Download PDF: An Amazing Example of Justice in Islam

A very famous Iranian general by the name of Hurmuzaan one day while fighting battle with the Muslims ran from the battlefield and took refuge in another city. However, the Muslims captured him and his army again, and once again they released him after he promised that they will pay the tax. On the third occasion, he took refuge in the town of Tustar and locked himself inside the castle. He only agreed to come out and surrender if the Muslims promised that they would deliver him directly to Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah have mercy on him.

 

When he arrived in Madina shareef, he made sure that he adorns himself with all the royal regalia so that everyone would know that he was a famous general. He also approached Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah have mercy on him – with the purpose of seeking security for his life.

 

At the same time, he also understood that he had betrayed the Muslims on many occasions and had gone against his promises many a times. Therefore, while he was hopeful that his request would be acceded to, he was also fearful of what might happen. When he entered the masjid to meet Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah have mercy on him, the great leader of the Muslims was resting with his turban as his pillow. As people began to gather in the masjid, Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah have mercy on him – awoke due to the noise which was been created around him.

 

As he looked up and saw a person standing in front of him dressed in full royal regalia, he asked the people around him whether this was Hurmuzaan and they replied that this was the famous Hurmuzaan. As he looked at this person standing in front of him, he declared to all the Muslims who were present, “I seek refuge in Allah azza wa jall from the fire of hell and also seek His Divine Help. All Praise is for Allah azza wa jall who has made Islam the cause of this person’s embarrassment and humiliation. O Muslims! you should hold fast to the teachings of Islam and embrace the teachings of the Holy Prophet – peace be upon him. If you do this, you will never be humiliated because the world is nothing but deception”

 

The people also informed him that this prisoner was once the governor of a certain region and that he had personally wanted to meet the leader of the Muslims. Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah have mercy on him – replied, “As long as he is wearing this clothing and regalia, I am not prepared to speak to him’. He then removed all the royal regalia he had and entered in ordinary clothing. Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah have mercy on him – asked him, “What is your reason for continuously breaking your promise with me?” Hurmuzaan replied, “I am afraid that before I give my excuse, you will kill me.”

 

However, Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah have mercy on him – replied, “Fear not, your excuses will be listened to. “Hurmuzaan then asked for some water and when the water was given to him, he declared, “I am afraid that perhaps I might be killed while drinking this water.”

 

The wise move of Hurmuzaan

Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar May Allah have mercy on him then declared, “Do not have any fear, as long as you do not drink the water, no harm will reach you.” When Hurmuzaan heard this, he immediately dropped the cup of water and all the water spilled on the floor. He then said that if this is the condition set by you, then I cannot be killed.

When he saw what had just happened, Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah have mercy on him – was extremely upset and angry at the deceit and cunning nature of this person. However, Hadrat Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik – may Allah have mercy on him – who was also present, replied, “O Ameerul Mo’mineen, he is quiet right, you did say that as long as he does not drink the water, nothing would happen to him and he has not yet drunk the water, therefore, he is under your protection.” Others in the crowd also agreed with this.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar May Allah have mercy on him then declared, “O Hurmuzaan, you have deceived me, however I will not deceive you because Islam does not deceive anyone. Islam has also never taught people something like this.” However, such was the impact of this on Hurmuzaan that he later became a Muslim and he also received a yearly stipend from the national treasury and began to live in Madina shareef.

(Al-Farooq Umar Ibn Al Khattaab Thaani Al-Khulafa Al-Raashideen p. 241)