The One Who Assumes a Hidden Identity

Two birds sat on the branch of a large tree, singing and glorifying their Lord. As they enjoyed their moment, they noticed a man approaching them. One of the birds said to its companion, “Let us fly and soar into the sky, for I fear that this one approaching us will kill us.” The other bird replied, “No, he is dressed in the garments of the pious and righteous and is turbaned like the ascetics and virtuous ones. Do you fear the noble and honourable? Rest assured, he will neither kill us nor frighten us.”

However, as the man drew closer, he took out his bow from beneath his cloak, aimed his arrow at them, and shot one of the birds, killing it. The surviving bird took its case to the king, pleading for justice and complaining about the hunter’s crime. The king summoned the hunter and inquired about the killing of the bird. The hunter admitted to the act.

The king then turned to the bird and said, “We entrust you with deciding the hunter’s punishment. Judge him as you see fit.” The bird replied, “O King, I request that you command him: If he is a hunter, then let him dress in the attire of hunters.”

Has anything corrupted the world’s order except for people appearing in garments not their own, deceiving the creation of God, spreading corruption on earth, filling it with oppression and tyranny, destruction and devastation?

Thieves and bandits disguise themselves as politicians and rulers, seizing control of lands and ruling over people’s lives. They feign sincerity while harbouring deceit, claim trustworthiness while being accustomed to betrayal. They restrict people’s freedom, deprive them of safety and peace, and fill their hearts with fear and dread.

Ignorant and vile fools, possessing neither wisdom nor honour, assume the guise of scholars and jurists. They take up positions in colleges and universities, deliver sermons in mosques and public gatherings, and write in newspapers and magazines. They teach and guide, issue verdicts and pass judgments, leading themselves astray and misguiding others.

Devotees of wealth and lovers of the world present themselves as ascetics and mystics. They exhibit grief and sorrow, claim to have attained spiritual states and stations, and fabricate dreams and divine inspirations. They exploit people’s minds, manipulate their intellects, and deceive their reasoning. They seize the hard-earned wealth of others—silver and gold—and take over their possessions. They make the unlawful permissible and violate sacred prohibitions, employing every possible trick. They show no mercy to the poor, offer no support to the weak, and observe no sanctity.

Opportunistic deceivers and plunderers masquerade as workers, traders, artisans, economists, investors, and financiers. They extort wealth, hoard riches, monopolise resources among themselves, and drive the general masses into poverty and destitution.

O servants of God! Do not be deceived by appearances, nor beguiled by slogans. Seek guidance with your intellects, enlighten yourselves with the Book of your Lord, and be cautious. Do not be among the heedless.

—

Disclaimer: This article was translated by AI.
Original article: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/2422

Affairs,