Author: Abdul Hameed Nowrozi
Twenty Discourses; Twenty Radiant Faces (Part 11)
The Unparalleled Courage of Shaykh Izz al-Din in Confronting Powerful Emirs
One of the most significant and astonishing events in the life of Shaykh Izz al-Din was his decision to auction off the ruling emirs. The Shaykh argued that these emirs, who were of Turkish descent and had taken control of Egypt’s governance, were technically slaves belonging to the public treasury of Muslims and had not been legally emancipated. Thus, he issued a fatwa declaring that any dealings with them would be void until they were properly freed under Islamic law.
This fatwa led the public to stop dealing with the emirs, causing them significant difficulties and unrest. The emirs convened a meeting and invited the Shaykh to question his intentions behind issuing such a fatwa. The Shaykh explained that he intended to hold an auction on behalf of the public treasury to legally emancipate them. The emirs complained to the Sultan, saying the Shaykh sought to humiliate them by auctioning them publicly. The Sultan attempted to persuade the Shaykh to revoke his fatwa, but the Shaykh stood firm.
During the heated discussions, the Sultan used offensive language and questioned the Shaykh, saying, “Why is this your concern? Why do you interfere in the matters of the emirs?” Offended by these words, the Shaykh decided to leave Egypt. He packed his household belongings on a camel, placed his children on it, and departed. The news of his departure caused great sorrow in Cairo, as the city seemed to fall into mourning. Many Egyptians, including scholars, devout individuals, and merchants, prepared to follow him.
When the Sultan learned that the Shaykh’s departure would effectively mark the end of his reign, he mounted his horse, pursued the Shaykh, apologized, and persuaded him to return. It was agreed that the Shaykh himself would oversee the auctioning of the emirs.
The Sultan’s deputy was angered by this and first tried to persuade the Shaykh with flattery and bribes, but the Shaykh remained resolute. Enraged, the deputy exclaimed, “How can the Shaykh sell us while we rule the country? By Allah, I will strike him down with my sword!” He armed himself and, with a group of soldiers, approached the Shaykh’s residence, sword in hand.
The deputy knocked on the door, and the Shaykh’s son saw him standing there with a drawn sword. The son informed the Shaykh, who calmly remarked, “Your father is not worthy of such an honor as martyrdom in Allah’s path.” The Shaykh then went out to meet him. As soon as the deputy saw the Shaykh, he was overcome with fear and began trembling, causing his sword to fall to the ground. In tears, he asked for the Shaykh’s prayers and inquired, “What is your intention?” The Shaykh replied, “I intend to auction you off.” The deputy accepted, and the Shaykh proceeded to auction off each emir.
To preserve their dignity, the Shaykh set high prices for them and used the proceeds for charitable purposes benefiting Muslims. The emirs were then freed and returned to their homes. Ibn al-Subki writes: “We have never heard of such an event elsewhere. This demonstrates the unparalleled greatness and awe of people of knowledge.”
The Noble Morals of Shaykh Izz al-Din ibn Abd al-Salam (May Allah Have Mercy on Him)
In addition to his scholarly excellence, dignity, and influence, Shaykh Izz al-Din was extraordinarily noble and generous. He was known for his selflessness and open-handedness. Qadi al-Qudat Badr al-Din relates, as narrated by Ibn Jama’ah: “When the Shaykh resided in Damascus during a widespread famine, fruit orchards were sold at very low prices. His wife gave him some of her jewelry, saying, ‘Sell this jewelry and purchase an orchard so we can enjoy it in the summer.’ The Shaykh sold the jewelry but distributed the proceeds among the poor. When his wife inquired if he had purchased the orchard, he replied, ‘Yes, in Paradise. I saw the people in poverty and decided to share it with them.’ To this, his wife simply responded, ‘May Allah reward you.'”
Even in times of financial difficulty, the Shaykh was generous. If he had nothing to give, he would tear off a piece of his turban to offer to a beggar. Shaykh Izz al-Din was not only courageous in confronting rulers but also held himself accountable for his actions. Ibn al-Subki and al-Suyuti narrate that in Egypt, the Shaykh once issued an erroneous fatwa. Upon realizing his mistake, he immediately announced across the city: “Anyone holding a prior fatwa from Ibn Abd al-Salam should not act upon it, as it was incorrect.”
The Writings of Shaykh Izz al-Din ibn Abd al-Salam (May Allah Have Mercy on Him)
A seasoned teacher, accomplished jurist, and adept mufti, Shaykh Izz al-Din was also a prolific author. Among his notable works are Al-Qawa’id al-Kubra and Majaz al-Qur’an, which are regarded as testimonies to his eminent standing in Islamic scholarship. He condensed these works into two additional books, Shajarat al-Ma’arif and Al-Dala’il al-Muta’alliqah bil-Mala’ika wal-Ins Alayhim al-Salam.
Another of his works, Maqasid al-Salah, gained immense popularity during his lifetime, with thousands of handwritten copies produced due to the absence of printing technology at the time. His collection of fatwas is also a valuable resource in Shafi’i jurisprudence.
After Imam Ghazali (may Allah have mercy on him), Shaykh Izz al-Din was among the few scholars who explored the philosophy of Islamic rulings, delving into their secrets and wisdom. Shah Waliullah al-Muhaddith al-Dihlawi (may Allah have mercy on him) acknowledges him as one of the foundational scholars in this field, alongside Imam Ghazali and Abu Sulayman al-Khattabi.
The Passing of Shaykh Izz al-Din ibn Abd al-Salam (May Allah Have Mercy on Him)
Shaykh Izz al-Din passed away on 9 Jumada al-Awwal, 660 AH, at the age of 83, during the reign of Sultan al-Malik al-Zahir Baybars. Deeply affected by the news, the Sultan remarked, “It was decreed that he would pass during my reign.” The Shaykh’s funeral was attended by state officials, military leaders, and even the Sultan himself, who helped carry his bier.
As the procession passed the Sultan’s fortress, he turned to one of his aides and remarked: “Today, I understand how secure my reign was. This great man, beloved and revered by all, could have overthrown me with a mere signal. His passing has shown me that he and his followers were content with me.”
Al-Sabki observed: “Indeed, the day Shaykh Izz al-Din departed this world, the Islamic community plunged into mourning, and everyone felt orphaned.” Sultan al-Zahir Baybars reportedly quoted the Shaykh’s words: “This world is but a shadow and a dream.”
References:
1. Tabaqat al-Shafi’iyyah Al-Subki (Vol. 5)
2. Al-Nujum al-Zahira (7/72)
3. Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah (13/215)
4. Sulahshoran-e-Islam, Mufti Fareed (Vol. 2)
5. Husn al-Muhadara (Vol. 2, pp. 49, 142)
6. Tarikh al-Da’wah wa al-Islah (Vol. 4)
