The Story of the Man of the Flood Channel

I am astonished at the keenness of their minds: how is it that they fail to act on what they themselves know, as though they actually wish to perish just as the man of the flood channel perished? They asked, “And what was his story?” ⦗53⦘ Antonius replied, “They relate that a man once settled in the bed of a flood channel. He was told, ‘Move away from this spot, for it is dangerous.’ He said, ‘I am aware of that, yet I am taken by its pleasant surroundings and conveniences.’ He was again advised, ‘The ease you seek is meant to safeguard your own soul; do not risk it.’ He insisted, ‘I have no desire to leave my dwelling.’ While he was asleep a torrent came over him and swept him away, whereupon the people said, ‘May Allah cast him far away!’ Yet they themselves remain in precisely the same state, as though living by the maxim of the devotees of Time who say, ‘We are brought into being and we perish, and the one among us who is destroyed never returns.’