“Is it possible to be brave and intelligent at the same time?” Ali asked mom, as she weeded her flowerbed.
“Why not?” Mom turned around looking surprised.
“Well… because I always notice that kids who talk smart never really do much, and those who do something are not that bright,” Ali explained, sitting on a nearby step, thinking of his classmates.
“Hmmm…” mom thought for a while, staring into space, and then mumbled to herself, “there was someone who did both.” She paused to look into Ali’s eyes.
“He was a man who revived Islam in the seventh century by his incredible learning, writings, reading, teaching and preaching; yet, he was able to stand up against the darkest of enemies face to face with an unsheathed sword.”
“Really?” Ali was surprised and a bit skeptical. “Who was he?”
Mom took off her gloves and walked over to sit next to Ali with a gleam in her eyes. “His name was Ahmad. He was born in Harran, a city in Syria. Ahmad was only six years old when his city was attacked by Tartars.”
Ali’s eyes grew fearful. “Tartars were vicious. We read about them in our history class. They used to eat dog meat and wear animal skin. They came from Mongolia and their leader was Genghis Khan, and his son was Halaku Khan.”
“Yes, Ali,” Mom nodded sadly. “Those were terrible times for Muslims. Ahmad’s family had to flee Harran and head towards Damascus. His father pulled a cart of books and other belongings all the way, as they were a family of learned scholars, and their most prized possession was their books.”
“Did they reach safely?” Ali inquired curiously.
“Alhumdulillah, they did and settled in Syria. Ahmad memorized the Quran and came to be known for his remarkable memory. Once, his father asked Ahmad to come along for some fun and games. Ahmad refused. When his father returned, he expressed his disappointment. Ahmad replied: ‘Had I gone with you, I wouldn’t have been able to memorize this book.’ His father was stunned and overjoyed.”
“So what was he able to master?” Ali asked.
Mom continued: “Tafseer (interpretation) of the Quran was his favourite subject. He would read hundreds of them just to understand one verse of the Quran. Next, he mastered the Arabic language, surpassing all others. A big challenge that rose during Ahmad’s time was that Muslims started to admire Greek philosophy and Aristotle’s work over the Quran. Ahmad mastered this field and debated philosophers who could not defend themselves. He also studied mathematics and calligraphy which were the rising subjects of his time.”
Ali was interested in the action part now. “Didn’t anyone fight him?”
“Nearly half of his life, Ahmad was thrown into the prison countless times because of his brave speeches and refusal to stay silent. When the Tartar king Qazaan (who had become a Muslim but was still deviated) wanted to attack Syria once again, Ahmad, together with some scholars and companions, decided to meet him for peace in Damascus.
Ahmad recited to the king Quranic verses and Ahadeeth about fairness and justice. His voice rose, until he was standing so close to Qazaan that they were face to face. Qazaan was shocked at Ahmad’s courage. He asked: ‘Who is this person?’ Even more, Ahmad made a Dua in front of king Qazaan: ‘O Allah, if Qazaan is waging war in Your name, then help him, and if his intention is greed and expanding his empire, then You take revenge over him.’ Surprisingly, Qazaan said Ameen to this Dua and released a number of prisoners of war.”
“Wow! It takes a lot to talk like that in front of your cruel enemy!” Ali was smirking with admiration.
Mom became serious: “Ali… you know Allah (swt) grants courage to those, who follow His way and are ready to offer anything to Allah (swt) in return. Sadly, the problem with Muslims back then was the same as we have today. Tartars were able to kill and take over, because the Islamic teachers and rulers were busy in pleasures of the world like dance, music, useless past times, following the non-Muslims, not giving importance to the Quran and not acting upon its laws. Allah (swt) destroyed them.”
“You mean we need kids like Ahmad to save us?” Ali grew scared.
“Yes. Ahmad was later called Imam Ibn Taymiyah… Kids like you should learn the Quran and its laws to become brave and smart callers to Islam.” Mom rested firm hands on Ali’s shoulders and left him alone.
Ali wondered if he would ever be able to become like Imam Ibn Taymiyah and fight the injustices of the world.
Only Allah (swt) could help him. He had to work hard to become brave and smart!
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