Kopperregel nr 10

Mitt samvittighetsfulle selv;
Vær pålitelig i alle dine foretak.

Pir Zias kommentar:
Both of these rules are illustrated by a story from our own lineage, the story of Fuza’il bin ‘Ayaz. Fuza’il bin ‘Ayaz began his life as a bandit, a highway robber. In those days merchants stood to reap great profits by importing goods from across the desert. But they also faced great risk, because the desert was the haunt of bands of outlaws who thrived on pillaging travelers. One of these bands was led by Fuza’il bin ‘Ayaz.

One day, following the usual practice, Fuza’il sent his band out to ambush a group of merchants on camelback. Since he was chief he did not directly take part in the attack, but orchestrated it from behind the scenes, remaining at the bandits’ camp.

When the merchants saw the marauders rushing toward them their blood ran cold. One of them seized a chest containing his most valuable possessions, a cache of jewels, and fled in terror.

In his flight the merchant happened to come across the robbers’ encampment, where Fuza’il bin ‘Ayaz was comfortably seated before a fire. Greatly relieved to discover this stranger, the merchant implored, “My caravan is under siege. If you would be so kind, take this box and keep it safe until the coast is clear. ” Fuza’il gave his assent.

Returning to the scene of the attack, the merchant found that the bandits had departed with the booty and his fellow travelers were preparing to move on, aggrieved by the loss of their goods but thankful to be alive.

Deciding that it was now safe to retrieve his chest, the merchant retraced his path. Imagine his surprise and horror when, arriving at the camp, he saw Fuza’il bin Ayaz surrounded by the perpetrators of the attack, who clearly looked to him as their leader!

“What have I done?” he thought. “I have placed my entire livelihood directly into the hands of the chief bandit.’ Crestfallen, he turned to go.

But Fuza’il called to him, “You there! Why have you come? ”

The merchant answered, “Fool that I am, I was going to ask for my treasure back. An absurd notion, I know. ”

Fuza’il reflected for a moment and then spoke solemnly, “You entrusted the chest to me. You trusted me and I trust God. Take it. ” So saying he returned the treasure chest, which the merchant received with astonishment and unspeakable gratitude.

Not only was the merchant happy. Fuza’il bin ‘Ayaz discovered a happiness he had never known before. In living up to the merchant’s trust he became conscious of a value greater than all the wealth of the world: the value of trustworthiness.

The way forward was now absolutely clear. Crime was no longer an option. Fuza’il left his band and adopted the life of a dervish. Eventually he became the disciple of Shaykh Abd al-Wahid bin Zaid, and ultimately his successor. His own successor was Ibrahim Adham al-Balkhi. Whereas Fuza’il had once been a robber, Ibrahim Adham had once been the King of Balkh! The spirit bloweth where it listeth.

What does this story tell us? The lesson for the merchant was: “be prejudiced against no one.” The lesson for Fuza’il was: “prove trustworthy in all your dealings.”