Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

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.”