Asma Maryam Ali

From Stories of Repentance

It is reported that during one of his journeys, Dhul Qarnain passed through a city that was once reuled by seven successive kings. Upon entering some of the inhabitants of the city, Dhul Qarnain asked, “Are any of the descendants of those kings alive today?” They said, “Yes, a single male descendent, yet he steers clear of human beings and keeps company with no one; in fact, he spends much of his time in the graveyard.” Dhul Qarnain said, “Tell me where I can find him.” He then went to meet with the eccentric sounding of kings. When he finally met him, he noticed that he looked weak and had an emaciated body. Though Dhul Qarnain didn’t know it, it man’s body was so thin not from a lack of resources, but from constant worship and a general lack of concern for material pleasures. Dhul Qarnain extended greetings of peace to the man, who then returned those greetings. Dhul Qarnain then asked, “Why do you spend so much time in the graveyard?” The man lowered his head for a moment, and after a brief pause, he raised it and said, “I initially wanted to see if I could distinguish between the bones of kings and the bones of their slaves, but of course I wasn’t able to do so. Their end is the same.”

Dhul Qarnain said, “If you wish to follow me, I will help you to rekindle the honor of your fathers—that is, if you have the ambition that is needed to achieve that end.” The man said, “My ambition for that is little. But if you really want to help me.” Dhul Qarnain said, “What is it that you desire (and I will then try to help you to achieve your goal)? He said, “What I want is life that is not ended by death, youth that is never supplanted by old age, and richness that is never supplanted by poverty.”

“I cannot help you achieve that end,” said Dhul Qarnain. The man said, “Then go on to your business, and leave me to seek the fulfillment of my goal from He Who is able to help me. For indeed, this world is departing, and the Hereafter draws near. The journey is long, yet I have not much provision (i.e. good deeds) for it.”

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My sister, Khalidah, recently returned from Egypt and brought be “Stories of Repentance,” compiled by Muhammad Abduh Mughaawiri. This is one of the most beautiful gifts I ever received. It is filled with hope in Allah ’s mercy. There are many people who sin and do not believe that they may recover from their sins. Instead of offering them a hand up, the community might condemn them or allow them to isolate themselves. Instead, we need to acknowledge that sin is a part of life and we need to give one another a hand up. I invite you to share these stories with your loved ones, your study groups and in your sermons and lectures.

 “When I Die…

 The following story is mentioned in an authentic Hadith (narration) that is narrated by Abu Hurairah:

 A man who had never performed a good deed throughout his life gave these instructions to his family: When I dies, burn me and scatter half of my remains on land and the other half in the sea. For by Allah , if Allah is able to get me, He will punish me as He punishes no one else from the entire creation!

 When he died, his family followed his instructions to the letter. Allah then ordered the land to gather together his remains that were scattered on it, and the sea to gather together his remains that were scattered on it. Then when the man was brought together again, Allah asked him why he did what he did. He said, “From fear of You, O my Lord! And You know best (as to what was in my heart).” Allah then forgave him.”

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