The Quran is a profound source of guidance and wisdom, filled with stories that illuminate the path of faith, perseverance, and moral integrity. One such inspiring narrative is the story of the Boy and the King—a tale that epitomizes unwavering belief in the face of oppression and the miraculous power of divine intervention. This story not only highlights the eternal struggle between truth and tyranny but also serves as a timeless reminder of the virtues of steadfastness and the ultimate triumph of faith.
In this article, we explore the rich details of this compelling story, delving into its significance within Islamic teachings and its relevance to believers today. We will also touch upon other significant Quranic narratives that offer profound lessons and insights. Join us on this journey through these sacred tales, as we uncover the enduring messages they hold and reflect on the moral and spiritual lessons they impart.
The Story of the Boy and the King
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Among the people who came before you, there was a king who had a sorcerer. When that sorcerer became old, he said to the king:
‘I have become old, and my time is nearly over, so please send me a boy whom I can teach magic.’
So he sent him a boy, and the sorcerer taught him magic. Whenever the boy went to the sorcerer, he sat with a monk who was on the way, listened to his speech, and admired them.
So when he went to the sorcerer, he passed by the monk and sat with him; and on visiting the sorcerer, the latter would thrash him. So the boy complained about this to the monk. The monk said to him, ‘Whenever you are afraid of the sorcerer, say to him: “My people kept me busy.” And whenever you are afraid of your people, say to them: “The sorcerer kept me busy.”‘”
The boy carried on like that for some time. One day, a huge and terrible creature appeared on the road, blocking the way for the people. The boy said:
“Today I shall know whether the sorcerer is better or the monk is better.”
He took a stone and prayed:
“O Allah! If the deeds and actions of the monk are more pleasing to You than those of the sorcerer, then kill this creature so that the people can cross the road.”
He threw the stone, killing the creature. People were amazed and could pass by freely. The boy informed the monk about this incident. The monk said:
“O my son! Today you are better than I, and you have achieved what I see! You will be put to trial. If you are tested, do not reveal my identity.”
Curing the Blind: A Testament of Faith
The boy began to heal people suffering from blindness, leprosy, and other diseases by Allah’s permission. A courtier of the king, who had become blind, heard about the boy. He brought gifts and said:
“All these gifts are for you if you cure me.”
The boy replied:
“I do not cure anyone; it is only Allah who cures. If you believe in Allah and pray to Him, He will cure you.”
The courtier believed, prayed, and Allah restored his sight.
When the courtier returned to the king, the king was astonished and asked who had restored his sight. The courtier declared his faith in Allah. Enraged, the king tortured him until he revealed the boy’s identity.
The King’s Wrath and Divine Protection
The boy was summoned, and the king demanded he renounce his faith. The boy refused. The king attempted to kill him multiple times, but Allah saved him each time. Finally, the boy told the king:
“You will not be able to kill me unless you do as I instruct.”
He instructed the king to gather the people, tie him to a tree, and say:
“In the Name of Allah, the Lord of the boy,”
before shooting an arrow at him. The king did so, and the boy died.
Witnessing this, the people proclaimed:
“We believe in the Lord of the boy!”
Realizing his plan backfired, the king ordered trenches filled with fire to be dug. He commanded those who refused to renounce their faith to be thrown into the flames. A woman hesitated, but her infant spoke:
“Be patient, mother! For you are upon the truth.”
The People of the Ditch
This event is referenced in the Quran:
“Cursed were the People of the Ditch—of fire fed with fuel—when they sat by it, and they witnessed what they were doing against the believers. And they resented them not except because they believed in Allah, the Almighty, Worthy of all praise!”
(Al-Buruj 85:4-8)
Historical Context
According to historical accounts recorded by Muhammad ibn Ishaq in his Book of Sirah, the king who persecuted the believers was known as Dhu Nuwas, whose personal name was Zur’ah and was also called Yusuf during his reign. He was the son of Tuban As’ad Abi Karib, the ruler who once invaded Al-Madinah and placed a covering over the Ka’bah. Dhu Nuwas was influenced by two Jewish rabbis from Al-Madinah whom his father had brought with him.
Under the guidance of these rabbis, some people of Yemen adopted Judaism. However, when the people of Najran embraced Christianity following the teachings inspired by the boy, Dhu Nuwas became enraged. He offered them a choice: accept Judaism or face death. They chose to remain steadfast in their Christian faith. In response, Dhu Nuwas ordered trenches to be dug and filled with fire, where he massacred approximately twenty thousand believers in a single morning. This atrocity is known as the event of the “People of the Ditch,” referenced in Surah Al-Buruj.
Only one man, known as Daws Dhu Tha’laban, managed to escape. He fled on horseback and sought assistance from Caesar, the emperor of Byzantium (Ash-Sham). Caesar directed him to An-Najashi, the King of Abyssinia (Ethiopia), who was a Christian ruler. An-Najashi dispatched an army led by generals Aryat and Abrahah to Yemen. They defeated Dhu Nuwas, rescuing Yemen from his oppressive rule. Dhu Nuwas tried to flee but ultimately perished in the sea.
The Aftermath
Following these events, Yemen came under Abyssinian Christian rule for about seventy years. Later, a Yemeni noble named Sayf ibn Dhi Yazan Al-Himyari sought assistance from Kisra, the king of Persia, to expel the Abyssinians. Kisra sent an army comprising around seven hundred men, many of whom were prisoners. With this force, Sayf Al-Himyari succeeded in reclaiming Yemen, restoring the kingdom to the people of Himyar (the Yemenis).
Conclusion
The story of the Boy and the King serves as a powerful reminder of unwavering faith and the trials believers may face. It highlights the ultimate victory of truth over tyranny and the everlasting impact of genuine belief in Allah. The historical context provided by scholars like Ibn Ishaq enriches our understanding of these events and their significance in Islamic history.
