Ibn Abbad of Ronda was a fourteenth century Shaikh of the Shadhili Order who wrote a number of instructive letters. This brief quote, referring to two renowned ascetics, is a response to an inquiry about the anxieties of earning a livelihood.

A story tells how Ata as Sulami tasted no food for seven days and had no strength at all, but his heart was happy as could be. He said, “O Lord, if you keep me hungry for three more days, I will offer a thousand ritual prostrations to you!”

It is also said that Fatah al Mawsili returned to his house one night only to find no dinner, no lamp and no firewood. So he began to praise his Lord and humble himself before Him, saying “My God, how is it possible that I deserve to have you treat me as you treated your saints!”

There is a lesson in these stories for those who seek to learn, and a message for servants. May our Lord help us to live accordingly.