The Clear Truth

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

Once, Shaykh Bayazid Thayfur ibn ‘Isa al-Bisthami (q.s.) was going on a journey when a Christian accompanied him.  When it was time for the mid-day meal, Shaykh Bayazid (q.s.) suggested to his companion that he should go to the village at hand and have food.  The Christian said, “No, Bayazid you are a godly person.  Pray to God that He may Furnish the food here.” 

Shaykh Bayazid (q.s.) offered two raka’at of swalah nafl and begged of Allah (s.w.t.), “My Lord!  This man wants to test my religion.  Please, protect its good name so that I may not be put to shame.  Kindly arrange for our food.”  He had hardly finished his prayer when a person appeared with four loaves of bread and some broth.  Both of them ate to their fill and resumed their journey. 

In the evening the Christian companion said that he would arrange for the supper.  He also realised his hands in prayers and at once appeared a man with eight loaves of bread and double quantity of broth.  Shaykh Bayazid (q.s.) was wonder-struck and asked him what he had prayed for.  The Christian replied that first he should be converted to Islam and then he would disclose the details of the prayer.  At this, Shaykh Bayazid (q.s.) converted him to Islam. 

The companion related that he had prayed like this: “O Lord!  If Islam is a true religion and you are kind to Bayazid, provide us with the double quantity of food that we had at midday.  So the response to my prayer is obvious.” 

No man tests our religion except that Allah (s.w.t.) tests our faith in His Goodness such that we see Allah (s.w.t.) in every action.  Even the Christian taught Shaykh Bayazid (q.s.) to see God in all and think good thoughts.