STORIES OF PIOUS MEN

Martyr Ayatullah Mutaza Mutahhari (r.a.) has written many valuable books, among which is a book called “Dastan Rastan”. A few stories are reproduced below:

“The New Convert”

Two neighbors, a Muslim and a Christian, were on a friendly terms. They would exchange greetings, inquire about their health and family. The Muslim was a devout and religious man and would speak high of his religion. Consequently, the Christian friend embraced Islam. The night passed and it was nearing dawn. The Christian, the new convert, heard somebody ramming his door. Surprised and restless, he shouted “Who is it?” The reply came “I was so and so, who had the honor of converting him to Islam.” He said “What do you want at this late hour?” He said “Be quick, get ready to go to mosque for prayer.”

They were early for the morning prayers hence they performed recommended prayers till Fjar prayer. They performed Fajar Prayer. After that the Muslim friend forced him to read supplications. After that he told the new convert to fast because there were many benefits of fasting and also gave the Glorious Qur’an to recite. Then he urged the new convert to pray noon prayers in the mosque. Likewise, he convinced the new Muslim to pray Asr prayers also. He dragged the new convert to pray Maghreb and also Esha at the mosque.

Next day at the same hour of night, he heard a knock at the door. Reply came “I am so and so, your neighbor, get ready to go to mosque.”

“As soon as I returned from mosque last night, I resigned from your religion. Please go away and some other idle man, who has nothing to do in this world, so that, may be able to spend his whole time in the mosque. I am a poor man having a wife and children to feed. I should better go after my work to earn my livelihood.

“What did happen to your sons?”

After the martyrdom the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.), Muawiya met many of the sincere companions or followers and wanted to hear few words of regrets for supporting their Imam (a.s.). One day he met Adi, son of Hatim, the paramount chief of Tai tribe. He, his sons and his tribe were always ready to sacrifice everything for Imam Ali (a.s.). His three sons, Tarfa, Turaif, and Tarif, were martyred in Battle of Siffin, under the banner of Imam Ali (a.s.). Muawiya wanted to revive the sad memories of his sons and to make him confess how much harm had come to him in the friendship of Imam Ali (a.s.).

Muawiya said “What happened to your sons?” Adi replied “They were martyred in Siffin.”  

Muawiya “Ali did not do justice to you.” Adi said “I did not justice to Ali.”

Muawiya said “Why?” Adi replied “Because he was killed and I am still alive. I should have sacrificed myself in his life time.” Muawiya was not pleased to hear the reply. However, he asked Adi  to speak  about his Imam. Adi said:

                “By God, Ali was the most far-sighted and strong man. He was an ocean of knowledge                 and wisdom. He hated the worldly pomp and show, and liked the solitude of night. He                 wept more in love of Allah. He scrutinized his own self and like a simple life. Amongst                 us he was like one of us. If we requested Him for anything, he granted our request.                      When we visited him he made us sit near  him without  keeping any distance. His                          presence was so awe inspiring that we did not dare utter any words. He was so                              majestic that we could not look at him. He respected honest and pious people and                       was kind to indigent. Neither a strong man had a fear of injustice from him, nor a weak                 person ever, lost hope of his justice. By God, one night I saw him standing at his place               of worship, tears were rolling down on his face and beard, he was restless like snake-                   bitten person and was weeping like a  breaved person. I heard him addressing the                         world: “O World! You are coming towards me and wanted to lure me. Go deceive

              someone else. I have divorced you three times after which there is no return. Alas!                      The provision is too little, the journey is too long, and there is no companion.”

Muawiya said “Now tell me how do you feel without him?”

Adi replied “I feel like a mother whose dear-one is beheaded in her lap.”

Muawiya “Wouldn’t you ever forget him?”

Adi replied “Would the world allow me to forget him!”