_Imām Ibn Qudāmah -rahimahullāh-_
Said:
Know verily that, the craving for status or prestige is amongst the fatalities due to the setbacks it causes to the religion.
Therefore, it is wājib that such vice should be treated and monitored. Its treatment is in two forms; through knowledge and actions.
As for the knowledge; is for one to realize that the main reason that makes one to suit and pursue for prestige is in order to attain some level of respect, love, and acceptance in the heart of the people for worldly gains. But despite all these, one will still pass away sooner or later.
Therefore, one is highly encouraged and recommended to reflect on the dangers and calamities awaiting those that suits for status in this dunya be it the way their heart is filled with envy, and their intention of harming others and the likes in order to achieve their objectives.
And one will notice in them the fear of loosing such status and respect in the heart of the people and this is enough as a calamity in itself.
And they have forgotten that heart changes easily. For it alters and moves from one thought to the other more than the way water changes and gushes in its boiling point.
Hence, occupying oneself with trying to win the heart of others due to dunya matters not for the benefits of the religion is an illusion for it doesn’t safeguard what one fears of loosing in this dunya let alone what one will omit in the Hereafter.
As for its(I.e prestige) treatment through action; is for one to engage in an action which will drop one’s status in the heart of the people.
In this regard, it was reported that a ruler intends to visit a devout worshipper, when the worshipper noticed that the ruler is nearly close to his house, he started eating what he cooked of beans and milk with big morsels so that the ruler can observe. when the ruler saw him in this situation, he belittled and disregarded him and his status declines in his side.
Also know that, the seclusion of a devout worshipper from people increases his prestige in their heart, then if he fears fitna, he should mingle with them in the purest form, walk in the market and he should buy his needs therein and carry it by himself and he should not seek from what is in their hands.
*24th Shawwal,1438H.*
Allāhu A’alam! Bārakallāhu fīkum!
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