Do you think there is no authority in this world?

Do you think there is no authority in this world?" His loud voice drew the attention of the pas- sers by, and a huge crowd gathered. Whoever came 2 8 bowed down with reverence before the old man and saluted him by saying "Peace be on you O Comman- der of the Fiathfuls" When the rude young man realised as to whom he was talking with, he trembled and supplicated, "O Ameerul Moumineen! forgive me.

I confess my faults and promise that henceforth I shall obey my wife." Ali turned to the woman and told her to go in the house and cautioned her not to behave in such a manner that her husband had to be angry again. The Son Of Hatim Before the advent of Islam, there were in Arabia autonomous tribal chiefs. The people were used to the rule of their chiefs and obeyed them; and often paid them tributes and taxes.

The well- known generous Hatim, of the tribe of Tai, was one of the tribal chiefs of Arabia. His son, Adi, succeeded him after his death and the Tribe submit- ted to his rule. He was taxing them to the extent of one-fourth of their income every year. His lordship coincided with the advent of the Prophet. The Tai tribes were idol-worshippers, but him- self was a Christian, but kept his beliefs secret from his people.

The people, after being acquainted with the liberal teachings of Islam, felt themselves relieved from the burden of their lords who had hitherto imposed their rule upon the people. Owing to this fact, Adi, like other lords used to look upon Islam as the greatest danger for himself; and was harbouring enmity against the Prophet. But the die 30 was cast. People were embracing Islam in increasing- ly large numbers; and the religion of Allah was ad- vancing day by day.

He knew that the day was near when the Muslims would come looking for him also, and that would be the end of his lordship. He therefore, instructed his special steward, a slave, to always keep strong and light-footed camels ready near his camp and to remain watchful.

One day the slave came to him and said, "Make whatever arrangements you want to make as the Muslims are very close." Adi mounted his family on the camels and took whatever valuables and luggage he could take, and escaped to Damascus where the people were of his religion. But in the confusion, he forgot to take his sister, Safana with him; and she was left behind. The Muslims defeated the tribe in the battle; and some were made captives.