Extracts From Sheikh 'Ayn al-Qudat's Letters.

[Abu Hafsat]

As-Salaam alaikum,

  In response to his students spiritual and intellectual questions, Sheikh 'Ayn al-Qudat responded to them as in  sample responses below, from which I believe we can still [today] benefit:--

    (1)  "O Friend!  Should you have major sins (kaba'ir) which fill the heavens and the earth,

              Allah's mercy is more than them. And should you have acts of obedience which fills

            the heavens and the earth, next to His justice, they are but specks of grain.. keep your

          hearing and sight pure from what is inappropriate...keep your tongue pure from sins until

         you can read the Qur'an.

        Do not be heedless of your duty; "Invoke Allah with frequent invocation" (33:41)

 

   (2)  "O Friend!  I have written a piece of advice, namely that you give something in charity everyday,

             and not merely by way of habit.

           Obey Allah, however much you can. And charity is the best form of your obedience: 'and they spend

          from that which We have provided them' (2:3; 8:3)

         You have wealth, fame, power, the pen and speech. 'Show mercy to those below you, and the One above

         you will show mercy to you'. Spend whatever you have so that what you do not have will spent upon you."

 

       SOURCE: 'Ayn al-Qudat Between Divine Jealousy and Political Intrigue', by

                      Muhammad Rustom, in Journal of Sufi Studies 7 (2018).