A man says he believes in a just and loving Creator whose laws govern creation, yet he complains about the unfairness of his circumstance. Is this reconcilable?
A man criticizes the hateful actions of a dictator on the other side of the world from where he lives, yet he is easily prone to irritation and anger. They share the same base passions, does that not make them brothers before the Laws of Creation?
A man asserts, “A thief must be severely punished so as to deter others from doing likewise,” yet he enjoys receiving stolen goods in the form of television shows and magazines that make a business out of revealing private information about celebrities. Does he not play a role in the encouragement of thievery?
A judge sentences a man who is found guilty of rape, yet he takes pleasure at the sight of scantily clad women. While the condemned man is publicly forced to face his impurities, the judge secretly continues to harbor his lustful thoughts. Society respects the judge but denounces the convict. Who is really more advanced spiritually?
Every man knows death approaches closer with each day yet there is no increased urgency to understand the purpose of life; He attends the funeral of his neighbor but never imagines his day will also come. Why is this?
“If a person were wise, his concern over his own sins would distract him from seeing the faults in others.”
~Imam Shafi’ee