Two men met on the road whilst traveling. One of them was Mugha from Kirmaan, and the other was Khushak from Isfahan.
Mugha was well equipped to travel – he had a mule, supplies, and was very comfortable, whilst Khushak was walking and in despair.
Mugha turned to Khushak and asked him about his beliefs. He replied that he believes in a deity who is the Lord of all. It was incumbent upon him to serve his deity and help his brethren, and all who were not of his creed were his enemies, and were like spoils of war for him.
Then Khushak asked Mugha about his creed. Mugha said that he believed in a deity who is the Lord of all creation. He is just, wise, and compassionate. It is incumbent upon those who believe in him to serve all mankind and work for their betterment, no matter what creed they ascribe to.
Upon hearing this, Khushak said “I don’t believe you are remaining true to your faith.” Mugha asked “How so?” He pointed out that “you are traveling in comfort, while I am in a hapless state. You should help me out.”
Mugha got off of his mule, laid a spread for Khushak and offered him food. Then Khushak complained “I am tired from walking for so long, let me ride your mule.”
Khushak got on the mule, while Mugha started walking. Once Khushak got comfortable, he raced ahead, leaving Mugha behind.
Mugha cried after him “Do not leave me here in the jungle to be eaten by wild animals!” Khushak did not even bother to look back.
Mugha became very depressed and wondered what he would now do. Then he remembered that his deity rewarded good deeds and punished ill ones. He continued walking until he saw his mule standing ahead, having bucked off Khushak, who was lying in a ditch with a broken neck.
Mugha got back on his mule and started to move ahead. Khushak called after him “Don’t leave me here to be eaten by wild animals! Take me with you!” Mugha replied, “why did you do what you did?” Khushak said “I cannot help it – it is ingrained in my nature, just as it is ingrained in yours to be kind and compassionate to all.”
Hearing this, Mugha felt for him and sat him on the mule with him, and took him to his home.
Mugha’s story spread through the land and all who heard it were surprised by Mugha’s good deeds.
This hikaayat conveys the message of Amirul Mumineen’s kalaam muneef ‘Do good towards those who have wronged you’. It is in accordance to this noble teaching that Awliyaullah have led their exemplary lives. Today Syedna al-Dai al-Ajal TUS on numerous occasions has recited this kalaam muneef and implored Mumineen to adhere to the angelic virtues it calls towards, be it in personal matters, family matters or social matters.
