Imam Hatim al-Asam رحمه الله – Finding the Real Enemy
Demise: 237 AH
Imam Hatim al-Asam رحمه الله was among the pious people of this Ummah. He was also the student of Shaqeeq al-Balkhi رحمه الله and was known for his Zuhd (not having any interest for the things of this world).
He was very wise, due to which he was called the ‘Luqmaan of this Ummah’.
The following is an example of his amazing wisdom:
Abu Turab رحمه الله reports that Imam Hatim al-Asam رحمه الله once explained how he took Shaytaan as his enemy.
He says: I found that every person had an enemy, so I thought let me see who my enemy is.
While searching, I concluded that my enemy is not the one who backbites me or takes something from me. Rather, my enemy is the one who tells me to disobey Allah Ta’ala.
For this reason, I decided to make Iblees (Shaytan) and his army of soldiers my enemy and I set out to wage war against them.
I drew my arrows (in his direction), and made sure to never let him come near me.
(Hilyat al-Awliya’)
