MAKING A PLEDGE WITH ALLAH A Buzrug set off for Hajj alone. He promised Allah Ta`ala that he would not ask anyone for anything. Along the journey he halted at a place. Some days passed by, but he obtained not even a morsel to eat. His physical weakness did not allow him to walk. He said to himself: "This is an occasion of dire need which can lead to death. Allah Ta`ala, Himself has prohibited self-destruction." When the Buzrug reasoned in this manner, he felt justified to ask for aid. However, as he resolved to seek assistance, an overwhelming spiritual force in him prevented him from asking for aid. He thus resolved: "Even if I die, I shall not violate my pledge with Allah." The caravan in which he was travelling proceeded on the journey. The buzrug remained behind alone in his pitiful condition. He sat down facing the Qiblah in anticipation of Maut. Suddenly he saw a man on horseback standing by him. The man gave him water to drink and food to eat. He asked the buzrug: "Do you want to link up with the caravan?" The buzrug said: "Where is the caravan now? (i.e. the caravan is far ahead)." The man said: "Get up and walk a few steps." After he walked a few steps, the man said: "Wait here. The caravan must be approaching." Soon the buzrug saw the caravan approaching from the rear.
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