1 00:00:00,430 --> 00:00:03,430 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 2 00:00:03,430 --> 00:00:08,429 The best of generations in their conduct and example, 3 00:00:08,429 --> 00:00:13,429 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 4 00:00:13,429 --> 00:00:15,429 A society of affection, 5 00:00:15,429 --> 00:00:17,429 Moving forward. 6 00:00:17,429 --> 00:00:21,500 Scenes from the lives of the Tabi'un, 7 00:00:21,500 --> 00:00:26,530 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 8 00:00:26,530 --> 00:00:30,609 May Allah have mercy upon him. 9 00:00:30,609 --> 00:00:32,609 Al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays, 10 00:00:32,609 --> 00:00:34,609 May Allah have mercy upon him. 11 00:00:43,340 --> 00:00:48,340 We are now in the early days of the Caliphate of al-Faruq (Umar), may Allah brighten his countenance. 12 00:00:48,340 --> 00:00:51,340 And there they are, those noble and glorious men, 13 00:00:51,340 --> 00:00:54,340 The kin of al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays from the tribe of Banu Tamim, 14 00:00:54,340 --> 00:00:58,340 Mounting the backs of thoroughbred horses, 15 00:00:58,340 --> 00:01:02,340 Girding themselves with thin, sharp swords, 16 00:01:02,340 --> 00:01:06,340 Departing from their homes in al-Ahsa and Najd, 17 00:01:06,340 --> 00:01:09,340 Directing their faces toward Basra, 18 00:01:09,340 --> 00:01:14,340 Seeking to join the throngs of Muslims gathered there 19 00:01:14,340 --> 00:01:17,340 Under the command of Utbah Ibn Ghazwan, 20 00:01:17,340 --> 00:01:21,340 To fight the Persians in Jihad for the sake of Allah, 21 00:01:21,340 --> 00:01:24,340 And in pursuit of the good reward that is with Allah. 22 00:01:24,340 --> 00:01:28,340 With them was their young man, al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays. 23 00:01:28,340 --> 00:01:32,040 One day, 24 00:01:32,040 --> 00:01:38,040 Utbah Ibn Ghazwan received a letter from the Commander of the Faithful, Umar Ibn al-Khattab, 25 00:01:38,040 --> 00:01:43,040 Commanding him to send ten of the righteous men of his army, 26 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:46,040 And those who had performed best in battle, 27 00:01:46,040 --> 00:01:49,040 So that he might assess the state of the army through them, 28 00:01:49,040 --> 00:01:53,040 And benefit from their opinions and counsel. 29 00:01:53,040 --> 00:01:55,140 Utbah complied with the command, 30 00:01:55,140 --> 00:01:58,140 And prepared ten of his elite men, 31 00:01:58,140 --> 00:02:01,140 Including al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays among them, 32 00:02:01,140 --> 00:02:04,140 And sent them to Medina. 33 00:02:04,140 --> 00:02:09,740 The men of the delegation stood before the Commander of the Faithful, 34 00:02:09,740 --> 00:02:12,740 Who welcomed them and seated them near him. 35 00:02:12,740 --> 00:02:17,740 Then he asked them about their needs and the needs of the common people. 36 00:02:17,740 --> 00:02:20,740 They rose one after another and said, 37 00:02:20,740 --> 00:02:22,740 "As for the common people, 38 00:02:23,740 --> 00:02:26,740 You are their guardian and the one responsible for their affairs. 39 00:02:26,740 --> 00:02:31,770 As for us, we shall speak of our own specific needs." 40 00:02:31,770 --> 00:02:35,770 Then each of them requested the need that concerned him. 41 00:02:35,770 --> 00:02:40,800 Al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays was the last of the delegation to speak, 42 00:02:40,800 --> 00:02:43,860 Because he was the youngest of them in age. 43 00:02:43,860 --> 00:02:47,860 He praised Allah and extolled Him, then said, 44 00:02:47,860 --> 00:02:49,860 "O Commander of the Faithful, 45 00:02:49,860 --> 00:02:53,860 The Muslim soldiers who settled in Egypt 46 00:02:53,860 --> 00:02:59,930 Have descended into the greenery, freshness, and fertility of the lands of the Pharaohs. 47 00:02:59,930 --> 00:03:02,930 Those who settled in the lands of the Levant 48 00:03:02,930 --> 00:03:08,960 Have descended into the abundance, fruits, and gardens of the lands of the Caesars. 49 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:11,960 And those who settled in the lands of the Persians 50 00:03:11,960 --> 00:03:19,060 Have descended upon the banks of fresh rivers and lush gardens of the lands of the Chosroes. 51 00:03:19,060 --> 00:03:21,979 But our people who settled in Basra 52 00:03:22,599 --> 00:03:26,020 Have descended upon a land of shifting, porous soil, 53 00:03:26,500 --> 00:03:30,020 Where the earth does not dry and its pasture does not grow. 54 00:03:30,599 --> 00:03:32,979 One of its sides is a bitter sea, 55 00:03:33,599 --> 00:03:36,360 And its other side is a barren wasteland. 56 00:03:37,060 --> 00:03:39,620 So remove their hardship, O Commander of the Faithful, 57 00:03:39,979 --> 00:03:41,340 And revive their lives, 58 00:03:42,020 --> 00:03:47,340 And command your governor in Basra to dig a river for them from which they may draw sweet water, 59 00:03:47,780 --> 00:03:49,740 And water their livestock and crops, 60 00:03:50,340 --> 00:03:53,060 So that their condition may improve, their families may thrive, 61 00:03:53,460 --> 00:03:55,060 And their prices may become affordable, 62 00:03:55,659 --> 00:03:59,340 And they may be aided by this in their Jihad for the sake of Allah." 63 00:04:00,229 --> 00:04:02,509 Umar looked at him in admiration, 64 00:04:02,990 --> 00:04:04,669 And said to the men of the delegation, 65 00:04:05,310 --> 00:04:07,469 "Could you not have done as he did?" 66 00:04:07,949 --> 00:04:09,949 "By Allah, he is truly a leader." 67 00:04:10,740 --> 00:04:12,900 Then he presented them with their awards, 68 00:04:13,300 --> 00:04:15,539 And offered al-Ahnaf his award, 69 00:04:16,060 --> 00:04:16,779 But he said, 70 00:04:17,569 --> 00:04:19,529 "By Allah, O Commander of the Faithful, 71 00:04:20,009 --> 00:04:22,089 We did not cross the vast deserts to reach you, 72 00:04:22,649 --> 00:04:28,850 Nor did we strike the flanks of our camels in the early mornings and late evenings to meet you, for the sake of receiving awards. 73 00:04:29,410 --> 00:04:31,370 I have no need of yours, 74 00:04:31,769 --> 00:04:34,370 Except for the need of the people I mentioned. 75 00:04:35,110 --> 00:04:38,790 If you fulfill it for them, you have done enough and fulfilled your duty." 76 00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:42,439 Umar’s admiration for him increased, and he said, 77 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:46,120 "This young man is the leader of the people of Basra." 78 00:04:47,399 --> 00:04:48,920 When the assembly dispersed, 79 00:04:49,319 --> 00:04:54,240 And the men of the delegation prepared to return to their mounts to spend the night by them, 80 00:04:54,879 --> 00:04:57,839 Umar cast his gaze upon their bags, 81 00:04:58,480 --> 00:05:01,839 And saw the edge of a garment protruding from one of them. 82 00:05:02,480 --> 00:05:05,240 He stood up, touched it with his hand, and said, 83 00:05:05,759 --> 00:05:06,759 "Whose is this?" 84 00:05:07,279 --> 00:05:08,399 Al-Ahnaf said, 85 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:10,920 "Mine, O Commander of the Faithful." 86 00:05:11,480 --> 00:05:13,519 He realized that Umar thought it was too expensive. 87 00:05:14,079 --> 00:05:15,360 Umar said to him, 88 00:05:15,839 --> 00:05:17,040 "For how much did you buy it?" 89 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:18,759 Al-Ahnaf said, 90 00:05:19,319 --> 00:05:21,000 "For eight dirhams." 91 00:05:21,600 --> 00:05:27,199 And it was not known of him that he ever lied in his entire life except for that one lie, 92 00:05:27,879 --> 00:05:31,160 Because he had actually bought it for twelve dirhams. 93 00:05:31,800 --> 00:05:34,519 Umar looked at him gently and said, 94 00:05:35,160 --> 00:05:36,920 "Would you not have been satisfied with one, 95 00:05:37,399 --> 00:05:41,720 And placed the surplus of your wealth where it could help a Muslim?" 96 00:05:42,360 --> 00:05:43,360 Then he said, 97 00:05:43,920 --> 00:05:46,920 "Take from your wealth what suffices for your needs, 98 00:05:47,480 --> 00:05:52,120 And place the surplus in its proper place, so you may find rest and profit." 99 00:05:52,839 --> 00:05:55,079 Al-Ahnaf lowered his head in modesty, 100 00:05:55,360 --> 00:05:56,920 And said nothing. 101 00:05:59,649 --> 00:06:03,930 The Commander of the Faithful gave the delegation permission to return to Basra, 102 00:06:04,490 --> 00:06:08,089 But he did not allow al-Ahnaf to depart with them. 103 00:06:08,610 --> 00:06:11,329 He kept him with him for a full year. 104 00:06:12,120 --> 00:06:14,839 For Umar had perceived with his keen insight 105 00:06:15,240 --> 00:06:18,879 The sharp intelligence that the Tamimi youth possessed, 106 00:06:19,360 --> 00:06:20,879 As well as his clarity of speech, 107 00:06:21,360 --> 00:06:25,120 Nobility of soul, high ambition, and wealth of talent. 108 00:06:25,839 --> 00:06:28,199 He wanted to keep him near him, 109 00:06:28,480 --> 00:06:30,199 To nurture him under his own supervision, 110 00:06:30,920 --> 00:06:34,560 And for him to meet the senior Companions so he might be guided by their guidance, 111 00:06:35,079 --> 00:06:38,199 And gain deep understanding of the religion of Allah at their hands. 112 00:06:38,879 --> 00:06:42,399 Furthermore, he wanted to test him closely, 113 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:48,839 And penetrate the depths of his character before entrusting him with some of the Muslims' affairs. 114 00:06:49,600 --> 00:06:55,839 This was because Umar feared the intelligent, eloquent, and articulate men most intensely, 115 00:06:56,480 --> 00:06:59,759 For if they were righteous, they would fill the world with goodness, 116 00:07:00,360 --> 00:07:04,920 But if they were corrupt, their intelligence would be a calamity for the people. 117 00:07:05,709 --> 00:07:09,110 When the year ended, Umar said to al-Ahnaf, 118 00:07:09,670 --> 00:07:10,670 "O Ahnaf, 119 00:07:11,230 --> 00:07:13,509 I have tested and examined you, 120 00:07:13,949 --> 00:07:15,629 And I have seen nothing but good. 121 00:07:16,310 --> 00:07:18,589 I have seen your outward appearance to be virtuous, 122 00:07:19,110 --> 00:07:23,110 And I hope that your inner self is like your outward appearance." 123 00:07:23,829 --> 00:07:25,949 Then he directed him to the war against the Persians, 124 00:07:26,389 --> 00:07:29,149 And wrote to his commander, Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, 125 00:07:29,589 --> 00:07:30,589 "To proceed: 126 00:07:31,149 --> 00:07:33,350 Bring al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays close to you, 127 00:07:33,750 --> 00:07:35,589 Consult him, and listen to him." 128 00:07:38,040 --> 00:07:44,079 The light of al-Ahnaf shone under the banners of the Muslims in the East and West of the Persian lands, 129 00:07:44,680 --> 00:07:46,759 And he displayed such feats of heroism 130 00:07:47,160 --> 00:07:50,560 That his status rose and his star shone bright. 131 00:07:51,199 --> 00:07:56,399 He and his people, Banu Tamim, performed most honorably in fighting the enemy, 132 00:07:56,800 --> 00:07:58,439 And they sacrificed most generously, 133 00:07:59,000 --> 00:08:02,600 Until Allah granted victory at their hands in the city of Tustar, 134 00:08:03,079 --> 00:08:05,040 The jewel of the Chosroes' crown, 135 00:08:05,560 --> 00:08:07,959 And they took al-Hurmuzan captive. 136 00:08:08,970 --> 00:08:12,610 Al-Hurmuzan was one of the most formidable Persian commanders, 137 00:08:13,129 --> 00:08:16,730 The strongest in resolve, the most determined, 138 00:08:17,209 --> 00:08:19,569 And the most cunning in warfare. 139 00:08:20,290 --> 00:08:25,370 The Muslims' victories had forced him to make peace with them more than once, 140 00:08:26,089 --> 00:08:30,129 Yet he would betray them whenever the opportunity arose. 141 00:08:30,730 --> 00:08:33,210 He thought he was capable of victory, 142 00:08:33,970 --> 00:08:36,289 But when they surrounded him in Tustar, 143 00:08:36,889 --> 00:08:41,409 He fortified himself in one of its impregnable towers and said to them, 144 00:08:41,970 --> 00:08:43,529 "I have one hundred arrows with me, 145 00:08:44,210 --> 00:08:48,690 And by Allah, you shall not reach me as long as one of them remains in my hand. 146 00:08:49,289 --> 00:08:53,409 And you know that I am an archer whose shot never misses. 147 00:08:54,210 --> 00:08:56,210 So what is the use of capturing me 148 00:08:56,610 --> 00:09:00,409 After one hundred of you have been killed or wounded?" 149 00:09:01,090 --> 00:09:03,330 They said, "What do you want?" 150 00:09:04,009 --> 00:09:04,649 He said, 151 00:09:05,210 --> 00:09:08,490 "I want to surrender to the judgment of your Caliph, Umar, 152 00:09:08,929 --> 00:09:10,809 And let him do with me as he wishes." 153 00:09:11,490 --> 00:09:13,009 They said, "You may have that." 154 00:09:13,809 --> 00:09:15,570 So he threw his bow to the ground, 155 00:09:16,210 --> 00:09:18,210 And descended to them in surrender. 156 00:09:18,889 --> 00:09:20,250 They bound him, 157 00:09:20,730 --> 00:09:24,330 And he was sent to Medina with a delegation of the heroes of the conquest, 158 00:09:25,049 --> 00:09:27,450 At the head of whom were Anas Ibn Malik, 159 00:09:28,090 --> 00:09:30,889 The servant of the Messenger, peace be upon him, 160 00:09:31,409 --> 00:09:32,850 And al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays, 161 00:09:33,210 --> 00:09:35,529 The student of the 'Umari school. 162 00:09:38,480 --> 00:09:42,320 The delegation proceeded, hastening their pace with al-Hurmuzan toward Medina, 163 00:09:42,879 --> 00:09:45,399 To bring the good news of the victory to the Commander of the Faithful, 164 00:09:46,080 --> 00:09:49,759 To carry the fifth of the spoils to the Muslim treasury, 165 00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:54,600 And to deliver the oath-breaker and treacherous man to the Caliph, 166 00:09:55,080 --> 00:09:56,919 So that he might pass judgment upon him. 167 00:09:57,639 --> 00:09:59,960 When they reached the outskirts of Medina, 168 00:10:00,519 --> 00:10:01,840 They prepared al-Hurmuzan, 169 00:10:02,360 --> 00:10:05,679 To present him before the Muslims in his full regalia. 170 00:10:06,279 --> 00:10:09,960 They dressed him in his garments woven from precious brocade, 171 00:10:10,480 --> 00:10:12,600 Embroidered with gold threads, 172 00:10:13,200 --> 00:10:17,360 Placed upon his head his crown studded with pearls and jewels, 173 00:10:17,919 --> 00:10:21,320 And girded him with his scepter made of pure gold, 174 00:10:21,720 --> 00:10:24,480 Adorned with rubies and pearls. 175 00:10:25,309 --> 00:10:27,950 No sooner had their feet touched the land of Yathrib, 176 00:10:28,509 --> 00:10:32,389 Than the people gathered around them, old and young, 177 00:10:32,950 --> 00:10:35,269 And began to look at their captive, 178 00:10:35,750 --> 00:10:39,389 Marveling at his appearance and attire with great wonder. 179 00:10:40,409 --> 00:10:43,490 The delegation headed with al-Hurmuzan to the house of Umar, 180 00:10:43,769 --> 00:10:44,769 But they did not find him. 181 00:10:45,370 --> 00:10:46,370 They asked about him, 182 00:10:46,850 --> 00:10:47,850 And it was said to them, 183 00:10:48,409 --> 00:10:52,370 "He has gone to the mosque to receive a delegation that has arrived to see him." 184 00:10:53,090 --> 00:10:54,610 So they set off to the mosque, 185 00:10:55,049 --> 00:10:56,450 But they did not see him there. 186 00:10:57,169 --> 00:11:00,490 And as their search for the Caliph grew longer, 187 00:11:01,049 --> 00:11:04,330 The people multiplied around them and the crowding intensified. 188 00:11:05,049 --> 00:11:07,289 While they were in this state of confusion, 189 00:11:07,809 --> 00:11:10,330 Some young children playing saw them, 190 00:11:10,730 --> 00:11:11,730 And said to them, 191 00:11:12,289 --> 00:11:13,289 "What is your business? 192 00:11:13,889 --> 00:11:16,009 We see you going back and forth; 193 00:11:16,690 --> 00:11:19,289 Perhaps you are looking for the Commander of the Faithful?" 194 00:11:19,889 --> 00:11:22,009 They said, "Yes, we are looking for him." 195 00:11:22,649 --> 00:11:23,409 They said, 196 00:11:23,929 --> 00:11:26,610 "He is sleeping in the corner of the mosque, 197 00:11:27,049 --> 00:11:28,769 Using his cloak as a pillow." 198 00:11:29,529 --> 00:11:31,769 For Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, 199 00:11:32,289 --> 00:11:36,409 He had gone out to meet a delegation from the people of Kufa, wearing a burnous. 200 00:11:37,129 --> 00:11:38,529 When the delegation departed, 201 00:11:39,009 --> 00:11:40,169 he took off the burnous, 202 00:11:40,490 --> 00:11:42,169 placed it under his head, 203 00:11:42,690 --> 00:11:44,809 and surrendered his eyelids to slumber. 204 00:11:45,559 --> 00:11:49,000 The delegation proceeded with al-Hurmuzan to the right side of the mosque. 205 00:11:49,720 --> 00:11:53,320 When they saw the Caliph asleep, they sat down quietly. 206 00:11:53,759 --> 00:11:55,919 They seated their captive with them. 207 00:11:56,679 --> 00:12:00,080 Al-Hurmuzan did not understand a word of Arabic, 208 00:12:00,720 --> 00:12:05,440 and it never crossed his mind that this man sleeping in the corner of the mosque 209 00:12:05,960 --> 00:12:08,919 was the Commander of the Faithful, Umar ibn al-Khattab. 210 00:12:09,590 --> 00:12:13,029 Truly, he had heard of Umar’s austerity 211 00:12:13,509 --> 00:12:16,629 and his asceticism regarding the vanities and adornments of this world, 212 00:12:17,269 --> 00:12:20,789 but he could not even imagine 213 00:12:21,269 --> 00:12:25,990 that the conqueror of the Romans and the breaker of the Chosroes would sleep in the corner of a mosque 214 00:12:26,549 --> 00:12:28,830 without a cover or a pillow, 215 00:12:29,269 --> 00:12:31,309 and without guards or chamberlains. 216 00:12:32,029 --> 00:12:34,750 When he saw the people sitting in silence, 217 00:12:35,190 --> 00:12:37,389 he thought they were preparing for prayer 218 00:12:37,870 --> 00:12:40,190 and awaiting the arrival of the Caliph. 219 00:12:40,990 --> 00:12:42,789 But al-Ahnaf ibn Qays 220 00:12:43,190 --> 00:12:46,470 began signaling to the people to refrain from speaking 221 00:12:46,950 --> 00:12:48,549 and to cease the commotion, 222 00:12:48,909 --> 00:12:50,870 so as not to wake the Caliph. 223 00:12:51,590 --> 00:12:53,950 For he knew, from his companionship with him, 224 00:12:54,470 --> 00:12:57,909 that he rarely closed his eyes in sleep at night; 225 00:12:58,590 --> 00:13:01,990 he was either standing in his prayer niche worshipping Allah, 226 00:13:02,509 --> 00:13:04,269 or disguised in his garments, 227 00:13:04,789 --> 00:13:08,669 patrolling the neighborhoods of Medina to learn the conditions of his subjects, 228 00:13:09,230 --> 00:13:12,950 or keeping watch to protect the homes of the Muslims from intruders. 229 00:13:13,970 --> 00:13:18,009 Al-Ahnaf’s signals to the people caught the attention of al-Hurmuzan, 230 00:13:18,490 --> 00:13:20,769 so he turned to al-Mughira ibn Shu'ba, 231 00:13:21,090 --> 00:13:23,009 who knew Persian, 232 00:13:23,490 --> 00:13:24,250 and said, 233 00:13:24,769 --> 00:13:26,129 "Who is this sleeper?" 234 00:13:26,809 --> 00:13:28,289 Al-Mughira replied, 235 00:13:28,769 --> 00:13:31,289 "It is the Commander of the Faithful, Umar." 236 00:13:31,970 --> 00:13:35,330 Al-Hurmuzan opened his mouth in astonishment and said, 237 00:13:35,809 --> 00:13:36,330 "Umar? 238 00:13:37,049 --> 00:13:39,009 Where are his guards and his chamberlains?" 239 00:13:39,610 --> 00:13:41,090 Al-Mughira said to him, 240 00:13:41,690 --> 00:13:44,090 "He has neither guard nor chamberlain." 241 00:13:44,730 --> 00:13:46,049 Al-Hurmuzan said, 242 00:13:46,649 --> 00:13:48,730 "He must be a prophet." 243 00:13:49,480 --> 00:13:50,600 Al-Mughira replied, 244 00:13:51,200 --> 00:13:53,120 "Rather, he acts as the prophets act, 245 00:13:53,679 --> 00:13:57,879 for there is no prophet after Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him." 246 00:13:58,769 --> 00:14:01,570 Then the crowd grew and the noise increased, 247 00:14:02,330 --> 00:14:03,490 so Umar awoke. 248 00:14:03,970 --> 00:14:07,769 He sat up and looked at the people in surprise, 249 00:14:08,450 --> 00:14:10,129 and saw the Persian prince 250 00:14:10,690 --> 00:14:14,970 with his crown glowing under the rays of the sun upon his head, 251 00:14:15,610 --> 00:14:19,690 and in his hand his scepter, whose brilliance dazzled the eyes. 252 00:14:20,490 --> 00:14:22,169 He stared at him and said, 253 00:14:22,690 --> 00:14:23,730 "Al-Hurmuzan?" 254 00:14:24,529 --> 00:14:25,769 Al-Ahnaf said to him, 255 00:14:26,450 --> 00:14:28,370 "Yes, Commander of the Faithful." 256 00:14:29,129 --> 00:14:32,330 Umar contemplated the gold, pearls, 257 00:14:32,769 --> 00:14:34,409 rubies, and silk he was wearing, 258 00:14:35,210 --> 00:14:37,649 then turned his face away from him and said, 259 00:14:38,210 --> 00:14:40,129 "I seek refuge in Allah from the Fire, 260 00:14:40,769 --> 00:14:42,769 and I seek His aid against this world. 261 00:14:43,490 --> 00:14:47,889 Praise be to Allah who has humbled this man and brought him to Islam." 262 00:14:48,799 --> 00:14:49,639 Then he said, 263 00:14:50,440 --> 00:14:52,000 "O assembly of Muslims, 264 00:14:52,559 --> 00:14:54,240 hold fast to this religion, 265 00:14:54,799 --> 00:14:57,279 and be guided by the guidance of your noble Prophet. 266 00:14:57,919 --> 00:14:59,960 Do not let the world deceive you, 267 00:15:00,240 --> 00:15:01,720 for it is a deceiver." 268 00:15:02,590 --> 00:15:04,269 When he finished speaking, 269 00:15:04,789 --> 00:15:07,269 al-Ahnaf ibn Qays brought him the glad tidings of the victory, 270 00:15:07,909 --> 00:15:12,029 and informed him of the spoils Allah had granted the Muslims. 271 00:15:12,549 --> 00:15:13,350 He said to him, 272 00:15:14,070 --> 00:15:15,549 "Commander of the Faithful, 273 00:15:16,190 --> 00:15:18,669 al-Hurmuzan has surrendered to us, 274 00:15:19,309 --> 00:15:21,710 and has asked to submit to your judgment regarding him. 275 00:15:22,230 --> 00:15:23,710 Speak to him if you wish." 276 00:15:24,600 --> 00:15:25,279 He said, 277 00:15:25,960 --> 00:15:30,960 "I will not speak to him until you remove these manifestations of arrogance and pride from him." 278 00:15:31,679 --> 00:15:34,120 They removed his finery and crown, 279 00:15:34,559 --> 00:15:36,440 took his scepter from him, 280 00:15:36,960 --> 00:15:40,159 and dressed him in a thick garment that covered his body. 281 00:15:40,840 --> 00:15:43,639 At that, Umar turned to him and said, 282 00:15:44,279 --> 00:15:45,759 "Well, al-Hurmuzan, 283 00:15:46,399 --> 00:15:48,360 how have you found the consequence of treachery 284 00:15:48,519 --> 00:15:50,159 and the outcome of Allah’s decree?" 285 00:15:51,019 --> 00:15:54,259 Al-Hurmuzan hung his head in humiliation and said, 286 00:15:54,899 --> 00:15:55,620 "O Umar, 287 00:15:56,259 --> 00:15:59,580 we were in the Age of Ignorance, both we and you, 288 00:16:00,100 --> 00:16:02,860 and Allah was neither with us nor with you, 289 00:16:03,259 --> 00:16:04,340 so we defeated you. 290 00:16:05,059 --> 00:16:08,019 But when you embraced Islam and Allah became with you, 291 00:16:08,299 --> 00:16:09,419 you defeated us." 292 00:16:10,100 --> 00:16:11,299 Umar said to him, 293 00:16:11,980 --> 00:16:14,580 "You defeated us for what you mentioned, 294 00:16:15,179 --> 00:16:16,340 and for another reason: 295 00:16:16,860 --> 00:16:19,179 your unity and our division." 296 00:16:19,899 --> 00:16:22,299 Then he looked at him sternly and said, 297 00:16:22,940 --> 00:16:27,299 "What is your excuse for breaking your treaty time after time, al-Hurmuzan?" 298 00:16:28,139 --> 00:16:29,419 Al-Hurmuzan said, 299 00:16:30,139 --> 00:16:31,700 "I fear that you will kill me." 300 00:16:32,299 --> 00:16:33,220 Umar said, 301 00:16:33,740 --> 00:16:36,379 "No harm shall come to you until you tell me [the truth]." 302 00:16:37,100 --> 00:16:39,820 When al-Hurmuzan heard that from Umar, 303 00:16:40,379 --> 00:16:42,179 his fear subsided somewhat, 304 00:16:42,820 --> 00:16:43,500 and he said, 305 00:16:44,059 --> 00:16:45,259 "I am thirsty." 306 00:16:46,049 --> 00:16:47,730 Umar ordered them to give him water. 307 00:16:48,289 --> 00:16:51,009 It was brought to him in a coarse cup. 308 00:16:51,610 --> 00:16:53,129 He looked at it and said, 309 00:16:53,850 --> 00:16:58,490 "If I were dying of thirst, I could not drink from such a vessel." 310 00:16:59,389 --> 00:17:00,389 Umar gave the order, 311 00:17:00,669 --> 00:17:03,669 and water was brought to him in a vessel he found acceptable. 312 00:17:04,410 --> 00:17:06,130 When he took it in his hand, 313 00:17:06,490 --> 00:17:08,210 his hand began to tremble. 314 00:17:08,930 --> 00:17:10,170 Umar said to him, 315 00:17:10,609 --> 00:17:11,210 "What is the matter with you?" 316 00:17:11,890 --> 00:17:12,609 He said, 317 00:17:13,210 --> 00:17:17,690 "I fear that I will be killed while I am drinking this draught of water." 318 00:17:18,480 --> 00:17:19,759 Umar said to him, 319 00:17:20,319 --> 00:17:22,920 "No harm shall come to you until you drink it." 320 00:17:23,559 --> 00:17:25,279 Al-Hurmuzan did nothing 321 00:17:25,640 --> 00:17:27,319 but tip the vessel 322 00:17:27,519 --> 00:17:28,599 and spill the water. 323 00:17:29,279 --> 00:17:30,200 Umar said, 324 00:17:30,640 --> 00:17:32,640 "Bring him other water, 325 00:17:33,079 --> 00:17:35,839 and do not combine killing and thirst for him." 326 00:17:36,480 --> 00:17:37,839 Al-Hurmuzan said, 327 00:17:38,359 --> 00:17:40,119 "I have no need for water; 328 00:17:40,759 --> 00:17:44,920 I only wanted to use it to secure my safety from being killed." 329 00:17:45,599 --> 00:17:46,920 Umar said to him, 330 00:17:47,440 --> 00:17:48,759 "I am going to kill you." 331 00:17:49,470 --> 00:17:50,869 Al-Hurmuzan said, 332 00:17:51,309 --> 00:17:52,589 "You have already granted me safety." 333 00:17:53,150 --> 00:17:54,109 Umar said, 334 00:17:54,390 --> 00:17:55,029 "You lie." 335 00:17:55,710 --> 00:17:57,190 Anas ibn Malik said, 336 00:17:57,750 --> 00:17:59,789 "He speaks the truth, Commander of the Faithful, 337 00:18:00,190 --> 00:18:01,470 for you did grant him safety." 338 00:18:02,069 --> 00:18:02,990 Umar said, 339 00:18:03,390 --> 00:18:04,710 "Woe to you, Anas! 340 00:18:05,109 --> 00:18:08,069 Would I grant safety to the killer of your brother, al-Bara' ibn Malik, 341 00:18:08,509 --> 00:18:09,990 and Mujah'a ibn Thawr? 342 00:18:10,509 --> 00:18:11,190 Far from it!" 343 00:18:12,029 --> 00:18:13,069 Anas said, 344 00:18:13,670 --> 00:18:14,750 "You said to him, 345 00:18:15,430 --> 00:18:17,829 'No harm shall come to you until you tell me,' 346 00:18:18,349 --> 00:18:19,190 and you said to him, 347 00:18:19,710 --> 00:18:22,509 'No harm shall come to you until you drink the water.'" 348 00:18:23,190 --> 00:18:25,430 Al-Ahnaf supported Anas’s statement, 349 00:18:25,789 --> 00:18:30,349 and those present affirmed that the Commander of the Faithful had granted al-Hurmuzan safety. 350 00:18:30,990 --> 00:18:34,269 Umar looked at al-Hurmuzan angrily and said, 351 00:18:34,829 --> 00:18:36,069 "You have deceived me, 352 00:18:36,509 --> 00:18:39,750 and by Allah, I am only deceived for the sake of a Muslim." 353 00:18:40,430 --> 00:18:41,910 So al-Hurmuzan embraced Islam, 354 00:18:42,309 --> 00:18:44,390 and Umar assigned him a stipend of two thousand. 355 00:18:46,809 --> 00:18:48,809 Umar had been troubled 356 00:18:49,289 --> 00:18:52,450 by the Persians frequently breaking their treaties with the Muslims 357 00:18:52,769 --> 00:18:54,369 and turning against them. 358 00:18:54,930 --> 00:18:59,289 He gathered the men of the delegation who had come with al-Hurmuzan and said to them, 359 00:18:59,890 --> 00:19:04,009 "Do the Muslims harm the protected people (dhimmis) and treat them poorly, 360 00:19:04,329 --> 00:19:05,849 causing them to turn against them?" 361 00:19:06,529 --> 00:19:07,970 The men of the delegation said, 362 00:19:08,609 --> 00:19:10,569 "By Allah, Commander of the Faithful, 363 00:19:10,930 --> 00:19:14,049 we do not know of anyone who treated them poorly, 364 00:19:14,529 --> 00:19:16,009 or violated a covenant with them, 365 00:19:16,450 --> 00:19:17,970 or cheated them in a contract." 366 00:19:18,650 --> 00:19:19,569 Umar said, 367 00:19:20,130 --> 00:19:24,289 "Then why do they turn against you whenever the opportunity arises, 368 00:19:24,769 --> 00:19:28,089 despite the contracts between you and them?" 369 00:19:28,809 --> 00:19:31,809 The delegation answered with words that did not convince Umar, 370 00:19:32,049 --> 00:19:33,369 nor did he find comfort in them. 371 00:19:34,119 --> 00:19:37,200 At that, al-Ahnaf ibn Qays stood up and said, 372 00:19:37,799 --> 00:19:41,480 "I will tell you what you asked about, Commander of the Faithful." 373 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:42,680 He said, 374 00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:44,359 "Speak what you have." 375 00:19:45,000 --> 00:19:45,759 He said, 376 00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:48,240 "Commander of the Faithful, 377 00:19:48,640 --> 00:19:51,759 you forbade us from spreading out into the lands of the Persians, 378 00:19:52,240 --> 00:19:57,200 and ordered us to limit ourselves to the lands and cities of theirs that we already hold. 379 00:19:57,839 --> 00:20:02,000 As long as the Persians have a living king and an established kingdom, 380 00:20:02,440 --> 00:20:05,279 they will fight us time after time 381 00:20:05,640 --> 00:20:09,359 to regain the people and lands of theirs that we hold. 382 00:20:09,839 --> 00:20:13,960 And those with whom we have made treaties will join them whenever the caller calls them 383 00:20:14,200 --> 00:20:16,319 and the opportunity for victory appears to them. 384 00:20:16,960 --> 00:20:19,119 Indeed, Commander of the Faithful, 385 00:20:19,519 --> 00:20:22,519 two kings cannot coexist in one land; 386 00:20:23,119 --> 00:20:25,920 one must drive the other out. 387 00:20:26,559 --> 00:20:29,480 If you were to permit us to spread out into their lands 388 00:20:29,960 --> 00:20:33,319 until we destroy their kingdom and remove their sovereignty, 389 00:20:33,839 --> 00:20:36,720 we would cut off their hope, calm their hearts, 390 00:20:37,160 --> 00:20:38,759 and the matter would be settled for us." 391 00:20:39,680 --> 00:20:42,240 Umar hung his head for a moment, then said, 392 00:20:42,759 --> 00:20:44,400 "Al-Ahnaf has spoken the truth to me, 393 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:48,400 and has revealed to me what was hidden from me regarding the affairs of these people." 394 00:20:51,119 --> 00:20:51,720 And furthermore, 395 00:20:52,480 --> 00:20:55,799 this stance of al-Ahnaf had significant consequences, 396 00:20:56,400 --> 00:20:58,480 and the effect of this opinion 397 00:20:58,920 --> 00:21:00,960 Indeed, he changed the course of history. 398 00:21:04,599 --> 00:21:07,920 By Allah, this young man is truly a leader. 399 00:21:09,069 --> 00:21:11,990 He is the leader of the people of Basra. 400 00:21:13,319 --> 00:21:17,400 Umar Ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him. 401 00:21:27,269 --> 00:21:32,269 They were here, watering the clouds of our lives. 402 00:21:32,670 --> 00:21:37,470 How could their memory not be exalted among us? 403 00:21:37,789 --> 00:21:42,470 They departed, leaving behind a question in our conscience: 404 00:21:42,869 --> 00:21:47,670 Has any star risen and shone as they did? 405 00:21:48,069 --> 00:21:52,869 They filled life with pride through their noble deeds. 406 00:21:52,869 --> 00:21:56,900 And through them, the world of the Ummah flourished.