Islamic Stories - Story of a Wrestler Junaid Baghdadi

Junaid Baghdadi earned his livelihood as a professional wrestler. As
was the norm, the Leader of Baghdad announced one day,"Today, Junaid
Baghdadiwill demonstrate his skills as a wrestler, is there anyone to
challenge him." An elderly man shakily stood up with his neck
quivering and said, "I will enter the contest with him."
Whoever was witness to this scene could not contain themselves,
theyburst out howling with laughter, clapping their hands. The King
was bound by the law. He could not stop someone who of his own free
will entered the bout. The elderly man was given the permission to
enter the ring. He was about sixty-five years old. When Junaid
Baghdadi entered the ring, he wasdumbfounded as was the King and all
the spectators of the Kingdom who were present. The single thought
that occupied their minds was, "How will this old man be able to
fight?"
The old man addressed Junaid with these words,"Lend me your ears." He
then whispered, "I knowit is not possible for me to win this bout
against you, but I am a Sayyid, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). My children are starving at home. Are you
prepared to sacrifice your name, your honour and position for the love
of Allah's Prophet and lose this bout to me? If you do this I will be
able to collect the prize money and thereby have the means to feed my
children and myself for an entire year. I will be able to settle all
my debts and above all, the master of both the worlds will be pleased
with you. Are you, Oh Junaid, not willing to sacrifice your honour
forthe sake of the children of Rasulullah (peace be upon him)?"
Junaid Baghdadi thought to himself,"Today, I have an excellent opportunity."
In a display of fervour Junaid Baghdadi executed a couple of
maneuvers, demonstrating his finesse so that the King does not suspect
any conspiracy. Junaid with a great display of antics did not use his
strength and allowed himself to be dropped. The elderly man mounted
his chest thus entitling him to the prize.
That night, Junaid Baghdadi had a dream of Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him) who said, "Oh Junaid, you have sacrificed your honour, your
nationally acclaimed fame, your name and position which was heralded
throughout Baghdad in the expression of your love for my children
whowere starving. As of today, your name is recorded in the register
of the Auliya (friends of Allah)."
Thereafter, this great wrestler learnt to defeat his nafs (desires)
and became one of the most eminent Auliya of his time!