Funny Prisoner

Asma’i relates from his father that a prisoner was brought before ‛Abdul-Malik and was accused of having rebelled against the ruler.

‛Abdul-Malik said, "Strike his neck." The prisoner said, "O Commander of the Faithful, this should not be the reward that I receive from you. By Allah, I did not join the ranks of such and such person except because I cared about you and was looking out for your best interests. I am an unlucky man, and I have never fought side by side with a man, except that we were defeated. Throughout the years, I have been better for you than 1000 people on your side who cared about you. I was with such and such person and we were defeated, and then I was with such and such person and we were defeated..." He went on mentioning the people that were defeated by ‛Abdul-Malik.

‛Abdul-Malik laughed upon hearing this and freed the man.