sell some things by going around during the day. Making accountability of his Nafs he would often say, ‘O Nafs! Fear Allah Almighty.’ One day, he left home to earn his sustenance as per his normal routine, reached near the door of a rich man, and called out in order to sell his goods. Upon seeing this graceful and handsome young man, the wife of the rich man fell in love with him. With an excuse, she called him inside the home, and said to him, ‘Oh trader! I have become attracted to you. I have abundant wealth and splendid clothes. Give up this work; I will give you silk clothes and plenty of wealth.’

Having heard this tempting offer, his Nafs started turning towards her, but immediately as per his habit, he said [addressing to his Nafs], ‘Oh Nafs! Fear Allah Almighty’ and then answered the woman, ‘I fear my Lord’. The woman started saying, ‘You cannot leave without satisfying my desire’. This young man said again, ‘Oh Nafs! Fear Allah Almighty.’ He then began to think of a way out. Finally, he said to the woman, ‘Give me some time so that I can offer two Rak’aat Salah after performing Wudu.’ Having obtained permission, he performed Wudu and went to the roof, where he offered two Rak’aat Salah. Completing his Salah, he looked down from the roof, which was approximately 20 yards high [around 60 feet], to observe what was happening below. After this, he looked towards the sky and humbly said, ‘Oh my Lord! I have been busy performing Your worship for a long time; bring me salvation from this trouble.’ Having said this, he jumped from the roof. Allah Almighty commanded Sayyiduna Jibra’eel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام: ‘Go and hold My bondsman before he falls onto the ground, because he has jumped due to the fear of My displeasure’. Sayyiduna Jibra’eel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام rushed towards him, held him and sat him on the ground.

(Durra-tun-Nasiheen, p. 313 , Slightly amended)

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                                                 صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد