The story of Sultan Selim and the Mufti

Sultan Selim ibn Bayazid was one of the greatest Sultans of the Ottoman Empire. In the year 920 of the Hijrah, he had defeated the Safavid Empire at Chaldiran, which made the Safavid ruler very depressed. Selim was well-respected for his fight against the Rafidhah of his time. But he was also infamous for his short temper. He often yelled orders to his servants and punished others unreasonably if they did not fulfil his orders correctly.

One day, Sultan Selim and the Mufti of the Ottoman Empire were on a short journey to the city of Edirne. They passed by a marketplace, and saw a long line of men who were tied up by rope. There were at least four hundred men, bound together in captivity. The Mufti was shocked by what he saw, and he asked Sultan Selim what they had done. The Sultan then said, “They disobeyed my orders, and went out to purchase silk, which I have forbidden for men to purchase. So, they are to be executed.” The Mufti informed the Sultan that such an action was not permissible.

The Sultan argued, “O Mawla, would it not be permissible to execute one third of the world's population, so that the remaining two thirds will live in order?” But the Mufti instead told him that it could lead to an even greater disorder. The Sultan insisted on trying to justify his own actions. He said, “Is there no greater disorder than violating an order which is given?” 

The Mufti told the Sultan, “You are the one who appointed trustees regarding silk, and hence the permission to buy silk was indirectly given. These men did not violate your orders.” Sultan Selim said angrily, “The affairs of the royalty is not part of your job!” But the Mufti told him that such matters were part of his Hereafter, and he also told him that intervening in the matter was part of his job. He then got off the horse and walked away without bidding Sultan Selim farewell.

Sultan Selim was so angry, he stopped his horse for a long time. The people in the marketplace had witnessed the entire conversation, and just stood in bewilderment at the scene that had just unfolded. They were amazed at how daring the Mufti was, to speak so boldly with the Sultan whom they feared because of his bad temper. After a while, the Sultan headed home.

Something changed in his mind, and the Sultan pardoned everyone when he had returned home. He gave orders for the captive men to be freed. The Sultan wrote an apology letter to the Mufti, apologizing for the rude behavior he exhibited earlier on. He also offered the Mufti a position in the Ottoman government, which was the chief Qadi of the Ottoman Empire. The Mufti accepted these offers, except that he did not allow the word “I ruled” to be said, due to his covenant with Allah. Sultan Selim gave the Mufti a lot of money as well, and over years, he increased his salary. The Sultan loved the Mufti a lot for his asceticism, piousness and wise advice.

Source:

Adapted from Ahmad Abdulnabi Al-Bakri's biography on Mawlana Ala al-Din al-Jamali, Sijjada Bakria database