THE KING WITH NO SON According to legend, there ruled a king who had no son. The king sent out his coutiers to post notices in all the towns of his realm. The notices advised that every qualified young man should apply for an interview with the king as a possible successor to the throne. However, all such candidates must have these two qualifications: They must love Allah and love their fellow human beings. The Young man about whom this legend centers saw a notice and reflected that he loved Allah and, also, his neighbors. One thing stopped him, he was so poor that he had no clothes that would be presentable in the sight of the king. Nor did he have the funds to buy provisions for the long journey to the castle. So the young man begged here, and borrowed there, finally managing to scrounge enough money for the appropriate clothes and the necessary supplies. Properly attired and well-suited, the young man set out on his quest, and had almost completed the journey when he came upon a poor beggar by the side of the road. The beggar sat trembling, clad only in tattered rags. His extended arms pleaded for help. His weak voice croaked: Im hungry and cold. Please help me... please? The young man was so moved by this beggars need that he immediately stripped off his new clothes and put on the tattered threads of the beggar. Without a second thought he gave the beggar all his provision as well. Then, somewhat hesitantly, he continued his journey to the castle dressed in the rags of the beggar, lacking provisions for his return trek home. Upon his arrival at the castle, a kings attendant showed him in to the great hall. After a brief respite to clean off the journeys grime, he was finally admitted to the throne room of the king. The young man came before the king. When he raised his eyes, he gaped in astonishment: You... its you! Youre the beggar by the side of the road. Yes, the king replied with a twinkle, I was that beggar. But...bu...bu... you are not really a beggar. You are the king for real. Well, then, why did you do this to me? the young man stammered after gaining more of his composure. Because I had to find out if you genuinely love God and your fellow human beings, said the king. I knew that if I came to you as king, you would have been impressed by my gem-encrusted golden crown and my royal robes. You would have done anything I asked of you because of my regal character. But that way I would never have known what is truly in your heart. So I used a ruse. I came to you as a beggar with no claims on you except for the love in your heart. And I discovered that you sincerely do love God and your fellow human beings. *************** The Prophet (saw) said: Visit one another from time to time, your love for each other will increase. (narrated by al Bazzar) The Prophet (saw) said: None of you will truly believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself. (narrated by Bukhari) A man came to the Prophet (may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him) and asked him: O Gods Messenger, tell me of something I do to win Gods love and peoples love. The Prophet answered: Do not love this world, Allah would love you and do not have a longing for whatever people have, people would love you. (Narrated by Ibn-Majah)
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:09:08 +0000
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