Thursday, January 25, 2007

GENEROSITY
-according to Shams-i Tabriz

Generosity consists of four things: generosity regarding wealth belongs to ascetics (Zahedin), generosity regarding commitment belongs to those who strive to acquire religious knowledge (Mojtahedin), generosity regarding one's life belongs to those who invade infidel lands (Ghaziyan), and generosity regarding the heart belongs to the knowers of God (A'refin). The ascetics give away wealth and receive knowledge of God , ("Ma'refat") .Those who strive after religious knowledge commit themselves and receive spiritual guidance. And the fighters against the infidels give their lives and receive eternal life. The knowers of God give their heart and receive love.[excerpt from "Manaaqib al-Arefin" -- "The Feasts of The Knowers of God", by Ahmad Aflaki].

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