Story
of a Wrestler
Junaid Baghdadi earned his livelihood as a professional wrestler.
As was the norm, the Leader of Baghdad announced one day,
"Today, Junaid Baghdadi will demonstrate his skills as a wrestler,
is there anyone to challenge him." An elderly man shakily
stood up with his neck quivering and said, "I will enter the
contest with him."
Whoever was witness to this scene could not contain themselves,
they burst out howling with laughter, clapping their hands.
The King was bound by the law. He could not stop someone who
of his own free will entered the bout. The elderly man was
given the permission to enter the ring. He was about sixty-five
years old. When Junaid Baghdadi entered the ring, he was dumbfounded
as was the King and all the spectators of the Kingdom who
were present. The single thought that occupied their minds
was, "How will this old man be able to fight?"
The old man addressed Junaid with these words, "Lend me your
ears." He then whispered, "I know it is not possible for me
to win this bout against you, but I am a Sayyid, a descendant
of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). My children are starving
at home. Are you prepared to sacrifice your name, your honour
and position for the love of Allah's Prophet and lose this
bout to me? If you do this I will be able to collect the prize
money and thereby have the means to feed my children and myself
for an entire year. I will be able to settle all my debts
and above all, the master of both the worlds will be pleased
with you. Are you, Oh Junaid, not willing to sacrifice your
honour for the sake of the children of Rasulullah (peace be
upon him)?"
Junaid Baghdadi thought to himself, "Today, I have an excellent
opportunity."
In a display of fervour Junaid Baghdadi executed a couple
of maneuvers, demonstrating his finesse so that the King does
not suspect any conspiracy. Junaid with a great display of
antics did not use his strength and allowed himself to be
dropped. The elderly man mounted his chest thus entitling
him to the prize.
That night, Junaid Baghdadi had a dream of Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) who said, "Oh Junaid, you have sacrificed
your honour, your nationally acclaimed fame, your name and
position which was heralded throughout Baghdad in the expression
of your love for my children who were starving. As of today,
your name is recorded in the register of the Auliya (friends
of Allah)."
Thereafter, this great wrestler learnt to defeat his nafs
(desires) and became one of the most eminent Auliya of his
time!
Source: http://www.freewebs.com/welcometomadinah/stories.htm
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