The Importance of Humility
Addressed to: Khān-i-Khānān (may Allah have mercy on him)
(Preface: Imām Rabbānī Mujaddid Alf Thānī (Quddisa Sirruhū) not only carried out the spiritual reformation of the general masses, but also guided the kings, nobles, and ministers of his time with great wisdom. Among them was the wealthy and high-ranking Khān-i-Khānān (may Allah have mercy on him), who was closely associated with the ruler of the time and also a devoted admirer of the Shaykh. Despite his generosity toward the poor, like many elites—even pious ones—he too suffered from pride and self-importance. In response to a few letters from him, which carried tones of arrogance and lack of etiquette, the Shaykh boldly and sincerely penned the following reply.)
Al-Khayr fī mā mana‘a Allāh Subḥānahu — That which Allah withholds is better.
Mr. Makhdūm, I speak to you only what is necessary for conveying the truth — whether you take it as advice or as a source of offense is your choice.
What is better is what Allah wills. Esteemed sir! What I am obliged to say, I say it openly — whether you heed it with benefit or take offense.
Humility befits the wealthy, just as detachment suits the poor. For every illness, its remedy lies in its opposite.
From all three of your letters, one can sense nothing but indifference and aloofness, even though your intention might have been humility. For instance, in your latest letter, you wrote:
“After praise and salutations, be it known…”
Reflect deeply on whether such phrasing is appropriate and where it should be used.
I do acknowledge that you have served the poor generously, but it is also necessary to maintain proper manners in service, so that the fruits of that service may be attained. Otherwise, it is merely wasted effort and hardship.
If the etiquettes of the relationship between disciple and guide (murīd and shaykh) are not upheld, the disciple will be deprived of the Shaykh’s gaze of spiritual grace. Consequently, the nearness to Allah that is obtained through the Shaykh will also remain out of reach.
May Allah protect every seeker from such loss. Āmīn.