Four Signs of the Wretched

It is reported that Al-Hasan Al-Basrî – Allâh have mercy on him – said:

Four signs of wretchedness are: [having] a hard heart, dry eyes [that never cry], extended hopes [about this life], and greed and keenness to amass worldly things (the dunyâ).

Ibn Abî Al-Dunyâ, Kitâb Al-Zuhd article 36.

More:

  1. Children of the Hereafter
  2. Soft Poison
  3. This life in brief
  4. Three Laughs and Three Tears
  5. A Comfortable Life
  6. Which life to Pursue?
  7. Beneficial Brotherhood and Love

May 17, 2010

Topics: dunyâ, fear, the heart, the hereafter

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One Response to “Four Signs of the Wretched”

  1. AbdurRazzaaq on May 19, 2010 01:35

    AsSalaamu alaykum, Akhi kareem can you please give tafseel with regards to Quote: ''extended hopes [about this life]'' Ya'nee if someone hopes and is in pursuit of ilm and wants to benefit himself, his family and others, bi'ithnillaah.
    This wouldn't be included in the above statement? Unless of course its just hoping without any striving?

    JazaakAllaahu Khayr for the website the translations and inshaa'Allaah your reply, BaarakAllaahu Feekum,

    May Allah azza wa jal bless and make firm this Dawah where ever it is present and establish it in places where it isn't.

  2. owaisalhashimi on May 19, 2010 07:42

    Wa alaykumus-salam,
    Allahumma ameen.

    The phrase 'extended hopes' (tool al-amal) refers to being too occupied with material gain at the expense of striving for the hereafter. There is also the idea of wishfully thinking that you will live long enough to achieve what you want of this world, again keeping you away from working for the hereafter.
    So, any striving a person does for the hereafter does not come under this blameworthy kind of hope.
    Perhaps this clears up your question.