Scholars Who Bravely Spoke Truth to the Sultans (Part 2)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Imām al-Thahabi states, “Abdullāh b. Ali was a determined and oppressive monarch, known for shedding blood. However, unlike certain corrupt scholars who acquit the unjust actions of leaders and distort falsehoods as truth, Imām al-Awzā’i fearlessly spoke the truth in his presence. Some others, despite possessing the ability to elucidate the truth, choose to remain silent. May Allāh’s curse be upon them.“

Many who claim to be religious often argue that a leader should receive unquestioning obedience and servility at any expense, under the belief that “he knows best”. In the next instalment of this series, we will delve into a confrontation between the Imām of the Levant, al-Awzā’i and the absolutist despot and Abbasid leader, Abdullāh b. Ali which dispels this notion.

Abd al-Rahmān al-Awzā’i

Abd al-Rahmān b. ‘Amr b. Mohammad, known as Sheikh al-Islām and the scholar of the People of Shaam was born in 88AH and came from the Awzā in Damascus. He later moved to Beirut where he remained until his death in the year 157AH.

Al-Awzā’i was raised as an orphan and received his early education under the care of his mother, displaying a strong inclination towards seeking knowledge from a young age. Al-ʿAbbās b. al-Walīd, the Umayyad Prince and son of al-Walid b. Abdul Malik, expressed the following about al-Awzā’i:

“The kings have proven incapable of nurturing themselves and their children upon the ethics of al-Awza’i.”

Jurist and historian Abū Ishāq al-Fazārī would say:

“I have never seen the likes of al-Awzā’i and al-Thawri. As for al-Awzā’i, he was an all-rounded man… and if I were to choose someone from this Ummah (to be its Caliph), I would have chosen al-Awzā’i.”

Praised for his great knowledge and depth of his worship. Once he was asked about Khushu’ (calmness, serenity, tranquillity) in Salāh to which he answered:

“To lower the gaze, to lower yourself (in humility), to soften your heart and to feel fear and sorrow.”

And he would say:

“Whoever lengthens his standing during the night (in prayer), Allah will ease for him the standing on the Day of Resurrection.”

And he would say:

“Follow the narrations [ways] of those who have preceded (the Salaf) even if people reject you; and beware of people’s opinions, even if they beautify it for you.”

Al-Awzā’i with Despot Abdullāh b. Ali

Abū Muḥammad, Abdullāh b. Ali b. ʿAbd Allāh b. Al-Abbās, established his authority over Syria and suppressed the remaining Umayyad forces in the region, assuming the position of governor in the year 147 AH. On a particular occasion, while reclining on his divan and employing armed guards equipped with swords, axes, and clubs, he resolved to summon al-Awza’i. Al-Awza’i says:

“When I reached the door, they brought me down and two men grabbed my arms, taking me between the rows until I was at a distance at which he could hear me. I gave him the greeting of peace but he did not reply and (he sat) scratching (the floor) with a cane he was holding in his hand…”

He asked: “Are you Abd al-Rahman b. ‘Amr al-Awzā’i?” I said: “Yes, may Allāh rectify the affairs of the Amir.” He said: “Awzā’i, would you consider this as well as our way (a form of) Ribaat (rewardable, voluntary defence of Islam)?” I said:

“It has been reported that the Prophet sala Allāhu ‘alayhi wasalam said, ‘whoever intends Hijrah to Allāh and His messenger, then his Hijrah is to Allāh and His messenger.’”

The specific relevant content for this request, if necessary, delimited with characters: So he shook his cane even more vigorously, causing those around him to begin biting their hands. He then lifted his head and inquired, “What is your perspective on the spilled blood of the Umayyads?” To this, I replied, “There were agreements between you and them.“

He said: “Woe to you! Make it such that there were no agreements between us!” I became afraid, fearing to be killed. Then I remembered my standing before Allah, and I said: “Their blood is inviolable.” He was infuriated, his eyes and veins protruded. He asked, “Woe to you, and why?” I said:

“The Messenger of Allah sala Allāhu ‘alayhi wasalam said, ‘The blood of a Muslim may not lawfully be shed but for one of three reasons: a life for a life; a married man who commits fornication; and one who forsakes his religion…’”

He yet more vigorously shook his cane, paused a little, then raised his head and said, “Awzā’i, what is your view concerning the property of the Umayyads?” I said:

“If their possessing was unlawful (in the first place), it is likewise impermissible for you. And if their possession of it was lawful, then it is not permissible for you except after (giving) its due.”

He shook his cane again, paused a little, then raised his head, asking, “Awza’i, I had wished to make you the (leading) judge.” I said, “May Allah rectify the affairs of the Amir, I had abstained from such when it was offered to me by those before you, and they knew my right (to it). If the Amir wishes to do as his forefathers did (pardoning me from the position), let him do so.” He replied, “It is as if you are requesting pardon (from my request).” I said, “I have womenfolk to look after…” He said, “Your request is granted.”

Al-Awzā’i departed, mounted his steed, and departed. Upon reaching Beirut, a messenger intercepted him, delivering 200 dinars from Abdullah b. Ali. Without delay, al-Awzā’i disbursed the funds among orphans, widows, and the impoverished.

Imām al-Thahabi, in his commentary on this courageous encounter, states:

Abdullāh b. Ali was a determined and oppressive monarch, known for shedding blood. However, unlike certain corrupt scholars who acquit the unjust actions of leaders and distort falsehoods as truth, Imām al-Awzā’i fearlessly spoke the truth in his presence. Some others, despite possessing the ability to elucidate the truth, choose to remain silent. May Allāh’s curse be upon them.[1]

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[1] Biography of Imām al-Awzā’i summarised from a number of versions available in Siyar A’lām al’Nubalā by Imām al-Thahabi