Serambi Dakwah

Bishr Hafi was from among the great saints. However, initially he used to be intoxicated with wine. Once he found a piece of paper on the road on which bismillah was written. He picked it up with love, placed it on his eyes, respectfully applied perfume to it and kept it away with reverence. Then he drank some wine and slept away.

In the meantime Hasan Basri was inspired that he should give glad tidings to Bishr Hafi and bring him out of the tavern.

With the command of Allah, Hasan Basri went to the tavern. The people looked at him astounded and asked him what the mater was. Why did he come to the tavern? He replied, “You people are correct but I have not come here on my own. Allah has sent me to fetch Bishr Hafi. Therefore tell me where he is”

The people pointed out Bishr Hafi who was lying down in a stupor. Hasan Basri went to him and saw that he was in a state of negligence and intoxication. He somehow managed to revive him and take him away.

When he has completely recovered, he conveyed the glad tidings of Allah to him. A sound from the unseen was heard, “O Bishr, you respected My name. Therefore I increased your honour. You purified My name and applied fragrance to it. I have purified you of sins as a result and applied My fragrance to you.”

In this manner, in a few moments he changed from alcoholic to a perfect Wali. Glory be to Allah! What mercy He has. By respecting the name of Allah, He granted him admission to the group of the Auliya.
The mercy of Allah does not require any excuse
while the power of Allah requires an excuse.
This was in reality the favour of Allah otherwise what power does man have?

Source: The virtues of Bismillah by Mufti Shafi Sahib (R.A)