In Egypt there is an area that is called Al Mousqie, now a part of Cairo. This is the story of how it came to be known as Al Mousqie.
In fact, it was originally called Al Misqi, from al misq – casturi, or perfume.
There is a maqaam there and the person buried in the maqaam is Imam al Misqi. In his time, Imam al Misqi was someone who made baskets and hand fans and such from the fronds of the date palm. People liked his product and would buy it from him. He would go from house to house selling these to earn a meagre living. He was wali’Allah, a very blessed person, but he was humble and no one realized his blessed stature. Being humble he did not advertise his inner feelings.
Anyway, one day he was walking along through the town carrying his goods and selling from house to house when he came to the house of a very wealthy woman. The woman saw him and told her maid to ask him to come into the house and she then dismissed all of her servants so they were alone in the room. He started to spread out his products and was listing the prices of each when she said: “I don’t want any of these. I want you. Now! To make love to me! Here!”
Al Misqi was startled. “Allahu Akbar” He knew he was trapped and was being asked to commit fornication (zina). And he is fully aware in his heart that Allah, Almighty and Glorious is He, is always watching him. He knew Allah, Almighty and Glorious is He, in his heart and never forgot and was never heedless of this fact. This was the test of his life. So he said to her: “I am not Zulaikha and you are not Maqdis!. This story will not be repeated.” But she insisted and pressed herself upon him. He found no way out.
Some people would say: “What to do? I have tried but I cannot avoid this. I must submit and Allah will understand.” This is something that is in ‘usul al fiqh’, the fundamental laws.
But al Misqi said: “OK. But allow me to go to the toilet to prepare myself.”. She consented to this.
He entered the toilet and looked around. “Ya Allah, Ya Malikal Mulk. Ya Zaljalali wal Ikhram. Ya Qayyum.” Of course he knows these names. When you ask “Ya Hay Ya Qayyum” Allah Akbar. But, if you don’t have belief in Hayul Qayyum, nothing will happen. But al Misqi knows who he is calling. Because Allah, Almighty and Glorious is He, has said: “Ask Me and I will answer you!”. Al Misqi said: “Ya Allah. How to do that while you are watching me. If is a test from You, if You are testing me through this, please, Ya Allah, do not blame me for what I am about to do.” Then he came to the night soil – shit – and wiped it all over his body. Allah forgive him, the najis – the dirt, night soil, shit. And then he returned to waiting lady.
What a fuss! With this foul smelling person coming back into the room. They immediately ejected him from the house.
Then he went home and took a bath to clean himself. He had been saved from the sin. And from that day until he died and even from his grave the smell of misque came from his body – even the corpse. Maa sha’Allah. And naturally, if you go to visit his grave they will not allow you to sprinkle any perfume on the grave. Just enter the grave area and the smell of misque is coming full strong and unmistakable.
