Maulana Malik-ul-Ashtar was one of the companions of Amir-ul-Mumineen, Maulana Ali (SA). He was well known for his courage and valour. Courage has many forms and to forgive is one of them.

It is said that Maulana Malik-ul-Ashtar was once passing through a market, when a man tossed some stems at him. Maulana paid no heed to the person and continued on his way. In the meantime, someone told the bystander that the man who he had tried to hurt and tease was none other than Maulana Malik-ul-Ashtar (RA), the companion of Maulana Ali (SA).The man realized that he had committed a sin and became extremely frightened. He immediately went to find Maulana Malik-ul-Ashtar (RA) so that he could apologize to him.

The person found Maulana Malik-ul-Ashtar (RA) in a Masjid, praying. When Maulana Malik-ul-Ashtar (RA) completed his prayers, the man fell at his feet begging for forgiveness. Maulana Malik-ul-Ashtar (RA) replied, "Do not be afraid! It was only for your sake that I came to the Masjid to pray and to ask Allah to forgive you for what you did to me". Amazed at the benevolence of Maulana Malik-ul-Ashtar the person thanked him profusely.

Maulana Malik-ul-Ashtar's gesture was an excellent example of what our Maulana Ali said "Do good unto those who hurt you".