Could you mention the reference for this incident?
On one occasion, Zaynul ‘Aabidin (rahimahullah) was performing wudu while his slave girl was assisting him by pouring the water onto his limbs from a pitcher. As she was pouring the water, it so happened that the pitcher fell from her hand, striking Zaynul ‘Aabidin (rahimahullah) on his head and injuring him. On suffering the injury, Zaynul ‘Aabidin (rahimahullah) looked up at the slave girl (in anger).
The slave girl addressed him saying, “Allah Ta’ala mentions (while describing the people of taqwa):
وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ
“And those who suppress their anger”
As soon as he heard this, Zaynul ‘Aabidin (rahimahullah) responded, “I have suppressed my anger.”
The slave girl then continued reciting the verse,
“وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ”
“And those who forgive people”
Hearing this, Zaynul ‘Aabidin (rahimahullah) submitted, “(I have forgiven you), may Allah Ta’ala forgive you.”
Finally, the slave girl recited:
“وَاللَّـهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ”
“And Allah Ta’ala loves those who do good.”
When he heard this, Zaynul ‘Aabidin (rahimahullah) replied, “Go, for I have set you free!”
Answer
Imams Bayhaqi and Ibn ‘Asakir (rahimahumallah) have recorded this incident.
(Shu’abul Iman, 7964, Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 41 pg. 387)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar