251 — Abū al-Qāsim al-Sulamī, Hārūn ibn Abī Yahyā, informed me, on the authority of one of the scholars, who said:

“Death came to a man named Hurdān at a watering place called al-Ramāda. He was told, ‘Hurdān, say: “There is no god but Allah.”’ He replied:

[rajaz meter]

Once I would stir up strife against the bitterest foe.

He was told, ‘Say: “There is no god but Allah.”’ He replied:

At times I was a mighty mainstay.

He was told, ‘Say: “There is no god but Allah.”’ He replied:

My soul has gone forth, though scarcely had it arrived.

He was told, ‘Say: “There is no god but Allah.”’ He replied:

Today I have met a foe whom none can turn away.

Then he fell silent. I said, ‘By Allah, I will not attend the funeral of a man who was not made to utter, “There is no god but Allah.”’ Then someone came to me in a dream and said, ‘Attend Hurdān’s funeral, for he is among the people of Paradise.’ I asked, ‘On what account?’ I was told, ‘Because of his dutifulness to his mother.’”