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 deeds and example, 3 00:00:08,460 --> 00:00:13,460 Who followed the Messenger in all he strove for or said. 4 00:00:13,460 --> 00:00:15,460 Mawaddah Association 5 00:00:15,460 --> 00:00:17,460 Presents 6 00:00:17,460 --> 00:00:21,500 Vignettes from the Lives of the Tabi'un 7 00:00:21,500 --> 00:00:26,530 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha 8 00:00:26,530 --> 00:00:31,089 May Allah have mercy on him. 9 00:00:31,089 --> 00:00:33,090 Salamah Ibn Dinar 10 00:00:33,090 --> 00:00:35,469 May Allah have mercy on him. 11 00:00:44,179 --> 00:00:47,179 In the ninety-seventh year of the Hijrah, 12 00:00:47,179 --> 00:00:50,179 The Caliph of the Muslims, Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik, set out 13 00:00:50,179 --> 00:00:53,179 On a journey to the Holy Lands, 14 00:00:53,179 --> 00:00:56,179 Responding to the call of the Father of the Prophets, 15 00:00:56,179 --> 00:00:58,179 Abraham, peace be upon him. 16 00:00:58,179 --> 00:01:01,179 His caravan hastened its pace 17 00:01:01,179 --> 00:01:03,179 From Damascus, the capital of the Umayyads, 18 00:01:03,179 --> 00:01:06,209 To Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. 19 00:01:06,209 --> 00:01:09,209 For he harbored a deep longing in his soul to pray 20 00:01:09,209 --> 00:01:11,209 In the Noble Rawdah, 21 00:01:11,209 --> 00:01:13,209 And a yearning to send blessings upon Muhammad, 22 00:01:13,209 --> 00:01:17,209 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 23 00:01:17,209 --> 00:01:19,209 The Caliph's entourage was filled 24 00:01:19,209 --> 00:01:21,209 With Qur'an reciters, hadith scholars, 25 00:01:21,209 --> 00:01:23,209 Jurists, men of knowledge, 26 00:01:23,209 --> 00:01:26,530 Princes, and military commanders. 27 00:01:26,530 --> 00:01:28,530 When he reached Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah 28 00:01:28,530 --> 00:01:30,530 And dismounted there, 29 00:01:30,530 --> 00:01:33,530 Prominent figures and men of status came forward 30 00:01:33,530 --> 00:01:36,530 To greet him and welcome him. 31 00:01:36,530 --> 00:01:38,530 However, Salamah Ibn Dinar, 32 00:01:38,530 --> 00:01:41,530 The judge of Al-Madinah, its authoritative scholar, 33 00:01:41,530 --> 00:01:43,530 And its trusted imam, 34 00:01:43,530 --> 00:01:45,530 Was not among those who visited 35 00:01:45,530 --> 00:01:48,530 The Caliph to welcome and greet him. 36 00:01:48,530 --> 00:01:51,620 When Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik finished 37 00:01:51,620 --> 00:01:53,620 Receiving those who came to welcome him, 38 00:01:53,620 --> 00:01:55,620 He said to some of his companions, 39 00:01:55,620 --> 00:01:57,620 "Truly, souls rust 40 00:01:57,620 --> 00:01:59,620 Just as metals rust 41 00:01:59,620 --> 00:02:01,620 If they do not find someone to remind them 42 00:02:01,620 --> 00:02:03,620 From time to time, 43 00:02:03,620 --> 00:02:05,620 And polish away their rust." 44 00:02:05,620 --> 00:02:08,620 They replied, "Yes, O Commander of the Faithful." 45 00:02:08,620 --> 00:02:11,620 He then asked, "Is there not in Al-Madinah 46 00:02:11,620 --> 00:02:13,620 A man who met a group 47 00:02:13,620 --> 00:02:16,620 Of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 48 00:02:16,620 --> 00:02:18,620 Who can remind us?" 49 00:02:18,620 --> 00:02:21,620 They answered, "Indeed, O Commander of the Faithful! 50 00:02:21,620 --> 00:02:24,620 Right here is Abu Hazim al-A'raj." 51 00:02:24,620 --> 00:02:27,620 He asked, "And who is Abu Hazim al-A'raj?" 52 00:02:27,620 --> 00:02:30,620 They said, "Salamah Ibn Dinar, 53 00:02:30,620 --> 00:02:33,620 The scholar of Al-Madinah and its imam, 54 00:02:33,620 --> 00:02:36,620 And one of the Tabi'un who met a number 55 00:02:36,620 --> 00:02:38,620 Of the noble Companions." 56 00:02:38,620 --> 00:02:41,620 He said, "Summon him to us, 57 00:02:41,620 --> 00:02:43,620 And be gentle in inviting him." 58 00:02:43,620 --> 00:02:45,659 So they went to him and invited him. 59 00:02:45,659 --> 00:02:47,659 When he arrived before him, 60 00:02:47,659 --> 00:02:50,659 The Caliph welcomed him, seated him close by, 61 00:02:50,659 --> 00:02:52,659 And said to him reproachfully, 62 00:02:52,659 --> 00:02:55,659 "What is this coldness, O Abu Hazim?" 63 00:02:55,659 --> 00:02:57,659 He replied, 64 00:02:57,659 --> 00:03:00,659 "And what coldness have you seen from me, O Commander of the Faithful?" 65 00:03:00,659 --> 00:03:02,659 He said, 66 00:03:02,659 --> 00:03:05,659 "The prominent figures of the people visited me, yet you did not visit me." 67 00:03:05,659 --> 00:03:07,659 He replied, 68 00:03:07,659 --> 00:03:10,659 "Coldness only occurs after acquaintance, 69 00:03:10,659 --> 00:03:13,659 But you did not know me before today, 70 00:03:13,659 --> 00:03:15,659 Nor had I ever seen you. 71 00:03:15,659 --> 00:03:17,659 So what coldness could have come from me?" 72 00:03:17,659 --> 00:03:20,689 The Caliph said to his companions, 73 00:03:20,689 --> 00:03:22,689 "The Sheikh is correct in his excuse, 74 00:03:22,689 --> 00:03:25,689 And the Caliph was mistaken in his reproach." 75 00:03:25,689 --> 00:03:27,689 Then he turned to Abu Hazim 76 00:03:27,689 --> 00:03:29,689 And said, 77 00:03:29,689 --> 00:03:31,689 "There are matters in my heart 78 00:03:31,689 --> 00:03:34,689 That I would like to share with you, O Abu Hazim." 79 00:03:34,689 --> 00:03:36,689 He said, 80 00:03:36,689 --> 00:03:38,689 "Bring them forth, O Commander of the Faithful, 81 00:03:38,689 --> 00:03:40,689 And Allah is the One whose help is sought." 82 00:03:40,689 --> 00:03:42,689 The Caliph asked, 83 00:03:42,689 --> 00:03:44,689 "O Abu Hazim, 84 00:03:44,689 --> 00:03:46,689 Why do we hate death?" 85 00:03:46,689 --> 00:03:48,689 He answered, 86 00:03:48,689 --> 00:03:50,689 "Because we have built up our worldly life 87 00:03:50,689 --> 00:03:52,689 And ruined our Hereafter, 88 00:03:52,689 --> 00:03:56,689 So we hate moving from a built-up land to ruins." 89 00:03:56,689 --> 00:03:58,689 The Caliph said, 90 00:03:58,689 --> 00:04:00,689 "You have spoken the truth." 91 00:04:00,689 --> 00:04:02,689 Then he added, saying, 92 00:04:02,689 --> 00:04:04,689 "O Abu Hazim, 93 00:04:04,689 --> 00:04:07,689 Would that I knew what awaits us with Allah tomorrow!" 94 00:04:07,689 --> 00:04:09,780 He replied, 95 00:04:09,780 --> 00:04:12,780 "Examine your deeds in light of the Book of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, 96 00:04:12,780 --> 00:04:14,849 And you will find that." 97 00:04:14,849 --> 00:04:16,850 He asked, 98 00:04:16,850 --> 00:04:18,850 "And where do I find it in the Book of Allah Almighty?" 99 00:04:18,850 --> 00:04:20,850 He said, 100 00:04:20,850 --> 00:04:22,850 "You find it in His saying—exalted is His Word: ◁'Indeed, the righteous will be in bliss, and indeed, the wicked will be in Hellfire.'▷" 101 00:04:22,850 --> 00:04:38,100 The Caliph asked, 102 00:04:38,100 --> 00:04:40,100 "Then 103 00:04:40,100 --> 00:04:42,100 Where is the mercy of Allah?" 104 00:04:42,100 --> 00:04:44,100 Abu Hazim replied, 105 00:04:44,100 --> 00:04:46,129 "Indeed, the mercy of Allah 106 00:04:46,129 --> 00:04:48,129 Is near 107 00:04:48,129 --> 00:04:50,129 To the doers of good." 108 00:04:50,129 --> 00:04:52,610 The Caliph 109 00:04:52,610 --> 00:04:54,610 Asked, 110 00:04:54,610 --> 00:04:56,610 "Would that I knew how the arrival before Allah, Mighty and Majestic, 111 00:04:56,610 --> 00:04:58,610 Will be 112 00:04:58,610 --> 00:05:00,610 Tomorrow!" 113 00:05:00,610 --> 00:05:02,610 Abu Hazim replied, 114 00:05:02,610 --> 00:05:04,610 "As for the doer of good, 115 00:05:04,610 --> 00:05:06,610 He is like an absent traveler returning to his family. 116 00:05:06,610 --> 00:05:08,610 But as for the evildoer, 117 00:05:08,610 --> 00:05:10,610 He is like a runaway slave 118 00:05:10,610 --> 00:05:12,610 Being dragged forcibly back to his master." 119 00:05:12,610 --> 00:05:14,610 The Caliph wept until he sobbed loudly, 120 00:05:14,610 --> 00:05:16,610 And his weeping grew intense. 121 00:05:16,610 --> 00:05:18,610 Then he said, 122 00:05:18,610 --> 00:05:20,610 "O Abu Hazim, 123 00:05:20,610 --> 00:05:22,639 How can we rectify ourselves?" 124 00:05:22,639 --> 00:05:24,639 He replied, 125 00:05:24,639 --> 00:05:26,639 "By abandoning arrogance— 126 00:05:26,639 --> 00:05:28,639 Meaning pride and conceit." 127 00:05:28,639 --> 00:05:30,740 The Caliph 128 00:05:30,740 --> 00:05:32,740 Asked, 129 00:05:32,740 --> 00:05:34,740 "And this wealth— 130 00:05:34,740 --> 00:05:36,860 What is the way to fear Allah regarding it?" 131 00:05:36,860 --> 00:05:38,860 Abu Hazim replied, 132 00:05:38,860 --> 00:05:40,860 "When you take it rightfully, 133 00:05:40,860 --> 00:05:42,860 Place it with those entitled to it, 134 00:05:42,860 --> 00:05:44,860 Distribute it equally, 135 00:05:44,860 --> 00:05:46,860 And act justly with it among 136 00:05:46,860 --> 00:05:48,959 The subjects." 137 00:05:48,959 --> 00:05:50,959 The Caliph said, 138 00:05:50,959 --> 00:05:52,959 "O Abu Hazim, 139 00:05:52,959 --> 00:05:54,959 Tell me, who are the best of people?" 140 00:05:54,959 --> 00:05:56,959 He replied, "Those who possess piety and intellect." 141 00:05:56,959 --> 00:05:59,060 Then he asked, 142 00:05:59,060 --> 00:06:01,060 The Caliph, 143 00:06:01,060 --> 00:06:03,060 "And what is the most just speech, O Abu Hazim?" 144 00:06:03,060 --> 00:06:05,060 He replied, 145 00:06:05,060 --> 00:06:07,060 "A word of truth spoken by a person 146 00:06:07,060 --> 00:06:09,060 Before one he fears and one 147 00:06:09,060 --> 00:06:11,060 From whom he hopes for gain." 148 00:06:11,060 --> 00:06:13,060 The Caliph asked, 149 00:06:13,060 --> 00:06:15,060 "Which supplication is most quickly answered, 150 00:06:15,060 --> 00:06:17,060 O Abu Hazim?" 151 00:06:17,060 --> 00:06:19,060 He replied, 152 00:06:19,060 --> 00:06:21,120 "The supplication of a doer of good for other doers of good." 153 00:06:21,120 --> 00:06:23,120 The Caliph asked, 154 00:06:23,120 --> 00:06:25,120 "And what is the best charity?" 155 00:06:25,120 --> 00:06:27,120 He replied, "The effort of one with little wealth— 156 00:06:27,120 --> 00:06:29,120 Meaning what a person with scarce means 157 00:06:29,120 --> 00:06:31,120 Can afford— 158 00:06:31,120 --> 00:06:33,120 Placed in the hand of the miserable and poor, 159 00:06:33,120 --> 00:06:35,120 Without following it up 160 00:06:35,120 --> 00:06:37,120 With reminders of generosity or injury." 161 00:06:37,120 --> 00:06:39,120 The Caliph asked, 162 00:06:39,120 --> 00:06:41,120 "Who is the shrewdest of people, O Abu Hazim?" 163 00:06:41,120 --> 00:06:43,120 He replied, 164 00:06:43,120 --> 00:06:45,120 "A man who gains the obedience of Allah 165 00:06:45,120 --> 00:06:47,120 Almighty, 166 00:06:47,120 --> 00:06:49,120 Acts upon it, and then guides the people 167 00:06:49,120 --> 00:06:51,149 To it." 168 00:06:51,149 --> 00:06:53,149 The Caliph asked, "And who is the most foolish of people?" 169 00:06:54,149 --> 00:06:56,220 He replied, 170 00:06:56,220 --> 00:06:58,220 "A man who indulged the desires of his companion 171 00:06:58,220 --> 00:07:00,220 While his companion was an oppressor, 172 00:07:00,220 --> 00:07:02,220 Thus selling his Hereafter 173 00:07:02,220 --> 00:07:04,250 For another person's worldly gain." 174 00:07:04,250 --> 00:07:06,250 The Caliph said, 175 00:07:06,250 --> 00:07:08,250 "Would you accompany us, O Abu Hazim, 176 00:07:08,250 --> 00:07:10,250 So that you may benefit from us and we may benefit 177 00:07:10,250 --> 00:07:12,250 From you?" 178 00:07:12,250 --> 00:07:14,250 He replied, 179 00:07:14,250 --> 00:07:16,250 "No, O Commander of the Faithful." 180 00:07:16,250 --> 00:07:18,250 The Caliph asked, "And why not?" 181 00:07:18,250 --> 00:07:20,250 He replied, 182 00:07:20,250 --> 00:07:22,250 "I fear that I might incline toward you even a little, 183 00:07:22,250 --> 00:07:24,250 Whereupon Allah would cause me to taste a double punishment 184 00:07:24,250 --> 00:07:26,250 In life and a double punishment after death." 185 00:07:26,250 --> 00:07:28,250 The Caliph said, 186 00:07:28,250 --> 00:07:30,250 "Present your needs to us, 187 00:07:30,250 --> 00:07:32,250 O Abu Hazim." 188 00:07:32,250 --> 00:07:34,310 But he remained silent and did not answer. 189 00:07:34,310 --> 00:07:36,310 So the Caliph repeated his statement, 190 00:07:36,310 --> 00:07:38,310 "Present your needs to us, 191 00:07:38,310 --> 00:07:40,310 O Abu Hazim, 192 00:07:40,310 --> 00:07:42,310 And we shall fulfill them for you, whatever they may be." 193 00:07:42,310 --> 00:07:44,310 He replied, 194 00:07:44,310 --> 00:07:46,310 "My need is that you save me 195 00:07:46,310 --> 00:07:48,310 From the Fire 196 00:07:48,310 --> 00:07:50,439 And admit me into Paradise." 197 00:07:50,439 --> 00:07:52,439 The Caliph said, 198 00:07:52,439 --> 00:07:54,439 "That is not within my power, O Abu 199 00:07:54,439 --> 00:07:56,439 Abu Hazim. 200 00:07:56,439 --> 00:07:58,439 Abu Hazim said: 201 00:07:58,439 --> 00:08:00,439 "I have no need other than this, 202 00:08:00,439 --> 00:08:02,569 O Commander of the Faithful." 203 00:08:02,569 --> 00:08:04,569 The Caliph said: 204 00:08:04,569 --> 00:08:06,569 "Pray for me, Abu Hazim." 205 00:08:06,569 --> 00:08:08,569 So he said: 206 00:08:08,569 --> 00:08:10,569 "O Allah, if Your servant 207 00:08:10,569 --> 00:08:12,569 Sulayman is among Your allies, 208 00:08:12,569 --> 00:08:14,569 then make easy for him the good of this world 209 00:08:14,569 --> 00:08:16,569 and the Hereafter. 210 00:08:16,569 --> 00:08:18,569 But if he is among Your enemies, 211 00:08:18,569 --> 00:08:20,569 then set him right and guide him 212 00:08:20,569 --> 00:08:22,569 to that which You love and are pleased with." 213 00:08:22,569 --> 00:08:24,699 A man among those present said: 214 00:08:24,699 --> 00:08:26,699 "How wretched is what you have said 215 00:08:26,699 --> 00:08:28,699 since you entered upon the Commander 216 00:08:28,699 --> 00:08:30,699 of the Faithful! 217 00:08:30,699 --> 00:08:32,700 You have made the Caliph of the Muslims 218 00:08:32,700 --> 00:08:34,700 one of Allah's enemies 219 00:08:34,700 --> 00:08:36,730 and offended him!" 220 00:08:36,730 --> 00:08:38,730 Abu Hazim replied: 221 00:08:38,730 --> 00:08:40,730 "Rather, wretched is what you have said! 222 00:08:40,730 --> 00:08:42,730 For Allah took a covenant from the scholars 223 00:08:42,730 --> 00:08:44,730 to speak 224 00:08:44,730 --> 00:08:46,889 the word of truth." 225 00:08:46,889 --> 00:08:48,889 He recited: 226 00:08:48,889 --> 00:08:50,889 "You shall surely clarify it to the people 227 00:08:50,889 --> 00:08:52,950 and not conceal it." 228 00:08:52,950 --> 00:08:54,950 Then he turned to the Caliph 229 00:08:54,950 --> 00:08:56,950 and said: "O Commander 230 00:08:56,950 --> 00:08:58,950 of the Faithful, 231 00:08:58,950 --> 00:09:00,950 indeed those who passed before us 232 00:09:00,950 --> 00:09:02,950 from the past nations 233 00:09:02,950 --> 00:09:04,950 remained in goodness and well-being 234 00:09:04,950 --> 00:09:06,950 as long as their rulers came to 235 00:09:06,950 --> 00:09:08,950 their scholars desiring what 236 00:09:08,950 --> 00:09:10,950 they possessed. 237 00:09:10,950 --> 00:09:12,950 Then there arose a people from the vilest 238 00:09:12,950 --> 00:09:14,950 of men 239 00:09:14,950 --> 00:09:16,950 who sought thereby to attain 240 00:09:16,950 --> 00:09:18,950 something of the fleeting gains of this world, 241 00:09:18,950 --> 00:09:20,950 so the rulers dispensed with 242 00:09:20,950 --> 00:09:22,950 the scholars. 243 00:09:22,950 --> 00:09:24,950 Thus they stumbled, relapsed, 244 00:09:24,950 --> 00:09:26,950 and fell from the sight of Allah, Almighty and Glorification be to Him. 245 00:09:26,950 --> 00:09:28,950 Had the scholars 246 00:09:28,950 --> 00:09:30,950 renounced what is in the hands of 247 00:09:30,950 --> 00:09:32,950 the rulers, the rulers would have desired 248 00:09:32,950 --> 00:09:34,950 their knowledge. 249 00:09:34,950 --> 00:09:36,950 But instead, they coveted what 250 00:09:36,950 --> 00:09:38,950 the rulers possessed, so the rulers disdained 251 00:09:38,950 --> 00:09:40,950 them and they became humbled in their eyes." 252 00:09:40,950 --> 00:09:43,019 The Caliph said: 253 00:09:43,019 --> 00:09:45,019 "You have spoken the truth. 254 00:09:45,019 --> 00:09:47,019 Admonish me further, O Abu Hazim, 255 00:09:47,019 --> 00:09:49,019 for I have seen no one 256 00:09:49,019 --> 00:09:51,019 to whose mouth wisdom is closer 257 00:09:51,019 --> 00:09:53,210 than yours." 258 00:09:53,210 --> 00:09:55,210 He said: "If you are 259 00:09:55,210 --> 00:09:57,210 among those who heed, 260 00:09:57,210 --> 00:09:59,210 I have told you enough. 261 00:09:59,210 --> 00:10:01,210 But if you are not 262 00:10:01,210 --> 00:10:03,210 among them, then it is not fit 263 00:10:03,210 --> 00:10:05,210 for me to shoot from a bow 264 00:10:05,210 --> 00:10:07,269 that has no bowstring." 265 00:10:07,269 --> 00:10:09,269 The Caliph said: 266 00:10:09,269 --> 00:10:11,269 "I urge you to advise me, 267 00:10:11,269 --> 00:10:13,269 O Abu Hazim." 268 00:10:13,269 --> 00:10:15,269 He replied: "Yes, 269 00:10:15,269 --> 00:10:17,269 I will advise you briefly. 270 00:10:17,269 --> 00:10:19,269 Exalt your Lord, Mighty and Sublime, 271 00:10:19,269 --> 00:10:21,269 and deem Him far above 272 00:10:21,269 --> 00:10:23,269 seeing you where He forbade you to be, 273 00:10:23,269 --> 00:10:25,269 or missing you where He commanded you to be." 274 00:10:25,269 --> 00:10:27,269 Then he offered greetings of peace and departed. 275 00:10:27,269 --> 00:10:29,399 The Caliph said 276 00:10:29,399 --> 00:10:31,399 to him: "May Allah reward you 277 00:10:31,399 --> 00:10:33,399 with goodness as a sincere scholar 278 00:10:33,399 --> 00:10:36,679 and adviser." Hardly had 279 00:10:36,679 --> 00:10:38,679 Abu Hazim reached his home 280 00:10:38,679 --> 00:10:40,679 when he found that the Commander 281 00:10:40,679 --> 00:10:42,679 of the Faithful had sent him 282 00:10:42,679 --> 00:10:44,679 a pouch filled with dinars, 283 00:10:44,679 --> 00:10:46,679 and written to him saying: 284 00:10:46,679 --> 00:10:48,679 "Spend these, 285 00:10:48,679 --> 00:10:50,679 and you have much more like them 286 00:10:50,679 --> 00:10:52,679 with me." But he returned them 287 00:10:52,679 --> 00:10:54,679 and wrote back saying: 288 00:10:54,679 --> 00:10:56,679 "O Commander of the Faithful, 289 00:10:56,679 --> 00:10:58,679 I seek refuge in Allah lest 290 00:10:58,679 --> 00:11:00,679 your asking of me was a jest 291 00:11:00,679 --> 00:11:02,679 and my response to you was in vain. 292 00:11:02,679 --> 00:11:04,740 By Allah, I do not accept 293 00:11:04,740 --> 00:11:06,740 that, O Commander 294 00:11:06,740 --> 00:11:08,740 of the Faithful, either for you 295 00:11:08,740 --> 00:11:10,740 or for myself. 296 00:11:10,740 --> 00:11:12,740 O Commander of the Faithful, 297 00:11:12,740 --> 00:11:14,740 if these dinars are 298 00:11:14,740 --> 00:11:16,740 in exchange for the discourse I shared with you, 299 00:11:16,740 --> 00:11:18,740 then carrion 300 00:11:18,740 --> 00:11:20,740 and swine flesh in cases 301 00:11:20,740 --> 00:11:22,740 of dire necessity are more lawful than them. 302 00:11:22,740 --> 00:11:24,740 But if they are my rightful share 303 00:11:24,740 --> 00:11:26,740 in the public treasury of the Muslims, 304 00:11:26,740 --> 00:11:28,740 have you treated me equally with 305 00:11:28,740 --> 00:11:30,740 all the people regarding this 306 00:11:30,740 --> 00:11:34,220 right?" Indeed, 307 00:11:34,220 --> 00:11:36,220 the home of Salamah ibn Dinar was 308 00:11:36,220 --> 00:11:38,220 a sweet watering place for the hearts 309 00:11:38,220 --> 00:11:40,220 of those seeking righteousness, 310 00:11:40,220 --> 00:11:42,220 making no distinction in that between 311 00:11:42,220 --> 00:11:44,340 his brothers and his students. 312 00:11:44,340 --> 00:11:46,340 On one occasion, there entered upon him 313 00:11:46,340 --> 00:11:48,340 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Jarir 314 00:11:48,340 --> 00:11:50,340 accompanied by his son. 315 00:11:50,340 --> 00:11:52,340 They took their seats with him, 316 00:11:52,340 --> 00:11:54,340 greeted him with peace, and prayed 317 00:11:54,340 --> 00:11:56,340 for him to have the best of this world and the Hereafter. 318 00:11:56,340 --> 00:11:58,340 So he returned their greeting 319 00:11:58,340 --> 00:12:00,340 with a better one, welcomed 320 00:12:00,340 --> 00:12:02,340 them both, and then conversation 321 00:12:02,340 --> 00:12:04,340 ensued between them. 322 00:12:04,340 --> 00:12:06,340 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Jarir said to him: 323 00:12:06,340 --> 00:12:08,340 "How do we attain spiritual breakthroughs, 324 00:12:08,340 --> 00:12:10,340 O Abu Hazim?" 325 00:12:10,340 --> 00:12:12,340 He replied: 326 00:12:12,340 --> 00:12:14,340 "When inner intentions are made sincere, 327 00:12:14,340 --> 00:12:16,340 major sins are forgiven. 328 00:12:16,340 --> 00:12:18,340 And when a servant resolves to abandon 329 00:12:18,340 --> 00:12:20,340 sins, spiritual breakthroughs head toward him— 330 00:12:20,340 --> 00:12:22,409 that is, divine openings come upon him. 331 00:12:22,409 --> 00:12:24,409 And do not forget, O 'Abd al-Rahman, 332 00:12:24,409 --> 00:12:26,409 that a little of this world 333 00:12:26,409 --> 00:12:28,409 distracts us from much of the Hereafter. 334 00:12:28,409 --> 00:12:30,409 And every blessing 335 00:12:30,409 --> 00:12:32,409 that does not bring you closer to Allah, Mighty and Sublime, 336 00:12:32,409 --> 00:12:34,470 is a affliction." 337 00:12:34,470 --> 00:12:36,470 His son then asked him: 338 00:12:36,470 --> 00:12:38,470 "Indeed, our elders are many, 339 00:12:38,470 --> 00:12:40,470 so whom among them should we emulate?" 340 00:12:40,470 --> 00:12:42,470 He said: 341 00:12:42,470 --> 00:12:44,470 "O my son, 342 00:12:44,470 --> 00:12:46,470 emulate the one who fears Allah in secret, 343 00:12:46,470 --> 00:12:48,470 refrains from being tainted 344 00:12:48,470 --> 00:12:50,470 by defects, 345 00:12:50,470 --> 00:12:52,470 rectifies himself during the time of his youth, 346 00:12:52,470 --> 00:12:54,470 and does not defer that 347 00:12:54,470 --> 00:12:56,470 until the period of old age. 348 00:12:56,470 --> 00:12:58,470 And know, O my son, 349 00:12:58,470 --> 00:13:00,470 that there is no day on which the sun rises 350 00:13:00,470 --> 00:13:02,470 except that there comes 351 00:13:02,470 --> 00:13:04,470 upon the seeker of knowledge his desire and his knowledge. 352 00:13:04,470 --> 00:13:06,470 They then struggle against each other 353 00:13:06,470 --> 00:13:08,470 in his chest like the struggling 354 00:13:08,470 --> 00:13:10,470 of two litigants. 355 00:13:10,470 --> 00:13:12,470 If his knowledge overcomes his desire, 356 00:13:12,470 --> 00:13:14,470 his day is a day of gain 357 00:13:14,470 --> 00:13:16,470 for him. 358 00:13:16,470 --> 00:13:18,470 But if his desire overcomes his knowledge, 359 00:13:18,470 --> 00:13:20,470 his day is a day of loss 360 00:13:20,470 --> 00:13:22,570 against him." 361 00:13:22,570 --> 00:13:24,570 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Jarir said to him: 362 00:13:24,570 --> 00:13:26,570 "You have often urged us 363 00:13:26,570 --> 00:13:28,570 to give thanks, O Abu Hazim. 364 00:13:28,570 --> 00:13:30,629 What is the reality of gratitude?" 365 00:13:30,629 --> 00:13:32,629 He replied: "For every limb 366 00:13:32,629 --> 00:13:34,629 among our limbs, there is a duty 367 00:13:34,629 --> 00:13:36,629 of gratitude incumbent upon us." 368 00:13:36,629 --> 00:13:38,629 'Abd al-Rahman asked: 369 00:13:38,629 --> 00:13:40,629 "What is the gratitude of the eyes?" 370 00:13:40,629 --> 00:13:42,629 He said: "If you see good with them, 371 00:13:42,629 --> 00:13:44,629 you make it known; 372 00:13:44,629 --> 00:13:46,629 and if you see evil with them, 373 00:13:46,629 --> 00:13:48,759 you conceal it." 374 00:13:48,759 --> 00:13:50,759 'Abd al-Rahman asked: 375 00:13:50,759 --> 00:13:52,759 "And what is the gratitude of the ears?" 376 00:13:52,759 --> 00:13:54,759 He said: "If you hear good with them, 377 00:13:54,759 --> 00:13:56,759 you comprehend it; 378 00:13:56,759 --> 00:13:58,759 and if you hear evil with them, 379 00:13:58,759 --> 00:14:06,720 you bury it." 'Abd al-Rahman asked: "And what is the gratitude of the hands?" He replied: "That you do not take 380 00:14:06,720 --> 00:14:14,019 with them what is not yours, and that you do not withhold with them a right among the rights of Allah. And do not overlook, 381 00:14:14,019 --> 00:14:20,419 O 'Abd al-Rahman, that whoever restricts his gratitude to his tongue and does not engage all 382 00:14:20,419 --> 00:14:27,460 his limbs and his heart along with it, his likeness is that of a man who has a cloak, but he takes hold 383 00:14:27,460 --> 00:14:34,299 of its edge and does not wear it. That does not protect him from the heat, nor does it safeguard him from 384 00:14:34,299 --> 00:14:42,019 the cold." In a certain year, Salamah ibn Dinar set out with the armies of the Muslims 385 00:14:42,019 --> 00:14:47,379 heading toward the lands of the Romans, seeking jihad in the cause of Allah alongside 386 00:14:47,379 --> 00:14:53,179 the fighters. When the army reached the final stage of the journey, 387 00:14:53,179 --> 00:14:59,620 it preferred rest and recuperation before meeting the enemy and engaging in battle. 388 00:14:59,620 --> 00:15:05,299 There was in the army a commander from among the commanders of the Umayyads, so he sent a messenger to Abu 389 00:15:05,299 --> 00:15:12,539 Hazim saying to him: "The commander invites you to come to him so that you may speak to him and teach him fiqh." So he wrote 390 00:15:12,539 --> 00:15:18,620 to the commander saying: "O commander, I have known the people of knowledge, and they do not 391 00:15:18,620 --> 00:15:24,860 carry religion to the people of worldly pursuits. Nor do I think you wish for me to be the first to 392 00:15:24,860 --> 00:15:31,259 do that. If you have a need of us, then come to us. Peace be upon you 393 00:15:31,259 --> 00:15:37,940 and upon those with you." When the commander read his letter, he went to him, greeted him 394 00:15:37,940 --> 00:15:45,940 warmly, and said: "O Abu Hazim, we have reviewed what you wrote to us, and it has only increased your 395 00:15:45,940 --> 00:15:53,289 honor and nobility in our eyes. So remind us and admonish us; may you be rewarded on our behalf with the best 396 00:15:53,289 --> 00:16:00,529 reward." Thereupon Abu Hazim set about admonishing and reminding him. Among the things he said 397 00:16:00,529 --> 00:16:07,009 "Look at what you would wish to have with you in the Hereafter, and strive for it in this world; 398 00:16:07,009 --> 00:16:13,690 and look at what you would hate to have with you there, and renounce it here. Know, 399 00:16:13,730 --> 00:16:20,289 O leader, that if falsehood finds favor with you and gains currency, the purveyors of falsehood and hypocrites will flock to you 400 00:16:20,289 --> 00:16:27,450 and gather around you. But if the truth finds favor with you and prevails, the people of goodness will gather around you 401 00:16:27,450 --> 00:16:35,789 and assist you in upholding it. So choose for yourself whatever pleases you." And when death approached Abu Hazim al-A'raj, his companions asked him, "How do you find yourself, O 402 00:16:35,789 --> 00:16:41,870 Abu Hazim?" 403 00:16:41,870 --> 00:16:50,350 He replied, "If we are saved from the evil of what we have acquired in this world, then whatever of it was withheld from us will do us no harm." 404 00:16:50,350 --> 00:17:09,440 He then recited the noble verse, repeating it continuously until certainty (death) came to him. 405 00:17:09,440 --> 00:17:22,779 "I have never seen anyone whose speech was closer to wisdom than Abu Hazim," 406 00:17:22,779 --> 00:17:30,869 said 'Abd al-Rahman Ibn Zayd. 407 00:17:55,950 --> 00:18:05,950 They filled life with glory through their deeds, and the world blossomed through them.