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HUMILITY OF GOVERNORS

499

“We were addressed by Utbah, the son of Ghazwan, Governor of Basra. After he had praised and exalted Allah, he said, ‘The world is announcing its departure and is running swiftly, turning away its face. All that is left of it is like the few drops left at the bottom of a vessel after the water in it has been drunk, and this is what the people who love the world are drinking. Indeed, you will be taken from it to a home which is everlasting. Therefore, be sure that you go there with the best you have.

We have been told that a stone dropped from the mouth of Hell will continue to fall for seventy years before it reaches its bottom. Yet it will be filled. Then do you wonder at it?

We have also been told that the distance between the two doors of the Gate of Paradise is equal to a journey of over forty years, yet a day will come when it will be crowded with people. I recall being one of seven people with the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, when our only food was the leaves of trees which lacerated the inside of our mouths. I had a sheet which I cut into two and gave half to Sa'ad, the son of Malik and we made our pieces into loin-cloths. Today, every one of us is governor of a city. I seek refuge with Allah that I become in myself great, while I am with Allah small. I seek the protection of Allah against thinking myself great and being small in the Sight of Allah.’"

Muslim with a chain up to Khalid, the son of Omar Adavi who related this hadith.