During the era of Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam), the Banu Israa-eel experienced a very severe drought. The people thus went to Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) and requested him to make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala to send down rain. Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) instructed them to accompany him to a mountain. When ascending the mountain, Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) instructed, “No man who has committed a sin should follow me (up this mountain).”

When Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) said this, more than half the people left the gathering and dispersed. Again, Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) addressed the remainder of his people saying, “No person who has committed a sin should follow me (up this mountain).” Hence, everyone left the gathering, leaving behind only one person by the name of Barkh Al-‘Aabid (the worshipper), who was one-eyed.

Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) asked him, “Did you not hear what I said?” In response, Barkh confirmed that he had heard what Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) had said. Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) then asked him, “So, did you never commit a sin?” Barkh answered by saying, “I do not recall committing any sin except one (doubtful) matter which I will mention to you. If it is a sin, I will return (with the rest of the people).”

When Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) asked him to explain the doubtful matter, he explained that on one occasion whilst walking on the road, he passed by a house with an open door. He looked into the house with the eye that was now blind, and saw someone inside. He reprimanded his eye saying, “(Despite) being part of my body you hasten towards sin! From now on you will not accompany me.” He then poked his eye with his finger and removed his eye ball from its socket. Barkh then asked Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam), “If this is a sin then I will return.”

Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam) replied, “This is not a sin. O Barkh, You beseech (Allah Ta‘ala) for rain!” Barkh began making du‘aa, “O the Being Who is the purest. O the Being Who is the purest. Whatever is by You will never diminish. Your treasures will never be depleted and You have never been associated with stinginess. So, what is this (treatment) which You are not (usually) known for? (Please) send rain down to us at this very moment.” Very soon thereafter Allah Ta‘ala sent down rain and they returned while wading through mud.

(Kitaabut Tawwaabeen pg. 65)

Lessons:

1. The nafs (carnal self) will always try and incite a person towards evil and sin. Therefore, it is necessary for him to constantly keep his nafs in check, and sometimes to even impose a penalty on himself when the nafs gets the better over him. Since it is not permissible to cause physical harm to oneself, one may stipulate some ‘ibaadah (such as 10 rakaats of nafl salaah, or a nafl fast, etc.), or impose a monetary penalty on himself. Insha-Allah, this will greatly assist one in completely abandoning sin.

2. A person’s piety and abstaining from sin bring about great blessings in his/her life. One such aspect in which they play a big role is in the acceptance of du‘aas. In this incident, through the blessings of the piety of Barkh (rahimahullah), his du‘aa was accepted by Allah Ta‘ala and the drought of the Bani Israa-eel was removed.

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