The Story of Sultan Iskandar Shah Testing the Ulama of Perak in the Palace
Sultan Iskandar Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah I Rahmatullah was proclaimed the 30th Sultan of Perak, succeeding his half-brother, Sultan Abdul Jalil Karamatullah Shah.
He preferred the title Sultan Iskandar Shah, or the casual nickname 'Sultan Iskando' used by many elders, especially in Lower Perak. For information, this 30th Sultan of Perak was born on May 10, 1876, in Kampung Kuala Keboi, Kampar. He was the son of the 28th Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris I, who ruled the state from 1887 to 1916. Sultan Iskandar Shah was installed as the 30th Sultan of Perak in December 1918 and reigned until his passing on August 14, 1938. The late Sultan Iskandar Shah ruled the state of Perak successfully for 20 years and was laid to rest at the Bukit Chandan Royal Mausoleum, Kuala Kangsar.
Returning to the story to be told in this article, it is a rare tale, and you are fortunate to be able to read it and discover how remarkable the religious teacher of the Sultan of Perak truly was—he was no ordinary man.
Sultan Iskandar with his eldest grandchild (the current Sultan of Pahang)
In truth, Tuanku Sultan Iskandar Shah (the 30th Sultan of Perak) was well-known for his piety in Islam. He once decreed to his subjects in Perak that woe betide any man who failed to attend Friday prayers without a valid reason. Tuanku Sultan Iskandar Shah himself frequently visited and delivered speeches regarding Islamic teachings to the people throughout the state of Perak. See how exemplary a religious leader of Perak was.
There is a story that occurred during the month of Ramadan. At that time, Sultan Iskandar Shah (the 30th Sultan of Perak) had invited many famous ulama from all over Perak to break their fast at his Bukit Chandan Palace. Many religious scholars arrived to accept the invitation from the respected Sultan of Perak. While happily waiting for the time to break the fast before Maghrib arrived, the food was served. Many of the invited guests were surprised that the food was served so early, but perhaps it was just standard preparation.
However, what happened then was that Sultan Iskandar Shah (the 30th Sultan of Perak) reportedly ordered everyone present to start eating, even though the Maghrib call to prayer was still some time away. Many attendees were shocked by the Sultan's command. The ulama present were all deathly silent, not daring to object. But suddenly, one of Sultan Iskandar Shah's religious teachers, named
Haji Nawawi Bin Haji Mohd Tahir
stood up and said, "If Your Highness wishes to go to hell, go alone."
Haji Nawawi Bin Haji Mohd Tahir
All the guests were stunned to see the religious teacher speak in such a manner to the Sultan of Perak, the head of the Islamic religion. In reality, Sultan Iskandar Shah's intention at the time was merely to test the ulama who were present. Sultan Iskandar Shah immediately praised his courage in daring to rebuke the Sultan, and he scolded the other ulama who had remained silent. Sultan Iskandar Shah sighed, "It is fortunate that in this state of Perak, there is still someone who dares to rebuke me."
