Page 96 - The Debased Culture of Superficiality

94 THE DEBASED CULTURE OF SUPERFICIALITY

People of shallow character are very much influenced by
happenings. For this reason, most of them do not live in a
balanced spiritual state. They are buoyed up by events they
consider positive, but quickly become upset, for example, if
they become ill, lose some possessions, receive bad news or
hear a word that they do not want during the course of a
conversation. They ignore that Allah is in control of every-
thing and fall apart because of their lack of trust in Him.
Allah points out this tendency of the human lower self:
Truly man was created headstrong—desperate when
bad things happen. (Surat al-Ma‘arij: 19-20)
These people may appear dignified at other times, but
such incidents unexpectedly reveal their true characters. For
example, someone who earlier presented himself as calm
and composed may have a fit of temper when his interests
are challenged. Some things may make him angry, make
him lose control of himself and weep. Because he forgets
about Allah and the fact of destiny—or chooses to ignore
them—he falls into melancholy.
When he has an unsuccessful venture in his work or loses
something of value, he may become dispirited. However, it
is important to remember that whatever happens for a per-
son, be it sickness or injury, is his destiny and takes place
according to Allah’s will. When this person considers the
role a virus played in an illness, or that of a bad driver in an
accident, his forgetfulness of Allah and untrusting behavior
show the weakness of his faith. Of course, Allah has created
many tests for human beings, but all are under His control.
A person becomes ill or injured because this was his destiny.