Imam Malik's Written Message to Caliph Harun ar-Rashid Endures in History

History remembers the profound wisdom shared by Islamic scholars with leaders, and a particularly valuable piece of advice comes from Imam Malik bin Anas to Caliph Harun ar-Rasyid.

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I am writing this letter to you with utmost sincerity. I have not withheld any advice or guidance that can lead you to the truth. This letter is written in praise of Allah and in adherence to the etiquette of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Therefore, ponder its contents with your intellect, observe with your sight, listen with your hearing, understand with your heart, and do not be heedless of it.

When the Caliph sought his counsel, Imam Malik penned a brief but deeply meaningful letter. He opened by stating his sincerity and commitment to providing guidance for truth, praising Allah and following the Prophet Muhammad's example. He urged the Caliph to contemplate the letter's contents with his intellect, observe with his sight, listen attentively, understand with his heart, and remain mindful, as it contained the keys to worldly goodness and eternal reward.

Imam Malik then implored the Caliph to constantly remember death and the afterlife. He advised him to reflect on the struggles of facing death and the immense difficulty of the reckoning before Allah, followed by eternal life. The Imam stressed the importance of preparing righteous deeds to alleviate the terrors and hardships of that day.

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Remember yourself when facing the agony of death and its difficulties. Remember the moment you stand before Allah for judgment, and then the eternal life that follows that reckoning. Prepare deeds that can alleviate the horrors and difficulties of that day.

He vividly described the dreadful state of those who incur Allah's wrath, dwelling in unending regret, hearing the screams and moans of hellfire, their hopes utterly extinguished. The letter concludes by referencing the Quranic verse from Al-Mu'minun (23:108): "He (Allah) will say, 'Remain within it in disgrace, and do not speak to Me.'" This powerful message underscores the gravity of divine judgment and the need for constant spiritual preparedness.

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Remain within it in disgrace, and do not speak to Me.