Importance of Sincerity and the Dangers of Entertainment [Hikam 10 & 20]

This talk, the last one held in the Ramadhan, Shaykh Abdur-Rahman begins by giving a few advises to the salik (the one on the path of spirituality) and how their behaviour of conduct should be of forbearance and seeking excuses for others. Shaykh then goes on to mention some aphorisms on sincerity compiled in ‘The Book of Wisdoms’ written by the great 14th century Sufi and scholar Shaykh Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari. He writes that ‘actions are lifeless forms, the presence of sincerity within them is what endows them with a living spirit’. Shaykh Mangera mentions that it is important for the initiate to keep his intention firm and not get distracted or too engrossed in the sweetness of the unveilings of mystical experiences. These experiences Iibn Ata’illah mentions are just creations like ourselves and serve as trials to test ones true desire for worship. By this, Shaykh Abdur-Rahman mentions that entertainment and pleasure, the main fitna and challenge in today's society is both a danger for the salik and the non-salik.