Section

Now that this is clear, it is evident that people differ greatly in this regard, reflecting their differing degrees in the reality of faith. In this respect, they fall into general and special categories. Accordingly, the Lord’s lordship over them has both a general and a special aspect. This is why associating partners with Allah within this community is subtler than the creeping of ants.

It is related in the Sahīh that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“May the slave of the dirham come to ruin! May the slave of the dinar come to ruin! May the slave of plush fabric come to ruin! May the slave of the patterned cloak come to ruin! May he come to ruin and be cast down! If a thorn pricks him, may it not be removed! If he is given something, he is pleased; if he is denied it, he is displeased.”

Thus, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, called him the slave of the dirham, the slave of the dinar, the slave of plush fabric, and the slave of the patterned cloak. He also spoke words containing both an imprecation and a statement:

“May he come to ruin and be cast down! If a thorn pricks him, may it not be removed!”

Naqsh means removing a thorn from the foot, and a minqāsh is the instrument used to remove it. Such is the condition of someone who, when afflicted by harm, neither escapes it nor prospers, having come to ruin and been cast down. He neither attains what he seeks nor escapes what he dislikes. This is the condition of one who worships wealth. He is described as follows:

“When he is given something, he is pleased; when he is denied it, he is displeased.”

As Allah Most High says:

“Among them are those who criticize you concerning the distribution of alms. If