Download PDF: [S] Fearless in front of a Tyrant (Islamic story)

It is reported that Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri – may Allah be pleased with him – was born in the last years during the rule of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him. He grew up in an area called “Waadi’ul Qurra.” He used to also perform Jumu’ah Salaah behind Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Uthman Ghani – may Allah be pleased with him – and used to also to listen to the Khubah of the eminent companion. When people surrounded the blessed house of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Uthman Ghani – may Allah be pleased with him, at that time, Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri – may Allah be pleased with him – was only fourteen years old. He was considered as one of the greatest Islamic scholars and Saints of his era. Mu’tamar bin Sulayman admits that Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri – may Allah be pleased with him – was considered as the great Shaikh of Basrah. Obviously, he is counted as among the Taaba’een.

 

Abu Bardah states that, “I have never seen someone who resembled the blessed Ashaab as much as Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri – may Allah be pleased with him.”

 

Yaqub Faswa states, “I memorized nearly eight thousand Shari’ah rulings from Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri – may Allah be pleased with him.” (Sayr ‘Alaamul Nublah, Vol. 4)

Yusuf bin Hujjaj bin Hakam was from the Bani Thaqeeq. He was born in Taif around 41 A.H. He joined the army of Abdul Malik bin Marwan and attacked the blessed city of Mecca Shareef which was controlled by Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Zubair – may Allah be pleased with him. After seven months of siege, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Zubair – may Allah be pleased with him,  with his youngest son, were martyred.

 

In 73 A.H. due to this, Abdul Malik nominated this tyrant, Yusuf bin Hujjaj bin Hakam, as the Governor of Hejaz, Yamaamah and Yemen. Two years later, Yusuf bin Hujjaj bin Hakam was nominated as the Governor of Iraq. He was also responsible for completely eradicating the Khaariji menace and various other people who stood against the state. Other outlying areas were also given to him to control and he then created a new capital for himself which was between Kufah and Basrah and named it Waasit. During his rule as the Governor, various generals such as Mohammed bin Qasim, etc. were able to conquer large parts of the Indo Pak subcontinent and went as far as Multan and Sindh. He was also responsible for creating the various Harakaat in the Qur’an for the benefit of the non-Arabs. He died in 95 A.H. and was buried in the city of Waasit. (Ma’aarif Islamiyah, Vol. 7)

 

It is reported that once the eminent Shaikh and scholar, Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri  – may Allah be pleased with him, went to visit the Yusuf bin Hujjaj in the city of Waasit. When his saw the fancy mansions which this person had created from himself, he declared, “All Praise is for Allah Almighty. The rulers find themselves in pomp and luxury and yet, we find their lives as a lesson which we should learn from. When a King or ruler tries to beautify his palace with all types of decoration, then certainly those who are after them, will find a perfect excuse to attack them. However, at the end of the day, what will all of this benefit you except for disgrace in the Hereafter.”

 

After saying these words, the eminent Shaikh left this place. He also made a clear declaration, “The Allah Almighty had taken an oath from the ‘Ulama that they would certainly reveal the truth to people and that they will never ever hide anything.”

 

Later, when Hujjaj bin Yusuf heard the words of the great Islamic personality, he was extremely angry. He said his close aids, “O people of Syria! This is an ordinary person from Basrah and he has personally approached me and insulted me, but none of you could give him an answer. I swear by Allah that you people should capture him and bring him to me. I will most certainly have pleasure in beheading him.”

 

After hearing the command of Yusuf bin Hujjaj, his soldiers and guards went in search of the great Saint and managed to capture him. On the road, they also found that the blessed lips of the great Saint were also moving. No sound was heard of what he was saying.

 

When Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri – may Allah be pleased with him – entered the court of Yusuf bin Hujjaj, they saw that a leather rug was already placed before him. The reason that this type of rug was placed in front of people is so that if the person was beheaded, then the blood would not soil the floor. A sword was also placed near this mat. The eyes of Yusuf bin Hujjaj were also red with anger.

 

When the tyrant saw the great Saint, he addressed him in a very disrespectful and insolent manner. However, Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri – may Allah be pleased with him – spoke very softly with the intention of giving him proper advice.

 

A few minutes later, this certainly had a great impact on the tyrant because he ordered that the leather mat and sword be taken away. Their conversation continued until Yusuf bin Hujjaj ordered that food be presented to both of them. After eating, Yusuf bin Hujjaj ordered that water and sweet fragrance be brought for them. In fact, such was the impact of Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri – may Allah be pleased with him – on Yusuf bin Hujjaj that he personally washed the hands of the great Saint. He then allowed him to leave with great respect and dignity.

 

As Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri – may Allah be pleased with him – was leaving, someone asked him what he was mentioning before he arrived in the court of the tyrant. He revealed that he had mentioned the following words which were, “O that Divine Being Who accepts the Du’a of everyone! That Divine Being Who supports me when I am in trouble! That Divine Being Who supports and helps me in every state I am in! O the Lord of Moosa and ‘Isa and the Lord of all the Prophets! O that Divine Being who helped Nabi Moosa against the tyrant Pharaoh! O that Divine Being who helped the Muslims in the Battle of the Trench! Please send Durood and salaam upon Nabi Muhammad – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – and his blessed family who are the best of creation. Please establish in the heart of Yusuf bin Hujjaj love and respect for me and turn away whatever evil and mischief he may possess against me. When I mentioned these words, the result is open for you to see.” (Al Farrah b’adas Shuhadaa; Daiq by Haazimi)