Pearls of Wisdom by Ibn Taymiyyah:

“What can my enemies do to me? My paradise and my garden are in my heart wherever I go. They are with me and never leave me. If I am imprisoned, it is seclusion for worship. If I am killed, it is martyrdom. If they expel me from my land, it is tourism.”

IBN T A Y M I Y Y A H, may Allah (swt) have mercy upon him, was born in Harran, an old city within the Arabian Peninsula between Syria and Iraq, on the tenth or the twelfth of the month Rabi al-Awwal the year 661H. He and his family were later forced to flee to Damascus due to the occupation by the Tartars. He came from a family of scholars. At an early age he amazed his teachers at the strength of his memory, keen intelligence and depth of understanding. Ibn Taymiyyah was one of the greatest scholars in which his knowledge still lives on till this day. The Ummah Voice Podcast presents our audience a segment of his quotes during the holy month of Ramadan.

One famous quote of Ibn Taymiyyah is: “What can my enemies do to me? My paradise and my garden are in my heart wherever I go. They are with me and never leave me. If I am imprisoned, it is seclusion for worship. If I am killed, it is martyrdom. If they expel me from my land, it is tourism.”

This quote is deep in meaning! Paradise should follow wherever one goes. The deep reflection in Allah (swt) brings a sense of tranquility by having no fear has a sense of inner freedom. Freedom of not having to burden one with “what if?” The Paradise in one’s heart that is carried always has the reliance in Allah (swt).

Imprisonment was not seen as suffering but a way to get closer to Allah (swt) When darkness falls there is always room for light. The light to get closer to Allah (swt), reflect, and deepen the relationship with the All-Mighty. Death should not steer fear, if murdered due to carrying the light of Islam it will be martyrdom, which is the eternal reward and victory. Hardships have no power over one because it should be used as opportunity to grow knowing that Allah (swt) is with you no matter where life takes you.

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