Source: Shaheed Murtada Mutahhari, The Narrative of Veracious, Vol.2, STORY
NO.124, p.176-179
In the days of his Caliphat, ‘Ali (‘a) assumed personally the investigation of
the complaint, and never entrusted the same to someone else. During the very hot
days when people usually took rest in their houses, at noon the mid-day, ‘Ali
(‘a) was sitting in the shadow of a wall outside the Caliph’s residence in case
anyone had a complaint to lodge, he could submit it to ‘Ali (‘a) without any
problem or intermediator. He (‘a) sometimes went round the streets and alleys,
observing and keeping a close eye on the situation of public.
One of the over heated day, he (‘a), tired and
sweating, returned to the Caliph’s residence when he saw a woman standing before
the door As she saw ‘Ali (‘a), she came forward and said: “I have a complaint to
lodge. My husband has done injustice to me; he has turned me out of the house.
In addition to that he has threatened me that if I return back home he will also
beat me. At present I have come here to plead for justice.
‘Ali (‘a): “You, servant of Allah! It is too hot just now. Please wait! After
noon when the weather becomes a little better, if Allah wills, I will come with
you and settle your problem.”
The woman: “If my absence from home lasts long, I fear that his anger would
increase and he would pester me.”
‘Ali (‘a) bent down his head for an instance and then raised his head while
murmuring this words “No! By Allah! it must not be delayed to respond to the
complaint of oppressed. It is necessary to do justice for the oppressed against
the oppressor, and eliminate the fear of oppressor from the heart of oppressed
so that the oppressed can stand bravely and fearlessly against the oppressor and
demand his own rights.”
‘Ali (‘a): “Tell me where do you reside?”
The woman: “In such and such a place.”
‘Ali (‘a): “Let’s go!”
‘Ali (‘a) went along with the woman just up to the threshold of her house, stood
in front of the door and shouted loudly: “People of the house! ÓáÇã Úáí˜ã
Peace be upon you!”
A young man who was the husband of the same woman came out. He did not recognize
‘Ali (‘a): he noticed a man of about sixty—year old accompany her wife. He came
to know that his wife had brought this person to protect her and to intercede
with him in her favour, but he did not say anything.
Ali (‘a): “This lady. your wife, has a complaint to Lodge against you. She says:
you have done injustice to her and turned her out of the house. In addition to
that you have threatened to beat her: I have come to tell you to fear Allah and
act benevolently towards her.”
The young man: “It is none of your business whether I treat her well or bad!
Yes! I have threatened to beat her. But since she has brought you here and you
are talking on behalf of her. I will make her burnt alive.”
‘Ali (‘a) flared up at his insolence, putting his hand on the sword hilt and
drew it out of the scabbard. Then he (‘a) said: “I am admonishing you; bidding
for good and forbidding to do evil, but you are responding me in such a manner.
You frankly say to me that you will make her burnt alive. You think that the
life is beyond limits to such an extent.”
On raising his voice, Imam ‘Ali (‘a) was mobbed by a crowd of passers—by from
the surroundings, and every one coming forward saluted him respectfully and
said: “As—salamun alaykum ya Amir al—Mu’minin, peace be upon you, 0 Commander of
believers!”
The arrogant young man recognized to whom he was facing. To be put out of
countenance, he apologized profusely and said: “0 Commander of believers! Pardon
me! I confess myself to be guilty. From now on, I promise to be obedient to my
wife. Whatever she orders, I will obey her.”
‘Ali (‘a) turned towards the woman and said:
“Now, go to your home, but take care of your behaviour, do not act in such a
manner which makes him react like this!” 1