The Incident of Hadhrat Mughiera bin Shu'ba and the Persian Ruler Dhul Haajibayn

Hadhrat Ma'qal bin Yasaar reports a lengthy narration concerning the conquest of Isfahaan which took place under the command of Hadhrat Nu'maan bin Muqarrin. Part of the narration states that when Hadhrat Nu'maan (and his army) arrived (at Isfahan), there was a river separating him from the city. Hadhrat Nu'maan sent Hadhrat Mughiera bin Shu'ba as an envoy.

The Persian ruler of the area was Dhul Haajibayn. He consulted with his courtiers saying, "Do you think that 1 should sit before him in battledress or with the pomp and splendour of a king?" When they advised him to rather sit with the pomp and ceremony of a king, he did so. He sat on his throne, placed his crown upon his head and was surrounded by two rows of his courtiers dressed in velvet and wearing earrings and bangles.

When Hadhrat Mughiera arrived, he walked briskly with his head lowered. He carried a spear and shield with him and started poking holes in the carpet upon which the courtiers stood in their rows. In this way, he tore the carpet so that the people may take it as an ill omen (a foreboding that their kingdom will also be tom apart).

Addressing Hadhrat Mughiera, Dhul Haajibayn said, 'You Arabs have been afflicted with starvation and hardships, because of which you have left your land (and come here). If you please, we shall supply you with grains and you may return to your land."

Hadhrat Mughiera then started to talk. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "We, the Arab people, used to consume carrion and although others wielded power over us, we never wielded power over anyone. Allaah then raised a Nabi from amongst us, who was amongst our most noble people, of the highest lineage and the most truthful. He promised us that these lands will fall to us and we have always found his promises to be true. Now that I have seen the exquisite garments you have here and the fine luxuries, I do not think that any of the people with me will want to leave without them ..." The narration still continues further.

Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.293).
Tabraani has reported a similar narration from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.6 pg 217)