Harun al-Rashid and the Umayyad... A Story of Certainty That Conquered Fear

It is narrated that a man from the Umayyads lived in Damascus. He was a man of wealth, influence, and great status. Some people became concerned about his growing power and standing, so they reported him to the Caliph Harun al-Rashid, who was then residing in Kufa.

Al-Rashid summoned his servant, Manarah, and said to him:

Ride at once to Damascus, take one hundred servants with you, and bring me this Umayyad man. This is my letter to the governor there, but do not deliver it to him unless he refuses to come with you.

He then ordered him to remain with the man during his departure, stay, and return, observing his conduct, words, and actions.

Manarah said: “I understood the order and set out immediately for Damascus.”

After seven nights of travel, I arrived in Damascus and headed to the Umayyad’s residence. It was a magnificent mansion filled with servants, attendants, luxury, prestige, and every sign of prosperity.

When I entered the house and they asked about my purpose, I informed them that I was a messenger from the Commander of the Faithful.

He is in the bathhouse.

They welcomed me generously, seated me with honor, and provided suitable accommodations for those who accompanied me. I was astonished by the comfort and wealth I witnessed.

Soon the man emerged from the bathhouse, surrounded by elders, young men, and servants. When he saw me, he greeted me warmly and asked about the Caliph. I told him that the Commander of the Faithful was well.

Food and fruit were brought before us, and he said:

Please, Manarah, join us.

But I could not eat, for my thoughts were occupied by the abundance and luxury I had seen.

Then the time for prayer arrived. The man performed ablution and prayed with lengthy bowing and prostration. I witnessed a level of devotion and humility that I had never expected from someone living in such comfort.

When he finished praying, he said:

Bring me what you have come with, Manarah.

I handed him the Caliph’s letter. He kissed it, placed it upon his head in respect, then opened and read it.

As soon as he finished reading, he summoned his children, relatives, trusted companions, and servants until the house was filled with people.

Everyone assumed that a great calamity had occurred.

Let divorce, pilgrimage, charity, emancipation of slaves, and all solemn oaths be binding upon me if any two of you remain together in one place until my situation becomes clear.

He then instructed them to disperse and prepared for the journey to Kufa.

Along the road, he and Manarah engaged in a long conversation that revealed the depth of his faith and trust in God.

No one can harm or benefit except by the will of Allah. If something has been decreed against me, I have no power to prevent it. And if nothing has been decreed against me, then even if the Commander of the Faithful and all the people of the earth gathered together to harm me, they could not do so except by Allah’s permission.

After saying this, he turned away from worldly conversation and devoted himself to reciting the Qur’an.

When they finally arrived in Kufa, Manarah reported everything he had seen to Harun al-Rashid. The Caliph began investigating the man's character and asking those who knew him about his conduct.

Every person questioned spoke highly of him, praising his righteousness and noble character, until it became clear that the accusations against him were nothing but lies and slander.

The Caliph then ordered that the man be brought before him. Upon seeing him, Harun al-Rashid rose, removed his restraints, seated him beside him, and honored him.

Ask for whatever you wish.

The man replied:

My only wish is to return quickly to my homeland and be reunited with my family and children.

Al-Rashid ordered that he be escorted back with honor and dignity. Then he spoke the words for which this story is remembered:

Observe how beautifully he trusted in his Creator. Whoever places his trust in Allah, Allah is sufficient for him. Whoever calls upon Him, He answers. Whoever asks of Him, He grants what he desires.

Prepared for Publication: Al-Qabail