Qasimi, Hakim al-Islam Qari Muhammad Tayyab

Intelligent deed is that one beautifies their character rather than their appearance for that is the reality of a person. As for appearance it is temporary. A person’s appearance becomes ruined when they reach old age. The colour and complexion does not remain which was there during the youth; it is lost in old age. Even if one does not reach old age, beauty is still lost if one befalls some calamity, has some concern or even an illness. The features do not remain nor does the colour. So, appearance is of no real consequence; character is of true value.

Leaders should be the source of good. Their intention should be clean. Their knowledge should be deep. Their actions should be righteous. Their character should be high. Within [their character] there should be generosity as well as fairness. They should not spend excessively due to their generosity; their fairness should control that. They should not become miserly due to their sense of justice for that will dispirit the subordinates. Generosity will create pleasantness but fairness must accompany it.

People assume that let us acquire some wealth, a few buildings and some property, thereafter we can advance. However, this is not the way of advancement as these things can be lost. In an upheaval even homes are lost, shops are sold, and the markets burned. If one's status hinges upon these [things] it will be destroyed altogether. If one has the spirit within them-self then even if hundreds of thousands of markets burn, it may to burn. Thereafter numerous more will be established - it will not burden the Mu'min (believer) one bit; not the burning or the coming.