1. Setting the Slave Free!

Sayyidunā Imam Ḥasan al-Mujtabā رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ was once eating with some guests. A slave was bringing a bowl of hot broth when it slipped from his hand, resulting in splashes falling upon the Imam رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ. Seeing this, the slave became terrified and, in a voice filled with embarrassment, recited this portion of verse 134 of Surah Āl ꜤImrān:

وَ  الْكٰظِمِیْنَ  الْغَیْظَ  وَ  الْعَافِیْنَ  عَنِ  النَّاسِؕ

and control rage, and forgive people.^[1]

The Imam رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ replied, "I have pardoned you."

The slave then recited the final part of the same verse:

وَ  اللّٰهُ  یُحِبُّ  الْمُحْسِنِیْنَۚ(۱۳۴)

and Allah loves the righteous.^[2]

The Imam رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ then said, "I have set you free for the sake of Allah."^[3]

2. Praying for the Oppressor

Once, Sayyidunā Ibrahīm b. Adhamرَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه  was travelling towards a desert when he encountered a soldier.

The soldier asked, "Are you a slave?"

He replied, "Yes."