Over the past three decades, the Arab world has experienced several events that have significantly reshaped its societies, and led to increased poverty and hardship for its people. During that era, several rulers clung fiercely to power, and refused to heed the advice of even their wisest citizens. Some of these rulers believed they were invulnerable to change, because they were under the impression that their dictatorial regimes were too entrenched to be overthrown.
They practiced horrific forms of repression, and silenced dissent. Among such rulers were Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi , Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and most recently, Bashar al-Assad. These rulers failed to grasp a simple truth: no matter how long people may endure under tyranny, there will inevitably come a day when they will rise up. They did not realize that the dams of oppression can only hold back so much before they break, unleashing a flood of anger too powerful to contain. History has shown us the fate of those who fail to learn from the past. Saddam was executed after fleeing for sometime.
Gaddafi met an even more brutal end. And Bashar al-Assad too found himself escaping under the cover of darkness one night. Perhaps these rulers should have reflected on the story of Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafi (660-714 AD). Al-Hajjaj was a ruthless dictator. Although he was the governor of Iraq and not the Caliph of the Muslims, his cruelty knew no bounds. He showed no mercy, not even to the elderly or the weak. His oppression reached such extremes that he even used a catapult to strike the Ka’aba itself.
The story of Al-Hajjaj is a stark reminder of what happens when rulers ignore the counsel of wise men. When Al-Hajjaj appointed Saeed ibn Jubayr as the court judge, the latter spent time in Baghdad, where he witnessed the suffering caused by Al-Hajjaj’s rule and heard countless complaints from the oppressed. Ibn Jubayr approached Al-Hajjaj Al-Thaqafi and asked him to ease the harshness of his rule. The two engaged in a long conversation, during which Ibn Jubayr presented the grievances of the people.
Al-Thaqafi , seeking further clarification, impulsively asked, “What did you say, Ibn Jubayr?” The judge responded, “I said what you have just heard.” Dismissively, Al-Thaqafi replied, “I would like you to repeat it to me. Such talk should not be heard only once.” Ibn Jubayr said, “May God forgive the governor. The people’s complaints are no trivial matter. Injustice has spread, and their grievances are growing louder.” Al-Thaqafi retorted, “We have entrusted you with resolving disputes among the people, not with addressing the governor’s matters. Focus on the task assigned to you and meet the people’s needs.” Ibn Jubayr answered, “The complaints and injustices have multiplied. I see and hear them, and I have come to offer you counsel to ease their suffering. This is a matter that demands attention.”
Al-Thaqafi responded, “I turn a deaf ear to it. I don’t care about their hearts, only their loyalty and their swords when needed.” Ibn Jubayr replied, “Obedience is earned through compassion and mercy.” Al-Thaqafi retorted, “No, Ibn Jubayr. If I give the people what they love, and they realize I am merely flattering them, they will turn against me and seek my death. That’s why I believe strictness in politics is more beneficial.” Ibn Jubayr said, “I don’t agree with the governor’s opinion.” Al-Thaqafi firmly stated, “You may not agree with me, but you will follow my orders. I remind you, the governor’s decisions are not open to dispute.” Ibn Jubayr persisted, “My request is to replace harshness with gentleness, and to replace cruelty with kindness.” Al-Thaqafi , unmoved, said, “I know more than you about these people and how they are governed. Stay in your position as a judge, and do not meddle in this matter again.” Ibn Jubayr replied, “My ultimate goal is to uphold and establish justice.” Al-Thaqafi angrily retorted, “Woe to you! I used to teach people the Qur’an.”
Ibn Jubayr responded, “You have brought the Qur’an from your heart to your tongue. But true justice is achieved by establishing fairness among people.” Al-Thaqafi dismissively said, “Leave justice among the people to those in power.” Ibn Jubayr, growing frustrated, said, “I hope you will excuse me from my position as a judge, for I can no longer bear to hear these complaints.” Al-Thaqafi replied, “The Qur’an is the Book of God, the Almighty and Wise. It commands obedience to those in authority.” Ibn Jubayr countered, “God is the Almighty, the Wise, the Compassionate, the Merciful to His servants.” Al-Thaqafi repeated, “Woe to you... I used to teach people the Qur’an.”
Ibn Jubayr stood his ground, saying, “Don’t threaten me. It is my wish to meet my Lord not as an oppressor.” Al-Thaqafi , furious, declared, “No, you will not stay in your home. I will not allow you to do so since you have revealed what is in your heart.” The conversation ended with Al-Thaqafi angrily saying, “I swear, I will kill you in a way that differs from how I have killed and will kill anyone else.” Ibn Jubayr replied, “O God, I beg You not to make my blood permissible for him. Do not allow him to kill anyone after me.” It is said that Ibn Jubayr was slaughtered from the back of his neck, and that God answered his prayer. Al- Thaqafi indeed suffered from mental illness, and his body was consumed by disease. He repeatedly said, “What do I have to do with Ibn Jubayr?” To understand life, visit hospitals, prisons, and cemeteries. In hospitals, you will learn that nothing is more precious than health. In prisons, you will realize the meaning of freedom. In cemeteries, you will understand that life is fragile, and that you never know what tomorrow will bring.
