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 finest of generations in their stands and exemplary conduct, 3 00:00:08,460 --> 00:00:13,460 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 4 00:00:13,460 --> 00:00:15,460 [Gham'iyyat Mawaddah] 5 00:00:15,460 --> 00:00:17,460 Presents: 6 00:00:17,460 --> 00:00:21,460 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un, 7 00:00:21,460 --> 00:00:25,910 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 8 00:00:25,910 --> 00:00:27,910 May Allah have mercy on him. 9 00:00:27,910 --> 00:00:34,670 Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi, may Allah have mercy on him. 10 00:00:42,729 --> 00:00:46,729 We are now in the year eighty-seven after the Hijrah. 11 00:00:46,729 --> 00:00:49,729 Here is the pride of the Muslims, 12 00:00:49,729 --> 00:00:53,729 The victorious commander Qutaybah Ibn Muslim al-Bahili, 13 00:00:53,729 --> 00:00:57,729 Setting forth with his mighty, roaring army from the city of Merv, 14 00:00:57,729 --> 00:01:00,729 Heading toward the region of Bukhara. 15 00:01:00,729 --> 00:01:06,730 He had firmly resolved to conquer the remainder of Transoxiana, 16 00:01:06,730 --> 00:01:08,730 Campaign against the borders of China, 17 00:01:08,730 --> 00:01:11,730 And impose the jizyah upon its people. 18 00:01:11,730 --> 00:01:17,049 But no sooner had Qutaybah Ibn Muslim crossed the Jaxartes River 19 00:01:17,049 --> 00:01:20,049 Than the people of Bukhara detected his movements. 20 00:01:20,049 --> 00:01:24,049 They rallied, beating the drums of war everywhere, 21 00:01:24,049 --> 00:01:28,049 And began calling for help from the surrounding nations, 22 00:01:28,049 --> 00:01:33,109 Including the Sogdians, the Turks, the Chinese, and many others. 23 00:01:33,109 --> 00:01:38,109 Masses of fighters poured in upon them from every background, race, 24 00:01:38,109 --> 00:01:40,109 Language, and religion, 25 00:01:40,109 --> 00:01:45,109 Until they vastly outnumbered the Muslim army in both equipment and numbers. 26 00:01:45,109 --> 00:01:47,109 Then, taking the initiative, 27 00:01:47,109 --> 00:01:51,109 They blocked the main routes in front of the Muslims 28 00:01:51,109 --> 00:01:54,109 And sealed off the outposts and mountain passes against them, 29 00:01:54,109 --> 00:01:57,109 To the extent that Qutaybah Ibn Muslim 30 00:01:57,109 --> 00:02:02,109 Could not dispatch even a small detachment of his troops 31 00:02:02,109 --> 00:02:06,109 To scout their conditions and bring back intelligence, 32 00:02:06,109 --> 00:02:14,159 Nor could any of his spies dispersed among them reach him. 33 00:02:14,159 --> 00:02:20,159 Qutaybah Ibn Muslim encamped with his army near the city of Paykend, 34 00:02:20,159 --> 00:02:24,159 Remaining rooted in his position, unable to advance or retreat. 35 00:02:24,159 --> 00:02:31,159 The enemy began to confront him at every daybreak with one of their vanguards, 36 00:02:31,159 --> 00:02:35,159 Skirmishing with his army throughout the entire day, 37 00:02:35,159 --> 00:02:41,509 And when night fell, they retired to their secure and fortified strongholds. 38 00:02:41,509 --> 00:02:46,509 This state of affairs continued for two consecutive months, 39 00:02:46,509 --> 00:02:49,509 Leaving Qutaybah in deep perplexity, 40 00:02:49,509 --> 00:02:52,509 At a loss whether to withdraw or press forward. 41 00:02:52,509 --> 00:02:59,539 Before long, news of Qutaybah and his army reached the ears of Muslims everywhere, 42 00:02:59,539 --> 00:03:04,539 And the people were seized with intense anxiety for this great, hitherto invincible army 43 00:03:04,539 --> 00:03:08,539 And its illustrious, undefeated commander. 44 00:03:08,539 --> 00:03:11,539 Directives were issued to the governors across the provinces 45 00:03:11,539 --> 00:03:16,539 To offer supplications for the Muslim soldiers lying in wait in Transoxiana 46 00:03:16,539 --> 00:03:18,539 After every prayer. 47 00:03:18,539 --> 00:03:23,580 The mosques of the Muslims began to swell with fervent prayers for them, 48 00:03:23,580 --> 00:03:27,580 Their minarets resounded with humble entreaties and supplications, 49 00:03:27,580 --> 00:03:31,580 And the imams persistently performed the qunut supplication in every prayer. 50 00:03:31,580 --> 00:03:35,580 Vast numbers of people rushed to the relief of the formidable army, 51 00:03:35,580 --> 00:03:41,580 Led by the eminent Tabi'i Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi. 52 00:03:41,580 --> 00:03:47,860 Qutaybah Ibn Muslim al-Bahili had a non-Arab spy 53 00:03:47,860 --> 00:03:51,860 Known for his experience, wisdom, and cunning, 54 00:03:51,860 --> 00:03:53,860 Named Tithar. 55 00:03:53,860 --> 00:03:56,860 The enemies enticed him to their side, 56 00:03:56,860 --> 00:03:58,860 Lavished money upon him generously, 57 00:03:58,860 --> 00:04:04,860 And requested that he employ his stratagem and intelligence to undermine the Muslims' morale 58 00:04:04,860 --> 00:04:08,860 And induce them to leave the land without a fight. 59 00:04:08,860 --> 00:04:12,889 Tithar entered upon Qutaybah Ibn Muslim al-Bahili, 60 00:04:12,889 --> 00:04:17,889 Whose assembly was packed with senior commanders and prominent officers, 61 00:04:17,889 --> 00:04:20,889 And took his seat beside him. 62 00:04:20,889 --> 00:04:24,889 He then leaned toward him and whispered in his ear, saying, 63 00:04:24,889 --> 00:04:28,889 "Clear your assembly, O Prince, if you wish." 64 00:04:28,889 --> 00:04:31,920 Qutaybah gestured to those in the assembly, 65 00:04:31,920 --> 00:04:35,920 And they all departed except for Dirar Ibn al-Husayn, 66 00:04:35,920 --> 00:04:38,920 Whom Qutaybah requested to stay behind. 67 00:04:38,920 --> 00:04:41,050 At that point, 68 00:04:41,050 --> 00:04:44,050 Tithar turned to Qutaybah and said, 69 00:04:44,050 --> 00:04:47,050 "I have news for you, O Prince." 70 00:04:47,050 --> 00:04:51,050 Qutaybah asked eagerly, "Out with it!" 71 00:04:51,050 --> 00:04:53,050 Tithar said, 72 00:04:53,050 --> 00:04:56,050 "The Commander of the Faithful in Damascus 73 00:04:56,050 --> 00:04:59,050 Has dismissed al-Hajjaj Ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafi 74 00:04:59,050 --> 00:05:02,050 And relieved the commanders who follow him, 75 00:05:02,050 --> 00:05:04,050 You being one of them. 76 00:05:04,050 --> 00:05:07,050 He has appointed new commanders over the armies 77 00:05:07,050 --> 00:05:10,050 And dispatched them to their assignments. 78 00:05:10,050 --> 00:05:14,050 Your replacement will arrive to take over from you overnight. 79 00:05:14,050 --> 00:05:16,050 In my opinion, 80 00:05:16,050 --> 00:05:19,050 You should withdraw with your army from these lands 81 00:05:19,050 --> 00:05:21,050 And return to Merv, 82 00:05:21,050 --> 00:05:25,050 To consider your course of action far from the battlefields." 83 00:05:25,050 --> 00:05:28,269 Hardly had Tithar finished speaking 84 00:05:28,269 --> 00:05:32,269 When Qutaybah Ibn Muslim summoned his servant Sayah. 85 00:05:32,269 --> 00:05:35,269 When he stood before him, Qutaybah said to him, 86 00:05:35,269 --> 00:05:38,269 "Strike off the neck of this traitor, O Sayah!" 87 00:05:38,269 --> 00:05:40,269 Sayah struck off his neck, 88 00:05:40,269 --> 00:05:43,269 And returned whence he came. 89 00:05:43,269 --> 00:05:46,269 Thereupon Qutaybah turned to Dirar Ibn al-Husayn 90 00:05:46,269 --> 00:05:49,269 And said, "There is no one on this earth 91 00:05:49,269 --> 00:05:52,269 Who has heard this news except you and me. 92 00:05:52,269 --> 00:05:56,269 I swear by Allah, the Most High, the Supreme: 93 00:05:56,269 --> 00:05:58,269 If this matter is divulged by anyone 94 00:05:58,269 --> 00:06:01,269 Before this war of ours concludes, 95 00:06:01,269 --> 00:06:04,269 I shall surely join you to this treacherous villain! 96 00:06:04,269 --> 00:06:07,269 So if you hold your own life dear, 97 00:06:07,269 --> 00:06:09,269 Guard your tongue well, 98 00:06:09,269 --> 00:06:12,269 And know that the spread of this news 99 00:06:12,269 --> 00:06:14,269 Will sap the morale of the army 100 00:06:14,269 --> 00:06:17,269 And bring upon us a ignominious defeat." 101 00:06:17,269 --> 00:06:20,269 He then granted permission for the people to enter. 102 00:06:20,269 --> 00:06:23,269 When they saw Tithar slain upon the ground, 103 00:06:23,269 --> 00:06:25,269 Drenched in his own blood, 104 00:06:25,269 --> 00:06:29,269 They stood dumbfounded, heads bowed in shock and horror. 105 00:06:29,269 --> 00:06:31,269 Qutaybah said to them, 106 00:06:31,269 --> 00:06:35,269 "Why are you alarmed by the execution of a treacherous traitor?" 107 00:06:35,269 --> 00:06:36,269 They replied, 108 00:06:36,269 --> 00:06:40,269 "We thought he was well-wishing toward the Muslims." 109 00:06:40,269 --> 00:06:41,269 He said, 110 00:06:41,269 --> 00:06:43,269 "Rather, he was deceiving them, 111 00:06:43,269 --> 00:06:45,269 So Allah seized him for his sin." 112 00:06:45,269 --> 00:06:48,269 Then he raised his voice and said, 113 00:06:48,269 --> 00:06:49,269 "And now, 114 00:06:49,269 --> 00:06:52,269 Depart to fight your enemy, 115 00:06:52,269 --> 00:06:54,269 And face them with hearts completely different from the hearts 116 00:06:54,269 --> 00:06:58,269 With which you used to face them before!" 117 00:06:58,269 --> 00:07:01,839 The soldiers obeyed the command of their leader, 118 00:07:01,839 --> 00:07:03,839 Qutaybah Ibn Muslim, 119 00:07:03,839 --> 00:07:06,839 And crossed the border passes to meet the enemy. 120 00:07:06,839 --> 00:07:09,970 When the two armies lined up in battle formation, 121 00:07:09,970 --> 00:07:11,970 The Muslims saw such vast numbers of the enemy 122 00:07:11,970 --> 00:07:14,970 And such an abundance of their equipment and arms 123 00:07:14,970 --> 00:07:16,970 As filled their hearts with fear 124 00:07:16,970 --> 00:07:18,970 And awe of them. 125 00:07:18,970 --> 00:07:21,029 Qutaybah Ibn Muslim sensed 126 00:07:21,029 --> 00:07:24,029 The distress stirring in the hearts of his troops, 127 00:07:24,029 --> 00:07:27,029 So he began riding among the regiments, 128 00:07:27,029 --> 00:07:30,029 Inspiring resolve and strengthening their determination. 129 00:07:30,029 --> 00:07:33,029 Then he turned to those around him and asked, 130 00:07:33,029 --> 00:07:36,029 "Where is Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi?" 131 00:07:36,029 --> 00:07:37,029 They said, 132 00:07:37,029 --> 00:07:41,029 "He is over there on the right flank, O Prince." 133 00:07:41,029 --> 00:07:42,029 He asked, 134 00:07:42,029 --> 00:07:44,029 "And what is he doing?" 135 00:07:44,029 --> 00:07:45,029 They said, 136 00:07:45,029 --> 00:07:47,029 "He is leaning on his spear, 137 00:07:47,029 --> 00:07:49,029 Gazing upward, 138 00:07:49,029 --> 00:07:52,029 And pointing his finger toward the sky." 139 00:07:52,029 --> 00:07:55,029 "Shall we call him for you, O Prince?" 140 00:07:55,029 --> 00:07:56,029 He said, 141 00:07:56,029 --> 00:07:58,029 "No, leave him." 142 00:07:58,029 --> 00:08:00,029 Then he added, saying, 143 00:08:00,029 --> 00:08:02,029 "By Allah, that single finger 144 00:08:02,029 --> 00:08:05,029 Is dearer to me than a thousand unsheathed swords 145 00:08:05,029 --> 00:08:08,029 Carried by a thousand vigorous young men! 146 00:08:08,029 --> 00:08:10,029 Leave him to supplicate, 147 00:08:10,029 --> 00:08:14,029 For we have known him only as one whose supplications are answered." 148 00:08:14,029 --> 00:08:19,410 The Muslim army and the enemy army advanced upon each other 149 00:08:19,410 --> 00:08:22,410 As ferocious lions clash, 150 00:08:22,410 --> 00:08:24,410 And the two hosts met 151 00:08:24,410 --> 00:08:27,410 Like the crashing waves of the sea 152 00:08:27,410 --> 00:08:29,410 On a stormy day. 153 00:08:29,410 --> 00:08:33,409 Allah sent down tranquility upon the hearts of the Muslims 154 00:08:33,409 --> 00:08:36,500 And aided them with a spirit from Him. 155 00:08:36,500 --> 00:08:40,500 They continued fighting their enemy hard throughout the day, 156 00:08:40,500 --> 00:08:42,500 Until, as night approached, 157 00:08:42,500 --> 00:08:45,500 Allah shook the feet of the idolaters 158 00:08:45,500 --> 00:08:48,500 And cast terror into their hearts. 159 00:08:48,500 --> 00:08:51,500 They turned their backs in flight before the Muslims, 160 00:08:51,500 --> 00:08:55,500 And the warriors pursued them, killing, capturing, and scattering them. 161 00:08:55,500 --> 00:08:59,500 Thereupon, they sued Qutaybah for peace and ransom, 162 00:08:59,500 --> 00:09:02,779 And he made peace with them. 163 00:09:02,779 --> 00:09:04,779 Among the enemy prisoners was 164 00:09:04,779 --> 00:09:06,779 A man of wicked nature, 165 00:09:06,779 --> 00:09:08,779 Utterly malicious, 166 00:09:08,779 --> 00:09:12,779 Who had been instrumental in inciting his people against the Muslims. 167 00:09:12,779 --> 00:09:15,779 He said to Qutaybah Ibn Muslim, 168 00:09:15,779 --> 00:09:18,779 "I will ransom myself, O Prince." 169 00:09:18,779 --> 00:09:21,779 He was asked, "And how much will you offer?" 170 00:09:21,779 --> 00:09:22,779 He replied, 171 00:09:22,779 --> 00:09:25,779 "Five thousand Chinese silk garments, 172 00:09:25,779 --> 00:09:27,779 Worth one million pieces of silver." 173 00:09:27,779 --> 00:09:31,070 Qutaybah turned to the prominent figures among his soldiers 174 00:09:31,070 --> 00:09:33,070 And asked, "What do you think?" 175 00:09:33,070 --> 00:09:34,070 They said, 176 00:09:34,070 --> 00:09:39,070 "We think this wealth will add to the spoils of the Muslims; 177 00:09:39,070 --> 00:09:42,070 Furthermore, after achieving this victory, 178 00:09:42,070 --> 00:09:46,070 We no longer fear the harm of this man or his likes." 179 00:09:46,070 --> 00:09:50,230 Then Qutaybah turned to Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi 180 00:09:50,230 --> 00:09:51,230 And asked, 181 00:09:51,230 --> 00:09:54,230 "And what do you say, O Abu Abd Allah?" 182 00:09:54,230 --> 00:09:55,230 He replied, 183 00:09:55,230 --> 00:09:57,230 "O Prince, 184 00:09:57,230 --> 00:10:00,230 The Muslims did not leave their homes 185 00:10:00,230 --> 00:10:03,230 To amass spoils and hoard wealth; 186 00:10:03,230 --> 00:10:06,230 Rather, they set out seeking the pleasure of Allah, 187 00:10:06,230 --> 00:10:08,230 To spread His religion in the earth, 188 00:10:08,230 --> 00:10:10,230 And to subdue His enemies." 189 00:10:10,230 --> 00:10:12,299 Qutaybah said, 190 00:10:12,299 --> 00:10:14,299 "May Allah reward you with good! 191 00:10:14,299 --> 00:10:19,299 By Allah, I shall not allow him to terrify a single Muslim woman after this hour, 192 00:10:19,299 --> 00:10:23,299 Even if he were to offer all the wealth of the world as ransom for himself!" 193 00:10:23,299 --> 00:10:25,299 He then ordered his execution. 194 00:10:25,299 --> 00:10:30,769 The connection of Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi 195 00:10:30,769 --> 00:10:32,769 With the Umayyad princes was not limited 196 00:10:32,769 --> 00:10:34,769 To Yazid Ibn al-Muhallab 197 00:10:34,769 --> 00:10:37,769 And Qutaybah Ibn Muslim al-Bahili; 198 00:10:37,769 --> 00:10:41,769 Rather, it extended to other governors and commanders as well. 199 00:10:41,769 --> 00:10:45,899 Among the prominent figures with whom he had contact was the governor of Basra, 200 00:10:45,899 --> 00:10:47,899 Bilal ibn Abi Burdah. 201 00:10:47,899 --> 00:10:50,960 Indeed, between him and this governor, 202 00:10:50,960 --> 00:10:52,960 there were well-known and widely circulated encounters, 203 00:10:52,960 --> 00:10:55,960 as well as memorable, transmitted accounts. 204 00:10:55,960 --> 00:10:59,960 Among them was that he once entered upon him 205 00:10:59,960 --> 00:11:03,960 wearing a coarse woolen cloak. 206 00:11:03,960 --> 00:11:05,960 Bilal asked him, 207 00:11:05,960 --> 00:11:10,960 "What prompts you to wear this coarse garment, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 208 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:13,990 The shaykh preoccupied himself and did not answer him. 209 00:11:13,990 --> 00:11:15,990 The governor looked at him and said, 210 00:11:15,990 --> 00:11:18,990 "Why do you not answer me, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 211 00:11:18,990 --> 00:11:20,990 He replied, 212 00:11:20,990 --> 00:11:22,990 "I dislike saying it is out of asceticism, 213 00:11:22,990 --> 00:11:24,990 for then I would be praising myself; 214 00:11:24,990 --> 00:11:26,990 and I dislike saying it is out of poverty, 215 00:11:26,990 --> 00:11:28,990 for then I would be complaining of my Lord. 216 00:11:28,990 --> 00:11:31,990 And I wish to do neither." 217 00:11:31,990 --> 00:11:34,090 Bilal then said to him, 218 00:11:34,090 --> 00:11:38,090 "Do you have any need that we may fulfill for you, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 219 00:11:38,090 --> 00:11:39,090 He said, 220 00:11:39,090 --> 00:11:40,090 "As for myself, 221 00:11:40,090 --> 00:11:44,090 I have no need to ask of any person. 222 00:11:44,090 --> 00:11:48,090 Rather, I have come to you regarding the need of a fellow Muslim: 223 00:11:48,090 --> 00:11:51,090 if Allah permits it to be fulfilled, 224 00:11:51,090 --> 00:11:54,090 you will fulfill it and earn praise; 225 00:11:54,090 --> 00:11:56,090 and if He does not permit it to be fulfilled, 226 00:11:56,090 --> 00:11:59,090 you will not fulfill it, yet you will be excused." 227 00:11:59,090 --> 00:12:00,090 Bilal replied, 228 00:12:00,090 --> 00:12:03,090 "Nay, we shall fulfill it, by Allah’s leave." 229 00:12:03,090 --> 00:12:06,220 Then the governor turned to him and asked, 230 00:12:06,220 --> 00:12:10,220 "What do you say regarding divine decree and predestination, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 231 00:12:10,220 --> 00:12:11,220 He said, 232 00:12:11,220 --> 00:12:13,220 "O emir, 233 00:12:13,220 --> 00:12:19,220 on the Day of Resurrection, Allah, Exalted and Glorious, will not question His servants about divine decree and predestination; 234 00:12:19,220 --> 00:12:22,220 rather, He will question them about their deeds." 235 00:12:22,220 --> 00:12:26,220 Ashamed, the governor fell silent. 236 00:12:26,220 --> 00:12:28,379 While he was seated with him, 237 00:12:28,379 --> 00:12:30,379 the time for the governor's midday meal arrived, 238 00:12:30,379 --> 00:12:33,379 so he invited him to share his food, 239 00:12:33,379 --> 00:12:35,379 but he declined. 240 00:12:35,379 --> 00:12:37,379 The governor insisted, 241 00:12:37,379 --> 00:12:39,379 yet he began to offer various excuses. 242 00:12:39,379 --> 00:12:42,379 The governor grew angry and said, 243 00:12:42,379 --> 00:12:47,379 "I see that you dislike partaking of any of our food, O Abu 'Abdillah!" 244 00:12:47,379 --> 00:12:48,379 He replied to him, 245 00:12:48,379 --> 00:12:51,379 "Do not say that, O emir! 246 00:12:51,379 --> 00:12:55,379 For by Allah, the best among you, the assembly of rulers, 247 00:12:55,379 --> 00:12:59,379 are dearer to us than our own children and closest kin." 248 00:12:59,379 --> 00:13:04,980 Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi was summoned 249 00:13:04,980 --> 00:13:07,980 to assume the office of judiciary more than once, 250 00:13:07,980 --> 00:13:10,980 but he refused it most resolutely, 251 00:13:10,980 --> 00:13:14,980 exposing himself, through his refusal, to harm. 252 00:13:14,980 --> 00:13:17,980 Among these incidents was that Muhammad ibn al-Mundhir, 253 00:13:17,980 --> 00:13:21,980 the chief of police in Basra, summoned him and said, 254 00:13:21,980 --> 00:13:26,980 "The emir of Iraq has commanded me to summon you to assume the judgeship." 255 00:13:26,980 --> 00:13:27,980 He said, 256 00:13:27,980 --> 00:13:31,980 "Exempt me from that, and may Allah grant you well-being." 257 00:13:31,980 --> 00:13:33,980 He repeated the order to him a second and a third time, 258 00:13:33,980 --> 00:13:36,980 yet he remained steadfast in his refusal. 259 00:13:36,980 --> 00:13:37,980 So he told him, 260 00:13:37,980 --> 00:13:40,980 "By Allah, you will certainly accept the judgeship, 261 00:13:40,980 --> 00:13:43,980 or else I shall flog you with three hundred lashes, 262 00:13:43,980 --> 00:13:45,980 and I will punish you severely!" 263 00:13:45,980 --> 00:13:46,980 He replied to him, 264 00:13:46,980 --> 00:13:49,980 "If you do so, you only have worldly power, 265 00:13:49,980 --> 00:13:53,980 and the tormentor of this world is far better than the torment of the Hereafter." 266 00:13:53,980 --> 00:13:56,980 Overcome with shame, he dismissed him honorably. 267 00:13:56,980 --> 00:14:03,220 The study circle of Muhammad ibn Wasi' in the mosque of Basra 268 00:14:03,220 --> 00:14:05,220 was a sanctuary for seekers of knowledge, 269 00:14:06,220 --> 00:14:09,220 and a fountainhead for those in pursuit of wisdom and exhortation. 270 00:14:09,220 --> 00:14:12,220 The books of history and biography are replete 271 00:14:12,220 --> 00:14:14,220 with accounts of these gatherings of his. 272 00:14:14,220 --> 00:14:17,220 Among them is that a man once said to him, 273 00:14:17,220 --> 00:14:19,220 "Advise me, O Abu 'Abdillah." 274 00:14:19,220 --> 00:14:21,220 He said, 275 00:14:21,220 --> 00:14:25,220 "I advise you to be a king in this world and the Hereafter." 276 00:14:25,220 --> 00:14:27,220 Astonished, the questioner asked, 277 00:14:27,220 --> 00:14:31,220 "And how can I achieve that, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 278 00:14:31,220 --> 00:14:32,220 He replied, 279 00:14:32,220 --> 00:14:34,220 "Renounce the fleeting goods of this world: 280 00:14:34,220 --> 00:14:39,220 you will be a king here by being free of needing what is in people's hands, 281 00:14:39,220 --> 00:14:44,220 and a king there by attaining the magnificent reward that is with Allah." 282 00:14:44,220 --> 00:14:46,320 Another man said to him, 283 00:14:46,320 --> 00:14:50,320 "Indeed, I love you for the sake of Allah, O Abu 'Abdillah." 284 00:14:50,320 --> 00:14:51,320 He replied, 285 00:14:51,320 --> 00:14:55,320 "May He for Whose sake you love me love you in return." 286 00:14:55,320 --> 00:14:57,320 Then he turned away, saying, 287 00:14:57,320 --> 00:15:01,320 "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from being loved for Your sake 288 00:15:01,320 --> 00:15:03,320 while You are detesting me." 289 00:15:03,320 --> 00:15:06,669 Whenever he heard people praising him 290 00:15:06,669 --> 00:15:09,669 and lauding his piety and devotion, 291 00:15:09,669 --> 00:15:11,669 he would say to them, 292 00:15:11,669 --> 00:15:14,669 "If sins had a foul odor that diffused, 293 00:15:14,669 --> 00:15:17,669 none of you would be able to come near me, 294 00:15:17,669 --> 00:15:21,669 because of the offense of my stench." 295 00:15:21,669 --> 00:15:24,950 Muhammad ibn Wasi' 296 00:15:24,950 --> 00:15:29,950 never ceased urging his students to adhere to the Book of Allah, Exalted and Glorious, 297 00:15:29,950 --> 00:15:32,950 and to live in its shade, saying, 298 00:15:32,950 --> 00:15:35,950 "The Qur'an is the believer's garden: 299 00:15:35,950 --> 00:15:38,950 wherever he alights within it, he rests in its lush meadow." 300 00:15:38,950 --> 00:15:43,110 He would also advise them to eat sparingly, saying, 301 00:15:43,110 --> 00:15:46,110 "Whoever reduces his food understands and imparts understanding, 302 00:15:46,110 --> 00:15:48,110 and becomes pure and tender-hearted; 303 00:15:48,110 --> 00:15:51,110 whereas eating excessively weighs a man down 304 00:15:51,110 --> 00:15:54,110 from much of what he aspires to achieve." 305 00:15:54,110 --> 00:15:57,179 Muhammad ibn Wasi' attained in piety and scrupulousness 306 00:15:57,179 --> 00:15:59,179 an immense standing, 307 00:15:59,179 --> 00:16:02,179 and many accounts have been related regarding this. 308 00:16:02,179 --> 00:16:05,179 Among them is that he was seen in the marketplace 309 00:16:05,179 --> 00:16:08,179 offering a donkey of his for sale. 310 00:16:08,179 --> 00:16:10,179 A man asked him, 311 00:16:10,179 --> 00:16:13,179 "Would you approve of it for me, O shaykh?" 312 00:16:13,179 --> 00:16:14,179 He replied, 313 00:16:14,179 --> 00:16:17,179 "Had I approved of it for myself, I would not have sold it." 314 00:16:17,179 --> 00:16:24,460 Muhammad ibn Wasi' lived his entire life in dread of his sins 315 00:16:24,460 --> 00:16:27,460 and in apprehension of standing before his Lord. 316 00:16:27,460 --> 00:16:29,460 Whenever he was asked, 317 00:16:29,460 --> 00:16:32,460 "How have you entered the morning, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 318 00:16:32,460 --> 00:16:34,460 he would reply, saying, 319 00:16:34,460 --> 00:16:36,460 "I have entered the morning with my appointed term near, 320 00:16:36,460 --> 00:16:38,460 my worldly hopes distant, 321 00:16:38,460 --> 00:16:40,460 and my deeds deficient." 322 00:16:40,460 --> 00:16:45,460 If he noticed an expression of surprise on his questioner's face, he would say, 323 00:16:45,460 --> 00:16:51,460 "What do you think of a man who traverses each day a stage toward the Hereafter?" 324 00:16:51,460 --> 00:16:55,649 When Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi fell ill with his terminal sickness, 325 00:16:55,649 --> 00:16:58,649 people crowded to visit him, 326 00:16:58,649 --> 00:17:02,649 until his home was packed with those entering and leaving, 327 00:17:02,649 --> 00:17:06,650 and those standing in his room and sitting. 328 00:17:06,650 --> 00:17:10,710 He leaned to one of his close companions and said, 329 00:17:10,710 --> 00:17:14,710 "Tell me, of what avail will these people be to me 330 00:17:14,710 --> 00:17:18,710 when tomorrow we are seized by the forelocks and the feet? 331 00:17:18,710 --> 00:17:22,710 And what will they benefit me if I am cast into the Fire?" 332 00:17:22,710 --> 00:17:25,779 Then he turned to his Lord and began saying, 333 00:17:26,779 --> 00:17:31,869 "O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness for every evil place where I stood, 334 00:17:31,869 --> 00:17:34,900 and for every evil seat where I sat, 335 00:17:34,900 --> 00:17:37,900 and for every evil entrance through which I entered, 336 00:17:37,900 --> 00:17:41,900 and for every evil exit from which I departed, 337 00:17:41,900 --> 00:17:44,900 and for every evil deed that I performed, 338 00:17:44,900 --> 00:17:47,900 and for every evil word that I uttered. 339 00:17:47,900 --> 00:17:52,029 O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness for all of that; 340 00:17:52,029 --> 00:17:55,029 so forgive me, and I turn to You in repentance from it. 341 00:17:55,029 --> 00:17:59,029 Accept my repentance, and I submit myself in surrender to You, 342 00:17:59,029 --> 00:18:02,029 before it becomes inevitable." 343 00:18:02,029 --> 00:18:04,029 Then his soul departed. 344 00:18:04,029 --> 00:18:12,000 "Truly, the finger of Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi 345 00:18:12,000 --> 00:18:16,000 is dearer to me than a thousand drawn swords 346 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:20,029 borne by a thousand vigorous youths." 347 00:18:20,029 --> 00:18:25,779 — Qutaybah ibn Muslim. 348 00:18:32,779 --> 00:18:37,779 They once were here, bestowing life like rain upon our days, 349 00:18:37,779 --> 00:18:42,779 yet ever among us does their remembrance resound and rise. 350 00:18:42,779 --> 00:18:47,779 They passed away, leaving in the conscience a haunting question: 351 00:18:47,779 --> 00:18:52,779 Has ever a star shone and climbed so brightly to the skies? 352 00:18:52,779 --> 00:18:58,779 They filled this life with glories wrought by deeds supreme, 353 00:18:58,779 --> 00:19:02,779 and through them shone the world of mankind in noble gleam.