In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

In another letter written to the governor Abu Abaydillah, Imam Al-Awzaa’ee [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated: To proceed: May Allah portion out for you protection against His displeasure and the state in which you are, and (protect) you in the intention you make to fulfil the right of one you are obliged to fulfil in that which you find a way for him- asking for relief on his behalf if he asks for help, and you are his hope (for this assistance) by the Permission of Allah (i.e. regarding that which Allah has placed within your ability by His Will).

Indeed, those people have not ceased asking for my intercession for them through you. I would not be able to give you advice on the day (of Judgement) when the punishment is meted out and the reckoning is witnessed; neither consider (good) deeds to be abundant nor consider a sin to be insignificant; so may Allah inspire you to remember Him and seek a means of approach to him by doing good deeds. Indeed, Yazid Bin Yahya Al-Khushani is in the custody of the “Al-Ameerul Mumineen” [The Leader of the believers (The khalifah)]- may Allah rectify him. He was one of Ibn Al-Azraq’s helpers, and I have not heard anything bad about him. He was accused and has stayed in there (i.e. prison) for a long time. If you consider (it to be something worthwhile, just, obligatory, etc)- may Allah have mercy on you- that there should be a letter from Mahdi to “The leader of the believers” – may Allah rectify him- mentioning his affair (i.e. Yazid) regarding that which we hope will save him from the situation he is in due to the harmful (effects) of imprisonment, then do so. May Allah help you to do good and make that to be the case with most of the affairs, and their (good effects) on you. Was-Salaamu alayka Warahmatullaah.

An Excerpt from “Muqaddimah Al-Jarh Wat-Tadeel” By Ibn Abee Haatim Ar-Raazee (rahimahullaah) 2/89-90

To be continued…InShaaAllah