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Ghazali_Letters_To_Statemen, page : 116
when I have sent him a written reminder of my affection, but in moments of leisure, it
has struck me that there has been a disproportionate silence between us. It is essential,
therefore, that we should write to each other frequently.
To promote the friendship which already exists between us, I would like to employ a rich
counsel which I offer you as a gift from the learned. I want to let you know that if you
want to know the right and avoid ignorance you should cultivate a disposition which
gladly accept association with the wise.
The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, was asked: "Who is the best of men." He
replied: "The one who is the most pious among them." He was further asked: "Who is
the wisest?" He replied: "The one who remembers death and is always prepared for it."
It is also reported in a hadith: "He alone is wise who is a master of his self, and the
ignorant is he who is a slave to his desire." Surely, he is the most wretched fellow who
is not revivified and illumined and it is impossible for him to attain intelligence. The
intelligence is a light in the heart, distinguishing between truth and vanity. The intelligent
person casts away the love of worldly objects and lives in submission and resignation to
His will, whilst on the other hand it does not appeal to the ignorant whether his abode
would be in Paradise or Hell.
has struck me that there has been a disproportionate silence between us. It is essential,
therefore, that we should write to each other frequently.
To promote the friendship which already exists between us, I would like to employ a rich
counsel which I offer you as a gift from the learned. I want to let you know that if you
want to know the right and avoid ignorance you should cultivate a disposition which
gladly accept association with the wise.
The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, was asked: "Who is the best of men." He
replied: "The one who is the most pious among them." He was further asked: "Who is
the wisest?" He replied: "The one who remembers death and is always prepared for it."
It is also reported in a hadith: "He alone is wise who is a master of his self, and the
ignorant is he who is a slave to his desire." Surely, he is the most wretched fellow who
is not revivified and illumined and it is impossible for him to attain intelligence. The
intelligence is a light in the heart, distinguishing between truth and vanity. The intelligent
person casts away the love of worldly objects and lives in submission and resignation to
His will, whilst on the other hand it does not appeal to the ignorant whether his abode
would be in Paradise or Hell.