14. THE WISDOM BEHIND THE EXISTENCE OF THE IGNORANT
I have noticed that many people seem to live in a vain and state of loss; not knowing their Creator (al-Khaliq). Some acknowledge His existence according to their senses, and some do not seem to understand the purpose of His legislations.
While some of the ascetics spend their lives worshipping and abandoning their desires yet (ironically) forgetting their desirous indulgence in fame and having people kiss their hands! Thus, if one of them was criticised he would say, ‘How come such words are being said to a person like me?’ And if a sinner is mentioned he would belittle him! The same is found among some scholars who belittle others and think highly of themselves. These types of people do not seem to understand the purpose of what they are ordained to do. This makes me wonder how they can be of good worthy material to be in Paradise!
However, I came to conclude that the benefit of having them in this life is homogenous with the benefit of having them in Paradise, because in this life they are either set as an example to reflect upon— the one who knows his Lord will appreciate the grace those people did not have; hence the order is established through following the example of the said people— or they are subordinates whose existence is needed to maintain the life of others as life is only valid with such differences between people.
However, there are some differences between the favoured people, i.e. the one who knows his Lord has no time to waste with a person who perceives only the outer aspects of worship; the ascetic is like a shepherd, the scholar is like a child discipliner, and the one who knows his Lord is like a teacher of wisdom. Should the king not have those who serve him such as the guards, servants, cooks and radon supervisors, his life would not be managed.
In order for the life of a person, who knows his Lord, be more perfect, he should be able to utilise all these people accordingly. If any of them succeeded in reaching him, he would help them reach true knowledge. As for those who do not succeed in this regard, they merely become an unnecessary addition to life that does not have much benefit.
If someone asks, ‘Let’s assume this is the case in this worldly life, so what about the fact that they will be in Paradise too?’ The answer to this is that humans need to have company so they feel a sense of intimacy and understand the imperfect brings joy to the perfect by knowing his perfection, thus each ty pe has its own stage and level.
Whoever contemplates what I have mentioned will be sufficed with the symbolism of my words and will be in no need for a long explanation.
(source: al-Hafiz Abu’l-Faraj ibn al-jawzl [d. 597AH] “CAPTURED THOUGHTS being” a translation of his masterpiece ‘Sayd al-K hatir)
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