The Cruelty and Tragic End of Hajjaj bin Yusuf

The Cruelty and Tragic End of Hajjaj bin Yusuf

Hajjaj bin Yusuf was a Hafiz of the Quran. He used to recite 10 parts of the Quran in one unit of Tahajjud prayer, led congregational prayers, and stayed away from alcohol and adultery. However, he was extremely cruel. When his death came, it was a lesson for all.

The Martyrdom of Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair (RA)

Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair (RA), a great Tabi’i (successor of the Companions), once said while delivering a sermon, “Hajjaj is a tyrant.”

When Hajjaj heard about this, he called Hazrat Saeed (RA) to his court and asked, “Did you say this about me?”

Hazrat Saeed (RA) replied, “Yes, you are indeed a tyrant.”

Hajjaj became furious and ordered his execution. As Hazrat Saeed (RA) was being taken out for execution, he smiled.

Hajjaj asked, “Why are you smiling?”

He replied, “I am smiling at your foolishness and how Allah is giving you time.”

When the executioner placed a knife on his neck, Hazrat Saeed (RA) turned his face toward the Qibla and said:

“O Allah, my face is turned toward You, and I am pleased with Your decision. Hajjaj has no power over life and death.”

Hajjaj ordered, “Turn his face away from the Qibla.”

Hazrat Saeed (RA) then said:

“O Allah, You are everywhere. Whether they turn me east or west, You rule over all directions.”

Before being martyred, Hazrat Saeed (RA) prayed:

“O Allah, make my death his last act of oppression. Do not let him harm anyone after me.”

As soon as he said this, he was executed. His blood flowed so much that the floor of the court was soaked. A wise man in the court said, “So much blood flows only when a person happily sacrifices himself for Allah’s pleasure.”

The Curse of Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair (RA)

After Hazrat Saeed's martyrdom, Hajjaj could not sleep peacefully. Every time he slept, he would see Hazrat Saeed (RA) in his dreams, grabbing him and asking, “O enemy of Allah! Why did you kill me? What wrong did I do to you?”

Hajjaj would wake up in fear, saying, “What has happened to me and Saeed?”

The Punishment and Death of Hajjaj

Hajjaj was struck by a deadly disease called Zamhariri. His body would shiver with intense cold from the inside, while on the outside, he burned with fever. People placed burning coal near him, so close that his skin burned, but he still felt cold.

Doctors diagnosed him with stomach cancer. One doctor tied a piece of meat to a thread and passed it down Hajjaj’s throat. When he pulled it out, strange worms clung to the meat, and a horrible smell spread over a mile. The courtiers ran away in disgust. Even the doctor tried to escape.

Hajjaj said, “Where are you going? Treat me!”

The doctor replied, “Your disease is not from this world. It is a punishment from Allah. Seek forgiveness from Him.”

When all treatments failed, Hajjaj called Hazrat Hasan Basri (RA) and requested him to pray for his recovery.

Hazrat Hasan Basri (RA) saw his condition and wept, saying:

“I warned you not to harm Allah’s pious servants, but you did not listen.”

Hajjaj was now suffering both inside and out. He had completely broken down. Just 40 days after the martyrdom of Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair (RA), Hajjaj himself died.

Before his death, he called his relatives, but they approached him with disgust. He told them:

“When I die, bury me at night and erase all traces of my grave, or people will not let me rest even in my grave.”

The next morning, his stomach burst, and he died in a miserable state.

A Lesson for All

Allah gives the oppressor time, but when He finally holds them accountable, even the angels tremble in fear, and the Throne of Allah shakes.

May Allah protect us all from the oppression of tyrants. Ameen.