“(In that case) take it for tomorrow.” The man exclaimed, “O Maalik! You are instilling fear (and worry) in me (regarding tomorrow), and I felt that you would do this. If we live till tomorrow, then tomorrow’s sustenance will (also) come to us.”
(‘Uyoonul Hikaayaat pg. 150)
Lessons:
1. Despite his high position and the people also regarding him to be the best person in Basrah, Muhammad bin Seereen (rahimahullah) did not regard himself as the best. This is the demand of humility, which becomes a means of Allah Ta‘ala blessing one with a high and lofty status. It is no wonder that Muhammad bin Seereen (rahimahullah) is known to be the highest authority in the science of the interpretation of dreams.
2. Although our Deen allows us to keep wealth and save it for the future (whilst fulfilling its rights), we must never lose sight of the fact that it is Allah Ta‘ala alone Who provides for us. At times, the fear and uncertainty of the future become so overwhelming that one is even prepared to compromise His Deen merely to secure his financial future.
3. When a person has firm conviction and reliance on Allah Ta‘ala, Allah Ta‘ala will definitely assist him in his hour of need and make a way out for him from his problems.
A man once came to the great Imaam, Muhammad bin Seereen (rahimahullah), and said, “I enquired (from the people) as to who is the best person in Basrah and the people have directed me to you.” Hearing this, Muhammad bin Seereen (rahimahullah) said to the man, “Come along (with me) so that I may show you the best person in Basrah.” He then placed in his cloth a few pieces of bread which he had and they proceeded until they reached a hut which was in a corner of Basrah.
On reaching there, they found a man whose young children were asking him for something to eat whilst he was replying, “By Allah! I am not the one who created you, nor am I the one who gave you the ability to listen and see. However, the Being who has created you and given you the ability to hear and see will definitely send your sustenance to you soon.” Observing this spectacle, Muhammad bin Seereen (rahimahullah) said to him, “Listen (to what this man is saying).” Thereafter, he called the man from the hut and gave him the pieces of bread. The man (took it and gratefully) said, “You have brought it at the right time.”
Just then, Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) approached and called the man saying, “Here are two dirhams (silver coins) which I have brought along (for you).” The man explained that he did not need the two dirhams because he had enough food to suffice his children for the day. Hearing this response, Maalik bin Dinaar (rahimahullah) said, “(In that case) take it for tomorrow.” The man exclaimed, “O Maalik! You are instilling fear (and worry) in me (regarding tomorrow), and I felt that you would do this. If we live till tomorrow, then tomorrow’s sustenance will (also) come to us.”
(‘Uyoonul Hikaayaat pg. 150)
Lessons:
1. Despite his high position and the people also regarding him to be the best person in Basrah, Muhammad bin Seereen (rahimahullah) did not regard himself as the best. This is the demand of humility, which becomes a means of Allah Ta‘ala blessing one with a high and lofty status. It is no wonder that Muhammad bin Seereen (rahimahullah) is known to be the highest authority in the science of the interpretation of dreams.
2. Although our Deen allows us to keep wealth and save it for the future (whilst fulfilling its rights), we must never lose sight of the fact that it is Allah Ta‘ala alone Who provides for us. At times, the fear and uncertainty of the future become so overwhelming that one is even prepared to compromise His Deen merely to secure his financial future.
3. When a person has firm conviction and reliance on Allah Ta‘ala, Allah Ta‘ala will definitely assist him in his hour of need and make a way out for him from his problems.