Haaroon Rasheed once departed for hajj accompanied by his two sons, Ameen and Ma-moon. During the journey, the royal caravan passed through the city of Kufah — a centre renowned for its pious scholars and great muhadditheen.
Desiring to benefit from the knowledge of the scholars of the city, Haaroon Rasheed instructed his chief judge, Imaam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah), saying, “Inform the muhadditheen to come and narrate ahaadeeth to us.” Accordingly, most of the scholars of Kufah attended, besides two — ‘Abdullah bin Idrees (rahimahullah) and ‘Eesa bin Yunus (rahimahullah).
Wishing to benefit from him directly, Ameen and Ma-moon mounted their conveyances and personally went to the home of ‘Abdullah bin Idrees (rahimahullah), who narrated one hundred ahaadeeth to them. When he concluded, Ma-moon respectfully said, “O my uncle, will you allow me to repeat them to you from memory.”
‘Abdullah bin Idrees (rahimahullah) agreed, whereupon Ma-moon proceeded to recite all one hundred ahaadeeth exactly as he had heard them. ‘Abdullah bin Idrees (rahimahullah) – who was himself renowned for his exceptional memory – was astonished at Ma-moon’s remarkable memory.
Thereafter, Ma-moon offered to purchase the house adjacent to the masjid of ‘Abdullah bin Idrees (rahimahullah) and expand the masjid. However, ‘Abdullah bin Idrees (rahimahullah) declined, saying, “I have no need for that. It (this masjid) sufficed those before me, and it suffices me (as well).”
Ma-moon then noticed a sore on the arm of ‘Abdullah bin Idrees (rahimahullah). He therefore offered, “We have physicians and remedies with us. Will you allow me to bring someone to treat you?” Once again, he declined saying, “No, something similar appeared previously and it healed (on its own).” Finally, Ma-moon instructed that wealth be presented to him, but he refused to accept that as well.
They then went to visit ‘Eesa bin Yunus (rahimahullah), who also narrated ahaadeeth to them. Ma-moon instructed that ten thousand dirhams (silver coins) be presented to him, but he declined. Ma-moon assumed that ‘Eesa (rahimahullah) had declined thinking the amount too little, so he doubled it to twenty thousand dirhams. Yet again, ‘Eesa (rahimahullah) refused saying, “By Allah! Not even a single myrobalan (a simple medicinal fruit), nor even a sip of water — (in exchange) for the hadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Even if you were to fill this entire masjid with gold up to the roof (I would not accept it)!” Hearing these words, which radiated independence and dignity, they departed.
(Al-Muntazam vol. 9, pg. 205)
Lessons:
1. Istighnaa — independence of the heart — is among the noblest qualities a believer can possess. It protects a person’s honour, preserves his sincerity and frees him from humiliation before creation. When one’s reliance is solely upon Allah Ta‘ala, his dignity remains intact, for he no longer stretches his hand nor compromises his principles for worldly gain. Wealth, position, and favour lose their influence over him, and he finds true contentment in whatever Allah Ta‘ala grants him. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) stated, “The one who wishes to be independent (of people), Allah ‘Azza wa Jall will keep him independent.” (Sunan Nasaai #2595) This quality shone brightly in the lives of the pious, whose hearts were far removed from greed.
2. Sincerity is the very foundation of every deed preformed for the sake of Deen. When a person’s intention remains pure, seeking only the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala, his efforts carry barakah (blessings) and weight in the sight of Allah, even if unseen by others. Deeni service loses its essence the moment it becomes a means for wealth, recognition or favour. True sincerity requires that one serve, teach and sacrifice solely out of love for Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). This noble quality was beautifully exemplified by these two ‘Ulama, who declined the generous gifts, preferring instead to preserve the purity of their service. Their sincerity shone brighter than gold, for they recognised no price worthy of the words of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).