Download PDF: [S] Fearless in front of an Oppressive Ruler (Islamic story)

It is mentioned that when Abdullah bin Ali Abbasi, who is the grandson of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abbas – may Allah be pleased with him – and the brother of the first two Abbasid rulers, namely Abu Abdullah As Safah and Abu Jafer Mansur who conquered Damascus, killed a number of people he felt were against him. Without thinking, he rode his horse into the Masjid that was built by the previous Ummayad Rulers.

 

Abdullah bin Ali Abbasi sat with his special advisers and boastfully said, “Is there anyone who can face me?”

 

They replied that no one had the courage to face him.

 

Abdullah bin Ali Abbasi then asked them whether they knew of anyone who could argue with him face to face.

The advisers remained silent and after a while, they mentioned that if there was anyone who could challenge him in this regard, it would be Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him. He was known as “Muhaddith Kabeer” and “Ameerul Mo’mineen fil Hadith” who has many narration which is found in both the Sahih Bukhari and the Sahih Muslim. Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – was was extremely pious.

 

Abdullah bin Ali Abbasi then ordered that Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – be brought to his court. His soldiers then approached the great Imam and informed him that the leader of the Muslims wanted him to come to the royal court.

 

Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – then recited Hasbunallah and entered his inner quarters. He then made Ghusal, wore his kafan and decided to face death.

 

Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him also mentioned to himself, “O Awzaa’i! Your time has certainly arrived. Make sure that you speak the truth and do not be afraid of the insults of anyone no matter who the person is.”

 

He narrates, “I then entered the court of Abdullah bin Ali and I noticed that the entire court was full of soldiers. They were standing in two rows and each of them had their swords withdrawn. I then approached Abdullah ibn Ali under the shadow of these swords. He was sitting on his high royal chair and he had a whip in his hand. His face was also full of anger and wrath. When I looked at him, to me he looked like a small fly. At that moment, I did not think of anything whether it was my family, my children or anything else. I began to think about the Day of Judgement when everyone will be called to account for his deeds.”

 

When Abdullah bin Ali raised his head, the veins in his face were protruding with anger. He asked me, “O Awzaa’i! The people whom I have killed among the Bani Ummayah, what is your opinion about this?”

 

Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, “Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud – may Allah be pleased with him – narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – has stated that, ‘Besides on three occasions, it is not permissible to spill the blood of a Muslim (to kill him). (These are those occasions) when a married person has been found guilty of adultery. (The second) is repayment for blood. In other words, blood for blood. The third is when a person leaves the religion (and becomes an apostate).’ (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). Therefore, whoever you have killed, if they were within these three categories of people, then it would be considered as proper or else, their murders will remain on your head.”

 

Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – then explains that he removed his turban because he knew that very soon someone was going to behead him. In fact, he also noticed that some of the soldiers had actually clasped their outfits to themselves so that their clothing could be saved from the blood which was about to be spilled.

 

Abdullah bin Ali then asked, “What is your opinion about wealth and riches?”

 

Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, “If it is Halaal, you will have to account for it and if it is Haraam, you will have to face the punishment.”

 

Abdullah bin Ali then asked him to accept a bag of gold coins as a reward for his bravery. However, the eminent Imam mentioned that he had no need for such things. Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – mentions that from the corner of his eye, he noticed that one of the advisor’s indicated to him through eye movement to accept this gift. He then accepted this gift and distributed it among all the soldiers standing in the court before he could leave. He then threw the purse on the floor and left the palace reciting “Hasbunallah”.

 

In Surah Ale Imran, verse 174, this is this is the state of those who display no fear in front of an oppressive ruler. The Qur’an declares:

 

فَانۡقَلَبُوۡا بِنِعْمَۃٍ مِّنَ اللہِ وَفَضْلٍ لَّمْ یَمْسَسْہُمْ سُوۡءٌ ۙ وَّ اتَّبَعُوۡا رِضْوٰنَ اللہِ ؕ وَاللہُ ذُوْفَضْلٍ عَظِیۡمٍ ﴿۱۷۴﴾

“So they returned with the favour and munificence from Allah, in that

no harm reached them; they  followed what

pleased Allah; and Allah is Extremely Munificent.”