Download PDF: [S] The Dangers of the World

Ibn Abid Dunya through a long chain of narrators reports from Husain bin Abdur Rahman, who mentioned to him a few lines of a poem whose message was, “Do you not see that in the world there are gatherings of happiness and joy in the evening and in the morning there are gatherings of grief and sadness. The population increases and suddenly without warning, hundreds are destroyed and they become like they never existed.”

 

Ibn Abid Dunya reports from Aun bin Abdullah who states that, “Even though the world seems to be decorated with all types of decoration and beauty, it is nothing but a major deception. The greatest revelation will be seen on the Day of Judgement whether we were running towards goodness or failure.”

 

Ibn Abid Dunya reports from Ayyas bin Hamzah who used to live in Bahrain. He mentions that once a female from this area who was also connected to the Quraish mentioned that, “If the people who divorce themselves from the world are able to see what Allah Almighty has kept for them in the Hereafter, they would certainly wish for death (as speedily as possible) and they would even be prepared to give away their lives so that they acquire as soon as possible what Allah Almighty has kept for them.” (Safwatus Safwah, ‘Alaam An Nisa)

 

Ibn Abid Dunya reports from Moosa bin Ubaidah Zabadi who mentions that, “Luqman used to advise his son, ‘O my beloved son! When you are were born, from that moment onwards, you began to distance yourself from the word and come nearer to the Hereafter. Therefore, the house towards which you travel comes nearer all the time compared to that house which you are leaving (the world).” (Kitaab Az Zuhd, Al Ihya)

 

Ibn Abid Dunya reports from Abu Shuja who mentions that once Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali – may Allah be pleased with him – wrote to Hadrat Sayyiduna Salman Farsi – may Allah be pleased with him – the following words, “The example of the world is a like a snake whose body is very soft to touch but it can kill you with its poison. Therefore, stay away from its attraction because it will remain with you for only a few days. When you are certain about this, then do not waste your time worrying about it. Even if there is immense joy in the world (at one moment) be extremely cautious because the world is such that when a person becomes satisfied with its joy, then suddenly some tragedy takes place.” (Hulyatul Awliyah; Al Ihya)

 

Ibn Abid Dunya reports from Hadrat Sayyiduna Malik bin Dinaar – may Allah be pleased with him – who narrates from Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah Razi – may Allah be pleased with him – who has mentioned that, “If you wish to experience sweetness in Ibadah and you wish that it also increases, then build a wall of iron between you and the desires of the world.” (Hulyah)

 

Ibn Abid Dunya reports from Hadrat Sayyiduna Sufyan Thouri – may Allah be pleased with him – who narrates that Nabi ‘Isa – peace be upon him – used to say that, “As fire and water cannot be found in one container, in like manner, the Hereafter and the world cannot be found together in the heart of a true believer.” (Taarikh Dimishq; Al Ihya)