WEBVTT 00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:03.399 In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. 00:00:03.399 --> 00:00:08.400 The finest of generations in conduct and exemplar, 00:00:08.400 --> 00:00:13.400 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 00:00:13.400 --> 00:00:15.400 Mawaddah Association 00:00:15.400 --> 00:00:17.399 Presents: 00:00:17.399 --> 00:00:21.460 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un, 00:00:21.460 --> 00:00:26.500 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 00:00:26.500 --> 00:00:30.739 May Allah have mercy upon him. 00:00:30.739 --> 00:00:32.740 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah, 00:00:32.740 --> 00:00:34.740 May Allah have mercy upon him. 00:00:43.060 --> 00:00:47.060 Here we are in the final ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, 00:00:47.060 --> 00:00:50.060 In the ninety-seventh year of the Hijrah, 00:00:50.060 --> 00:00:52.060 And this Ancient House 00:00:52.060 --> 00:00:56.060 Is surging with pilgrims journeying to Allah from every distant pass: 00:00:56.060 --> 00:00:58.060 On foot and mounted, 00:00:58.060 --> 00:01:00.060 The elderly and the young, 00:01:00.060 --> 00:01:02.060 Men and women, 00:01:02.060 --> 00:01:05.120 Among them the black and the white, 00:01:05.120 --> 00:01:07.120 The Arab and the non-Arab, 00:01:07.120 --> 00:01:09.120 The master and the servant. 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:14.310 All have come before the King of mankind, humble and proclaiming His praise, 00:01:14.310 --> 00:01:16.310 Hopeful and expectant. 00:01:16.310 --> 00:01:19.340 And here is Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik, 00:01:19.340 --> 00:01:21.340 The Caliph of the Muslims 00:01:21.340 --> 00:01:23.340 And the greatest monarch on earth, 00:01:23.340 --> 00:01:26.340 Circumambulating the Ancient House, 00:01:26.340 --> 00:01:29.409 Bareheaded and barefoot, 00:01:29.409 --> 00:01:32.409 Clad in nothing but an izar and a rida', 00:01:32.409 --> 00:01:38.409 No different in that from the rest of his subjects among his brothers in Allah. 00:01:38.409 --> 00:01:41.409 Behind him were his two sons, 00:01:41.409 --> 00:01:45.409 Two youths as radiant and handsome as the full moon, 00:01:45.409 --> 00:01:49.409 And as fresh and fragrant as rosebuds. 00:01:49.409 --> 00:01:52.409 No sooner had he finished his circumambulation 00:01:52.409 --> 00:01:56.409 Than he turned toward one of his close attendants and asked: 00:01:56.409 --> 00:01:58.409 "Where is your master?" 00:01:58.409 --> 00:02:03.409 The man replied: "He is over there, standing in prayer," 00:02:03.409 --> 00:02:07.409 Pointing toward the western side of the Sacred Mosque. 00:02:07.409 --> 00:02:13.409 So the Caliph, followed by his two sons, made his way toward where the attendant pointed. 00:02:13.409 --> 00:02:18.409 The royal courtiers moved to follow the Caliph to clear a path for him 00:02:18.409 --> 00:02:21.409 And protect him from the crushing crowd, 00:02:21.409 --> 00:02:24.409 But he restrained them, saying: 00:02:24.409 --> 00:02:28.409 "This is a place where kings and commoners stand equal; 00:02:28.409 --> 00:02:32.409 No one holds precedence over another here 00:02:32.409 --> 00:02:35.409 Except through acceptance and piety. 00:02:35.409 --> 00:02:38.409 Many a disheveled, dust-covered soul has presented himself before Allah, 00:02:38.409 --> 00:02:42.409 And He accepted him in a way He never accepted kings." 00:02:42.409 --> 00:02:45.699 Then he proceeded toward the man, 00:02:45.699 --> 00:02:49.699 Only to find him still engaged in prayer, 00:02:49.699 --> 00:02:52.699 Immersed in his bowings and prostrations, 00:02:52.699 --> 00:02:56.699 With people seated behind him and to his right and left. 00:02:56.699 --> 00:02:59.699 So he sat down wherever the gathering ended, 00:02:59.699 --> 00:03:02.699 And seated his two sons beside him. 00:03:02.699 --> 00:03:05.699 The two Qurayshi youths began 00:03:05.699 --> 00:03:10.699 To gaze intently at this man whom the Commander of the Believers had sought out, 00:03:10.699 --> 00:03:15.759 And beside the common folk sat waiting for him to conclude his prayer. 00:03:15.759 --> 00:03:18.759 He turned out to be an elderly Abyssinian man: 00:03:18.759 --> 00:03:21.759 Dark-skinned, with tightly curled hair, 00:03:21.759 --> 00:03:23.759 And a flat nose; 00:03:23.759 --> 00:03:26.759 When seated, he appeared like a black raven. 00:03:26.759 --> 00:03:31.009 Once the man completed his prayer, 00:03:31.009 --> 00:03:35.009 He turned toward the side where the Caliph sat. 00:03:35.009 --> 00:03:38.009 Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik greeted him, 00:03:38.009 --> 00:03:41.009 And he returned the greeting in like manner. 00:03:41.009 --> 00:03:44.009 Thereupon the Caliph approached him 00:03:44.009 --> 00:03:48.009 And began asking him about the rites of Hajj, rite by rite, 00:03:48.009 --> 00:03:52.009 While the man gave exhaustive answers to every question, 00:03:52.009 --> 00:03:58.009 Explaining each matter in such detail that it left no room for further inquiry, 00:03:58.009 --> 00:04:04.009 Tracing every single statement back to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:04:04.009 --> 00:04:07.169 When the Caliph finished questioning him, 00:04:07.169 --> 00:04:09.169 He prayed for Allah to reward him with good 00:04:09.169 --> 00:04:12.169 And said to his two sons: "Stand up." 00:04:12.169 --> 00:04:13.169 So they stood, 00:04:13.169 --> 00:04:16.170 And the three of them walked toward the Mas'a. 00:04:16.170 --> 00:04:21.199 While on their way to perform the Sa'y between al-Safa and al-Marwah, 00:04:21.199 --> 00:04:24.199 The two boys heard criers proclaiming: 00:04:24.199 --> 00:04:26.199 "O gathering of Muslims! 00:04:26.199 --> 00:04:29.199 No one is to issue fatwas to the people in this sacred place 00:04:29.199 --> 00:04:32.199 Except 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah; 00:04:32.199 --> 00:04:34.199 And if he cannot be found, 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:36.199 Then Abd Allah ibn Abi Najih." 00:04:36.199 --> 00:04:40.420 One of the two boys turned to his father and asked: 00:04:40.420 --> 00:04:46.420 "How can the governor of the Commander of the Believers command the people not to seek fatwas from anyone 00:04:46.420 --> 00:04:49.420 Other than 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah and his companion, 00:04:49.420 --> 00:04:52.420 And then we ourselves come to seek a fatwa from this man 00:04:52.420 --> 00:04:55.420 Who paid no regard to the Caliph 00:04:55.420 --> 00:04:58.420 And did not accord him the deference due to his station?" 00:04:58.420 --> 00:05:01.519 Sulayman said to his son: 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:04.519 "This man whom you saw, my son, 00:05:04.519 --> 00:05:06.519 And before whom you witnessed our humility, 00:05:06.519 --> 00:05:09.519 Is 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah, 00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:12.519 The authority of fatwa in the Sacred Mosque, 00:05:12.519 --> 00:05:14.519 And the heir to Abd Allah ibn Abbas 00:05:14.519 --> 00:05:17.519 In this lofty station." 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:19.519 Then he added, saying: 00:05:19.519 --> 00:05:20.519 "O my son, 00:05:20.519 --> 00:05:22.519 Acquire knowledge, 00:05:22.519 --> 00:05:24.519 For through knowledge the humble is ennobled, 00:05:24.519 --> 00:05:26.519 The obscure becomes renowned, 00:05:26.519 --> 00:05:30.519 And slaves rise above the ranks of kings." 00:05:30.519 --> 00:05:39.149 Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik was not exaggerating in what he told his son concerning knowledge. 00:05:39.149 --> 00:05:43.149 For 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah had, in his youth, 00:05:43.149 --> 00:05:46.149 Been an enslaved servant belonging to a woman of Makkah. 00:05:46.149 --> 00:05:51.149 Yet Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, honored this Abyssinian youth 00:05:51.149 --> 00:05:56.149 By guiding his steps onto the path of knowledge from his earliest years. 00:05:56.149 --> 00:05:59.149 He divided his time into three parts: 00:05:59.149 --> 00:06:02.149 One part he devoted to his mistress, 00:06:02.149 --> 00:06:05.149 Serving her in the finest manner possible 00:06:05.149 --> 00:06:10.149 And fulfilling his obligations toward her in the most complete way they could be fulfilled; 00:06:10.149 --> 00:06:13.250 A second part he dedicated to his Lord, 00:06:13.250 --> 00:06:20.250 Devoting himself to His worship in the purest and most sincere devotion to Allah Almighty; 00:06:20.250 --> 00:06:23.250 And a third part he reserved for seeking knowledge, 00:06:23.250 --> 00:06:30.250 Where he approached those who remained alive of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:06:30.250 --> 00:06:34.250 And began to draw copiously from their pure, abundant springs. 00:06:34.250 --> 00:06:37.250 He studied under Abu Hurayrah, 00:06:37.250 --> 00:06:39.250 Abd Allah ibn Umar, 00:06:39.250 --> 00:06:41.250 Abd Allah ibn Abbas, 00:06:41.250 --> 00:06:43.250 Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr, 00:06:43.250 --> 00:06:48.250 And other noble Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, 00:06:48.250 --> 00:06:51.250 Until his heart was filled with knowledge, fiqh, 00:06:51.250 --> 00:06:57.529 And transmissions from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 00:06:57.529 --> 00:07:00.529 When the Makkan noblewoman saw 00:07:00.529 --> 00:07:03.529 That her servant had sold his soul to Allah 00:07:03.529 --> 00:07:06.529 And dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, 00:07:06.529 --> 00:07:08.529 She relinquished her claim over him 00:07:08.529 --> 00:07:12.529 And emancipated him seeking closeness to Allah Almighty, 00:07:12.529 --> 00:07:16.529 In the hope that Allah would benefit Islam and the Muslims through him. 00:07:16.529 --> 00:07:19.529 From that day forth, 00:07:19.529 --> 00:07:24.529 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah took the Sacred Mosque as his dwelling: 00:07:24.529 --> 00:07:27.529 He made it the home to which he retreated, 00:07:27.529 --> 00:07:30.529 The school in which he studied, 00:07:30.529 --> 00:07:36.529 And the sanctuary in which he drew near to Allah through piety and obedience, 00:07:36.529 --> 00:07:38.529 So much so that historians remarked: 00:07:38.529 --> 00:07:45.529 The mosque served as the bed of 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah for nearly twenty years. 00:07:45.529 --> 00:07:52.870 The eminent tabi'i 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah attained a station in knowledge 00:07:52.870 --> 00:07:54.870 That surpassed all measure, 00:07:54.870 --> 00:08:00.870 Rising to a rank attained by only a few of his contemporaries. 00:08:00.870 --> 00:08:05.870 It was narrated that Abd Allah ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, 00:08:05.870 --> 00:08:07.870 Arrived in Makkah for Umrah, 00:08:07.870 --> 00:08:11.870 And the people flocked to him, questioning him and seeking his fatwas. 00:08:11.870 --> 00:08:13.870 He said: 00:08:13.870 --> 00:08:16.870 "I am truly astonished at you, O people of Makkah! 00:08:16.870 --> 00:08:22.870 Do you gather questions to ask me while you have among you 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah?" 00:08:22.870 --> 00:08:31.339 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah achieved this lofty rank in religion and knowledge 00:08:31.339 --> 00:08:33.340 Through two distinct qualities: 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:38.340 First, he mastered complete control over himself, 00:08:38.340 --> 00:08:42.340 Never allowing his ego free rein to indulge in that which brought no benefit; 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:47.340 And second, he exercised strict mastery over his time, 00:08:47.340 --> 00:08:51.340 Never squandering it in idle speech or useless action. 00:08:51.340 --> 00:08:56.340 Muhammad ibn Suqah addressed a group of his visitors, saying: 00:08:56.340 --> 00:09:01.340 "Shall I not narrate to you a hadith that may benefit you just as it benefited me?" 00:09:01.340 --> 00:09:03.340 They said: "Yes, indeed." 00:09:03.340 --> 00:09:07.340 He said: 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah once advised me, 00:09:07.340 --> 00:09:10.340 Saying: "O my nephew, 00:09:10.340 --> 00:09:15.340 Those before us used to detest superfluous speech." 00:09:15.340 --> 00:09:19.340 I asked: "And what was superfluous speech in their view?" 00:09:19.340 --> 00:09:24.340 He said: "They considered all speech superfluous 00:09:24.340 --> 00:09:28.340 Except the Book of Allah Almighty recited and understood, 00:09:28.340 --> 00:09:34.340 Or the hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, transmitted and comprehended, 00:09:34.340 --> 00:09:37.340 Or enjoining good and forbidding wrong, 00:09:37.340 --> 00:09:41.340 Or knowledge through which closeness is sought to Allah the Exalted, 00:09:41.340 --> 00:09:47.340 Or speaking of your necessary needs and livelihood without which you cannot manage." 00:09:47.340 --> 00:09:50.340 Then he gazed intently into my face and said: 00:09:50.340 --> 00:09:55.340 "Do you deny that there are over you guardian scribes, honorable recorders, 00:09:55.340 --> 00:09:58.340 And that with each of you are two angels?" 00:09:58.340 --> 00:10:01.340 “When the two Receivers receive (him), seated on the right hand and on the left,” (50:17) 00:10:01.340 --> 00:10:06.340 “He uttereth no word but there is with him an observer ready.” (50:18) 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:10.340 Then he said: "Is not one of us ashamed 00:10:10.340 --> 00:10:15.340 That if his scroll—which he dictated throughout the early part of his day—were spread before him, 00:10:15.340 --> 00:10:21.340 He would find that most of it concerns neither his religious affairs nor his worldly well-being?" 00:10:21.340 --> 00:10:25.750 Indeed, Allah Almighty brought benefit 00:10:25.750 --> 00:10:27.750 Through the knowledge of 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah 00:10:27.750 --> 00:10:30.750 To diverse groups of people: 00:10:30.750 --> 00:10:33.750 Among them were specialized scholars, 00:10:33.750 --> 00:10:36.750 Among them were professional craftsmen, 00:10:36.750 --> 00:10:38.750 And among them were others besides. 00:10:38.750 --> 00:10:43.820 Imam Abu Hanifah al-Nu'man related of himself, saying: 00:10:43.820 --> 00:10:48.820 "I fell into error regarding five matters of the pilgrimage rites in Makkah, 00:10:48.820 --> 00:10:50.820 And a cupper-barber taught them to me. 00:10:50.820 --> 00:10:55.820 That happened when I wished to shave my head to exit the state of ihram, 00:10:55.820 --> 00:10:58.820 So I went to a barber and asked: 00:10:58.820 --> 00:11:00.820 'For how much will you shave my head?' 00:11:00.820 --> 00:11:03.820 He said: 'May Allah guide you! 00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:06.820 A rite of worship is not bargained over; 00:11:06.820 --> 00:11:09.820 Sit down and give whatever is easy for you.' 00:11:09.820 --> 00:11:11.879 Overcome with embarrassment, I sat down, 00:11:11.879 --> 00:11:15.879 But I sat facing away from the Qiblah. 00:11:15.879 --> 00:11:18.879 He gestured to me to face the Qiblah, 00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:22.879 So I did, feeling all the more embarrassed. 00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:26.980 Then I presented the left side of my head for him to shave, 00:11:26.980 --> 00:11:30.980 But he said: 'Turn your right side.' 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:33.980 So I turned it, and he began shaving my head 00:11:33.980 --> 00:11:37.980 While I sat in silence, looking at him in utter astonishment. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:41.980 He said to me: 'Why do I see you silent? 00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:44.980 Proclaim the Takbir!' So I began reciting the Takbir, 00:11:44.980 --> 00:11:47.980 Until I stood up to leave. 00:11:47.980 --> 00:11:50.980 He said: 'Where do you intend to go?' 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:54.980 I said: 'I want to head back to my lodging.' 00:11:54.980 --> 00:11:57.980 He said: 'Pray two rak'ahs, 00:11:57.980 --> 00:12:00.980 Then go wherever you please.' 00:12:00.980 --> 00:12:03.100 So I prayed two rak'ahs, 00:12:03.100 --> 00:12:05.100 And I thought to myself, 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:08.100 "Such knowledge could not possibly come from a mere cupper, 00:12:08.100 --> 00:12:11.100 unless he were a man of profound learning." 00:12:11.100 --> 00:12:13.169 So I asked him, 00:12:13.169 --> 00:12:16.169 "Where did you learn these pilgrimage rites that you instructed me to perform?" 00:12:16.169 --> 00:12:19.259 He replied, "May Allah preserve you! 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:23.259 I saw 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah doing them, 00:12:23.259 --> 00:12:25.259 so I learned them from him, 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:28.259 and I have been guiding the people to him ever since." 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:33.669 Indeed, the worldly life came pursuing 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah, 00:12:33.669 --> 00:12:36.669 yet he completely turned away from it, 00:12:36.669 --> 00:12:39.700 rejecting it with the utmost resolve. 00:12:39.700 --> 00:12:42.700 He lived his entire life wearing a simple garment 00:12:42.700 --> 00:12:46.700 worth no more than five dirhams. 00:12:46.700 --> 00:12:50.700 The caliphs frequently invited him to join their court, 00:12:50.700 --> 00:12:52.700 but he never accepted their invitations, 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:55.700 fearing for his religion from the temptations of their worldly allurements. 00:12:55.700 --> 00:12:59.799 Nevertheless, he would still travel to visit them 00:12:59.799 --> 00:13:04.799 whenever he saw in doing so a benefit for the Muslims or a good for Islam. 00:13:04.799 --> 00:13:10.990 Among such accounts is what 'Uthman ibn 'Ata' al-Khurasani narrated, saying: 00:13:10.990 --> 00:13:14.990 "I set out with my father heading toward Hisham ibn 'Abd al-Malik. 00:13:14.990 --> 00:13:17.990 When we approached Damascus in the morning, 00:13:17.990 --> 00:13:21.990 we suddenly came upon an old man riding a black donkey, 00:13:21.990 --> 00:13:25.990 wearing a coarse shirt, a worn-out cloak, 00:13:25.990 --> 00:13:29.990 and a small cap clinging tightly to his head, 00:13:29.990 --> 00:13:31.990 with stirrups made of wood. 00:13:31.990 --> 00:13:36.120 I laughed at his sight and asked my father, 'Who is this?' 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:41.120 He said, 'Be quiet! This is the master of the jurists of the Hijaz: 00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:43.120 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah.' 00:13:44.409 --> 00:13:46.409 When he drew near to us, 00:13:46.409 --> 00:13:48.409 my father dismounted from his mule, 00:13:48.409 --> 00:13:50.409 and 'Ata' dismounted from his donkey. 00:13:50.409 --> 00:13:53.409 They embraced and inquired about each other's well-being, 00:13:53.409 --> 00:13:55.409 then remounted 00:13:55.409 --> 00:14:00.409 and rode on until they arrived at the gates of Hisham ibn 'Abd al-Malik's palace. 00:14:00.409 --> 00:14:03.440 No sooner had they sat down 00:14:03.440 --> 00:14:05.440 than permission was granted for them to enter. 00:14:05.440 --> 00:14:08.440 When my father came out, I said to him, 00:14:08.440 --> 00:14:11.440 'Tell me what happened between you two.' 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:12.440 He replied, 00:14:12.440 --> 00:14:17.539 'When Hisham learned that 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah was at the door, 00:14:17.539 --> 00:14:19.539 he promptly granted him entrance; 00:14:19.539 --> 00:14:22.539 and by Allah, I only gained admittance because of him. 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:25.700 When Hisham saw him, he exclaimed, 00:14:25.700 --> 00:14:27.700 "Welcome! Welcome! 00:14:27.700 --> 00:14:29.700 Come over here, come over here!" 00:14:29.700 --> 00:14:31.700 And he kept saying to him, 00:14:31.700 --> 00:14:33.700 "Come over here, come over here!" 00:14:33.700 --> 00:14:36.700 until he seated him beside him on his couch, 00:14:36.700 --> 00:14:39.700 with his knee touching his own. 00:14:39.700 --> 00:14:42.860 Present in the assembly were the most eminent of the people, 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:44.860 who had been speaking amongst themselves, 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:45.860 but they fell completely silent. 00:14:45.860 --> 00:14:48.860 Then Hisham turned to him and asked, 00:14:48.860 --> 00:14:51.860 "What is your request, O Abu Muhammad?" 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:52.889 He said, 00:14:52.889 --> 00:14:54.889 "O Commander of the Faithful! 00:14:54.889 --> 00:14:56.889 The people of the Two Holy Sanctuaries— 00:14:56.889 --> 00:15:01.889 who are the people of Allah and the neighbors of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)— 00:15:01.889 --> 00:15:05.889 distribute to them their provisions and stipends." 00:15:05.889 --> 00:15:06.889 He replied, "Yes. 00:15:06.889 --> 00:15:08.889 Boy! 00:15:08.889 --> 00:15:13.889 Write down that the people of Makkah and Madinah be granted their stipends and provisions for a full year." 00:15:13.889 --> 00:15:16.019 Then he asked, 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:19.019 "Do you have any other request, O Abu Muhammad?" 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:22.049 He replied, "Yes, O Commander of the Faithful. 00:15:22.049 --> 00:15:25.049 The people of the Hijaz and the people of Najd, 00:15:25.049 --> 00:15:28.049 who are the origin of the Arabs and the vanguards of Islam— 00:15:28.049 --> 00:15:31.049 let the surplus of their charity be redistributed among them." 00:15:31.049 --> 00:15:33.049 He replied, "Yes. 00:15:33.049 --> 00:15:35.049 Boy! 00:15:35.049 --> 00:15:39.049 Write that the surplus of their charity be returned to them. 00:15:39.049 --> 00:15:43.299 Do you have any other need besides that, O Abu Muhammad?" 00:15:43.299 --> 00:15:46.370 He replied, "Yes, O Commander of the Faithful. 00:15:46.370 --> 00:15:48.370 The garrison frontier guards, 00:15:48.370 --> 00:15:50.370 who stand in the face of your enemies 00:15:50.370 --> 00:15:54.370 and slay those who seek evil against the Muslims— 00:15:54.370 --> 00:15:58.370 ensure continuous stipends to be distributed to them, 00:15:58.370 --> 00:16:01.370 for if they perish, the frontiers will be lost." 00:16:01.370 --> 00:16:03.370 He replied, "Yes. 00:16:03.370 --> 00:16:04.370 Boy! 00:16:04.370 --> 00:16:07.370 Write an order to dispatch their stipends to them. 00:16:07.370 --> 00:16:11.460 Is there any other request, O Abu Muhammad?" 00:16:11.460 --> 00:16:14.500 He replied, "Yes, O Commander of the Faithful. 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:16.559 The non-Muslim subjects under your covenant of protection (Dhimmah)— 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:19.559 do not burden them with what is beyond their capacity, 00:16:19.559 --> 00:16:24.590 for what you collect from them serves as an aid for you against your enemies." 00:16:24.590 --> 00:16:26.750 He said, 00:16:26.750 --> 00:16:27.750 "Boy! 00:16:27.750 --> 00:16:32.750 Write an order regarding the protected non-Muslim subjects that they must not be overburdened beyond their capacity. 00:16:32.750 --> 00:16:36.850 Is there any other request, O Abu Muhammad?" 00:16:36.850 --> 00:16:38.850 He replied, "Yes. 00:16:38.850 --> 00:16:42.850 Fear Allah regarding your own soul, O Commander of the Faithful! 00:16:42.850 --> 00:16:45.850 Know that you were created alone, 00:16:45.850 --> 00:16:47.850 you will die alone, 00:16:47.850 --> 00:16:49.850 you will be resurrected alone, 00:16:49.850 --> 00:16:51.850 and you will be held accountable alone; 00:16:51.850 --> 00:16:55.850 and by Allah, not a single one of those you see around you will be with you." 00:16:55.850 --> 00:16:59.850 Thereupon, Hisham bowed his head, scratching at the ground while weeping profusely. 00:16:59.850 --> 00:17:01.850 Then 'Ata' stood up, 00:17:01.850 --> 00:17:03.850 and I stood up with him. 00:17:03.850 --> 00:17:05.849 When we reached the door, 00:17:05.849 --> 00:17:10.849 a man suddenly followed him carrying a pouch—I know not what was in it— 00:17:10.849 --> 00:17:11.849 and said to him, 00:17:11.849 --> 00:17:15.880 "The Commander of the Faithful has sent this for you." 00:17:15.880 --> 00:17:16.910 'Ata' replied, 00:17:16.910 --> 00:17:18.910 "Far from it! 00:17:18.910 --> 00:17:20.910 'And I do not ask you for any reward for it; 00:17:20.910 --> 00:17:24.910 my reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.' 00:17:24.910 --> 00:17:28.039 So by Allah, he entered upon the caliph 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:30.039 and departed from him, 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:33.039 without having drunk even a single drop of water.' 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:35.640 To conclude: 00:17:35.640 --> 00:17:38.640 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah lived a long life, 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:40.640 reaching one hundred years of age, 00:17:40.640 --> 00:17:43.640 which he filled with sacred knowledge and righteous deeds, 00:17:43.640 --> 00:17:45.640 imbued with piety and devotion, 00:17:45.640 --> 00:17:49.640 and purified through ascetic detachment from what people possessed 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:52.640 and eager longing for that which is with Allah. 00:17:52.640 --> 00:17:54.640 So when the certainty of death arrived for him, 00:17:54.640 --> 00:17:58.640 it found him carrying a light burden of worldly entanglements, 00:17:58.640 --> 00:18:01.640 abundantly provisioned with righteous deeds for the Hereafter, 00:18:01.640 --> 00:18:03.640 and having accomplished alongside that 00:18:03.640 --> 00:18:05.640 seventy pilgrimages, 00:18:05.640 --> 00:18:09.640 during which he stood seventy times upon the plains of 'Arafat, 00:18:09.640 --> 00:18:13.640 imploring Allah Almighty for His pleasure and Paradise, 00:18:13.640 --> 00:18:17.640 and seeking His refuge from His wrath and the Hellfire. 00:18:17.640 --> 00:18:24.720 "I have never seen anyone who sought the Countenance of Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, through sacred knowledge 00:18:24.720 --> 00:18:26.720 other than these three: 00:18:26.720 --> 00:18:30.720 'Ata', Tawus, and Mujahid." 00:18:30.720 --> 00:18:33.009 — Salamah ibn Kuhayl. 00:18:59.769 --> 00:19:04.769 Did any shining star ever ascend and illuminate like them? 00:19:04.769 --> 00:19:09.769 They filled life with glorious deeds through their lofty heights, 00:19:09.769 --> 00:19:13.440 and through them the horizons of humanity flourished with splendor.