Download PDF: [S] A Ruler who lived a Simple Life (Islamic Story)

It is mentioned that the grandson of Muhtasam, who was a famous Khalifah from the Banu Abbasid Dynasty, whose name was Mohammed and whose title was “Muhtadah billah” was noted for his piety and humility. He was also quite apart from the other leaders in this dynasty in this regard.

 

Khateeb Baghdadi reports that from the time Muhtadah billah became the leader of the Muslims until his martyrdom, he was always in a state of fasting. He had only an old jubbah made from animal skin and one simple shawl. Muhtadah billah also wore this at night and continued the entire night in the Ibadah of Allah Almighty. His eating was also very simple and humble.

 

In fact, a person named Hashim bin Qasim narrates that, “Once I visited this pious person in the month of Ramadan during the time of Iftaar. There were only a few pieces of bread in a small container, a little olive oil, some vinegar and nothing else. I also joined him at the eating cloth and thought that perhaps this was merely a few food items which were presented as Iftaar and after this, the actual food would appear. Because of this, I ate very little. However, the Khalifah looked at me and said, ‘Eat properly and make sure you satisfy your hunger. In this place, besides this food, no other food will appear.’ When I heard these words, I looked at the Khalifah in a state of shock and said, ‘O Ameerul Mo’mineen! Allah Almighty had opened the doors of wealth for you and has given you complete control over the kingdom.’

 

“He replied, ‘You are correct. However, when I ponder over this issue and ponder on the state of the Bani Ummayyah, I realise that during their rule, there was a person like ‘Umar bin Abdul Aziz – may Allah be pleased with him – who appeared. His rule during his period was based on his actions of Taqwah, extreme piety and all of you are fully aware of this. Yet, when I look at my family, the Bani Hashim, and when they became rulers, I could not find someone similar to ‘Umar bin Abdul Aziz. Hence, I have adopted his example.’”

 

He was martyred in the month of Rajab 256 A.H. by the Turks. (Taarikh Al Khulafah, 251)

 

There is no doubt that piety and humility coupled with sincerity are certainly very noble actions. If this is found in someone, he is certainly extremely blessed. However, if this is found among the rich and powerful, it is even more surprising and shocking and can be termed a true miracle.