The World as a Toy
The elements of worldly life that appear attractive, such as fame, fortune, money, and power, are in reality no different from worthless children’s toys in the eyes of those who possess true insight. People abandon an eternal paradise and the pleasure of Allah, being deceived by these false adornments. Abdülkadir Geylani (q.s.) explains this negligence of humankind with the understanding of a small child: “When a child understands that what he gets is valuable, he leaves his father… For him, a toy is more important than his father.” Just as a child chooses a shiny glass marble instead of a diamond presented to him and forgets his father (his true protector) while playing with that marble, the heedless person becomes distracted by the transient pleasures of the world and forgets his Lord.
Teaching Values and Separating Existence from Reality
The greatest kindness a parent can do for their child is to teach them the true value of things. Shaykh Geylani says, “Teach your child the value of everything; then leave him. Take his nafs (ego), and be occupied with your Lord,” emphasizing that after fulfilling worldly responsibilities, the heart must inevitably be freed. Attaching the heart to the world, which is like a toy, does not become a wise believer. Family, work, and the world should only be viewed as trusts; only the love of Allah should be enthroned in the heart.
The Detachment (Istiğna) of Those with True Understanding
People who fight for worldly possessions, consume the rights of others, and oppress one another are no different from children fighting over a handful of broken glass. A spiritually enlightened believer does not condescend to the world’s false embellishments. Saying, “Glass beads are suitable for women and immature children; what do men with sense do with them?” Geylani (q.s.) states that those who possess spiritual excellence only aspire to the Hereafter, the abode of eternity, and the manifestation of Allah. Those who discard the toys are accepted into the esteemed assembly of the Eternal King.