Precious Fruits
Chapter on Assessing Consequences
Whoever sees the end of matters in their beginnings with the eye of insight, attains their good and is saved from their evil.
And whoever does not see the consequences is overcome by his senses, so that what he sought safety from and what he hoped for comfort from returns to him with pain and toil.
And the explanation of this is in the future, which becomes clear by mentioning the past, which is that you cannot be free from having disobeyed God in your life, or obeyed Him.
So where is the pleasure of your disobedience? And where is the fatigue of your obedience? Alas, each has departed with what it contained! If only the sins, when they departed, would leave! And I will add to this an explanation: imagine the hour of death, and look at the bitterness of regrets for negligence, and I do not say: how can the sweetness of pleasures overcome, because the sweetness of pleasures has turned into bitterness, so the bitterness of sorrow remains without resistance.
Don't you know that a matter is judged by its consequences? So watch the consequences and be safe, and do not incline with the desire of the senses, lest you regret it.
Sayd al-Khatir
Ibn al-Jawzi
May God bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his family and companions
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you
