During the Khilafah of Haroon ar-Rasheed, there was a young Aalim who fearlessly commanded righteousness and prohibited evil. His attitude was determined by the Hadith of Sayyiduna Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم; “Never permit the fear of people to prevent you from proclaiming the Haqq (truth) when you are aware of it.”
Regardless of who the wrongdoer was, the young Aalim would not be deterred from admonishing him, be the transgressor the ruler. One day in his lecture, he severely criticised and admonished the Khalifa Haroon Ar-Rasheed. The Khalifah was greatly offended and angry. He ordered the young man to be imprisoned in a windowless dungeon. After enclosing him in the dungeon, even the door was sealed. The plan was that the young Aalim should perish in great suffering.
Someone reported to the Khalifa that the young Aalim was seen walking in a certain orchard. Haroon ar-Rasheed had him apprehended and brought to him. The Khalifa asked; “Who released you?” The Aalim replied; “The One who admitted me to the orchard.” The Khalifa then asked; “Who admitted you to the orchard?” The Aalim responded; “The One who released me from the prison.” The Khalifa said; “This is wonderful.” The Aalim said; “Which act of your Rabb is not wonderful?”
Khalifa Haroon ar-Rasheed was overcome with remorse. He sobbed profusely. He presented many gifts to the young Aalim and ordered that he be mounted on a royal horse and be honourably paraded through the streets with a proclaimer announcing; “Allah Ta’ala has honoured this servant. Haroon ar-Rasheed wanted to humiliate him, but he was constrained to honour him.”
(Haven of Serenity)