THE FIFTH DISCOURSE On the nature of this world, detachment from which is strongly advised

When you see the world in the hands of those who are of it, with its decorations and vanities, its deceptions and snares, and its fatal poison of which the outside is soft to touch and the inside injurious and which is quick to destroy and kill; whoever touches it and deceives them with it and keeps them indifferent towards its evils and treacheries and breaches of promises — when you see all this, be like one who sees a man answering the call of nature, exposing his private parts and emitting bad smell thereby. As (in such circumstances) you refrain from looking towards his nakedness and shut your nose from the bad odour and foul smell, similarly you should act towards the world; when you see it, turn away your sight from its tinsels and close your nose against the foul smell of its sensualities and gross enjoyments, so that you may remain safe from it and its trials, while what is appointed as your portion will come to you all right and you will enjoy it. God said to His chosen Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): And do not cast your look of greed on what We have given certain classes of them to enjoy of the splendor of this world's life, that We may thereby try them. And the sustenance given by your Lord is better and more abiding. (Qur'an, 2:131).