Reference: This is a simplified version of Letter #150 from Nahj-ul-Balagha.
Note: This advice is useful for all Muslims; however, it is extremely more potent for As-Haab-e-Tasawwuf today. As with most of Hazrat Ali (rz)’s writings and speeches, this too is short and direct to the point. It may require multiple readings and a clear understanding each time to fully grasp what is being advised.
The Advice:
When a person requested advice and counsel from Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib (rz). To this, His Eminence Maula Ali Mushkil Kusha (rz) replied,
Do not be like someone who hopes for happiness in the afterlife without taking any action, delaying repentance by indulging in desires. They may speak like ascetics in this world, but their actions contradict their words. If they receive something, they’re not satisfied; if denied, they’re not content. They’re ungrateful for what they have and crave more. They advise against wrongdoing in others but not in themselves. They preach what they don’t practice, love the virtuous but don’t emulate them, and hate vice but engage in it.
They fear death due to their sins but cling to what makes them afraid of death. When sick, they feel ashamed; when healthy, they indulge in leisure. Upon recovery, they become conceited; in affliction, they lose hope. When in distress, they pray fervently, but in ease, they turn away. They’re controlled by their desires and lack self-control. They fear minor sins in others but expect more reward for their own deeds. Wealth makes them arrogant. Poverty makes them despair. They’re brief in good deeds but excessive in begging. They quickly commit sins but delay repentance. Hardships make them exceed the bounds of the Islamic community. They preach but don’t practice what they preach, talk a lot but act little, value transient gains over lasting ones, and fear death but take no precautions.
They see others’ sins as major but their own as minor. Their own deeds for Allah seem significant, but they consider the same actions by others insignificant. They reprimand others but flatter themselves. They prefer socializing with the wealthy over remembering Allah with the poor. They pass judgments for their own interests and not for others’ benefit. They guide others but misguide themselves. They are obeyed but disobey Allah. They seek their own rights but neglect their responsibilities to others. They fear people more than Allah in public matters.