Sariyy Saqati (rahimahullah) is a renowned saint of the second century of Islam. He was the student of great Muhadditheen, the likes of Fudhail bin ‘Iyaadh and Abu Bakr bin ‘Ayyaash (rahimahumallah). (Siyaru Aa’laamin Nubalaa vol. 12 pg. 185)
Sariyy (rahimahullah) mentioned the following incident which became the means for his aversion towards the material world, and him attaining a very high level of closeness to Allah Ta‘ala.
He states: (All) this which I am enjoying (referring to his special relationship with Allah Ta‘ala) is through the blessings of Ma’roof Karkhi (rahimahullah). Once, I was returning from the ‘Eid Salaah when I saw a young boy in a shabby state with Ma’roof (rahimahullah).
On meeting them, I asked Ma’roof (rahimahullah), “Who is this?” He replied, “I saw the children playing, and (noticed that) this boy was standing (on one side), broken-hearted. When I asked him, ‘Why are you not playing (as well)?” he said, ‘I am an orphan (i.e. perhaps the sadness of not having parents and being alone prevented him from playing with the children and being happy).’”
I asked Ma’roof (rahimahullah), “What are you thinking of doing with him?” He responded, “Perhaps I will gather some date pits in exchange of which he will be able to buy some walnuts and find some happiness.”
Hearing this, I said to Ma’roof (rahimahullah), “Make him over to me, as I will improve his condition.” Ma’roof (rahimahullah) exclaimed, “Will you really do so?” When I affirmed that I would, he made du‘aa for me saying, “Take him – and may Allah Ta‘ala bless you with the wealth of the heart!” (This du‘aa which he made for me is such that) in my sight, it is more valuable than the entire world. (Hilyatul Awliyaa vol. 8, pg. 181)
Allah Ta‘ala accepted this du‘aa of Ma‘roof (rahimahullah) for Sariyy Saqati (rahimahullah) to be blessed with the wealth of the heart. Hence, the dunya had no value or worth whatsoever in the heart of Sariyy Saqati (rahimahullah).
In the incident above, we see that when the great saint, Ma’roof Karkhi (rahimahullah), saw the orphan child sad and broken-hearted on the day of ‘Eid, he could not ignore his plight or overlook his distress. Rather, the compassion, love, kindness and sympathy which he possessed in his heart urged him to do his best to try and bring some happiness to the child. However, Ma’roof (rahimahullah) himself did not apparently possess any wealth at the time, hence he was pondering over a way to try and earn some money to buy some nuts as a gift for the child.
When Sariyy (rahimahullah) thereafter came and offered his assistance, then through this compassion and generosity which he showed, he won the du‘aa from the heart of Ma’roof Karkhi (rahimahullah). In the words of Sariyy (rahimahullah) – it was this du‘aa that became the means for Allah Ta‘ala bestowing him with the wealth of the heart (piety and contentment).
It is reported in a hadeeth that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The most beloved of actions to Allah Ta‘ala, after the fardh obligations, is the action of bringing happiness to (the heart of) a believer.” (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaa-id #13740)
Just as we like to enjoy the day of ‘Eid, our Muslim brothers and sisters who are less fortunate also like to enjoy the day of ‘Eid. If Allah Ta‘ala has granted us the means, let us show them some kindness and generosity so that they may also enjoy this day of happiness. Especially if we have family members who are less privileged than us, then let us open our hearts to them and spend upon them. In this month of Ramadhaan, every cent spent will have its reward multiplied many times over.
Furthermore, if we have relatives who have nowhere to go on the day of ‘Eid, as is often the case with the elderly (grandparents’ brothers and sisters, etc.) then let us open our homes to them as well. Let us bring them into our homes and show them love and affection. Who knows which person may make du‘aa for us, and this du‘aa will become the turning point in our lives!