Ibn Majishun رحمه الله was a distinguished scholar of the Maliki madhhab. One day, a friend of his came to visit and explained, "Today I had a unique encounter. I was walking towards my orchard when a stranger suddenly confronted me, demanding "Remove your clothing!"

I enquired, "Why?"

He replied, "Because I am your brother and do not have any clothing."

I asked in astonishment, "What type of a brother makes a demand of this nature?"

He replied, "You wore these clothes for a predestined period of time. Now it is my turn to wear them."

I then asked, "Do you want me to remove these clothes and become naked?"

He replied, "I have heard a hadeeth narrated by Imam Malik that performing ghusl (regulatory bath) whilst in the nude is permissible, and you are preceding to perform ghusl."

I asked, "But are you also requesting me to be naked in public?"

He replied, "This is a secluded place. Had I known that people would be passing by, I would not have made such a request."

I requested, "At least allow me to reach my orchard. From there I will send these clothes to you after removing them."

He replied, "Never! Once you reach your orchard, I suspect that you will send your servants to capture me."

I assured him, "No, I promise that I will not do so."

He continued, "I know that a promise made to a thief is null and void."

I pleaded, "I take an oath that I will send them to you willingly."

He waited a while and then answered, "I reflected upon the lives of all the thieves since the era of Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم, but I could not recall any of them dealing with their victims on credit. I, therefore, do not desire to introduce such a bid'ah (innovation)."

His explanation left me speechless. I removed my clothing and handed it over to him." [Kitabo Ki Darasga Me, p70]

* When a man is blinded by sin, he will resort to the most rediculous explanations and proofs to justify his wrongs.

* Incorrect or partial understanding of Islamic teachings is harmful. [Pearls from the Path]