The Story of Nasuh's Sincere Repentance

 The Story of Nasuh's Sincere Repentance

Nasuh was a man with feminine features—soft voice, no beard, and delicate appearance. Using his outward appearance to his advantage, he worked in women’s bathhouses, massaging women and cleaning their bodies. Everyone assumed he was a woman, unaware of his true identity. This work not only served as his livelihood but also allowed him to indulge in sinful desires. Though he often felt guilty and repented, he repeatedly broke his promises to change.

One day, the king’s daughter visited the bathhouse. After her bath and massage, she discovered that her precious jewel (a pearl or diamond) was missing. The princess ordered everyone to be searched. Fearful of being exposed, Nasuh hid. Terrified, he sincerely prayed to God, begging for forgiveness and promising never to return to such work. While he prayed, news came that the jewel had been found, and Nasuh was spared humiliation. With tearful eyes, he left the bathhouse and vowed to leave his sinful ways forever.

When Nasuh stopped going to the bathhouse, the princess summoned him for a massage. He refused, making an excuse about pain in his hands. Realizing that staying in the city would lead him back to temptation, he gave away all the wealth he had earned through sinful means to the poor and left the city. He settled on a distant hill, devoting himself to the worship of God.

One day, he saw a stray buffalo grazing nearby. Thinking it might belong to a shepherd, he decided to care for it until its owner came looking. A few days later, a trade caravan lost its way and arrived near Nasuh’s dwelling. The travelers were parched and exhausted. Nasuh milked the buffalo and offered them milk, quenching their thirst. Grateful for his kindness, the traders gave Nasuh valuable gifts before leaving. With the money, Nasuh dug a well in the area.

Over time, people began settling in the area, and a village grew around him. The villagers held Nasuh in high esteem for his generosity and virtue. Eventually, word of his righteousness reached the king. The king, intrigued, sent a message inviting Nasuh to his court. Nasuh humbly declined, saying he was too busy. The king, astonished by this humility, decided to visit Nasuh himself.

As the king approached the area, God commanded the Angel of Death to take the king’s soul. Since the king had come as a devotee of Nasuh, and the people revered Nasuh’s piety, he was chosen as the new ruler. Nasuh established a kingdom based on justice and fairness.

Remarkably, the same princess whom he had feared to touch in his previous sinful life later married him. One day, as Nasuh was resolving disputes in his court, a man appeared, claiming he had lost his buffalo years ago. He pleaded for help.

Nasuh replied, “The buffalo you lost is with me. Everything I have today is because of it.” Nasuh ordered that half of his wealth be given to the man.

Suddenly, the man revealed, “I am neither human nor was that a buffalo. We are angels sent by God to test you. Everything you have is a reward for your sincere repentance. May God bless you.” The angels disappeared.

This is why heartfelt and genuine repentance is called "Tawba-e-Nasuh" (Nasuh’s Repentance). In historical records, Nasuh is remembered as one of the great worshippers of the Israelites.