Download PDF: [S] Fearless Qadi (Islamic story)

The famous historian, Ibn Asaakir – may Allah be pleased with him – in his famous book “Taarik-e-Dimishq,” mentions that during the time of Abu Jafer Mansur, the person nominated as the Governor of Basrah was Uqbah bin Salam.

 

Among the common people, it became clear that this person used to rob people without any hesitation. In fact, he considered the wealth of everyone as his own personal wealth.

 

At that time in Basrah, the Qadi was Sawaar bin Abdullah. It is reported that there was once a business person who came to Basrah with the intention of purchasing some items and also doing business. He brought along some expensive and valuable jewellery as well.

 

However, Uqbah bin Muslim came to know of this and he made sure that he took away these valuable items from this person. He also made sure that he imprisoned the person so that he could not complain to anyone.

 

When the wife of this person heard about this, she presented herself in the court of Qadi Sawaar bin Abdullah and filed a complaint against this Governor who had stolen her husband’s wealth and had also imprisoned him without any reason. When the Qadi heard this story, he wrote a letter and had it sent to the Governor to appear in court. The messenger he sent was also an ordinary court messenger. When Uqbah bin Salam saw this, he shouted at the messenger and chased him away.

 

The second time, the Qadi sent a more powerful delegation to call this person to court and again, he did the same thing.

 

However, on the third occasion, the Qadi sent a clear message that if the Governor did not free this person and return his wealth, he would personally come and sort the Governor out himself. When the Governor heard this threat, he immediately freed this person and returned all his wealth. He also mentioned to people that since this was someone who was nominated by the Khalifah himself, he had no choice but to obey this command.