Habib al-Ajami [quddisa sirruhu] began his life as a wealthy moneylender in Basra, navigating the murky waters of interest and debt collection. Each day, he ventured out to reclaim loans, charging a fee if no repayment was made, ensuring his daily sustenance. One fateful day, he arrived at a debtor’s home only to find the man absent. The debtor’s wife, in desperation, offered him the remains of a slaughtered animal, stating, “This is all that remains in the house. It is stale, but if you wish, you may take it in recompense for your effort.” Habib accepted. Returning home, he instructed his wife to prepare it, only to be told that there was no bread or firewood. Undeterred, Habib set out again, employing similar tactics to procure what was needed.
As the meal was being prepared, a beggar's voice echoed from outside. Habib harshly rebuked him, saying, “For years we’ve given to you, and yet you remain poor while we grow destitute!” The beggar, crushed, departed. When Habib’s wife approached the pot to check the food, she found it had turned to blood. Stricken with fear, she cried out, “Look what has happened because of your harsh words to the beggar!”
This event pierced Habib’s heart. The next day, he resolved to collect his debts for the last time, intending never to engage in usury again. On his way, he heard children playing and warning one another: “Move away, lest the dust from Habib the usurer taints us and brings misfortune!” These words struck him deeply, and he diverted his path to attend a sermon by Hasan al-Basri [quddisa sirruhu]. The profound impact of the sermon left him overwhelmed, and he repented on the spot.
Later, when he encountered one of his debtors attempting to evade him, Habib called out, “Do not run! In the past, you had reason to flee from me, but now it is I who should flee from you.” On his return, the children cried out, “Clear the way, lest the dust of the repentant Habib taints us and brings sin upon us!” Humbled, he prayed, “O Lord, in just one hour of reconciliation with You, You have transformed my name into one of honor and caused hearts to proclaim my redemption.”
Habib gathered his debtors, relinquished all claims, and distributed his wealth. Having surrendered everything, he embraced a life of worship, dedicating his days to studying under Hasan al-Basri [quddisa sirruhu] and his nights to devotions in solitude.
The Sustenance of the Divine
Unable to recite the Qur’an fluently, he earned the nickname "al-Ajami" (the non-Arabic). Despite his humble beginnings, his wife once remarked on their dire need for provisions. Habib reassured her,
- My employer is generous. I am too shy to ask, but when the time is right, He will provide.
True to his words, on the tenth day, three porters and a radiant youth arrived at his home. They delivered oil, honey, meat, and a pouch of 300 dirhams, saying,
- Your employer sends his regards and asks that you increase your efforts, for He will increase your rewards.
When Habib returned home to the aroma of cooking, his wife exclaimed,
- Whoever you work for is truly generous and kind! He has sent provisions and asked you to continue your service.
Habib marveled,
- If this is the reward for ten days of effort, how much more will He bestow if I dedicate my life to Him?
Thus, he turned entirely to Allah, becoming one of the most esteemed servants of his time.
Protection of Hasan al-Basri
Once, Hasan al-Basri [quddisa sirruhu] sought refuge in Habib’s lodge while being pursued by the tyrant Hajjaj’s soldiers. When asked of Hasan’s whereabouts, Habib replied truthfully,
- He is inside.
The soldiers searched thoroughly but found nothing. Upon their departure, Hasan emerged, bewildered, saying,
- Why did you reveal my location? Habib replied,
- Through my truthfulness, you were saved. Had I lied, we would both have been destroyed.
When asked how he had concealed Hasan from their sight, Habib explained,
- I recited Ayat al-Kursi, Amana al-Rasul, and Surah Ikhlas ten times each, and then entrusted you to Allah’s care.
His Sayings
Habib al-Ajami’s life was a testament to the transformative power of repentance, sincerity, and reliance on Allah. Among his sayings are:
- Do not remain idle, for death is ever in pursuit.
- True happiness is for the one whose sins die with them when they depart this world.
Through his unwavering faith and dedication, Habib became a luminous beacon of guidance, inspiring generations to find solace in divine mercy and the path of righteousness.
