An Example of Noble Character

ordered that she be punished with a hundred lashes for her perceived disrespect. The punishment was carried out at once. But this was no ordinary maid—she was a woman of deep faith and conviction. To Sheikh Hameeduddin’s surprise, rather than scream or plead, she laughed at every lash. Shocked, he stopped the punishment and asked her why she was laughing. With calm dignity, the maid replied: “I thought to myself— if sleeping unintentionally on a soft bed brings such punishment, what will be the fate of those who sleep on such comfort every day and by choice?” Her words struck the Sheikh with such force that his entire outlook changed. He renounced his royal position and chose the path of spiritual devotion. Leaving behind worldly luxury, he travelled to Lahore and entered the service of his maternal grandfather, Sayyid Ahmad Tokhta. There, he pledged allegiance to the Shattari Sufi order. After a period of spiritual training, he was granted spiritual succession. Sheikh Hameeduddin lived to the age of 167. He spent his final years in the region between Uch and Sukkur, dedicating himself to guiding people toward God. (Tazkira Sufiya Punjab, by Ijazul Haq Quddusi, pp. 240-242) This incident reveals a timeless truth: when a woman is rooted in faith and submission to God, her strength can surpass that of kings. Even as a servant, her words can shake a ruler’s conscience. Islamic history is filled with such women whose words, born from deep conviction, changed the course of lives—and even empires.