Beautiful piece of naseeha from Al-Khateeb al-Baghdadi

[Umm Mohammad]

Act upon your knowledge and you will profit, O man

Knowledge does not benefit so long as one does not perfect his actions

Knowledge is beauty and Taqwa (Fear) of Allah is its decoration

Those with Taqwa are always preoccupied with their knowledge

The proof of Allah, O possessor of knowledge, is immense

Neither plotting nor scheming concerning it is of any use

Acquire knowledge and perform deeds as much as you can

And do not let vain pastimes and argumentation distract you

Always make it your goal to benefit the people

And beware; beware of fatigue and weariness overtaking you

Admonish your brother with gentleness when he makes a mistake

For knowledge is affectionate with those who are overcome by errors

And if you are amidst a people that have no religious morals

Then command them to do good when they act ignorantly (i.e. sin)

And if they disobey you, then remind them without getting annoyed

And be patient, strive in patience and do not let their actions worry you

For every goat is attached to its two feet

Have patience whether they are oppressive or fair.”

al-Khateeb al-Baghdadi’s ‘Iqtida’ al-’Ilm al-’Amal