A MAN WHO SOUGHT GUIDANCE FROM THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW)

 

A simple unlettered man from the desert once arrived in Medina and came to the Holy Prophet (SAW). He asked the Prophet (SAW) to give him a word of advice, which he said he would follow. The Prophet  (SAW) said: “Control your anger.” And then the Prophet (SAW) remained silent.

When he returned to the interior of the desert where he lived, he found that the situation has become quite tense.  Some audacious young man from his tribe had raided another tribe in the vicinity and stolen their wealth.  In retaliation, the other tribe had also carried out some raids.  Now they were at war. Immediately he prepared himself to defend his tribe and was angered by the outrageous conduct of the adversaries.

Just as he stood in line to fight, he suddenly recalled what the Prophet (SAW) had told him.  “Control your anger”.  He was soon engrossed in deep thought.  Admonishing himself, he said: “The anger has taken better of my reason. I have set out to fight without trying for an amicable settlement.  What a shame!”

He came forward and addressed the leaders of the opposite side: “Brothers, what is this war for? If my people have raided your side and stolen your property, we could sit together and agree upon compensation.  I am prepared to recompense form my personal wealth.”

The leaders from the opposite side felt totally disarmed by this new approach.  They soon realized that bloodshed was not at all worth anything.  So with all the magnanimity, their chief said:  “Well, you have agreed to recompense.  But we are in no way inferior.  We have agreed to forego our demand!”

And both parties peacefully retreated to their places.