SACRIFICING THE WORLD FOR JANNAT

Hadhrat Salmaan Faarsi (radhiyallahu anhu) who was a Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had married a very wealthy lady from the Tribe of Kindah. After the Nikah he went to her house. Standing at the door, he called his wife by her name. There was no response from the house. He exclaimed: ‘Are you dumb or deaf?’ She responded: ‘O Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): ‘I am neither dumb nor deaf. However, brides are modest, hence they do not quickly speak.’

     When Hadhrat Salmaan Faarsi (radhiyallahu anhu) entered, he was taken aback by the opulence. The house was embellished with expensive carpets, silken veils and other luxury household goods. Hadhrat Salmaan commented: “What! Has a fever overcome your house to warrant all this covering or has the Ka’bah Shareef come to Kindah?” She said: “O Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)? Nothing of the sort. The homes of brides are usually adorned.’

     At a call of the bride, servants hastily laid out sumptuous food. Hadhrat Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) said: “I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying: ‘Whoever sleeps on soft and luxury bedding, dresses with garments of pride, rides on beautiful mounts of ostentation and consumes delicious foods, will not even smell of the fragrance of Jannat.”

     The bride said: “O Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)! You are my witness! I contribute the entire wealth of this house in the Path of Allah. All my slaves are free in the Path of Allah. I shall live with you a life of frugality.” Hadhrat Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) said: ‘May Allah Ta’ala have mercy on you, and may He aid you.”