1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:03,399 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 2 00:00:03,399 --> 00:00:08,400 The best of generations in character and example, 3 00:00:08,400 --> 00:00:13,400 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 4 00:00:13,400 --> 00:00:17,399 Mawaddah Association presents: 5 00:00:17,399 --> 00:00:21,460 "Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un" 6 00:00:21,460 --> 00:00:26,500 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 7 00:00:26,500 --> 00:00:29,460 May Allah have mercy on him. 8 00:00:30,739 --> 00:00:32,740 Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz 9 00:00:32,740 --> 00:00:35,840 And his son Abd al-Malik. 10 00:00:42,869 --> 00:00:47,869 No sooner had the venerable Tabi'i, the Commander of the Faithful, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, 11 00:00:47,869 --> 00:00:52,869 Shaken the dust from his hands from the grave of his predecessor, Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik, 12 00:00:52,869 --> 00:00:55,869 Than he heard the ground rumbling around him. 13 00:00:55,869 --> 00:00:57,869 He asked, "What is this?" 14 00:00:57,869 --> 00:01:02,869 They replied, "These are the royal mounts of the caliphate, O Commander of the Faithful, 15 00:01:02,869 --> 00:01:05,870 Prepared for you to ride." 16 00:01:05,870 --> 00:01:08,870 Umar glanced sideways at them 17 00:01:08,870 --> 00:01:12,870 And said in his quavering voice, exhausted by fatigue 18 00:01:12,870 --> 00:01:14,870 And worn thin by sleepless nights: 19 00:01:14,870 --> 00:01:19,870 "What have I to do with them? Take them away from me, may Allah bless you, 20 00:01:19,870 --> 00:01:21,870 And bring me my mule, 21 00:01:21,870 --> 00:01:25,129 For it is sufficient for my needs." 22 00:01:25,129 --> 00:01:28,129 Then, no sooner had he settled firmly onto the back of the mule 23 00:01:28,129 --> 00:01:33,129 Than the chief of police came to march before him, 24 00:01:33,129 --> 00:01:38,129 Accompanied by a squadron of his men lined up on his right and left, 25 00:01:38,129 --> 00:01:41,129 Bearing glistening lances in their hands. 26 00:01:41,129 --> 00:01:43,129 He turned to him and said: 27 00:01:43,129 --> 00:01:46,129 "I have no need of you or them; 28 00:01:46,129 --> 00:01:49,129 I am merely a man from among the Muslims. 29 00:01:49,129 --> 00:01:51,129 I go out in the morning as they go out, 30 00:01:51,129 --> 00:01:54,129 And I return in the evening as they return." 31 00:01:54,129 --> 00:01:59,129 Then he proceeded, and the people walked with him until he entered the mosque, 32 00:01:59,129 --> 00:02:01,129 Where the call was raised among the people: 33 00:02:01,129 --> 00:02:03,129 "Assemble for prayer!" 34 00:02:03,129 --> 00:02:05,290 "Assemble for prayer!" 35 00:02:05,290 --> 00:02:09,379 The people poured into the mosque from every direction, 36 00:02:09,379 --> 00:02:11,379 And when their assembly was complete, 37 00:02:11,379 --> 00:02:13,379 He stood up among them to deliver a sermon. 38 00:02:13,379 --> 00:02:16,379 He praised Allah and extolled Him, 39 00:02:16,379 --> 00:02:19,379 Sent blessings upon His Prophet, and then said: 40 00:02:19,379 --> 00:02:21,379 "O people! 41 00:02:21,379 --> 00:02:26,379 I have been tested with this office without my counsel, 42 00:02:26,379 --> 00:02:28,379 Without my seeking it, 43 00:02:28,379 --> 00:02:30,379 And without consultation with the Muslims. 44 00:02:30,379 --> 00:02:34,379 I hereby release you from the allegiance to me placed upon your necks; 45 00:02:34,379 --> 00:02:38,379 So choose for yourselves a caliph with whom you are pleased." 46 00:02:38,379 --> 00:02:41,449 Thereupon, the people cried out with a single voice: 47 00:02:41,449 --> 00:02:45,449 "We have chosen you, O Commander of the Faithful, and are well pleased with you! 48 00:02:45,449 --> 00:02:48,449 So lead our affairs with good fortune and blessing!" 49 00:02:48,449 --> 00:02:51,479 When he saw that their voices had quieted 50 00:02:51,479 --> 00:02:53,479 And their hearts were set at ease, 51 00:02:53,479 --> 00:02:57,539 He praised Allah once more and extolled Him, 52 00:02:57,539 --> 00:03:01,539 Sent blessings and peace upon Muhammad, His servant and Messenger, 53 00:03:01,539 --> 00:03:04,539 And began urging the people toward mindfulness of Allah (taqwa), 54 00:03:04,539 --> 00:03:08,539 Fostering their detachment from the worldly life, instilling longing for the Hereafter, 55 00:03:08,539 --> 00:03:13,539 And reminding them of death in a manner that softened hardened hearts 56 00:03:13,539 --> 00:03:16,539 And drew forth unyielding tears— 57 00:03:16,539 --> 00:03:19,539 Words that emerged from the speaker's innermost heart 58 00:03:19,539 --> 00:03:22,539 To settle deep within the hearts of his listeners. 59 00:03:22,539 --> 00:03:28,539 Then he raised his weary voice so that everyone could hear him, and said: 60 00:03:28,539 --> 00:03:33,539 "O people! Whoever obeys Allah, obedience to him is obligatory; 61 00:03:33,539 --> 00:03:38,539 But whoever disobeys Allah, no one owes him any obedience. 62 00:03:38,539 --> 00:03:42,539 O people! Obey me so long as I obey Allah concerning you; 63 00:03:42,539 --> 00:03:47,539 But if I disobey Allah, you owe me no obedience whatsoever." 64 00:03:47,539 --> 00:03:49,539 Then he stepped down from the pulpit, 65 00:03:49,539 --> 00:03:53,539 Headed to his house, and retired to his room, 66 00:03:53,539 --> 00:03:57,539 Seeking to take an hour of rest 67 00:03:57,539 --> 00:04:03,539 After the grueling exertion he had endured since the death of the caliph. 68 00:04:03,539 --> 00:04:07,979 Yet, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz 69 00:04:07,979 --> 00:04:10,979 Had barely laid his side down on his bed 70 00:04:10,979 --> 00:04:13,979 When his son Abd al-Malik entered upon him— 71 00:04:13,979 --> 00:04:18,980 Who was at that time approaching seventeen years of age— 72 00:04:18,980 --> 00:04:23,980 And asked, "What do you intend to do, O Commander of the Faithful?" 73 00:04:23,980 --> 00:04:28,980 He replied, "My dear son, I wish to take a short nap, 74 00:04:28,980 --> 00:04:31,980 For there is no strength left in my body." 75 00:04:31,980 --> 00:04:38,980 He said, "Will you slumber before restoring usurped rights to their rightful owners, O Commander of the Faithful?" 76 00:04:38,980 --> 00:04:44,980 He answered, "My dear son, I stayed awake all of last night attending to your uncle Sulayman, 77 00:04:44,980 --> 00:04:48,980 And when noon arrives, I will lead the people in prayer 78 00:04:48,980 --> 00:04:52,980 And restore the usurped rights to their owners, if Allah wills." 79 00:04:52,980 --> 00:04:58,980 He said, "And who can guarantee for you, O Commander of the Faithful, that you will live until noon?" 80 00:04:58,980 --> 00:05:01,980 This remark ignited Umar’s resolve, 81 00:05:01,980 --> 00:05:04,980 Banished sleep from his eyes, 82 00:05:04,980 --> 00:05:07,980 And infused strength and vigor into his exhausted body. 83 00:05:07,980 --> 00:05:12,980 He said, "Come close to me, my dear son." So he drew near, 84 00:05:12,980 --> 00:05:17,980 And Umar embraced him, kissed him between the eyes, and said: 85 00:05:17,980 --> 00:05:22,980 "Praise be to Allah, Who brought forth from my loins one who aids me in my religion." 86 00:05:22,980 --> 00:05:26,980 Then he arose and ordered that an announcement be made among the people: 87 00:05:26,980 --> 00:05:30,980 "Hear ye! Whoever has suffered an injustice, let him bring it forward!" 88 00:05:30,980 --> 00:05:34,199 Who, then, was this Abd al-Malik? 89 00:05:34,199 --> 00:05:38,199 What is the story of this youth, concerning whom the people said 90 00:05:38,199 --> 00:05:41,199 That it was he who steered his father into devotion 91 00:05:41,199 --> 00:05:44,199 And guided him along the path of asceticism? 92 00:05:44,199 --> 00:05:50,699 Let us explore the story of this righteous youth from its beginning. 93 00:05:50,699 --> 00:05:54,699 Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz had fifteen children, 94 00:05:54,699 --> 00:05:56,699 Among whom were three daughters. 95 00:05:56,699 --> 00:06:00,699 All of them possessed an abundant share of piety 96 00:06:00,699 --> 00:06:03,699 And a high standing in righteousness; 97 00:06:03,699 --> 00:06:07,699 Yet Abd al-Malik was the centerpiece of his siblings' necklace 98 00:06:07,699 --> 00:06:09,699 And their radiant, shining star. 99 00:06:09,699 --> 00:06:12,769 He was cultured, refined, and intelligent, 100 00:06:12,769 --> 00:06:15,769 Possessing the youth of a boy and the wisdom of a mature elder. 101 00:06:15,769 --> 00:06:19,769 Furthermore, he grew up in the obedience of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, 102 00:06:19,769 --> 00:06:21,769 From his earliest childhood. 103 00:06:21,769 --> 00:06:26,769 He was the closest of people in demeanor to the family of al-Khattab in general, 104 00:06:26,769 --> 00:06:29,769 And bore the closest resemblance to Abdullah ibn Umar in particular, 105 00:06:29,769 --> 00:06:31,769 In his reverent fear of Allah, 106 00:06:31,769 --> 00:06:33,769 His dread of disobeying Him, 107 00:06:33,769 --> 00:06:36,769 And his drawing near to Him through obedience. 108 00:06:36,769 --> 00:06:39,930 His cousin Asim narrated, saying: 109 00:06:39,930 --> 00:06:41,930 "I arrived in Damascus 110 00:06:41,930 --> 00:06:45,930 And stayed with my cousin Abd al-Malik, who was unmarried at the time. 111 00:06:45,930 --> 00:06:47,930 We prayed the night prayer (Isha), 112 00:06:47,930 --> 00:06:50,930 And each of us retired to his bed. 113 00:06:50,930 --> 00:06:55,089 Abd al-Malik got up, extinguished the lamp, 114 00:06:55,089 --> 00:06:58,089 And we both surrendered our eyes to sleep. 115 00:06:58,089 --> 00:07:01,180 Then I awoke in the middle of the night, 116 00:07:01,180 --> 00:07:05,180 Only to find Abd al-Malik standing in prayer in the darkness, 117 00:07:05,180 --> 00:07:08,180 Reciting the words of the Mighty and Sublime. 118 00:07:08,180 --> 00:07:12,180 What struck me about him was that he kept repeating the verse, 119 00:07:12,180 --> 00:07:15,180 Sobbing with muffled, stifled weeping 120 00:07:15,180 --> 00:07:17,180 That tore at the heartstrings. 121 00:07:17,180 --> 00:07:21,180 Every time he finished the verse, he returned to it again, 122 00:07:21,180 --> 00:07:24,180 Until I thought his weeping would kill him. 123 00:07:24,180 --> 00:07:27,180 When I witnessed that, I called out: 124 00:07:27,180 --> 00:07:29,180 'There is no god but Allah! 125 00:07:29,180 --> 00:07:31,180 And all praise is due to Allah!' 126 00:07:31,180 --> 00:07:34,180 Just as one waking from sleep would do, 127 00:07:34,180 --> 00:07:36,180 In order to interrupt his weeping. 128 00:07:36,180 --> 00:07:38,180 When he heard me, he fell silent, 129 00:07:38,180 --> 00:07:42,750 And I did not hear a sound from him thereafter." 130 00:07:42,750 --> 00:07:44,750 The Umari youth studied 131 00:07:44,750 --> 00:07:47,750 Under the leading scholars of his era, 132 00:07:47,750 --> 00:07:49,750 Until he was thoroughly steeped in the Book of Allah, 133 00:07:49,750 --> 00:07:54,750 Deeply versed in the hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 134 00:07:54,750 --> 00:07:56,750 And accomplished in fiqh. 135 00:07:56,750 --> 00:07:59,750 Thus, despite his young age, 136 00:07:59,750 --> 00:08:04,819 He rivaled the foremost rank of the jurists of the Levant in his time. 137 00:08:04,819 --> 00:08:07,819 It is related that Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz 138 00:08:07,819 --> 00:08:10,819 Gathered the Qur'an reciters and jurists of the Levant 139 00:08:10,819 --> 00:08:11,819 And said: 140 00:08:11,819 --> 00:08:14,819 "I have summoned you regarding the matter of these usurped properties 141 00:08:14,819 --> 00:08:17,819 Held in the hands of my household; 142 00:08:17,819 --> 00:08:19,819 What is your view concerning them?" 143 00:08:19,819 --> 00:08:20,819 They replied: 144 00:08:20,819 --> 00:08:22,819 "O Commander of the Faithful! 145 00:08:22,819 --> 00:08:26,819 That was an affair that occurred outside of your rule, 146 00:08:26,819 --> 00:08:30,819 And the burden of these injustices rests upon the one who seized them unlawfully." 147 00:08:30,819 --> 00:08:33,820 But he was not satisfied with what they said. 148 00:08:33,820 --> 00:08:38,820 Then one of those who held a different view leaned toward him and said: 149 00:08:38,820 --> 00:08:41,820 "Send for Abd al-Malik, O Commander of the Faithful, 150 00:08:41,820 --> 00:08:46,820 For he is in no way inferior to those you have summoned in knowledge, fiqh, or intellect." 151 00:08:46,820 --> 00:08:49,940 When Abd al-Malik entered upon him, 152 00:08:49,940 --> 00:08:51,940 Umar asked him: 153 00:08:51,940 --> 00:08:56,940 "What is your view regarding this wealth that our cousins seized from the people unlawfully, 154 00:08:56,940 --> 00:09:00,940 Given that its owners have come forth demanding it, 155 00:09:00,940 --> 00:09:02,940 And we have verified their rightful claim to it?" 156 00:09:02,940 --> 00:09:03,940 He answered: 157 00:09:03,940 --> 00:09:08,940 "I believe you must return it to its rightful owners, so long as you have learned of their entitlement; 158 00:09:08,940 --> 00:09:10,940 For if you do not do so, 159 00:09:10,940 --> 00:09:14,940 You will be a partner to those who seized it unlawfully." 160 00:09:14,940 --> 00:09:16,940 Umar's face beamed with delight, 161 00:09:16,940 --> 00:09:18,940 His soul found ease, 162 00:09:18,940 --> 00:09:20,940 And the anxiety that weighed upon them both was lifted. 163 00:09:20,940 --> 00:09:27,159 The Umari youth preferred stationing himself along the frontier outposts 164 00:09:27,159 --> 00:09:30,159 And residing in one of the cities nearby 165 00:09:30,159 --> 00:09:33,159 Over remaining in the heart of the Levant. 166 00:09:33,159 --> 00:09:35,159 So he set out for them, 167 00:09:35,159 --> 00:09:39,159 Leaving behind Damascus with its lush gardens, 168 00:09:39,159 --> 00:09:41,159 Plentiful shade, 169 00:09:41,159 --> 00:09:43,159 And seven rivers. 170 00:09:43,159 --> 00:09:49,159 His father, despite all he knew of his son's righteousness and piety, 171 00:09:49,159 --> 00:09:52,159 Feared greatly for him from the incitements of Satan, 172 00:09:52,159 --> 00:09:56,159 Worried deeply over him regarding the impulses of youth, 173 00:09:56,159 --> 00:10:01,159 And was eager to know everything he properly could about his affairs, 174 00:10:01,159 --> 00:10:05,159 Never neglecting or overlooking that in the least. 175 00:10:05,159 --> 00:10:07,159 Maymun ibn Mihran, 176 00:10:07,159 --> 00:10:12,159 The minister, judge, and counselor to Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, related: 177 00:10:12,159 --> 00:10:15,159 "I entered upon Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz 178 00:10:15,159 --> 00:10:19,159 And found him writing a letter to his son Abd al-Malik, 179 00:10:19,159 --> 00:10:22,159 Admonishing him and offering him counsel, 180 00:10:22,159 --> 00:10:24,159 Guiding him and cautioning him, 181 00:10:24,159 --> 00:10:26,159 Warning him and giving him glad tidings. 182 00:10:26,159 --> 00:10:29,159 Among the things written therein was: 183 00:10:30,159 --> 00:10:31,159 'To proceed: 184 00:10:31,159 --> 00:10:36,159 The most deserving of people to heed my instruction and understand my words is you. 185 00:10:36,159 --> 00:10:38,159 Indeed, Allah—praise be to Him— 186 00:10:38,159 --> 00:10:42,159 Has been gracious to us in matters small and great. 187 00:10:42,159 --> 00:10:46,159 So remember, my son, Allah's favor upon you and upon your parents, 188 00:10:46,159 --> 00:10:49,159 And beware of arrogance and haughtiness, 189 00:10:49,159 --> 00:10:51,159 For they are of the work of Satan, 190 00:10:51,159 --> 00:10:55,159 And he is to the believers an open enemy. 191 00:10:55,159 --> 00:10:58,159 Know that I have not sent you this letter of mine 192 00:10:58,159 --> 00:11:00,159 Because of any ill report that has reached me concerning you, 193 00:11:00,159 --> 00:11:03,159 For I have known nothing of your conduct except good; 194 00:11:03,159 --> 00:11:08,159 Rather, something of your self-admiration has been reported to me. 195 00:11:08,159 --> 00:11:12,159 And had this self-admiration led you into what I dislike, 196 00:11:12,159 --> 00:11:15,159 You would certainly have seen from me what you would dislike.' 197 00:11:15,159 --> 00:11:16,159 Maymun said: 198 00:11:16,159 --> 00:11:19,159 Then Umar turned to me and said: 199 00:11:19,159 --> 00:11:21,159 "O Maymun, 200 00:11:21,159 --> 00:11:24,159 my son 'Abd al-Malik has been made dear and pleasing in my eyes, 201 00:11:24,159 --> 00:11:27,159 and I suspect myself on that account. 202 00:11:27,159 --> 00:11:31,159 I fear that my love for him may have clouded my true judgment of him, 203 00:11:31,159 --> 00:11:36,159 and that I have been overcome by that blindness which overtakes fathers regarding their children's faults. 204 00:11:36,159 --> 00:11:39,159 Go to him and test his inner character, 205 00:11:39,159 --> 00:11:43,159 and see if you detect in him anything resembling arrogance or boastfulness; 206 00:11:43,159 --> 00:11:45,159 for he is still a young lad, 207 00:11:45,159 --> 00:11:48,159 and I do not consider him safe from the whisperings of Satan." 208 00:11:48,159 --> 00:11:50,159 Maymun said: 209 00:11:50,159 --> 00:11:54,159 "So I set out on the journey to 'Abd al-Malik until I reached him. 210 00:11:54,159 --> 00:11:56,159 I asked permission and entered, 211 00:11:56,159 --> 00:11:59,159 and there stood a young man in the prime of his youth, 212 00:11:59,159 --> 00:12:01,159 blooming with vitality, 213 00:12:01,159 --> 00:12:03,159 radiant of countenance, 214 00:12:03,159 --> 00:12:05,159 abundant in humility, 215 00:12:05,159 --> 00:12:10,159 sitting upon a white cushion over a simple wool rug. 216 00:12:10,159 --> 00:12:12,159 He welcomed me and then said: 217 00:12:12,159 --> 00:12:17,159 'I have heard my father speak of you with all the goodness that you truly deserve, 218 00:12:17,159 --> 00:12:20,159 and I truly hope that Allah brings benefit through you.' 219 00:12:20,159 --> 00:12:24,259 So I asked him: 'How do you find yourself?' 220 00:12:24,259 --> 00:12:25,259 He replied: 221 00:12:25,259 --> 00:12:29,259 'In goodness and grace from Allah, the Mighty and Sublime. 222 00:12:29,259 --> 00:12:34,259 However, I fear that my father's good opinion of me may have deceived me, 223 00:12:34,259 --> 00:12:38,259 for I have not attained all the virtue that he thinks I possess. 224 00:12:38,259 --> 00:12:43,259 I truly dread that his love for me has overwhelmed his true knowledge of who I am, 225 00:12:43,259 --> 00:12:46,259 and that I might thus become a source of trial and harm for him.' 226 00:12:46,259 --> 00:12:48,259 I was astonished by the mutual harmony of their perceptions. 227 00:12:48,259 --> 00:12:53,320 Then I asked him: 'Inform me, from where do you earn your livelihood?' 228 00:12:53,320 --> 00:12:54,320 He said: 229 00:12:54,320 --> 00:12:58,320 'From the produce of land I purchased from someone who inherited it from his father, 230 00:12:58,320 --> 00:13:02,320 paying its price from purely lawful wealth entirely free of doubt; 231 00:13:02,320 --> 00:13:06,379 thus I have made myself independent of the public treasury of the Muslims.' 232 00:13:06,379 --> 00:13:08,509 I asked: 'What is your food?' 233 00:13:08,509 --> 00:13:09,509 He said: 234 00:13:09,509 --> 00:13:13,509 'One night meat, one night lentils and olive oil, 235 00:13:13,509 --> 00:13:15,509 and one night vinegar and olive oil; 236 00:13:15,509 --> 00:13:17,509 and in this there is ample sustenance.' 237 00:13:17,509 --> 00:13:19,700 So I asked him: 238 00:13:19,700 --> 00:13:21,700 'Do you not feel any self-admiration?' 239 00:13:21,700 --> 00:13:23,740 He replied: 240 00:13:23,740 --> 00:13:25,740 'There was indeed something of that in me, 241 00:13:25,740 --> 00:13:27,740 but when my father admonished me, 242 00:13:27,740 --> 00:13:30,740 he opened my eyes to the reality of my own self, 243 00:13:30,740 --> 00:13:32,740 diminished its worth in my esteem, 244 00:13:32,740 --> 00:13:34,740 and humbled its status before my eyes; 245 00:13:34,740 --> 00:13:37,740 and Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, benefited me greatly through that. 246 00:13:37,740 --> 00:13:41,740 So may Allah reward him with the best reward of a father!' 247 00:13:41,740 --> 00:13:43,740 I sat with him for a while conversing, 248 00:13:43,740 --> 00:13:45,740 delighted by his eloquence and speech, 249 00:13:45,740 --> 00:13:48,740 for I had never seen anyone with a more handsome face, 250 00:13:48,740 --> 00:13:50,740 nor of more sound intellect, 251 00:13:50,740 --> 00:13:52,740 nor of finer manners and refinement than him, 252 00:13:52,740 --> 00:13:54,740 despite his tender age 253 00:13:54,740 --> 00:13:56,740 and limited experience. 254 00:13:56,740 --> 00:13:58,769 Toward the end of the day, 255 00:13:58,769 --> 00:14:00,769 a servant came to him and said: 256 00:14:00,769 --> 00:14:03,769 'May Allah rectify you, we have finished.' 257 00:14:03,769 --> 00:14:05,769 'Abd al-Malik remained silent. 258 00:14:05,769 --> 00:14:06,769 I asked: 259 00:14:06,769 --> 00:14:08,769 'What is this that they have finished?' 260 00:14:08,769 --> 00:14:09,769 He replied: 261 00:14:09,769 --> 00:14:11,769 'The public bathhouse.' 262 00:14:11,769 --> 00:14:13,769 I said: 'What do you mean?' 263 00:14:13,769 --> 00:14:14,769 He said: 264 00:14:14,769 --> 00:14:16,769 'They cleared the people out of it for me.' 265 00:14:16,769 --> 00:14:18,769 I said: 266 00:14:18,769 --> 00:14:20,769 'You had indeed held in my heart 267 00:14:20,769 --> 00:14:21,769 a status of great esteem, 268 00:14:21,769 --> 00:14:23,769 until I heard this!' 269 00:14:23,769 --> 00:14:25,769 He was startled, uttered the words of grief and turning to Allah, 270 00:14:25,769 --> 00:14:26,769 and said: 271 00:14:26,769 --> 00:14:28,769 'And what is wrong with that, uncle, 272 00:14:28,769 --> 00:14:30,769 may Allah have mercy on you?' 273 00:14:30,769 --> 00:14:31,769 I said: 274 00:14:31,769 --> 00:14:32,769 'Does the public bathhouse belong to you?' 275 00:14:32,769 --> 00:14:34,799 He said: 'No.' 276 00:14:34,799 --> 00:14:35,799 I said: 277 00:14:35,799 --> 00:14:38,799 'Then what prompted you to have people driven out of it, 278 00:14:38,799 --> 00:14:40,799 as if you desire by doing so 279 00:14:40,799 --> 00:14:42,799 to elevate yourself above them, 280 00:14:42,799 --> 00:14:44,799 and to assign yourself a status 281 00:14:44,799 --> 00:14:46,799 that towers over their status? 282 00:14:46,799 --> 00:14:48,799 Moreover, you harm 283 00:14:48,799 --> 00:14:50,799 the bathhouse owner regarding his daily earnings, 284 00:14:50,799 --> 00:14:52,799 and you turn away whoever comes 285 00:14:52,799 --> 00:14:54,799 to his bathhouse disappointed.' 286 00:14:54,799 --> 00:14:55,799 He said: 287 00:14:55,799 --> 00:14:57,799 'As for the owner of the bathhouse, 288 00:14:57,799 --> 00:14:59,799 I satisfy him and give him 289 00:14:59,799 --> 00:15:01,830 his full daily revenue.' 290 00:15:01,830 --> 00:15:02,830 I said: 291 00:15:02,830 --> 00:15:04,830 'This is an extravagant expenditure 292 00:15:04,830 --> 00:15:05,830 tainted by pride! 293 00:15:05,830 --> 00:15:07,830 And what prevents you from entering 294 00:15:07,830 --> 00:15:09,830 the bathhouse alongside the people, 295 00:15:09,830 --> 00:15:11,830 being just like any one of them?' 296 00:15:11,830 --> 00:15:12,830 He replied: 297 00:15:12,830 --> 00:15:14,830 'What prevents me from doing so 298 00:15:14,830 --> 00:15:16,830 is that a group among the common folk 299 00:15:16,830 --> 00:15:18,830 enter the bathhouse without waist-wraps, 300 00:15:18,830 --> 00:15:20,830 and I detest looking upon their nakedness, 301 00:15:20,830 --> 00:15:22,830 just as I detest compelling them 302 00:15:22,830 --> 00:15:24,830 to put on waist-wraps, 303 00:15:24,830 --> 00:15:26,830 lest they take that 304 00:15:26,830 --> 00:15:28,830 as an exercise of domineering power over them 305 00:15:28,830 --> 00:15:30,830 through political authority— 306 00:15:30,830 --> 00:15:32,830 from which I ask Allah to deliver us 307 00:15:32,830 --> 00:15:34,830 merely breaking even, 308 00:15:34,830 --> 00:15:36,830 with neither burden against us nor gain for us! 309 00:15:36,830 --> 00:15:38,830 So admonish me, may Allah have mercy on you, 310 00:15:38,830 --> 00:15:40,830 and grant me an advice by which I may benefit, 311 00:15:40,830 --> 00:15:42,830 and provide me an honorable way out of this matter.' 312 00:15:42,830 --> 00:15:44,830 I said: 313 00:15:44,830 --> 00:15:46,830 'Wait until 314 00:15:46,830 --> 00:15:48,830 the people leave the bathhouse at night 315 00:15:48,830 --> 00:15:50,830 and return to their homes, 316 00:15:50,830 --> 00:15:52,830 and only then enter it.' 317 00:15:52,830 --> 00:15:53,830 He said: 318 00:15:53,830 --> 00:15:54,830 'Without a doubt; 319 00:15:54,830 --> 00:15:55,830 that is to say, 320 00:15:55,830 --> 00:15:57,830 I pledge and swear 321 00:15:57,830 --> 00:15:59,830 that I will never enter it during the daytime 322 00:15:59,830 --> 00:16:01,830 after this day! 323 00:16:01,830 --> 00:16:03,830 Were it not for the severe cold of this land, 324 00:16:03,830 --> 00:16:05,830 I would never enter it at all.' 325 00:16:05,830 --> 00:16:07,830 He lowered his head for a moment 326 00:16:07,830 --> 00:16:09,830 as though deep in thought, 327 00:16:09,830 --> 00:16:11,830 then raised his head toward me 328 00:16:11,830 --> 00:16:13,830 and said: 329 00:16:13,830 --> 00:16:15,830 'I implore you by oath 330 00:16:15,830 --> 00:16:17,830 to conceal this matter from my father; 331 00:16:17,830 --> 00:16:19,830 for I would loathe for him to remain 332 00:16:19,830 --> 00:16:21,830 displeased with me, 333 00:16:21,830 --> 00:16:23,830 and I truly fear that death might intervene 334 00:16:23,830 --> 00:16:25,830 before securing his pleasure and forgiveness.' 335 00:16:25,830 --> 00:16:27,830 Maymun said: 336 00:16:27,830 --> 00:16:29,830 'At that point, I wanted to test 337 00:16:29,830 --> 00:16:31,830 his discernment, so I said to him: 338 00:16:31,830 --> 00:16:33,830 "If the Commander of the Believers asks me 339 00:16:33,830 --> 00:16:35,830 whether I saw anything amiss from you, 340 00:16:35,830 --> 00:16:37,830 would you be pleased for me to lie 341 00:16:37,830 --> 00:16:39,830 to him?" 342 00:16:39,830 --> 00:16:41,830 He said: "No, Allah forbid! 343 00:16:41,830 --> 00:16:43,830 Rather, tell him: 344 00:16:43,830 --> 00:16:45,830 'I noticed something in him, 345 00:16:45,830 --> 00:16:47,830 so I admonished him and magnified it 346 00:16:47,830 --> 00:16:49,830 in his eyes, 347 00:16:49,830 --> 00:16:51,830 and he hastened to renounce it.' 348 00:16:51,830 --> 00:16:53,830 For my father will not demand that you disclose 349 00:16:53,830 --> 00:16:55,830 what you have not volunteered to reveal to him, 350 00:16:55,830 --> 00:16:57,830 because Allah, the Sublime and Exalted, 351 00:16:57,830 --> 00:16:59,830 has protected him from prying into 352 00:16:59,830 --> 00:17:01,830 that which has been concealed."' 353 00:17:01,830 --> 00:17:03,830 Maymun said: 354 00:17:03,830 --> 00:17:05,829 "May Allah be pleased with the fifth 355 00:17:05,829 --> 00:17:07,829 of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, 356 00:17:07,829 --> 00:17:11,339 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz, 357 00:17:11,339 --> 00:17:13,339 and may He be pleased with him, 358 00:17:13,339 --> 00:17:15,339 and may He illuminate his resting place and the resting place 359 00:17:15,339 --> 00:17:17,339 of his son and dearest part of his heart, 360 00:17:17,339 --> 00:17:19,339 'Abd al-Malik! 361 00:17:19,339 --> 00:17:21,339 And peace be upon them both on the day 362 00:17:21,339 --> 00:17:23,339 they departed to the Highest Companion, 363 00:17:23,339 --> 00:17:25,339 and peace be upon them both on the day 364 00:17:25,339 --> 00:17:27,339 they shall be resurrected alongside 365 00:17:27,339 --> 00:17:29,339 the righteous and pure elect! 366 00:17:29,339 --> 00:17:35,750 Do you not know that every 367 00:17:35,750 --> 00:17:37,750 people has a noble paragon, 368 00:17:37,750 --> 00:17:40,230 and that the noble paragon 369 00:17:40,230 --> 00:17:42,230 of Banu Umayyah is 'Umar 370 00:17:42,230 --> 00:17:44,740 ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz, 371 00:17:44,740 --> 00:17:46,740 and that he will be resurrected on the Day of 372 00:17:46,740 --> 00:17:49,769 Resurrection as an entire Ummah unto himself?" 373 00:17:49,769 --> 00:17:51,769 Muhammad ibn 'Ali ibn al-Husayn said: 374 00:18:11,980 --> 00:18:13,980 "They departed, leaving behind 375 00:18:13,980 --> 00:18:16,980 in our conscience a lingering question: 376 00:18:16,980 --> 00:18:18,980 Was there ever like them 377 00:18:18,980 --> 00:18:21,980 a star that soared and shone so bright? 378 00:18:21,980 --> 00:18:23,980 They filled this life 379 00:18:23,980 --> 00:18:25,980 with glorious deeds 380 00:18:25,980 --> 00:18:27,980 through their righteous actions, 381 00:18:27,980 --> 00:18:29,980 and by them 382 00:18:29,980 --> 00:18:32,619 our world was made to flourish and shine."