Sufi Quotes of Uways Al-Qarni in English and Arabic

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Hello! Are you looking for an explanation of the Sufi quotes of Uways al-Qarni in English and Arabic? If your answer is “Yes,” congratulations! You are reading the right article. Why? Because that is what I will explain in this article. So, you should read it until the end!

Brief Biography of Uways Al-Qarni

Before I elaborate further on the Sufi quotes of Uways al-Qarni, I will first provide a brief biography of him. I want you to understand this first so you know who the figure we are discussing is.

The real name of Uways al-Qarni is Uways bin ‘Amir bin Jaz’I bin Malik al-Qarani. He is widely known by the name “Uways al-Qarni.” He was a highly revered Tabi’in. He lived during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but never saw him.

Uways al-Qarni was from Yemen. He once met Umar bin Khattab. After that, he settled in Kufa. During the Battle of Siffin, he was among the troops of Ali bin Abi Thalib. Many Islamic historians believe that he died at that time, in the year 37 Hijri.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once informed Ali bin Abi Thalib and Umar bin Khattab about Uways al-Qarni. He said:

يَا عُمَرُ وَيَا عَلِيُّ , إِذَا لَقِيْتُمَاهُ فَاطْلُبَا إِلَيْهِ أَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرَ لَكُمَا

O Umar! O Ali! If you meet him, ask him to seek forgiveness for you.

There are many fascinating stories about Uways al-Qarni. What I have explained above is just one of them. Clearly, this Sufi figure is not well known among the inhabitants of the earth, but he is highly regarded among the inhabitants of the heavens.

Sufi Quotes of Uways Al-Qarni in English and Arabic

There are many Sufi quotes of Uways al-Qarni. Unfortunately, I cannot explain all of them right now. In this article, I will only explain a few of his Sufi quotes.

Some of the Sufi quotes of Uways al-Qarni in English and Arabic that I refer to are as follows:

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on Humility and Patience When Facing Disturbances

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on humility and patience when facing disturbances, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

^[1]وَكَانَ إِذَا مَرَّ بِالصِّبْيَانِ فَرَجَمُوْهُ بِالْحِجَارَةِ يَقُوْلُ : يَا إِخْوَتَاهُ , إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَرْمُوْنِيْ فَارْمُوْنِيْ بِأَحْجَارٍ صِغَارٍ لِئَلَّا تُدْمُوْنِيْ , فَيَحْضُرَ وَقْتُ الصَّلَاةِ وَلَا أُصِيْبُ الْمَاءَ

If he (Uways al-Qarni) encountered children, they would throw stones at him. He would then say, “O my brothers! If you throw stones at me, please use small stones so you do not cause me to bleed. (I am concerned that) when the time for prayer comes, I will not find water.”

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni demonstrates humility and patience when faced with disturbances from children who threw stones at him. Instead of becoming angry or retaliating, he requests that they use smaller stones so as not to injure him. His concern is not physical harm but the purity and preparation for worship. He feared that if he were injured and bleeding, he would have difficulty finding water for purification before prayer.

This Sufi quote clearly shows that Uways al-Qarni prioritizes his worship of Allah above all else, even above the pain or humiliation he endures. It illustrates the depth of his devotion to the obligation of prayer and his sincerity in accepting trials from others without harboring resentment.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on a Deep and Understanding Relationship with Allah

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on a deep and understanding relationship with Allah, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

وَأَتَاهُ هَرِمُ بْنُ حَيَّانَ , فَقَالَ لَهُ : مَا جَاءَ بِكَ ؟ قَالَ : جِئْتُ لِآنَسَ بِكَ . فَقَالَ لَهُ : مَا كُنْتُ أَرَى أَحَدًا يَعْرِفُ رَبَّهُ فَيَأْنِسُ بِغَيْرِهِ^[2]

Harim bin Hayyan came to see him (Uways al-Qarni). Uways al-Qarni then asked Harim bin Hayyan, “What is the purpose of your visit?” Harim bin Hayyan replied, “I have come to find peace with you.” Uways al-Qarni then said to Harim bin Hayyan, “I do not see anyone who understands his Lord and then finds peace with anyone other than Him.”

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni explains the importance of having a deep and understanding relationship with Allah. When Harim bin Hayyan came seeking tranquility with him, he explained that true peace cannot be found through interaction with humans but only through understanding and closeness to Allah. He clarified that someone who truly understands and knows their Lord will seek peace only in their spiritual relationship with Allah, not through other beings.

The above Sufi quote illustrates Uways al-Qarni's profound view on tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and complete devotion to Him, where a servant should anchor their heart and peace solely to the Creator. He teaches that happiness and inner tranquility lie in closeness to Allah, not in worldly relationships.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on the Importance of Always Remembering Death

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on the importance of always remembering death, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

وَقَالَ لَهُ رَجُلٌ : أَوْصِنِيْ . فَقَالَ : تَوَسَّدْ الْمَوْتَ إِذَا نِمْتَ , وَاجْعَلْهُ نُصْبَ عَيْنَيْكَ إِذَا قُمْتَ^[3]

Someone said to him (Uways al-Qarni), “Give me advice!” He (Uways al-Qarni) replied, “Make death your pillow when you sleep. And make it a statue in front of your eyes when you wake up.”

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni explains the importance of always remembering death. When someone asked him for advice, he recommended that the person make death a pillow while sleeping and a statue in front of their eyes upon waking. In other words, he advises that one should constantly remember death, both during rest and while going about daily activities. The purpose of continually remembering death is to cultivate awareness of the impermanence of life and to encourage a life lived with responsibility, spiritual consciousness, and obedience to Allah.

The above Sufi quote highlights the importance of living with the awareness that death can come at any time, and thus one should always be spiritually prepared and not be tempted by worldly distractions.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on the Virtue of Private Prayer

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on the virtue of private prayer, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

^[4]الدُّعَاءُ بِظَهْرِ الْغَيْبِ أَسْلَمُ وَأَفْضَلُ مِنَ اللِّقَاءِ وَالزِّيَارَةِ

A prayer that is unknown to others is more sincere and more virtuous than a prayer said during meetings or visits.

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni explains the value and virtue of private prayer, which is said without the knowledge of others. According to him, prayers performed in secrecy, away from the sight of others, are more sincere and virtuous compared to those offered during encounters or visits. He explains that sincerity in prayer is more likely achieved when one prays in solitude, without seeking recognition or praise from others. Such prayers reflect a purer and more direct relationship with Allah, where a servant seeks only His pleasure, not to be seen or heard by others.

The above Sufi quote reminds us all that the essence of prayer lies in sincerity and humility before Allah, not in outward appearances or social rituals.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on the Risks of Inviting Others to Goodness

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on the risks of inviting others to goodness, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

^[5]لَمْ يَدَعْ لِيَ الْأَمْرُ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ صَدِيْقًا

Commanding goodness has left me friendless

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni explains that inviting others to goodness can result in losing friends. He says that often, when someone strives to uphold the truth and enjoin good, they may face rejection or be shunned by those around them. This is because not everyone is prepared to accept advice or changes demanded by goodness, especially if it conflicts with their interests or comfort.

Additionally, in the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni also explains that performing the duty of enjoining good and forbidding wrong can be a challenging and isolating path, where one may have to face loneliness. However, this difficulty is part of the commitment to uphold the truth, even if it means losing support or friendship from others.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on the Profound Concept of Khauf

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on the profound concept of khauf, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

لَا يَبْلُغُ الرَّجُلُ مَقَامَ الْخَوْفِ حَتَّى يَصِيْرَ كَأَنَّهُ قَتَلَ جَمِيْعَ الْخَلْقِ^[6]

One will not reach the degree of khauf (fear) until he feels as though he has killed all creatures

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni explains the concept of khauf (fear or apprehension towards Allah) at a very profound level. According to him, a person will not attain the true degree of khauf until they feel an immense burden of sin, as if they have committed a grave wrong, such as killing all creatures. This feeling reflects a deep awareness of one's faults and unworthiness before Allah, which drives a person to remain constantly vigilant, humble, and fearful of Allah's wrath. This profound khauf is not merely ordinary fear but an inner feeling that motivates a person to continually repent, self-improve, and draw closer to Allah with exceptional sincerity.

Furthermore, in the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni also explains that awareness of sin and fear of Allah's punishment are crucial steps in the spiritual journey towards purity of the heart and perfection of faith.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on the Importance of Relying Completely on Allah

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on the importance of relying entirely on Allah, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

وَقَالَ لَهُ رَجُلٌ : أَوْصِنِيْ . فَقَالَ : فِرَّ إِلَى رَبِّكَ . قَالَ : فَمِنْ أَيْنَ الْمَعَاشُ ؟ قَالَ : أُفٍّ لِقُلُوْبٍ خَالَطَهَا الشَّكُّ ! يَرْزُقُكَ وَأَنْتَ مُدْبِرٌ عَنْهُ وَلَا يَرْزُقُكَ وَأَنْتَ مُقْبِلٌ عَلَيْهِ ؟^[7]

Someone said to him (Uways al-Qarni), “Give me advice!” He (Uways al-Qarni) replied, “Flee to Allah!” The person asked, “From where will my sustenance come?” He replied, “Woe to the heart mixed with doubt! Does He provide you with sustenance while you abandon Him, or does He withhold sustenance while you turn to Him?”

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni explains the importance of relying entirely on Allah. When someone asked for advice, Uways advised them to "flee to Allah," meaning to rely on Allah and seek refuge only in Him. When the person questioned where their sustenance would come from if they only relied on Allah, Uways firmly rebuked them, indicating that such doubt reveals a serious lack of faith in the heart.

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni also explains that Allah is the sole provider of sustenance, and doubt regarding Allah’s ability to provide is a sign of a weak and faithless heart. He teaches that Allah provides sustenance to both the obedient and the disobedient, but true faith is in believing that turning to Allah and relying entirely on Him is the right way to live.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on the Transience of the World

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on the transience of the world, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

مَرَّ بِهِ رَجُلٌ فَقَالَ لَهُ : كَيْفَ أَصْبَحْتَ ؟ قَالَ : أَصْبَحْتُ أَحْمَدُ اللهَ . قَالَ : كَيْفَ الزَّمَانُ عَلَيْكَ ؟ قَالَ : كَيْفَ هُوَ عَلَى رَجُلٍ إِنْ أَصْبَحَ ظَنَّ أَنَّهُ لَا يُمْسِى , وَإِنْ أَمْسَى ظَنَّ أَنَّهُ لَا يُصْبِحُ , إِنَّ الْمَوْتَ وَذِكْرَهُ لَمْ يَتْرُكْ لِمُؤْمِنٍ فَرَحًا , وَإِنَّ عِلْمَهُ بِحُقُوْقِ اللهِ فِى مَالِهِ لَمْ يَتْرُكْ لَهُ مُدَّخَرًا , وَإِنَّ قِيَامَهُ لِلَّهِ بِالْحَقِّ لَمْ يَدَعْ لَهُ صَدِيْقًا^[8]

Someone once met him (Uways al-Qarni). The person then asked him, “How are you in the morning?” He replied, “I enter the morning and praise Allah.” The person then asked, “How does the world treat you?” He answered, “How does it treat someone who, when he enters the morning, thinks he will not see the evening, and when he enters the evening, thinks he will not see the morning? Indeed, death and the remembrance of it leave no happiness for the believer. Indeed, knowledge of the rights of Allah in his wealth leaves no savings for him. Indeed, the diligence in worshipping Allah properly leaves no friends for him.”

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni explains his deeply reflective view of the transience of the world. When asked about his state in the morning, he responded by praising Allah, showing his gratitude for the life he is given. However, when asked how the world treats him, he described his attitude of constant vigilance towards death. He lives each day as if it could be his last—believing that if he sees the morning, he might not see the evening, and vice versa.

Furthermore, in the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni also explains that the remembrance of death removes worldly happiness for the believer, as their focus is not on temporary pleasures but on the Hereafter. Additionally, knowledge of the obligations related to wealth and the dedication to worshipping Allah leaves no room for accumulating wealth or maintaining many friendships.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on the Important Role and Profound Influence of the Quran on Those Who Approach It

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on the important role and profound influence of the Quran on those who approach it, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

إِنَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ لَمْ يُجَالِسْهُ أَحَدٌ إِلَّا قَامَ عَنْهُ بِزِيَادَةٍ أَوْ نُقْصَانٍ , قَضَاءٌ مِنَ اللهِ الَّذِي قَضَاهُ , شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ , وَلَا يَزِيْدُ الظَّالِمِيْنَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا^[9]

Indeed, the Quran is accompanied by no one except that they receive additional guidance or a reduction in blindness (inability to see good). (The Quran is) a decree from Allah that has been decided, a cure, and a mercy for the believers. And it (the Quran) will only increase the loss for the wrongdoers.

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni explains the significant role and profound influence of the Quran on those who approach it with an open heart. He explains that anyone who makes the Quran their companion or guide in life will receive two things: increased guidance (divine direction) and a reduction in blindness, meaning the inability to see and understand what is good. The Quran is depicted as a final decree from Allah, bringing cure and mercy to the believers. In other words, the Quran is a source of healing and blessing for those who believe. However, for the wrongdoers—those who reject the truth and act against justice—the Quran will not benefit them, but will only add to their loss.

The above Sufi quote also explains that a person's response to the Quran determines whether they will gain benefit or suffer loss from it.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on the Importance of Always Remembering Death

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on the importance of always remembering death, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

عَلَيْكَ بِذِكْرِ الْمَوْتِ , فَإِنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ أَلَّا يُفَارِقُكَ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ فَافْعَلْ^[10]

You must remember death. If you can manage not to forget it, even for the blink of an eye, then do so!

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni emphasizes the importance of always remembering death. He encourages us to make the remembrance of death an integral part of daily life, never forgetting or neglecting it, even for a moment. He also explains that awareness of death has great power in guiding a person towards a more responsible and spiritually aware life. Remembering death helps one to remain vigilant about their actions and intentions, keep the heart free from arrogance, and continuously prepare for the meeting with Allah.

The above Sufi quote explains the belief that awareness of the transience of life is one of the most effective ways to achieve piety and guard oneself against the fleeting temptations of the world. By continually remembering death, one is expected to live more wisely and devotedly to Allah.

Sufi Quote of Uways Al-Qarni on How to Live Life Properly According to Islamic Perspective

If you want to know Sufi quote of Uways al-Qarni on how to live life properly according to the Islamic perspective, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!

وَقَالَ الْفَارِسِيُّ : رَأَيْتُ رَجُلًا آدَمَ طِوَالًا وَالنَّاسُ يَتْبَعُوْنَهُ . فَقُلْتُ : مَنْ هَذَا ؟ قَالُوْا : أُوَيْسٌ . فَاتَّبَعْتُهُ . فَقُلْتُ : أَوْصِنِي . فَكَلَحَ , أَيْ عَبَسَ فِى وَجْهِهِ . فَقُلْتُ : مُسْتَرْشِدٌ , فَأَرْشِدْنِي أَرْشَدَكَ اللهُ . فَقَالَ : ابْتَغِ رَحْمَةَ اللهِ عِنْدَ طَاعَتِهِ , وَاحْذَرْ نِقْمَتَهُ عِنْدَ مَعْصِيَتِهِ , وَلَا تَقْطَعْ رَجَاءَكَ عَنْهُ فِى خِلَالِ ذَلِكَ . ثُمَّ وَلَّى وَتَرَكَنِي^[11]

A Persian said, “I saw a very humane and noble man. People followed him. I then asked, ‘Who is this man?’ They replied, ‘Uways.’ I said, ‘Give me advice.’ His face then grew somber. I said, ‘I am seeking guidance. Please guide me. May Allah guide you.’ He then said, ‘Seek Allah’s mercy when you obey Him. Be wary of His anger when you disobey Him. Do not lose hope in Him in between.’ Then he turned away and left me.”

In the above Sufi quote, Uways al-Qarni offers very valuable advice on how to live life correctly according to Islamic teachings. When someone from Persia came to seek advice, Uways attentively and seriously provided important guidance. Uways taught that one should always seek Allah’s mercy when doing good and being obedient to Him, and be cautious of Allah’s anger when committing sins. He emphasized the importance of maintaining hope and not despairing of Allah’s mercy, regardless of circumstances. He reminded us all that hope in Allah should remain, whether we are in a state of obedience or sin.

The above Sufi quote reflects Islamic teachings about the balance between fear and hope, and the importance of always maintaining a positive relationship with Allah, without losing hope even in the face of difficulties or failures.

These are eleven Sufi quotes of Uways al-Qarni in English and Arabic. Do you understand? If you have any questions, please write them in the comments!

I think this is enough for this article. I hope it is beneficial. Amen.

See you again in the next article!

Source Citations

[1] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1 (Cairo: Maktabah ad-Dar al-Arabiyah li al-Kitab, 2009), 293.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 294.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.