Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

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PearlsOf Wisdom: A String Of Incidents In The History Of Islam

Author (s):Asgharali MM Jaffer

Publisher (s): World Federation of Khoja ShiaIthna-Asheri Muslim Communities

www.alhassanain.org/english

This text is a selection of sixty-two interesting stories from the history of Islam, to get an overview of the era just before and after the Prophet (S), and to provide key insight to the seeker of truth and moral teachings to apply in our daily life.

Table of Contents

Mulla Asghar Memorial Series of Books 1

Foreword 2

Pearls Of Wisdom 3

1. Too Late 4

2. Not Even For A Mountain Of Gold 5

3. Allegiance Of Women 6

4. The Idol That Could Not Fend For Itself 7

5. Muslim And Martyr All In Less Than A Day! 8

6. Brave & Dedicated Women Of Islam 9

7. Father Or Unclean Idolater? 10

8. Harm Not The Feelings Of Your Guest 11

9. No Compromise 12

10. Pay Ransom Money Or Teach Ten 13

11. The Guard In Prayer 14

12. Abu Dharr’s Thirst 15

13. In The Company Of The Noblest Of Mankind 16

14. As For The Ka’aba - It Has Its Own Master 17

15. Allow Me To Weep! 18

16. A Sharing Society 19

17. The First Constitution 20

18. Who Can Save You Now? 21

19. History Repeats Itself 22

20. Abu Lahab Bitter And Humiliated 23

21. What Reward For My Good Deeds 24

22. The Pillar Of Abu Lababah 25

23. The Greedy And The Deserters Of Uhud 26

24. Hilful Fudhul - The League Of Justice 27

25. The Neighbour 28

26. Knowledge 29

27. A Companion 30

28. A Poor Man At The Palace 31

29. The Unfixed Labour 32

30. Guest Of A Judge 33

31. Junaid And Bahlool 34

32. A Party Where Liquor Was Served 35

33. Amr Bil Ma’roof 36

34. Back From Hajj 37

35. Guidance From The Prophet 38

36. Jesus In Islam 39

37. A Letter To Abu Dharr 40

38. Bahlool 41

39. The End Of Friendship 42

40. The Candle 43

41. Before The Qadhi 44

42. I Do Not Know 45

43. For The Sake Of Allah 46

44. The Guests 47

45. The Prophet’S Gift 48

46. Contentment 49

47. The Foundation 50

48. The Fly 51

49. Not The Personalities 52

50. The Daily Prayers 53

51. The Rumour Mongers 54

52. Death The Leveller 55

53. Neighbours First 56

54. Through The Stomach 57

55. Self Reliance 58

56. The Poor Man Said 59

57. Iftaar 60

58. The Old Man 61

59. Listening To The Qur’an 62

60. The Last Will 63

61. Ghazali And The Robbers 64

62. The Prophet’s Visit To Taif 65

MullaAsghar Memorial Series of Books

The Legacy lives on…….

Jabtak mai ’jiu ’,kihdmate qaum karta rahu ’mai ’,Maut aa’e toya rab ,esi khidmat memaru ’mai ’.

Marhum MullaAsghar has left an unforgettable mark on the entireShii Community in this era. A multifaceted person of this caliber, with such an impact, only emerges but once in a lifetime. As a brilliant communicator, he eloquently presented the teachings ofAhlul Bait (A.S.) to the masses at large.

Acclaimed by his contemporary scholars, his deep insight into the subjects of Fiqh, theology, philosophy, theosophy as well as contemporary issues was legendary. As an educator par excellence, his ability to inform and educate his students on Islamic concepts was truly enlightening. Through his thought-provoking writings and inspiring speeches countless minds have been set thinking, and many lives have been changed. His impact on our society is nothing short of phenomenal and one that has been instrumental in shifting paradigms.

I hope that this Commemorative series of books, marking the 25th Anniversary of the World Federation, will continue to radiate the teachings ofAhlul Bait (A.S.) to the world at large through the words of this great scholar. By supporting theMullaAsghar Memorial Fund , which, amongst other educational projects, has made this series of publications possible, you will help ensure that his passion for disseminating the teachings ofAhlul Bait (A.S.) continues after him. Together, we can give reality to the many.dreams he had and help the World Federation continue on the path of service that he blazed under his charismatic leadership. I ask you rememberMarhum MullaSaheb with aSura eFateha .

Hasnain Walji

President,The World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities

September 15, 2002

Foreword

History, when divested of the historians’ bias and prejudice, is a beautiful string of incidents and events, which speak a thousand tongues. When we study history of early Islamic era, we are able to gain an insight into the society to which the message of Islam was preached, the circumstances, which then prevailed, and the reciprocal response of the leaders and the led.

It was with this in mind thatMarhum MullaAsgher selected a number of interesting stories from the history of Islam and published them under the titleUnto thee Igrant .... Given the popularity of the first book, he selected and translated several more stories and these were published under the titleA beautiful string of incidents... The present collectionPearls of Wisdom is a combination of the above two titles with some more stories added.

These sixty-two interesting stories, when interwoven into a single fabric, form acolourful backdrop against which the era just before and after the Prophet (S) can be clearlyvisualised .

We hope the readers will be able to glean more than one message from each story; and for those who wish to prepare their analytic treatments of Islamic subjects, there will be relevance in more than one way.

Secretariat

The World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities

PearlsOf Wisdom

1. Too Late

AbuBasir A’asha was one of the great poets of the pre-Islamic era. One of his poems known asLamiyya is classified among the ten great epics of Arabia. In his famous eulogy of the Holy Prophet (S) says:

“Whenever you halt to rest at the door of the son ofHashim , You feel relaxed, and are blessed with his magnanimity From him come charity you cannot miss, and the benefit. And what yon gain today, is not refused tomorrow ...”

A’asha decided to come to Mecca and embrace Islam. On his way, he met his old friends from the tribe ofQuraish . They asked him about his intentions, and when they learnt thatA’asha , the great poet, wished to become a Muslim, they were disturbed:

One of them said:“A’asha , do you know that Muhammad has forbidden fornication and adultery?”

A’asha replied:“That does not deter me, for I have never been a desolate person.”

The other said:“Yes, but he has also forbidden wine and all alcohol drinks.”

A’asha paused, and then said:“Ah! I am fond of drinking, and I don’t think I am ready to renounce that habit. So, this year let me continue drinking to my content, and I shall go next year to become a Muslim.”

A’asha returned, and died the same year.

2. Not Even ForA Mountain Of Gold

When the early Muslims were subjected to ill treatment and persecution, 83 of them migrated to Ethiopia, led byJa’far bin AbuTalib . The infidels of Mecca learnt that the Muslims were having a comfortable refuge in Ethiopia. They sent a delegation comprising of Amirbin Al-Aas and Abdullah binRabia to Negus, the King of Ethiopia, loaded with invaluable gifts for the king and his ministers, and with a mission to seek repatriation of the Muslims.

After having presented the gifts, they approached the King. At his court, Negus was told by Amr bin Al-Aas that the Muslims believed in a Prophet who spoke derogatorily about Jesus. Turning toJa’far bin AbuTalib , Negus enquired:

“What do you say about Jesus?”

Ja’far recited the verse from Surah An-Nisa :

“The Messiah, Jesus Son of Mary, was Allah’s apostle and His word, which He cast to Mary, and a spirit from Him. (4:171) ”.

Negus picked a piece of wood from the ground and said:

“By God, Jesus was not a bit higher than what you have said, not higher than even the measure of this piece.” And then he turned to Amr bin Al-Aas and said:

“I am not going to harm them, even if I were given a mountain of gold. Take away all the gifts you have brought, for God did not receive any bribe from me when He blessed me with this kingdom, nor did He pay any heed to what others said about me when He decided to raise me to this status.”

3. AllegianceOf Women

Abdur -Rahman binKa’b bin Malik used to lead his blind father toJumu’a prayers regularly. Every time his father heardAdhan on Friday, he would say:“May Allah blessAs’ad binZurarah .”

This continued for many years, till one dayAbdur -Rahman asked:“Father, why do you rememberAs’ad and pray for him atJumu’a prayers?”

His father said:“My son, the first person to establish and lead us all inJumu’a prayers inMadina wasAs’ad . At the time, the Prophet was still in Mecca, and forty of us used toassembleat the foot of the mountain and pray.”

As’ad binZurarah was among those twelve who secretly accepted Islam one year beforeHijrah at the mountain road to Mina, and pledged loyalty to the Prophet (S) on the following terms:

To worship no other god but Allah;

To commit neither theft nor adultery norchildmurder ;

To utter no monstrous falsehoods;

To bring forth no illegitimate offspring;

And not to disobey in matters just or reasonable.

This allegiance is called the Allegiance of Women, because of two reasons. First, it does not include a pledge for Jihad, and secondly, the same pledge was taken from those ladies who embraced Islam. At the time when the secret pledge was made the Holy Prophet (S) was in Mecca, and Jihad had not yet been ordained.

4. The Idol That Could Not Fend For Itself

Amru binJamuh was a respectable elder of the tribeSalimah . While many young men from this tribe accepted Islam, the old man remained an idolater, his own wooden deity calledManat . The boys would stealthily enter his temple at night, pick up the idol and throw it into a dirty pit in their location.

Every morning,Amru would come out of the temple in a frantic search of his god, and reinstate it after washing it and sprinkling upon it sonic perfume.“I do not know who does this to you” , he would say.“If I ever lay my hands on him, I will punish him severely.”

At last,Amru got fed up. One morning, after he had washed and imbued the idol with a sweet scent, he took his sword and hanged it around its neck.“I have failed to find the culprits.” he said:“You will be able to defend yourself now, I hope.”

Next dayAmru found the idol tied to a dead dog in a nearby pit. A flash of awareness overcame him, and a flame of truth was lit in his bosom.“How can I worship these baubles which cannot fend for themselves?”, he murmured.

He accepted Islam the same day.

Amru binJamuh is one of the companions of the Prophet (S) martyred in a battle ofOhud . May peace be uponhim.

5. MuslimAnd Martyr All In Less Than A Day!

Aswad was a humble slave of the Jews atKhaiber , tending their sheep. On one of the days when the forts ofKhaiber were besieged by the army of Islam, he came to the Holy Prophet (S) and said:“Muhammad, teach me Islam.”

The Holy Prophet (S) welcomed him and explained to him the fundamentals. Aswad accepted Islam immediately. Thereafter he said:“I am employed by the Jews as a shepherd, and these sheep have been placed in my trust. What shall I do with them?”

The Holy Prophet (S) said:“Arrange the flock towards the fort, and they will lead themselves to their masters.”

Aswad picked up some sand and sprinkling it over the heads of the sheep, said:“Go back to where you belong, for I am no more your companion.” And the sheep ran towards the fort as if someone directed them.

Then Aswad joined the army of Islam to fight the same Jews who had employed him. A heavy stone fell upon him and killed him. Thus, Aswad became a martyr before he had an opportunity to offer a single prayer of the day.

6. Brave & Dedicated WomenOf Islam

Hind, the daughter ofAmru bin Haram, was steadily advancing fromOhud towardsMadina . She walked by the side of the camel upon which lay dead bodies of her husbandAmru binJamuh , her son and her brother.

On her way, she met some women who were going towardsOhud to find out the result of the battle. One asked:“O Hind, where are you going?”

“ToMadina to bury my husband, my brother and my son,” she said.

One of the wives of the Holy Prophet (S) who was among them asked:“What news do you have fromOhud ?”

“Well, I know that the Holy Prophet (S) is safe and well. Whatever befalls us is immaterial as long as he, peace be upon him, is protected. Allah has blessed us with martyrdom, and the infidels will soon retreat in total disappointment.”

Such were the brave and dedicated women of Islam, Peace be upon them.

7. FatherOr Unclean Idolater?

Seventeen months after the truce ofHudaibiyya , theQuraish of Mecca violated the terms and attacked the people ofKhuza’ah , killing 23 men. A representative ofKhuza’ah came to the Holy Prophet (S) to report the matter saying:

“They attacked us atWatir in the darkness of the night while we slept, and killed us while we bowed and prostrated in prayers.”

When AbuSufyan came to know that a complaint had been lodged with the Holy Prophet (S), he feared reprisals. He wanted no further confrontation, so he, rushed toMadina on a lone mission to meet the Holy Prophet (S) and to request him to continue with the truce.

As he enteredMadina , he thought it prudent to go to his daughter, UmmuHabibah , the wife of the Holy Prophet (S). Just as he tried to sit on the Holy Prophet’s mattress, UmmuHabibah rose and folded it up, not allowing him to sit on it. AbuSufyan said:“I do not know whether the mattress is unfit for me or I am unfit for it?”

With great calm and composure, UmmuHabibah replied:“Father, this mattress belongs to the Messenger of Allah, and I would not like to see an unclean idolater profane it.”

AbuSufyan was shocked out of his wits. He said:“You have indeed become a strange woman after having left my house.”

8. Harm NotThe Feelings Of Your Guest

AbuJahl was an inveterate enemy of the Holy Prophet (S). At his hand, the Holy Prophet (S) suffered severe persecution and humiliation. In the Battle ofBadr , there were 850 foot-soldiers and 100 horses in command of AbuJahl .

After his death, his sonIkramah fled from Mecca to Yemen leaving his wife behind. His wife, Ummu Hakim converted to Islam, sought amnesty for her husband, and set out to Yemen. She brought him back to Mecca whereIkramah later accepted Islam.

But just as he was approaching Mecca, the Holy Prophet (S) instructed his companions:“WhenIkramah arrives, do not speak ill of his father. Do not harm his feelings, for he is our guest.”

9. No Compromise

The people ofBanu Thaqeef lived inTaif , and were known for their arrogance and opposition to Islam. However, when they saw Islam had gained a firm foothold, and that people from all over Mecca andMadina were steadily entering the fold of Islam, they decided to send a delegation to the Holy Prophet (S) for discussion.

Six men fromThaqeef came toMadina . The Holy Prophet (S) welcomed them and ordered for a special tent to be erected near the Mosque to ensure their comfortable accommodation. Khalid bin Saeed binAas was appointed to wait upon them. Meals came from the Holy Prophet’s (S) house, but the delegation would not eat until Khalid ate first, to be sure that the food was not poisoned.

During the discussions, which lasted for several days, the representatives ofThaqeef said:

“O Muhammad, we have two proposals to make. After having embraced Islam, we should be allowed to maintain the temple ofLat , our idol, for three years. The other proposal is that we should be exempted fromSalaat , the daily prayers.”

The Holy Prophet (S) turned down both the proposals and said:“The temple of the idol cannot be allowed to remain even for a day.”

“Then do not force us to desecrate our temples by our own hands, and do not makeSalaat obligatory upon us,” they made a last plea.

The Holy Prophet (S) said:“You will not be forced to desecrate your temples or break your idols by your own hands. But there will be no exemption fromSalaat . A religion withoutSalaat (daily prayers) has no good in it.”

10. Pay Ransom MoneyOr Teach Ten

After the Battle ofBadr , captives were taken toMadina . Amongst them were Abbas, son of AbdulMuttalib and Aqil bin AbuTalib .

The Holy Prophet (S) ordered that each captive be released against payment of ransom money. It ranged between 1000 to 4000 dirhams, according to the wealth of the captive.

Abbas said:“O Muhammad, if I were to pay the ransom for myself and my nephew, I will be reduced to a beggar.”

The Holy Prophet (S) answered:“What about all the gold you confided to your wife, when you departed with the Meccan army?”

No one knew about the transaction except Abbas, so he was surprised. He immediately accepted Islam.

Then the Holy Prophet (S) announced:“I know there are some who are genuinely poor. For them there is another option.Any one who teaches 10 boys ofMadina how to read and write shall be released.”

Zaid binThabit was one of those who became an educated scribe under this arrangement.

11. The GuardIn Prayer

Jabir bin Abdullah says that in the Battle ofDhat-ur-Ruqa ’ the Holy Prophet (S) asked his companions to rest for the night on a plain surrounded by the mountains.

“Who will volunteer to guard us tonight?” the Holy Prophet (S) asked.

Immediately, two companions, namely Ammar binYathir andAbbad binBishr came forward and volunteered to stand guard while the army of Islam slept.

As they stationed themselves at a strategic spot on the terrain,Abbad said:“Let us divide the night, I shall keep the vigil in the first half, and you in the second.”

So Ammar slept whileAbbad remained vigilant, engaged in nightly prayers. In the middle of his prayers, an enemy soldier stealthily came near and shot an arrow, which hitAbbad . He pulled out the arrow and continued his prayers. Another arrow hit him causing a further injury.Abbad pulled it out again and remained steadfast. When the third arrow wounded him further,Abbad hastily bowed down in prostration to complete his prayers. He awakened Ammar and related to him what had transpired.

Ammar began to tend his wounds and wipe off blood from his body, then asked:“Why did you not wake me when you were first hit?”

Abbad said:“I was in my prayers, and I did not feel like abandoning my communion with Allah. When I felt terribly weakened by the third blow, I bowed down to complete my prayers. Had it not been for the Holy Prophet's (S) order to stand guard, I would not have disturbed your sleep.”

12. AbuDharr’s Thirst

In the expedition ofTabuk , some Muslims contrived excuses for not accompanying the Holy Prophet (S). Others who had joined in reluctantly, deserted after having gone with the expedition for some distance.

AbuDharr Ghiffari was with the expedition, but the animal he rode could not stand the blazing sun of the desert. He trailed behind his animal plodding forward at a slow pace, till at last he had to abandon the animal and walk.

Someone said:“O Prophet, AbuDharr has deserted us.”

The Holy Prophet (S) answered:“Allah’sWill be done. If AbuDharr wishes to be with us he will soon appear.”

AbuDharr set forth to reach the Holy Prophet (S) but the scorching heat of the desert worked against him. As he persisted, he came to an oasis. He tasted the water and found it cold and sweet.

“You cannot quench your thirst, while the Holy Prophet (S) might be thirsty” , he said to himself, and filled his water skin. At last, he drew near and companions notrecognising him from far informed the Holy Prophet (S) that someone was approaching.

“Perhaps it is AbuDharr ,” the Holy Prophet (S) said.

AbuDharr collapsed near the feet of the Holy Prophet (S) totally spent and tired by the heat and the thirst.

The Holy Prophet (S) ordered:“Give him some water.”

AbuDharr said:“I have water with me.”

“Then why did you not drink?” the Holy Prophet (S) demanded.

AbuDharr replied:“Because I found it sweet and cold; and I thought that the Messenger of Allah should drink it first, before I do.”

13.In The Company Of The Noblest Of Mankind

Among the slaves brought in from Syria by Hakim binHizam binKhuwailid , there was a young boy of eight whose name was Zaid binHaritha . Hakim gave him away to his aunt, Khadijabinte Khuwailid , the wife of the Holy Prophet (S).

The Holy Prophet (S), at the time was only 28 years old and married to Khadija for 3 years, saw the young boy and was moved by his plight.

“His parents must be driven mad at the disappearance of this young lad,” he thought. He requested Khadija to give Zaid away to him, and she acceded.

When Zaid became the Holy Prophet's (S) ward, he was freed from the bondage. The Holy Prophet (S) declared him free, but the young boy had no intention to return. So he remained as a son to the Holy Prophet (S), deeply attached to him.

Zaid’s father came to Mecca, searching for his son. When he learnt that Zaid was with the Holy Prophet (S), he came to persuade him to return.

The Holy Prophet (S) said:“He is a free man, and has a right to decide for himself.”

Zaid opted to stay with the Holy Prophet (S) and requested his father to grant him permission.

“You are in the company of the noblest of mankind,” he said, and returned to Syria greatly pleased and satisfied.

14. As ForThe Ka’aba - It Has Its Own Master

Abraha , a Christian warrior from Ethiopia invaded Mecca, causing destruction and plundering hundreds of camels, which belonged to theQuraish . He had to come, he said, to demolish theKa’aba .

AbdulMuttalib , the grandfather of the Holy Prophet (S), leaning on the door ofKa’aba prayed aloud:“Defend, O Allah, Your own home, and suffer not the Cross to triumph overKa’aba .”

Then he came to the raiding army ofAbraha , and sought to be admitted to his presence.Abraha knew that AbdulMuttalib was a man ofhonour and integrity, greatly respected in Mecca. He welcomed him and granted him a special audience.

AbdulMuttalib said:“I have come to complain that your soldiers have plundered my camels. I want them returned to me.” Upon hearing this,Abraha retorted:“You have fallen in my estimation. I thought you had come to petition for the safety and protection ofKa’aba , you are simply interested in your possessions!”

AbdulMuttalib said:“I have come to ask for that which I own. As forKa’aba , it has its own Master, Who will definitely protect it.”

The words of AbdulMuttalib were prophetic. Holy Qur’an describes the ignominious defeat ofAbraha and his army:

“Have you not considered how your Sustainer dealt with the army of the Elephant?” (105:1) .

“Did He not foil their stratagem” (105:2) .

“And send against them flock of birds” (105:3) .

“Which pelted them with clay-stones?” (105:4) .

“So that they became like plants cropped by cattle” (105:5).

15. Allow Me To Weep!

After the stunning defeat inBadr there was a bitter pang of shame and despair everywhere in Mecca. AbuSufyan gave the stern advice:“Weep not for your slain, mourn nottheirloss , for if you do so, it will ease your wrath and diminish your enmity toward Muhammad and his fellows.”

Then he took a solemn vow:“As for me, I will touch no oil neither approach my wife until I shall have gone forth to fight Muhammad.”

People chided AbuSufyan’s wife Hind for not mourning over her father, uncle and brother who were all killed atBadr . She said:“I will not weep till you wage another war against Muhammad. If tears would wipe the grief from my heart, I too would weep, but that is not the case with Hind.” Then not to be outdone by her husband, she pledged that she would not use oil, nor approach her marital couch until an avenging army from Mecca was on the march.

One night, an aged father, by the name of Aswad binMuttalib binAsad bin AbdulUzza , who had lost his 3 sons, heard the sound of weeping. He asked his servant to investigate if theQuraish had begun to wail for their dead.“Grief is consuming me, and I would like to weep over my sons,” he said.

The servant returned to inform him that it was only a woman who was mourning for her strayed camel. The man said:“Is she allowed to weep for her camel and for it banish sleep from her eyes? Allow me to weep - overBadr , over myAqueel andHarith , the brave soldiers ofQuraish .”

16. A Sharing Society

Few months after the Holy Prophet (S) had arrived inMadina , he asked theAnsars ofMadina to take up theMuhajirin from Mecca as their brothers.“Become brothers for the pleasure of Allah, and pair yourselves,” he said.

Everyone of the 45 immigrants was connected into brotherly accord with 45 men ofMadina : if anAnsar was a businessman he took an immigrant as equal partner in his trade, in case of his being a farmer, half his land he gave to his brother from Mecca; till the system grew so common that when a man fromMadina died, his immigrant brother was included among the heirs.

But the noble Meccans were loath to take undue advantage of their hosts.Abdur Rahman bin Auf, for example, became a brother toSa’ad bin Rabi’, andSa’ad offered him half of what he owned. He declined the offer with thanks and only asked the way to the market place, where he soon started a small business independently.

Gibbon gives the account in the following words:“To eradicate the seed of jealousy, Muhammad judiciously coupled his principal followers with rights and obligations of brethren, and when Ali found himself without a peer, the Prophet (S) tenderly declared that he would be the companion and brother of the noble youth. The expedient was crowned with success; the holy fraternity was respected in peace and war, and the two parties vied with each other in a generous emulation of courage and fidelity.”

17. The First Constitution

The Jews inMadina had a decided voice in many matters. They would enter into alliance with the tribes ofAus andKhazraj and take sides in their inter-tribal wars. Though Arabs by descent, they formed a distant unit by reason of their adoption of Judaism. The two principle tribes of the Jews,Banu Nadhir andBanu Quraidha , sided withKhazraj andAus respectively.

When the Holy Prophet (S) enteredMadina , most of theAus andKhazraj had already embraced Islam. He, therefore, contracted a pact with the Jews and formally laid a firm foundation of an Islamic state. It was an instrument, which could be termed the first Constitution of an Islamic state creating a political undertaking between the Muslim and non-Muslim. The terms were:

1. The Muslims and the Jews would live in peace as a single community;

2. The contracting parties could keep to their own faiths and enjoy freedom of worship;

3. In the event of war with a third party, each one was to help the other - provided always that the latter was the aggrieved and not the aggressor;

4. If the City ofMadina was attacked, both parties had to defend it;

5. In giving the peace terms to the enemy, the other party would be consulted;

6.Madina was to be considered holy and sacred by both and all bloodshed within its boundaries was prohibited;

7. The Holy Prophet (S) would be the final arbitrator;

8. The signatories of the contract would treat each other with respect and goodwill.

The Jews set their seals gladly to the document.

18. Who Can Save You Now?

In the third year afterHijrah , a tribe ofBanu Tha’laba and its allies were preparing to attackMadina . The Holy Prophet (S) set out to confront them, but as he entered the precincts ofNukhail , the enemies retreated to their hiding place behind the mountains.

Suddenly it began to pour. The Holy Prophet (S) removed his wet clothes and spread them over a tree for drying. Waiting for his clothes to dry, he took respite under a tree. An enemy by the name ofDu’shoor , thought that this was an opportune time to attack the Holy Prophet (S) unawares, so he crept forward and leapt with an open sword.“Muhammad, say who can save you from my sword now?”

The Holy Prophet (S) without losing his calm, said with a firm, resounding voice:“Allah!”

And just as the words fell from the Holy Prophet’s (S) lips, an unseen power seemed to overwhelm and seize the attacker. He trembled and the sword fell off his hands. The Holy Prophet (S) rose instantly, held the sword and turned toDu’shoor :“Tell me now, who is there to deliver you from my sword?”

Du’shoor said:“None.”

And suddenly herealised that this incident was revealing to him the great truth. Allah was the Creator, the Sustainer and to Him turned everything in human life. Life and death both are ordained by Allah. So he exclaimed:“I testify that there is no god but Allah, and you, Muhammad, are indeed His Messenger.”

Then he went back to his people to preach Islam and teach them the creed.

Qur’an describes this encounter in the following words:

“O believers! Remember thefavour , which Allah bestowed upon you. Remember when a group sought to harm you, He restrained their hands; guard yourselves in fear of Allah. In Allah let thefaithfuls put their Trust” (5:11).

19. History Repeats Itself

Harith bin Malik says that before the advent of Islam, theQuraish used to worship a huge tree, which they calledDhatu Anwat . Every year, they would travel a long distance to visit that tree, submissively hang their weapons on its twigs, offer sacrifices and stay near that tree for one full day.

One day, when we were in the company of our Holy Prophet (S) advancing toHunayn , we came across a huge, greenlote tree, the memory of our past practice was still fresh in our minds, so we said:“O Prophet! Let us have a tree, like theQuraish have, the sameDhatu Anwat to hang our weapons upon it and to offer our homage.”

The Prophet (S) said:“Allahu Akbar! By God, you have uttered the same words as uttered by the people of Moses when they saw idolaters zealously prostrating before their idols: ‘Make us a God like their gods’; and Moses replied: ‘You are indeed an ignorant people. The religion, which these idolaters follow, is doomed and all their works are vain’.”

Then the Prophet (S) said:“This was the way of the people in the past, and it seems that this story will repeat itself among you.”

20. AbuLahab BitterAnd Humiliated

AbuLahab , the uncle of the Prophet (S) was his inveterate enemy. In the early days of Islam, whenever the Prophet (S) came to the market place to proclaim Oneness of Allah and denounce idolatry, AbuLahab would follow him and announce:“O people! This young man is an impostor do not listen to him.”

In the battle ofBadr , he decided to stay behind while other veterans joined the army to fight the Prophet (S). He was anxious of the outcome of the battle and would ask anyone who would come from the vicinity ofMadina if he had any news. At last, when AbuSufyan returned, crest fallen and ashamed, AbuLahab enquired:“Tell me what happened, for no doubt you have the reliable news.”

AbuSufyan related how his army of Meccans suffered a shameful defeat, and how the great veterans ofQuraish fell, one after the other.“Believe me, it was an effortless surrender. We seemed to be at their command, submitting our necks for slaughter and our hands for being taken prisoners. And I do not blame theQuraish . By God! We saw white robed soldiers on black horses fill the place, and none of us could stand against their onslaught.”

AbuLahab was overtaken by grief; he began to cry and wail. Sitting next to him was a slave called AbuRafe ’ who was known for his leaning towards Islam. In a fit of uncontrolled anger, AbuLahab slapped him on the face; and then there was a commotion in which a lady,Ummul Fadhl , hit AbuLahab on his head.

AbuLahab entered his house, bitter and humiliated, and within 7 days thereafter, died a miserable death.

21. What RewardFor My Good Deeds

Sa’sa ’ binNajiya ofBani Tamim was a man of great virtue. His grandsonFarazdaq was a renowned poet of Islam, and in one of his eulogies, describing heroic deeds of his grandfather he says:

“My grandfather is the one who prevented mothers burying their newborn girls, and he gave new life to the babies..... ”

Sa’sa ’ himself relates a beautiful story of his first encounter with the Prophet (S). He says:“I came to the Prophet (S) and he immediately invited me to Islam. After listening to what he said, I accepted. Then he taught me certain verses from the Qur’an. I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Will Allah accept and reward my good deeds performed in the past?’ He asked: ‘What are these gooddeeds?’I related to him an incident in which I saved a newborn girl from being buried alive. I had to offer a heavy price every time I saved an infant, and that way I was able to rescue more than three hundred. The Prophet smiled and expressed his delight. ‘This is indeed a good deed: Allah has graciously rewarded you by blessing you with Islam’.”

22. The PillarOf AbuLababah

In spite of the document of peace between the Muslims and Jews, the Jews ofBanu Quradhan did not abandon their intrigues. In the 5th year ofHijrah they were still planning to render a final blow to Islam. When the army of Islam surrounded their fort and they had no alternative but to surrender, they asked the Prophet (S) to send AbuLababah for negotiations.

When the Jews met AbuLababah , they began to weep and wail over their plight.“Will Muhammad spare us if we give ourselves up?” they asked. AbuLababah said:“Yes.” But then he made a sign by placing his fingers over his neck, indicating that they would be killed.

As he returned, AbuLababah felt guilty of having betrayed the Prophet (S). Instead of going to the Prophet (S) he went to the Mosque, and with deep remorse and repentance, tied himself to a pillar.“I shall not get out of here, till I know that Allah has forgiven my sin” , he said to himself.

When the Prophet learnt of this, he said:“Had he come to me seeking forgiveness, I would have forgiven. But he has chosen to seek forgiveness the way he wants, so I shall wait until Allah reveals His pleasure.” AbuLababah stayed there the whole night.

And then the verse was revealed to the Prophet (S) indicating that AbuLababah had been pardoned. UmmuSalmah , the wife of the Prophet (S) gave him the good news, but he refused to untie himself.“I will wait till the I Prophet (S) will release me from here.”

With a smile on his lips, the Prophet (S) came near him and gently untiedhim .. The Holy Qur'an says:

“The others who have confessed their sins; their good works had been intermingled with evil. Perchance Allah will turn to them in mercy, He is Forgiving and Merciful” (9:103).

The pillar of AbuLababah is still today a famous place in the Mosque of the Prophet (S).

23. The GreedyAnd The Deserters OfUhud

In the Battle ofOhud , the Prophet (S) ordered some archers to picket the rear defile of the mountain.“Do not move from here in any circumstances for the enemy might strike from behind these narrow passages.”

However, when the archers saw that the enemy was retreating, they thought the battle was over. They deserted their places and busied themselves collecting the spoils of war. This eagerness turned the tide against the Muslims.

Khalid binWalid , the commander of the infidel cavalry, effected a charge and killed the small guard of 10 men. He then furiously advanced from the rear, killingMosaib binOmair , and causing a great confusion among Muslims. A voice rang on the mountain ofOhud declaring that the Prophet (S) was dead, and this further demoralized them. Many companions like Omar binKhattab , Osman binAffan and AbuObeidah took flight.

Anas binNadhr having seen those deserters said:“What makes you run away?”

They said:“The Prophet is no more. He has been killed.”

Anas said:“What is the value of your lives if the Prophet (S) hasdied. Let us fight for his cause.” Anas fought alone and was martyred.

The Prophet (S) had been wounded. The battle ended in confusion, with the infidels having returned to Mecca in a belief that the Muslims were routed.

At that time, he inquired aboutSa’d bin Rabi’.“Is he alive or dead? Go and find him” ; he ordered the handful of faithful who were by his side.

Sa’d bin Rabi’ had suffered multiple wounds, and had fallen. When they found him, he was breathing his last.

His last words were“Peace be upon Muhammad for he fulfilled his duty. If he is alive, give him my Salaam. And if he is dead, Allah is everAlive . Continue to fight for His cause.”

24.Hilful Fudhul - The LeagueOf Justice

Mecca was a busy commercialcentre where caravans from far and wide came to sell their wares. But the influential and rich men of Mecca used to cheat the poor traders, sometimes committing frightful outrages.

Once a trader fromBanu Zubaid sold his commodity toAas bin Wail, and received no payment. When all persuasions failed, he went to several well-known traders seeking their help but none responded. So he climbed the heights of AbuQubais and exclaimed:“Help this oppressed poor trader who has been robbed in the city of Mecca.” The famous couplet he recited was:

“O men, come to the aid of an oppressed who has been robbed of his property, right in thecentre of Mecca, away from his own people. Virtue is indeed for him whose dignity is complete, there is no dignity or virtue for him who wears two dresses of deceit and perfidy.”

The Prophet (S) was then a young man of 20, and his heart bled at the sight of this helpless man. Immediately a league was formed, binding its member by an oath to secure justice for the helpless. This was calledHilful Fudhul , a league that took oath to intervene for those who were subjected to oppression and injustice in any deal. Among the elders ofQuraish , the Prophet (S) was the youngest member, chosen for his truthfulness and propriety.

Later, the Prophet (S) use to tell his companions:“It was a league I loved to join, and Islam has lent it further strength.”

25. TheNeighbour

Seyyid JawadAmeli , a great Mujtahid, was having his dinner when someone knocked at his door. A servant from his master,Ayatullah Seyyid MahdiBahrul Uloom appeared and said:“Your master has sent for you immediately. He has just sat down for his dinner but refuses to eat till he sees you.”

There was no time to lose.Seyyid Ameli left his dinner and rushed toSeyyid Bahrul Uloom’s residence. Just as he entered, the master looked disapprovingly at him and said:“Seyyid Jawad! You have no fear of Allah! Don’t you feel ashamed of Allah?”

This came as a thunderbolt, because he could not remember doing anything to incur the wrath of his master. Hesitantly he asked:“My master may guide me where I have I failed.”

“It is now a week thatyour neighbour and his family are without wheat or rice. They were buying some dates from a grocer on credit and today the grocer refused to grant him any further credit. He returned home empty-handed and the family is without a morsel of food,” Seyyid Mahdi said.

Seyyid Jawad was taken by surprise.“By Allah,” he said,“I have no knowledge about this.”

“This is why I am displeased all the more. How can you be unaware of your ownneighbour ? Seven days of difficulties have passed and you tell me that you do not know about it. Well, if you had known about it and ignored him despite your knowledge, then you would not even be a Muslim,” Seyyid Mahdi admonished.

And thenSeyyid MahdiBahrul Uloom instructed him to take all the dishes of food before him to theneighbour .“Sit with him to eat, so that he does not feel ashamed. And take this sum for his future ration. Place it under his pillow or carpet so that he is not humiliated. And inform me when this work is completed. Till then, I shall not eat.”

26. Knowledge

The Mosque in Medina was not only a place of worship. The believers assembled here to learn. When the Prophet (S) was present, they heard his words of wisdom, his elucidation on the verses of the Qur’an and benefited by his counsel. And when he was not there, other faithful companions taught what they had heard from the Prophet of Allah.

Once the Prophet (S) entered the Mosque before the prayer time. He found two groups in the Mosque. One group was busy with its own acts of worship. Some were reading from the Qur’an while others were supplicating. The other group was in a comer busy learning. They learnt how to read and write and discussed the teachings of Islam and their application to their daily lives.

Looking at both, the Prophet (S) said:“They are both engaged inusefal Pursuits. But I am a teacher. I shall join the group assembled to learn.”

And so he sat with the group of students.

27. A Companion

Kufa was now the seat of Islamic rule. The entire Muslim world, with the exception of Damascus, looked towardsKufa for guidance. They traveled toKufa very often.

Two men were in each other’s company on the road toKufa . One was a Muslim, the other a non-Muslim. As they progressed, the non-Muslim traveler asked his companion:“I am going further thanKufa , to a small village where I live. Where are you going?”

His Muslim companion said:“I live inKufa .”

They proceeded happily, discussing various things, helping each other, all in a spirit of cordiality. When they drew near toKufa , the non-Muslim took a side-road towards his village. Just as he was about to bid farewell, he observed that his Muslim companion was coming with him.

“Didn’t you tell me that you were going toKufa where you lived?”

“Yes, Of Course,” the Muslim replied.“Then why are you coming this way? That is the only road leading toKufa ?” “I know,” said the Muslim.“But we have long been companions. Our Prophet (S) said that when two are companions to each other on a journey, they have obligations and duties towards each other. You gave me company and now it is my duty to follow you a few steps and then make a gentle departure.”

“No wonder that your Prophet (S) managed to spread his faith so quickly. His teachings were indeed great.”

And then it so happened that once the same non-Muslim companion enteredKufa . There he found that his Muslim companion had been none other but theKhalifa of the time, Ali b. AbuTalib (‘a). He soon became a Muslim and remained among the most faithful of friends and companions of the Imam.

28. A Poor ManAt The Palace

Once a poor, unkempt man appeared at the gate of a king’s palace. He was in rags and not at all suitably attired to be admitted into the presence of a monarch. So the guards stopped him.

“You cannot enter the palace in rags,” they said.

The man insisted. He began to quarrel with the guards, raising his voice so loud that the king heard it. He sent for the man.

When he appeared before the king, the noblemen around raised their eyebrows. What was this pauper doing here?

“What is your problem?” the king enquired.

“Oh, I have many problems. But the immediate one is that your guardsrefased me entry into the palace. Am I not your subject?”

“Yes, you areindeed , you are. But you must dress properly and

suitably ,” the king said. The poor man looked up and said,“O king, it is not wrong to enter a palace in rags and empty-handed. But to come out from a palace empty-handed and in rags is indeed a disgrace.”

29. The UnfixedLabour

Suleiman b.Ja’far accompanied Imam Ali b. Musa Al-Ridha ’ (‘a) to work. It was late in the evening when they returned. Just as Suleiman wanted to part, Imam said:“Why don’t you be my guest tonight?” Suleiman complied.

When they entered the house, a group of Imam’s servants were busy in the garden. Imam looked at them and found a stranger among them working on a small patch.

“Who is he?” Imam queried.

“We have hired him to help us finish the work,” the servants replied.

“Very well,” Imam said,“How muchlabour has been fixed for him?”

The servants said that nothing has been fixed but they would pay him something at the end.

Immediately Imam (‘a) showed his displeasure. His voice rose with anger and the servants were terrified.

“How often have I told you that thelabour must be fixed before hiring? If you exactlabour from a worker without telling how much you would pay him, he would never be satisfied at the end. And I do not mind if you pay him more than what you promised him. But his wage must be fixed from the beginning. And remember, pay a worker before his sweat dries on his body.”

30. GuestOf A Judge

When he arrived inKufa , he decided to be a guest of Imam Ali (‘a). For a number of days, he stayed with the Imam without divulging the purpose of his visit; nor did the Imam ask him about it. Finally the man said:“I have a dispute with a particular party here and I have come to get it settled. Would you act as an arbitrator?”

The Imam said:“You are party to the dispute, aren’t you?” “Yes,” the man replied.

“Then you cannot expect me to be your arbitrator. If you wanted me to decide your case, you should not have become my guest.” The Prophet (S) said:“When a person has been appointed a judge or an arbitrator in a case, he has no right to play host to either of the two sides, except when they are both invited together.”

31. JunaidAnd Bahlool

Bahlool simulated madness, though he was not mad. Junaid a scholar and Sufi of repute knew him very well. One day as they met, Junaid requested him to give him some counsel and admonition.

“You do not need any advice. You are a well-knownAalim ,” Bahlool said.

But Junaid insisted.Bahlool gave in and said:“Well, I shall ask you three questions. If you answer them correctly, you will be advised.”

And then he proceeded to ask:

“Do you know how to talk?”

“Do you know how to eat?”

“Do you know how to sleep?”

Junaid found these simple. He said:“I know how to talk. I talk with a low voice, politely and to the point, so that the listeners are not at all offended. I eat after having washed my hands, sayBismillah before I commence, and chew the food properly. When I finish, I thank Allah. Before I go to sleep, I do my Wudhu and retire to a clean, Pak, bed. Then I bear witness to my faith and sleep.”

Bahlool stood up and started walking away. He said:“I thought you were quite learned. You do not know the most elementary things of Islam.” But Junaid would not let him go.“Please guide me,” he enjoined.

“Well,” Bahlool said,“It is no use talking softly if it is a lie. It is all the worse. When talking, one must ensure that one speaks the truth. That is the cardinal point. And when eating, remembering Allah over a food, which is Haram, forbidden or usurped, has no meaning. You have to ensure that what you eat is Halal or that you are not misappropriating the funds of an orphan, a widow, a fellowmen.

And what is the use of sleeping with Wudhu and all the recitations if your heart is full of malice, jealousy and enmity towards yourMomin brother. He who sleeps with a clean heart sleeps a religious man. Do you understand? These are the principles. The rest are all secondary virtues.”

32. A Party Where Liquor Was Served

Mansoor Dawaneqee was an Abbasid ruler. During his reign, he summoned ImamJa’far Al-Sadiq (‘a) from Medina to Iraq on several occasions. At times, he prevented the Imam from returning to Medina, detaining him for quite a long period.

On one such occasion, the Imam’s visit coincided with a court event. An army commander had had his son circumcised and had host-ed an elaborate party, awaleema . All the notables were invited and among them was ImamJa’far Al-Sadiq (‘a).

As they were eating, one of the guests asked for water. Instead of water, a glass full of liquor was handed to him. Immediately, the Imam rose and left the palace. The host and others tried to dissuade the Imam from going, but he declined to return. He said:“The Prophet of God (peace be upon Him and His Progeny) has said: ‘Whoever sits at a party where liquor is served, the curse of Allah shall descend upon him’.”

33. AmrBil Ma’roof

An old man sat to do his wudhu. But his wudhu was not correct. Imam Hasan and ImamHusayn , then two young boys, watched him. They immediatelyrealised that the old man was not doing wudhu correctly, but hesitated to tell him directly. Perhaps the old man would feel humiliated by two young boys, or he might even lose his interest in the act of worship.

Sitting next to him, they started to do the wudhu and during the wudhu, Imam Hasan said:

“My wudhu is correct and more perfect than yours, OHusayn .”

In reply, ImamHusayn insisted that his own wudhu was better than Imam Hasan’s.

Finally they said:

“Let us refer to this gentleman. He is older than us and should be able to decide.”

The old man was listening patiently. The boys performed their wudhu under his supervision, one after the other. And when they had finished, herealised the wudhu done by the boys was methodical and correct. It was his own wudhu, which lacked. Turning to Imam Hasan andHusayn , he gently said:

“The wudhu done by you boys is correct. I am grateful that you chose to guide me in such a beautiful manner.”

34. BackFrom Hajj

A man had just returned from Hajj. He was relating his experience to ImamJa’far Al-Sadiq (‘a). He said:“There was one man with me in the caravan, who was exceptionally pious. I am proud that I was in his company. At all times he prayed. No sooner we came to a station, he would part from us, seek a comer, spread his prayer mat and pray.”

Imam asked:“Then who looked after his affairs? Who tended his animals if they fell sick?”

And the man said:“Oh, we proudly served him. He had nothing to worry about his affairs. We never let him worry.”

Imam said:“Then in the eyes of Allah, all of you were better than him.”

35. GuidanceFrom The Prophet

A simple unlettered man from the desert once arrived in Medina and came to the Prophet (S). He asked the Prophet (S) to give him a word of advice, which he said he would follow. The Prophet (S) said:“Control your anger.” And then the Prophet (S) remained silent.

When he returned to the interior of the desert where he lived, he found that the situation had become quite tense. Some audacious young man from his tribe had raided another tribe in the vicinity and stolen their wealth. In retaliation, the other tribe had also carried out some raids. Now they were at war. Immediately he prepared himself to defend his tribe and was angered by the outrageous conduct of the adversaries.

Just as he stood in line to fight, he suddenly recalled what the Prophet (S) had told him.“Control your anger.” He was soon engrossed in deep thought. Admonishing himself, he said:“The anger has taken better of my reason. I have set out to fight without trying for an amicable settlement. What a shame!”

He came forward and addressed the leaders of the opposite side:“Brothers, what is this war for? If my people have raided your side and stolen your property, we could sit together and agree upon compensation. I am prepared to recompense from my personal wealth.”

The leaders from the opposite side felt totally disarmed by this new approach. They soon realized that bloodshed was not at all worth anything. So with all magnanimity, their chief said:“Well, You have agreed to recompense. But we are in no way inferior. We have agreed to forego our demand!”

And both parties peacefully retreated to their places.

36. JesusIn Islam

Mamoon Al-Rashid ruled at the height of theAbassid Empire. He himself was a man of profound knowledge and liked to see learned scholars around him.

At times he would hold a dialogue between scholars of various religions and denominations and arrange polemics between Muslims and others.

Once he invited learned Christian, and Jews to the court and asked Imam Al-Ridha ’ (‘a) to answer their arguments.

Discussing the person of Jesus, his son-ship of God and other Christian beliefs, the Christians argued that at least Jesus was one in whom Muslims also believed, while Muhammad (S) was exclusive to the Muslims alone.

To this, the Imam said:“Yes, we do believe in Jesus, son of Mary. He was a Prophet of God. He was pious. But, there was a flaw in his conduct.”

The Imam said:“Well, he prayed less. His prostrations were few, his supplications scarce and occasional.”

The Christians retorted:“That indeed is preposterous. Jesus is known to be always worshipping. He always prostrated and prayed to his Lord.”

Imam Al-Ridha ’ (‘a) smiled and said:“If that was so, to who did he pray and before whom did he prostrate and worship - if he himself was God, as you all profess?”

37. A LetterTo AbuDharr

He knew how the Prophet (S) loved and respected AbuDharr Ghifari . But as he was stationed far away, it was not possible to benefit from the presence of AbuDharr . So he wrote a letter. In this letter he sought from AbuDharr a counsel and admonition, which would guide him in hisbehaviour .

AbuDharr wrote back:

“Do not be an enemy of whom you love most.”

And as he went through the reply, he was disappointed. What did AbuDharr mean? How would one ever act as an enemy to the most beloved? But on the other hand, he thought, AbuDharr was no ordinary person. There must be a deeper meaning, so he wrote to him again seeking explanation.

“The meaning is quite simple” AbuDharr wrote.“To every living being the most beloved is its own self. To you, your self is the most, beloved and when I admonished you not to act as an enemy, I meant do not be your own enemy. Remember, when a man commits a sin and acts contrary to the behests of Allah, he harms himself.”

38.Bahlool

Bahlool liked to visit the graveyards.“People here are good friends,” he used to say.“They do not backbite.”

Once, he sat in a corner of a graveyard and with a long heavy stick started probing some of the old skulls, which lay scattered about. Harun Rashid, the king, passed by and saw him. Then he asked,“OBahlool ! What are you doing?”

“Oh, nothing very important,” saidBahlool .“I am just trying to find out whether the skulls belong to kings or paupers. They are all the same.”

“And what is the stick for?” Harun asked.

“Well, I'm measuring the earth,” Bahlool replied.

“Measuring the earth? What are your findings?” Harun joked.

“It is equal and the same, O King,” Bahlool retorted.“Three arm lengths for me, in spite of my poverty and three arm lengths for you, in spite of your pomp and wealth.”

39. The EndOf Friendship

No one thought that this friendship would ever end. They were always seen together. One of them was not even known personally to the people. They called him ‘the friend of ’

Yes, he was a friend oflmam Ja’far Al-Sadiq (‘a). One day, they entered a shoe market together. They entered as friends, but by the time they were out of the market, their relations had been permanently severed.

It so happened that Imam’s friend was also accompanied by his servant. While Imam and he were advancing, the servant leisurely walked behind, looking at the shops and talking to his acquaintance. His master glanced behind to find him, but there was no trace of him in sight. And finally he appeared.

The master had been provoked and as the servant appeared, he blurted an abuse. He abused the servant’s mother before inquiring where he had been for so long.

Just as those wordscaine out of his mouth, ImamJa’far Al-Sadiq (‘a) regarded his friend with anger and then loudly said:

“Glory be to Allah! You have abused his mother, attributing to her an ignoble act. I thought you were a man of piety and God fearing. It seems you have no semblance of anytaqwa .”

The friend said:“O Son of the Prophet! This servant is from Sind and so is his mother. You know very well that she was not even a Muslim and therefore if I attributed something ignoble to her, it would be appropriate.”

Imam (‘a) said:“I know she was a non-Muslim. But every religion has its own laws and rules. If a non-Muslim marries according to the laws of his or her religion, no fornication is committed. Nor are the off springs illegitimate.”

And then the Imam said:“This is the end of our friendship.” No one saw them together again.

40. The Candle

Those were the early days of Imam Ali’s rule. A candle burnt by his side, as he sat down meticulously recording all the revenue and the expenses of treasury. Just thenTalha andZubair appeared.

They aspired to some positions of authority in Ali’s rule and had come to strike a deal. If Ali (‘a) gave them a place of distinction, they would in turn pledge their full support. Ali (‘a) knew of this.

Just as they sat down, Ali (‘a) put out the candle and lit another one.

Talha andZubair exchanged a glance of surprise and then one of them said:

“O Ali, we have come on some important business. But why did you extinguish the first candle?”

Imam Ali (‘a) replied:“That was a candle bought out of Treasury funds. As long as I worked for the Treasury, I used it. Now you have come for some personal work, so I use the candle bought out of my personal fund.”

Talha andZubair left him without saying another word.

41.Before TheQadhi

Once during the rule of the secondKhalifa Omar bin El-Khattab , an Arab entered his complaint in the court. The court summoned the plaintiff and the defendant to appear. In this case, the defendant wasAmirul Mo’mineen , Ali b. AbiTalib , peace be upon him.

Omar acted as a judge. As was customary in the Islamic courts, both the parties ought to station themselves, sitting or standing, next to each other. Accordingly, Omar called out the plaintiff’s name and beckoned him to a particular place in the court. Then he turned to Imam Ali (‘a) and said:

“OAbul Hasan, place yourself next to the plaintiff please.”

42. I Do Not Know

Buzer Jemehri is a well-known sage of ancient Iran. The King of those days sought his counsel and frequently called him to the court for advice. Gradually, an official appointment was conferred upon him, for which he was handsomely paid.

Once, as he was walking in the street, an old woman stopped him and asked a simple question.Buzer Jemehri did not know the answer, so unabashedly he said:“Mother, I do not know.” The old Woman was furious.

She said:“The king pays you to answer all the important questions related to the affairs of state. And here, you are unable to answer one simple question from this poor old woman. Why are you being paid?”

“Mother,” Buzer Jemehri said,“the King pays me for the answers I know. Were he to pay me for the answers I do not know, his treasure would not suffice.”

43. For The Sake Of Allah

No answer satisfied the teacher who had asked a question. There were so many answers given, but none could win the tutor’s approval. The question the Prophet (S) asked was:“Which is the most fundamental and basic tenet of faith?”

One said:“Salat ” (namaz )

The Prophet (S) said:“No!”

Another:“Zakat” (almsgiving)

The Prophet (S) said:“No!”

Third:“Fasting”

The Prophet (S) said:“No!”

Yet another:“Haj andUmrah ”

The Prophet (S) said:“No!”

The last one:“Jihad” (holy war)

The Prophet (S) said:“Not even that.”

At last the Prophet (S) said:

“All those tenets mentioned by you are beautiful acts of worship and obedience. But they do not measure up with what I have in mind. Remember, the basic and fundamental tenet is: ‘To love for the sake of Allah and to hate for the sake of Allah. All your likes and dislikes must conformwith His pleasure’.”

44. The Guests

A father and a son were once guests of Imam Ali (‘a). As they arrived, Imam received them warmly and arranged for their comfortable accommodation. In a room where they were seated, Imam sat opposite them, engaging them in a friendly conversation. And then it was time for the meal. After food had been served and eaten,Qambar , Imam’s servant, brought a basin and a pitcher full of water for washing the guests’ hands. Imam took the pitcher himself and asked the father to extend his hands so that he would pour the water.

“How is it possible that my Imam serves me? It should be otherwise,” the guest said.

Imam Ali said:“Here is your brother in faith, eager to serve his brother and to earn the pleasure of Allah. Why do you prevent him?”

But the guest hesitated. Finally Imam said:“As your Imam, I request that you allow me thehonour of this service.”

And when the guest complied, Imam said:“Let your hands be washed thoroughly, Do not hasten,thinking that I should be relieved of this duty early.”

When it was the son's turn, Imam instructed his own son Muhammad b.Hanafiyyah , to hold the pitcher and wash the guest’s hands. Looking at his son, Imam said:

“I washed your father’s hands. My son washed your hands. If your father had not been my guest today, I would have washed your hands myself. But Allah loves to see that when a father and a son are present in a place, the father enjoys a privilege and a priority.”

45. TheProphet’S Gift

Whenever they reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to the Prophet (S). Then he would distribute them among those who sat around him. This morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to the Prophet (S).

He accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said:

“O Prophet of Allah, you have overlooked the right of those who watch while you eat?”

The Prophet (S) smiled and waited till the man who had bought the fruit had gone. Then he said:

“I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe. Had I allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who brought this gift. Rather than make him feel bitter, my palate accepted the bitterness.”

46. Contentment

Salman Farsi was a Persian companion of the Prophet (S). He was a man of staid habits. His clothes were simple, his food minimum.

Once he invited AbuDharr Ghifari to lunch and AbuDharr obliged. When they sat on the floor to eat, AbuDharr observed that there were some dried bits of loaves and a few dates.

He said:“Salman, the Prophet (S) has said that we must begin and end our meals with salt. I do not see any salt here.”

Now Salman had no salt in the house, nor did he possess any money to buy it. But he immediately rose up and said:“Oh, I am indeed sorry. Would you wait while I bring it?”

Salman took his cloak and kept it as a security at theneighbouring shop and brought some salt. When they had finished eating, AbuDharr said:“AlHamdu Lillah ” to express his thanks and gratitude to Allah.

Politely, Salman said:“Do not lie, AbuDharr . For if you were truly thankful, Salman would not have had to mortgage his cloak for that pinch of salt.”