Soft Poison

It is reported that ‘Alî b. Abî Tâlib wrote to Salmâm Al-Farsî – Allâh be pleased with them both – saying:

The likeness of this worldly life (dunyâ) is that of a snake: soft to the touch, it will kill you with its poison. So turn away from what impresses you of it, since what stays with you is so little. And do not be concerned about it, since you are certain about its parting. And be most happy in it when you are most heedful of it; for every time its companion takes solace in one of its delights, it gives way to one of its woes.
Was-Salâm.

Ibn Abî Al-Dunyâ, Kitâb Al-Zuhd article 164.

More:

  1. Which life to Pursue?
  2. Four Signs of the Wretched
  3. This life in brief
  4. A Comfortable Life
  5. Beneficial Brotherhood and Love
  6. The Hunger of the Salaf and its Merits
  7. Accounts for Accounts

May 19, 2010

Topics: dunyâ, patience, the hereafter, zuhd

Names:

3 Responses to “Soft Poison”

  1. Sadiq on May 19, 2010 16:23

    السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته يا أخي

    JazaakAllaahu khayraa for this great service. Regarding the last part of this quote:

    1) Could you please clarify the meaning of the statement of the great companion, رضي الله عنه: "And be most happy in it when you are most heedful of it; for every time its companion takes solace in one of its delights, it gives way to one of its woes."

    2) And also, is "Was-Salâm" authentically quoted from his letter this way? If so, then it would OK to end letters / e-mails using this phrase, right?

    جزاك الله خيرا كثيرا وباك الله فيك.

    صادق

  2. Owais Al-Hashimi on May 21, 2010 05:39

    وعـليكم السلام ورحمة الله
    بارك الله فيكم
    [1] That statement means since we have to be on guard against being deceived and occupied by the dunya, the happiest a person should be is when he is not occupied with the dunya, but putting it in its right place, since this is what is pleasing to Allâh and the safest situation to be in.
    [2] As for the issue of ending letters with ‘Was-Salam’, this narration is one example of many where it is reported that the Salaf did so. Will have to come back on the authenticity and legitimacy of saying this, in sha Allâh.

  3. Owais Al-Hashimi on January 29, 2012 16:47

    Wa alaykumus-salam,No, it's when you're most heedful of it, i.e. when you are most on-guard and aware of its fitnah and troubles. Heedless would imply not being careful about it.