Appreciation

Appreciation

1985 12 December 14 Appreciation (278) The historian, Ibn Khaldun has narrated how Abu Musa Ash’ari, the commander of the Iraqi army, reprimanded a certain Muslim soldier who served under him and had his head shaved as a punishment. The soldier collected the hair and brought it to Caliph Umar. Putting the hair before him, the soldier said in anger, “This is how your people treat us.” Instead of feeling affronted at such audacity, the Caliph was so pleased at his boldness that he said, “If all the people were as brave as you are, I would prefer them to all the land that has been conquered! “

There were two points of view from which one could judge the soldier’s action. On the one hand, one could call his behaviour sheer brashness and effrontery: but on the other hand, one could see it as boldness and bravery. Caliph Umar ignored the crosser aspects of his behaviour and commended him for his positive qualities.

If the Caliph had taken offence at his misbehaviour and consequently punished him, sought to send him to jail or at least given him a severe reprimanding, he would surely have derived personal gratification from having had his revenge for this personal affront, but this gratification would have been achieved at the cost of losing a brave man on the front.

A manly man is more valuable than all the material valuables in one’s possession. But such a man is always bold and does not stoop to obsequiousness. Only those can avail of the services of valiant men who have the heart to ignore their criticism and audacity, and can judge them on true merit rather than on mere appearances.

Willingness to give others pride of place

1985 12 December 14 Willingness to give others pride of place (98) When ‘Umar Ibn Khattab lay dying, he asked his son ‘Abdullah to go and see ‘Aishah. “Greet her and tell her that ‘Umar Ibn Khattab asks for permission to be buried next to his master. Be sure not to call me Commander of the Faithful, for today I am no longer in that position.” ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar went to see ‘Aishah, and found her seated, crying. He greeted her and gave her his father’s message. “You know,” ‘Aishah replied, “I was reserving that place for myself, but today I will certainly give ‘Umar precedence over myself.”

(Ibn Sa’ad)