"May your seven children rule as kings after you."

Amir Ismai’l Ibn Ahmad Samani was the king of Khorasan. His elder brother Amir Ishak was part of the royal court.

One day, Shaykhul Islam Muhammad Ibn Nasr Maruzi (rahmatullahi alaihe) of Bukhara came to Amir Ismai’l because of some need. In order to show proper respect to Muhammad Ibn Nasr Maruzi (rahmatullahi alaihe), the Amir walked seven steps to receive Muhammad Ibn Nasr Maruzi (rahmatullahi alaihe).

Amir Ishak did not like the respect showed by his brother to Muhammad Ibn Nasr Maruzi (rahmatullahi alaihe). Amir Ishak told his brother that to show such respect was below the dignity of a king. Amir Ishak further added that everyone had a limit to get respect from the king.

In response, Amir Ismai’l stated: “I showed respect to Shaykhul Islam because of his Ilm (knowledge), for Ilm is the highest achievement and the greatest of all stations.”

On the same night, Amir Ismai’l was blessed with the auspicious vision of the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) in a dream.

In the dream, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) stated: “You have honoured an Alim from my Ummah. I pray to Allah Subhanahu Wa Tala'a for the permanence of your name and your family in this world. May your seven children rule as kings after you. May your brother’s family end and may none of his children rule as kings.”