Long ago, there was a small community in a desert area. Its people lived peacefully, until a gang of bandits started plundering and pillaging in their lands. Out of desperation, the community called for help, and the head of state decided to lead his forces into the area. News of this spread quickly and reached the bandits. They were not as brave as they pretended, so they started to flee from the area.
When the forces arrived, the bandits had abandoned the area and taken up positions on nearby mountains.
Suddenly, a thunderstorm struck, and the men looked around for shelter. The head of state was also soaked in the rain. After the storm had passed, the leader found a tree to hang his outer clothes to dry. He sat beneath the tree to rest but soon drifted off to sleep.
One of the bandits was watching this and said to himself: “This is an excellent opportunity to capture the leader, while he is sleeping.” He climbed down from the mountain and sneaked towards the tree.
As he came near the tree, he noticed the leader’s sword hanging from the tree. He looked around and quickly snatched the sword. Pointing the sword to the leader’s face, he said mockingly: “Who will save you from me now?”
The leader woke up and saw the bandit standing near his head, threatening him with his unsheathed sword. He immediately realized what had happened, but did not panic.
The leader calmly said: “Allah.”
The bandit felt a cold wave run down his spine and his arms began to shake. He dropped the sword. As it fell, the leader swiftly caught it and pointed at the bandit with it: “Who will save you from me now?”
Imagine that you were in this leader’s position. What would you do with the person who intended to kill you mercilessly? Would you be in a state of mind to think before acting?
However, this leader had a strong, generous heart, a heart that knew neither hatred nor revenge. The leader did not punish the bandit; instead, he forgave him and even offered him to join his mission.
We would think that the bandit would take up this offer eagerly; instead, he refused.
The leader said to him: “Then go. You know the way.”
The bandit said: “I will not fight against you, nor will I ever join with any group who fights you.” And then he ran away.
When the bandit returned to the rest of his gang, he said to them: “I have come to you from a leader like no other.” He then related to them everything that had happened. Sometimes the enemy is trapped by his own trap!
Do you know who this courageous leader was? He was none other than our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sa).
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