Amirul-Mu`minin, Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu armour had been stolen. One day, while walking through the market place, he recognized his armour in the possession of a Yahud. He went up to the Yahud and said: “This is my armour.” The Yahud retorted: “Bring witnesses to prove it. Alternatively, file a law suit.”
Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu proceeded to Qari Shureh Radiyallahu anhu and laid a charge of theft against the Yahud. The case came before the Qazi. Both plaintiff and defendant presented themselves in front of the Qazi on an equal footing.
Qazi Shureh Radiyallahu anhu without being overawed by the presence of Amirul-Mu`minin, Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu, seated himself with the pomp that the situation demanded. Calmly, without any trace of discomfiture or panic, he started his questioning. He asked the Yahud: “Does the armour belong to Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu?” The Yahud flatly denied it.
Thereupon Qari Shureh Radiyallahu anhu turned to Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu and calmly requested: “Bring witnesses to support your claim.”
Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu produced two witnesses. One was his son, Imam Hasan Radiyallahu anhu and the other was his freed slave, whose name was Qambar. In his opinion, the evidence of these two was acceptable in the Islamic law court. However, Qazi Shureh Radiyallahu anhu differed in his understanding of the law related to the acceptability of witnesses. In his opinion, the evidence of the son in favour of his father was not acceptable. He, thus, rejected the evidence of Imam Hasan Radiyallu anhu accepting the evidence of the freed slave only.
Qazi Shureh Radiyallahu anhu addressed Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu: “Bring another witness in place of Imam Hasan Radiyallahu anhu. The evidence of your slave, seeing he has been freed, is accepted. Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu replied: “I have no other witnesses.” Because of a lack of sufficient evidence – a second acceptable witness Qazi Shureh Radiyallahu anhu dismissed Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu claim, acting according to the Shariah and not according to his personal i`tiqad (faith and confidence) on the truthfulness of Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu.
The Yahud, in the meantime, was observing the whole proceedings with full attention. On leaving the courtroom, he watched intently to see the reaction of Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu. There was not even a flicker of annoyance on Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu face. Not a word of displeasure passed his lips at the verdict, despite being “Asadullah” – “The Lion of Allah Ta’ala – the title that he earned for his ferociousness and courage in jihad against the kuffar.
Coming out of his reverie, the Yahud addressed Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu thus: “The reality of the situation has become quite clear to me, that your religion is a true one and your attitude is its effect on you.” The Yahud continued: “Here take it – this armour is yours! And I herewith proclaim that I bear witness that there is no diety worthy of worship except Allah Ta’ala and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.
Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu said: “I, in turn, present this armour to you!” The net outcome was that the Yahud became a Muslim. He remained with Hadhrat Ali Radiyallahu anhu until a day came where he became shahid in a battle (i.e. he was martyred).
