Ibn Ata'illah al-Iskandari (d.709H/1309CE) is best known in the Muslim world for his slim anthology of spiritual aphorisms known as Kitab al-Hikam, or Hikam al-Ata'iyyah. The Hikam's enduring appeal and popularity, among scholars and layman alike, lies in its ability to convey Islam's spiritual truths with beauty, brevity, energy of expression and layers of meaning. What follows is the first aphorism in the collection, along…
Despair Not if Response to Your Du‘a is Delayed
'Why isn't my supplication (du‘a) being answered?' is a common complaint that some Muslims make. If we put aside the obvious gremlins (lack of sincerity in making du‘a, impatience with the response, asking for something sinful of for breaking family ties, not ensuring one's income; food; and clothing are halal), there are other factors that play…