The Blessing of Marriage: A Heartwarming Story of Sa’eed ibn Al-Musayyib

Embracing the Blessings of Marriage: Lessons from Sa’eed ibn Al-Musayyib

The Blessing of Marriage

Sa’eed ibn Al-Musayyib held a gathering attended by dozens, even hundreds, of righteous young men. One day, a young man among them stopped attending. When he returned after a few days, Sa’eed asked him, “Where have you been, Abu Wadah?”

The young man replied, “My wife passed away, and I have been busy with her burial and receiving condolences.”

Sa’eed, may Allāh have mercy on him, said, “Why did you not inform us so we could comfort you?”

Then he asked, “Have you considered what comes after? Have you thought of remarrying?”

The young man replied, “Who would marry me when I have only three dirhams to my name?”

Sa’eed responded, “Glory be to Allāh! Three dirhams cannot support a Muslim? Allāh is great—three dirhams cannot support a Muslim!”

The young man asked again, “Who would marry me?”

Sa’eed replied, “I will.”

The young man exclaimed, “The daughter of Sa’eed ibn Al-Musayyib, whom princes and ministers have sought in marriage and been turned away?”

Sa’eed replied, “Yes, I will marry her to you.” Then he called upon those present in the masjid.

After praising and thanking Allāh, Sa’eed said, “We have married so-and-so to so-and-so for two dirhams.” The contract was concluded, and I was overcome with joy—Sa’eed’s daughter!

I returned to my home in a state of utter happiness. It was near sunset, and as I was fasting, I took out some vinegar and bread to break my fast.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. I asked, “Who is it?”

The reply came, “It is Sa’eed.”

I thought of every Sa’eed I knew except for Sa’eed ibn Al-Musayyib, as he had not been seen outside the masjid or his house for forty years.

I opened the door, and there stood Sa’eed ibn Al-Musayyib.

I thought to myself, “He must have reconsidered.”

I said, “Why did you come? You could have summoned me, and I would have come to you.”

He replied, “It is only fitting that I come to you. You are a married man, and I feared you might spend the night alone. I would be accountable to Allāh if I left you single for this night.” 

Then, I noticed a figure standing behind him. He gently ushered her in, and she stumbled shyly. Sa’eed said, “May Allāh bless you and bring blessings upon you. Here is your wife.”

He added, “I pray that Allāh grants you harmony and success together.” Then, he departed.

As I looked upon her, I realised she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen.

I climbed to the roof of the house and called out to my neighbours, telling them, “Sa’eed ibn Al-Musayyib has married me to his daughter and brought her to me this very night. Come, stay with her while I inform my mother.”

When I reached my mother, she exclaimed, “I swear by Allāh, you shall not approach her for three days, until I can prepare her as a bride should be adorned.”

After three days, I found her even more beautiful than before. When she spoke, her words were graceful, and when she remained silent, her presence was captivating.

I spent a month with her, and all I saw was fasting and prayer. After a month, I wished to return to Sa’eed’s gathering.

She asked, “Where are you going?”

I replied, “To Sa’eed’s gathering to seek knowledge.”

She said, “Stay, for all of Sa’eed’s knowledge is with me.”

After a month, I attended Sa’eed’s gathering. When he saw me, he smiled but did not speak until the crowd had dispersed.

Then he called me over, and as I sat before him, he asked, “How is your guest?”

I replied, “In the best of states.”

He advised, “If you see anything displeasing, remember the stick.” Then, he handed me twenty thousand dinars, saying, “Use this to meet your needs, for both you and her.”

[سير أعلام النبلاء ترجمة سعيد ابن مسيب / ج٤ / ص : ٢٣٤]