Disciplining the Self
Al-Hakeem al-Tirmidhi on disciplining the self through the parable of the falcon, tamed from wild wariness into settled trust in its keeper.
“…Let us return to the question of disciplining the self. Consider the falcon: wild and wary of humans in towering mountains, yet when raised under patient training, it grows familiar with its keeper and takes its discipline to heart. It becomes so accustomed to his company that it abandons its natural wariness and even its desire to fly free, finding instead a settled calm with its master.
When the keeper releases it and commands it to flight, the falcon soars and hunts, seizing its prey not for itself but for him, pursuing only the pleasure of its master. And if he calls during its flight, it turns back immediately, preferring his desire to its own desire. It responds without hesitation, swooping down to its rope and tether.
Should not the believer who witnesses this scene be moved to grief and deep reflection—even shame—that this bird proves more obedient to its master and more compliant, more devoted to earning his pleasure and more faithful to following his guidance, than the believing servant is to his Lord and Nurturer?”
- Extract from our forthcoming publication in shaa Allah, ‘Disciplining the Self’ by Al-Hakeem al-Tirmidhi (d. 320/923)
Originally published on the Dhikr Substack.