Two groups of people seek proximity of God, those who revere Him publicly and are held in high regard by the sacred law, and those who do not display their devotion. Secure in the knowledge that God alone bestows all that is good or bad in this world, they choose Him as their companion and are delivered of want. The former because of their own need remain veiled from divine guidance, while the latter transcend through selflessness.
-Abu'l-Sari Mansur bin Ammar
From "The Bounty of Allah," translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed. Copyright 1999. All rights reserved. Used with permission of The Crossroad Publishing Company, New York.
2007-04-19 22:57:06 · 7 answers · asked by Antares 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think Christ was more accurate when He said "Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Christianity is not a sideshow or hermitude but living with Christ day by day as He leads.
2007-04-19 23:04:28 · answer #1 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I realized it was Islamic text before I even looked at the end of your question.
It is true, no matter what religion is followed. Unfortunately for them, some of those who publicly show their faith may be hypocrites following their own agendas, or just searching for praise from people.
Those who are true don't care about individual praise. They worship their God privately and publicly, even if it offends some people. Better offend God's creations to gain God's favor than to gain the world's favor but lose God's blessing.
2007-04-20 06:06:10 · answer #2 · answered by Master Strategist 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thank you for this one. I got it first thing in the morning, and think I will make a Lectio Divina out of it.
Makes me think of the Christian "Desert Fathers."
I wonder if we transcend through selflessness, or if we are selfless because of transendence. Can we achieve selflessness or is it only bestowed by God. Do we choose God for companionship or does he choose us? It does highlight the idea that we will not find God while we seek Him. I wonder why that is. Something to think about today.
Nice one. thanks
2007-04-20 06:14:45 · answer #3 · answered by 17hunter 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is basic "spiritual core". It is a universal the world over and is more of a spiritual teaching then it is limited to one Faith or a few faiths alone. It is proof that the SAME Creator taught ALL people the same spirituality.
2007-04-20 06:12:13 · answer #4 · answered by nativearchdoc 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a nice quote.
Very much a case of don't turn worship into a circus, as you might lose sight of God.
Damn, I should become one of them Holy men that writes quotable stuff, I think I have 'the knack'.
2007-04-20 06:46:07 · answer #5 · answered by Humms 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
How about another very interesting Sufi quote:
"A Man saw many instances of pain, suffering and despondency, he was so affected by all this that he cried out to God asking Oh !!! GOD why have you not done some thing about all this Pain and Suffering...to which GOD replied, I DID...I Made You..."
2007-04-20 06:07:44 · answer #6 · answered by SAEED AbdulRahim 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds to me like a clever take on the Pharisee`s and the poor.
2007-04-20 06:03:05 · answer #7 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋