Prudence

No one spends prudently except that he is saved from having to depend on others.

A poet said:
“Save your money, for with wealth comes respect, And you can do without asking uncle or cousin.”

The philosophy that promotes extravagance in spending is false and is detrimental to one’s well being. The roots of such ideas are found in India, or originate from the ignorant among the Sufis. Must earning money honestly and spending it in a proper way. Applying these two principles is what makes one honorable through his wealth. In contrast to him is one who is inundated in debt or one who is indigent. The former is always troubled and worried that all of his possessions will be taken away from him, and the latter is continuously struggling just to find the means of staying alive.

Yet suppose it to be other than weak, and the meaning is that you should be content with having the bare necessities, and you should be satisfied with that amount of provision which saves you from having to beg or ask for people’s help. At the same time, you should be noble and self-dependent and have sufficient means to prevent you from asking others for help.

“Whoever wishes to be free from dependence on others, Allah (GOD) will make him so.”

A poet said:
“I never had my hands outstretched except to the Creator, And I never sought a dollar from one who reminds others of his favors.”

one should not be fulsome in praising people in order to receive financial assistance from them, since Allah (GOD) has guaranteed our sustenance.

A poet said:
“I have no intention of kissing someone’s hand. For me, cutting it off is better than that kiss, When one gives me a favor he enslaves me, Or if not, at least I feel ashamed.”

Do not cling to other than Allah (GOD)

If Allah (GOD), the Exalted, is the One Who brings to life, causes death, and if He alone provides for all creation, why fear people or be distressed by their actions? I think that in our society much grief and anxiety is caused by our attachment to people, in seeking to please them, trying to gain their favor, striving to praise the important ones among them, and feeling wounded by their disparaging treatment. And all of this indicates a weakness in one’s belief in Allah (GOD).

A poet said:
“Would that you were pleased when life is bitter, And would that you were contented when people are angry, If your love for Allah (GOD) is true, then all else is insignificant, And all above the dirt is dirt.”