THE SEVENTH WORD

If you wish to understand what two precious keys

اٰمَنْتُ بِاللّٰهِ وَ بِالْيَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِI believe in Allah and in the Hereafter.

are, which unveil the intricate mystery behind creation and open the door of happiness for the human soul; if you wish to understand what two beneficial and healing remedies you possess when you show tawakkulTrust in Allah after making the necessary effort and fulfilling one’s responsibilities. with patience and seek refuge in your Creator, and when with gratitude you express your wishes and supplications to your Provider; and if, on your journey to eternity, you wish to understand what an important, valuable, and radiant ticket, what provision for the hereafter, and what light in the grave is obtained by listening to the Qur’an and observing its principles, performing the prayers, and refraining from major sins, then look at and listen to the following parable:

Once, a soldier found himself on a battlefield. Amid the constant alternation between victory and defeat, he fell into a truly dreadful situation. On his right and left sides he had suffered two severe, deep wounds.

Behind him stood a great lion, as though waiting to attack him. Before him a gallows had been erected, upon which all his loved ones were being hanged; his turn too would come. Despite the state he was in, he still had a long road ahead, for he was being exiled. While that hopeless soldier was close to despair in this terrible condition, a benevolent person, resembling KhidrA righteous servant of Allah who lived during the time of Mūsā (as) and was taught special knowledge and wisdom by Allah., appeared on his right side and said to him:

“Do not despair! I shall teach you two formulas. If you make good use of them, that lion will transform into a horse that serves you, and that gallows will become a pleasant swing upon which you can enjoy yourself. In addition, I shall give you two medicines. If you make good use of them as well, those two festering wounds will turn into two subtle roses giving off a beautiful fragrance. Moreover, I shall give you a ticket by which you will cover a distance of one year in a single day, as though flying. Try it out if you do not believe me, so that you may experience that it is true.” The soldier did indeed test them a little and confirmed that he had spoken the truth.

After this, he suddenly saw on his left side a cunning, drunken, and misleading devilish man who had brought with him all kinds of ornaments, attractive temptations, fantasies, and intoxicants. That devilish man said to him:

“Hey, friend! Come, let us drink and enjoy ourselves. Let us look at these beautiful female figures, listen to this lively music, and eat these delicious foods.”

Then he asked: “Hey, what are you murmuring?” The soldier answered: “A formula.” The devilish man continued: “Stop those incomprehensible things. Let us not spoil the pleasure we have now.” He asked again: “Tell me, what do you have in your hands?” That soldier answered: “A medicine.” He replied: “Throw it away. You look healthy. Nothing is wrong with you. It is time to enjoy yourself.” He asked again: “Tell me, what is that paper with five marks?” The soldier said: “A ticket; a reservation.” He replied again: “Tear it up! Why should we travel in this beautiful spring?” In this way, he tried to persuade him with all kinds of tricks. That hopeless soldier was even slightly tempted. Indeed, the human being can be deceived.