Then Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) concluded his description of the Lover of Allah, and said : “…he neither pays heed to the worldly customs, nor does he attach any importance to adverse criticism by the people.”

In its customs, the world is ever changing. People strive so hard and go to such great lengths to seek the approval of society, more often than not, at the sacrifice of Deen; and yet,
almost everyone, along with this world, is so unfaithful.

Having recognized the reality of this world, its treachery and disloyalty, the lover of Allah is least concerned with it.

And what relationship does he really have with this world, to pay heed to its customs ? His likeness is that of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم , who had said : “What have I to do with this world ? I and this world are as a rider and a tree beneath which he takes shelter. Then he goes on his way, and leaves it behind him.”

Whilst he will make use of the things of this world, he has understood that he is on a journey in this world and that this world is not his destination. …And, other than an absolute fool, no person would barter a brilliant and exquisite diamond for a worthless stone; nor the real and eternal happiness of the Aakhirah (Hereafter) for the illusory and fleeting one of
this world.

May the Lovers of this world and Kingdoms,
Enjoy their world;
Soon will it pass away…
But for the True Lover of Allah,
A Kingdom that never ends…

Thus, the Aashiq of Allah strives to reach his journey’s end by traversing the safest path. He follows the path of
Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم  and his Sahabah رضي الله عنهما .

Since his priority is the same as was theirs, he seeks only the pleasure of Allah. As a result, there is no worry of the criticism of those who criticize.

Having established such a profound relationship with Allah Ta’ala, the lover of Allah becomes independent of people. ALLAH IS SUFFICIENT FOR HIM.

This does not mean that he is not in need of the assistance of a builder, carpenter, baker, shoemaker, etc. ‘Istighnaa’ (Independence) means that he does not care about the praises
of people or their criticism. His sole and only concern is the Pleasure of Allah. Neither is he desirous of the possessions of others, nor has he any expectation from others.

“O Allah, thousands of difficulties
can come my way, I am not concerned.
If everyone has to distance themselves from me, Then too I am not concerned.
But if You have to turn away Your glance of Mercy then I am ruined.”

Hazrat Ayesha رضي الله عنها  related that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم  said :
“Whoever will seek to please Allah by displeasing men, Allah will make him independent of the help and favour of men, and He Himself will become sufficient unto him, and whoever will
seek to please men by displeasing Allah, Allah will give him in the charge of men…”

When a person strives to procure the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, then Allah Ta’ala will also safeguard him from the evil of people, and when a person displeases Allah Ta’ala to achieve the pleasure of people, then he will always be at the mercy of such people.

If we have to look at our own lives then we find that we live in this world with prejudices and with complexes of superiority and inferiority. The concern is always as to what others think of us and as to what would please others. The person who endeavours to please people has to contend with a tremendous amount of suffering and depression.

In fact, Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم  said : “He who searches for respect
while indulging in disobedience to Allah will be disgraced by the very persons who praised him.”

As long as the effort is to please Allah Ta’ala, who cares what others think? In a lengthy Hadith, Hazrat Abu Zarr رضى الله عنه  mentioned : “…he (Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم  ) commanded me not to care for the reproach of anyone while I am seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala…”