Download PDF: [S] Lesson in Sabr and Shukr (Islamic story)

One day, the famous Sufi, Hadrat Sayyiduna Shaqeeq Balkhi – may Allah be pleased with him – decided to disguise himself and visit another famous Sufi, namely Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mubaarak – may Allah be pleased with him.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mubaarak – may Allah be pleased with him – asked him, “Where have you come from?”

 

He replied, “I have come from Balkh”.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mubaarak – may Allah be pleased with him – asked him, “Do you know Shaqeeq Bakhi?”

 

He replied that indeed he knew Shaqeeq Balkhi.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mubaarak asked, “What is the behaviour of these people?”

 

He replied, “Their behaviour is such that when they do not receive anything, they make Sabr and when they do get anything, they make Shukr to Allah Almighty.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mubaarak – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, “This is the state and condition of the dogs in our area. If no one gives them anything, they make Sabr and when someone gives them anything, they wag their tails displaying thanks and gratitude.”

 

Hadrat Shaqeeq Balkhi – may Allah be pleased with him – then asked, “How should they then behave?”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mubaarak – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, “If they receive nothing, they should make Sabr and if they receive anything, then they should give this away to others”. (Tafseer Ruhul Bayaan, 4/365)