Earth bore witness

One person unlawfully claimed possession over the land of Sayyiduna Baba Fareeduddin Mas’ood Ganj Shakar رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه in the court of the governor of the city. Therefore, the governor sent him [Baba Fareeduddin] the message to prove his ownership over the land. He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه replied, ‘Ask people whose land it is?’ The governor did not get satisfied with the answer and demanded him to present the proof. Sayyiduna Baba Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه said, ‘Neither do I have any written proof, nor any witness. If you want to ascertain the truth, then ask from the same piece of land.’

The governor was stunned upon listening to this answer. Hence, he went to that very part of the land himself. A huge crowd of people gathered around. The governor asked the piece of land, “O land! Say who is your owner?’ The piece of land loudly proclaimed, ‘I am under the ownership of Sayyiduna Baba Fareed Ganj Shakar رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه from a long time.’ Listening to this              voice left the governor and all the attendees stunned. (Siyar-ul-Aqtaab - translated, pp. 194)

Dear Islamic brothers! From this parable, we come to know that even the earth is under the command of the chosen people of Allah Almighty. Moreover, these sacred personalities even command the earth to be their witness as and when needed. Furthermore, we also get the following Madani pearl that we shall never unlawfully occupy anyone’s possessions. Allah Almighty states in part 2, Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah no. 188:

وَ لَا تَاْكُلُوْۤا اَمْوَالَكُمْ بَیْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ                     

Translation from Kanz-ul-Iman: And do not unfairly consume the wealth of each other.

Dear Islamic brothers! In this blessed Ayah, taking over someone’s possessions unlawfully has been declared Haraam. There are different ways of it:

 ٭Snatching someone’s wealth

٭ Stealing someone’s wealth