The Ten (10) Blessed Sahabah - Web viewAbdul-Rahman ibn Awf will be in ... and her father's name was Khuwaylid bin Asad. ... Saad sent a word to Omar about the size of the Persian

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2012 Sunday School

Module 2Stories of Sacrifice –

Sahabah

Sahabah – Module 2 - 2012 Page 2

The Ten Blessed Sahabah


The Ten (10) Blessed Sahabah

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said:

“Abu Bakr will be in Paradise,

Omar will be in Paradise,

Uthman will be in Paradise,

Ali will be in Paradise,

Talhah will be in Paradise,

Al-Zubayr will be in Paradise,

Abdul-Rahman ibn Awf will be in Paradise,

Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas will be in Paradise,

Sa`id ibn Zayd will be in Paradise and

Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah will be in Paradise."

Also, one of the prophet’s (PBUH) companions, Abu Musa Al-Ashari, narrates:

“I performed ablution in my house and then went out and said,

"Today I shall stick to Allah's prophet (PBUH) and stay with him all this day of mine (in his service)."

I went to the Mosque and asked about the prophet (PBUH). They said, "He had gone in this direction." So I followed his way, asking about him till he entered a place called Bir Aris.

I sat at its gate that was made of date-palm leaves till the prophet (PBUH) finished answering the call of nature and performed ablution. Then I went up to him to see him sitting at the well of Aris at the middle of its edge with his legs uncovered, hanging in the well. I greeted him and went back and sat at the gate. I said, "Today I will be the gatekeeper of the prophet (PBUH)."

Abu Bakr came and pushed the gate. I asked, "Who is it?" He said, "Abu Bakr." I told him to wait, went in and said, "O Allah's Prophet (PBUH)! Abu Bakr asks for permission to enter." He said, "Admit him and give him the glad tidings that he will be in Paradise." So I went out and


said to Abu Bakr, "Come in, and Allah's Prophet (PBUH) gives you the glad tidings that you will be in Paradise" Abu Bakr entered and sat on the right side of Allah's Prophet (PBUH) on the built edge of the well and hung his legs in the well as the Prophet did and uncovered his legs.

I then returned and sat (at the gate). I had left my brother performing ablution and he intended to follow me. So I said (to myself). "If Allah Wants good for so-and-so (i.e. my brother) He will bring him here."

Suddenly somebody moved the door. I asked, "Who is it?" He said, "'Umar bin Al-Khattab." I asked him to wait, went to Allah's Prophet (PBUH), greeted him and said, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab asks the permission to enter." He said, "Admit him, and give him the glad tidings that he will be in Paradise." I went to "Umar and said "Come in, and Allah's Prophet (PBUH), gives you the glad tidings that you will be in Paradise." So he entered and sat beside Allah's Prophet (PBUH) on the built edge of the well on the left side and hung his legs in the well.

I returned and sat (at the gate) and said, (to myself), "If Allah wants good for so-and-so, He will bring him here." Somebody came and moved the door. I asked "Who is it?" He replied, "Uthman bin Affan." I asked him to wait and went to the Prophet and informed him. He said, "Admit him, and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise, I asked him to wait and went to the Prophet and informed him. He said, "Admit him, and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise after a calamity that will befall him." So I went up to him and said to him, "Come in; Allah's Prophet (PBUH) gives you the glad tidings of entering Paradise after a calamity that will befall you. "Uthman then came in and found that the built edge of the well was occupied, so he sat opposite to the Prophet on the other side.”

What It Really MeansWhat does it mean to be told by the prophet (PBUH) that you will be in paradise? Will you quit working hard to worship Allah? Will you do sins since you know that you will be in Jannah?

The answer to that is as follows:

1- The 10 blessed ones have higher aspirations than just to enter Jannah. They seek to please Allah and they want Allah to be pleased with them more than anything else.Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once was making Salat late at night and it was so long that even his feet swelled up. His wife, Syedah Aiysha (RAA), asked him: “why do you pray so long and Allah Has forgiven you the past and the future”. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied: “shouldn’t I then be a grateful slave?”

2- The prophet (PBUH) does not say such things without first being informed by Allah who knew that the blessed 10 will not commit such grave sins


Others Who Were Given Glad TidingsThere are others the prophet (PBUH) or Allah in the Quran told of such great glad tidings. The 10 is famous because they are listed in one Hadith. We will tell below the story of the group Allah SWT Promised His pleasure upon them (The Pact under the Tree):

The Pact under the Tree Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made intentions to visit Mecca to perform Umrah. It was a time of war with the non-believers of Mecca. Yet at the time, even the non-believers honored a long held tradition of not fighting during the 4 blessed months of the year (Rajab, Thu Al-Qidah, Thu Al-Hijjah and Muharram).

The prophet (PBUH) and approximately 1000 of his companions made the journey to Mecca until they reached the valley of Hudaybeyah. They were informed that Quraish (people of Mecca) will not allow them to enter.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sent Uthman Ibn Affan to negotiate an entry. Uthman was late returning and the Muslims were told wrongly that he was killed. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called on his companions to make a pact to fight till death or victory.

The prophet (PBUH) and companions had no intentions of war when they left Madinah; they had no weapons to speak of; they were 1000 against so many in Mecca. Yet, they were not deterred.

The prophet (PBUH) sat under a tree and a group after group of Muslims came to put their hands with his (PBUH) to make a promise to Allah to fight and not flee. All 1000 except for one who hid behind his camel made such a pact.

Allah SWT revealed in the Quran (in translation):

“Those that made the pact with you are making a pact with Allah. The Hand of Allah is on top of their hands”.

“Allah Is with those that pledged their allegiance to you under the tree, and He Knew what is in their hearts and rewarded them with tranquility and gave them an imminent victory”.

At the end, a peace treaty between the Muslims and Quraish averted an impending war. The companions who made this pact with the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the blessings of Allah for their intentions (“neyyah”) at the time as they did not know what the future held. Allah SWT is so generous that the mere intentions of doing good is greatly rewarded even if one is prevented somehow of doing it.


Following ChaptersIn the following chapters, we will choose our own great companions of men, women and young to discuss their lives in details Insha Allah.


Khadijah Bint

Khuwaylid


Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid

The Truly First Believer

NoteIn this narrative, I will mention the name Muhammad (PBUH) without saying Prophet to indicate the time before his prophethood.

Birth and Early HistoryKhadijah was born in Makkah in the year 556 CE. Her mother's name was Fatimah bint Zayd, and her father's name was Khuwaylid bin Asad. He was a very popular leader among the tribe of Quraysh and a very prosperous businessman who died while fighting in the famous battle of Fujjar. Khadijah thus grew up in the lap of luxury.

Khadijah married Abu Halah Malak bin Nabash bin Zarrarah bin At-Tamimi and bore him two children, Halah and Hind. She wanted to see her husband prosper and financed him in setting up a big business. But unfortunately he passed away.

Sometime later the young widow married 'Atique bin 'Aith bin 'Abdullah Al-Makhzumi, and she had a daughter by him as well named Hindah, but the marriage soon broke up on grounds of incompatibility.

Khadijah as a Business WomanKhadijah managed the money she inherited from her father very well. She was a very astute business women and her wealth grow bigger.

Being unmarried at the time with no ability to travel on her own far from Mecca, she was always looking for honest merchants to travel and trade on her behalf. No one in Mecca was known to be more honest than Muhammad (PBUH) who was 25 years old at the time whose nickname was the “Honest, trustworthy (Al-Sadiq, Al-Amin)” so she offered him (PBUH) the job and he accepted gladly.

She sent Muhammad (PBUH) with her servant Maysarah on a business trip. Hewas very impressed with the character, smarts and ethics of Muhammad and reported what he saw to Khadijah when he returned from the trip.

Khadijah was also impressed by the honesty of Muhammad (PBUH) and the fact that he returned all the profits to Khadijah without keeping anything for himself other than what they


agreed to. She also noticed that the amount of profits were more than any time before due to his honesty.

The Marriage ProposalKhadijah being a beautiful, wealthy woman of 40 years of age had many suitors who wanted to marry her. But she never had any interest.

However, she was so impressed by Muhammad (PBUH) that she wanted to marry him. But even back then it was not appropriate for a woman to ask a man to marry her. She confined in her friend Nafeesah who took it upon herself to act as a mediator.

Nafeesah went to Muhammad (PBUH) and asked him why he does not get married. He (PBUH) mentioned that he does not have a lot of money to marry. Nafeesah told him “what if I told you of a prominent, beautiful woman?” He said “who” and she replied “Khadijah”.

Age DifferenceKhadijah was 15 years older than prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when she married him. He (PBUH) married women his age and also much younger after the death of Khadijah when he (PBUH) was in his fifties.

It was very common during that time for men to marry much younger women and for women to marry younger men. There was no thought of anything bad about that at the time.

It is only in today’s culture in some countries that this fact is frowned upon. Today’s youngs are not as mature as the older generation. It is a fact that no one disputes except to talk badly about our Muslim heritage. When people study Shakespeare’s famous play “Romeo and Juliet”, they forget that they were 13 years old at the time.

The Marriage and Early YearsThe two uncles of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Hamzah and Abu Talib approached her uncle, Omar bin Asad, with the formal proposal. It was accepted and the two families began preparing for the wedding.

Khadijah was very blessed in the marriage, and had six children. First two sons, Qasim and Abdullah and both of them died before Islam; then followed the daughters, Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah. It was a very happy, peaceful and content household.

The Dawn of Islam and Prophethood15 years into the marriage and Muhammad (PBUH) was living with Khadijah in blissful marriage. He (PBUH) was now forty years of age.


At that time Allah SWT Made him love seclusion and contemplation. He (PBUH) would go to the cave of Hira which is a long walk from his house and on top of a high mountain. At that time and with no lights or electricity, one can only imagine sitting in that cave in the middle of nowhere, no people and no houses, simply overlooking the valley of Mecca and the Kabaa from there.

What a woman today would think if her husband told her that he wants to spend days in the mountain alone away from family, friends and everything? Will she be supportive? Will she understand?

Khadijah was more than supportive. She would make the journey herself every few days bringing food and water to her husband (PBUH).

The Revelation and the Supportive WifeThe story of revelation is well known where the angel Jibreel (PBUH) came to prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the cave and asked him to read and then finally the beginning of Surat Al-Alaq was revealed.

The prophet (PBUH) understandably was shaken and he came down from the mountain trembling and shivering to Khadijah asking to be covered. As he (PBUH) told Khadijah what happened, she comforted him by saying:

“Did you have fear? No, Allah SWT Will never let you down. You are generous with your relatives; you are truthful in speaking; you carry the burden of others who cannot support themselves; and you feed the visitors and passersby”.

First, let’s examine the list of attributes she narrated why what happened to him (PBUH) has to be good from Allah. These are the qualities we must strive for as Muslims to be happy and protected in this life and the hereafter.

Khadijah had an uncle. His name is Waraqqa Bin Nawfal who never liked idle worshipping as Quraish did at the time. He studied true Christianity and not the one claiming Issa (Jesus, PBUH) to be son of God. Waraqqa was a very well learned man.

Khadijah took the prophet (PBUH) to Waraqqa who listened to the story attentively and then excitingly proclaimed to prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

“By Allah this is the angel that came to Mosa (Moses, PBUH) and Issa (Jesus, PBUH). I wish I were young to defend you and protect you when your people kick you of Mecca”.


Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked “are they going to kick me out of Mecca?” It is a logical question as the prophet (PBUH) was loved by Quraish for all his noble qualities and that they trusted him unconditionally.

Waraqqa replied: “yes, every messenger that brought such message to his people faced many staunch enemies who were against his message”.

Years of Difficult Times – The Valley of Abu TalibQuraish tried every possible tactic to stem the spread of Islam from torture and physical abuse to killing Muslim slaves to trying to bribe the prophet (PBUH) to stop. All their efforts went to no avail and Islam grew stronger each day.

Finally and at year 6 of Islam, Quraish and all of its tribes made a political, economic and social pact against Muslims:

1- No one will buy or sell to a Muslim2- No one will marry a Muslim or allow a Muslim to marry from them3- When outsiders come to Mecca then they must stop Muslims from buying or selling to

them by overbidding or under selling the Muslims

Quraish wrote that treaty and hung it on the door of Kabaa as a constant reminder for them to keep the embargo up.

You can imagine living in a city where you cannot even buy food to live on. Times were very hard at the Muslims. Abu Talib decided to take his tribe and all the Muslims and isolate them in a valley where they can protect each other. The valley became known as the valley of Abu Talib.

The boycott lasted 3 years. Let’s listen to Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas, RAA, tell us about how hard the times where. He narrates:

“One night I went out to relief myself and I heard my urine fall on a dead camel skin. I cleaned, crushed it into powder and ate from 3 for 3 days”.

He also said: “one day I went again to relief myself in the night. My hand touched something wet so I put it in my mouth and ate it. To this day I have no idea what it was”.

Khadijah, RAA, being from a noble tribe was offered by her people to come out of the valley and live with them. She vehemently refused to leave the side of her beloved husband Muhammad (PBUH).

Finally and after 3 years a group of good hearted people of Quraish convinced their people to end the embargo on the Muslims.


The Death of Abu Talib and then KhadijahThe 3 years of suffering took its toll on both Abu Talib and Khadijah, RAA, and soon they both passed away.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was so sad at the loss of his beloved wife and his biggest supporter, his uncle Abu Talib that the year of their death was called the Year of Sadness.

The Place of Khadijah in Jannah and History of WomenHowever, before the death of Khadijah an incident happened as narrated in the authentic books of Hadith:

“The Angel Jibreel (PBUH) came to prophet Muhamad (PBUH) and told him: this is Khadijah coming to you with a pot of food and drink. Tell her when she comes that Allah SWT greets her with Salam and so do I. Tell her Allah SWT promises her a great house in Jannah made of gold, and of total peace and tranquility”.

In another Hadith prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that “the best woman in Jannah is Maryam Bint Imran; and the best woman in Jannah is Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid”.

The Love and Loyalty of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to KhadijahSayeedah Aiysha, RAA, the youngest wife of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) whom he married years after the death of Khadijah narrates few stories:

“I was never jealous from any wife of the prophet (PBUH) except for Khadijah, who I never met, because of how many times I heard prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mention her name.”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), when he slaughters a sheep would send parts of it to old friends of Khadijah. Sometime I would tell him (PBUH): as if there were no women other than Khadijah. He (PBUH) would say: she was and was [narrating her noble character] and Allah gave me children from her”.

In another similar situation the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied: “I was made to love her [by Allah]”.

In another narration by Aisha, RAA, she said:

“Halah, the sister of Khadijah, asked to come in one day. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recognized her voice and was similar to Khadijah’s. He (PBUH) said: Oh, Allah, Halah!

Aiysha said that she got very jealous and said: you keep mentioning that old lady and Allah gave you a better wife than her [meaning herself, Aiysha].


Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) face changed its color in anger and said: “No, by Allah, Allah Never gave me a better wife: she believed in me when people did not; she spent her life and money with her money when people rejected me; and Allah gave me children from only her”.


UmmSalamah


Umm Salamah Bint Abu Umayyah

Early History and Acceptance Of Islam

Her real name was Hind bint Abu Umayyah who became famous by the name Umm Salamah. She was noble by birth, intelligent, learned, wise and skillful. She was first married to 'Abdullah bin 'Abdul Asad Makhzumi known as Abu Salamah. He was the son of the Prophet's paternal aunt Barrah bint Abdul Muttalib. He too belonged to the select band of people who were the first to accept Islam. He was known for his integrity, valor, generosity, tolerance and patience. He was the eleventh person to come into the fold of Islam. He was also the foster brother of the Prophet (PBUH) through the ties of breast-feeding.

Umm Salamah was also one of the earliest people to enter Islam as well. Her mother was 'Atikah bint 'Amer bin Rabi'ah bin Malik bin Khazimah. Her father Abu Umayyah bin 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Makhzum was a very wealthy man and famous throughout the Arab world for his public service and charity. Umm Salamah seemed to have inherited this trait from her father. She was always amiable and kind to her neighbors. When she married the handsome and brave son of the equally wealthy family of Makhzum, she carried a friendly demeanor of pleasant serenity into her new household. There was an atmosphere of gaiety and love in the home of the newly married couple.

Persecution and Trip to Habasha (Abyssinia)

Things changed radically when the couple embraced Islam. The whole family turned against them; mischievous and wicked elements like Walid bin Mughirah Makhzumi started creating problems for them. Finally, when matters had nearly reached their worst, the Prophet (PBUH) advised his staunch followers to migrate to Habasha where the Christian King was more tolerant of the new religion. Sixteen people set out on that historic first migration of the followers of Islam - twelve men and four women, Abu and Umm Salamah were part of these sixteen.

Umm Salamah narrated that life was very peaceful in Habasha, free of all religious persecution. She first gave birth to a daughter, whom they named Zaynab. Then she had a son Salamah, hence her name and her husband's name.

The next child was also a son, 'Umar. Finally, they had another daughter who they named Durrah. So life was very smooth and time passed uneventfully, in peace and happiness. The ruler of Habasha, Najashi, was very kind to the migrants. When the leaders of the disbelievers heard this news, they were enraged and thought that the Muslims were becoming a real source of danger for them. They decided to take strong measures to stem the rising tide of Islam.

After a great deal of thought they evolved a plan of action. The disbelievers sent the leading politician of the Arab world, Amr bin 'Aas and 'Abdullah bin Abi Rabi'ah with expensive gifts for


Najashi, in order to persuade him to hand over the Muslim migrants to their custody. Najashi was a fair minded, far-sighted and frank man. So he called for the leader of the refugees to present their case. Najashi, after hearing the plea of the Muslims he then told the emissaries of the Quraish that these migrants were people of good character and could continue to live in Habasha as long as they wished. Further, he would continue to give every kind of protection necessary, and the delegation from Makkah could leave carrying back their gifts. If someone gave him even a mountain of gold in exchange for these righteous people he would not surrender them. Umm Salamah has written about this memorable first migration of the Muslims, and described the greatness of Najashi in such a moving manner that it has become an integral and important part of Islamic history.

Umm Salamah narrates that their life in Habasha was very peaceful and Najashi was very kind, but all the same they were homesick for Makkah. They continued longing for the time when peace would finally prevail so they could return to their beloved country. One day news reached that 'Umar bin Khattab accepted Islam and that the conditions in Makkah had changed completely. It was said that because of the authority and influence of 'Umar, the persecution of Muslims came to an end. They were all so excited at this good news, writes Umm Salamah, that they decided to set out for their homes. 'Uthman bin 'Affan also set out with them with his family. On reaching Makkah, they realized it had been just a rumor and things were much worse than before. Muslims were the targets of worse crimes and persecution. But it was too late.

Return to Mecca and Migration to Madinah

The disbelievers heard the Prophet (PBUH) reciting Ayat from the Noble Qur’an, and prostrated involuntarily at one Ayah with him. Like all rumors this too ballooned into news that the Quraish had converted to Islam. In reality this was not so.

Weary of the constant problems they faced, they decided to leave for Habasha again. It was at this time that the Prophet (PBUH) ordered staunch Muslims to migrate to Al-Madinah. The delegation from there had brought the news that those who swore allegiance to Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) at 'Aqabah had invited Muslims to settle there, and he accepted. The Ansar of Al-Madinah, (as they came to be called), had said they would look after their migrant brethren.

Abu Salamah with his family left on camels for Al-Madinah. When members of his family saw this, they caught the bridle of the camel and told him that he could go where he wanted but he would have to leave behind his daughter. They said it seemed like a joke - he was always off somewhere or the other, Habasha, then Al-Madinah! He never seemed to give her a peaceful settled life.

When Abu Salamah's family heard this they were enraged. They came and took her sons away, saying she could not take them with her; they were their flesh and blood and they would bring them up. So, in a moment the whole family was split up in three different places. Abu Salamah left for Al-Madinah, his wife was left with her parents and the sons were with the paternal


grandparents. It was such a shock being torn apart from husband and sons, that she just could not stop weeping.

Every day she used to visit the spot from where the husband and children had been torn away from her and weep for her loved ones. One day one of the members of her tribe passed that way and saw her grieving and asked her what happened. She told him about her plight. He then went and gave a piece of his mind to the elders of both families, rebuking them for their cruel behavior towards a noble and helpless lady. His emotional and blunt outburst made them realize how unjust they were and they relented. They gave back her sons to her, and her family too gave her permission to proceed to Al-Madinah.

But how could she travel alone? No one was willing to accompany her. Finally, gaining courage and solace from the fact that she now had her sons with her, she set out for Al-Madinah. When she reached Tan'im, she met 'Uthman bin Talhah 'Abdari who had not up to that time accepted Islam. He asked her where she was traveling all alone. She replied that she was going to join her husband. He was surprised that not a single member of the family accompanied her. She said no one agreed to go with her and she was totally dependent on Allah Almighty who was her Defender and Protector; only He would protect her. 'Uthman bin Talhah 'Abdari took the bridle of the camel and said he would help her in reaching destination.

Umm Salamah said that such a decent, pure-hearted man, with not a trace of evil in him would be difficult to find. Whenever they reached a camping site he would tie the camel to a tree and move far away to lie down and rest. So she also had some privacy and could rest at ease, relaxed with her children. When it was time to resume the journey he would bring the camel and make it sit down. Once she got on the camel's back with her children, he would take the bridle in his hand and start walking. After several days they reached Quba which is in the environs of Al-Madinah. Banu 'Amr bin 'Auf were settled there; he said that since Abu Salamah was also there he could leave her and return. Umm Salamah says in her book that his gentlemanly behavior and his goodness affected her deeply. Then she finally saw her family after so long her joy knew no bounds. So this divided family once again was at peace and the children had the benefit of a good upbringing that only united and happy parents can provide.

The Death of Abu Salamah

Abu Salamah took part in the Battle of Badr and once again had the honor of fighting for Islam in the Battle of Uhud. But in this last mentioned battle, Abu Usamah Jashmi wounded him seriously in the side with his spear. He underwent treatment for a month but to no avail. The wound apparently healed, but that was only on the surface, and it continued to fester inside. Barely two months after the battle of Uhud, the Prophet (PBUH) received news that Banu Asad was planning to attack the Muslims. He ordered his men to prepare for battle, and made Abu Salamah the Commander of the Islamic forces. The battle was won, and Banu Asad was crushed. The Muslims got the rich spoils of a war well fought.


Abu Salamah was lying in a very serious condition when the Prophet (PBUH) came to visit him. He realized that he was approaching death, and patting his hand consoled him. When he finally passed away, the Prophet (PBUH) closed his eyes with his hands.

Umm Salamah narrates that she heard Abu Salamah tell her before that prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said:

“Anyone who is hit by a great tragedy and then puts his faith in Allah and says:

We all belong to Allah and to Allah we shall return. O, Allah, reward me in my tragedy and recompense better than what I have lost”.

In total belief, Umm Salamah said those words then she reflected of the words just uttered and muttered to herself: “who will be better than Abu Salamah, a loving husband and a devout father?”

Little did she know that Allah had accepted her prayer and she later said: “by Allah, Allah gave me better than Abu Salamah”. And that was the prophet (PBUH) himself.

The Marriage to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Umm Salamah says that she prayed thus and Allah granted her prayer. When she finished the prescribed period of waiting, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq sent a proposal of marriage to her, but she refused. Then 'Umar bin Khattab proposed and she refused him as well.

Then the Prophet (PBUH) proposed. She reflected about her own shortcomings as she did not want to be a bad wife to prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She told him (PBUH) that:

1- She was a jealous woman and had a temper; she felt she might be rude to the Prophet of Allah (PBUH), and thus lose the reward for all her good deeds.

2- Secondly, she was an elderly lady.

3- Thirdly, she had, many children.

The Prophet (PBUH) answered that he would pray to Allah, and Allah willing, her jealousy temper would subside. As far as age was concerned, he was also an elderly man. This statement from prophet Muhammad (PBUH) refutes the non-believer claims about him and his interest in young women. In fact many of his wives were older or just as old as he (PBUH) was.

The prophet (PBUH) then continued by telling her that as far as her children were concerned, Allah SWT and His messenger (PBUH) will take care of them.

'Ayshah narrated that it was the habit of the Prophet (PBUH) to visit each of his wives in turn after the 'Asr prayers. He would inquire about their welfare and if they needed anything. He would start from the apartment of Umm Salamah because she was the eldest among them, and finish his rounds at the apartment of 'Ayshah.


The Wisdom That Saved Many

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Sahabah wanted to perform Ummrah and visit the Kabah. But they were stopped by Quraish and finally a peace treaty was formed. Initially the Sahabah thought the treaty gave too many concessions to the non-believers and they wanted to fight or get a more balanced treaty.

Little did they know that peace was the intent of prophet Muhammad (PBUH); that once peace is restored and the Muslims are allowed to practice and spread their message, then thousands (and later millions) of people will accept islam. That is exactly what happened.

The Sahabah did not have that foresight and when prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them to end their Ummrah rituals by slaughtering their sacrifices, shaving their heads and taking the clothes of Ihram off, they hesitated hoping that the decision would somehow change.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) entered the tent of Umm Salamah feeling upset and worried that Allah may punish the Sahabah for their disobedience. Umm Salamah said:

“Oh, prophet (PBUH), simply leave the tent, slaughter your sacrifice and call the barber to shave your head. The Sahabah will follow your actions”.

She knew that the Sahabah will always follow the lead of the prophet (PBUH) and know that his actions are commands from Allah. Once they saw prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shave his head, they rushed to do the same.

A Place of Revelation

Several of the Ayat of the Noble Quran were revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) when he was in her apartment. For instance, in the latter part of the Ayat in Surat AI-Ahzab,

"And Allah only wishes to remove evil deeds from you, O members of the family (of the Prophet), and to purify you with a thorough purification." [Noble Quran 33:33]

Also some of the Ayat of Surat At-Tawbah were revealed while he was with her.

"And (there are) others who have acknowledged their sins, they have mixed a deed that was righteous with another that was evil. Perhaps Allah will turn unto them in forgiveness. Surely, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Noble Quran 9:102]

He also said:

"And (He forgave) the three who did not join till for them the earth, vast as it is, was straitened and their own selves were straitened to them, and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah and no refuge but with Him. Then He forgave them that they might beg for His pardon. Verily, Allah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful." [Noble Quran 9:118]


This Ayah refers to the turning towards Allah of Ka'b bin Malik, Hilal bin Umayyah and Mararah bin Ar-Rabi' in sincere repentance. These three Companions, without any valid reason, avoided joining the Muslim army in the Battle of Tabuk. They were therefore ostracized by the Prophet (PBUH) and the rest of the Companions. They were so stricken by guilt that they kept praying for Divine Forgiveness, until finally Allah granted it to them. The Prophet (PBUH) was sleeping in the apartment of Umm Salamah when this last Ayah was revealed to him. He woke up in the late hours of the night and told her that the supplications for forgiveness of these three Companions had been accepted. She asked him if this good news should be conveyed to them immediately. He said they should not be disturbed so late at night; after the Fajr prayers he sent for them and congratulated them. They were overjoyed and so were all the other Companions.

Umm Salamah also had the distinction of taking part in many battles of significance in the history of Islam. She was with the Prophet (PBUH) during the Battles Bani Mustalaq, Ta'if, Khaybar, Hunayn and the conquest of Makkah.

Umm Salamah was very learned in religious matters. She knew three hundred and eighty-seven Hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH) by heart. She knew very well the finer points of Islamic law about foster-relations through suckling and divorce. 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas used to consult with her for many points of Shari'ah (Islamic law). Leading the list of names of Companions whose judgments on points of law were regarded as valid is the name of Umm Salamah.

Umm Salamah had hardly any equal in mastery over language. When she spoke her words and phrases were well chosen and exactly appropriate for the expression of ideas. Her written language was suited for literary expression. Many companions and followers have noted down traditions attributed to her.

She lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four and died in the year 62nd after Hijrah. She lived to see the rule Khulafa' Ar-Rashidin. Zaynab bint Jahash was the first among the Mothers of the Believers to pass away and Umm Salamah the last. This was during the rule of Yazid bin Mu'awiyah and she was laid to rest beside the other wives of the Prophet (PBUH) in Jannatul Baqi'.

Note:Most of the information in this document was downloaded from: http://www.islamswomen.com/articles/umm_hiram_bint_milhan.php


http://www.islamswomen.com/articles/umm_hiram_bint_milhan.php

Saad Ibn Abi

Waqqas


Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas

“The Lion's Claws”

About Saad

His grandfather was Uhaib ibn Manaf, the paternal uncle of Aaminah, the mother of the

Prophet, peace be upon him. So prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to point to Saad lovingly

and say: “This is my uncle; let others point their uncles to me”. This is despite the fact that Saad

was 23 years younger than the prophet (PBUH) himself.

Saad accepted Islam when he was 17 years old. He was the third man after Abu Bakker and

Uthman to embrace Islam. Saad said, "I witnessed a day in which I was third in Islam". Of

course, Khadijah (a woman) and Zaid Ibn Haritha and Ali Ibn Abi Talib (young children in the

household of the prophet (PBUH)) embraced Islam earlier as well. May Allah be pleased with

them all!

His Mother’s Attempt to Change His MindWhen 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 me and remorse would

consume you on account of the deed, you have done and people would censure you forever

more.' 'Don't do (such a thing), my mother,' I said, '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."

"Hour after hour, 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 Ummaah! In spite of my strong love for you, my

love for Allah and His Messenger is indeed stronger. By Allah, if you had a thousand souls and


each one departs one after another, I would not abandon this religion for anything.' When she

saw that I was determined she relented unwillingly and ate and drank.”

Allah said in the Quran (in translation):

"But if they (your parents) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of

which you have no knowledge, then obey them not..." (Luqman 31: 15)

The First to FightIn the early days of Islam in Mecca where the number of Muslims was minimal, prophet

Muhammad (PBUH) did not allow the Muslims to fight back. This is despite all the torture,

murder and pain inflected by the Kuffar (non-believers) on the Muslims.

The Muslims were not afraid for their lives. They, on the contrary, were more worried about

keeping Islam alive by not giving the Kuffar an excuse to annihilate them all.

One day Saad and a group of Muslims were worshipping Allah outside of Mecca when they

were met by a group of Kuffar who attacked them. A fist fight ensued and Saad grabbed jaw

bones of a dead donkey and hit the Kuffar with it. So he was the first to fight for Allah and later

he would be the first to throw an arrow for Allah’s sake.

Difficult Years in the Valley of Abu TalibSaad spent 3 years with the prophet (PBUH) in the valley of Abu Talib where the Muslims were deprived

by Quraish of food. Saad narrates:

“One night I went out to relief myself and I heard my urine fall on a dead camel skin. I cleaned, crushed it into powder and ate from 3 for 3 days”.

He also said: “one day I went again to relief myself in the night. My hand touched something wet so I put it in my mouth and ate it. To this day I have no idea what it was”.

Life in Madinah – The Battles for BadrSaad migrated to Madinah and was with prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the entire life of the prophet (PBUH). In the battle of Badr, Saad narrates:


“I fought very well and hard in Badr. After the battle I saw a beautiful sword left by a Kaffir on the battle field. I took it to prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and asked him to give it to me. The prophet (PBUH) said it was not up to him how to divide the spoils of war.”

Saad continues: “I left the prophet (PBUH) saying to myself: now someone else who does not fight as well as I may get this sword”. Allah then revealed the Ayat of Surat Al-Anfaal giving prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the authority to divide the spoils of war and distribute it in fifths: one fifth to the cause of Allah (fighting, the poor, etc.) and the other 4 fifth to the soldiers in battle.

The prophet (PBUH) called Saad and said:

”Now it is up to me” and he give him the sword.

The Battle of Uhud – The Sacrifices of ManyIn the first half of the battle of Uhud, the Muslims won the battle and few thought the war had ended, so they left their assigned posts. This gave the Kuffar a chance to circle around the Muslim army and attack from the rear as well as the front.

The Muslim army became scattered and prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and few Sahabah were forced into a small hole (open cave) in the mountain. The Kuffar focused their attack on the prophet (PBUH).

A woman with her son stood and fought until she was killed. As she fell on the ground dying, she looked at her son and said:

“You will not have an excuse if harm befalls the prophet (PBUH) and you still have a life in your body”. She is urging him to sacrifice his life to save the prophet (PBUH).

Another woman picked up a sword and fought an attacker and she hit him. He had too much of an armor so her sword bounced off his chest and he hit her on her shoulder causing a severe injury that will remain visible the rest of her life.

Finally the prophet (PBUH) was left with only 9 people: 7 of Ansaar (people of Madinah) and two of Quraish: Saad and Talhah Ibn Obaid Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Who would protect us and he is with me in Jannah?” One of Al-Ansaar stepped up and fought till he was killed. The prophet (PBUH) kept repeating his question and one of Al-Ansaar would fight until all 7 were killed.


Talhah protected the prophet (PBUH) with is body despite all the arrows coming at them. He put his hand in front of the face of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to protect him from an incoming arrow. The arrow pierced the hand of Abu Talhah and cut his fingers. He uttered upon feeling the pain a meaningless sound: “Hsssss”. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told him:

“Had you said Bismillah instead the angles would have lifted you up in the sky for all to see”.

All the while Saad was fighting the Kuffar with his arrows. The prophet (PBUH) himself would gather falling arrows from a round them and give it to Saad saying:

“Throw them with your arrows; you are more beloved to me than my father and mother”.

Saad would later say that the prophet (PBUH) never said these words to any Muslim but him.

Getting SickWhen the Prophet went on his Farewell Pilgrimage Saad accompanied him and happened to fall

ill. When the Prophet went to nurse him, he told the Prophet that he owned a lot of property

and had only one daughter who would inherit it. He said that he wished to give away as charity

in the Name of Allah, two-third of it. The Prophet told him this was too large a proportion. Then

he asked if he could give away one half, the Prophet said even this was too much. Then again

he asked if it would be all right to give away one third. The Prophet said even this was a bit too

much though it was all right. He asked him to remember that it was better to leave one's heirs

in a good financial position; it was not good to leave them in a situation where they would have

to go around asking others for help. Allah Will reward the person who spent anything at all in

charity for Him.

The sickness of Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas was getting more and more complicated day by day. He

loved Al-Madinah deeply and he wanted to die there. When the Prophet saw his restlessness

and desire to be in his favorite city, he put his blessed hand on his chest and supplicated to

Allah Almighty thrice to cure him. These supplicated phrases uttered by the Prophet acted

like a magic cure for Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas.


The Leader of the Army to Iraq and Persia

A continuous stream of incoming news worried the Commander of the Faithful, Omar ibn Al-

Khattab.

This news was about the deceitful attacks launched by the Persian forces against the Muslims at

the Battle of Al-Jisr which cost the Muslims 4,000 lives in a single day and, moreover, the Iraqis'

renouncement of allegiance and their violation of agreed-upon covenants.

Therefore, Omar decided to personally lead the Muslim troops in a decisive fight against Persia.

In fact, he set out accompanied by some of his

companions, leaving Ali Ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, behind to act as his

deputy over Madinah.

However, he had hardly left Madinah when some of his companions found it wiser to ask him to

return and appoint someone else for this task. This view was adopted by Abd Ar-Rahman ibn

Awf, who saw it unwise to risk the caliph's life in such a way while Islam was going through its

most decisive days.

Omar ordered the Muslims to gather for public consultation. Congregational prayer was then

announced and Ali ibn Abi Talib was sent for. He went with some Madinites to where Omar and

his companions were waiting. At last, they accepted Abd Ar-Rahman ibn Awf’s opinion. The

assembly decided that Omar was to go back to Madinah and another Muslim leader be chosen

to combat the Persians.

Omar agreed to their decision, and then asked his companions, "Whom do you see fit to be

sent to Iraq?"

They thought silently for a while. Then Abd Ar-Rahman ibn Awf shouted, "I've found him!"

Omar said, "Who is it?" Abd Ar-Rahman said, "The Lion's Claws: Saad Ibn Malik Az-Zuhariy.

(Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas)"

The Muslims supported his choice. Omar then sent for Saad ibn Maalik Az-Zuhariy, also known

as Saad ibn Abi Waqqas and appointed him governor of Iraq and Commander of the Army.


The Battle of QadisiyahOmar wrote to Saad:

"Remember the importance of Qadisiyah, which is a historic place. If the battle is won, then the

whole of Persia will be at your feet. Qadisiyah is the central door to Persia.

Do not be lost in arrogance because you are related to the Prophet. Do not forget that one's

status and position in the eyes of Allah depends on one's obedience and loyalty to Him."

At the end of the letter he told him to keep me informed about all the latest developments.

How would he enter the battlefield? Where would he camp? At what distance was the enemy

at that time? In other words, he wanted detailed information about what was taking place

every moment, as if he were able to see him.

Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas fulfilling his duties, kept the government at the center informed regarding

every detail to the extent that he kept Caliph 'Omar Farooq informed in exhaustive detail about

the welfare and activities of the Muslim army.

Persian army was much larger in number and weapons and they were led by Persia’s supreme

Commander Rustum. They brought in huge elephants with soldiers with bows and arrows on

top. A sight never seen by Muslims before!

Saad sent a word to Omar about the size of the Persian army asking him his advice. Omar

replied that he should not fear and let the Persians enter the battlefield. He should remember

always that total power lay in the control of Allah Almighty. He should concentrate on

entreating Allah Almighty and offering supplications to Him for assistance and depend on Him

every moment.

Secondly, send a delegation consisting of the most excellent, most experienced, most intelligent

and most eloquent Muslim soldiers to the Persian Empire. He wanted Saad Ibn Abi Waqas to

report to him in detail about how the delegation was received by the Persian Empire; further it

was extremely important that he be kept fully informed about each and every development.

Finally he prayed that Allah Almighty be his Supporter and Helper.


Following the orders of 'Omar Farooq , Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas selected the most eloquent,

diplomatic, skilled, perceptive and dignified people from those serving under him to form the

delegation and sent them to the Persian Empire. The delegation went to the court of the

Empire in the very simple attire of those who are indifferent to worldly pomp and show.

Looking at their simple dress yet regal and majestic manners the whole court seemed to

tremble and quake. The head of the delegation addressed the Persian Empire and said that

Allah Almighty had selected them, so that they should take out mankind from the filthy morass

of idol worship and guide them to the clear fountain of the adoration of the One True Allah. He

wanted them to lead people from the darkness of ignorance to the brilliant light of knowledge.

The common man had to be freed from the oppression of tyrants and taken into the fresh open

air of Islam to enjoy the blessings of the justice of Islam. All those who accept this invitation

would be welcomed and nor would their territories be annexed. They would be given total

control of the organization and governance of their lands. But if anyone opposed them and

refused their invitation, then they would declare war against them, and this war would

continue until the Law of Allah Almighty was established on this earth and His Promise was

fulfilled.

The Persian Empire asked in amazed tones: “What Allah Almighty had promised them?" They

answered that He had promised them Paradise after death and an exalted status for those who

lived on. And very proudly they added that if he did not accept Islam, this land of his would very

soon be under their control, he would lose his throne and crown and all his pomp and power

would become a story from the past. The Persian Empire felt that each phrase of theirs was a

poisoned arrow hitting the target - his heart. With smoldering eyes and a thundering voice he

called out to his man. The man came forward and asked what his command was. He asked him

to go out and get some soil immediately. The man went out and quickly brought a basket filled

with soil, continuously threw it at the delegation. Asim Ibn Omar picked up the basket put it in

his robe and took it to Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas,, and said: "Congratulations! The Persian Empire

has himself given us its land."


The delegation informed Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas of all that had transferred; they said that war

could not be avoided as the Persian Empire would understand no other language. The dispute

could be settled only the arena of war. The eyes of Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas filled with tears when

he heard the courageous dialogue of his soldiers. He wished this war could have started some

days earlier or some days later.

The fact of the matter was that when the delegation declared that war was inevitable, Saad Ibn

Abi Waqqas was sick. He had sores all over his body and he was suffering from sciatica. It was

very difficult for him to walk or even to sit down. And as for riding, it was just impossible.

The battle would start with Saad laying on his stomach on a high roof watching the battle and

directing the Muslim army.

Saad and Abu Mahjan Al-Thaqafi

Abu Mahjan was a very famous soldier known for his sword mastery and horseback riding.

Unfortunately, Abu Mahjan had a drinking problem.

Saad caned him as Islamic law dictated and yet Abu Mahjan was simply addicted to alcohol.

Finally, Saad put him in jail.

As the fight raged on outside, Abu Mahjan, all alone in his cell, was boiling inside wishing he can

be with the Muslim army fighting on the back of a horse as he is used to. Crying in sadness, he

said few verses of poetry loosely translated as:

“It is enough sadness that the battle is outside and I am left in chains behind steel doors.

I used to have lots of friends and brothers and now I am all alone with no one around.

I give Allah a promise that I will never break: I would never drink if I am set free to fight”.

The wife of Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas heard the poetry and felt sad of Abu Mahjan. She told him

that she will set him free only if he promises to come back before sunset and not tell anyone. (It

was customary for the fight to end each night at sunset so that the armies can still see who they

are fighting).


Abu Mahjan borrowed the horse of Saad, covered his face and ran toward the battle field. Saad,

watching from the top of the building, sees this great swordsman, and said:

“The fighter looks like Abu Mahjan and the horse looks like my horse but both are here in the

castle”.

Just before sunset, Abu Mahjan remembered his promise to the wife of Saad and rushed back

to jail. Along the way a woman saw him rushing back and thought he was running away from

the battle. So she said a verse of poetry:

“Ask a soldier who does not like to fight to lend me his spear and I will fight in his stead”.

Abu Mahjan replied very quickly using the same rhyme:

“Great men fight and sleep on the back of their horses; so leave the spears alone and go put

some make up on”.

Saad found out the truth and set Abu Mahjan free.

The Muslim army won the fight and the entire countries of Iraq and Persia became Muslim.

Not Caring About Position

Saad was appointed as the ruler of Iraq by Omar and he established the city of Koofah.

Obviously, Saad was devout to Islam and the teachings he learned from prophet Muhammad

(PBUH) himself.

Yet some people in Koofah complain to Omar about Saad and even accused Saad of not

knowing how to pray.

Omar sent for Saad and also for a group of the complainers. Saad told Omar how can he not

know how to pray and he prayed with prophet Muhammad (PBUH) thousands of times. Saad

stood up and prayed and Omar told him that he was never in doubt.

Omar asked the complainers what they saw from Saad and they all got very quiet afraid to lie to

Omar. One of them then said:


“Saad does not treat us equally and he treats us harshly”.

Saad did not care about the accusations and simply uttered this dua’a:

“Oh, Allah, you know that the man is lying and that he is simply showing off to his people. Oh,

Allah, make him live a long life and a very poor one”. Later the man would be seen begging on

the streets and saying: “the dua’a of Saad befell me”.

Omar asked Saad to go back to his rule of Iraq but Saad declined saying he had no interest in

positions.


Abu Talha& His Wife

Umm Sulaim


Abu Talha and His Wife Umm Sulaim

One of the First Muslims

The people of Madinah did not know much about Islam or had much contact with Muslims in

Mecca until prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met a small group of 5 during Hajj. They accepted

Islam and next year the came back and their number became twelve.

Yet Islam was practiced in Madinah secretly but starting to spread. One of the people to accept

Islam in that early stage is a woman known as Umm Sulaim. Her real name is Ghumiysa' Bint

Milhan. Later prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said about her:

“When I entered the Paradise, I heard someone's footsteps - It was explained to me that she

was Ghumiysa' bint Milhan.".

So she was one of the people prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that they will be in Jannah.

Umm Sulaim was married and had a young son who was to have great history in Islam. His

name is Anas Ibn Malik. Her marriage was unhappy; there were constant quarrels between

husband and wife because she became a Muslim. Her husband, Malik bin Nadhar, tried his very

best make her recant and give up the new religion to which she had vowed allegiance, but he

failed and she remained loyal to her new faith. On the other hand, she started persuading her

son, Anas as well to convert to Islam . Her persistence finally paid off, and Anas read the words

signifying acceptance of Allah as the One Supreme Being and Muhammad (peace and blessings

be upon him) as His Messenger.

There were frequent violent scenes in the house, but she stood her ground, patiently and

calmly. Finally her husband left her and migrated to Syria where he was murdered.

A Dowry Like No Other

After the passing of her husband, men from Madinah knowing Umm Sulaim’s great character

came to ask her hand in marriage. One of them was a man named Zayd Ibn Sahl Al-Najjari


commonly referred to as Abu Talha Al-Ansari. His tribe is called Bani Al-Najjar, the same tribe of

the mother of prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Abu Talha was a rich man with a very nice farm Madinah. Abu Talha set out for the home of

Umm Sulaim. While he was on his way, he remembered hearing that Umm Sulaim had listened

to the Makkan preacher, Mus'ab ibn Umayr, and had believed in Muhammad, sallal-lahu alayhe

wa sallam, and followed his religion. He shrugged the thought off, thinking it to be of no

concern. Umm Sulaim's late husband had clung to the religion of his forefathers, refusing to

have anything to do with Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and his dawah.

When Abu Talha reached the home of Umm Sulaim, he asked permission to enter, and was

allowed to go inside.

Anas, her son, was with her. Without hesitation, Abu Talha asked for her hand in marriage. "A

man like you, Abu Talha is too good to be refused, but I want something from you before I

marry you". answered Umm Sulaim.

Abu Talha asked her what she wished for and she said for him to become a Muslim. Abu Talha

had heard of Islam but not yet given it his full thoughts.

As soon as Abu Talha heard this from Umm Sulaim he began to think of his idol, which was

made of rare and precious wood and was his personal totem, in keeping with the customs of

the nobility of his tribe. Umm Sulaim wished to strike while the iron was still hot, so she

continued: "Abu Talha, do you not know that this deity whom you worship instead of Allah

grew out of the earth?" "Of course." he answered.

"Do you not feel ashamed to be worshipping part of a tree which you have fashioned into a

God, when you know that others have taken the remainder of the tree and used it for fuel with

which to warm themselves or bake their bread? If you become a Muslim, Abu Talha, I will

accept you as a husband, and will not ask for dowry other than your acceptance of Islam." she

said.


"How do I go about becoming a Muslim?" he asked. "I will tell you," she answered. "You

pronounce the word of truth and bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that

Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah. Then you go home, smash your idol, and throw

it away."

Abu Talha looked pleased and said: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear

witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."

Shortly afterwards, Abu Talha married Umm Sulaim. And the Muslims of Madinah said among

themselves: "We have never heard of a dowry more virtuous than that of Umm Sulaim, for

acceptance of Islam was what she required as her dowry."

A Trip to Mecca and a Pledge to the Prophet (PBUH)

Abu Talha traveled to Mecca in a group of 70 men and two women to perform Hajj the following year.

They were in a large group of non-Muslims as to be inconspicuous and not bring Quraish’s attention to

them.

While in Minah, they snuck out of their tents late at night to go meet prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set a condition on them to protect him (PBUH) and the Muslims coming to

them from Meccaa (Muhajereen) like they would protect their own wives and children.

The Ansaar (people from Madinah) contemplated what such a promise would entail. They knew that

war will be eventually declared against all Muslims by the Kuffar. Life will never be the same as they

knew it. They asked what they would get in return and the prophet (PBUH) promised them Jannah. The

Ansaar were not worried or interested in worldly matters. They were happy with the promise made to

them.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked them to choose 12 group leaders from among them and Abu Talha

was one.

Brotherhood in IslamWhen prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Madinah, he combined one Muhajjer (person from Mecca with no home or wealth) with one Ansaari (person from Madinah with an established home and means of living in Madinah) and declared them brothers who would share everything.


Allah SWT praised the Ansaar in how they opened their hearts, homes and wealth to the refugees (Muhajereen). The new brothers divided the workload between them where the Ansaari will work in the field and the Muhajjer would do the selling and buying. They became equal partners even though the people of Mecca came to them with nothing except their love of Islam.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) chose a great brother for Abu Talha: Abu Obaidah Ibn Al-Jarrah of whom the prophet (PBUH) later would say:

“Every Ummah(nation) has a trustee (Ameen) and Abu Obaidah is the trustee of this Ummah”.

Presenting Her Son to Serve the Prophet (PBUH)

When prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to Madinah, Umm Sulaim took her young son of 10 years of

age to the prophet (PBUH) and said:

“This is my son Anas to serve you in whatever you need”.

Anas dedicated his time to learn and serve the prophet (PUBH) and later said about his relationship:

“He (the prophet PBUH) never asked me why I did something that I should not have done nor why I did

not do something that I should have done”.

Giving His Orchard for the Sake of Allah

Abu Talha had a beautiful, fruitful orchard that he loved and prized. Upon hearing the revelation of

Quran that said (in translation):

“You will not reach the highest status until you spend [for the sake of Allah] from the wealth you love

[the most]”.

Abu Talha came to prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and told him that of all his possession, the farm was

dearest to him, he is giving it away for the sake of Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told him that he made a great bargain [as he would get much, much more

than that in Jannah]. The prophet (PBUH) told him to give that farm to his poor relatives as taking care

of one’s own relatives is a great demand and emphasis of Islam.

Invitation to Food

Anas narrates that one day Abu Talha came home and told Umm Sulaim that the Prophet

(peace and blessings be upon him) sounded very weak, possibly he was hungry. If there was

some food in the house they could have the honour of having him over for a meal. She


answered that she had some bread wrapped up in cloth. Abu Talha went to the mosque and

invited the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to join him.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) accepted and invited the people sitting there to join him at the

house of Abu Talha. All of them rose to go with the Prophet (PBUH). When Abu Talha saw this

he became nervous, because he did not have enough food for so many people. When he went

home and expressed this fear to his wife Umm Sulaim. She smiled and told him not to worry;

they would just put out all the food they had in the house. And this was what she did. The

Prophet (PBUH) came in and made a supplication to Allah for plenitude. Then he asked Abu

Talha to invite ten people from outside to eat. After they finished he asked Abu Talha, to call in

ten more. And so it went on till about seventy or eighty had taken their fill of the delicious food.

And there was food still left over!

The Passing of a Son and the Birth of Another

Umm Sulaim bore a child to Abu Talha and he loved him as much as any father would love his own child.

Unfortunately, later the child fell ill which brought a lot of stress to both mother and father.

One day the child passed away and Umm Sulaim covered him with a blanket and asked her family not to

tell Abu Talha until she would be the one to tell him. Later that night Abu Talha came and asked about

the child and Umm Sulaim said: “he has never been as calm as he is now”. She wanted to be vague until

Abu Talha had his dinner and rest.

At the end of the night, she said, “O Abu Talha, do you think that if some people lent

something to some others, then they asked for it back, do they have the right not to give it

back?” He said,“No.” She said, “Allah, may He be glorified, lent your son to you, and now He

has taken him back, so seek reward with Him and have patience.”

Umm Sulaim became pregnant again and prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for her and Abu Talha to

have a good child. They both went with prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on a trip when she was close to

giving birth.

Upon returning and just before reaching Madinah, she started having labor pains and could not move.

Abu Talha stayed with her as the prophet (PBUH) and the companions were getting ready to continue

toward Madinah. Abu Talha made this dua’a to Allah:


“O Allah, You know that I like to set out with your Messenger (PBUH) when he sets out, and

come back with him when he comes back. I have been detained as You see.”

Allah answered the dua’a of Abu Talha and the labor pains Umm Sulaim quickly went away so the

hurriedly joined prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the trip back.

Her labor pains started again, and she gave birth to a boy. She told her son Anas, “O Anas, I will

not give him anything to eat until you take him to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH),” and she

sent some dates with him. (Because she wanted the first thing to enter the child’s mouth to be

food from the Prophet (PBUH); this was a sign of her great faith, because the woman’s natural

instinct is to hasten to feed the baby as soon as he or she is born).

I [Anas, the narrator of this story] took him to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), who was wearing

his burdah (a kind of cloak) and marking the camels and sheep that had been given to him (the

animals had been given in charity and he was marking them so that they would not get lost or

mixed with other flocks or herds). When he saw him, he said to Anas, “Has the daughter of

Milhan [i.e., Umm Sulaim] given birth?” He said, “Yes.” He said, “I will be with you in a minute.”

He put down the tool in his hand (with which he had been marking the animals) and took the

child, then he said, “Do you have something for him?” They said, “Yes, dates.”

The Prophet (PBUH) took some of the dates and chewed them, mixing them with his saliva (and

the saliva of the Prophet (PBUH) was blessed by Allah). Then he opened the child’s mouth and

gave him some of the dates, wiping them inside his mouth (this is called Tahneek and is one of

the customs among Muslims when a baby is born). The infant began to smack his lips, sucking

some of the sweetness of the dates and the saliva of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah

be upon him). Thus the first thing that entered that child’s stomach was mixed with the saliva

of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). He said, “See how much the Ansaar (the Muslims who were

living in Madinah when the Prophet migrated there) love dates!” I [Anas] said, “O Messenger of

Allah, name him.” He wiped his face and named him ‘Abd-Allah. There was no young man

among the Ansaar who was better than him, and when he grew up he had a lot of sons, and

was martyred in Persia (he died as a martyr when the Muslims conquered Persia; all of this

happened as a result of the Prophet’s blessed dua’a).


Shared LoveThe love, that Abu Talha and Umm Sulaim of the prophet (PBUH), was returned in kind. Prophet

Muhammad (PBUH) would frequently visit their house and check on them.

One time prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to their house and there was Anas, Umm Sulaim and her

sister Umm Hiram were in the house. It was not time of any special Salat yet the prophet (PBUH) told

them to line up behind him (Anas next to his right and the two women behind) and prayed two Rakaat

with them. This was a way of blessing their house.

Umm Sulaim then came to prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and asked to make a special dua’a for her son

Anas and he [PBUH] made a great dua’a for Anas to live a long prosperous life which he did.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would sometimes come in the afternoon and he would take a nap at their

house. One day the weather was hot and prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started sweating. Umm Sulaim

took a small bottle and collected the sweat of the prophet (PBUH).

The Abolishment of AlcoholIslam did not abolish alcohol immediately as the initial focus was to teach people about the oneness of

Allah and the main principles of Islam. The Quran weaned people off alcohol in the 3 stages over a

period of time:

1- Telling people that while there were some benefits to alcohol and gambling (one can make

money trading alcohol, money in gambling or lottery, even slight health benefits to alcohol) yet

the harm in them was much greater.

2- Ordering Muslims not to drink alcohol close to times of Salat.

3- Finally, Allah SWT made Alcohol and gambling totally Haram (forbidden) and ordered Muslims

to totally avoid all associations (trading, participation, drinking or gambling) with such activities.

When the final order came and it was late at night, prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sent someone shouting

in the streets that alcohol is now forbidden. Abu Talha had some guests in his house and they were

drinking together. They heard the noise outside so they sent Anas to find out. Anas came back and told

them that alcohol is now Haram (forbidden). Abu Talha and the Sahabah immediately stopped drinking

and poured their drinks on the ground. Abu Talha told Anas to take a hammer and break all pots which

had alcohol in it.


This demonstrates how the Sahabah (RAA) immediately reacted and abided by the orders of Allah and

the prophet (PBUH) the minute they came.


Documents

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