Scholars Who Bravely Spoke Truth to the Sultans (Part 5)

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

Ibn Taymiyyah supplicated: “If (Ghazan) has risen for show and reputation, seeking worldly gains, and for his word to be the highest while humiliating Islām and its people, then seize him, shake him, destroy him and cut off his progeny.” While Ghazan stood by and said Amin.

Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah Confronts Ghazan Khan

We align ourselves with the eminent Islamic figure, the revitaliser of Islām, Sheikh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah have mercy on him. Considering his widespread renown, let us direct our attention to two pivotal incidents concerning his courage in the face of power and his unwavering response to the injustices of the rulers.

On the 27th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, 699AH, the Mongol ruler Ghazan led his army from Iran to Aleppo, where his army encountered the forces of al-Nasir in the Valley of Salamiya. Following a fierce battle, Ghazan emerged victorious, leading to the defeat of al-Nasir’s army. Consequently, the soldiers and leaders were vanquished, prompting the elites of Damascus to migrate to Egypt alongside al-Nasir. This mass exodus left the city devoid of a ruler or prominent figure. Despite this, Sheikh al-Islām remained resiliently alongside the common people. He subsequently engaged with local leaders and agreed to personally lead a delegation from Syria to meet with Ghazan.

In the town of al-Nabek, a fierce dialogue unfolded between Ghazan and Ibn Taymiyyah, facilitated by an interpreter. During this exchange, Ibn Taymiyyah firmly confronted Ghazan, speaking the truth solely for Allāh and fearing none but Him. In his stern address to Ghazan, the Sheikh said:

“We have heard that you claim to be a Muslim, arriving with a judge, an Imām, a Sheikh, and Muezzins (callers to prayer). So why did you invade and attack our lands? Your father and grandfather were disbelievers, and yet, they did not invade the lands of Islām after giving us assurances. You, however, you betrayed the assurances that you gave us. You spoke and then broke your word.”

Ghazan, listening attentively, offered food to the delegation, and they all ate except for Ibn Taymiyyah. When asked why, he responded:

“How can I eat from your food, knowing it is all from the spoils of the people’s livestock and cooked from the trees you cut down?”

Ghazan was profoundly touch by an overwhelming awe and admiration he felt for Ibn Taymiyyah. He inquired about the Sheikh, expressing that he had never seen anyone like him, with such a steadfast heart, profound impact and captivating nature. Ghazan then requested Ibn Taymiyyah’s supplication, and the Sheikh prayed:

“O Allāh, if this servant of Yours is truly striving for Your word to be the highest and for the entire religion to be for You, then aid him, support him, grant him dominion over lands and people. However, if he has risen for show and reputation, seeking worldly gains, and for his word to be the highest while humiliating Islām and its people, then seize him, shake him, destroy him and cut off his progeny.”

Ghazan stood by, raising his hands and saying Amin to Ibn Taymiyyah’s supplication. One of the members of the delegation by the name of al-Balsi said:

“We gathered our clothes for fear that they would be contaminated with the blood of Ibn Taymiyyah if he ordered his killing. When we left him, the Chief Judge – and others who were with him – said: ‘You were about to destroy us and yourself, and by Allah we will not accompany you from here.’ He said: ‘And I, by Allāh, will not accompany you.’ So they set off as a group, and he, and a group of his companions lagged behind. On his way to Damascus, some of the companions of Ghazan approached Ibn Taymiyyah, seeking the blessings of his supplications. By Allāh, by the time he reached Damascus, there were around three hundred knights behind him, and I was among those who were with him. Those who refused to accompany him, on the other hand, were later robbed of their clothes and possessions by a group of Mongols.“

This story is a living testimony is how Allāh softens the hearts of the most belligerent, humbling them before the righteous scholars who fearlessly speak the truth, unafraid of holding those in political or military authority to stern account. They comport themselves with the highest sincerity, placing full trust in Allāh. They recognise that speaking the truth is a means to seek His approval, even if it may displease others. And they understand that what ultimately earns the contentment of Allāh also earns the same from the people.

---

References: