It has been reported from Imam Abu Hanifah that he said he was like a sword on the atheists of his time. There were many of them and they had power and strength and were always looking for an opportunity to kill him. One day whilst he was sitting alone in the Masjid, a group of them pounced on him with knives and swords drawn and were just about to kill him when he said to them, "Take it easy just answer one question then you can do what you please." They agreed. He asked, "What do you say regarding a man who says I saw a ship, a vessel loaded with cargo, full with goods, in the depths of some ocean, being battered by gales and rough waves without a navigator, or anybody to take care of it. Despite this it proceeds taking its course. Is something like this possible even in the mind. They replied, "No, this is a thing that one's mind doesn't accept and one's imagination doesn't permit." Imam Abu Hanifah said, "Subhanallah if it is not possible in the mind for a ship to keep its course in these conditions without a navigator or a crew, then how is it possible for this world to carry on despite its ever fluctuating conditions and constantly changing affairs and activities without a creator or a care taker." They all began to cry and said, "You are right." They put away their swords and repented from their sins and error.