Four Indians were standing for prayer in a mosque, bowing in ruku and sujud to Allah. Each had made their intention and said takbir, praying with reverence and focus. At that moment, the muezzin entered. From the mouth of one of the Indians came an imprudent word: “Muezzin, have you called the adhan, or is there still time?” The other Indian, while reciting his prayer, said, “Silence! You spoke, and your prayer is broken.”
The third Indian said to the second: “Why do you condemn him, father? Look at your own faults and condemn yourself!” The fourth said, “Praise be to me; I have not fallen into the well like you three.” In short, the prayers of all four were broken. He who speaks of the faults of others loses more ground. Happy is he who sees his own fault – that is a shame he finds within himself.
For half of humankind is comprised of faults, and half of the unseen! If you have dozens of wounds on your head, you must apply balm to it. Condemning the wound is applying balm to it. One may be subjected to the saying: “When a noble person of a community becomes humiliated, pity them.” Even if you do not possess that fault yourself, do not feel secure. It is possible that you will commit it, and that fault may manifest from you one day.
Did you not hear Allah’s words: “Do not be secure”? So why are you feeling tranquil and secure? Iblis lived for years with a good reputation, but ultimately, see how he was exposed and disgraced! His fame was known throughout the world, yet he became infamous – what a pity!
If you are not secure, do not seek recognition. Walk, wash your face with fear, and then show it. Beautiful one, if your beard does not grow, do not condemn those who have no beards. Look at this: Satan fell into calamities and became a lesson for you. You did not suffer calamity and become a lesson to him. He drank the poison, you drink the syrup (take heed!).