1 00:00:00,460 --> 00:00:03,459 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 2 00:00:03,459 --> 00:00:08,460 The best of generations in their conduct and example, 3 00:00:08,460 --> 00:00:13,460 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 4 00:00:13,460 --> 00:00:15,460 A collection of affection, 5 00:00:15,460 --> 00:00:17,460 Proceeding. 6 00:00:17,460 --> 00:00:21,530 Portraits from the lives of the Tabi'un, 7 00:00:21,530 --> 00:00:25,980 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 8 00:00:25,980 --> 00:00:27,980 May Allah have mercy upon him. 9 00:00:27,980 --> 00:00:33,090 Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays, 10 00:00:33,090 --> 00:00:35,380 May Allah have mercy upon him. 11 00:00:42,570 --> 00:00:46,570 Damascus was smiling at the gentle spring, 12 00:00:46,570 --> 00:00:49,570 Proud of its lush, verdant thickets, 13 00:00:49,570 --> 00:00:52,570 Vain of its fragrant gardens. 14 00:00:52,570 --> 00:00:54,890 The palace of the Commander of the Faithful, 15 00:00:54,890 --> 00:00:56,890 Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, 16 00:00:56,890 --> 00:01:00,890 Had prepared itself to receive those arriving to see him. 17 00:01:00,890 --> 00:01:04,920 No sooner had the first visitor been granted permission to enter upon the Caliph, 18 00:01:04,920 --> 00:01:08,920 Than his sister, Umm al-Hakam bint Abi Sufyan, hurried, 19 00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:11,920 Taking her place behind the curtain, 20 00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:14,920 To listen to what was being narrated in the Caliph’s assembly 21 00:01:14,920 --> 00:01:19,920 From the hadiths of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 22 00:01:19,920 --> 00:01:23,950 And to delight in what the companions of the Commander of the Faithful scattered 23 00:01:23,950 --> 00:01:25,950 Of rare anecdotes, 24 00:01:25,950 --> 00:01:28,950 Magnificent poetry, and profound wisdom. 25 00:01:28,950 --> 00:01:33,950 For she was a woman of sound judgment and high ambition, 26 00:01:33,950 --> 00:01:36,950 Aspiring toward noble pursuits. 27 00:01:36,950 --> 00:01:41,980 She knew that her brother granted people permission to enter 28 00:01:41,980 --> 00:01:43,980 According to their status: 29 00:01:43,980 --> 00:01:48,980 He would prioritize the Companions of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, over all others, 30 00:01:48,980 --> 00:01:51,980 Followed by the senior Tabi'un, 31 00:01:51,980 --> 00:01:54,980 Then the scholars and those of noble lineage. 32 00:01:54,980 --> 00:01:56,980 However, Umm al-Hakam 33 00:01:56,980 --> 00:02:00,980 Found her brother receiving his first visitor with a reception 34 00:02:00,980 --> 00:02:02,980 Tinged with a certain coldness. 35 00:02:02,980 --> 00:02:04,980 She heard him say to him: 36 00:02:04,980 --> 00:02:09,979 "By Allah, O Ahnaf, I have never recalled the day of Siffin, 37 00:02:09,979 --> 00:02:11,979 And remembered your siding against us, 38 00:02:11,979 --> 00:02:15,979 And your standing on the side of Ali ibn Abi Talib, 39 00:02:15,979 --> 00:02:19,979 Without it leaving a bitterness in my heart until I die." 40 00:02:19,979 --> 00:02:22,979 The man countered him, saying: 41 00:02:22,979 --> 00:02:24,979 "By Allah, O Mu'awiyah, 42 00:02:24,979 --> 00:02:29,979 The hearts with which we hated you are still within our chests, 43 00:02:29,979 --> 00:02:35,979 And the swords with which we fought you have not ceased to be in our hands. 44 00:02:35,979 --> 00:02:39,979 If you draw a span closer to war, we will draw a span closer to it, 45 00:02:39,979 --> 00:02:44,979 And if you walk toward it, we will hasten toward it at a run. 46 00:02:44,979 --> 00:02:48,979 By Allah, it was not a desire for your gifts that brought us to you, 47 00:02:48,979 --> 00:02:50,979 Nor a fear of your rejection; 48 00:02:50,979 --> 00:02:54,979 Rather, we came to you to mend the rift, unite the ranks, 49 00:02:54,979 --> 00:02:56,979 And gather the community of the Muslims." 50 00:02:56,979 --> 00:03:00,979 Then he turned and left from whence he came. 51 00:03:00,979 --> 00:03:02,979 Umm al-Hakam could not help 52 00:03:02,979 --> 00:03:04,979 But pull back the edge of the curtain 53 00:03:04,979 --> 00:03:09,979 To see this man who returned the stone to the Caliph from where it came, 54 00:03:09,979 --> 00:03:12,979 And measured out to him two measures for every one. 55 00:03:12,979 --> 00:03:17,080 She saw a man of short stature and slight build, 56 00:03:17,080 --> 00:03:20,080 Bald-headed, with crooked teeth, 57 00:03:20,080 --> 00:03:23,080 A receding chin, and sunken eyes, 58 00:03:23,080 --> 00:03:25,080 With bowed legs. 59 00:03:25,080 --> 00:03:28,080 There is no human defect 60 00:03:28,080 --> 00:03:30,080 But that he had a share of it. 61 00:03:30,080 --> 00:03:33,080 She turned to her brother and said: 62 00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:35,080 "O Commander of the Faithful, 63 00:03:35,080 --> 00:03:40,080 Who is this man who threatens the Caliph and warns him in his own palace?" 64 00:03:40,080 --> 00:03:43,080 Mu'awiyah sighed and said: 65 00:03:43,080 --> 00:03:45,080 "This is the one who, if he becomes angry, 66 00:03:45,080 --> 00:03:48,080 One hundred thousand of the Banu Tamim become angry for his sake, 67 00:03:48,080 --> 00:03:50,080 Without even knowing why he is angry. 68 00:03:50,080 --> 00:03:52,080 He is Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays, 69 00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:54,080 The leader of the Banu Tamim, 70 00:03:54,080 --> 00:03:58,080 And one of the unique individuals of the Arabs and their conquering heroes." 71 00:03:58,080 --> 00:04:04,400 So let us review the life story of Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays from the beginning. 72 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:08,969 In the third year before the Hijrah, 73 00:04:08,969 --> 00:04:11,969 A son was born to Qays ibn Mu'awiyah al-Sa'di, 74 00:04:11,969 --> 00:04:13,969 A newborn he named al-Dahhak. 75 00:04:13,969 --> 00:04:17,029 However, it was not long before people 76 00:04:17,029 --> 00:04:19,029 Nicknamed him 'Al-Ahnaf' (the Bow-legged), 77 00:04:19,029 --> 00:04:21,029 Because of the curvature in his legs. 78 00:04:21,029 --> 00:04:24,060 Eventually, the nickname overshadowed his given name. 79 00:04:24,060 --> 00:04:28,060 Qays, the father of Al-Ahnaf, was not among the elite of his people, 80 00:04:28,060 --> 00:04:30,060 Nor among their inner circle; 81 00:04:30,060 --> 00:04:33,060 He was merely among the common folk. 82 00:04:33,060 --> 00:04:37,060 Al-Ahnaf was born in the dwellings of his people, 83 00:04:37,060 --> 00:04:40,060 West of al-Yamamah in the lands of Najd. 84 00:04:40,060 --> 00:04:43,259 The young man grew up an orphan, 85 00:04:43,259 --> 00:04:47,259 For his father was killed while he was still a child who had not yet begun to walk. 86 00:04:47,259 --> 00:04:50,319 Then the lights of Islam flooded his heart 87 00:04:50,319 --> 00:04:53,319 While he was still a boy whose mustache had not yet grown. 88 00:04:53,319 --> 00:04:57,319 For the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had sent, 89 00:04:57,319 --> 00:05:00,319 A few years before his passing, 90 00:05:00,319 --> 00:05:04,319 A caller from among his Companions to the tribe of Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays, 91 00:05:04,319 --> 00:05:06,319 Inviting them to Islam. 92 00:05:06,319 --> 00:05:09,379 The caller gathered the notables of the tribe, 93 00:05:09,379 --> 00:05:12,379 And began urging them toward faith, 94 00:05:12,379 --> 00:05:14,379 Presenting Islam to them. 95 00:05:14,379 --> 00:05:16,379 The people remained silent, 96 00:05:16,379 --> 00:05:19,379 And some began to look at others. 97 00:05:19,379 --> 00:05:23,379 Al-Ahnaf, who was present, stepped forward and said: 98 00:05:23,379 --> 00:05:24,379 "O my people, 99 00:05:24,379 --> 00:05:27,379 Why do I see you hesitating, 100 00:05:27,379 --> 00:05:30,379 Taking one step forward and one step back? 101 00:05:30,379 --> 00:05:33,379 By Allah, this person who has come to you 102 00:05:33,379 --> 00:05:35,379 Is a caller to goodness. 103 00:05:35,379 --> 00:05:38,379 He invites you to noble character, 104 00:05:38,379 --> 00:05:40,379 And forbids you from base ones. 105 00:05:40,379 --> 00:05:44,379 By Allah, we have heard nothing from him but good. 106 00:05:44,379 --> 00:05:46,379 So answer the caller to guidance, 107 00:05:46,379 --> 00:05:49,379 That you may attain the best of this world and the Hereafter." 108 00:05:49,379 --> 00:05:51,379 It was not long before they embraced Islam, 109 00:05:51,379 --> 00:05:54,379 And the young man embraced it with them. 110 00:05:54,379 --> 00:05:59,379 Then the leaders of the tribe went to the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 111 00:05:59,379 --> 00:06:03,379 But Al-Ahnaf did not go with them due to his young age, 112 00:06:03,379 --> 00:06:06,379 And thus he was deprived of the honor of being a Companion. 113 00:06:06,379 --> 00:06:11,379 However, he was not deprived of the pleasure of the noble Messenger, peace be upon him, with him, 114 00:06:11,379 --> 00:06:13,379 Nor of his supplication for him. 115 00:06:13,379 --> 00:06:15,480 Al-Ahnaf narrated, saying: 116 00:06:15,480 --> 00:06:21,480 "While I was circumambulating the Ancient House during the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, 117 00:06:21,480 --> 00:06:24,480 A man I knew met me, 118 00:06:24,480 --> 00:06:26,480 He took my hand and said: 119 00:06:26,480 --> 00:06:28,480 'Shall I not give you glad tidings?' 120 00:06:28,480 --> 00:06:30,480 I said: 'Yes.' 121 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:31,480 He said: 122 00:06:31,480 --> 00:06:39,480 'Do you remember the day the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, sent me to your people to invite them to Islam? 123 00:06:39,480 --> 00:06:44,480 I began calling them and presenting the entry into the religion of Allah to them, 124 00:06:44,480 --> 00:06:47,480 And you said what you said that day.' 125 00:06:47,480 --> 00:06:48,480 I said: 'Yes.' 126 00:06:48,480 --> 00:06:49,480 He said: 127 00:06:49,480 --> 00:06:53,480 'I returned to the Prophet, peace be upon him, 128 00:06:53,480 --> 00:06:56,480 And informed him of your words, 129 00:06:56,480 --> 00:06:57,480 And he said: 130 00:06:57,480 --> 00:07:00,480 "O Allah, forgive Al-Ahnaf."'" 131 00:07:00,480 --> 00:07:02,610 Al-Ahnaf used to say: 132 00:07:02,610 --> 00:07:06,610 "There is no deed of mine that I have more hope in on the Day of Resurrection 133 00:07:06,610 --> 00:07:10,610 Than the supplication of the Prophet, peace be upon him." 134 00:07:10,610 --> 00:07:18,689 When the noble Messenger, peace be upon him, joined the Highest Companion, 135 00:07:18,689 --> 00:07:22,689 And Musaylimah the Liar emerged to the people with his falsehood, 136 00:07:22,689 --> 00:07:25,689 And those who apostatized from Islam did so because of him, 137 00:07:25,689 --> 00:07:28,689 Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays went to him 138 00:07:28,689 --> 00:07:30,689 With his uncle, al-Mutashammis, 139 00:07:30,689 --> 00:07:33,689 To meet him and hear from him. 140 00:07:33,689 --> 00:07:37,779 Al-Ahnaf was in the early bloom of his youth at that time. 141 00:07:37,779 --> 00:07:41,779 When they left him, al-Mutashammis said to his nephew: 142 00:07:41,779 --> 00:07:44,779 "How did you find the man, O Ahnaf?" 143 00:07:44,779 --> 00:07:45,779 He replied: 144 00:07:45,779 --> 00:07:50,779 "I found him to be a fabricator, inventing lies against Allah and the people." 145 00:07:50,779 --> 00:07:53,779 His uncle said to him, joking: 146 00:07:53,779 --> 00:07:58,779 "Do you not fear for yourself if you tell him of your denial of him?" 147 00:07:58,779 --> 00:07:59,779 Al-Ahnaf replied: 148 00:07:59,779 --> 00:08:02,779 "At that point, I will swear to you that he is a liar." 149 00:08:02,779 --> 00:08:06,779 "Will you swear that you did not believe him as he believed him?" 150 00:08:06,779 --> 00:08:08,779 The young man and his uncle laughed, 151 00:08:08,779 --> 00:08:11,779 And they remained steadfast in their Islam. 152 00:08:11,779 --> 00:08:14,879 It is no wonder if you are filled with amazement, 153 00:08:14,879 --> 00:08:19,879 And overcome with astonishment at these firm and decisive stances 154 00:08:19,879 --> 00:08:22,879 That Al-Ahnaf took in momentous affairs, 155 00:08:22,879 --> 00:08:25,879 Despite his young age. 156 00:08:25,879 --> 00:08:27,879 But your amazement will pass, 157 00:08:27,879 --> 00:08:29,879 And your astonishment will vanish, 158 00:08:29,879 --> 00:08:32,879 When you know that the youth of Banu Tamim 159 00:08:33,879 --> 00:08:37,879 Was a rarity among the rarities of the age in sharpness of mind, 160 00:08:37,879 --> 00:08:39,879 Brilliance of intelligence, 161 00:08:39,879 --> 00:08:42,879 Truthfulness of insight, and purity of nature. 162 00:08:42,879 --> 00:08:45,879 And that he was, from his earliest youth, 163 00:08:45,879 --> 00:08:47,879 Sitting with the elders of his people, 164 00:08:47,879 --> 00:08:51,879 Attending their gatherings and witnessing their conferences, 165 00:08:51,879 --> 00:08:55,879 And learning at the hands of their wise and forbearing men. 166 00:08:55,879 --> 00:08:58,940 He narrated about himself, saying: 167 00:08:58,940 --> 00:09:02,940 "We used to frequent the gatherings of Qays ibn Asim al-Minqari 168 00:09:02,940 --> 00:09:05,940 To learn forbearance from him, 169 00:09:05,940 --> 00:09:08,940 Just as we frequented the gatherings of scholars 170 00:09:08,940 --> 00:09:10,940 To receive knowledge from them." 171 00:09:10,940 --> 00:09:13,009 It was said to him: 172 00:09:13,009 --> 00:09:15,009 "And who reached the height of his forbearance?" 173 00:09:15,009 --> 00:09:17,009 He said: 174 00:09:17,009 --> 00:09:21,009 "I came to him once and saw him sitting in the courtyard of his house, 175 00:09:21,009 --> 00:09:24,009 Wrapped in his cloak, leaning on his sword, 176 00:09:24,009 --> 00:09:26,009 Speaking to his people. 177 00:09:26,009 --> 00:09:28,070 I greeted him and sat down. 178 00:09:28,070 --> 00:09:30,070 It was only a short while 179 00:09:30,070 --> 00:09:33,070 Before we heard a commotion, and we looked, 180 00:09:33,070 --> 00:09:37,070 And he had been brought a young man bound in ropes, 181 00:09:37,070 --> 00:09:39,070 And another who had been killed. 182 00:09:39,070 --> 00:09:40,070 It was said to him: 183 00:09:40,070 --> 00:09:44,100 'This is your nephew who has killed your son, so-and-so.' 184 00:09:44,100 --> 00:09:48,100 By Allah, he did not loosen his posture nor stop his speech. 185 00:09:48,100 --> 00:09:51,100 Then he turned to his nephew and said: 186 00:09:51,100 --> 00:09:52,100 'O son of my brother, 187 00:09:52,100 --> 00:09:54,100 You have killed your cousin, 188 00:09:54,100 --> 00:09:56,100 Thus severing your kinship with your own hand, 189 00:09:56,100 --> 00:09:59,100 And striking yourself with your own arrow.' 190 00:09:59,100 --> 00:10:02,100 Then he said to another son of his: 191 00:10:02,100 --> 00:10:05,100 'Rise, my son, and untie the bonds of your cousin, 192 00:10:05,100 --> 00:10:07,100 And bury your brother. 193 00:10:07,100 --> 00:10:11,100 Then drive one hundred camels to his mother as blood money for her son, 194 00:10:11,100 --> 00:10:14,830 For she is a stranger.'" 195 00:10:14,830 --> 00:10:17,830 Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays was granted the opportunity 196 00:10:17,830 --> 00:10:20,830 To study under the great and noble Companions, 197 00:10:20,830 --> 00:10:24,830 At the pinnacle of whom was al-Faruq, may Allah be pleased with him. 198 00:10:24,830 --> 00:10:27,830 He witnessed his gatherings, heard his exhortations, 199 00:10:27,830 --> 00:10:30,830 He mastered his judicial rulings and legal verdicts. 200 00:10:30,830 --> 00:10:35,830 He was among the most brilliant students produced by the school of 'Umar. 201 00:10:35,830 --> 00:10:39,830 And he was the most profoundly influenced by its genius and singular teacher. 202 00:10:39,830 --> 00:10:43,120 It was once said to him: 203 00:10:43,120 --> 00:10:47,120 "How did you attain such gravity and wisdom?" 204 00:10:47,120 --> 00:10:49,120 He replied: 205 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:53,120 "Through words I heard from 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 206 00:10:54,120 --> 00:10:56,120 'Whoever jokes excessively is held in low regard. 207 00:10:56,120 --> 00:10:59,120 Whoever does something frequently becomes known by it. 208 00:10:59,120 --> 00:11:02,120 Whoever speaks too much makes too many mistakes. 209 00:11:02,120 --> 00:11:05,120 Whoever makes many mistakes loses his sense of shame. 210 00:11:05,120 --> 00:11:08,120 Whoever loses his sense of shame loses his piety. 211 00:11:08,120 --> 00:11:12,120 And whoever loses his piety, his heart dies.'" 212 00:11:12,120 --> 00:11:17,580 Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays rose to lead his people, 213 00:11:17,580 --> 00:11:21,580 despite not being of the highest lineage among them, 214 00:11:21,580 --> 00:11:24,580 nor the most noble in terms of maternal or paternal ancestry. 215 00:11:24,580 --> 00:11:27,580 When people asked him the secret to this, 216 00:11:27,580 --> 00:11:29,580 one of them said to him: 217 00:11:29,580 --> 00:11:33,580 "Who is it that his people follow, O Abu Bahr?" 218 00:11:33,580 --> 00:11:35,580 He replied: 219 00:11:35,580 --> 00:11:37,580 "He who possesses four qualities, 220 00:11:37,580 --> 00:11:40,580 will lead his people unchallenged." 221 00:11:40,580 --> 00:11:42,580 He was asked: 222 00:11:42,580 --> 00:11:44,580 "And what are these qualities?" 223 00:11:44,580 --> 00:11:45,580 He said: 224 00:11:45,580 --> 00:11:48,580 "A religion that restrains him, 225 00:11:48,580 --> 00:11:50,580 a lineage that protects him, 226 00:11:50,580 --> 00:11:51,580 an intellect that guides him, 227 00:11:51,580 --> 00:11:53,580 and a sense of shame that prevents him from wrongdoing." 228 00:11:53,580 --> 00:11:55,840 Furthermore, al-Ahnaf was 229 00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:57,840 one of the most forbearing of the Arabs, 230 00:11:57,840 --> 00:12:00,840 whose forbearance became proverbial. 231 00:12:00,840 --> 00:12:02,840 His forbearance reached such a degree 232 00:12:02,840 --> 00:12:05,840 that 'Umar ibn al-Ahtam incited a man 233 00:12:05,840 --> 00:12:08,840 to insult him with vile, provocative language. 234 00:12:08,840 --> 00:12:12,840 Yet al-Ahnaf remained silent, head bowed. 235 00:12:12,840 --> 00:12:16,840 When the man saw that he would not answer him nor pay him any heed, 236 00:12:16,840 --> 00:12:19,840 he put his own thumb in his mouth 237 00:12:19,840 --> 00:12:21,840 and began to bite it, saying: 238 00:12:21,840 --> 00:12:23,840 "Woe is me! 239 00:12:23,840 --> 00:12:26,840 By Allah, nothing prevented him from answering me 240 00:12:26,840 --> 00:12:28,840 except his utter disdain for me." 241 00:12:28,840 --> 00:12:30,970 It so happened that al-Ahnaf 242 00:12:30,970 --> 00:12:32,970 was walking on the outskirts of Basra, 243 00:12:32,970 --> 00:12:34,970 alone by himself, 244 00:12:34,970 --> 00:12:36,970 when a man accosted him, 245 00:12:36,970 --> 00:12:38,970 began insulting and reviling him, 246 00:12:38,970 --> 00:12:40,970 and hurling stinging words at him. 247 00:12:40,970 --> 00:12:43,970 Yet he remained silent, continuing on his way. 248 00:12:43,970 --> 00:12:46,970 When they drew near to the people, 249 00:12:46,970 --> 00:12:48,970 he turned to the man and said: 250 00:12:48,970 --> 00:12:50,970 "O son of my brother, 251 00:12:50,970 --> 00:12:53,970 if you have any words left, 252 00:12:53,970 --> 00:12:55,970 say them now, 253 00:12:55,970 --> 00:12:58,970 for if my people hear what you are saying, 254 00:12:58,970 --> 00:13:00,970 you will suffer harm at their hands." 255 00:13:00,970 --> 00:13:05,700 Beyond all that, al-Ahnaf was 256 00:13:05,700 --> 00:13:08,700 a devout worshiper, frequently fasting and standing in prayer. 257 00:13:08,700 --> 00:13:11,700 He was ascetic regarding what was in the hands of others. 258 00:13:11,700 --> 00:13:14,700 When night fell upon him, 259 00:13:14,700 --> 00:13:18,700 he would light his lamp and place it near him, 260 00:13:18,700 --> 00:13:21,700 then stand in his prayer niche to pray, 261 00:13:21,700 --> 00:13:24,700 writhing like a sick man, 262 00:13:24,700 --> 00:13:26,700 and weeping like a bereaved mother, 263 00:13:26,700 --> 00:13:29,700 out of fear of the punishment of Allah 264 00:13:29,700 --> 00:13:31,700 and dread of His wrath. 265 00:13:31,700 --> 00:13:34,860 Whenever he sensed a sin he had committed, 266 00:13:34,860 --> 00:13:37,860 or a flaw of his became apparent to him, 267 00:13:37,860 --> 00:13:40,860 he would bring his finger close to the lamp and say: 268 00:13:40,860 --> 00:13:42,860 "Feel this, O Ahnaf! 269 00:13:42,860 --> 00:13:46,860 What drove you to do such-and-such on such-and-such a day? 270 00:13:46,860 --> 00:13:48,860 Woe to you, O Ahnaf! 271 00:13:48,860 --> 00:13:50,860 If you cannot endure today 272 00:13:50,860 --> 00:13:52,860 the flame of a lamp, 273 00:13:52,860 --> 00:13:54,860 and cannot bear its heat, 274 00:13:54,860 --> 00:13:57,860 then how will you endure tomorrow the flames of Hell, 275 00:13:57,860 --> 00:13:59,860 and bear its torment? 276 00:13:59,860 --> 00:14:01,919 O Allah, if You forgive me, 277 00:14:01,919 --> 00:14:03,919 then You are worthy of that; 278 00:14:03,919 --> 00:14:05,919 and if You punish me, 279 00:14:05,919 --> 00:14:07,919 then I am worthy of that." 280 00:14:07,919 --> 00:14:11,899 May Allah be pleased with al-Ahnaf 281 00:14:11,899 --> 00:14:13,899 ibn Qays and grant him contentment. 282 00:14:13,899 --> 00:14:17,899 For he was one of the wonders of his time, 283 00:14:17,899 --> 00:14:20,899 and a unique specimen of humanity. 284 00:14:20,899 --> 00:14:26,519 Indeed, al-Ahnaf ibn Qays 285 00:14:26,519 --> 00:14:29,679 attained such honor and prosperity 286 00:14:29,679 --> 00:14:31,679 that holding office did not benefit him, 287 00:14:31,679 --> 00:14:34,870 nor did dismissal harm him. 288 00:14:34,870 --> 00:14:37,379 Ziyad ibn Abihi 289 00:14:37,379 --> 00:14:42,409 was a different case and example; 290 00:14:42,409 --> 00:14:47,409 he followed the Messenger when he strove or spoke. 291 00:14:47,409 --> 00:14:52,409 They were here, watering the clouds of our lives, 292 00:14:52,409 --> 00:14:54,409 and so they remain within us; 293 00:14:54,409 --> 00:14:57,409 their memory is exalted. 294 00:14:57,409 --> 00:15:02,409 They departed, leaving a question in our conscience: 295 00:15:02,409 --> 00:15:07,409 Is there any star like them that has risen and shone? 296 00:15:07,409 --> 00:15:12,409 They filled life with glorious deeds, 297 00:15:12,409 --> 00:15:17,409 and the world of the Ummah flourished because of them.