Hazrat Haamid Lifaaf رحمه الله narrating from Hazrat Haatim Asamm رحمه الله who said; “Every morning Iblees tempts me by saying: ‘What will you eat today?'”
I (Hazrat Haatim رحمه الله) respond; “I shall eat Maut (Death).”
When Iblees says; “What will you wear?”
I (Hazrat Haatim رحمه الله) say; “The kafan.”
When Iblees says; “Where will you live?”
I (Hazrat Haatim رحمه الله) say; “In the Qabar (grave).”
Perplexed, Iblees blurts out; “You are extremely harsh and hard-hearted.” Then he flees from me.
COMMENT
Hazrat Haatim Asamm رحمه الله, in this advice, depicts the general state of the people. He states their fears and provides the answer and the solution. People fear poverty. They struggle to acquire their Rizq (sustenance). In so doing, they pursue unlawful and doubtful ways and means. All these fears are baseless and stray thoughts from Shaitān. The remedy is to contemplate on Maut (death) and the Aakhirah so that the reality of the shortness of this ephemeral life and the real existence of the Qabar and Aakhirah become a vivid perception to instil life in our dead beliefs. Our Rizq is predestined and so are all our affairs. Operate within the bounds of Shariah and assign all affairs to Allah Ta‘ala جل جلاله. Whatever the end result is of our lawful efforts is the decree of Allah Ta‘ala جل جلاله with which we must be content.
(SOURCE: THE SAADIQEEN)