Chosen Saints of God and the Bigoted Mullas — Page 12
at his hand. He sent for Imam Maalik and commanded him that he must not publicly give his views against the validity of 'forced divorce'. But Imam was not the man to be cajoled or coerced to act contrary to the true teachings of the Holy Quran and continued to preach the truth. At this Suleman got infuriated and had him brought to the court like an ordinary criminal, his clothes were removed and was given seventy lashes on his back. His back was lacerated and both his arms were forcibly dislocated. Not being content with this, the tyrant ordered him to be taken round the city on the back of a camel. While sitting there on the back of the camel the Imam called to the people and said, "O ye who know me well, do understand my views, but those who do not know me, must hearken to me. . I am. Maalik, son of Ans and I do declare that 'forced divorce' is not valid and is unlawful". . The Imam then went to the sacred mosque of the Holy. Prophet in his blood-stained clothes and offered two ‘raka'ť' prayers. Then he turned towards those who were present there and said, "When Saeed son of Musayyab was also chastised like me, he came to this mosque and offered prayers. I have also done the same. "This chastisement was inflicted upon the. Imam to disgrace him in the public eye. But the reaction was quite the opposite. People began to hold him in greater esteem. . This incident occured in the year 147 Hijra". (Seerat-i-A'emma. Arb'ah by S. Raees Ahmad Jaffari: p. 293-294: 1955 edition) (5) HAZRAT IMAM SHAFA'EE (born 150 H. , died 204 Hijra) was greatly renowned for his scholarship. He ranks among the top rank Muslim scholars of all times. His knowledge of Traditions and jurisprudence was exceptional and extraordinary and his "Kitaab-ul-Umm" is indeed unique. For quite a long time the state religion of Egypt had been the concepts as interpreted by him. Due to the ignorance and fanaticism of his opposing. Mullas, he also had to face very grave charges. But he remained steadfast and did not budge an inch from his stand. Always with a smiling face he met all his trials. It is reported that the bigoted Mullas called him "even more dangerous than Iblees" (Satan). He was accused of conniving at Shia, views for which crime he was sent to the prison. The Mullas of Iraq and Egypt 12