Spiritual Leap

It may be seen in the lives of many great scholars that they have abandoned a big sin. This results in their rapid spiritual growth. This control of ones will is more necessary in the sensual desires. Even in the story of Hazrat Joseph (a) God says, “Surely he who guards (against evil) and is patient (is rewarded) for surely Allah does not waste the reward of those who do good.”[1] This verse shows that this is a general law, and it does not just apply to Hazrat Joseph (a). One month had passed since the victory of the revolution. Ibrahim’s face and stature had become even more attractive. He came to work every day wearing a beautiful suit. His workplace was in the north of Tehran. One day I noticed that he was very upset! He talked less and was thinking to himself. I went to him and asked in surprise, “Brother Ibram! Has something happened?” He said, “No! It is not important.” But it was obvious that there was a problem. I said, “If there is any problem, tell me. Maybe I can help.” He was silent for a bit. Then he calmly said, “It has been a few days that a girl without a head covering has been bothering me in this neighborhood! She has said I won’t let you go until I get you!” It made me think. Then suddenly I laughed. Ibrahim raised his head in surprise and asked, “Is it something to laugh at?!” I said, “Brother Ibram. I was afraid. I was wondering what had happened!?” Then I looked at his appearance and said, “With this style and look that you have, it is not that strange!” He said, “What do you mean?! You mean she has said this because of my style and look?” I smiled and said, “Have no doubt!” When I saw Ibrahim the next day it made me laugh. He came to the workplace with his head shaved and not wearing his suit! The next day he came to work wearing a long shirt and with an untidy appearance. He was even wearing baggy pants and slippers! Ibrahim continued this way for a while. Finally, he was released from that devil’s temptation. Paying attention to small things and being careful in action in different issues were two of Ibrahim’s features. These features distinguished him from his friends. It was the month of Farvardin in the year 1358 AHS. We went on a mission with Ibrahim and the men from the Committee. We heard that a person, who had been involved in military activities before the revolution and was wanted, was seen in an apartment complex. We had the address. We went to the stated building in two cars. We went into the apartment and the suspect was arrested without a conflict. Then, we wanted to come out of the building. A large crowd had gathered to see this person. Many of them were residents from the same building. Suddenly, Ibrahim came back into the building and said, “Wait!” We asked in surprise, “What has happened?!” He didn’t say anything and opened the cloth which he had tied around his waist. He covered the face of the man who had been arrested. I asked him, “Ibram what are you doing?!” While he was covering the man’s face, he answered, “We have arrested this man because of a call and a report. If what they have said is not correct, he will be shamed and can’t live here anymore. Everyone here will look at him as someone who is a suspect. But no one will recognize him now. If he is released tomorrow, there won’t be any problem.” When we came out of the building no one recognized the suspect. I was thinking about how Ibrahim pays attention to small things. The personality and dignity of people were important for him.

[1] Quran, 12:90.