The Wrestler

Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (R.A) earned his livelihood as a professional wrestler. He was a wrestler for the leader of Baghdad.

As was the norm, the leader of Baghdad announced one day, “Today, My Junaid will demonstrate his skills as a wrestler, is there anyone to challenge him”.

An elderly man shakily stood up with his neck quivering and said, “I will enter the contest with him”.

Whoever was witness to this scene could not contain themselves; they burst out howling with laughter, clapping their hands. The King was bound by law. He could not stop someone who, of his own free will entered the bout. The elderly man was given the permission to enter the ring. He was about sixty-five years old.

When Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (R.A) entered the ring, he was dumbfounded as was the King and all the spectators of the Kingdom who were present. The single thought that occupied their minds was, “How will this old man be able to fight?”

The old man addressed Hazrat Junaid (R.A) with these words, “Lend me your ear”. He then whispered, “I know it is impossible for me to win this bout against you, but I am a Sayyid (a descendant of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W))”.

Then he said, “My children are starving at home. Are you prepared to sacrifice your name, your honour and position for the love of Allah’s Prophet (S.A.W) and lose this bout to me? If you do this I will be able to collect the prize money and thereby have the means to feed my children and myself for an entire year”.

He further said, “I will be able to settle all my debts and above all, the Master of both the worlds will be pleased with you. Are you, Oh Junaid, not willing to sacrifice your honour for the sake of the children of Rasoolullah (S.A.W)?”

Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (R.A) thought to himself, “Today, I have an excellent opportunity to please Allah (S.W.T) and His Blessed Rasool (S.A.W) ”.

In a display of passion Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (R.A) executed a couple of manoeuvres, demonstrating his skills so that the King does not suspect any conspiracy. Hazrat Junaid (R.A) with a great display of antics did not use his strength and allowed himself to be dropped. The elderly man mounted his chest thus entitling him to the prize.

That very night, Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (R.A) had a dream of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) who said, “Oh Junaid, you have sacrificed your honour, your nationally acclaimed fame, your name and position, which was recognized throughout Baghdad, for the love of my children (descendant) who were starving. As of today, your name is recorded in the register of the Auliya-Allah (Friends of Allah (S.W.T))”.

Thereafter, this great wrestler learnt to defeat his Nafs (Desires) and became one of the most eminent personality of his time!