for a single day is better than seventy years of worship.”
He also said, “Whoever draws the sword of tyranny will have the sword of domination drawn against him, and grief will cling to him.”
As the poet said:
“If for but one day your usually radiant face should scowl,
You will find that justice repays oppression in kind.
Speak to people in the tone they long to hear,
And do not put to death the one who has chosen to live.”
It is reported that David (peace be upon him) was once observing the world when he saw something descend from the sky like fine bran. He said, “My Lord, what is this?” He was told, “This is My curse, which I send down upon the houses of the unjust.”
Story. When Anūshīrwān took his seat upon the throne, the vizier Yūnān wrote to him: “Know, O King, that the business of kingship turns on three courses. First: you grant your subjects justice while seeking none from them—this is the highest station. Second: you grant and receive justice alike. Third: you exact justice for yourself yet withhold it from them. Choose whichever you wish, O King; I know that my lord will choose the first.” The poet said:
“He who deals justly with the people yet claims no redress for himself—
Such generosity marks him as a true prince.
He who wants justice from them exactly as he grants it
Will find no peer beside him.
But he who craves his own justice while denying theirs
Is base and contemptible.”
Advice and exhortation. Shabīb ibn Shaybah once entered upon al-Mahdī and said, “O Commander of the Faithful, Allah has given you the world; grant your subjects a share of your pleasant life.” Al-Mahdī asked, “What, then, should I grant the subjects?” He replied, “Justice. If the subjects sleep secure from your oppression, you will sleep secure in your grave.” He added, “Beware, O Commander of the Faithful, of a Day after which there is no night, and of a night after which there is no day. Be as just as you can, for you will be repaid for justice with justice and for tyranny with tyranny. Adorn yourself with piety, for on the Day of Assembly no one will lend you his adornment,” as the poet said:
“So gird your soul with piety and beautify it,
For no man will lend a godfearing soul his robe.”