WEBVTT 00:00:00.460 --> 00:00:03.459 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:00:03.459 --> 00:00:08.460 The finest of generations in their stands and exemplary conduct, 00:00:08.460 --> 00:00:13.460 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 00:00:13.460 --> 00:00:15.460 [Gham'iyyat Mawaddah] 00:00:15.460 --> 00:00:17.460 Presents: 00:00:17.460 --> 00:00:21.460 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un, 00:00:21.460 --> 00:00:25.910 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 00:00:25.910 --> 00:00:27.910 May Allah have mercy on him. 00:00:27.910 --> 00:00:34.670 Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi, may Allah have mercy on him. 00:00:42.729 --> 00:00:46.729 We are now in the year eighty-seven after the Hijrah. 00:00:46.729 --> 00:00:49.729 Here is the pride of the Muslims, 00:00:49.729 --> 00:00:53.729 The victorious commander Qutaybah Ibn Muslim al-Bahili, 00:00:53.729 --> 00:00:57.729 Setting forth with his mighty, roaring army from the city of Merv, 00:00:57.729 --> 00:01:00.729 Heading toward the region of Bukhara. 00:01:00.729 --> 00:01:06.730 He had firmly resolved to conquer the remainder of Transoxiana, 00:01:06.730 --> 00:01:08.730 Campaign against the borders of China, 00:01:08.730 --> 00:01:11.730 And impose the jizyah upon its people. 00:01:11.730 --> 00:01:17.049 But no sooner had Qutaybah Ibn Muslim crossed the Jaxartes River 00:01:17.049 --> 00:01:20.049 Than the people of Bukhara detected his movements. 00:01:20.049 --> 00:01:24.049 They rallied, beating the drums of war everywhere, 00:01:24.049 --> 00:01:28.049 And began calling for help from the surrounding nations, 00:01:28.049 --> 00:01:33.109 Including the Sogdians, the Turks, the Chinese, and many others. 00:01:33.109 --> 00:01:38.109 Masses of fighters poured in upon them from every background, race, 00:01:38.109 --> 00:01:40.109 Language, and religion, 00:01:40.109 --> 00:01:45.109 Until they vastly outnumbered the Muslim army in both equipment and numbers. 00:01:45.109 --> 00:01:47.109 Then, taking the initiative, 00:01:47.109 --> 00:01:51.109 They blocked the main routes in front of the Muslims 00:01:51.109 --> 00:01:54.109 And sealed off the outposts and mountain passes against them, 00:01:54.109 --> 00:01:57.109 To the extent that Qutaybah Ibn Muslim 00:01:57.109 --> 00:02:02.109 Could not dispatch even a small detachment of his troops 00:02:02.109 --> 00:02:06.109 To scout their conditions and bring back intelligence, 00:02:06.109 --> 00:02:14.159 Nor could any of his spies dispersed among them reach him. 00:02:14.159 --> 00:02:20.159 Qutaybah Ibn Muslim encamped with his army near the city of Paykend, 00:02:20.159 --> 00:02:24.159 Remaining rooted in his position, unable to advance or retreat. 00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:31.159 The enemy began to confront him at every daybreak with one of their vanguards, 00:02:31.159 --> 00:02:35.159 Skirmishing with his army throughout the entire day, 00:02:35.159 --> 00:02:41.509 And when night fell, they retired to their secure and fortified strongholds. 00:02:41.509 --> 00:02:46.509 This state of affairs continued for two consecutive months, 00:02:46.509 --> 00:02:49.509 Leaving Qutaybah in deep perplexity, 00:02:49.509 --> 00:02:52.509 At a loss whether to withdraw or press forward. 00:02:52.509 --> 00:02:59.539 Before long, news of Qutaybah and his army reached the ears of Muslims everywhere, 00:02:59.539 --> 00:03:04.539 And the people were seized with intense anxiety for this great, hitherto invincible army 00:03:04.539 --> 00:03:08.539 And its illustrious, undefeated commander. 00:03:08.539 --> 00:03:11.539 Directives were issued to the governors across the provinces 00:03:11.539 --> 00:03:16.539 To offer supplications for the Muslim soldiers lying in wait in Transoxiana 00:03:16.539 --> 00:03:18.539 After every prayer. 00:03:18.539 --> 00:03:23.580 The mosques of the Muslims began to swell with fervent prayers for them, 00:03:23.580 --> 00:03:27.580 Their minarets resounded with humble entreaties and supplications, 00:03:27.580 --> 00:03:31.580 And the imams persistently performed the qunut supplication in every prayer. 00:03:31.580 --> 00:03:35.580 Vast numbers of people rushed to the relief of the formidable army, 00:03:35.580 --> 00:03:41.580 Led by the eminent Tabi'i Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi. 00:03:41.580 --> 00:03:47.860 Qutaybah Ibn Muslim al-Bahili had a non-Arab spy 00:03:47.860 --> 00:03:51.860 Known for his experience, wisdom, and cunning, 00:03:51.860 --> 00:03:53.860 Named Tithar. 00:03:53.860 --> 00:03:56.860 The enemies enticed him to their side, 00:03:56.860 --> 00:03:58.860 Lavished money upon him generously, 00:03:58.860 --> 00:04:04.860 And requested that he employ his stratagem and intelligence to undermine the Muslims' morale 00:04:04.860 --> 00:04:08.860 And induce them to leave the land without a fight. 00:04:08.860 --> 00:04:12.889 Tithar entered upon Qutaybah Ibn Muslim al-Bahili, 00:04:12.889 --> 00:04:17.889 Whose assembly was packed with senior commanders and prominent officers, 00:04:17.889 --> 00:04:20.889 And took his seat beside him. 00:04:20.889 --> 00:04:24.889 He then leaned toward him and whispered in his ear, saying, 00:04:24.889 --> 00:04:28.889 "Clear your assembly, O Prince, if you wish." 00:04:28.889 --> 00:04:31.920 Qutaybah gestured to those in the assembly, 00:04:31.920 --> 00:04:35.920 And they all departed except for Dirar Ibn al-Husayn, 00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:38.920 Whom Qutaybah requested to stay behind. 00:04:38.920 --> 00:04:41.050 At that point, 00:04:41.050 --> 00:04:44.050 Tithar turned to Qutaybah and said, 00:04:44.050 --> 00:04:47.050 "I have news for you, O Prince." 00:04:47.050 --> 00:04:51.050 Qutaybah asked eagerly, "Out with it!" 00:04:51.050 --> 00:04:53.050 Tithar said, 00:04:53.050 --> 00:04:56.050 "The Commander of the Faithful in Damascus 00:04:56.050 --> 00:04:59.050 Has dismissed al-Hajjaj Ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafi 00:04:59.050 --> 00:05:02.050 And relieved the commanders who follow him, 00:05:02.050 --> 00:05:04.050 You being one of them. 00:05:04.050 --> 00:05:07.050 He has appointed new commanders over the armies 00:05:07.050 --> 00:05:10.050 And dispatched them to their assignments. 00:05:10.050 --> 00:05:14.050 Your replacement will arrive to take over from you overnight. 00:05:14.050 --> 00:05:16.050 In my opinion, 00:05:16.050 --> 00:05:19.050 You should withdraw with your army from these lands 00:05:19.050 --> 00:05:21.050 And return to Merv, 00:05:21.050 --> 00:05:25.050 To consider your course of action far from the battlefields." 00:05:25.050 --> 00:05:28.269 Hardly had Tithar finished speaking 00:05:28.269 --> 00:05:32.269 When Qutaybah Ibn Muslim summoned his servant Sayah. 00:05:32.269 --> 00:05:35.269 When he stood before him, Qutaybah said to him, 00:05:35.269 --> 00:05:38.269 "Strike off the neck of this traitor, O Sayah!" 00:05:38.269 --> 00:05:40.269 Sayah struck off his neck, 00:05:40.269 --> 00:05:43.269 And returned whence he came. 00:05:43.269 --> 00:05:46.269 Thereupon Qutaybah turned to Dirar Ibn al-Husayn 00:05:46.269 --> 00:05:49.269 And said, "There is no one on this earth 00:05:49.269 --> 00:05:52.269 Who has heard this news except you and me. 00:05:52.269 --> 00:05:56.269 I swear by Allah, the Most High, the Supreme: 00:05:56.269 --> 00:05:58.269 If this matter is divulged by anyone 00:05:58.269 --> 00:06:01.269 Before this war of ours concludes, 00:06:01.269 --> 00:06:04.269 I shall surely join you to this treacherous villain! 00:06:04.269 --> 00:06:07.269 So if you hold your own life dear, 00:06:07.269 --> 00:06:09.269 Guard your tongue well, 00:06:09.269 --> 00:06:12.269 And know that the spread of this news 00:06:12.269 --> 00:06:14.269 Will sap the morale of the army 00:06:14.269 --> 00:06:17.269 And bring upon us a ignominious defeat." 00:06:17.269 --> 00:06:20.269 He then granted permission for the people to enter. 00:06:20.269 --> 00:06:23.269 When they saw Tithar slain upon the ground, 00:06:23.269 --> 00:06:25.269 Drenched in his own blood, 00:06:25.269 --> 00:06:29.269 They stood dumbfounded, heads bowed in shock and horror. 00:06:29.269 --> 00:06:31.269 Qutaybah said to them, 00:06:31.269 --> 00:06:35.269 "Why are you alarmed by the execution of a treacherous traitor?" 00:06:35.269 --> 00:06:36.269 They replied, 00:06:36.269 --> 00:06:40.269 "We thought he was well-wishing toward the Muslims." 00:06:40.269 --> 00:06:41.269 He said, 00:06:41.269 --> 00:06:43.269 "Rather, he was deceiving them, 00:06:43.269 --> 00:06:45.269 So Allah seized him for his sin." 00:06:45.269 --> 00:06:48.269 Then he raised his voice and said, 00:06:48.269 --> 00:06:49.269 "And now, 00:06:49.269 --> 00:06:52.269 Depart to fight your enemy, 00:06:52.269 --> 00:06:54.269 And face them with hearts completely different from the hearts 00:06:54.269 --> 00:06:58.269 With which you used to face them before!" 00:06:58.269 --> 00:07:01.839 The soldiers obeyed the command of their leader, 00:07:01.839 --> 00:07:03.839 Qutaybah Ibn Muslim, 00:07:03.839 --> 00:07:06.839 And crossed the border passes to meet the enemy. 00:07:06.839 --> 00:07:09.970 When the two armies lined up in battle formation, 00:07:09.970 --> 00:07:11.970 The Muslims saw such vast numbers of the enemy 00:07:11.970 --> 00:07:14.970 And such an abundance of their equipment and arms 00:07:14.970 --> 00:07:16.970 As filled their hearts with fear 00:07:16.970 --> 00:07:18.970 And awe of them. 00:07:18.970 --> 00:07:21.029 Qutaybah Ibn Muslim sensed 00:07:21.029 --> 00:07:24.029 The distress stirring in the hearts of his troops, 00:07:24.029 --> 00:07:27.029 So he began riding among the regiments, 00:07:27.029 --> 00:07:30.029 Inspiring resolve and strengthening their determination. 00:07:30.029 --> 00:07:33.029 Then he turned to those around him and asked, 00:07:33.029 --> 00:07:36.029 "Where is Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi?" 00:07:36.029 --> 00:07:37.029 They said, 00:07:37.029 --> 00:07:41.029 "He is over there on the right flank, O Prince." 00:07:41.029 --> 00:07:42.029 He asked, 00:07:42.029 --> 00:07:44.029 "And what is he doing?" 00:07:44.029 --> 00:07:45.029 They said, 00:07:45.029 --> 00:07:47.029 "He is leaning on his spear, 00:07:47.029 --> 00:07:49.029 Gazing upward, 00:07:49.029 --> 00:07:52.029 And pointing his finger toward the sky." 00:07:52.029 --> 00:07:55.029 "Shall we call him for you, O Prince?" 00:07:55.029 --> 00:07:56.029 He said, 00:07:56.029 --> 00:07:58.029 "No, leave him." 00:07:58.029 --> 00:08:00.029 Then he added, saying, 00:08:00.029 --> 00:08:02.029 "By Allah, that single finger 00:08:02.029 --> 00:08:05.029 Is dearer to me than a thousand unsheathed swords 00:08:05.029 --> 00:08:08.029 Carried by a thousand vigorous young men! 00:08:08.029 --> 00:08:10.029 Leave him to supplicate, 00:08:10.029 --> 00:08:14.029 For we have known him only as one whose supplications are answered." 00:08:14.029 --> 00:08:19.410 The Muslim army and the enemy army advanced upon each other 00:08:19.410 --> 00:08:22.410 As ferocious lions clash, 00:08:22.410 --> 00:08:24.410 And the two hosts met 00:08:24.410 --> 00:08:27.410 Like the crashing waves of the sea 00:08:27.410 --> 00:08:29.410 On a stormy day. 00:08:29.410 --> 00:08:33.409 Allah sent down tranquility upon the hearts of the Muslims 00:08:33.409 --> 00:08:36.500 And aided them with a spirit from Him. 00:08:36.500 --> 00:08:40.500 They continued fighting their enemy hard throughout the day, 00:08:40.500 --> 00:08:42.500 Until, as night approached, 00:08:42.500 --> 00:08:45.500 Allah shook the feet of the idolaters 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:48.500 And cast terror into their hearts. 00:08:48.500 --> 00:08:51.500 They turned their backs in flight before the Muslims, 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:55.500 And the warriors pursued them, killing, capturing, and scattering them. 00:08:55.500 --> 00:08:59.500 Thereupon, they sued Qutaybah for peace and ransom, 00:08:59.500 --> 00:09:02.779 And he made peace with them. 00:09:02.779 --> 00:09:04.779 Among the enemy prisoners was 00:09:04.779 --> 00:09:06.779 A man of wicked nature, 00:09:06.779 --> 00:09:08.779 Utterly malicious, 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:12.779 Who had been instrumental in inciting his people against the Muslims. 00:09:12.779 --> 00:09:15.779 He said to Qutaybah Ibn Muslim, 00:09:15.779 --> 00:09:18.779 "I will ransom myself, O Prince." 00:09:18.779 --> 00:09:21.779 He was asked, "And how much will you offer?" 00:09:21.779 --> 00:09:22.779 He replied, 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:25.779 "Five thousand Chinese silk garments, 00:09:25.779 --> 00:09:27.779 Worth one million pieces of silver." 00:09:27.779 --> 00:09:31.070 Qutaybah turned to the prominent figures among his soldiers 00:09:31.070 --> 00:09:33.070 And asked, "What do you think?" 00:09:33.070 --> 00:09:34.070 They said, 00:09:34.070 --> 00:09:39.070 "We think this wealth will add to the spoils of the Muslims; 00:09:39.070 --> 00:09:42.070 Furthermore, after achieving this victory, 00:09:42.070 --> 00:09:46.070 We no longer fear the harm of this man or his likes." 00:09:46.070 --> 00:09:50.230 Then Qutaybah turned to Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi 00:09:50.230 --> 00:09:51.230 And asked, 00:09:51.230 --> 00:09:54.230 "And what do you say, O Abu Abd Allah?" 00:09:54.230 --> 00:09:55.230 He replied, 00:09:55.230 --> 00:09:57.230 "O Prince, 00:09:57.230 --> 00:10:00.230 The Muslims did not leave their homes 00:10:00.230 --> 00:10:03.230 To amass spoils and hoard wealth; 00:10:03.230 --> 00:10:06.230 Rather, they set out seeking the pleasure of Allah, 00:10:06.230 --> 00:10:08.230 To spread His religion in the earth, 00:10:08.230 --> 00:10:10.230 And to subdue His enemies." 00:10:10.230 --> 00:10:12.299 Qutaybah said, 00:10:12.299 --> 00:10:14.299 "May Allah reward you with good! 00:10:14.299 --> 00:10:19.299 By Allah, I shall not allow him to terrify a single Muslim woman after this hour, 00:10:19.299 --> 00:10:23.299 Even if he were to offer all the wealth of the world as ransom for himself!" 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:25.299 He then ordered his execution. 00:10:25.299 --> 00:10:30.769 The connection of Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi 00:10:30.769 --> 00:10:32.769 With the Umayyad princes was not limited 00:10:32.769 --> 00:10:34.769 To Yazid Ibn al-Muhallab 00:10:34.769 --> 00:10:37.769 And Qutaybah Ibn Muslim al-Bahili; 00:10:37.769 --> 00:10:41.769 Rather, it extended to other governors and commanders as well. 00:10:41.769 --> 00:10:45.899 Among the prominent figures with whom he had contact was the governor of Basra, 00:10:45.899 --> 00:10:47.899 Bilal ibn Abi Burdah. 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:50.960 Indeed, between him and this governor, 00:10:50.960 --> 00:10:52.960 there were well-known and widely circulated encounters, 00:10:52.960 --> 00:10:55.960 as well as memorable, transmitted accounts. 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:59.960 Among them was that he once entered upon him 00:10:59.960 --> 00:11:03.960 wearing a coarse woolen cloak. 00:11:03.960 --> 00:11:05.960 Bilal asked him, 00:11:05.960 --> 00:11:10.960 "What prompts you to wear this coarse garment, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:13.990 The shaykh preoccupied himself and did not answer him. 00:11:13.990 --> 00:11:15.990 The governor looked at him and said, 00:11:15.990 --> 00:11:18.990 "Why do you not answer me, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 00:11:18.990 --> 00:11:20.990 He replied, 00:11:20.990 --> 00:11:22.990 "I dislike saying it is out of asceticism, 00:11:22.990 --> 00:11:24.990 for then I would be praising myself; 00:11:24.990 --> 00:11:26.990 and I dislike saying it is out of poverty, 00:11:26.990 --> 00:11:28.990 for then I would be complaining of my Lord. 00:11:28.990 --> 00:11:31.990 And I wish to do neither." 00:11:31.990 --> 00:11:34.090 Bilal then said to him, 00:11:34.090 --> 00:11:38.090 "Do you have any need that we may fulfill for you, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 00:11:38.090 --> 00:11:39.090 He said, 00:11:39.090 --> 00:11:40.090 "As for myself, 00:11:40.090 --> 00:11:44.090 I have no need to ask of any person. 00:11:44.090 --> 00:11:48.090 Rather, I have come to you regarding the need of a fellow Muslim: 00:11:48.090 --> 00:11:51.090 if Allah permits it to be fulfilled, 00:11:51.090 --> 00:11:54.090 you will fulfill it and earn praise; 00:11:54.090 --> 00:11:56.090 and if He does not permit it to be fulfilled, 00:11:56.090 --> 00:11:59.090 you will not fulfill it, yet you will be excused." 00:11:59.090 --> 00:12:00.090 Bilal replied, 00:12:00.090 --> 00:12:03.090 "Nay, we shall fulfill it, by Allah’s leave." 00:12:03.090 --> 00:12:06.220 Then the governor turned to him and asked, 00:12:06.220 --> 00:12:10.220 "What do you say regarding divine decree and predestination, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:11.220 He said, 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:13.220 "O emir, 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; 00:12:19.220 --> 00:12:22.220 rather, He will question them about their deeds." 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:26.220 Ashamed, the governor fell silent. 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:28.379 While he was seated with him, 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:30.379 the time for the governor's midday meal arrived, 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:33.379 so he invited him to share his food, 00:12:33.379 --> 00:12:35.379 but he declined. 00:12:35.379 --> 00:12:37.379 The governor insisted, 00:12:37.379 --> 00:12:39.379 yet he began to offer various excuses. 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:42.379 The governor grew angry and said, 00:12:42.379 --> 00:12:47.379 "I see that you dislike partaking of any of our food, O Abu 'Abdillah!" 00:12:47.379 --> 00:12:48.379 He replied to him, 00:12:48.379 --> 00:12:51.379 "Do not say that, O emir! 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:55.379 For by Allah, the best among you, the assembly of rulers, 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:59.379 are dearer to us than our own children and closest kin." 00:12:59.379 --> 00:13:04.980 Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi was summoned 00:13:04.980 --> 00:13:07.980 to assume the office of judiciary more than once, 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:10.980 but he refused it most resolutely, 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:14.980 exposing himself, through his refusal, to harm. 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:17.980 Among these incidents was that Muhammad ibn al-Mundhir, 00:13:17.980 --> 00:13:21.980 the chief of police in Basra, summoned him and said, 00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:26.980 "The emir of Iraq has commanded me to summon you to assume the judgeship." 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:27.980 He said, 00:13:27.980 --> 00:13:31.980 "Exempt me from that, and may Allah grant you well-being." 00:13:31.980 --> 00:13:33.980 He repeated the order to him a second and a third time, 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:36.980 yet he remained steadfast in his refusal. 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:37.980 So he told him, 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:40.980 "By Allah, you will certainly accept the judgeship, 00:13:40.980 --> 00:13:43.980 or else I shall flog you with three hundred lashes, 00:13:43.980 --> 00:13:45.980 and I will punish you severely!" 00:13:45.980 --> 00:13:46.980 He replied to him, 00:13:46.980 --> 00:13:49.980 "If you do so, you only have worldly power, 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:53.980 and the tormentor of this world is far better than the torment of the Hereafter." 00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:56.980 Overcome with shame, he dismissed him honorably. 00:13:56.980 --> 00:14:03.220 The study circle of Muhammad ibn Wasi' in the mosque of Basra 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:05.220 was a sanctuary for seekers of knowledge, 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:09.220 and a fountainhead for those in pursuit of wisdom and exhortation. 00:14:09.220 --> 00:14:12.220 The books of history and biography are replete 00:14:12.220 --> 00:14:14.220 with accounts of these gatherings of his. 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:17.220 Among them is that a man once said to him, 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:19.220 "Advise me, O Abu 'Abdillah." 00:14:19.220 --> 00:14:21.220 He said, 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:25.220 "I advise you to be a king in this world and the Hereafter." 00:14:25.220 --> 00:14:27.220 Astonished, the questioner asked, 00:14:27.220 --> 00:14:31.220 "And how can I achieve that, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 00:14:31.220 --> 00:14:32.220 He replied, 00:14:32.220 --> 00:14:34.220 "Renounce the fleeting goods of this world: 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, 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:44.220 and a king there by attaining the magnificent reward that is with Allah." 00:14:44.220 --> 00:14:46.320 Another man said to him, 00:14:46.320 --> 00:14:50.320 "Indeed, I love you for the sake of Allah, O Abu 'Abdillah." 00:14:50.320 --> 00:14:51.320 He replied, 00:14:51.320 --> 00:14:55.320 "May He for Whose sake you love me love you in return." 00:14:55.320 --> 00:14:57.320 Then he turned away, saying, 00:14:57.320 --> 00:15:01.320 "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from being loved for Your sake 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:03.320 while You are detesting me." 00:15:03.320 --> 00:15:06.669 Whenever he heard people praising him 00:15:06.669 --> 00:15:09.669 and lauding his piety and devotion, 00:15:09.669 --> 00:15:11.669 he would say to them, 00:15:11.669 --> 00:15:14.669 "If sins had a foul odor that diffused, 00:15:14.669 --> 00:15:17.669 none of you would be able to come near me, 00:15:17.669 --> 00:15:21.669 because of the offense of my stench." 00:15:21.669 --> 00:15:24.950 Muhammad ibn Wasi' 00:15:24.950 --> 00:15:29.950 never ceased urging his students to adhere to the Book of Allah, Exalted and Glorious, 00:15:29.950 --> 00:15:32.950 and to live in its shade, saying, 00:15:32.950 --> 00:15:35.950 "The Qur'an is the believer's garden: 00:15:35.950 --> 00:15:38.950 wherever he alights within it, he rests in its lush meadow." 00:15:38.950 --> 00:15:43.110 He would also advise them to eat sparingly, saying, 00:15:43.110 --> 00:15:46.110 "Whoever reduces his food understands and imparts understanding, 00:15:46.110 --> 00:15:48.110 and becomes pure and tender-hearted; 00:15:48.110 --> 00:15:51.110 whereas eating excessively weighs a man down 00:15:51.110 --> 00:15:54.110 from much of what he aspires to achieve." 00:15:54.110 --> 00:15:57.179 Muhammad ibn Wasi' attained in piety and scrupulousness 00:15:57.179 --> 00:15:59.179 an immense standing, 00:15:59.179 --> 00:16:02.179 and many accounts have been related regarding this. 00:16:02.179 --> 00:16:05.179 Among them is that he was seen in the marketplace 00:16:05.179 --> 00:16:08.179 offering a donkey of his for sale. 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:10.179 A man asked him, 00:16:10.179 --> 00:16:13.179 "Would you approve of it for me, O shaykh?" 00:16:13.179 --> 00:16:14.179 He replied, 00:16:14.179 --> 00:16:17.179 "Had I approved of it for myself, I would not have sold it." 00:16:17.179 --> 00:16:24.460 Muhammad ibn Wasi' lived his entire life in dread of his sins 00:16:24.460 --> 00:16:27.460 and in apprehension of standing before his Lord. 00:16:27.460 --> 00:16:29.460 Whenever he was asked, 00:16:29.460 --> 00:16:32.460 "How have you entered the morning, O Abu 'Abdillah?" 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:34.460 he would reply, saying, 00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:36.460 "I have entered the morning with my appointed term near, 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:38.460 my worldly hopes distant, 00:16:38.460 --> 00:16:40.460 and my deeds deficient." 00:16:40.460 --> 00:16:45.460 If he noticed an expression of surprise on his questioner's face, he would say, 00:16:45.460 --> 00:16:51.460 "What do you think of a man who traverses each day a stage toward the Hereafter?" 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:55.649 When Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi fell ill with his terminal sickness, 00:16:55.649 --> 00:16:58.649 people crowded to visit him, 00:16:58.649 --> 00:17:02.649 until his home was packed with those entering and leaving, 00:17:02.649 --> 00:17:06.650 and those standing in his room and sitting. 00:17:06.650 --> 00:17:10.710 He leaned to one of his close companions and said, 00:17:10.710 --> 00:17:14.710 "Tell me, of what avail will these people be to me 00:17:14.710 --> 00:17:18.710 when tomorrow we are seized by the forelocks and the feet? 00:17:18.710 --> 00:17:22.710 And what will they benefit me if I am cast into the Fire?" 00:17:22.710 --> 00:17:25.779 Then he turned to his Lord and began saying, 00:17:26.779 --> 00:17:31.869 "O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness for every evil place where I stood, 00:17:31.869 --> 00:17:34.900 and for every evil seat where I sat, 00:17:34.900 --> 00:17:37.900 and for every evil entrance through which I entered, 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:41.900 and for every evil exit from which I departed, 00:17:41.900 --> 00:17:44.900 and for every evil deed that I performed, 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:47.900 and for every evil word that I uttered. 00:17:47.900 --> 00:17:52.029 O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness for all of that; 00:17:52.029 --> 00:17:55.029 so forgive me, and I turn to You in repentance from it. 00:17:55.029 --> 00:17:59.029 Accept my repentance, and I submit myself in surrender to You, 00:17:59.029 --> 00:18:02.029 before it becomes inevitable." 00:18:02.029 --> 00:18:04.029 Then his soul departed. 00:18:04.029 --> 00:18:12.000 "Truly, the finger of Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:16.000 is dearer to me than a thousand drawn swords 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:20.029 borne by a thousand vigorous youths." 00:18:20.029 --> 00:18:25.779 — Qutaybah ibn Muslim. 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:37.779 They once were here, bestowing life like rain upon our days, 00:18:37.779 --> 00:18:42.779 yet ever among us does their remembrance resound and rise. 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:47.779 They passed away, leaving in the conscience a haunting question: 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:52.779 Has ever a star shone and climbed so brightly to the skies? 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:58.779 They filled this life with glories wrought by deeds supreme, 00:18:58.779 --> 00:19:02.779 and through them shone the world of mankind in noble gleam.