of the story he wishes to accept and adopt. At the same time, we also come to understand that in every incident, there is always a positive aspect and there is always a negative aspect.