154
ʾILÂM-EN-NÂS.
cruelty, and oppression, and neglect of right and following after wrong—hast appointed el-Hajjâj as ruler over the two sacred and holy cities; and dwelling therein, as thou art aware, are certain of the children of the Muhajarîn, and of the Ansâry,[1] and the Associates[2] of the Prophet Allâh. And el-Hajjâj subjects them to degradation, and through his cruelty causes them to desert their country. And would to God I knew what reply thou couldst make to the Messenger of Allâh when in the Halls of Judgment he has asked thee concerning this. And by Allâh! O Commander of the Faithful! upon thy head be it, if thou deposest him not, nor layest up for thyself proximity to the Most High."
- ↑ The Muhajarîn, or refugees, were those Mekkans who in the early days of el-Islám fled from their home on account of their religion. The Ansâry, or assistants, (see Note*, p. 137) were those who received the Prophet at el-Medînah. At the end of the first year of the Hijrah, the Prophet, in order to attach both these bodies more closely to his interests, and also to prevent rivalry as to priority of belief, and consequent consideration, between them, established a fraternity among them, the principal maxim of which society was that they should not only treat one another like brethren, but also most cordially love and cherish one another to the utmost of their power. And lest even this should prove an insufficient bond, he also coupled in a loving union the individuals of either party.
- ↑ See Note †, Author's Preface, p. 3.
