"A real /true man"

Following a dispute between two brothers, one brother said to the other: "Listen carefully. I will not put my feet in front of your door." And truly, he may not put his feet in front of his door and he may never go by him even when there is a misfortune. This person is proud of himself and of what he did. People also appreciate him for his firmness. Yet, this behaviour would have been good only if it is obligatory or recommended to act in such a way according to the Shariah. But if it was done where it is not permissible in the Shari'ah, then it is not a good behaviour. It is called obstinacy and the person stubborn. This emanates from pride.

Pride is so detestable that a small amount equivalent to a mustard seed also suffices to prevent a person from entering Jannah. Do you think that an intelligent person can develop such a character or that he can allow himself to maintain such an attitude without correcting it? It is a character that will destroy your future and make you suffer. That is why, only a stupid person can develop or cultivate such behaviour. Thus, a proud man is a real fool.

Why do we not do it with Shaitaan? Why do we not say: "Shaitaan, listen carefully. You cannot get the upper hand over me. I will not put my feet again in the casino. I will not leave Salaah anymore. I will never obey you." How great would it be if we acted with Shaitaan with the same firmness that we act with our relatives to show that we are supposedly "a real man". We should have this attitude towards Shaitaan. This will be achievable if we make a sincere Taubah for all our defects. We make a  resolution not to do anything that Allah does not like. And we make Dua for Allah to keep us firm. This is what is called "real man". Otherwise we will always be like an empty barrel. An empty barrel that does nothing besides making noise. A barrel which only serves to hide the thieves of Ali Baba such as pride, jealousy, malice, etc.

[English version of " “Vrai zomme”" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.8]