FUDAYL IBN 'IYADH: THE JOURNEY OF LOVE & REPENTANCE

In the famous work on history and biography, Siyar A’lam An-Nubala’ (lives of the noble figures) by Imam Az-Zahabi, the writer narrated a description about Fudayl Ibn Iyad, which said:

I have witnessed the most knowledgeable, pious and chaste of people; (they are) Waki’, Fudayl Ibn Iyad, and Ibn Mubarak

Fudayl Ibn Iyad is no stranger to our Islamic tradition He is a scholar and a virtuous figure who is known for his wisdom, trustworthiness, piety and spirituality. However, contrary to what many might think, he wasn’t born on a silver platter, nor was he brought up with a prestigious religious education. As a matter of fact, he was once the head of a highway robbery syndicate.

How did someone who is known for delinquency and misdeed not only turn over a new leaf but reach an excellent level of virtue and is remembered today for his immense contributions and good deeds? What could’ve motivated him to change? What were the hurdles he had to face?