WEBVTT 00:00:00.430 --> 00:00:03.430 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:00:03.430 --> 00:00:08.429 The finest of generations in deeds and example, 00:00:08.429 --> 00:00:13.429 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 00:00:13.429 --> 00:00:15.429 Mawaddah Association 00:00:15.429 --> 00:00:17.429 Presents 00:00:17.429 --> 00:00:21.429 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un 00:00:21.429 --> 00:00:25.879 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 00:00:25.879 --> 00:00:27.879 May Allah have mercy upon him. 00:00:27.879 --> 00:00:32.740 Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi, 00:00:32.740 --> 00:00:34.740 May Allah have mercy upon him. 00:00:43.020 --> 00:00:46.020 We are now in the caliphate of the Commander of the Faithful, 00:00:46.020 --> 00:00:48.020 Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik. 00:00:48.020 --> 00:00:51.020 Here is Yazid ibn al-Muhallab ibn Abi Sufrah, 00:00:51.020 --> 00:00:54.020 One of the unsheathed swords of Islam 00:00:54.020 --> 00:00:57.020 And the formidable governor of Khurasan. 00:00:57.020 --> 00:01:01.020 He sets forth with his army of one hundred thousand fighters, 00:01:01.020 --> 00:01:06.019 Aside from the volunteers seeking martyrdom and desiring reward. 00:01:06.019 --> 00:01:11.019 He was resolved to conquer Jurjan and Tabaristan. 00:01:11.019 --> 00:01:14.019 At the forefront of the volunteers alongside him was 00:01:14.019 --> 00:01:19.019 The eminent Tabi'i, Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi al-Basri, 00:01:19.019 --> 00:01:22.019 Nicknamed "The Adornment of the Jurists," 00:01:22.019 --> 00:01:25.019 Renowned as "The Worshiper of Basra," 00:01:25.019 --> 00:01:30.019 And a student of the noble Companion, Anas ibn Malik al-Ansari, 00:01:30.019 --> 00:01:35.459 The servant of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:01:35.459 --> 00:01:39.459 Yazid ibn al-Muhallab encamped with his army at Dehestan, 00:01:39.459 --> 00:01:42.459 Which was inhabited by a Turkic people 00:01:42.459 --> 00:01:44.459 Of fierce might, 00:01:44.459 --> 00:01:46.459 Great resilience, 00:01:46.459 --> 00:01:48.459 And impregnable fortresses. 00:01:48.459 --> 00:01:52.459 They would ride out to fight the Muslims every day; 00:01:52.459 --> 00:01:54.459 Whenever exhaustion overcame them 00:01:54.459 --> 00:01:56.459 Or the fighting grew too severe, 00:01:56.459 --> 00:02:00.459 They retreated to their strongholds in the mountain passes, 00:02:00.459 --> 00:02:03.459 Fortifying themselves behind their impregnable walls 00:02:03.459 --> 00:02:06.459 And seeking refuge atop their lofty peaks. 00:02:06.459 --> 00:02:09.460 Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi played 00:02:09.460 --> 00:02:12.460 A significant role in this war, 00:02:12.460 --> 00:02:16.460 Despite his frail build and advanced age. 00:02:16.460 --> 00:02:19.460 The Muslim soldiers drew solace 00:02:19.460 --> 00:02:23.460 From the light of faith that beamed from his gentle face, 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:26.460 Found vigor in the warmth of remembrance 00:02:26.460 --> 00:02:29.460 Radiating from his eloquent tongue, 00:02:29.460 --> 00:02:32.460 And gained tranquility through his answered supplications 00:02:32.460 --> 00:02:35.460 In moments of hardship and distress. 00:02:35.460 --> 00:02:37.460 It was his custom, 00:02:37.460 --> 00:02:40.460 Whenever the army commander joined battle, 00:02:40.460 --> 00:02:42.460 To cry out: 00:02:42.460 --> 00:02:44.460 "O cavalry of Allah, mount up!" 00:02:44.460 --> 00:02:46.460 "O cavalry of Allah, mount up!" 00:02:46.460 --> 00:02:48.460 No sooner did the Muslim soldiers 00:02:48.460 --> 00:02:50.460 Hear his call 00:02:50.460 --> 00:02:53.460 Than they would rush to fight their enemy 00:02:53.460 --> 00:02:56.460 Like startled lions, 00:02:56.460 --> 00:02:59.460 Charging into the battlefield 00:02:59.460 --> 00:03:02.460 As the thirsty plunge toward cool water 00:03:02.460 --> 00:03:04.460 On a sweltering day. 00:03:04.460 --> 00:03:08.810 On a certain day during one of those fierce, 00:03:08.810 --> 00:03:10.810 Grinding battles, 00:03:10.810 --> 00:03:13.810 A warrior emerged from the enemy ranks— 00:03:13.810 --> 00:03:17.810 Eye had never beheld a man of grander stature, 00:03:17.810 --> 00:03:19.810 Greater strength, 00:03:19.810 --> 00:03:23.810 Daring boldness, or sharper resolve. 00:03:23.810 --> 00:03:26.810 He began wheeling and charging between the lines 00:03:26.810 --> 00:03:29.810 Until he pushed the Muslims back from their positions 00:03:29.810 --> 00:03:33.810 And struck fear and awe into their hearts. 00:03:33.810 --> 00:03:36.810 He then began calling for duels, 00:03:36.810 --> 00:03:38.810 Defiant and arrogant, 00:03:38.810 --> 00:03:40.810 Persisting in his challenge. 00:03:40.810 --> 00:03:43.810 Muhammad ibn Wasi' 00:03:43.810 --> 00:03:46.810 Stepped forward, intending to duel him himself. 00:03:46.810 --> 00:03:51.810 At that, protective zeal surged in the hearts of the Muslim horsemen, 00:03:51.810 --> 00:03:54.810 And one of them rushed to the elder, 00:03:54.810 --> 00:03:57.810 Adjuring him not to do it, 00:03:57.810 --> 00:04:00.810 Beseeching him to leave the duel to him instead. 00:04:00.810 --> 00:04:02.810 The elder honored his oath, 00:04:02.810 --> 00:04:05.810 Praying for his victory and divine support. 00:04:05.810 --> 00:04:08.810 Each of the two warriors charged his opponent 00:04:08.810 --> 00:04:10.810 Like impending doom, 00:04:10.810 --> 00:04:14.810 Clashing like two ferocious lions. 00:04:14.810 --> 00:04:19.810 The eyes and hearts of the troops everywhere hung upon them. 00:04:19.810 --> 00:04:23.810 For an hour they jousted and circled each other, 00:04:23.810 --> 00:04:27.810 Until sheer exhaustion wore them down completely. 00:04:27.810 --> 00:04:33.810 Then they exchanged two simultaneous sword blows aimed at each other's heads. 00:04:33.810 --> 00:04:38.810 The Turk's sword lodged in the iron helmet of the Muslim knight, 00:04:38.810 --> 00:04:42.810 While the Muslim's sword struck the forehead of the Turkic warrior, 00:04:42.810 --> 00:04:45.810 Cleaving his head in two 00:04:45.810 --> 00:04:48.810 And splitting his crown into two pieces. 00:04:48.810 --> 00:04:52.810 The victorious knight then returned to the Muslim ranks 00:04:52.810 --> 00:04:56.810 In a sight the likes of which no eye had ever seen: 00:04:56.810 --> 00:04:59.810 A sword in his hand dripping with blood, 00:04:59.810 --> 00:05:05.810 And another sword stuck in his helmet, gleaming under the sun. 00:05:05.810 --> 00:05:10.810 The Muslims greeted him with acclamations of *Tahlil*, *Takbir*, and *Tahmid*. 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, 00:05:17.810 --> 00:05:23.810 And exclaimed, "May his father be blessed! What a knight! What a man!" 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." 00:05:30.810 --> 00:05:37.310 The balance of power shifted after the slain Turkic warrior fell; 00:05:37.310 --> 00:05:43.310 Terror and panic spread through the hearts of the polytheists like wildfire through dry grass, 00:05:43.310 --> 00:05:48.310 While the flames of pride and honor blazed in the breasts of the Muslims. 00:05:48.310 --> 00:05:52.310 They swept over the enemies of Allah like a torrent, 00:05:52.310 --> 00:05:55.310 Encircling them as a collar grips the neck, 00:05:55.310 --> 00:05:58.310 And cutting off their water and provisions. 00:05:58.310 --> 00:06:02.379 Their king had no choice but to seek a treaty; 00:06:02.379 --> 00:06:05.379 He sent word to Yazid offering peace, 00:06:05.379 --> 00:06:10.379 Expressing his readiness to hand over the lands under his control, 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:13.379 Along with everything and everyone in them, 00:06:13.379 --> 00:06:18.379 Provided he guarantee safety for his life, wealth, and family. 00:06:18.379 --> 00:06:20.379 Yazid accepted the peace terms, 00:06:20.379 --> 00:06:26.379 Stipulating that he pay seven hundred thousand dirhams in installments, 00:06:26.379 --> 00:06:29.379 An immediate cash payment of four hundred thousand dirhams, 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:34.379 Four hundred beasts of burden laden with saffron, 00:06:34.379 --> 00:06:37.379 And four hundred men, 00:06:37.379 --> 00:06:41.379 Each holding a silver goblet in his hand, 00:06:41.379 --> 00:06:44.379 Wearing a hood of fine silk, 00:06:44.379 --> 00:06:47.379 Over which was a velvet mantle 00:06:47.379 --> 00:06:49.379 And a silk sash, 00:06:49.379 --> 00:06:52.379 To be worn by the soldiers' wives. 00:06:52.379 --> 00:06:57.720 When the war drew to a close, 00:06:57.720 --> 00:07:00.720 Yazid ibn al-Muhallab said to his treasurer, 00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:02.720 "Have we tallied the spoils 00:07:02.720 --> 00:07:05.720 So that we may give every rightful claimant his due?" 00:07:05.720 --> 00:07:09.720 The treasurer and his assistants attempted to count them, 00:07:09.720 --> 00:07:11.720 But proved unable to do so. 00:07:11.720 --> 00:07:16.720 So the spoils were distributed among the soldiers with generous leniency. 00:07:16.720 --> 00:07:20.720 Among these spoils, the Muslims found 00:07:20.720 --> 00:07:23.720 A crown forged from pure gold, 00:07:23.720 --> 00:07:26.720 Adorned with pearls and jewels, 00:07:26.720 --> 00:07:29.720 And decorated with exquisite engravings. 00:07:29.720 --> 00:07:31.720 Necks strained to catch a glimpse of it, 00:07:31.720 --> 00:07:34.720 And eyes were transfixed by its luster. 00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:37.720 Yazid took it in his hand 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. 00:07:42.720 --> 00:07:44.720 He then said, 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:47.720 "Do you think anyone could be indifferent to this crown?" 00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:51.720 They replied, "May Allah rectify the commander's affairs! 00:07:51.720 --> 00:07:53.720 Who could possibly be indifferent to it?" 00:07:53.720 --> 00:07:55.720 He said, 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, 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:02.720 Who are indifferent to it, 00:08:02.720 --> 00:08:05.879 And to an earth full of its like." 00:08:05.879 --> 00:08:08.879 Then he turned to his chamberlain and said, 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:12.879 "Find Muhammad ibn Wasi' al-Azdi for us." 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:16.879 The chamberlain went searching for him in every direction, 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:20.879 Finding him standing in a remote spot away from the people, 00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:23.879 Engaged in voluntary prayer, supplicating, 00:08:23.879 --> 00:08:26.980 Imploring Allah, and seeking His forgiveness. 00:08:26.980 --> 00:08:28.980 He approached him and said, 00:08:28.980 --> 00:08:31.980 "The commander summons you to meet him 00:08:31.980 --> 00:08:34.980 And asks that you proceed to him at once." 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:37.039 So he went with the chamberlain, 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:40.039 And upon reaching the commander, 00:08:40.039 --> 00:08:43.039 He greeted him and sat near him. 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:46.039 The commander returned the greeting with an even better one, 00:08:46.039 --> 00:08:49.039 Then raised the crown in his hand and said, 00:08:49.039 --> 00:08:51.039 "O Abu Abd Allah, 00:08:51.039 --> 00:08:56.039 The Muslim army has gained this precious crown as booty, 00:08:56.039 --> 00:08:59.039 And I have decided to bestow it upon you 00:08:59.039 --> 00:09:01.039 And make it your portion." 00:09:01.039 --> 00:09:04.039 The troops were entirely pleased with this. 00:09:04.039 --> 00:09:06.139 He said, 00:09:06.139 --> 00:09:09.139 "You make it my portion, O commander?" 00:09:09.139 --> 00:09:12.139 He replied, "Yes, your portion." 00:09:12.139 --> 00:09:14.139 He said, 00:09:14.139 --> 00:09:17.139 "I have no need for it, O commander. 00:09:17.139 --> 00:09:20.139 May Allah reward you and them with good on my behalf." 00:09:20.139 --> 00:09:22.139 The commander said, 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:25.200 "I adjure you by Allah, you shall take it!" 00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:27.200 Bound by the commander's oath, 00:09:27.200 --> 00:09:30.200 Muhammad ibn Wasi' took the crown, 00:09:30.200 --> 00:09:33.330 Asked permission to leave, and departed. 00:09:33.330 --> 00:09:36.330 Some of those who did not know the elder remarked, 00:09:36.330 --> 00:09:40.330 "Look at him, taking the crown for himself and walking away!" 00:09:40.330 --> 00:09:43.330 So Yazid instructed one of his servants 00:09:43.330 --> 00:09:46.330 To follow him secretly, 00:09:46.330 --> 00:09:49.330 Observe what he would do with the crown, 00:09:49.330 --> 00:09:51.330 And bring back news of him. 00:09:51.330 --> 00:09:53.330 The servant followed him 00:09:53.330 --> 00:09:56.899 Unbeknownst to the elder. 00:09:56.899 --> 00:09:59.899 Muhammad ibn Wasi' continued on his way, 00:09:59.899 --> 00:10:01.899 Holding the crown in his hand, 00:10:01.899 --> 00:10:04.899 When an unkempt, dust-covered man 00:10:04.899 --> 00:10:06.899 Of shabby appearance crossed his path. 00:10:06.899 --> 00:10:08.899 The man asked him, saying, 00:10:08.899 --> 00:10:10.899 "Give me from what belongs to Allah." 00:10:10.899 --> 00:10:14.899 The elder looked to his right, to his left, and behind him; 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:17.899 Once he was certain no one was watching him, 00:10:17.899 --> 00:10:20.899 He handed the crown to the beggar, 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:23.899 Then walked away joyful and relieved, 00:10:23.899 --> 00:10:25.899 As though he had cast off a burden 00:10:25.899 --> 00:10:27.899 That had weighed heavily upon his back. 00:10:27.899 --> 00:10:30.899 The servant took the beggar by the hand 00:10:30.899 --> 00:10:32.899 And brought him to the commander, 00:10:32.899 --> 00:10:34.899 Relating to him what had transpired. 00:10:34.899 --> 00:10:37.899 The commander took the crown from the beggar 00:10:37.899 --> 00:10:41.899 And compensated him with ample wealth until he was well pleased. 00:10:41.899 --> 00:10:44.899 He then turned to the soldiers and said, 00:10:44.899 --> 00:10:48.899 "Did I not tell you that there are still those in the Ummah of Muhammad, 00:10:48.899 --> 00:10:52.899 Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who are indifferent to this crown, 00:10:52.899 --> 00:10:56.500 And to far greater than its like?" 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:59.500 Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi continued 00:10:59.500 --> 00:11:03.500 fighting the polytheists under the banner of Yazid Ibn al-Muhallab 00:11:03.500 --> 00:11:06.559 until the time for the Hajj pilgrimage drew near. 00:11:06.559 --> 00:11:10.559 When only a short time remained before him, 00:11:10.559 --> 00:11:12.559 he entered upon Yazid 00:11:12.559 --> 00:11:16.620 and asked his permission to depart to perform the rites. 00:11:16.620 --> 00:11:18.620 Yazid said to him, 00:11:18.620 --> 00:11:21.620 "Your permission is in your own hands, O Abu 'Abdillah. 00:11:21.620 --> 00:11:23.620 Depart whenever you wish, 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:25.620 and we have allocated a sum of money for you 00:11:25.620 --> 00:11:27.620 to assist you with your pilgrimage." 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:29.659 Muhammad said to him, 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?" 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:37.659 He replied, "No." 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." 00:11:43.659 --> 00:11:48.289 Then he took his leave of him and departed. 00:11:48.289 --> 00:11:53.289 The departure of Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi weighed heavily on Yazid Ibn al-Muhallab, 00:11:53.289 --> 00:11:58.289 just as it weighed heavily on the Muslim soldiers who had enjoyed his companionship. 00:11:58.289 --> 00:12:02.289 They grieved over their victorious army being deprived of his blessings, 00:12:02.289 --> 00:12:08.289 and they wished that he would return to them once he finished performing his rites. 00:12:08.289 --> 00:12:09.289 And no wonder, 00:12:09.289 --> 00:12:14.289 for the commanders of the Muslims scattered across the corners of the earth 00:12:14.289 --> 00:12:19.289 were deeply eager to have the worshiper of Basra, 00:12:19.289 --> 00:12:24.289 Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi, among the ranks of their army. 00:12:24.289 --> 00:12:29.289 They would rejoice at his presence among them, expecting much good, 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. 00:12:38.500 --> 00:12:40.500 To conclude: 00:12:40.500 --> 00:12:46.500 how noble were these souls that were humble in their own eyes, 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:49.500 yet great in the sight of Allah and the people! 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:56.500 And how magnificent is this history that was blessed with such exceptional, remarkable men! 00:12:56.500 --> 00:13:03.600 Until our next encounter with the worshiper of Basra, Muhammad Ibn Wasi' al-Azdi. 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:08.669 "Rulers have their reciters, 00:13:08.669 --> 00:13:12.019 and the wealthy have their reciters, 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:17.440 but Muhammad Ibn Wasi' is indeed among the reciters of the Most Merciful." — Malik Ibn Dinar 00:13:17.440 --> 00:13:20.269 Malik Ibn Dinar. 00:13:20.269 --> 00:13:25.159 In stance and example, 00:13:25.159 --> 00:13:30.159 they followed the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 00:13:30.159 --> 00:13:35.159 They were here, quenching the thirst of our lives like a rain cloud, 00:13:35.159 --> 00:13:40.159 and as long as we endure, their memory rises high. 00:13:40.159 --> 00:13:46.159 They departed, leaving a question in our conscience: 00:13:46.159 --> 00:13:51.159 Has any star ever risen and shone brightly like them? 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:56.159 They filled life with glorious deeds through their actions, 00:13:56.159 --> 00:14:00.259 and the world of humanity beamed with pride through them.