It is written in some history books that when Hajjaaj bin Saqafi was
made the governor of Hajjaaj he proceeded towards his destination with
the staff and machinery of the government. During the journey tents
were fixed at a place before midday (zubr). Curtains were lifted up from
two directions to make way. Table cloths were spread and he was looking out. At a distance he saw a shepherd with some sheep around him.
It was very hot and the shepherd was hiding his head in the shade of
sheep at least to save his head from sunstroke. Despite all of his cruelty,
he called for the shepherd. When he was brought he did not pay any attention to Hajjaaj nor cared for him. Hajjaaj asked him: Sit here. But the
shepherd said. I have no time. I have to take care of the sheep. Bajjaj,
the governor told him: This place is shaded and tasty food is ready no
sit and sat and take some rest and then return. But the shepherd
replied: I have been already invited to a place. Hajjaaj inquired where:
The shepherd said : that feast is far better than yours. Very astonishingly, Hajjaaj asked him: who is your host? The shepherd replied: I am
on fast and and one who is one fast is the guest of GOD. So such of
Faith in the beduin shepherd was indeed surprising. Hajjaj told him: So
much hot season is not proper for fasting. The shepherd retorted: “ QUL
BAARY HA GAB NAMAA ASHAD DU HARRAA”(Say: the heat of the
Hell is hotter still a Quran). It seems you are not aware of the heat of the
hollfire. Had you known it you might have considered this heat bearable. Hajjaaj said: Just eat today. You may fast tomorrow. The shepherd
asked : Can you give guarantee that I will remain alive tomorrow? The
shepherd asked : can you give a guarantee that I will remain alive tomorrow? But, how is it possible ? It is possible that today may be the last
day of my life.
Hajjaaj became angry and he shouted: how foolish you are. You are
refusing to take food which you have never seen nor are you likely to see ever only because you are on fast !! The shepherd replied : Have you
made food nicely and tasteful ? If Allah Wills, food becomes still better
even if it is a bread of barley. And if HE so desires even your rich table
can become distasteful and bitter
A TALK BETWEEN HAJJAAJ AND A SHEPHERD
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