Imam Nawawi’s devotion was not confined to prayer mats and lecture halls. His piety was not a retreat—it was a stance. Alongside his teaching and worship, he believed that standing with the people in their moments of hardship was itself an act of worship.
For Nawawi, silence in the face of oppression was not an option. Especially when rulers grew tyrannical or power was used to trample the weak, he rose like a lion from stillness.
We’ve already glimpsed his confrontation with the Sultan Baybars—a moment where Nawawi refused to sign a legal verdict (fatwa) allowing the ruler to seize people’s wealth. But the matter didn’t end there.
When he was denied the opportunity to speak in person, Nawawi picked up his pen—and from that pen flowed a fire wrapped in wisdom.
Here’s a distilled essence of that letter, which history preserved: To the Sultan, peace be upon you—I write to you regarding the safety of the people’s wealth.
The Qur’an says, “Remind, for indeed, reminders benefit the believers.”
It also commands: “Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and aggression.”
This religion is built on concern for the people. And that applies to kings as well.
Be gentle with the believers. For the Prophet ﷺ said:“You are supported by the prayers of your weak ones.”
He also said: “Whoever relieves a Muslim’s burden in this world, Allah will relieve his burden in the next.”
And: “Whoever helps his brother, Allah will help him.”
If someone is entrusted with the people’s affairs, he must treat them with mercy—otherwise he will be treated accordingly.
The Prophet ﷺ warned:“Each of you is a shepherd, and each will be questioned about his flock.”
Justice will elevate you—on earth and in the hereafter. The Prophet ﷺ said:“Those who are just will be upon pulpits of light on the Day of Judgment.”
You are, O King, a blessing to your people. Through you, enemies tremble. May Allah preserve that for you.
But power is a trust. And for every trust, there is accountability. Gratitude brings increase. Oppression brings ruin. Your recent policies have burdened the Muslims. It is not permissible to continue on this path.
Rule in accordance with the dīn. Treat your subjects with dignity.
Among them are orphans, widows, the poor, the pious—those by whose duʿāʾ we live and breathe.
If a ruler treats such people with harshness, the consequences will be dire.
Support the Muslims, and Allah will support you. Love them, and Allah will love you. Make them smile, and Allah will shower you with joy.
Secure their livelihoods. If you deal kindly with them, you will earn the Prophet’s prayer, and blessing (barakah) in all your affairs.
Let us begin with justice—because the reward for it will last until the Day of Judgment.
May Allah grant you the fortune to choose what is right.
Wa al-salām. All praise belongs to Allah, who guides toward righteousness.
Imam al-Dhahabī notes: “Imam Nawawi was unmatched in speaking for the good. He feared no blame, no backlash, no death. Whether facing a sultan, a scholar, or a tyrant—he would speak the truth, openly, plainly, fearlessly.”
This letter is not just a document. It is a moment in Islamic history when moral courage stood taller than a crown. Al-Khuṭṭub al-Yūnīnī confirms: “Time and again, Imam Nawawi raised his voice before Sultan Baybars for the sake of justice.”
He did not ask for honor.
He did not ask for protection.
He only asked that power bend itself to compassion, accountability, and the weight of the Divine Word.
And that—more than all his books—may be the most enduring page of Imam Nawawi’s legacy.
