Written by: Yusuf Siraj
Ibn-e-Insha narrated a humorous yet insightful tale involving a schoolmaster who, through dedication and punctuality, earned the title of the state's best teacher. So impressed was the king that he sought to promote him to headmaster. However, no vacancy was found across the kingdom. Determined, the king ordered that the teacher be appointed head of any department with an available leadership role. Eventually, a vacancy was found in the maternity department for a head nurse, and the master was appointed—despite his total unfitness for the role.
This tale reflects societal absurdities, particularly the tendency to assign lofty titles or honors to individuals without consideration of merit, often after their passing. A similar sentiment arose upon the death of Stephen Hawking, when some individuals began praying for his entry into Paradise. This reflects a contradiction—on one hand, rejecting God and religion, and on the other, desiring Paradise for a famous figure.
This behavior echoes the words of Wasif Ali Wasif:
"We live like Pharaoh and desire the afterlife of Prophet Musa (AS)."
In truth, Paradise and Hell are not matters within our control. Entry to Paradise is only possible through the gateway of Iman (faith). Expecting eternal success without belief is sheer folly.
Some begin to view scientists as saviors of humanity and go so far as to declare them as saints of Allah. This mindset reflects a deviation from the ultimate goal in pursuit of temporary benefits. Just as a child temporarily finds joy if taken out of school to play, but at the cost of his education—similarly, one who chases worldly comforts thinking them to be success fails to prepare for the Hereafter.
The essence is that one who becomes enamored with worldly luxuries can never truly reach the destination. This world is a temporary resting place. Real success lies not in amassing comforts, but in walking the straight path. Paradise demands faith—and yet, many who reject this very religion casually use its terminology.
① Temporary worldly luxuries do not define true success; preparation for the Hereafter does.
② Entry into Paradise requires Iman (faith) and righteous deeds.
③ We are not authorized to decide anyone’s fate in the Hereafter.
④ The world is a fleeting stop; true success lies in staying on the righteous path.
❖ Ibn-e-Insha’s Witty Tale and a Social Reality
Ibn-e-Insha narrated a humorous yet insightful tale involving a schoolmaster who, through dedication and punctuality, earned the title of the state's best teacher. So impressed was the king that he sought to promote him to headmaster. However, no vacancy was found across the kingdom. Determined, the king ordered that the teacher be appointed head of any department with an available leadership role. Eventually, a vacancy was found in the maternity department for a head nurse, and the master was appointed—despite his total unfitness for the role.
❖ A Satirical Commentary on Social Attitudes
This tale reflects societal absurdities, particularly the tendency to assign lofty titles or honors to individuals without consideration of merit, often after their passing. A similar sentiment arose upon the death of Stephen Hawking, when some individuals began praying for his entry into Paradise. This reflects a contradiction—on one hand, rejecting God and religion, and on the other, desiring Paradise for a famous figure.
❖ Wasif Ali Wasif’s Insight and Our Reality
This behavior echoes the words of Wasif Ali Wasif:
"We live like Pharaoh and desire the afterlife of Prophet Musa (AS)."
In truth, Paradise and Hell are not matters within our control. Entry to Paradise is only possible through the gateway of Iman (faith). Expecting eternal success without belief is sheer folly.
❖ Viewing Scientists as Saviors of Humanity
Some begin to view scientists as saviors of humanity and go so far as to declare them as saints of Allah. This mindset reflects a deviation from the ultimate goal in pursuit of temporary benefits. Just as a child temporarily finds joy if taken out of school to play, but at the cost of his education—similarly, one who chases worldly comforts thinking them to be success fails to prepare for the Hereafter.
❖ Reality of the World and Preparation for the Hereafter
The essence is that one who becomes enamored with worldly luxuries can never truly reach the destination. This world is a temporary resting place. Real success lies not in amassing comforts, but in walking the straight path. Paradise demands faith—and yet, many who reject this very religion casually use its terminology.
✦ Summary
① Temporary worldly luxuries do not define true success; preparation for the Hereafter does.
② Entry into Paradise requires Iman (faith) and righteous deeds.
③ We are not authorized to decide anyone’s fate in the Hereafter.
④ The world is a fleeting stop; true success lies in staying on the righteous path.
