Only a traveler

Imam al-Shafi`i used a walking stick for which he was asked: "Why do you carry a stick when you are neither old nor ailing?" He replied: "To remember I am only a traveller in this world."

Imam Ash-Shafi'i on friends

A friend who does not benefit at the time of hardships,
Is close to an enemy on the scales,
The friend does not remain, during all times,
Nor does the brother, except for consolation.
I searched the days, with all my strengths
for a brother to trust, but my search was fruitless,
The lands and those who live them were barren,
As though its people were not people [I wanted them to be]
“I love those who are pious but Alas! I am not from amongst them
Maybe Allaah will bestow upon me (due to my love for them) Piety”

A Contented Life

Let the days pass as they will

Be content with Allah’s will.

Do not regret what this day’s cast,

For this world’s pains for sure won’t last.

Be a man against fears strong,

Be kind and loyal, all life long.

If in folk’s eyes your faults abound,

And you wish that they be gowned:

Then shelter seek beneath kind acts,

For kindness well all blame retracts.

From enemies hide your weakness

For gloating foes do bring distress.

From misers never seek favor:

In fire there is no water.

Patience won’t reduce income,

Nor fretfulness increase the sum.

Neither pain nor joy shall last,

Nor poverty, nor riches vast.

But if your heart is satisfied

Then you do own the whole world wide.

A man on whom his fate alights

No depths shall save, nor any heights.

Allah’s earth is wide, but know,

That destiny makes it narrow.

Face each day on even keel.

There’s no balm from death can heal.

[Imam al-Shafi`i]

(photo taken near my home )