Bishr the Barefoot

Bishr the Barefoot, also known as Bishr al-Hafi, Bishr ibn Hareth (767– 28 December 841) was a Muslim saint. He was converted from a life of dissipation and then studied Muslim tradition under Al-Fozail ibn Iyaz. Bishr then devoted his life to God and became famous as one of the greatest saints in the area.

Quotes

The Sayings and Teachings of the Great Mystics of Islam (2002)

Muhammad Riaz Qadiri: The Sayings and Teachings of the Great Mystics of Islam, Gujranwala, Pakistan, 2004

• God has not given to mankind more gracious gift than patience and gnosis (marifāh).
  • p. 36

• Tree jobs are very difficult to perform: generosity in poverty; truthfulness in the state of fear; piety in solitude.
  • p. 36

• Unless the servant erects an iron-wall around his baser self, he cannot taste relish of his worship.
  • p. 36

• If speaking pleases you, be silent! If silence pleases you, Speak!
  • p. 37

• Only the people of Divine realization are His chosen servants. These are the blest souls whom no body knows except God nor anyone respect them.
  • p. 37

• I would never like to sit in the company of the world lings nor did they like to sit in my companionship.
  • p. 37

• Renunciation is a king who does not dwell anywhere but in an emptied heart.
  • p. 37

• Fear of God is king that dwells only in the heart of a pious one.
  • p. 37

• Let one who desires a taste of freedom and deliverance from bondage purify the secret between himself and God Most High.
  • p. 37

• Sorrow is a king who, when he dwells in a place, does not consent to have anyone dwelled there with him.
  • p. 37

• The best station is that of firm belief in patience through poverty until the grave.
  • p. 37