Download PDF: [S] Dardaas and the Charity (Islamic Story)

It is mentioned that once, during the reign of Hisham bin Malik, there was a severe drought. People were also suffering from starvation. The people then visited the Khalifah.

 

Among them was also a person whose name was Dardaas bin Habeen Ajali. Around his body, there was a woollen shawl and also another piece of cloth which managed to cover his complete body. When the Khalifah saw the poor state of this person, he turned to his guards and asked them, “Can anyone just walk into this court whenever he wishes?”

 

Dardaas immediately understood that the Khalifah was pointing at him.

He then declared to the Khalifah, “O Ameerul Mo’mineen! Perhaps by me coming this has greatly displeased you. However, I have honoured myself by entering this court. And when I saw that the entire community was unanimous in their decision and their verdict, I also decided to join them as well. And if I am given permission to speak, I would also like to say something.”

 

The Khalifah also admitted that since he was considered as the most respected person in his community, although also the most poor, he was allowed to speak.

 

He declared, “O Ameerul Mo’mineen! Such three years have passed by that our flesh have become skin and our skin has becomes bones. For the sake of Allah, you have wealth. If this wealth is for the sake of Allah Almighty then please distribute this among his slaves. And if this wealth belongs to the people, then you should not restrict the people from getting their own wealth. If however, this wealth belongs to you, then I would humbly urge you to give this in charity. The reason is that Allah Almighty certainly rewards those who give charity. He also does not destroy the good of those who have done good.”

 

When the Khailfah heard these words, he again praised this person and mentioned, “You have left nothing for me as well.”

 

He then commanded that a hundred thousand Ashrafis be distributed among the poor. This was then distributed among the poor and destitute. The Khalifah also ordered a separate amount of one hundred thousand Ashrafis be also handed to Dardaas. Dardaas then asked whether this would also be given to each person in the community. The Khalifah replied that the government does not have the means to give each and every person this amount. However, Dardaas said that he did not have any need for this wealth and left the court.

 

However, the Khalifah insisted that this be sent to Dardaas. When Dardaas received this wealth, he took ninety thousand and distributed it equally among the nine tribes found in the region and then took the last ten thousand Ashrafis and distributed among his own clan.

 

When the Khalifah heard about this, he mentioned that the earth creates as it is planted. In other words, the quality and behaviour of a person is determined by the area in which he grows up in. (Al Qalyubi)