A Lion Becomes Obedient!
The ruler of Egypt, Ahmad Bin Tuloon was notorious for his brutality and oppression. Hazrat Abul Hasan Bunaan Bin Ahmad (Rahmatullahi alaih), in the light of Rasulullah’s Hadith: “The noblest Jihad is to proclaim the truth in the presence of a tyrannical sultan.” went to Bin Tuloon and admonished him for his oppression.
Ibn Tuloon was furious. He ordered that Hazrat Abul Hasan be cast into prison. A lion was held hungry in captivity for a few days. A public announcement was made for the people to assemble on a certain day to observe the punishment which would be meted out to Hazrat Abul Hasan for his audacity – i.e. for his Amr Bil Ma’roof.
On the appointed day, a huge crowd had assembled to spectate the scene which was about to unfold. In the arena, Hazrat Abul Hasan was ushered with his hands tied. The cage was opened and the lion stormed out wildly and headed for Hazrat Abul Hasan. As the lion approached in proximity of Hazrat Abul Hasan, a wonderful scene astonished the crowd.
The lion went limp, sniffed Hazrat Abul Hasan, walked obediently around him, then went and sat at a distance. From the crowd burst out the cry of “La ilaha ill al laahu! Allaahu Akbar!”
Ibn Tuloon lowered his head in humiliation. He then ordered that Shaikh Abul Hasan (Rahmatullahi alaih) be set free with honour.
(Source: Subulas-Salaam, page 42)