THE THIRTY-FIRST DISCOURSE On hatred for Allah’s sake

When you find in your heart any hatred or love for a person, examine his actions in the light of the Book of God and the practice of the Holy Prophet. Then if they are hateful in the eyes of these two authorities, be happy to be in accord with God and His Prophet. If his actions happen to be pleasing to God and His Prophet and you are inimical to him, then know that surely you are follower of your low desire. You are hating him on account of your low desire, being unjust to him on account of your hatred for him and rebelling against God, the Mighty, the Glorious, and against His Prophet and opposing both these authorities. So turn towards God, repenting for your hatred, and ask from Him love for that man and for others from among the friends of God and His walis and His selected ones, and from among the pious men among His servants that you should be in harmony with God in loving him. You should act in the same way in the case of one whom you love. That is to say, you should examine his actions, in the light of the Book of God and the practice of His Prophet. Then if he happens to be dear to these two authorities you should love him. But if they are hateful to him, you should hate him, so that you may not love him through your low desires and hate him. Surely you are commanded to oppose your low desires. God says: • And follow not the (low) desire, lest it lead thee astray from the path of Allah. (38:26).