An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
11. Islamic Values
~ 235 ~
“Why is it,” asked the Prophet, “that you sometimes
ride ahead of me and sometimes behind?” “When I
think of pursuers,” replied Abu Bakr, “I ride behind
you, but when my thoughts turn to those who may
be lying in ambush, I go on ahead.”
Abu Bakr was a well-known, widely traveled
merchant, and when he met any of his
acquaintances on the way, they would ask him who
his companion was. Then Abu Bakr would reply:
“A guide to show me the way.”
(AL-TABARANI)
MAKING STRAIGHT FOR THE HEREAFTER
AND LEAVING THE WORLD BY THE WAYSIDE
An ironsmith of Makkah, Suhayb Rumi by name,
having accepted Islam, emigrated to Madinah some
time after the Prophet had gone there. On leaving
Makkah, he was pursued and detained by a number
of the Quraysh. “You had nothing when you came
to us, Suhayb,” they reminded him, “and, by God,
we will not let you take away all your earnings with
you!” “Will you let me go if I hand over my
earnings to you?” asked Suhayb. They agreed to