Scholars Who Bravely Spoke Truth to the Sultans (Part 4)

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

Sensing a responsibility to confront Caliph, al-Nasir regarding the excessive construction of al-Zahra (in Andalusia Spain), al-Munthir delivered a compelling sermon in the Grand Mosque. On that Friday, he ascended the pulpit with al-Nasir present among the congregation and commenced his extraordinary Khutbah…

Abd al-Salām al-Nabulsi with al-Mu’izz al-Fatimi

Abu Tamim Ma’ad al-Mu’izz li-Din illāh held the position of the fourth Fatimid caliph and the 14th Ismaili ruler of the Fatimids in Egypt in the year 358AH. Their lineage was claimed to be linked to Fatima rady Allāhu ‘anhā, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad sala Allāhu ‘alayhi wasalam, a claim that they used to identify themselves.

The group embraced Shi’ism, actively opposed and disrupted prayers, and engaged in conflict with the Sunni community. Al-Mu’izz al-Fatimi proceeded to Alexandria, where he executed Sunni scholars without mercy. During these events, the revered and austere scholar Abu Bakr al-Nabulsi was brought before him. Al-Mu’izz addressed him, stating, “I have been informed that you proclaimed, ‘If I had ten arrows, I would shoot nine at the Romans and one at the Egyptians.“

Al-Nabulsi replied, “I did not say that.” Al-Mu’izz, thinking he had recanted, asked, “What did you say then?” Al-Nabulsi responded, “I said, “We should shoot nine arrows at you first, and then the tenth at ourselves!” Al-Mu’izz asked, “Why?” Al-Nabulsi explained:

“Because you altered the religion of the Ummah, killed the righteous, extinguished the Light of Divinity, and claimed what does not belong to you.”

Al-Mu’izz, enraged, ordered for him to be put on public display (for shaming) on the first day, followed by severe and brutal flogging on the second day. Finally, he commanded to flay him on the third day. A Jew was brought, and while flaying him, Al-Nabulsi continuously recited the Qur’ān. The Jew commented, “I felt compassion for him, so when the knife reached his heart, I stabbed him, and he died.” He was later called ‘The Martyr.'[1]

Thus, numerous scholars have made sacrifices in their pursuit of upholding the truth. Many have endured torment and indignity to ensure that the truth remains esteemed and beyond the reach of the unjust. Countless scholars have forsaken their own rights to safeguard the rights of Allāh, shouldering the responsibility of the truth, and safeguarding the Book of Allah in their hearts and the Sunnah of His Messenger sala Allāhu ‘alayhi wasalam.

Al-Munthir b. Saīd Holds an-Nasir li-Din illāh to Account

Mundhir b. Saʿīd al-Ballūṭī, also known as Abu al-Hakam al-Ballūṭī, held the esteemed position of chief judge of Andalusia. He was not only an Imām, but also a distinguished scholar, an articulate orator, a proficient linguist, and a gifted poet. Renowned for his virtuousness, he exemplified piety, asceticism, and goodness in his teachings. He passed away in the year 355AH.

Al-Nasir li Din Allāh, also known as ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. Muḥammad b. ʿAbd Allāh, was the Umayyad Emir of Córdoba from 912 to 929 AD (from 300 AH). Subsequently, he established the Caliphate of Córdoba, becoming its inaugural Caliph until his passing. Ascending to the caliphate at the age of 22, he governed for 50 years and became renowned for his numerous conquests and celebrated campaigns.

Al-Nasir initiated built the exquisite Madinat al-Zahrā (the City of Zahrā) near Cordoba in 325AH with the purpose of creating a personal sanctuary. He allocated substantial resources to its development and ornamentation, resulting in a collection of opulent palaces.

Al-Munthir b. Sa’īd was the Friday Khatib and judge. Sensing a responsibility to confront al-Nasir regarding the extravagant construction of al-Zahrā, al-Munthir delivered a compelling sermon in the Grand Masjid. On that Friday, he ascended the pulpit with al-Nasir present among the congregation and commenced his Khutbah by reciting the following verses from the Qur’ān:

“(Why) do you build a landmark on every high place in vanity, and construct castles, as if you are going to live forever, and act so viciously when you attack ˹others˺? So fear Allāh, and obey me. Fear the One Who has provided you with (the good) things you know: He provided you with cattle, and children, and gardens, and springs. I truly fear for you the torment of a tremendous day.”[2]

And proceeded to firmly admonish excessiveness and self-indulgence, reciting:

“Which is better: those who laid the foundation of their building on the fear and pleasure of Allāh, or those who did so on the edge of a crumbling cliff that tumbled down with them into the Fire of Hell? And Allāh does not guide the wrongdoing people.”[3]

And he persisted in admonishing and holding al-Munthir’s actions to account until the audience was deeply affected. Al-Nasir was also deeply affected by al-Munthir’s words, fully aware that he was the intended recipient. He wept and acknowledged his excessive behavior, but was unwilling to accept the harsh public rebuke. Later, when addressing his son al-Hakam, he stated, “By Allāh, al-Munthir directed his words at me and no one else in his sermon, and his rebuke was severe.“

Becoming overwhelmed by anger whenever he recalled his words, he contemplated disciplining al-Munthir and vowed not to pray behind him on Fridays, opting instead to pray behind Ahmad b. Mutaraf, the Khatib of Cordoba Masjid.

As tensions heightened between al-Munthir and Al-Nasir, Al-Nasir’s son, Al-Hakam, endeavoured to mediate between them. Al-Hakam conveyed his apologies to his father on behalf of al-Munthir, stating, “O Leader of the believers, he is a man of virtue who had only noble intentions. Had he seen for himself the extent of your spending and the magnificence of that edifice, he would surely pardon you.“

At the advice of his son, al-Munthir retreated to his opulent palace, embellishing it with a variety of artwork and luxurious draperies. Heads of state and ministers had assembled around him. The judge (al-Munthir) approached, took a place beside him, and the gathering began praising the built marvel. The judge maintained a composed silence throughout.

Al-Nasir, turning to al-Munthir, asked, “What is your opinion, Abu al-Hakam?” The judge appeared moved, and with tears rolling down his beard, he responded:

“I never imagined that Satan, may Allāh disgrace him, could influence you to this extent. This destructive extravagance will harm its owner in this world and the Hereafter. You have allowed Satan to guide you, despite what Allāh granted you and favoured you with over others, to the point that He lowered you to the status of disbelievers and wrongdoers. Allāh says, ‘Had it not been that mankind would become one community (in disbelief), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most Merciful, for their houses ceilings of silver, and stairs upon which they mount, and doors of silver for their houses, and couches on which they recline – and adornments of gold…’[4]”

Al-Nasir was astonished and moved to tears, responding, “May Allah generously reward you and increase the number of individuals like you among the Muslims.“[5] Consequently, al-Munthir, rahimahu Allāh, successfully prevented the Caliph from engaging in the malevolent acts of extravagance and misusing the nation’s wealth for personal gain.

Another narrative unfolds during a drought in Andalusia, when Caliph Al-Naser sent a message to al-Munthir, instructing him to pray for rain. Upon receiving the order, al-Munthir asked the arriving messenger, “How did you leave the Caliph?” The messenger responded, “I left him in a state of deep humility and continuous supplication.” al-Munthir then remarked:

“By Allāh, if the powerful on land (the Caliph) humbles himself, the Most Powerful in the heavens will indeed show mercy. Call the people to prayer.”

The congregation assembled for the prayer, and al-Munthir took to the pulpit. In his address, he commenced with verses that served as a reminder of Allāh’s mercy, forgiveness, and the importance of repentance. His words stirred the audience, who were moved by his words, evoking and an outpouring of repentance. Moments later, the rain fell copiously.[6]

May God grant mercy to this brave and righteous Imām, who fearlessly spoke truth to authority, setting a prime example of serving the best interests of the community.

References:

[1] Al-Bidāya wal Nihāya – Ibn Kathir

[2] Qur’ān 26:128-135

[3] Qur’ān 9:109

[4] Qur’ān 43:33-35

[5] Al-Islām bayn al’Ulamā wal Hukām – by Abdul Aziz Al-Badri.

[6] Al-Bidāya wal Nihāya – Ibn Kathir