Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf

Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks are due to Allāh, the Lord of the al-ā’lamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, sallallāhu alayhi wa sallam, is His Messenger.

Prologue: Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf (radiallāhu`anhu) was as one of the first eight persons to accept Islam. He was also one of the ten persons, Al-Asharatul- Mubashshirin who were assured of entering Paradise. He was blessed with wealth but he never remained attached for its own sake but rather generously gave it away for charity. He was one of the six persons chosen by Umar Al-Khattab (radiallāhu`anhu) to form the Council of Shura to choose the Khalifah after his death.

His real name in Jahiliyyah days was Abu Amir, but when he accepted Islam the noble Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) gave him a new name Abdul Rahman which means The Servant of the Beneficent God. Abdul Rahman became a Muslim before the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) entered the House of Al-Arqam. It was also said that he accepted Islam only two days after Abu Bakar As-Siddiq (radiallāhu`anhu).

As those early Muslim, Abdul Rahman suffered the persecution at the hands of the Quraish. He bore this punishment with steadfastness and remained firm as they did. And when they were compelled to leave Makkah for Abyssinia because of the continuous and unbearable persecution, Abdul Rahman also joined them but returned to Makkah when it was rumored that conditions for the Muslims had improved. But these rumors proved to be false; he left again for second Hijrah to Abyssinia.

He returned to Makkah and joined the Muslim migrated to Madinah. Soon after arriving in Madinah, the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) in his unique manner began pairing off the Muhajirin and the Ansar. This is to establish a firm bond of brotherhood and was meant to strengthen social cohesion and ease the destitution of the Muhajirin.

Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf (radiallāhu`anhu) was tied by the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) to Sa’ad Ibn Ar-Rabi'ah (radiallāhu`anhu). Sa’ad in the spirit of generosity and magnanimity which the Ansar greeted the Muhajirin, said to Abdul Rahman:"My brother amongst the people of Madinah, I have the most wealth. I have two orchards and I have two wives. See which of the two orchards you like and I shall vacate it for you and which of my two wives is pleasing to you and I will divorce her for you."

Abdul Rahman Ibn Awl (radiallāhu`anhu) must have been embarrassed and said in reply: "May God bless you in your family and your wealth. But just show me where the suoq is”. Abdul Rahman (radiallāhu`anhu) went to the market-place and began trading with whatever little resources he had. He bought and sold and his profits grew rapidly. Soon he was sufficiently well off and was able to get married. He went to the noble Prophet  (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) with the scent of perfume lingering over him. The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) exclaimed: "Mahyarn, O Abdul Rahman!” "Mahyarn" being a word of Yemeni origin which indicates pleasant surprise. Abdul Rahman replied: "I have got married,” The Prophet asked:"And what did you give your wife as mahar?" He said: "The weight of a nuwat in gold." The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) with obvious pleasure and encouragement further said: "You must have a walimah (wedding feast) even if it is with a single sheep. And may Allah bless you in your wealth."

Thereafter Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf (radiallāhu`anhu) grew so accustomed to business success that he said if he lifted a stone he expected to find gold or silver under it!

Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf distinguished himself in both the battles of Badar and Uhud. At Uhud he remained firm throughout and suffered more than twenty wounds some of them deep and severe. Even so, his physical jihad was matched by his jihad with his wealth.

Once the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) was preparing to dispatch an expeditionary force. He summoned his companions and said: "Contribute sadaqah I want to dispatch an expedition." Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf (radiallāhu`anhu) went home and quickly returned and said to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam): "O Messenger of God, I have four thousand (dinars). I give two thousand as a qard to my Lord and two thousand I leave for my family. "

When the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)decided to send an expedition to distant Tabuk [which was the last ghazwah of his life that he mounted] His need for finance and material was not greater than his need because the Byzantine forces were a numerous and well-equipped foe. Madinah was one of drought and hardship. The journey to Tabuk was long, more than a thousand kilometers. Provisions were in short supply. Transport was at a premium so much so that a group of Muslims came to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) pleading to go with him but he had to turn them away because he could find no transport for them.

These men were sad and dejected and came to be known as the Bakka'in or the Weepers and the army itself was called the Army of Hardship ('Usrah). Thereupon the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) called upon his companions to give generously for the war effort in the path of God and assured them they would be rewarded. The Muslims' response to the Prophet's call was immediate and generous.

In the fore front of those who responded was Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf (radiallāhu`anhu). He donated two hundred awqiyyah of gold whereupon Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (radiallāhu`anhu) said to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam): "I have (now) seen Abdul Rahman committing a wrong. He has not left anything for his family." The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) asked: "Have you left anything for your family, Abdul Rahman?” Abdul Rahman replied, "Yes, I have left for them more than what I am giving, and better." The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) enquired: "How much?” Abdul Rahman replied: "What God and His Messenger have promised of sustenance, goodness and reward.”

The Muslim army eventually left for Tabuk. There, Abdul Rahman was blessed with an honor which was not conferred on anyone till then. The time of Solat came and the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) was not there at the time. The Muslims chose Abdul Rahman as their imam. The first raka’at of the Solat was almost completed when the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, joined the worshippers and performed the Solat behind Abdul Rahman Ibn Awl. Could there be a greater honor conferred on anyone than to have been the imam of the most honored of God's creation, the imam of the Prophets, the imam of Muhammad, the Messenger of God!

When the Prophet  (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) passed away, Abdul Rahman took on the responsibility of looking after the needs of his family, the Ummahāt Al-Muminin. He would go with them wherever they wanted to and he even performed Hajj with them to ensure that all their needs were met. This is a sign of the trust and confidence which he enjoyed on the part of the Prophet's family. Abdul Rahman's support for the Muslims and the Prophet's wives in particular was well-known. Once he sold a piece of land for forty thousand dinars and he distributed the entire amount among the Banu Zahrah (the relatives of the Prophet's mother Aminah), the poor among the Muslims and the Prophet's wives.

When Aishah(radiallāhu`anha)received some of this money she asked: "Who has sent this money?" She was told it was Abdul Rahman, whereupon she said: "The Messenger of God SAW said No one will feel compassion towards you after I die except the sabirin (those who are patient and resolute)."

The prayer of the noble Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) that Allah had bestowed barakah on the wealth of Abdul Rahman throughout his life. He became the richest man among the companions of the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam). His business transactions invariably met with success and his wealth continued to grow. His trading caravans to and from Madinah grew larger and larger bringing to the people of Madinah wheat, flour, butter, cloths, utensils, perfume and whatever else was needed and exporting whatever surplus produce they had.

One day, a loud rumbling sound was heard coming from beyond the boundaries of Madinah normally a calm and peaceful city. The rumbling sound gradually increased in volume. In addition, clouds of dust and sand were stirred up and blown in the wind. The people of Madinah soon realized that a mighty caravan was entering the city. They stood in amazement as seven hundred camels laden with goods moved into the city and crowded the streets. There was much shouting and excitement as people called to one another to come out and witness the sight and see what goods and sustenance the camel caravan had brought.

Aishah, (radiallāhu`anha) heard the commotion and enquired: "What is happening in Madinah?" She was told: "It is the caravan of Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf (radiallāhu`anhu) which has come from Syria bearing his merchandise." "A caravan making all this commotion?" she asked in disbelief." "Yes, O Umm Al-Muminin, There are seven hundred camels." Aishah shook her head and gazed in the distance as if she was trying to recall some scene or utterance of the past and then she said: "I heard the Messenger of God (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘I have seen Abdul Rahman ibn Awf (radiallāhu`anhu) entering Paradise creeping’."Some friends of his related to Abdul Rahman the hadith which Aishah had mentioned. He remembered that he had heard the hadith more than once from the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam).

He hurried to the house of Aishah (radiallāhu`anha) and asked her: "Yā Ammah! ‘Have you heard that from the Messenger of God (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)?’" "Yes," Aishah (radiallāhu`anha) replied. Abdul Rahman was also reported to have said. "You have reminded me of a hadith which I have never forgotten," He was so over-joyed and added: "If I could I would certainly like to enter Paradise standing, I swear to you, Yā Ammah! That this entire caravan with all its merchandise, I will give them for sabilillah." And true, he just did as he said so.

In a great festival of charity and righteousness, he distributed all that the massive caravan had brought to the people of Madinah and surrounding areas. This is just one incident which showed what type of man Abdul Rahman. He earned much wealth but he never remained attached to it for its own sake and he did not allow it to corrupt him.

Abdul Rahman's generosity did not stop there. He continued giving with both his hands, secretly and openly. Some of the figures mentioned are truly astounding: forty thousand dirhams of silver, forty thousand dinars of gold, two hundred awqiyyah of gold, five hundred horses to mujahidin setting out in the path of God and one thousand five hundred camels to another group of mujahidin, four hundred dinars of gold to the survivors of Badar and a large legacy to the Ummahat Al Muminin and the catalogue goes on. On account of this fabulous generosity, Aishah said: "May God give him to drink from the water of Salsabil (a spring in Paradise)."All this wealth did not corrupt Abdul Rahman and did not change him. When he was among his workers and assistants, people could not distinguish him from them. One day food was brought to him with which to end a fast. He looked at the food and said:

"Musab Ibn Umayr (radiallāhu`anhu)has been killed. He was better than me. We did not find anything of his to shroud him with except what covered his head but left his legs uncovered. . Then God endowed us with the (bounties of) the world... I really fear that our reward has been bestowed on us early (in this world)." He began to cry and sob and could not eat.

Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf (radiallāhu`anhu) would be granted felicity among "those who spend their substance in the cause of God and follow up not their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury? For them their reward is with their Lord, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve". (Surah al-Baqārah, 2: 262).

[Via Ummnurah]

Rumaiysa Binti Milhan

Rumaiysa Binti Milhan

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks are due to Allāh, the Lord of the al-ā’lamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, sallallāhu alayhi wa sallam, is His Messenger.

Prologue: Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) was a role of a model Muslim, a wife and mother. Her belief in God was strong and uncompromising. She was not prepared to endanger her faith and the upbringing of her children for wealth and luxury, however abundant and tempting. She was noted for her great courage and bravery. She was devoted to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and dedicated her son Anas Ibn Malik (radiallāhu`anhu) to his service. She took the responsibility of educating her children and she played an active part in public life, sharing with the other Muslims the hardships and the joys of building a community and living for the pleasure of Allah.

Her Character of Excellence

It was even before Islam was introduced to Yathrib, Lady Rumaiysa (radiallāhu`anha) was known for her excellent character, the power of her intellect and her independent attitude of mind. She was known by various names including Rumaiysa and Ghumaiysa, but these were possibly nicknames.

One historian says that her real name was Sahlah but later she was popularly known as Umm Sulaym. Umm Sulaym was first married to Malik Ibn An-Nadir and her son by this marriage was the famous Anas Ibn Malik (radiallāhu`anhu), one of the great companions of the Prophet  (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam).

One of the First Women of Yathrib to Accept Islam

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) was one of the first women of Yathrib to accept Islam. She was influenced by the refined, dedicated and persuasive Musab Ibn Umayr (radiallāhu`anhu) who was sent out as the first missionary or ambassador of Islam by the noble Prophet. This was after the First Pledge of Aqabah. Twelve men of Yathrib had gone to Aqabah on the outskirts of Makkah to pledge loyalty to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam). This was the first major breakthrough for the mission of the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) for many years.

Umm Sulaym's decision to accept Islam was made without the knowledge or consent of her husband, Malik ibn an-Nadir. He was away from Yathrib at the time and when he returned he felt some change had come over his household and asked his wife: "Have you been rejuvenated?" "No," she said, "but I (now) believe in this man (meaning the Prophet Muhammad sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)."

Malik was not pleased especially when his wife went on to announce her acceptance of Islam in public and instruct her son Anas in the teachings and practice of the new faith. She taught him to say the Shahadah, La-ilaha-illallah and Ash-hadu-anna-Muhammadar-Rasulullah. The young Anas Ibn Malik repeated this simple but profound declaration of faith clearly and emphatically. Umm Sulaym's husband was furious. He shouted at her: "Don't corrupt my son." "I am not corrupting him," she replied firmly.

Her husband then left the house and it is reported that he was set upon by an enemy of his and was killed. The news shocked but apparently did not upset Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anhu) greatly.

Her Marriage to Abu Talhah

She remained devoted to her son Anas and was concerned about his proper upbringing. She is even reported to have said that she would not marry again unless Anas approved. When it was known that Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anhu) had become a widow, one man, Zaid Ibn Sahal, also known as Abu Talhah, resolved to become engaged to her before anyone else did.

He was rather confident that Umm Sulaym would not pass him for another. He was after all a strong and virile person who was quite rich and who possessed an imposing house that was much admired. He was an accomplished horseman and a skilful archer and, moreover, he belonged to the same clan as Umm Sulaym, the Banu Najjar.

Abu Talhah proceeded to Umm Sulaym's house. On the way he recalled that she had been influenced by the preaching of Musab ibn Umayr and had become a Muslim. "So what?" he said to himself. "Was not her husband who died a firm adherent of the old religion and was he not opposed to Muhammad and his mission?" When Abu Talhah reached Umm Sulaym's house he asked and was given permission to enter. Her son Anas Ibn Malik was present. Abu Talhah explained that he had come and asked for her hand in marriage. She said "A man like you, Abu Talhah, is not (easily) turned away. But I shall never marry you while you are a kafir, an unbeliever."

Acceptance Islam as Mahar

Abu Talhah thought she was trying to put him off and that perhaps she had already preferred someone wealthier and more influential. He said to her: "What is it that really prevents you from accepting me, Umm Sulaym? Is it the yellow and the white metals (gold and silver)?" "Gold and silver?" she was somewhat taken aback and in a slightly censuring tone. She said: "Yes, I swear to you, Abu Talhah, and I swear to God and His Messenger that if you accept Islam, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband, without any gold or silver. I shall consider your acceptance of Islam as my mahar."Abu Talhah understood well the implications of her words. His mind turned to the idol he had made from wood and on which he lavished great attention in the same way that important men of his tribe venerated and cared for their personal idols.

The opportunity was right for Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) to stress the futility of such idol worship and she went on: "Don't you know Abu Talhah that the god you worship besides Allah grew from the earth?" "That's true." Abu Talhah replied.

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) further said "Don't you feel stupid while worshipping part of a tree while you use the rest of it for fuel to bake bread or warm yourself? (If you should give up these foolish beliefs and practices) and become a Muslim, Abu Talhah, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband and I would not want from you any sadaqah apart from your acceptance of Islam."

Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu) asked: "Who shall instruct me in Islam?” Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anhu) replied: "I shall", "How?" "Utter the Declaration of Truth and testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Then go to your house, destroy your idol and throw it away."

Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu) left and reflected deeply on what Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) had said. He came back to her beaming with happiness. "I have taken your advice to heart. I declare that there is no god but Allah and I declare that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

Umm Sulaym and Abu Talhah were married. Anas ibn Malik(radiallāhu`anhu), her son, was pleased. The Muslims said: "We have never yet heard of a mahar that was more valuable and precious than that of Umm Sulaym for she made Islam her mahar."

Participated the Second Pledge of Aqabah

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) was pleased and delighted with her new husband who placed his unique energies and talents in the service of Islam. Abu Talhah was one of the seventy three men who swore allegiance to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) at the Second Pledge of Aqabah. With him, according to one report, was his wife Umm Sulaym. Two other women, the celebrated Nasaibah Binti Ka’ab and Asma Binti Amr witnessed Aqabah and took the oath of allegiance to the Prophet  (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam).

Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu) was devoted to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and took enormous delight in simply looking at him and listening to the sweetness of his speech. He participated in all the major military campaigns. He lived a very ascetic life and was known to fast for long periods at a time. He had a vast orchard in Madinah with date palms and grapes and running water. One day while he was performing Solat in the shade of the trees, a beautiful bird with brightly colored plumage flew in front of him. He became engrossed in the scene and forgot how many raka’at he had prayed. Two or Three? When he completed the Prayer he went to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and described how he had been distracted. In the end, he said: "Bear witness, Messenger of Allah that I hand over this orchard as a charity for the sake of Allah, the Exalted."The

Passionate of Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)

Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu) and Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) had an exemplary Muslim family life, devoted to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and the service of Muslims and Islam. The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to visit their home. Sometimes when the time of Prayer came, The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) would pray on a mat provided by Umm Sulaym. Sometimes also he would have a siesta in their house and, as he slept, she would wipe the perspiration from his forehead. Once when the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) awoke from his siesta, he asked: "Umm Sulaym, what are you doing?" "I am taking these (drops of perspiration) as a barakah (blessing) which comes from you," she replied.

At another time, the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) went to their house and Umm Sulaym offered him dates and butterfat but he did not have any of it because he was fasting. Occasionally, she would send her son Anas with bags of dates to his house.

The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) had a special compassion for Umm Sulaym and her family and when asked about it, he replied: "Her brother was killed beside me." Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) also had a well-known sister, Umm Haram, the wife of the imposing Ubadah Ibn As-Samit (radiallāhu`anhu). She died at sea during a naval expedition and was buried in Cyprus.

Umm Sulaym's husband, Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu), also died while he was on a naval expedition during the time of the third Caliph, Uthman (radiallāhu`anhu), and was buried at sea.

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) herself was noted for her great courage and bravery. During the Battle of Uhud, she carried a dagger in the folds of her dress. She gave water to and tended the wounded and she made attempts to defend the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)  when the tide of battle was turning against him.

At the Battle of Khandaq, the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) saw her carrying a dagger and he asked her what she was doing with it. She said: "It is to fight those who desert.""May God grant you satisfaction in that," replied the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam). In the face of adversity, Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) displayed a unique calmness and strength.

One of her young sons, Umayr Ibn Abu Talhah fell sick and died while her husband was away looking after his orchards. She bathed the child and wrapped him in shrouds. She told others at her home that they should not inform Abu Talhah because she herself wanted to tell him.

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) had another son whose name was Abdullah. A few days after she gave birth, she sent Anas with the baby and a bag of dates to the Prophet. The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) placed the baby on his lap. He crushed the dates in his mouth and put some in the baby's mouth. The baby sucked the dates with relish and the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: "The Ansar are only fond of dates." Abdullah eventually grew up and had seven children all of whom memorized the Quran.

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) was a model Muslim, a model wife and mother. Her belief in God was strong and uncompromising. She was not prepared to endanger her faith and the upbringing of her children for wealth and luxury, however abundant and tempting. Umm Sulaym herself was noted for her great courage and bravery.

She was devoted to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and dedicated her son Anas Ibn Malik (radiallāhu`anhu) to his service. She took the responsibility of educating her children and she played an active part in public life, sharing with the other Muslims the hardships and the joys of building a community and living for the pleasure of God.

Wallahu'alam

[ Via Ummnurah]

Zainab binti Jahsh

Zainab binti Jahsh

 

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-'ālamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, is His Messenger.

The Most Generous Wife

Zainab binti Jahsh, (radiyallāhu’anha), married the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   in 5 AH, when she was thirty-five and the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) was fifty-eight, but only after her previous marriage, which had been arranged by the Prophet himself, had ended in divorce.

As with all the marriages of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam), there was much for all the Muslims to learn from it.

Zainab binti Jahsh (radiyallāhu’anha) was the Prophet Muhammad's (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)  cousin, her mother Umaimah was the daughter of Abdul Muttalib, Muhammad's grandfather, who, while he was alive, had ensured the safety of his grandson, thanks to his position as one of the most respected leaders of the Quraish.

Thus Zainab binti Jahsh (radiallāhu’anha) , came from one of the noblest families of the Quraish, and everyone expected her to eventually marry a man with the same high social status.

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   was well aware that it is a person's standing in the eyes of Allah that is important, rather than his or her status in the eyes of the people. Rasulullah (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)    wanted her to marry a young man called Zaid Ibn Harithah, (radiyallāhu’anhu) whose background was very different to that of Zainab binti Jahsh.

The Background of Zaid Ibn Harithah was that he had been taken prisoner while he was still a child during one of the inter-tribal wars that had been common before the coming of Islam. Zaid had been sold as a slave to a nephew of Khadijah binti Khuwailid (radiyallāhu’anha), who had given Zaid to her as a gift. In turn, Khadijah had given him to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   in the days before the revelation of the Qur’an had begun, and the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   had given him his freedom and adopted him as his own son, at the age of eight.

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   had watched both Zaid and Zainab grow up, and thought they would make a good couple, and that their marriage would demonstrate that it was not who their ancestors were, but rather their standing in the sight of Allah, that mattered. When the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   asked for her hand on behalf of Zaid, Zainab had her family was shocked at the idea of her marrying a man who in their eyes was only a freed slave. Moreover, Zainab had wanted to marry the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   himself and in fact he had already been asked by her family whether or not he would like to marry her. At first both she and her brother refused, but then the following ayat was revealed:

“It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger, to have any say in their decision; and whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has most clearly gone astray.” [Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:36]

When Zaid bin Harithah, who had also had misgivings about the proposed match, and Zainab realized that there was no difference between what the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)  wanted and what Allah wanted, they both agreed to the marriage, the Prophet providing a handsome dowry for Zainab on Zaid's behalf.

The marriage, however, was not a success. Although both Zainab binti Jahsh (radiyallāhu`anha), and Zaid bin Harithah (radiyallāhu’anhu), were the best of people, who loved Allah and His Messenger, they were very different and in the end they could not overcome their incompatibility. Zaid asked the Prophet's permission to divorce Zainab more than once, and although he was counseled to hold onto his wife and to fear Allah, in the end the divorce took place.

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   then was ordered by Allah to marry Zainab binti Jahsh, while he did in 5 AH, when he was fifty-eight years old, and she was thirty-five years old.

In doing so, he demonstrated beyond doubt that in Islam an adopted son is not regarded in the same light as a natural son, and that although a father may never marry a woman whom his natural son has married and then divorced, the father of an adopted son is permitted to marry a woman who was once, but is no longer, married to that adopted son. Furthermore, by marrying Zainab, the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   also confirmed that it is permissible for cousins to marry, and, at the same time, Zainab was given her heart's desire to be married to the Best of Creation.

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) received the command to marry Zainab (radiyallāhu’anha) while he was with ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha). After he had received the revelation, he smiled and said: "Who will go and give Zainab the good news?" He recited the ayat that he had received.

Some say that it was Zaid bin Harithah himself who told her the good news. When Zainab (radiyallāhu’anha) heard the news, she stopped what she was doing and prayed to thank Allah. Afterwards, she was fond of pointing out that her marriage had been arranged by Allah. It was at this point that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) changed her name from Barra to Zainab.

Zainab's wedding feast was also the occasion for another ayat of Qur’an to be sent down. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   sacrificed a sheep and then commanded his servant; Anas bin Mālik, to invite the people to partake of it. After they had eaten, two men remained there after the meal chatting. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) went out and said goodnight to his other wives and then came back and the two men were still there chatting. It was very hard on the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)who did not like to criticize people directly, and so he waited patiently until they left. Then Allah sent down the following ayat which is known as "The Ayat of Hijab":

“O You who believe! Do not go into the Prophet's rooms except after being given permission to come and eat, not waiting for the food to be prepared, However, when you are called, then go in and when you have eaten, then disperse, and do not remain wanting to chat together. If you do that, it causes injury to the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) though he is too reticent to tell you. But Allah is not reticent with the truth. When you ask his wives for something, ask them from behind a screen. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. It is not for you to cause injury to the Messenger of Allah nor ever to marry his wives after him. To do that would be something dreadful in the sight of Allah. Whether you make something known or conceal it, Allah has knowledge of all things. There is no blame on them regarding their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their brother’s sons or their sister’s sons or their women or those right hands own. Have fear of Allah. Allah is witness over everything. Allah and His angels pray blessings of the Prophet. O you who believe! Pray blessings on him and ask for peace for him.” [Al-Ahzab, 33:53-56]

Zainab was a woman who was constantly immersed in the worship of Allah. It is related by Anas ibn Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu), that once the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   entered the mosque and found a rope hanging down between two of the pillars, and so he said, "What is this?" He was told, "It is for Zainab. She prays, and when she loses concentration or feels tired, she holds onto it." Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "Untie it. Pray as long as you feel fresh, but when you lose concentration or become tired, you should stop."

Zainab binti Jahsh was with the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   for six years, and lived for another nine years after his death, died at the age of fifty, in 20 AH, and thus fulfilling the Prophet’s indication that she would be the first of his wives to die after him. Zainab binti Jahsh, like Zainab binti Khuzaimah (radiallāhu’anha) , before her, was very generous to the poor, and indeed the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   said, when speaking of her to his other wives: "She is the most generous among you."

It was related by ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha), that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)   once said to his wives, "The one who has the longest hands among you will meet me again the soonest." ‘Aishah added, "They use to measure each other's hands to see who’s as longest, and it was the hand of Zainab that was the longest, because she used to work by hand and give away (what she earned) in charity."

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said to ‘Umar: "Zainab binti Jahsh (radiyallāhu’anha), is one who is full of prayer." A man said, "Messenger of Allah, what is that?" He said: "The one who is humble and earnest in Solat."‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha), also said: "I have never seen a woman so pure as Zainab, so God-fearing, so truthful, so attentive to family ties, so generous, so self-sacrificing in everyday life, so charitable, and thus so close to Allah, the Exalted."

Several years after the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) had died, when Umar Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu’anhu) was the khalifah, great wealth came to the Muslims as a result of their victories in fighting the Persians. The immense treasures of Chosroes, the Persian Emperor, fell into their hands, and when Umar (radiyallāhu`anhu)   sent Zainab (radiyallāhu`anha), a pile of gold as her share of the treasure, she called her maid servant and told her to take a handful of it to so-and-so, naming one of the poor people of Medinah. One after another, she named all the poor people whom she knew, until they had all received a share of the treasure. Then she told her maidservant to see what was left. All that remained of the large pile of gold was eighty dinars, and this she accepted as her share, thanking Allah for it; but, because she believed so much money was a temptation, she asked Allah that she would never witness such a large distribution of wealth again.

By the time a year had passed, when Umar Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu’anhu),  again came to distribute money amongst those wives of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)  who were still alive, her prayer had been granted for she had already passed away, and may Allah be pleased with her.

Allah Almighty Knows Best.

[Via Ummnurah]

Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas

Prologue: Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas was the maternal uncle of the Prophet SAW who has gone down in the annals of history as the Hero of Qadisiyyah and the Conqueror of Ctesiphon. He was blessed with much influence and wealth until his death in 54 AH at eighty years old

The renowned Commander-In-Chief

Makkah was situated in a narrow valley where there was no vegetation, no livestock, and no rivers. Desert separates the town from the rest of the world. During the day the heat was unbearable and the nights were still and lonely. But tribes flock to it like animals in the open country flock to a water-hole. While there was no government rules. There was neither a religion to guide people except one which promote the worship of stone idols. The people loved for elegant poetry.

In the town lies a particular young man who was below twenty. He is short and well-built and has a very heavy crop of hair. People compare him to a young lion. He comes from a rich and noble family. He is very attached to his parents and is particularly fond of his mother. He spends much of his time making and repairing bows and arrows and practising archery as if preparing himself for some great encounter.

People recognize him as a serious and intelligent young man. He finds no satisfaction in the religion and way of life of his people, their corrupt beliefs and disagreeable practices. He was none other than Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas.

One morning Abu Bakar As-Siddiq came up and spoke to him. He explained that Muhammad Ibn Abdullah the son of his late cousin Aminah Binti Wahab had been given Revelations and sent with the religion of guidance and truth. Abu Bakar then took him to Muhammad in one of the valleys of Makkah. It was late afternoon the Prophet had just prayed Solat Al-Asar.

Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas was excited and overwhelmed and responded readily to the invitation to truth and the religion of One God. The fact that he was one of the first persons to accept Islam was something that pleased him greatly.

The Prophet SAW was also greatly pleased when Sa’ad became a Muslim. He saw in him signs of excellence. The fact that he was still in his youth promised great things to come. It was as if this glowing crescent would become a shining full moon before long. Perhaps other young people of Makkah would follow his example, including some of his relations.

Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas was in fact a maternal uncle of the Prophet SAW since he belonged to the Bani Zuhrah, the clan of Aminah Binti Wahab, the mother of the Prophet, peace be upon him. For this reason he is sometimes referred to as Sa'ad of Zuhrah, to distinguish him from several others whose first name was Sa’ad. The Prophet SAW is reported to have been pleased with his family relationship to Sa’ad. Once as he was sitting with his companions, he saw Sa’ad approaching and he said to them: "This is my maternal uncle. Let a man see his maternal uncle!"
While the Prophet SAW was delighted with Sa’ad's acceptance of Islam, Sa’ad mother was not. Sa’ad relates:

"When my mother heard the news of my Islam, she flew into a rage. She came up to me and said: "O Sa’ad! What is this religion that you have embraced which has taken you away from the religion of your mother and father...? By God, either you forsake your new religion or I would not eat or drink until I die. Your heart would be broken with grief for m e and remorse would consume you on account of the deed which you have done and people would censure you forever more. I said to her: 'Don't do (such a thing), my mother, for I would not give up my religion for anything.' However, she went on with her threat. For days she neither ate nor drank. She became emaciated and weak. I went to her asking whether I should bring her some food or something to drink but she persistently refused, insisting that she would neither eat nor drink until she died or I abandoned my religion. I said to her: 'Yaa Ummah! In spite of my strong love for you, my love for God and His Messenger is indeed stronger. By God, if you had a thousand souls and one soul after another was to depart, I would not abandon my religion for anything.' When she saw that I was determined she relented unwillingly and ate and drank."

It was concerning Sa’ad's relationship with his mother and her attempt to force him to recant his faith that the words of the Quran were revealed:
"And we enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In pain upon pain did his mother bear him and his weaning took two years. So show gratitude to Me and to your parents. To Me is the final destiny. But if they strive to make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, obey them not. Yet bear them company in this life with justice and consideration and follow the way of those who turn to Me. In the end, the return of you all is to Me and I shall tell you (the truth and meaning of) all that you used to do." (Surah Luqman, 31: 14-15).
In these early days of Islam, the Muslims were careful not to arouse the sensibilities of the Quraish. They would often go out together in groups to the glens outside Makkah where they could pray together without being seen. But one day a number of idolaters came upon them while they were praying and rudely interrupted them with ridicule. The Muslims felt they could not suffer these indignities passively and they came to blows with the idolaters. Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas struck one of the disbelievers with the jawbone of a camel and wounded him. This was the first blood shed in the conflict between Islam and kufur - a conflict that was later to escalate and test the patience and courage of the Muslims. After the incident, however, the Prophet SAW enjoined his companions to be patient and forbearing for this was the command of God:

"And bear with patience what they say and avoid them with noble dignity. And leave Me alone to deal with those who give the lie to the Truth, those who enjoy the blessings of life (without any thought of God) and bear with them for a little while." (Surah al Muzzammil, 71: 1O).

More than a decade later when permission was given for the Muslims to fight. Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas was to play a distinguished role in many of the engagements that took place both during the time of the Prophet and after.

He fought at The Battle of Badar together with his young brother Umayr who had cried to be allowed to accompany the Muslim army for he was only in his early teens. Sad returned to Madinah alone for Umayr was one of the fourteen Muslim martyrs who fell in the battle.

At the Battle of Uhud, Sa’ad was specially chosen as one of the best archers together with Zaid, Saib Ibn Uthman Ibn Mazun and others. Sa’ad was one of those who fought vigorously in defence of the Prophet SAW after some Muslims had deserted their positions. To urge him on, the Prophet, peace be on him, said: "Irmi Sa’ad...Fidaaka Abi wa Ummi “Shoot, Sa’ad ...may my mother and father be your ransom."Of this occasion, Ali Ibn Abi Talib said that he had not yet heard the Prophet SAW, promising such a ransom to anyone except Sa’ad. Sa’ad was also known as the first companion to have shot an arrow in defence of Islam.

And the Prophet SAW once prayed for him: "O Lord, direct his shooting and respond to his prayer."Sa’ad was one of the companions of the Prophet SAW who was blessed with great wealth. Just as he was known for his bravery, so he was known for his generosity.

During the Farewell Pilgrimage with the Prophet, he fell ill. The Prophet SAW came to visit him and Sa’ad said:

"O Messenger of God. I have wealth and I only have one daughter to inherit from me. Shall I give two thirds of my wealth as sadaqah?" "No," replied the Prophet. "Then, (shall I give) a half?" asked Sa’ad and the Prophet again said 'no'. "Then, (shall I give) a third?' asked Sad.”Yes," said the Prophet. "The third is much. Indeed to leave your heirs well-off' is better than that you should leave them dependent on and to beg from people. If you spend anything seeking to gain thereby the pleasure of God, you will be rewarded for it even if it is a morsel which you place in your wife's mouth."
Sa’ad was blessed thereafter with many children. Sa’ad is mainly renowned as the Commander-In-Chief of the strong Muslim army which Umar despatched to confront the Persians at Qadisiyyah. Umar wanted nothing less than an end to Sasanian power which for centuries had dominated the region. To confront the numerous and well-equipped Persians was a most daunting task. The most powerful force had to be mustered.

Umar sent dispatches to Muslim governors throughout the state to mobilize all able-bodied persons who had weapons or mounts, or who h ad talents of oratory and other skills to place at the service of the battle.

Bands of Mujahidin then converged on Madinah from every part of the Muslim domain. When they had all gathered, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab consulted the leading Muslims about the appointment of a commander-in-chief over the mighty army. Umar himself thought of leading the army but Ali Ibn Abi Talib suggested that the Muslims were in great need of him and he should not endanger his life. Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas was then chosen as the Commander-In-Chief.

Abdur-Rahman Ibn Awf, one of the veterans among the Sahabah said: "You have chosen well! Who is there like Sa’ad?"

Umar stood before the great army and bade farewell to them. To the Commander-In-Chief he said:

"O Sa’ad! Let not any statement that you are the uncle of the Messenger of God or that you are the companion of the Messenger of God distract you from God. God Almighty does not obliterate evil with evil but he wipes out evil with good. "O Sa’ad! There is no connection between God and anyone except obedience to Him. In the sight of God all people whether nobleman or commoner are the same. Allah is their Lord and they are His servants seeking elevation through taqwa and seeking to obtain what is with God through obedience. Consider how the Messenger of God used to act with the Muslims and act accordingly..."

Umar thus made it clear that the army was not to seek conquest for the sake of it and that the expedition was not for seeking personal glory and fame.

The three thousand strong army set off. Among them were ninety nine veterans of Badar, more than three hundred of those who took the Pledge of Riffwan (Satisfaction) at Hudaybiyyah and three hundred of those who had participated in the liberation of Makkah with the noble Prophet. There were seven hundred sons of the companions. Thousands of women also went on to battle as auxiliaries and nurses and to urge the men on to battle. The army camped at Qadisiyyah near Hira. Against them the Persians had mobilized a force of 120,ooo men under the leadership of their most brilliant commander, Rustum.

Umar had instructed Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas to send him regular dispatches about the condition and movements of the Muslim forces, and of the deployment of the enemy's forces. Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas wrote to Umar about the unprecedented force that the Persians were mobilizing and Umar replied to him: "Do not be troubled by what you hear about them nor about the (forces, equipment and methods) they would deploy against you. Seek help with God and put your trust in Him and send men of insight, knowledge and toughness to him (the Chosroes) to invite him to God... And write to me daily."Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas understood well the gravity of the impending battle and kept in close contact with the military high command in Madinah. Although commander-in-chief, he understood the importance of shura. Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas did as Umar instructed and sent delegations of Muslims first to Yazdagird and then to Rustum, inviting them to accept Islam or to pay the jizyah to guarantee their protection and peaceful existence or to choose war if they so desired.

The first Muslim delegation which included Numan Ibn Muqarrin was ridiculed by the Persian Emperor, Yazdagird.

Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas sent a delegation to Rustum, the commander of the Persian forces. This was led by Rubiy ibn Amir who, with spear in hand, went directly to Rustam's encampment.

Rustam said to him: "Rubiy! What do you want from us? If you want wealth we would give you. We would provide you with provisions until you are sated. We would clothe you. We would make you become rich and happy. Look, Rubiy! What do you see in this assembly of mine? No doubt t you see signs of richness and luxury, these lush carpets, fine curtains, gold embroidered wails, carpets of silk...Do you have any desire that we should bestow some of these riches which we have on you?" Rustum thus wanted to impress the Muslim and allure him from his purpose by this show of opulence and grandeur.

Rubiy Ibn Amir looked and listened unmoved and then said: "Listen, O commander! Certainly God has chosen us that through us those of His creation whom He so desires could be drawn away from the worship of idols to Tawhid (the affirmation of the unity of God), from the narrow confines of preoccupation with this w world to its boundless expanse and from the tyranny of rulers to justice of Islam. Whoever accepts that from us we are prepared to welcome him? And whoever fights us, we would fight him until the promise of God comes to pass."

Rustum asked "And what is the promise of God to you?” Rubiy Ibn Amir replied "Paradise for our martyrs and victory for those who live."

Rustum of course was not inclined to listen to such talk from a seemingly wretched person the likes of whom the Persians regarded as barbaric and uncivilized and whom they had conquered and subjugated for centuries.

The Muslim delegation returned to their commander in-chief. It was clear that war was now inevitable. Sa’ad's eyes filled with tears. He wished that the battle could be delayed a little or indeed that it might have been somewhat earlier. For on this particular day he was seriously ill and could hardly move. He was suffering from sciatica and he could not even sit upright for the pain.

Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas knew that this was going to be a bitter, harsh and bloody battle. And for a brief moment he thought that the Messenger of God had taught the Muslims that none of them should say: "If… because it implied a lack of will and de termination and wishing that a situation might have been different was not the characteristic of a firm believer.” So, despite his illness, Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas got up and stood before his army and addressed them.

He began his speech with a verse from the glorious Quran: "And indeed after having exhorted (man), We have laid it down in all the books of Divine wisdom that My righteous servants shall inherit the earth." (Surah al-Anbiya’, 21:1O5).
When the address was over, Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas performed Solat Az-Zuhur with the army. Facing them once again, he shouted the Muslim battle cry "Allahu Akbar" four times and directed the fighters to attack with the words: "Hayya ala barakatillah Charge, with the blessings of God." Standing in front of his tent, Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas directed his soldiers and spurred them on with shouts of Allahu Akbar (God is Most Great) and La hawla wa la quwwata ilia billah (there is no power or might save with God).

The battle was raged for four days. The Muslims displayed valor and skill. But a Persian elephant corps wrought havoc in the ranks of the Muslims. The ferocious battle was only resolved when several renowned Muslim warriors made a rush in the d direction of the Persian commander. A storm arose and the canopy of Rustam was blown into the river. As he tried to flee he was detected and slain. Complete confusion reigned among the Persians and they fled in disarray.

The battle had costs some thirty thousand persons on both sides fell in the course of four days' fighting. In one day alone, some two thousand Muslims and about ten thousand Persians lost their lives.

The Battle of Qadisiyyah is one of the major decisive battles of world history. It sealed the fate of the Sasanian Empire just as the Battle of Yarmuk had sealed the fate of the Byzantine Empire in the east.

Two years after Qadisiyyah, Sa’ad went on to take the Sasanian capital. By then he had recovered his health. The taking of Ctesiphon was accomplished after a brilliant crossing of the Tigris River while it was in flood.

Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas has thus gone down in the annals of history as the Hero of Qadisiyyah and the Conqueror of Ctesiphon.

Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas lived until he was almost eighty years old. He was blessed with much influence and wealth but as the time of death approached in the year 54 AH, he asked his son to open a box in which he had kept a course woolen jubbah and said: "Shroud me in this, for in this (jubbah) I met the Mushrikin on the day of Badar and in it I desire to meet God Almighty."

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Abdullah Ibn Jahsh

The first be called "Amir al-Mu’minin"

Abdullah Ibn Jahsh was a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and his sister, Zainab Binti Jahsh, was a wife of the Prophet SAW. He was the first to head a group of Muslims on an expedition and so was the first to be called "Amir al-Mu’minin" Commander of the Believers when Prophet migrated to Madinah.

Abdullah Ibn Jahsh became a Muslim before the Prophet SAW entered the House of al-Arqam which became a meeting place, a school and a place of refuge for the early Muslims. He was thus one of the first to accept Islam.

When the Prophet SAW gave permission for his Companions to emigrate to Madinah to avoid further persecution from the Quraish, Abdullah ibn Jahsh was the second to leave, preceded only by Abu Salamah. Emigrating was not a new experience for Abdullah. He and some members of his immediate family had migrated before to Abyssinia. His brother Ubaidullah Ibn Jash and his wife Umm Habibah Ramlah Binti Abu Suffian also joined them converted to christianity, she divorced him and later married the Prophet SAW.

The second migration [Madinah] however was on a far bigger scale which consists of his family and relatives men, women and children, migrated with him. In fact, his whole clan had become Muslims and accompanied him.

There was an air of desolation as they left Makkah. They left their homes appeared sad and depressed. The homes fell vacant no one lived. No sound of conversation emanated from behind those silent walls.

Abdullah's clan were not long gone when the alerted Quraish leaders came out and made the rounds of the districts in Makkah to find out which Muslims had left and who had remained. Among these leaders were Abu Jahal and Utbah Ibn Rabi'ah. Utbah looked at the houses of the Banu Jahsh through which the dusty winds were blowing. He banged on the doors and shouted:

"The houses of the Banu Jahsh have become empty and are weeping for its occupants." 'Who were these people anyway," said Abu Jahal derisively, "that houses should weep for them." He then took over the house of Abdullah Ibn Jahsh. It was the most beautiful and expensive of the houses. He began to dispose freely of its contents as a king would share out his possessions.

Later, when Abdullah Ibn Jahsh heard what Abu Jahal had done to his house, he mentioned it to the Prophet, peace be upon him, who said:

"Aren't you satisfied, O Abdullah, with what God has given you instead a house in Paradise?" "Yes, messenger of God," Abdullah replied, and became at peace with himself and completely satisfied.

Abdullah Ibn Jahsh had scarcely settled down in Madinah when he had to undergo one of the most testing experiences. He had just begun to taste something of the good and restful life under the sponsorship of the Ansar after going through persecution at the hands of the Quraish when he had to be exposed to the severest test he had ever known in his life and carry out the most difficult assignment since he became a Muslim.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be on him, commissioned eight of his Companions to carry out the first military assignment in Islam. Among them were Abdullah Ibn Jahsh and Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas.

"I appoint as your Commander the one who can best bear hunger and thirst," said the Prophet SAW and hand over the Standard of Bearer to Abdullah Ibn Jahsh. He was thus the first to be made Amir over a contingent of believers.

The Prophet SAW gave him precise instructions on the route he should take on the expedition and gave him a letter. He commanded Abdullah to read the letter only after two days' travel.

After the expedition had been on its way for two days, Abdullah looked at the contents of the letter. It said, "When you have read this letter, press on until you come to a place called Nakhlah between Ta'if and Makkah. From there observe the Quraish and gather whatever information you can on them for us."

"At your command, O Prophet of God," exclaimed Abdullah as he finished reading the letter.

Then Abdullah conferred to his colleagues:

"The Prophet has commanded me [us] to proceed to Nakhlah to observe the Quraish and gather information on them for him. He has also commanded me [us] not to go further with anyone of you who is against the purpose of this expedition. So whoever desires martyrdom and is in total agreement with this expedition can accompany me. Whoever is not in agreement may turn back without blame."

They all responded: "At your command, O messenger of Allah," "We shall go with you, Abdullah, wherever the Prophet of God has commanded."
The group continued until they reached Nakhlah and began to move along the mountain passes seeking information on Quraish movements. While they were thus engaged, they saw in the distance a Quraish caravan. There were four men in the caravan Amr Ibn Al-Hadrami, Hukm Ibn Kaysan, Uthman Ibn Abdullah and his brother Mughirah. They were carrying merchandise for the Quraish such as leather skins, raisins and other usual stock in trade.

The Sahabah conferred together and it was the last day of the sacred months. "If they were to kill them they would have done it the inviolable months. To do so would be to violate the sacredness of this month and expose ourselves to the wrath of all Arabs. If we leave them alone for a day so that the month will be completed, they would have entered the inviolable precincts of Makkah and thus are secure from us."

They continued consulting until finally they agreed to pounce on the caravan and take whatever merchandise they could as booty. Before long, two of the men were captured and one was killed; the fourth escaped.

Abdullah Ibn Jahsh and his men took the two prisoners and the caravan on to Madinah. They went to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and informed him about what they had done.

The Prophet was greatly upset and strongly condemned their action. "By God, I did not command you to fight. I only commanded you to gather information on the Quraish and observe their movements." He granted a reprieve to the two prisoners and he left the caravan and did not take a single item from it.

Abdullah Ibn Jahsh and his men then knew that they had fallen into disgrace and felt certain that they were ruined because of their disobeying the command of the Prophet SAW. They began to feel the pressure as their Muslim brothers censured them and avoided them whenever they passed one another. And they would say, "They went against the command of the Prophet."

Their discomfiture grew when they learnt that the Quraish had taken the incident as a means to discredit the Prophet SAW and denounce him among the tribes. The Quraish were saying:

"Muhammad has defiled the sacred month. He has shed blood in it, plundered wealth and captured men." Imagine the extent of the sadness felt by Abdullah Ibn Jahsh and his men at what had happened, more so because of the acute embarrassment they had caused the Prophet SAW.

They were sorely tormented and the agony weighed heavily on them. Then came the good news that Allah the Glorified was pleased with what they had done and had sent down revelation to His Prophet about the matter. They were happy and released. People came and embraced them, congratulating them on the good news and reciting to them what had been revealed in the glorious Qur'an about their action.

"They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say: Fighting therein is an enormity as well as preventing (people) from the path of God and disbelief in Him. Expelling people from the Masjid al Haram is a greater sin in the eyes of God. Moreover, persecution is greater than killing." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 212).

When these blessed verses were revealed, the Prophet's mind was eased. He took the caravan and ransomed the prisoners. He became pleased with Abdullah ibn Jahsh and his men. Their expedition was certainly a major event in the early life of the Muslim community . . .

At the Battle of Badar, Abdullah Ibn Jahsh fought in it and was put to a great test, but a test to which his faith was equal. Then he fought at the Battle of Uhud.

There is an unforgettable story involving Abdullah ibn Jahsh and his friend Sa'ad ibn Abi Waqqas concerning an incident that took place during the Battle of Uhud.

Sa'ad said that during the battle, Abdullah came to me and said, "Aren't you making a do’a to God?" "Yes," I said. So step aside and I prayed, "O Lord, when I meet the enemy, let me meet a man of enormous strength and fury. Then grant me victory over him that I might kill him and acquire spoils from him."

Abdullah said Amen and then he prayed: "Let me meet a man of great standing and enormous fury. I shall fight him for Your sake, O Lord, and he shall fight me. He shall take me and cut off my nose and ears and when I meet You on the morrow You will say, "For what were your nose and ear cut off?" And I would reply, "For Your sake and for the sake of Your Prophet." And then You would say, "You have spoken the truth . . ." Sa'ad continues the story:

The prayer of Abdullah Ibn Jahsh was better than mine. I saw him at the end of the day. He was killed and mutilated and in fact his nose and his ear were hung on a tree with a thread.

God responded to the prayer of Abdullah Ibn Jahsh and blessed him with martyrdom as He blessed his uncle, the Leader of Martyrs, Hamzah Ibn Abdul Muttalib. The noble Prophet SAW buried them together in a single grave. His pure tears watered the earth and the earth anointed with the fragrance of martyrdom. Her husband, ‘Abdullah bin Jash, who was the cousin of the Prophet SAW. Abdullah was killed in Battle of Uhud. The body was mutilated; his nose and his ear were hung on a tree with a thread.


The Prophet SAW , out of compassionate married his widow, Zainab binti Khuzaimah in Ramadhan, in the 4th year of Hijrah but died shortly. She was from Bani Hilal nicknamed Ummul-Masakin because of her caring and kindness

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Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum

The Blind Muezzin and Mujahidin

Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum was a cousin of Khadijah binti Khuwailid, Mother of the Believers, may God be pleased with her. His father was Qays ibn Za'id and his mother was Atikah binti Abdullah. She was called Umm Maktum (Mother of the Concealed One) because she gave birth to a blind child.

Abdullah witnessed the rise of Islam in Makkah. He was amongst the first to accept Islam. He lived through the persecution of the Muslims and suffered what the other companions of the Prophet experienced. His attitude, like theirs, was one of firmness, staunch resistance and sacrifice. Neither his dedication nor his faith weakened against the violence of the Quraish onslaught. In fact, all this only increased his determination to hold on to the religion of God and his devotion to His messenger.

Abdullah was devoted to the noble Prophet SAW and he was so eager to memorize the Qur'an that he would not miss any opportunity to achieve his heart's desire. Indeed, his sense of urgency and his insistence could sometimes have been irritating as he, unintentionally, sought to monopolize the attention of the Prophet SAW. In this period, the Prophet, peace be upon him, was concentrating on the Quraish notables and was eager that they should become Muslims.

On one particular day, he met Utbah ibn Rabiah and his brother Shaibah, Amr ibn Hisham better known as Abu Jahal, Umayyah ibn Khalaf and Walid ibn Mughirah, the father of Khalid ibn Walid who was later to be known as Saif Allah or 'the sword of God'. He had begun talking with them and telling them about Islam. He so much wished that they would respond positively to him and accept Islam or at least call off their persecution of his companions.

While he was thus engaged, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum came up and asked him to read a verse from the Qur'an. "O messenger of God," he said, "teach me from what God has taught you." The Prophet SAW frowned and turned away from him. He turned his attention instead to the prestigious group of Quraish, hoping that they would become Muslims and that by their acceptance of Islam they would bring greatness to the religion of God and strengthen his mission.

As soon as he had finished speaking to them and had left their company, he suddenly felt partially blinded and his head began to throb violently. At this point the following revelation came to him:

"He frowned and turned away when the blind man approached him! Yet for all you knew, (O Muhammad), he might perhaps have grown in purity or have been reminded of the Truth, and helped by this reminder. Now as for him who believes himself to be self-sufficient to him you gave your whole attention, although you are not accountable for his failure to attain to purity. But as for him who came unto you full of eagerness and in awe of God, him did you disregard. Nay, verily, this is but a reminder and so, whoever is willing may remember Him in the light of His revelations blest with dignity, lofty and pure, borne by the hands of messengers, noble and most virtuous." (Surah Abasa 80: 116).

These are the sixteen verses which were revealed to the noble Prophet SAW about Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum sixteen verses that have continued to be recited from that time till today and shall continue to be recited. From that day the Prophet SAW did not cease to be generous to Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, to ask him about his affairs, to fulfill his needs and take him into his council whenever he approached. This is not strange. Was he not censured by God in a most severe manner on Abdullah's account? In fact, in later years, he often greeted Ibn Umm Maktum with these words of humility:

"Welcome unto him on whose account my Sustainer has rebuked me." When the Quraish intensified their persecution of the Prophet SAW and those who believed with him, God gave them permission to emigrate. Abdullah's response was prompt. He Mus’ab ibn Umair was the first of the Companions to reach Madinah. As soon as they reached Yathrib, he and Mus'ab began discussing with the people, reading the Qur'an to them and teaching them the religion of God.

When the Prophet, upon whom be peace; arrived in Madinah, he appointed Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum and Bilal ibn Rabah to be muezzins for the Muslims, proclaiming the Oneness of God five times a day, calling man to the best of actions and summoning them to success.
Bilal would perform the adzan while Abdullah would pronounce the Iqamah for the Prayer.

Sometimes they would reverse the process. During Ramadhan, they adopted a special routine. One of them would call the adzan to wake people up to eat before the fast began. The other would call the adzan to announce the beginning of dawn and the fast. It was Bilal who would awaken the people and Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum who would announce the beginning of dawn. One of the responsibilities that the Prophet SAW placed on Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum was to put him in charge of Madinah in his absence. This was done more than ten times, one of them being when he left for the liberation of Makkah.

After the Battle of Badar, the Prophet SAW received a revelation from God raising the status of the mujahidin and preferring them over the qa'ideen (those who remain inactive at home). This was in order to encourage the mujahid even further and to spur the qa'id to give up his inactivity.

This revelation affected Ibn Umm Maktum deeply. It pained him to be thus barred from the higher status and he said:

"O messenger of God. If I could go on jihad, I would certainly do." He then earnestly asked God to send down a revelation about his particular case and those like him who were prevented because of their disabilities from going on military campaigns.

His prayer was answered. An additional phrase was revealed to the Prophet exempting those with disabilities from the import of the original verse.The full ayah became: "Not equal are those who remain seated among the believers except those who possess disabilities and those who strive and fight in the way of God with their wealth and their persons . . ." (Surah an-Nisa, 4: 95).

In spite of thus being excused from jihad, the soul of Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum refused to be content with staying among those who remained at home when an expedition was in progress. Great souls are not content with remaining detached from affairs of great moment. He determined that no campaign should by-pass him. He fixed a role for himself on the battle field. He would say: "Place me between two rows and give me the standard. I will carry it for you and protect it, for I am blind and cannot run away."

In the fourteenth of Hijrah, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab resolved to mount a major assault against the Persians to bring down their State and open the way for the Muslim forces. So he wrote to his governors: "Send anyone with a weapon or a horse or who can offer any form of help to me. And make haste." Crowds of Muslims from every direction responded to Umar's call and converged on Madinah. Among all these was the blind mujahid, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum.

Umar appointed Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas commander over the army, gave him instructions and bade him farewell. When the army reached Qadisiyyah, Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum was prominent, wearing a coat of armor and fully prepared. He had vowed to carry and protect the Standard Flag of the Muslim Forces or be killed in the process.

The forces met and engaged in battle for three days. The fighting was among the most fierce and bitter in the history of the Muslim conquests. On the third day, the Muslims achieved a mighty victory as one of the greatest empires in the world collapsed and one of the most secure thrones fell. The devotion of Tawhid was reaffirmed in an idolatrous land. The price of this clear victory was due to hundreds of martyrs. Among them was Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum. He was found dead on the battlefield clutching the standard flag of the Muslim forces.

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