A monk worshipped God for 70 years in a monastery. One day, a robber sought refuge there. The monk, fearing for his reputation, turned the robber away. The robber was caught and killed. The monk, proud of his 70 years of worship, thought himself superior. That night, God revealed to him: “You are not forgiven, but the robber is. You trusted your deeds; he trusted My mercy.” This story teaches that no one enters Paradise by deeds alone, but by God’s grace.
Why should an English-speaking Muslim—or even a non-Muslim interested in Islamic ethics—read this book in translation today?
In pre-modern Islamic societies, people did not have TV or the internet. Knowledge was transmitted through majalis (sitting circles) in mosques, khanqahs (Sufi lodges), or homes. Nuzhat Ul Majalis In English
This book was designed to be read aloud. When a scholar or a pious person would read a chapter of Nuzhat ul Majalis:
Thus, the book became a “delight” — not a shallow entertainment, but a deep joy that purifies the heart. It transformed gatherings from idle gossip into sessions of spiritual elevation. A monk worshipped God for 70 years in a monastery
O believers, reflect upon the fleeting nature of this world: its comforts are but a borrowed light that fades, and its adornments are like a garden in early spring which autumn will strip away. The wise prepare for the last journey with the store of good deeds; the heedless pack their hearts with worldly vanities and find themselves impoverished in the hour of reckoning.
Remember mercy. He who shows compassion walks in the path of the Merciful, and his soul is eased in both trials and triumphs. Charity purifies the heart and relieves the burden of need; speak gently, for harsh speech wounds more deeply than sharp stones. Thus, the book became a “delight” — not
Turn often to reflection and prayer, for they are anchors when storms of temptation arise. Seek knowledge with humility, act with sincerity, and be constant in repentance. Let deeds precede words, and let patience be your counsel in adversity. In the end, the scales measure not titles or wealth but the weight of righteous action and the purity of intention.