Shaqeeq Balkhi (rahimahullah) was a saint who passed away in the year 194 A.H. He was among the leading personalities of his era, being the contemporary of Ebrahim bin Ad-ham (rahimahullah), the teacher of Haatim Asamm (rahimahullah) and the student of Imaam Zufar (rahimahullah).
Once, in the initial period of the life of Shaqeeq (rahimahullah), before he became the renowned saint of his time, Balkh was struck by severe drought which left everyone in a state of great worry and anxiety. Despite these severe and difficult conditions, Shaqeeq (rahimahullah) observed a slave who appeared to be carefree and cheerful. Shaqeeq (rahimahullah) asked him, “Why are you so cheerful? Do you not see how people are affected by grief and the drought?” The slave replied, “The drought does not concern me or affect me, as my master owns an entire village from which all our needs are fulfilled.”
This statement struck the heart of Shaqeeq (rahimahullah). He said, “If his master owns an entire village, whereas he is merely the creation of Allah Ta‘ala and is poor (compared to Allah Ta‘ala), and he has no worry or concern for his sustenance, then how can a Muslim be overcome with concern for his sustenance when his master, Allah Ta‘ala, is the most wealthy of all?”
It has been mentioned that this incident became the turning point in the life of Shaqeeq (rahimahullah) and inspired him to set out on the path of Allah Ta‘ala’s love.
(Taareekh Ibni ‘Asaakir vol. 23, pg. 135)
Lessons:
1. Just as the people of Balkh, in the time of Shaqeeq (rahimahullah), faced financial difficulties, many of us face financial challenges in our lives as well, by suffering a loss of income or even worse – the loss of a job or business. However, if our means of income has been lost, we need to look beyond the means and remind ourselves that Allah Ta‘ala, the Provider behind the means, is still there for us. If one door of income has been closed, He can open many other doors for us. All we need to do is turn to Him in du‘aa. We must remember that Allah Ta‘ala has taken care of us from the beginning of our lives until this point. Hence, He will certainly not abandon us now.
2. If we place our hopes and trust in people and means, we will inevitably be disappointed and let down at some point. However, if we place our hopes and trust in Allah Ta‘ala, He will never let us down. Hence, entrusting our affairs to Allah Ta‘ala, will give us peace of mind without suffering stress or anxiety, as we know that Allah Ta‘ala is looking after us.