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 finest of generations in deeds 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 Mawaddah Association 5 00:00:15,429 --> 00:00:17,429 Presents 6 00:00:17,429 --> 00:00:21,429 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un 7 00:00:21,429 --> 00:00:25,879 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 8 00:00:25,879 --> 00:00:27,879 May Allah have mercy upon him. 9 00:00:27,879 --> 00:00:32,740 Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi, 10 00:00:32,740 --> 00:00:34,740 May Allah have mercy upon him. 11 00:00:43,020 --> 00:00:46,020 We are now in the caliphate of the Commander of the Faithful, 12 00:00:46,020 --> 00:00:48,020 Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik. 13 00:00:48,020 --> 00:00:51,020 Here is Yazid ibn al-Muhallab ibn Abi Sufrah, 14 00:00:51,020 --> 00:00:54,020 One of the unsheathed swords of Islam 15 00:00:54,020 --> 00:00:57,020 And the formidable governor of Khurasan. 16 00:00:57,020 --> 00:01:01,020 He sets forth with his army of one hundred thousand fighters, 17 00:01:01,020 --> 00:01:06,019 Aside from the volunteers seeking martyrdom and desiring reward. 18 00:01:06,019 --> 00:01:11,019 He was resolved to conquer Jurjan and Tabaristan. 19 00:01:11,019 --> 00:01:14,019 At the forefront of the volunteers alongside him was 20 00:01:14,019 --> 00:01:19,019 The eminent Tabi'i, Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi al-Basri, 21 00:01:19,019 --> 00:01:22,019 Nicknamed "The Adornment of the Jurists," 22 00:01:22,019 --> 00:01:25,019 Renowned as "The Worshiper of Basra," 23 00:01:25,019 --> 00:01:30,019 And a student of the noble Companion, Anas ibn Malik al-Ansari, 24 00:01:30,019 --> 00:01:35,459 The servant of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 25 00:01:35,459 --> 00:01:39,459 Yazid ibn al-Muhallab encamped with his army at Dehestan, 26 00:01:39,459 --> 00:01:42,459 Which was inhabited by a Turkic people 27 00:01:42,459 --> 00:01:44,459 Of fierce might, 28 00:01:44,459 --> 00:01:46,459 Great resilience, 29 00:01:46,459 --> 00:01:48,459 And impregnable fortresses. 30 00:01:48,459 --> 00:01:52,459 They would ride out to fight the Muslims every day; 31 00:01:52,459 --> 00:01:54,459 Whenever exhaustion overcame them 32 00:01:54,459 --> 00:01:56,459 Or the fighting grew too severe, 33 00:01:56,459 --> 00:02:00,459 They retreated to their strongholds in the mountain passes, 34 00:02:00,459 --> 00:02:03,459 Fortifying themselves behind their impregnable walls 35 00:02:03,459 --> 00:02:06,459 And seeking refuge atop their lofty peaks. 36 00:02:06,459 --> 00:02:09,460 Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi played 37 00:02:09,460 --> 00:02:12,460 A significant role in this war, 38 00:02:12,460 --> 00:02:16,460 Despite his frail build and advanced age. 39 00:02:16,460 --> 00:02:19,460 The Muslim soldiers drew solace 40 00:02:19,460 --> 00:02:23,460 From the light of faith that beamed from his gentle face, 41 00:02:23,460 --> 00:02:26,460 Found vigor in the warmth of remembrance 42 00:02:26,460 --> 00:02:29,460 Radiating from his eloquent tongue, 43 00:02:29,460 --> 00:02:32,460 And gained tranquility through his answered supplications 44 00:02:32,460 --> 00:02:35,460 In moments of hardship and distress. 45 00:02:35,460 --> 00:02:37,460 It was his custom, 46 00:02:37,460 --> 00:02:40,460 Whenever the army commander joined battle, 47 00:02:40,460 --> 00:02:42,460 To cry out: 48 00:02:42,460 --> 00:02:44,460 "O cavalry of Allah, mount up!" 49 00:02:44,460 --> 00:02:46,460 "O cavalry of Allah, mount up!" 50 00:02:46,460 --> 00:02:48,460 No sooner did the Muslim soldiers 51 00:02:48,460 --> 00:02:50,460 Hear his call 52 00:02:50,460 --> 00:02:53,460 Than they would rush to fight their enemy 53 00:02:53,460 --> 00:02:56,460 Like startled lions, 54 00:02:56,460 --> 00:02:59,460 Charging into the battlefield 55 00:02:59,460 --> 00:03:02,460 As the thirsty plunge toward cool water 56 00:03:02,460 --> 00:03:04,460 On a sweltering day. 57 00:03:04,460 --> 00:03:08,810 On a certain day during one of those fierce, 58 00:03:08,810 --> 00:03:10,810 Grinding battles, 59 00:03:10,810 --> 00:03:13,810 A warrior emerged from the enemy ranks— 60 00:03:13,810 --> 00:03:17,810 Eye had never beheld a man of grander stature, 61 00:03:17,810 --> 00:03:19,810 Greater strength, 62 00:03:19,810 --> 00:03:23,810 Daring boldness, or sharper resolve. 63 00:03:23,810 --> 00:03:26,810 He began wheeling and charging between the lines 64 00:03:26,810 --> 00:03:29,810 Until he pushed the Muslims back from their positions 65 00:03:29,810 --> 00:03:33,810 And struck fear and awe into their hearts. 66 00:03:33,810 --> 00:03:36,810 He then began calling for duels, 67 00:03:36,810 --> 00:03:38,810 Defiant and arrogant, 68 00:03:38,810 --> 00:03:40,810 Persisting in his challenge. 69 00:03:40,810 --> 00:03:43,810 Muhammad ibn Wasi' 70 00:03:43,810 --> 00:03:46,810 Stepped forward, intending to duel him himself. 71 00:03:46,810 --> 00:03:51,810 At that, protective zeal surged in the hearts of the Muslim horsemen, 72 00:03:51,810 --> 00:03:54,810 And one of them rushed to the elder, 73 00:03:54,810 --> 00:03:57,810 Adjuring him not to do it, 74 00:03:57,810 --> 00:04:00,810 Beseeching him to leave the duel to him instead. 75 00:04:00,810 --> 00:04:02,810 The elder honored his oath, 76 00:04:02,810 --> 00:04:05,810 Praying for his victory and divine support. 77 00:04:05,810 --> 00:04:08,810 Each of the two warriors charged his opponent 78 00:04:08,810 --> 00:04:10,810 Like impending doom, 79 00:04:10,810 --> 00:04:14,810 Clashing like two ferocious lions. 80 00:04:14,810 --> 00:04:19,810 The eyes and hearts of the troops everywhere hung upon them. 81 00:04:19,810 --> 00:04:23,810 For an hour they jousted and circled each other, 82 00:04:23,810 --> 00:04:27,810 Until sheer exhaustion wore them down completely. 83 00:04:27,810 --> 00:04:33,810 Then they exchanged two simultaneous sword blows aimed at each other's heads. 84 00:04:33,810 --> 00:04:38,810 The Turk's sword lodged in the iron helmet of the Muslim knight, 85 00:04:38,810 --> 00:04:42,810 While the Muslim's sword struck the forehead of the Turkic warrior, 86 00:04:42,810 --> 00:04:45,810 Cleaving his head in two 87 00:04:45,810 --> 00:04:48,810 And splitting his crown into two pieces. 88 00:04:48,810 --> 00:04:52,810 The victorious knight then returned to the Muslim ranks 89 00:04:52,810 --> 00:04:56,810 In a sight the likes of which no eye had ever seen: 90 00:04:56,810 --> 00:04:59,810 A sword in his hand dripping with blood, 91 00:04:59,810 --> 00:05:05,810 And another sword stuck in his helmet, gleaming under the sun. 92 00:05:05,810 --> 00:05:10,810 The Muslims greeted him with acclamations of *Tahlil*, *Takbir*, and *Tahmid*. 93 00:05:10,810 --> 00:05:17,810 Yazid ibn al-Muhallab looked at the tangle of two swords, helmet, and armor upon the man, 94 00:05:17,810 --> 00:05:23,810 And exclaimed, "May his father be blessed! What a knight! What a man!" 95 00:05:23,810 --> 00:05:30,810 It was said to him, "He is a man blessed by the supplications of Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi." 96 00:05:30,810 --> 00:05:37,310 The balance of power shifted after the slain Turkic warrior fell; 97 00:05:37,310 --> 00:05:43,310 Terror and panic spread through the hearts of the polytheists like wildfire through dry grass, 98 00:05:43,310 --> 00:05:48,310 While the flames of pride and honor blazed in the breasts of the Muslims. 99 00:05:48,310 --> 00:05:52,310 They swept over the enemies of Allah like a torrent, 100 00:05:52,310 --> 00:05:55,310 Encircling them as a collar grips the neck, 101 00:05:55,310 --> 00:05:58,310 And cutting off their water and provisions. 102 00:05:58,310 --> 00:06:02,379 Their king had no choice but to seek a treaty; 103 00:06:02,379 --> 00:06:05,379 He sent word to Yazid offering peace, 104 00:06:05,379 --> 00:06:10,379 Expressing his readiness to hand over the lands under his control, 105 00:06:10,379 --> 00:06:13,379 Along with everything and everyone in them, 106 00:06:13,379 --> 00:06:18,379 Provided he guarantee safety for his life, wealth, and family. 107 00:06:18,379 --> 00:06:20,379 Yazid accepted the peace terms, 108 00:06:20,379 --> 00:06:26,379 Stipulating that he pay seven hundred thousand dirhams in installments, 109 00:06:26,379 --> 00:06:29,379 An immediate cash payment of four hundred thousand dirhams, 110 00:06:29,379 --> 00:06:34,379 Four hundred beasts of burden laden with saffron, 111 00:06:34,379 --> 00:06:37,379 And four hundred men, 112 00:06:37,379 --> 00:06:41,379 Each holding a silver goblet in his hand, 113 00:06:41,379 --> 00:06:44,379 Wearing a hood of fine silk, 114 00:06:44,379 --> 00:06:47,379 Over which was a velvet mantle 115 00:06:47,379 --> 00:06:49,379 And a silk sash, 116 00:06:49,379 --> 00:06:52,379 To be worn by the soldiers' wives. 117 00:06:52,379 --> 00:06:57,720 When the war drew to a close, 118 00:06:57,720 --> 00:07:00,720 Yazid ibn al-Muhallab said to his treasurer, 119 00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:02,720 "Have we tallied the spoils 120 00:07:02,720 --> 00:07:05,720 So that we may give every rightful claimant his due?" 121 00:07:05,720 --> 00:07:09,720 The treasurer and his assistants attempted to count them, 122 00:07:09,720 --> 00:07:11,720 But proved unable to do so. 123 00:07:11,720 --> 00:07:16,720 So the spoils were distributed among the soldiers with generous leniency. 124 00:07:16,720 --> 00:07:20,720 Among these spoils, the Muslims found 125 00:07:20,720 --> 00:07:23,720 A crown forged from pure gold, 126 00:07:23,720 --> 00:07:26,720 Adorned with pearls and jewels, 127 00:07:26,720 --> 00:07:29,720 And decorated with exquisite engravings. 128 00:07:29,720 --> 00:07:31,720 Necks strained to catch a glimpse of it, 129 00:07:31,720 --> 00:07:34,720 And eyes were transfixed by its luster. 130 00:07:34,720 --> 00:07:37,720 Yazid took it in his hand 131 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:42,720 And raised it high so that even those who could not see it among the troops could behold it. 132 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:44,720 He then said, 133 00:07:44,720 --> 00:07:47,720 "Do you think anyone could be indifferent to this crown?" 134 00:07:47,720 --> 00:07:51,720 They replied, "May Allah rectify the commander's affairs! 135 00:07:51,720 --> 00:07:53,720 Who could possibly be indifferent to it?" 136 00:07:53,720 --> 00:07:55,720 He said, 137 00:07:55,720 --> 00:08:00,720 "You shall see that there are still those in the Ummah of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 138 00:08:00,720 --> 00:08:02,720 Who are indifferent to it, 139 00:08:02,720 --> 00:08:05,879 And to an earth full of its like." 140 00:08:05,879 --> 00:08:08,879 Then he turned to his chamberlain and said, 141 00:08:08,879 --> 00:08:12,879 "Find Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi for us." 142 00:08:12,879 --> 00:08:16,879 The chamberlain went searching for him in every direction, 143 00:08:16,879 --> 00:08:20,879 Finding him standing in a remote spot away from the people, 144 00:08:20,879 --> 00:08:23,879 Engaged in voluntary prayer, supplicating, 145 00:08:23,879 --> 00:08:26,980 Imploring Allah, and seeking His forgiveness. 146 00:08:26,980 --> 00:08:28,980 He approached him and said, 147 00:08:28,980 --> 00:08:31,980 "The commander summons you to meet him 148 00:08:31,980 --> 00:08:34,980 And asks that you proceed to him at once." 149 00:08:34,980 --> 00:08:37,039 So he went with the chamberlain, 150 00:08:37,039 --> 00:08:40,039 And upon reaching the commander, 151 00:08:40,039 --> 00:08:43,039 He greeted him and sat near him. 152 00:08:43,039 --> 00:08:46,039 The commander returned the greeting with an even better one, 153 00:08:46,039 --> 00:08:49,039 Then raised the crown in his hand and said, 154 00:08:49,039 --> 00:08:51,039 "O Abu Abd Allah, 155 00:08:51,039 --> 00:08:56,039 The Muslim army has gained this precious crown as booty, 156 00:08:56,039 --> 00:08:59,039 And I have decided to bestow it upon you 157 00:08:59,039 --> 00:09:01,039 And make it your portion." 158 00:09:01,039 --> 00:09:04,039 The troops were entirely pleased with this. 159 00:09:04,039 --> 00:09:06,139 He said, 160 00:09:06,139 --> 00:09:09,139 "You make it my portion, O commander?" 161 00:09:09,139 --> 00:09:12,139 He replied, "Yes, your portion." 162 00:09:12,139 --> 00:09:14,139 He said, 163 00:09:14,139 --> 00:09:17,139 "I have no need for it, O commander. 164 00:09:17,139 --> 00:09:20,139 May Allah reward you and them with good on my behalf." 165 00:09:20,139 --> 00:09:22,139 The commander said, 166 00:09:22,139 --> 00:09:25,200 "I adjure you by Allah, you shall take it!" 167 00:09:25,200 --> 00:09:27,200 Bound by the commander's oath, 168 00:09:27,200 --> 00:09:30,200 Muhammad ibn Wasi' took the crown, 169 00:09:30,200 --> 00:09:33,330 Asked permission to leave, and departed. 170 00:09:33,330 --> 00:09:36,330 Some of those who did not know the elder remarked, 171 00:09:36,330 --> 00:09:40,330 "Look at him, taking the crown for himself and walking away!" 172 00:09:40,330 --> 00:09:43,330 So Yazid instructed one of his servants 173 00:09:43,330 --> 00:09:46,330 To follow him secretly, 174 00:09:46,330 --> 00:09:49,330 Observe what he would do with the crown, 175 00:09:49,330 --> 00:09:51,330 And bring back news of him. 176 00:09:51,330 --> 00:09:53,330 The servant followed him 177 00:09:53,330 --> 00:09:56,899 Unbeknownst to the elder. 178 00:09:56,899 --> 00:09:59,899 Muhammad ibn Wasi' continued on his way, 179 00:09:59,899 --> 00:10:01,899 Holding the crown in his hand, 180 00:10:01,899 --> 00:10:04,899 When an unkempt, dust-covered man 181 00:10:04,899 --> 00:10:06,899 Of shabby appearance crossed his path. 182 00:10:06,899 --> 00:10:08,899 The man asked him, saying, 183 00:10:08,899 --> 00:10:10,899 "Give me from what belongs to Allah." 184 00:10:10,899 --> 00:10:14,899 The elder looked to his right, to his left, and behind him; 185 00:10:14,899 --> 00:10:17,899 Once he was certain no one was watching him, 186 00:10:17,899 --> 00:10:20,899 He handed the crown to the beggar, 187 00:10:20,899 --> 00:10:23,899 Then walked away joyful and relieved, 188 00:10:23,899 --> 00:10:25,899 As though he had cast off a burden 189 00:10:25,899 --> 00:10:27,899 That had weighed heavily upon his back. 190 00:10:27,899 --> 00:10:30,899 The servant took the beggar by the hand 191 00:10:30,899 --> 00:10:32,899 And brought him to the commander, 192 00:10:32,899 --> 00:10:34,899 Relating to him what had transpired. 193 00:10:34,899 --> 00:10:37,899 The commander took the crown from the beggar 194 00:10:37,899 --> 00:10:41,899 And compensated him with ample wealth until he was well pleased. 195 00:10:41,899 --> 00:10:44,899 He then turned to the soldiers and said, 196 00:10:44,899 --> 00:10:48,899 "Did I not tell you that there are still those in the Ummah of Muhammad, 197 00:10:48,899 --> 00:10:52,899 Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who are indifferent to this crown, 198 00:10:52,899 --> 00:10:56,500 And to far greater than its like?" 199 00:10:56,500 --> 00:10:59,500 Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi continued 200 00:10:59,500 --> 00:11:03,500 fighting the polytheists under the banner of Yazid Ibn al-Muhallab 201 00:11:03,500 --> 00:11:06,559 until the time for the Hajj pilgrimage drew near. 202 00:11:06,559 --> 00:11:10,559 When only a short time remained before him, 203 00:11:10,559 --> 00:11:12,559 he entered upon Yazid 204 00:11:12,559 --> 00:11:16,620 and asked his permission to depart to perform the rites. 205 00:11:16,620 --> 00:11:18,620 Yazid said to him, 206 00:11:18,620 --> 00:11:21,620 "Your permission is in your own hands, O Abu 'Abdillah. 207 00:11:21,620 --> 00:11:23,620 Depart whenever you wish, 208 00:11:23,620 --> 00:11:25,620 and we have allocated a sum of money for you 209 00:11:25,620 --> 00:11:27,620 to assist you with your pilgrimage." 210 00:11:27,620 --> 00:11:29,659 Muhammad said to him, 211 00:11:29,659 --> 00:11:35,659 "Will you order a similar amount of money for every single soldier among your troops, O commander?" 212 00:11:35,659 --> 00:11:37,659 He replied, "No." 213 00:11:37,659 --> 00:11:43,659 Muhammad said, "I have no need for anything granted exclusively to me apart from the rest of the Muslim army." 214 00:11:43,659 --> 00:11:48,289 Then he took his leave of him and departed. 215 00:11:48,289 --> 00:11:53,289 The departure of Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi weighed heavily on Yazid Ibn al-Muhallab, 216 00:11:53,289 --> 00:11:58,289 just as it weighed heavily on the Muslim soldiers who had enjoyed his companionship. 217 00:11:58,289 --> 00:12:02,289 They grieved over their victorious army being deprived of his blessings, 218 00:12:02,289 --> 00:12:08,289 and they wished that he would return to them once he finished performing his rites. 219 00:12:08,289 --> 00:12:09,289 And no wonder, 220 00:12:09,289 --> 00:12:14,289 for the commanders of the Muslims scattered across the corners of the earth 221 00:12:14,289 --> 00:12:19,289 were deeply eager to have the worshiper of Basra, 222 00:12:19,289 --> 00:12:24,289 Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi, among the ranks of their army. 223 00:12:24,289 --> 00:12:29,289 They would rejoice at his presence among them, expecting much good, 224 00:12:29,289 --> 00:12:38,500 and they hoped that Allah, Mighty and Majestic, would grant them decisive victory through his righteous supplications and abundant blessings. 225 00:12:38,500 --> 00:12:40,500 To conclude: 226 00:12:40,500 --> 00:12:46,500 how noble were these souls that were humble in their own eyes, 227 00:12:46,500 --> 00:12:49,500 yet great in the sight of Allah and the people! 228 00:12:49,500 --> 00:12:56,500 And how magnificent is this history that was blessed with such exceptional, remarkable men! 229 00:12:56,500 --> 00:13:03,600 Until our next encounter with the worshiper of Basra, Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi. 230 00:13:03,600 --> 00:13:08,669 "Rulers have their reciters, 231 00:13:08,669 --> 00:13:12,019 and the wealthy have their reciters, 232 00:13:12,019 --> 00:13:17,440 but Muhammad Ibn Wasi' is indeed among the reciters of the Most Merciful." — Malik Ibn Dinar 233 00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:20,269 Malik Ibn Dinar. 234 00:13:20,269 --> 00:13:25,159 In stance and example, 235 00:13:25,159 --> 00:13:30,159 they followed the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 236 00:13:30,159 --> 00:13:35,159 They were here, quenching the thirst of our lives like a rain cloud, 237 00:13:35,159 --> 00:13:40,159 and as long as we endure, their memory rises high. 238 00:13:40,159 --> 00:13:46,159 They departed, leaving a question in our conscience: 239 00:13:46,159 --> 00:13:51,159 Has any star ever risen and shone brightly like them? 240 00:13:51,159 --> 00:13:56,159 They filled life with glorious deeds through their actions, 241 00:13:56,159 --> 00:14:00,259 and the world of humanity beamed with pride through them.