Seeing Good in Evil

Seeing Good in Evil

1985 10 October 7 Seeing Good in Evil (382) Persia (Iran) came under Muslim rule during the caliphate of Umar Farooq, the second caliph. Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas was commanding the Muslim army during the campaign. The Iranians, having suffered great losses in the war against Muslims, proposed that a peace settlement be negotiated. Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas agreed to this and various envoys were sent by him to the Iranian court of Rustam and Yazdgurd, for the purpose. Many of their names have gone down in history. The last of these delegations was headed by Mughira ibn Shu’ba who made a frank and bold speech before the emperor in his splendid court in the White Palace at Madain. His boldness enraged Yazdgurd: “How dare you talk in this manner in front of me? Had there been no rule against murdering envoys, I would surely have had you killed! Now you had better leave the palace at once and inform your leader to await a huge army led by Rustam, its commander-in-chief, who will bury you all in the trenches of Qadsiyah!”

This was not the end of the matter. The emperor asked one of his courtiers to bring a basket full of earth. When it was brought, he addressed the Muslims again. “Who among you is the noblest born?” They remained silent for a while, then Asim ibn Amr replied that he was.” Yazdgurd then ordered the container to be hung around his neck and that they then be driven out of the capital.

The imperial order was carried out. Bearing the container of earth Asim ibn Amr rode fast on his camel for Qadsiyah where the leader was staying. On arrival, he recounted the whole story and placed the container before him. History has recorded the words uttered on this occasion:

“Be happy, by God, Allah has granted you the keys of power over their land.” They saw something symbolic in this handing over of the earth and interpreted it to mean that they would eventually gain possession of the land. An incident which had been designed to humiliate them had actually given them food for new hope and courage.

Had these Muslims got enraged, they would have gained nothing but hatred and contempt.

He who repents of sin is even as he who has no sin.

–Prophet Muhammad