Sermon of Muttaqin, Part 3 — They walk with humility
The Third Characteristic of the God-Conscious According to the Sermon of the Muttaqīn by Amir al-Mu’minin (pbuh)
They Walk with Humility
Their walk—meaning their conduct, character, and way of life—is accompanied by humility and modesty.
One day, Mālik al-Ashtar was passing through the marketplace of Kūfah, wearing a simple turban and a coarse cotton garment. A shopkeeper was sitting at the entrance of his store and, intending to insult him, threw a clod of dirt at him.
Mālik al-Ashtar paid no attention to the man’s rude behavior, showed no reaction, and simply continued on his way.
After Mālik had gone some distance, one of the shopkeeper’s companions, who recognized him, asked:
“Do you know who that man was whom you just insulted?”
The shopkeeper replied:
“No, I do not. Who was he?”
His friend answered:
“That was Mālik al-Ashtar, one of the most distinguished companions of Amir al-Muʾminīn (p).”
As soon as the shopkeeper realized that the man he had insulted was the commander and military minister of Imam Ali’s (p) army, he began trembling with fear. He hurried after Mālik al-Ashtar to apologize.
He found Mālik entering the mosque and standing in prayer. When the prayer was finished, the man threw himself at Mālik’s feet and repeatedly kissed them.
Mālik al-Ashtar asked:
“Why are you doing this?”
The shopkeeper replied:
“I seek your pardon for the shameful thing I did to you. I hope you will show me kindness and forgive my offense.”
Mālik al-Ashtar said:
“Do not let fear or anxiety enter your heart. By Allah, I entered the mosque for no reason other than to pray for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness upon you and to ask Him to guide you to the Straight Path.”
References
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 42, p. 157