Abu Muhammad Marwazi (rahimahullah) was a great saint of Baghdad who passed away in the year 290 A.H. Such was the level of his piety and exemplary qualities that the famous saint, Junaid Baghdadi (rahimahullah), would praise him and speak very highly of him.
Once, Abu Muhammad Marwazi (rahimahullah) passed through Baghdad enroute to Makkah Mukarramah. In order to benefit from his company, Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) approached him and asked permission to join him on his journey to the Blessed Lands. However, Abu Muhammad (rahimahullah) turned down this request.
The following year, Abu Muhammad (rahimahullah) again passed through Baghdad enroute to Makkah Mukarramah. Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) seized the opportunity to repeat his request. This time, Abu Muhammad conceded on condition that one of them will be the leader, and the other will not oppose him in any way.
Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) readily agreed saying, “You will be the ameer (leader).” Abu Muhmmad (rahimahullah) refused and insisted that Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) be the ameer. However, Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) told him that he is more worthy of being the ameer since he is elder. Finally, Abu Muhmmad (rahimahullah) agreed.
As they journeyed together, Abu Muhammad Marwazi (rahimahullah) consistently demonstrated remarkable humility and selflessness. Whenever they stopped to eat, he would give Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) preference, despite the latter’s objections. Abu Muhammad (rahimahullah) would simply remind him of their agreement, saying, “Did I not make a condition with you that you would not oppose me?”
Abu Muhammad (rahimahullah) continued to serve Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) in this manner, leaving him feeling increasingly regretful for having accompanied him due to the great lengths to which he went to in serving him.
One day, whilst traveling, they encountered a severe rainstorm. Abu Muhammad Marwazi (rahimahullah) instructed Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) to sit at the base of a milepost, whilst he himself bent over him covering him with his shawl. Seeing what lengths Abu Muhammad (rahimahullah) was going to and what difficulties he was undertaking in serving him, Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) again regretted having undertaken the journey with Abu Muhammad (rahimahullah). Abu Muhmmad (rahimahullah) continued serving Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) in this manner until they entered Makkah Mukarramah.
(Taareekh Baghdaad vol. 11, pg. 11)
Lessons:
1. Spending time in the company of the pious servants of Allah Ta‘ala is extremely effective in shaping a person’s mind and moulding his character. It is also a golden opportunity to draw the blessings and mercy of Allah Ta‘ala in one’s life.Mus‘ab bin Ahmad (rahimahullah) knew the value of this and therefore repeated his request to accompany Abu Muhammad Marwazi (rahimahullah) although he was turned down on the first occasion.
2. Every achievement we hold claim to is actually a gift and bounty from Allah Ta‘ala, and every success we enjoy, whether material or spiritual in nature, is through the guidance and mercy of Allah Ta‘ala. The pious servants of Allah Ta‘ala are convinced of this reality, hence despite their high rank and great achievements, they humble themselves to such an extent that they are even prepared to be of service and assist any creation of Allah Ta‘ala.
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