Letters ( revised ) | THE SIXTEENTH LETTER | 91
(80-91)

F i f t h  M a t t e r :  Since this world is transitory, and life is short, and one’s essential duties are many, and eternal life is gained here; and since this guest-house of the world is not without an owner, indeed, has a most wise and generous director, and neither  good  nor bad will remain without recompense;  and since according  to the verse,

 

On no soul does God place a burden greater than it can bear(2:286)

 

there is no obligation that is insupportable, and a safe way is preferable to a harmful one, and since friends and ranks last only till the door of the grave; then surely the most fortunate  person is he who  does not forget the hereafter  for this world,  nor sacrifice the hereafter for this world, nor destroy the life of the hereafter for worldly life, nor waste his life on trivial things, but considers himself to be a guest and acts in accordance with the commands of the guest-house’s Owner, then opens the door of the grave in confidence and enters upon eternal happiness.[7]

 

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[7] The reason for these ‘sinces’ is this: I take no notice of the wrongs and tyranny perpetrated against my person and give them no importance. I say, “They are not worth worrying about,” and I do not interfere in the world.

No Voice