Download PDF: [S] A Physician accepts Islam (Islamic Story)

It is reported that once, the famous saint Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Shibli – may Allah be pleased with him – became extremely ill. In this state, the people then admitted him to a local hospital.

 

The advisor of the Khalifah, namely Ali bin Esa, greatly admired Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Shibli – may Allah be pleased with him. When he heard about what had happened to the great Saint, he requested the Sultan to have his best physician sent to the local hospital to treat Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Shibli – may Allah be pleased with him. The Sultan acceded to this request and send his best doctor the treat him. However, even though the doctor tried all types of treatment, he was not succeeding in curing the great Saint.

 

Finally, one day, in total frustration, the doctor mentioned to Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Shibli – may Allah be pleased with him, “O Shibli! If only I knew which part of my body I should cut so that you could become better, I would gladly cut that part of my body.”

 

When Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Shibli – may Allah be pleased with him – heard these words, he replied, “In fact, there is a much more simple manner of curing me instead of cutting any piece of your body.”

 

When the doctor asked him what this cure was, he replied, “If you can break the cross around your neck and accept Islam. In extreme happiness, all my illness would disappear.”

 

When the doctor heard this simple solution, he removed the cross from around his neck and recited the Kalimah. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Shibli – may Allah be pleased with him – then immediately stood up, as if he had never been ill.

 

When the Khalifah heard about this incident, he remarked, “I had sent a physician to treat an ill person, yet, I had no idea that I was actually sending a sick person to a real physician!” (Ruhul Bayan. 2/421)

 

Imagine the immense love and concern the true Awliya and ‘Ulama have for others. Look at the immense joy and happiness they display when someone accepts Islam. Yet, sadly, this is not displayed by the so called ‘Ulama of today. Instead, the modern day ‘Ulama are more interested in arguing among themselves while the disbelievers are heading ever so closer to the Fire of Hell on a daily basis. If these people, on the Day of Judgement say that no one had come to them with message of Islam, what answer would we give? No interest is being made in spreading Islam and the message of Islam. As a matter of fact, instead of spreading Islam, Muslims are more interested in the politics of Islam and the politics of the general masses than spreading the message.