O one who has a handsome face, if you are able to protect that face from the Hell-fire, then do so. And beware of ever cheating and betraying your people. Harun Ar-Rashid, a first century ruler, once said to Fudail bn Iyad, Admonish me. 0 leader of the believers! said Fudail. Indeed your grandfather, AI-Abbas [RA] , the uncle of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], once went to the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and said, O Messenger of Allaah, appoint me to be a leader. The Messenger of Allaah said: My uncle ... indeed, being a leader leads to ... sorrow ... and regret on the Day of Resurrection. If you are able to go [to live your life] without [ever] being a leader, then do so! Moved to tears, ar-Rashid said,Give me more. Fudail looked at ar-Rashid and said, 0 one who has a handsome face, if you are ableto protect that face from the Hell-fire, then do so. And beware of ever cheating and betraying your people. Being much moved by Fudails words, ar-Rashid wanted to reward him. Do you have any debts? He asked. To my Lord, yes, and he will hold me accountable for them, said Fudail. I am of course referring to debts to other human beings, said ar-Rashid. After Fudail answered in the negative, ar-Rashid said to one of his assistants, Give him 1000 dinars, which he can use to help his family. AI-Fudail was greatly offended by these words: How perfect Allaah is! He exclaimed. I am guiding you to [ultimate safety, and you want to reward me with this [paltry, worldly] sum! He then left, having refused to take anything
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited