26. RELIGIOSITY DOES NOT COMPLIMENT ATTAINING OF PLEASURES
There is nothing reflecting real life in this world, except for a scholar or an ascetic. Granted that their peace of mind may (intermittently) be disturbed, for a scholar is occupied with knowledge and needs to earn a livelihood too. He may have a family, or become associated with ruling authorities and risk becoming corrupted. Similar is the case with the ascetic.
The scholar and the worshipper must have a source of earning. He must be satisfied with any income he receives, however little—this will ensure no one enslaves him or holds him hostage.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal had a wage that was less than one dinar to sustain himself.
If the scholar is not content, then his mingling with rulers and common laypeople risks corrupting him.
There are those who want to increase their eating choices, and others who cannot tolerate rough living, but it is impossible for religiosity to go along with attaining desires.
If the scholar and the ascetic remain content with sufficient provision, neither of them will degrade themselves in front of others, nor need to frequent the doors of rulers and donors.
The pleasant life is for the solitary who is not dependent on charity or favors.
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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