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 --> 00:00:08,560 The best of generations in their conduct and as examples, 3 00:00:08,560 --> 00:00:13,560 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 4 00:00:13,560 --> 00:00:15,560 Mawaddah Association 5 00:00:15,560 --> 00:00:17,559 Presents: 6 00:00:17,559 --> 00:00:21,620 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un 7 00:00:21,620 --> 00:00:26,660 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 8 00:00:26,660 --> 00:00:31,120 May Allah have mercy upon him. 9 00:00:31,120 --> 00:00:33,119 Abu Muslim al-Khawlani, 10 00:00:33,119 --> 00:00:35,439 May Allah have mercy upon him. 11 00:00:44,530 --> 00:00:47,530 News spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula 12 00:00:47,530 --> 00:00:50,530 That the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 13 00:00:50,530 --> 00:00:54,530 Had become heavily burdened by illness after his return from the Farewell Pilgrimage. 14 00:00:54,530 --> 00:00:57,659 So, Satan whispered to al-Aswad al-Ansi 15 00:00:57,659 --> 00:01:00,659 To return to disbelief after having believed, 16 00:01:00,659 --> 00:01:03,659 And to fabricate lies against Allah, 17 00:01:03,659 --> 00:01:05,659 Claiming to his people in Yemen 18 00:01:05,659 --> 00:01:11,379 That he was a prophet sent from Allah. 19 00:01:11,379 --> 00:01:15,379 Al-Aswad al-Ansi was a man of intense temperament, 20 00:01:15,379 --> 00:01:18,379 Strong in physique, dark of soul, 21 00:01:18,379 --> 00:01:20,379 And widespread in his wickedness. 22 00:01:20,379 --> 00:01:23,379 He had mastered soothsaying during the Jahiliyyah, 23 00:01:23,379 --> 00:01:26,379 And was skilled in deceiving people. 24 00:01:26,379 --> 00:01:29,379 Furthermore, he was eloquent of tongue, 25 00:01:29,379 --> 00:01:31,379 Possessing brilliant expression and a sharp mind, 26 00:01:31,379 --> 00:01:35,379 Capable of playing with the minds of the masses with his falsehoods, 27 00:01:35,379 --> 00:01:39,379 And winning the loyalty of the elite through his gifts and generosity. 28 00:01:39,379 --> 00:01:44,379 He would never appear to people except while veiled with a black mask, 29 00:01:44,379 --> 00:01:48,379 To surround himself with an aura of mystery and awe. 30 00:01:48,379 --> 00:01:52,579 The call of al-Aswad al-Ansi spread in Yemen 31 00:01:52,579 --> 00:01:55,579 Like fire in dry brush. 32 00:01:55,579 --> 00:01:57,579 He was aided in this 33 00:01:57,579 --> 00:02:01,579 By the support of his tribe, the Banu Madhhij, 34 00:02:01,579 --> 00:02:05,579 Which was at that time one of the most numerous tribes in Yemen, 35 00:02:05,579 --> 00:02:09,580 The most influential, and the most formidable. 36 00:02:09,580 --> 00:02:11,580 He was also aided 37 00:02:11,580 --> 00:02:15,580 By his ability to invent and fabricate lies, 38 00:02:15,580 --> 00:02:19,580 And by his reliance on the clever among his followers to assist him. 39 00:02:19,580 --> 00:02:21,639 He claimed to the people 40 00:02:21,639 --> 00:02:25,639 That an angel from heaven descended upon him with revelation, 41 00:02:25,639 --> 00:02:27,639 Informing him of the unseen. 42 00:02:27,639 --> 00:02:33,639 He employed various methods to convince people of the truth of his claim. 43 00:02:33,639 --> 00:02:36,639 He would plant his spies everywhere, 44 00:02:36,639 --> 00:02:40,639 To keep him informed of people's affairs and concerns, 45 00:02:40,639 --> 00:02:43,639 To uncover their secrets and news, 46 00:02:43,639 --> 00:02:49,639 And to penetrate the hopes and pains hidden within their souls. 47 00:02:49,639 --> 00:02:52,740 At the same time, they would 48 00:02:52,740 --> 00:02:55,740 Encourage these people to turn to him, 49 00:02:55,740 --> 00:02:57,740 And seek his help. 50 00:02:57,740 --> 00:02:59,740 So when they came, 51 00:02:59,740 --> 00:03:02,740 He would confront each person in need with their specific need, 52 00:03:02,740 --> 00:03:06,740 And address every person with a problem regarding their problem, 53 00:03:06,740 --> 00:03:10,740 Showing them that he was aware of their hidden secrets, 54 00:03:10,740 --> 00:03:14,740 And cognizant of the mysteries concealed within their souls. 55 00:03:14,740 --> 00:03:17,740 He performed wonders and marvels before them, 56 00:03:17,740 --> 00:03:21,740 Which stunned their minds and bewildered their intellects. 57 00:03:21,740 --> 00:03:23,740 Before long, his influence grew, 58 00:03:23,740 --> 00:03:27,740 His prominence was established, and his followers multiplied. 59 00:03:27,740 --> 00:03:29,740 He then launched an assault with them upon San'a, 60 00:03:29,740 --> 00:03:33,740 And from San'a, he struck at other regions, 61 00:03:33,740 --> 00:03:38,740 Until the lands between Hadhramaut and Ta'if submitted to him, 62 00:03:38,740 --> 00:03:41,740 As well as those between Bahrain and Aden. 63 00:03:41,740 --> 00:03:46,110 Once power was consolidated for al-Aswad al-Ansi, 64 00:03:46,110 --> 00:03:49,110 And the lands and the people submitted to him, 65 00:03:49,110 --> 00:03:52,110 He actively pursued his opponents, 66 00:03:52,110 --> 00:03:57,110 Those whom Allah had granted firm faith in His upright religion, 67 00:03:57,110 --> 00:04:02,110 Steadfast certainty in His noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 68 00:04:02,110 --> 00:04:06,110 And sincere loyalty to Allah and His Messenger. 69 00:04:06,110 --> 00:04:10,110 They spoke the truth openly and stood against falsehood. 70 00:04:10,110 --> 00:04:13,110 He began to strike them with harsh cruelty, 71 00:04:13,110 --> 00:04:16,110 And inflicted upon them the severest of punishments. 72 00:04:16,110 --> 00:04:21,110 At the forefront of these was Abd Allah ibn Thawb, 73 00:04:21,110 --> 00:04:26,230 Known as Abu Muslim al-Khawlani. 74 00:04:26,230 --> 00:04:30,230 Abu Muslim al-Khawlani was a man firm in his religion, 75 00:04:30,230 --> 00:04:35,230 Strong in his faith, and obstinate in proclaiming the truth. 76 00:04:35,230 --> 00:04:37,230 He had devoted himself entirely to Allah, 77 00:04:37,230 --> 00:04:40,230 Turning away from the world and its adornments, 78 00:04:40,230 --> 00:04:44,230 Renouncing the luxuries and pleasures of life, 79 00:04:44,230 --> 00:04:48,230 And dedicating his life to the obedience of Allah and calling others to Him. 80 00:04:48,230 --> 00:04:52,230 He traded the transient for the eternal with a generous heart. 81 00:04:52,230 --> 00:04:56,230 Thus, people held him in high esteem, 82 00:04:56,230 --> 00:05:00,230 Seeing in him a man of pure soul and spirit, 83 00:05:00,230 --> 00:05:03,230 Whose supplications were answered by Allah. 84 00:05:03,230 --> 00:05:09,360 Al-Aswad al-Ansi wanted to strike Abu Muslim with a mighty blow, 85 00:05:09,360 --> 00:05:15,360 One that would spread terror and panic among those who opposed his call, both in secret and in public, 86 00:05:15,360 --> 00:05:17,360 And suppress them completely. 87 00:05:17,360 --> 00:05:22,360 He ordered firewood to be piled up in one of the squares of San'a, 88 00:05:22,360 --> 00:05:24,360 And for it to be set ablaze. 89 00:05:24,360 --> 00:05:29,360 He invited the people to witness the repentance of the jurist and worshipper of Yemen, 90 00:05:29,360 --> 00:05:34,360 Abu Muslim al-Khawlani, and his acknowledgment of his prophethood. 91 00:05:34,360 --> 00:05:36,360 At the appointed time, 92 00:05:36,360 --> 00:05:42,360 Al-Aswad al-Ansi arrived at the square, which was packed with people, 93 00:05:42,360 --> 00:05:46,360 Surrounded by his tyrants and senior followers, 94 00:05:46,360 --> 00:05:49,360 And guarded by his bodyguards and military commanders. 95 00:05:49,360 --> 00:05:55,360 He sat on his great throne, which had been set up facing the fire. 96 00:05:55,360 --> 00:06:01,360 Abu Muslim al-Khawlani was brought to him in the sight and hearing of the people. 97 00:06:01,360 --> 00:06:07,360 When he stood before him, the lying tyrant looked at him with arrogance, 98 00:06:07,360 --> 00:06:12,360 Then looked at the fire raging fiercely before him. 99 00:06:12,360 --> 00:06:15,360 Then he turned to him and said, 100 00:06:15,360 --> 00:06:18,360 "Do you bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?" 101 00:06:18,360 --> 00:06:23,360 He replied, "Yes, I bear witness that he is the servant of Allah and His Messenger, 102 00:06:23,360 --> 00:06:26,360 And that he is the master of the messengers, 103 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:29,360 And that he is the seal of the prophets as well." 104 00:06:29,360 --> 00:06:32,360 Al-Aswad al-Ansi frowned, 105 00:06:32,360 --> 00:06:34,360 Knit his brows, and said, 106 00:06:34,360 --> 00:06:37,360 "And do you bear witness that I am the messenger of Allah?" 107 00:06:37,360 --> 00:06:41,360 He replied, "There is deafness in my ears, 108 00:06:41,360 --> 00:06:43,360 So I do not hear what you are saying." 109 00:06:43,360 --> 00:06:48,420 Al-Aswad said, "Then I shall throw you into this fire." 110 00:06:48,420 --> 00:06:50,490 Abu Muslim replied, 111 00:06:50,490 --> 00:06:51,490 "If you do, 112 00:06:51,490 --> 00:06:55,490 I will be protected from this fire, whose fuel is wood, 113 00:06:55,490 --> 00:06:59,490 “O ye who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire whereof the fuel is men and stones, over which are set angels strong, severe, who resist not Allah in that which He commandeth them, but do that which they are commanded.” (66:6) 114 00:06:59,490 --> 00:07:02,490 Over which are angels, harsh and severe." 115 00:07:02,490 --> 00:07:07,490 “O ye who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire whereof the fuel is men and stones, over which are set angels strong, severe, who resist not Allah in that which He commandeth them, but do that which they are commanded.” (66:6) 116 00:07:07,490 --> 00:07:09,519 Al-Aswad said, 117 00:07:09,519 --> 00:07:11,519 "I will not be hasty with you, 118 00:07:12,519 --> 00:07:16,579 And I will give you the opportunity to reconsider your mind." 119 00:07:16,579 --> 00:07:19,579 Then he repeated the question to him and said, 120 00:07:19,579 --> 00:07:22,579 "Do you bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?" 121 00:07:22,579 --> 00:07:24,579 He replied, "Yes, 122 00:07:24,579 --> 00:07:27,579 I bear witness that he is the servant of Allah and His Messenger, 123 00:07:27,579 --> 00:07:31,579 And that He sent him with the religion of guidance and truth, 124 00:07:31,579 --> 00:07:34,579 And sealed the messages with his message." 125 00:07:34,579 --> 00:07:37,579 Al-Aswad grew more enraged and said, 126 00:07:37,579 --> 00:07:40,579 "And do you bear witness that I am the messenger of Allah?" 127 00:07:40,579 --> 00:07:42,579 Abu Muslim replied, 128 00:07:42,579 --> 00:07:45,579 "Did I not tell you that there is deafness in my ears? 129 00:07:45,579 --> 00:07:48,579 I do not hear this statement of yours." 130 00:07:48,579 --> 00:07:53,649 Al-Aswad al-Ansi was consumed with fury at the firmness of his response, 131 00:07:53,649 --> 00:07:56,649 The calmness of his soul, and the tranquility of his demeanor. 132 00:07:56,649 --> 00:08:00,649 He was about to order him to be thrown into the fire. 133 00:08:00,649 --> 00:08:04,649 At that moment, his chief tyrant stepped forward, 134 00:08:04,649 --> 00:08:07,649 And whispered in his ear, saying, 135 00:08:07,649 --> 00:08:09,649 "The man is as you know, 136 00:08:09,649 --> 00:08:12,649 Pure of soul and one whose supplications are answered, 137 00:08:12,649 --> 00:08:15,649 And Allah will not abandon a believer 138 00:08:15,649 --> 00:08:19,649 Whom He did not abandon in any hour of hardship. 139 00:08:19,649 --> 00:08:22,649 If you throw him into the fire, 140 00:08:22,649 --> 00:08:24,649 And Allah saves him from it, 141 00:08:24,649 --> 00:08:28,649 You will destroy everything you have built in a single moment, 142 00:08:28,649 --> 00:08:32,649 And drive the people to disbelieve in your prophethood. 143 00:08:32,649 --> 00:08:34,649 And if the fire burns him, 144 00:08:34,649 --> 00:08:38,649 The people will only admire him more and hold him in higher regard, 145 00:08:38,649 --> 00:08:41,649 And elevate him to the rank of the martyrs. 146 00:08:41,649 --> 00:08:46,710 So grant him a favor by releasing him and banishing him from the land, 147 00:08:46,710 --> 00:08:48,710 And be rid of him and find peace." 148 00:08:48,710 --> 00:08:51,779 Al-Aswad accepted the advice of his tyrant, 149 00:08:51,779 --> 00:08:57,379 And ordered him to leave the country immediately. 150 00:08:57,379 --> 00:09:02,379 Abu Muslim al-Khawlani set his face toward Medina. 151 00:09:02,379 --> 00:09:07,379 He had hoped to meet the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 152 00:09:07,379 --> 00:09:12,379 For he had believed in him before his eyes were cooled by seeing him, 153 00:09:12,379 --> 00:09:15,379 And his soul rejoiced in his companionship. 154 00:09:15,379 --> 00:09:19,379 But he had barely reached the outskirts of Yathrib 155 00:09:19,379 --> 00:09:24,379 When the news of the death of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, reached him, 156 00:09:24,379 --> 00:09:29,379 And the ascension of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq to the caliphate of the Muslims after him. 157 00:09:29,379 --> 00:09:34,379 He grieved over the death of the noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 158 00:09:34,379 --> 00:09:37,379 A grief that touched the very core of his heart. 159 00:09:37,379 --> 00:09:41,909 Abu Muslim reached Medina, 160 00:09:41,909 --> 00:09:45,909 And headed to the Mosque of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 161 00:09:45,909 --> 00:09:51,909 When he approached the mosque, he tethered his camel near its door, 162 00:09:51,909 --> 00:09:54,909 And entered the noble Prophetic Sanctuary. 163 00:09:54,909 --> 00:09:59,909 He sent peace upon the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 164 00:09:59,909 --> 00:10:02,909 Then stood by one of the pillars of the mosque, 165 00:10:02,909 --> 00:10:04,909 And began to pray. 166 00:10:04,909 --> 00:10:06,909 When he finished his prayer, 167 00:10:06,909 --> 00:10:09,909 Umar ibn al-Khattab turned toward him, 168 00:10:09,909 --> 00:10:12,909 Until he stood before him and said, 169 00:10:12,909 --> 00:10:14,909 "Where is the man from?" 170 00:10:14,909 --> 00:10:16,909 He replied, "From Yemen." 171 00:10:16,909 --> 00:10:18,909 He then said, 172 00:10:18,909 --> 00:10:20,909 "What did Allah do with our companion, 173 00:10:20,909 --> 00:10:23,909 For whom the enemy of Allah stoked the fire, 174 00:10:23,909 --> 00:10:26,909 And Allah saved him from it?" 175 00:10:26,909 --> 00:10:27,909 He replied, 176 00:10:27,909 --> 00:10:30,909 "He is well, by the grace and blessings of Allah." 177 00:10:30,909 --> 00:10:32,909 Umar said, 178 00:10:32,909 --> 00:10:33,909 "I adjure you by Allah, 179 00:10:33,909 --> 00:10:35,909 Are you he?" 180 00:10:35,909 --> 00:10:36,909 He replied, "Yes." 181 00:10:36,909 --> 00:10:40,909 Umar kissed him between his eyes and said, 182 00:10:40,909 --> 00:10:44,909 "Do you know what Allah did with the enemy of Allah and your enemy?" 183 00:10:44,909 --> 00:10:46,909 He replied, "No, 184 00:10:46,909 --> 00:10:50,909 For news of him has been cut off from me since I left Yemen." 185 00:10:50,909 --> 00:10:52,909 He said, 186 00:10:52,909 --> 00:10:55,909 "Allah killed him at the hands of the remaining few 187 00:10:55,909 --> 00:10:58,909 Of the sincere believers, 188 00:10:58,909 --> 00:11:00,909 And brought an end to his reign, 189 00:11:00,909 --> 00:11:03,909 And returned his followers to the religion of Allah." 190 00:11:03,909 --> 00:11:04,909 He said, 191 00:11:04,909 --> 00:11:08,909 "Praise be to Allah who did not take me out of this world 192 00:11:08,909 --> 00:11:11,909 Until He cooled my eyes with his destruction, 193 00:11:11,909 --> 00:11:14,909 And the return of the deceived people of Yemen 194 00:11:14,909 --> 00:11:16,909 To the fold of Islam." 195 00:11:16,909 --> 00:11:18,909 Umar said to him, 196 00:11:18,909 --> 00:11:22,909 "And I praise Allah who showed me in the Ummah of Muhammad 197 00:11:22,909 --> 00:11:26,909 One who was treated as the Friend of the Most Merciful was treated, 198 00:11:26,909 --> 00:11:29,909 Our father Ibrahim, peace be upon him." 199 00:11:29,909 --> 00:11:31,909 Then he took him by the hand, 200 00:11:31,909 --> 00:11:34,909 And went with him to Abu Bakr. 201 00:11:34,909 --> 00:11:36,909 When he entered upon him, 202 00:11:36,909 --> 00:11:39,909 he greeted him with the title of Caliph and pledged allegiance to him. 203 00:11:39,909 --> 00:11:43,909 Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, seated him between himself and Umar. 204 00:11:43,909 --> 00:11:46,909 The two sheikhs began to ask Abu Muslim to recount 205 00:11:46,909 --> 00:11:51,639 his story with al-Aswad al-Ansi. 206 00:11:51,639 --> 00:11:53,639 Abu Muslim al-Khawlani stayed 207 00:11:53,639 --> 00:11:56,639 for a time in Medina. 208 00:11:56,639 --> 00:12:01,639 During this period, he kept to the mosque of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 209 00:12:01,639 --> 00:12:06,639 He prayed as much as Allah willed for him to pray in his purified garden. 210 00:12:06,639 --> 00:12:10,639 He took as much knowledge as he could from the eminent Companions, 211 00:12:10,639 --> 00:12:13,639 such as Abu Ubaydah Ibn al-Jarrah, 212 00:12:13,639 --> 00:12:15,639 Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, 213 00:12:15,639 --> 00:12:17,639 Ubadah Ibn al-Samit, 214 00:12:17,639 --> 00:12:19,639 Mu'adh Ibn Jabal, 215 00:12:19,639 --> 00:12:24,639 and Awf Ibn Malik al-Ashja'i, may Allah be pleased with them all. 216 00:12:24,639 --> 00:12:28,639 Then, it occurred to Abu Muslim to travel to the Levant 217 00:12:28,639 --> 00:12:31,639 and make it his place of residence. 218 00:12:31,639 --> 00:12:33,639 His goal in doing so 219 00:12:33,639 --> 00:12:37,639 was to be close to the Levantine frontier, 220 00:12:37,639 --> 00:12:40,639 to participate with the Muslim armies in the campaigns against the Byzantines, 221 00:12:40,639 --> 00:12:44,639 and to win the reward of guarding the borders in the way of Allah. 222 00:12:44,639 --> 00:12:47,700 When the Caliphate passed to the Commander of the Faithful, 223 00:12:47,700 --> 00:12:51,700 Mu'awiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan, may Allah be pleased with him, 224 00:12:51,700 --> 00:12:54,700 Abu Muslim frequented him often 225 00:12:54,700 --> 00:12:56,700 and attended his gatherings. 226 00:12:56,700 --> 00:13:00,740 He had famous and well-remembered encounters with him, 227 00:13:00,740 --> 00:13:03,740 which bear witness to the high status of both men 228 00:13:03,740 --> 00:13:08,740 and reveal the noble Prophetic characteristics they possessed. 229 00:13:08,740 --> 00:13:14,740 Among these is that Abu Muslim entered upon Mu'awiyah, may Allah be pleased with him, 230 00:13:14,740 --> 00:13:18,740 and saw him presiding over one of his grand assemblies, 231 00:13:18,740 --> 00:13:21,740 surrounded by the men of his state, 232 00:13:21,740 --> 00:13:24,740 the commanders of his army, and the notables of his people. 233 00:13:24,740 --> 00:13:28,740 He saw the people exaggerating in their reverence and glorification of him, 234 00:13:28,740 --> 00:13:32,740 so he feared for him greatly because of that. 235 00:13:32,740 --> 00:13:34,740 He approached him and said, 236 00:13:34,740 --> 00:13:38,740 "Peace be upon you, O hired worker of the believers." 237 00:13:38,740 --> 00:13:40,740 The people turned to him and said, 238 00:13:40,740 --> 00:13:44,740 "The Commander of the Faithful, O Abu Muslim!" 239 00:13:44,740 --> 00:13:46,769 But he paid them no heed and said, 240 00:13:46,769 --> 00:13:50,769 "Peace be upon you, O hired worker of the believers." 241 00:13:50,769 --> 00:13:52,769 The people said, 242 00:13:52,769 --> 00:13:55,769 "The Commander of the Faithful, O Abu Muslim!" 243 00:13:55,769 --> 00:13:57,769 Yet he did not lend them his ear, 244 00:13:57,769 --> 00:14:00,769 nor did he cast a glance toward them, 245 00:14:00,769 --> 00:14:01,769 and he said, 246 00:14:01,769 --> 00:14:06,769 "Peace be upon you, O hired worker of the believers." 247 00:14:06,769 --> 00:14:09,769 When the people were about to confront him, 248 00:14:09,769 --> 00:14:12,769 Mu'awiyah turned to them and said, 249 00:14:12,769 --> 00:14:14,769 "Leave Abu Muslim alone, 250 00:14:14,769 --> 00:14:17,830 for he knows better what he is saying." 251 00:14:17,830 --> 00:14:21,830 Abu Muslim turned to Mu'awiyah and said to him, 252 00:14:21,830 --> 00:14:25,830 "Your likeness, now that Allah has entrusted you with the affairs of the people, 253 00:14:25,830 --> 00:14:28,830 is like one who hired a worker 254 00:14:28,830 --> 00:14:30,830 and entrusted him with his sheep, 255 00:14:30,830 --> 00:14:33,830 setting a wage for him on the condition that he tends them well, 256 00:14:33,830 --> 00:14:36,830 protects their bodies, 257 00:14:36,830 --> 00:14:39,960 and preserves their wool and milk. 258 00:14:39,960 --> 00:14:42,960 If he fulfills what he was entrusted with, 259 00:14:42,960 --> 00:14:45,960 so that the young grow and the lean fatten, 260 00:14:45,960 --> 00:14:48,960 and the sick recover, 261 00:14:48,960 --> 00:14:51,960 he gives him his wage and adds to it. 262 00:14:51,960 --> 00:14:54,960 But if he does not tend them well and neglects them, 263 00:14:54,960 --> 00:14:57,960 until the lean perish and the fat become thin, 264 00:14:57,960 --> 00:15:00,960 and their wool and milk are lost, 265 00:15:00,960 --> 00:15:02,960 he withholds his wage, 266 00:15:02,960 --> 00:15:05,960 becomes angry with him, and punishes him. 267 00:15:05,960 --> 00:15:08,960 So choose for yourself that which holds your good and your reward." 268 00:15:08,960 --> 00:15:12,250 Mu'awiyah raised his head, 269 00:15:12,250 --> 00:15:14,250 for he had been looking down at the ground, 270 00:15:14,250 --> 00:15:17,250 and said, "May Allah reward you on our behalf 271 00:15:17,250 --> 00:15:20,250 and on behalf of the subjects with goodness, O Abu Muslim, 272 00:15:20,250 --> 00:15:23,250 for we have known you only as a sincere advisor to Allah, 273 00:15:23,250 --> 00:15:26,250 to His Messenger, and to the generality of the Muslims." 274 00:15:26,250 --> 00:15:30,909 Abu Muslim attended the Friday prayer 275 00:15:30,909 --> 00:15:33,909 at the Great Mosque of Damascus. 276 00:15:33,909 --> 00:15:36,909 The Commander of the Faithful, Mu'awiyah, was addressing the people 277 00:15:36,909 --> 00:15:39,909 and telling them of what he had ordered 278 00:15:39,909 --> 00:15:42,909 regarding the dredging of the Barada River, 279 00:15:42,909 --> 00:15:45,909 so that its waters might become clear for them. 280 00:15:45,909 --> 00:15:48,909 Abu Muslim called out to him from among the crowd 281 00:15:48,909 --> 00:15:51,909 and said, "Remember, O Mu'awiyah, 282 00:15:51,909 --> 00:15:54,909 that you are heading toward a destination today or tomorrow. 283 00:15:55,909 --> 00:15:58,909 If you come to it with something, 284 00:15:58,909 --> 00:16:01,909 you will have something there. 285 00:16:01,909 --> 00:16:04,909 But if you come to it empty-handed, 286 00:16:04,909 --> 00:16:07,909 you will find it a barren, level plain. 287 00:16:07,909 --> 00:16:10,909 I seek refuge in Allah for you, O Mu'awiyah, 288 00:16:10,909 --> 00:16:13,909 that you might think the Caliphate is merely dredging rivers 289 00:16:13,909 --> 00:16:16,909 and collecting wealth. 290 00:16:16,909 --> 00:16:19,909 The Caliphate is acting with justice 291 00:16:19,909 --> 00:16:22,909 and speaking with equity. 292 00:16:24,009 --> 00:16:27,009 O Mu'awiyah, 293 00:16:27,009 --> 00:16:30,009 we do not care about the muddiness of the rivers 294 00:16:30,009 --> 00:16:33,009 if the head of our spring is clear, 295 00:16:33,009 --> 00:16:36,009 and you are the head of our spring. 296 00:16:36,009 --> 00:16:39,009 So strive to remain clear. 297 00:16:39,009 --> 00:16:42,009 O Mu'awiyah, 298 00:16:42,009 --> 00:16:45,009 if you act unjustly toward one man, 299 00:16:45,009 --> 00:16:48,009 your injustice toward him will be countered by your justice, 300 00:16:48,009 --> 00:16:51,259 so beware of oppression." 301 00:16:51,259 --> 00:16:54,259 When Abu Muslim finished his words, 302 00:16:54,259 --> 00:16:57,259 Mu'awiyah descended from the pulpit to him, 303 00:16:57,259 --> 00:17:00,259 approached him, and said, 304 00:17:00,259 --> 00:17:03,259 "May Allah have mercy on you, O Abu Muslim, 305 00:17:03,259 --> 00:17:08,119 and reward you with the best of rewards on our behalf." 306 00:17:08,119 --> 00:17:11,119 On another occasion, 307 00:17:11,119 --> 00:17:14,119 Mu'awiyah ascended the pulpit and began his sermon. 308 00:17:14,119 --> 00:17:17,119 He had withheld the people's stipends for two months. 309 00:17:17,119 --> 00:17:20,119 Abu Muslim called out to him and said, 310 00:17:20,119 --> 00:17:22,119 "O Mu'awiyah, 311 00:17:22,119 --> 00:17:25,119 this wealth is not your wealth, 312 00:17:25,119 --> 00:17:28,119 nor is it the wealth of your father or your mother. 313 00:17:28,119 --> 00:17:31,119 By what right do you withhold it from the people?" 314 00:17:31,119 --> 00:17:34,119 Anger appeared on Mu'awiyah's face, 315 00:17:34,119 --> 00:17:37,119 and the people began to watch what might 316 00:17:37,119 --> 00:17:40,119 happen next. But what he did 317 00:17:40,119 --> 00:17:43,119 was to signal to the people to remain 318 00:17:43,119 --> 00:17:46,119 in their places and not to leave. 319 00:17:46,119 --> 00:17:49,119 Then he descended from the pulpit, performed ablution, 320 00:17:49,119 --> 00:17:52,119 and poured some water over himself. 321 00:17:52,119 --> 00:17:55,119 Then he ascended the pulpit, praised Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, 322 00:17:55,119 --> 00:17:58,119 and extolled Him as He deserves, 323 00:17:58,119 --> 00:18:01,150 and said, "Abu Muslim 324 00:18:01,150 --> 00:18:04,150 has mentioned that this wealth is not my wealth, 325 00:18:04,150 --> 00:18:07,150 nor the wealth of my father or mother. 326 00:18:07,150 --> 00:18:10,150 Abu Muslim has spoken the truth in what he said. 327 00:18:10,150 --> 00:18:13,150 I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 328 00:18:13,150 --> 00:18:16,150 say: 'Anger is from the devil, 329 00:18:16,150 --> 00:18:19,150 and the devil is from fire, 330 00:18:19,150 --> 00:18:22,150 and water extinguishes fire. 331 00:18:22,150 --> 00:18:25,150 So if one of you becomes angry, let him perform ablution.' 332 00:18:25,150 --> 00:18:28,150 O people, 333 00:18:28,150 --> 00:18:31,150 go and collect your stipends with the blessing of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic." 334 00:18:31,150 --> 00:18:35,589 May Allah reward Abu Muslim 335 00:18:35,589 --> 00:18:38,589 al-Khawlani with the best of rewards, 336 00:18:38,589 --> 00:18:41,589 for he was a unique example in speaking 337 00:18:41,589 --> 00:18:44,750 the word of truth, and may Allah be pleased with 338 00:18:44,750 --> 00:18:47,750 Ibn Abi Sufyan with the most abundant pleasure, 339 00:18:47,750 --> 00:18:50,750 for he was a wonderful model 340 00:18:50,750 --> 00:18:54,099 in yielding to the word of truth. 341 00:18:54,099 --> 00:18:57,099 How beautiful is the saying of the poet: 342 00:18:57,099 --> 00:19:00,099 "Do not blame them too much, may your father not be blamed, 343 00:19:00,099 --> 00:19:03,099 for the blame, or fill the place that they have filled." 344 00:19:03,099 --> 00:19:10,069 Abu Muslim devoted himself to worship 345 00:19:10,069 --> 00:19:13,549 until he would stand [in prayer], 346 00:19:13,549 --> 00:19:16,549 [saying,] "If I saw Paradise with my own eyes, 347 00:19:16,549 --> 00:19:19,710 I would have no desire for more." 348 00:19:19,710 --> 00:19:23,799 Uthman Ibn Abi Atik: 349 00:19:45,890 --> 00:19:47,890 They departed and left in the conscience 350 00:19:47,890 --> 00:19:49,890 a question: 351 00:19:49,890 --> 00:19:54,890 Is there a star like them that has risen and shone? 352 00:19:54,890 --> 00:19:57,890 They filled life with glories 353 00:19:57,890 --> 00:20:00,890 through their deeds, 354 00:20:00,890 --> 00:20:03,980 and the world of humanity flourished because of them.