It has been related that when Sulayman, the Umayyad caliph (C.E. 715-717) and the son of `Abd-al-Malik, went to Al-Madinah for a visit, he sent for Abu Hazim and asked him to give a discourse. Abu Hazim dutifully obliged, addressing the Amir al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful) in these words:
“Take not possessions from other than their proper place, and deposit them not except with whom they belong.”
The Caliph inquired, “And who is capable of so doing?”
Abu Hazim replied, “He whom Allah has granted control over the affairs of subjects as He has granted you.”
The Caliph then said, “Preach to me, O Abu Hazim .”
Abu Hazim proceeded: “Know that this command fell to you upon the death of your predecessor, and it will depart from your hands in the same manner it came into them.”
The Caliph then asked, “Why do you not come to us?”
Abu Hazm answered, “And what would I do if I came to you, O Commander of the Faithful? If you drew me nearer, I would be distracted from my way; and If you sent me away, you would disgrace me; and you do not possess what I would ask for, nor do I possess anything that I fear you for.”
The Caliph then said, “Ask me, then, for what you want.”
And Abu Hazm replied, “I have already asked Him Who is more capable than you; whatever He grants, I accept, and whatever He withholds pleases me.”
Here we have an example of the imprint of Prophet Muhammad’s Message on the character of man, exalting and purifying it. The annals of Muhammad’s Companions and followers- for that matter, of Muslims everywhere-abound with fine examples of Godliness, kind treatment, the shunning of turpitude, and faithful counseling of Allah’s servants.
