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Category: Sahaba

Greet Her On Behalf Of Her Lord

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Jibril (Gabriel) came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “O Allah’s Messenger! This is Khadijah, bringing you a dish with meat soup (or some other food or drink). When she reaches you, greet her on behalf of her Lord (Allah) and on my behalf, and give her the glad tidings of having a palace made of Qasab in Paradise, wherein there will be neither any noise nor any toil (fatigue, trouble, etc.).” [Source~ Al-Bukhari]

‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas narrated that one day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) drew four lines on the earth and asked his Companions if they understood what these lines stood for. They respectfully replied that he knew better. He then told them that these lines stood for the four foremost ladies of the universe. They were Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad, Maryam bint Imran, the mother of the Prophet Issa (peace and blessings be upon him), and ‘Asia bint Muzahim (the wife of the Pharaoh). She was the first person to have an abiding faith in the utterances of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and to accept Islam as her religion and her way of life. She was blessed with the distinction of having been greeted with Salam (greetings) by Allah and the Angel Jibril.

Khadijah (r.a.) 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. She 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.

After this, all her attention was devoted to the upbringing of her children and building up the business she inherited from her father. Her astuteness and business ability made her business one of the most widespread businesses among the Quraysh. Her policy was to employ hardworking, honest, and distinguished managers to deal on her behalf, as a lot depended on the integrity of the employees who travelled far and wide on her behalf. She exported her goods to faraway markets like Syria, and her managers bought goods from those markets to be sold at home.

The First Muezzin: Bilal Ibn Rabah, An Ethiopian

Bilal Becomes A Muslim Part 1

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) Death
Clearly, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) final moments in this world revealed Bilal’s finest characteristics, as he was so emotional and seemed to be the person who suffered the most.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) died on a Monday. Madinah has never witnessed such tears and unhappiness as that day. He died on Aisha’s chest; see the tenderness of his wife? She left her home, not knowing what to say to the people. She opened the doors to the mosque and said, “Allah messenger has died, Allah messenger has died.”?

The people in the mosque burst into tears. Anas Ibn Malak said, “The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) first came to Madinah on a Monday, and everything on that day was filled with light. Now he died in Madinah on a Monday, and everything on this day was filled with darkness.”

One of the Companions who were away from Madinah said, “When I returned, I found all the doors closed, and heard weeping from inside the houses.”

The first prayer after his death came, and Bilal ascended to call for the prayer, saying, “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest”, “There is no God but Allah, there is no God but Allah”. When he reached “witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”, the people in the mosque burst into tears and Bilal’s voice broke down, tears overcoming him. He couldn’t continue the call for prayer and descended from the pulpit. When the next prayer came, Bilal ascended to call for the prayer, and the same thing happened again.

O people, how can you latch onto other things and forget the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)?

Bilal stayed in this state for three days, wanting to call for the prayer but could not bring himself to do so.

He went to Abu Bakr and said, “Abu Bakr, discharge me from being the caller for prayer.”

He requested this after ten years of calling for prayers.

Abu Bakr wondered, “Why”?

Bilal replied, “I can’t call anyone for the prayer after Allah’s messenger. Every time I tried, I failed”.

Abu Bakr again wondered, “Why”?

Bilal said, “I can’t stay in Madinah after the Prophet’s death.”

Abu Bakr said, “No, I want you to stay with me”.

Bilal said, “If you released me from slavery under Umaya for yourself, then lock me up, and if you released me for Allah, then leave me to whom you released me for.”

Imagine how lovely and kind this former slave was.

Abu Bakr said, “I swear I didn’t buy you except for Allah’s sake, or spend my wealth except for Allah, or release you except for Allah, go, Bilal, do what you wish.”

Where do you think he went? He’s a soldier of Islam. Does it mean that as a result of the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H.) death, Bilal will stop everything and stay at home? No! He just can’t stand to stay in Madinah, because of the memories and the emotional ties.

Life After the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
Bilal went to Palestine, where he joined the army, which struggled to take back Palestine and Al Quds. Omar Ibn Al-Khattab sent out the armies, and they defeated the enemies and won. Bilal prayed with the Companions in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

O Allah! Reward us with a prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque!

The Muslims sent for Omar Ibn Al-Khattab to receive Palestine keys. He didn’t go in person to receive Egypt’s keys or Iraq’s keys, but he went to Palestine; see the significance of the country!

Omar met the armies and told them to gather in a wide open space, so they met on the Golan Heights. Omar asked, “Where’s Bilal?” It had been years since they had last met, and the happiness of meeting each other was immense. “Bilal, call for the prayer,” Bilal said, “Ruler of the Believers, I don’t call anyone for the prayers after the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).” Omar said, “Bilal, this is a victorious day, this is a day of dignity, a day which would make the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) pleased.” So Bilal ascended the Golan Heights and called: “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest”, “there is no God but Allah, there is no God but Allah” until Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah” was stated, and the whole army burst into tears. They even heard Omar’s weeping voice!

The rest of Bilal’s story can be narrated in a few lines. Bilal settled in Damascus in Syria. A few months before he died, he saw a vision; he saw the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) telling him, “O Bilal! What’s this unfriendliness? Didn’t you miss visiting me, Bilal? As soon as he woke up, he hurried to Madinah. He stood in front of the Prophet’s grave (P.B.U.H.) and greeted him: “Peace be upon you, Allah’s messenger, peace be upon you, Allah’s beloved.”

Let me tell you a really pleasant thing: no one salutes the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), without an Angel going to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and informing him of this greeting, and so the Prophet would reply to your greeting! The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, “Allah has angels walking on earth, if they find someone who is praying and greeting me, they carry the greeting to me, so I reply to your greeting.”

Hassan and Hussain, the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H.) grandchildren, came to Bilal, and he hugged them and cried. They said, We have missed your call for the prayer, Bilal. So he ascended to call for the prayer. Seven years had passed since he last did this. The whole of Madinah was captivated as they remembered this precious sound as they listened to the call for prayer.

The call to prayer has such sweetness.

People came out of their homes when they heard the call to prayer, moving towards the voice. Madinah cried like it hadn’t since the death of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).

Bilal died in Damascus in Syria, where his grave lies. He died at the age of sixty. While dying, his wife felt sad and cried out, O disaster, O disaster. Bilal replied, “Don’t say O! Disaster, say O! Joy, O! Joy, for tomorrow I meet the beloved Muhammad and his Companions.”

Conclusion
Let’s remember the details of Bilal’s life:
He is the first caller of the prayers for the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
He embraced Islam at the age of 30.
He was among the first Muslims.
Abu Bakr released him from slavery.
He continued calling the prayers for the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) for ten years.
He was the only one who prayed in the Kaaba with the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
He died in Damascus, 17 A.H *. At the age of 60.
He said the well-known quote on his deathbed, “O! Joy, tomorrow I meet the beloved Muhammad and his Companions.”

Endnotes
* Radeeya Allah Anho, R.A. is the abbreviation, literally means “May Allah be pleased with him”.
* P.B.U.H. is the abbreviation of “Peace be upon him”, referring to the Prophet.
* Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage, which is optional and can be performed at any time.
* A.H. is the abbreviation of “After Hijraha”.

Bilal Becomes A Muslim

Bilal (Radeeya Allah Anho) embraced Islam in the first year of Muhammad’s prophecy at the age of 30. There was an age difference of ten years between him and the Prophet (P.B.U.H), as the Prophet received the message of Islam at the age of forty. Bilal was one of the first people in Makkah to embrace Islam.

Bilal had something valuable; he was the third person who became a Muslim in Makkah. This is a very important point, because he was a slave to a very cruel, disbelieving man from Quraish, Umaya Ibn Khalaf. This man lived and died a disbeliever, and Bilal wished to declare his religion openly, although he was forbidden to do so. Even though he had to hide his beliefs from his cruel master, his declaration of faith was accepted. Bear in mind that during the period of severe suffering in Makkah, no one openly declared their faith in Islam except seven people.

Firstly, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), secondly Abu Bakr (R.A.), and thirdly person was Bilal Ibn Rabah (R.A.). Because he loved his religion so much, he couldn’t hide it, and so he forsook his life for the sake of Allah.

Bilal stood in the middle of Makkah and testified, “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”. He was among the Companions who were greatly harmed by the disbelievers because of his faith in Islam.

Umaya Ibn Khalaf used to take him to the desert and wait until the temperature reached forty or fifty degrees. He ordered his servants to undress Bilal, then cover him in an iron material, and place a heavy stone on his chest, which was so heavy that ten men couldn’t lift it. They would leave him like that for hours.

They would then return to him, and by then Bilal would literally be melting. They would demand Bilal to reject his faith in Allah and Muhammad (P.B.U.H.); but Bilal endless response would be: “Only one, only one” (meaning only One God). He stayed in this situation for endless days and months.

However, Bilal remained patient until Abu Bakr went to Umaya Ibn Khalaf and told him, “Why don’t you have mercy on this poor man?”

Umaya replied, “You give mercy to him”.

Abu Bakr said, “Yes, I will buy him. How much will you sell him for?”

A slave at that time was worth Dinars of silver. Since Bilal was in poor health and was beaten excessively, he was worth only one silver Dinar. The spiteful Umaya Ibn Khalaf said, “I will sell him for nine silver Dinars.” Abu Bakr replied, “And I will buy him for that price.”

Umaya laughed and said, “You know Abu Bakr, if you had argued the price with me, I would have sold Bilal to you for one Dinar”.

So Abu Bakr replied, “Umaya, if you had demanded one hundred Dinars, I would still have bought him!”

Brothers and sisters, spend wealth on people around you who are in need, be devoted and ready to sacrifice yourself. When you live solely for yourself and your children, you will live small and die small. But when you live for others, Allah will extend your life with each person you have helped.

If I asked women here, what is the state of your wardrobes? Filled with clothes? Do you wear them all? You’ll find that you don’t wear half of them. Why? Because fashion changes, and because you’re going to lose weight next year, etc. This is a selfish and greedy act. Give to those who need; those who can benefit from your unwanted goods.

The Migration to Madinah
Bilal stayed with the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) until the migration to Madinah (Al Hijrah), where they left Makkah for Madinah.

Something strange occurred in Madinah. The Prophet’s Mosque had been built, but people found it difficult to know the prayer times. How would they know when it is time for prayer? One of the Muslims suggested ringing a bell to signal that it is time for prayer. This idea was rejected, since the Christians use a bell to call members to church. Another Muslim suggested that they could raise a flag and walk with it to signal it was time to pray. But this idea was also rejected.

A companion called Abdullah Ibn Zayd (R.A.) came and said, “O Allah’s Prophet! That night, I dreamt I saw a man selling bells, so I asked him if I could buy one. He replied, Why do you need it? I said, so that people would know it was time to pray. The man replied, I can tell you something better than that. I asked him what it was. He said: Call for the prayer.”

O brothers and sisters! His dream was about religion! Some of the youths’ dreams are to get a particular car, and that’s all they dream of!

While Abdullah Ibn Zayd told them of his dream, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab said, “I swear by Allah’s messenger, I saw exactly what he saw too!” Upon this, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said, “Thanks be to Allah for this blessed vision. Tell Bilal to call for the prayer. He has a more beautiful voice than yours.”

Does Islam care about beauty, and how to make things look and sound beautiful? Is that our religion? Yes, that’s our religion! This is Islam.

So the call for the prayer was heard, and Bilal became the first caller for the prayers in Islam, and the first caller for the prayer for the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).

Battles and the Return to Makkah
Bilal stayed with the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and never missed a single battle with him. When he was going to the battle of Badr to face the disbelievers, imagine who was among them? Umaya Ibn Khalaf! Bilal had come face to face with him! What would you do to the one who had tortured you? When Bilal saw him, he said, “Umaya Ibn Khalaf, the head of the disbelievers, I won’t survive if he survives.” During the battle, Umaya Ibn Khalaf was killed.

When the Muslims returned to Makkah, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) returned the favor to Bilal. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said, “Bilal, climb on the Kabah back and call out for the prayer”. It doesn’t end there. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) asked, “Where is the Kabah key?” There were 10,000 people standing in front of the Kabah, and the space inside the Ka‘bah would not allow more than one person to pray next to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Who will enter with Allah’s Prophet?! Surely Abu Bakr or Omar or Othman? No, it’s a pious and loyal day, “Where’s Bilal, come Bilal, pray with me inside the Kabah”. No one had prayed in the Kabah with the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), except one person, Bilal Ibn Rabah. From then on, when Omar met Bilal, he used to say, “Bilal, Abu Bakr is your master, and you are our master.” ‘Omar used to say this to Bilal! Look at what he learnt from the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).

Once the Prophet asked Bilal, “Bilal, tell me the best deed you have done, as I heard your footsteps in Paradise.”

“I swear the most I’ve done is that whenever my ablution was nullified, I would perform ablution immediately, and I would always pray two Raka‘s after ablution,” Bilal replied.

“That’s it Bilal!” The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) exclaimed.

Brothers and sisters, do you want to hear your feet walking in Paradise? Don’t move except when you are pure and on ablution. How can you leave your house in the morning when you are not?

Adil Khan

Role Model For Modesty ( Fatima bint Muhammad)

One day in the early days of Islam, the Prophet (SAWS) was praying in front of the Ka’aba. Abu Jahal, ‘Ukbah bin Abi Mu’eet, and Shayba, the enemies of the Prophet (SAWS) were sitting around and they said to each other, Abu Jahal made the suggestion and he said, “Who would take the guts of a camel and all of the filth and dump it on his back while he is praying to humiliate him?” Abu Jahal is someone who stepped on the neck of the Prophet (SAWS) while he was praying, he’s someone who used to throw dirt at the Prophet (SAWS) while he was praying but he wanted to degrade him even further. And ‘Ukban volunteered himself and he went and grabbed all of the filth of a camel, all of its guts and all of its najaasa (excretions) and he went and he dumped it on the back of the Prophet (SAWS) while he was in sujood/prostration. That weight down the back of the Prophet (SAWS) heavily. Imagine this young girl, not even a teenager yet, Fatimah radiyaAllahu ta’ala ‘anha, the daughter of the Prophet (SAWS) seeing her father in this state, seeing the people laugh at him and mock him and curse him. And she comes and she starts to scrape all of that filth off of the back of her father. Imagine the humiliation and the hurt and the pain and she sees that. She starts to cry Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha and the Prophet (SAWS) says “لا تبكي إن الله ناصرٌ أباك” [laa tabki inn Allah naasirun ‘abaaki]- Do not cry oh my daughter, Allah (SWT) will help and give victory to your father. And it is at that time that the Prophet (SAWS) raised his hands to the skies and made du’aa saying,
“اللهم عليك بأبي جهل، اللهم عليك بعقبة، اللهم عليك بشيبة”.
And those 3 men that the Prophet (SAWS) made du’aa against were the first 3 people to go down in Badr.

Now the moral of this story more than anything else is the young girl. Don’t you think that would traumatize her and make her an individual who would not have the same love for her father’s cause but would rather blame it? Absolutely not! And we look at this young girl Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha, the 5th child of the Prophet (SAWS). The Prophet (SAWS) had other daughters and you might wonder, why Fatima? Why is she the one that perfected her faith? What about her older sisters? And there are a couple of reasons that the scholars mention. One of them is that she spent the most time with her mother Khadija Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha, another woman who had perfected her faith. And so she adopted her morals and her characters more than anything else. Another reason is that she was with the Prophet (SAWS) at times when no one else was with him. When Khadija Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha passed away, it was only the Prophet (SAWS) and Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha alone in that household. Subhan Allah, you can imagine what role she had to play. She was only 5 years old when Rasool Allah received revelation. She was born and grew up in Islam unlike any of the other children. She grew up in Islam. But Subhan Allah she was with the Prophet (SAWS) when no one else was with him. And you can imagine those moments. Imagine the times the Prophet (SAWS) would come home when he was feeling devastated after losing Khadija and AbuTalib and having no one else she was the one that would cook for him, she was the one that would come to his aid, she was the one that started to comfort him and took her mother’s place Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha. And in fact, they used to call Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha ‘أم أبيها’ [umm abeeha]- the mother of her father. Subhan Allah. She cared for the Prophet (SAWS) that much.

She also adopted so much from the Prophet (SAWS) in terms of her character. One of her nicknames being ‘الزهراء’ [al-Zahraa’] – the splendid one was because of her radiant face, she had that beautiful radiant face and she was the daughter of the Prophet (SAWS) whose face was as bright as the full moon. And we find that ‘Aisha Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha says something very special about her. ‘Aisha says, “I have never seen anyone who resembled the Prophet (SAWS) from Allah’s creation more in speech and character and conversation than Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha.” And listen to what ‘Aisha says, she says that any time Fatima entered a room where the Prophet (SAWS) was she said the Prophet (SAWS) would get up. He would greet her, he would kiss her, he would hold her hand and then he would take Fatima and sit her down in the same place that he was sitting, ‘alayhi al salat wassalam, Honoring her and holding her in that high esteem. And you might think to yourself, Subhan Allah this woman is that daughter of Khadija Radi Allahu anha but the Prophet (SAWS) said that Fatima is ‘سيدة نساء الجنة’ [sayyidat nisaa’ al-jannah]- she is the queen, the leader of the women of Paradise. Not only has she perfected her faith but she is the leader of the women of Paradise. And the Prophet (SAWS) treated her like royalty. But royalty in a different sense. You know we think of royalty nowadays that he got her married to a really rich man and probably gave her a palace and spoiled her rotten and gave her gifts all the time. The Prophet (SAWS) rejected many proposals from great sahaba who had wealth and were very well off in dunya and aakhirah but the Prophet (SAWS) chose ‘Ali radiya Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu, the one who the Prophet (SAWS) called his brother after Hijra. And Rasool Allah (SAWS) used to always call ‘Ali his brother after hijra to the point that Umm Ayman Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha she said, “How come you call him your brother? Who is your brother?” He said, “This is the one who I made my brother. We were paired after hijra.”

The Prophet (SAWS) chose ‘Ali for Fatima. And the Prophet (SAWS) whenever ‘Ali Radi Allahu ‘anhu came to propose to Fatima, the Prophet (SAWS) sat infront of ‘Ali Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu and ‘Ali was nervous. So the Prophet (SAWS) offered it to ‘Ali Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu and said, “Maybe you came so that you could get engaged to Fatima?” ‘Ali Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu said “Yes”. So the Prophet (SAWS) said, “Well what do you have as a dowry? What do you have as a mahr?” He had nothing. All he had was a shield and that’s the only thing he owned. And the Prophet (SAWS) said, “Well why don’t you sell that shield and use that as mahr?” And that is the only thing she had as her dowry. ‘Ali Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu sold his shield to ‘Uthman Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu and that was the only thing that would be used for dowry.

Subhan Allah think about how much the Prophet (SAWS) loved her but even with that, the Prophet (SAWS) was so involved with the life of Fatima and ‘Ali that sometimes Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha thought that maybe the Prophet (SAWS) loved ‘Ali more than her because the Prophet (SAWS) was always caring for that household. He would come and wake them up for qiyam-ul-layl. Subhan Allah he was always involved with that household, always taking care of them and checking up on them. So Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha wondered one time that maybe the Prophet (SAWS) loves my husband more than me. And the Prophet (SAWS) who has ‘خلقٍ عظيم’ [khuluqin ‘atheem]- the most perfected exalted character says to ‘Ali and Fatima when they’re together, he points to ‘Ali and says, ‘فاطمة أحب إلي منك’ [Fatima ‘ahabbu illayya mink]- Fatima is more beloved to me. And then he looks to Fatima and says, ‘وعلي أعز إلي منك’ [‘Ali a’azzu illayya minki]- and ‘Ali Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu has more honor with me than you. Subhan Allah satisfying and pleasing both parties.

The Prophet (SAWS) while he was checking up on them, for example, one time he saw Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha and think about this: the only thing that they owned in their household was a sheepskin to sleep on. That was all they had in their possession and the Prophet (SAWS) he sees this situation and he comes home one day Fatima said to the Prophet (SAWS) that ‘Ali is upset that they had some kind of difference like any other married couple and ‘Ali Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu went to sleep in the masjid. The Prophet (SAWS) goes to the masjid and he sees ‘Ali Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu laying down he wakes ‘Ali up and starts to dust off ‘Ali Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu and says, ‘قم يا أبا تراب’ [qum ya abaa turaab] -stand up oh father of dust. And ‘Ali said that was the most beloved nickname to me after that. Rasool Allah (SAWS) was diffusing the situation. He always wanted them to be happy and together and was checking up on his daughter.

Again, this is the Queen of the Women of Jannah, right? So what would her status be like in dunya? ‘Ali Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anhu sees Fatima Radi Allahu ‘anha one day and her hands are covered in blisters because of how much she has to work because of all the hardship that she goes through in this life. This is the Queen of the women of jannah. And he says to Fatima Radi Allahu ‘anha, and this was after a Battle, he says, “Why don’t you go to the Prophet (SAWS) and ask him for a servant?” Ask the Prophet (SAWS) for a servant. And the Prophet (SAWS) did not want that for her. The Prophet (SAWS) comes to their home and sits ‘Ali and Fatima on the bed and Rasool Allah (SAWS) sits between them and he says, “Shall I give you something even better than that?” He says, “Say Subhan Allah 33 times, Aalhamdulellah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times before you sleep.” This is the Prophet (SAWS) caring for his daughter. This is what he considered providing for his daughter.

Now the Prophet (SAWS) of course took care of them but you have to understand that this did not make Fatima Radi Allahu ‘anha a bitter woman. She didn’t think to herself “I’m entitled I should be living a really good life”, because she saw the way that her father was suffering and she suffered with him and she was like him (SAWS). And Subhan Allah we find that when the Prophet (SAWS) was dying, Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha, she saw the Prophet (SAWS) in his battered state and his clothes and his illness and she started to cry. And Rasulullah (SAWS) calls her over compassionately, and the Prophet (SAWS) says come let me tell you something. And Rasulullah (SAWS) whispers something to her and she starts to cry further. And then Rasulullah (SAWS) says come back down let me tell you something else. And he whispers to her again and she starts to laugh and the people were amazed. ‘Aishah Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha demanded she said, “Tell me what it was that the Prophet (SAWS) told you!” At first, she refused, but eventually, she gave in and said ‘Aisha Radi Allahu ‘anha. She said, “My father told me the first time (SAWS) that he would not survive this illness. And then he called me back and told me you will be the first one to join me.” She laughed at death. The Prophet (SAWS) was telling her you’re going to be the first one to die from my companions and Subhan Allah 4-6 months afterward Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha became ill and she was ill from the time of the death of the Prophet (SAWS) out of her pain from her father dying. And this is a mother of young children. This is a mother who is married to a wonderful husband but Subhan Allah she just wants to be with her father (SAWS) in jannat-ul-firdaous.

She goes one day and she lies down and she smiles looking to the heavens and she calls for Asmaa bint Abi ‘Umays, the wife of Abu Bakr Al-Siddeeq may Allah (SWT) be pleased with them both. And Asmaa was going to be the one that was going to wash the body of Fatima . And look at how this royal woman speaks, she says to Asmaa “Whenever you do my ghusl (wash my body after I pass) and whenever you do my janaazah (funeral) do it at night so that the people will not see my figure.” Subhan Allah! This was a woman who was full of modesty and was known for her modesty. She is the daughter of the most modest and most bashful (SAWS). She said, “Whenever you bury me, bury me in the evening so that no one would see my figure.” Subhan Allah! And that is how she was buried at night. But Allah (SWT) joined her with her father (SAWS) and she took her rightful position as the Queen, the leader, of the women of Paradise.

Now I just want you to think about this for a moment. Who was a greater woman than Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha? Who is more deserving of a lavish wedding and of a high mahr and of living a life of joy and luxury than Fatima Radi Allahu ta’ala ‘anha? But that is not what true royalty is. Because a kingdom that will be taken away at any moment is not a real kingdom at all. But rather that which is eternal and everlasting ‘والآخرة خيرٌ وأبقى’ [wal aakhiratu khayrun wa abqa]- that which is everlasting is what truly matters. And she is a Queen in that regard and she is Royal in Jannah.

And we ask Allah (SWT) to grant us that high and royal company in the highest of levels jannat-ul-Firdaus. Allahumma ameen.

Please note this transcript has been edited for readability purposes. If any of this information is good and true, know that it comes from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. If there are mistakes we ask for Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy.

By: Brother Omar Suleiman.

When The Prophet’s Wives Met Men

It is well known that a divine order was given to the Prophet (peace be upon him), late in his life, requiring his wives to be behind a screen when speaking to men. Before that order, they behaved like other Muslim women, taking part in the public life of society and meeting men on public and private occasions. There are many examples of this on
either very common occasions, such as the mere exchange of greetings, or special ones like weddings and parties. However, we will cite other examples so that we give an idea of the extent of their participation in public life, and the variety of purposes of their meetings with men.

The first example concerns the pursuit of knowledge and involves Lady Khadeejah, the Prophet’s first wife. Lady Ayesha reports: “The first aspect of revelation given to the Prophet was that his dreams would always come true. Khadeejah took him to Waraqah ibn Nawfal, her cousin on her father’s side. Waraqah had converted to Christianity before the advent of Islam. He used to write in Arabic whatever he learned of the Gospel. He was an old, blind man. Khadeejah said to him: ‘Cousin! Listen to what he (meaning Prophet Muhammad) has to tell you.’ He said to him:
‘What is it that you have seen?’ The Prophet told him about his encounter with Gabriel, the angel. Waraqah said: ‘This is the archangel who used to come to Moses. I wish I were a young man. I wish I am alive when your people will drive you out of your town.’ The Prophet said: ‘Will they drive me out?’ Waraqah answered. ‘Yes. No one has ever preached what you will be delivering without being met with hostility. If I am alive on that day, I will give you great support.’ (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

After Khadeejah’s death, the Prophet (peace be upon him) married several wives who reported many of his statements and teachings. But none reported more than Ayesha, who was endowed with a rich wealth of knowledge. Saeed ibn Al-Aas reports that both Ayesha and Uthman told him that “Abu Bakr sought admission to speak to the Prophet when he was lying on his bed, wearing Ayesha’s shawl. When Abu Bakr was admitted, the Prophet attended to his business, and then he left. Then Umar sought permission, and he was allowed while the Prophet remained in the same position. When he finished his business, he left. Uthman later sought permission, and the Prophet sat up and told Ayesha to put her clothes together, covering herself well. When Uthman left after finishing his business with the Prophet, Ayesha said: ‘Messenger of God! Why did you not sit up and prepare yourself to receive Abu Bakr and Umar as you did for Uthman?’ He said: ‘Uthman is a shy person. I feared that if I received him when I was in that position, he would not put his request to me.” (Related by Muslim.)

Usamah ibn Zayd reports that “Gabriel the angel came to the Prophet when he was at Umm Salamah’s home, and he spoke to him before standing up and leaving. The Prophet asked his wife, Umm Salamah, who that person was.
She said: ‘He is Dihyah.'” Umm Salamah said: “By God, I had no doubt that the man was Dihyah until I heard the Prophet speaking to the people, reporting what Gabriel said.” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

It should perhaps be explained that sometimes Gabriel came to the Prophet taking the shape of a human being. On those occasions, he mostly appeared like Dihyah ibn Khaleefah Al-Kalbi, who was a very handsome companion of the Prophet. This explains how the Prophet’s wife, Umm Salamah, thought Gabriel to be Dihyah, but when she heard the Prophet addressing his companions and saying to them what Gabriel said earlier, she realized her mistake.

Ayesha reports that when the Prophet’s wives needed to go to the restroom, they went at night to Al-Manasi’, a wide, open place with no vegetation. Umar used to say to the Prophet that he should keep his wives screened, but the Prophet did not do that. One night Sawdah, the wife of the Prophet, went out for that purpose. She was a tall woman. Umar called out to her: ‘We have recognized you, Sawdah!’ He did so out of his eagerness that the Prophet’s wives should be screened. Soon afterward, God’s order was revealed for them to be screened.’ (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

Anas reports: “On the day of the Battle of Uhud, fighters retreated, leaving the Prophet. I saw Ayesha bint Abu Bakr and Umm Sulaym, having lifted their dresses. I could see their anklets as they moved fast, carrying water skins on their backs and pouring water in people’s mouths before going back to fill up the water skins and giving people to drink.” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

Together, these Hadiths give us a picture of the Prophet’s wives actively participating in the life of the Muslim community. When the Prophet was visited by some of his companions, they were often present, in case the Prophet needed anything. People put their cases, and asked for rulings, even on intimate matters such as intercourse between man and wife, when they might be present. The Prophet neither ordered them to go out, nor was he upset that the man should put such a question while his wife was present. On the contrary, he answered him in a very relaxed manner, letting the question appear as a very ordinary one.

We also note that the Prophet was frequently visited by his companions, who had different needs. He did not have a reception room where he conducted his community affairs.

He simply admitted people into his room, where any of his wives might be present. The fact that they were later ordered to remain behind a screen puts them in a special category among women, with certain rules applicable to them only.

There is no suggestion, at any time, that other women should follow their example concerning such rules. Therefore, their conduct as appears in these Hadiths is the one that Islam wants ordinary Muslim women to follow. They confirm that Islamic society is one where men and women mix socially, but observe a high standard of propriety and decency, maintaining Islamic morality.

By: Dr. Abd Al-Haleem Abu Shuqqah

Asma Bint Abu Bakr ( R.A.) A Role Model For Women

From Bilal to Sumayya, the history of Islam is replete with sacrifices rendered by the companions of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).

Asma bint Abu Bakr (R.A.) has a special position among the early Muslims. Her sacrifices for Islam are numerous.
Asma was the daughter of Abu Bakr and sister of Ummul Momineen Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with them). She was the mother of Caliph Abdullah bin Zubair. Her four generations were companions. She was the 18th person to enter into the fold of Islam. Asma (R.A.) supported Islam from an early age. She played a key role in the migration of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Asma (R.A.) was entrusted to carry food for Abu Bakr(R.A.) and the Prophet (peace be upon him) who were hiding in Cave ‘Thawr’. The cave was about three miles away on a mountainous track. She carried food daily for three days, though she was pregnant for seven months.

The last day when Asma(R.A.) prepared their travel provisions and water skin, there was no rope to tie them. She tore her ‘Nitaq’ (waist belt) into two pieces and tied the bag with one.

The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) saw it, he smiled and told her…“Indeed, Allah has given you, in exchange for this girdle, two belts in Paradise.” And thus she was named as “Zu Nataqain” (Lady of Two Belts). She kept this honorable title for her whole life.

After the two left Thawr cave, Abu Jahl came in searching for them and slapped Asma (R.A.) so hard that blood oozed from her ears. Bearing the pain with courage and tolerance, she did not disclose the secret. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) reached ‘Quba’ near Madinah, he invited a group that included his daughters and Asma(RA) accompanied them. When they reached near Quba, she gave birth to a boy named Abdullah bin Zubair.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was very happy. He took the baby in his lap and gave a bit of date chewed by him in the mouth of the baby. Abdullah was the first baby born to Muhajirin in Madinah.

Zubair ibn Al-Awwam, her husband, migrated to Madinah empty-handed, leaving everything in Makkah. Asma (R.A.) had a hard time in the beginning. The daughter of a rich man found herself tending animals, kneading, grinding, and fetching water. She used to carry on her head date-stones from their land at a distance of two miles from ‘Madinah’.
The real test of Asma’s (R.A.) tolerance and patience appeared after the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) at Karbala. She was then about 90 years of age.

After the tragedy of Karbala, people gathered around her son, Abdullah bin Zubair knowing him as a learned, powerful, and brave man. He succeeded in winning the support of Makkah and Madinah. Eventually, Abdullah consolidated his power in Iraq, Hijaz, southern Arabia, the greater part of Syria, and parts of Egypt.

Asma (R.A.) advised her son before the fight against the Damascus ruler Abdul Malik bin Marwan saying she will be grieving for him only if he is killed in a vain and unjust cause.
“Death with honor is better than a life of peace with dishonor.”
Abdullah went forward to fight against Marwan’s commander Hajaj bin Yusuf and kept fighting until he was martyred.
The cruel Hajaj beheaded him and hanged his body on a tree. He declared, “No one should take down his body except Asma (R.A.)”. She must come to me and ask my permission. Asma (R.A.) refused to go. Eventually, Hajaj came to her and asked, “What do you say about this matter?” She boldly replied, “Verily, you have destroyed him, and you have ruined his life, and with that, you have ruined your Hereafter.”

She added that she had heard the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) saying “A man would appear from the tribe of Banu Thaqif who would be a liar and a cruel and ignoble barbarian. Today, she has seen him for herself..” Hajaj bin Yusuf left silently.

Later, Hajaj dropped the body into the graveyard. She arranged for its bathing, and funeral prayer and buried with her hands her son Abdullah bin Zubair in Makkah!

Asma (R.A.) died a few days after burying her son, in 73AH. She was 100 years old, but never lost her memory and had a full set of teeth. She took part in the Battle of Yarmuk in 636 AC and fought bravely, which drove the Roman Empire out of Syria. Furthermore, she is the narrator of 58 Hadith, and many leading men related Hadith to her.
In a corner of Jannatul Muala a small grave indicates this great lady. Asma bint Abu Bakr(RA) was a great role model for the Muslim women!

While proceeding to Jabal Thawr you will find a sign on the road named Zu Nataqain Street. And this is the path which was trodden by this great lady to carry the provisions to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) to Thawr Cave. Just wait for a moment in this place and pray for these noble souls. May Almighty Allah grant them the highest ranks in Paradise. (‘Aameen’)

 By: ABU TARIQ HIJAZI.

The Austere Life Of Abu Zar (R.A)

Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam said, “If I possessed gold to the extent of mount Uhud, I would not like to keep any of it with me for more than three days, except what I put aside for paying a debt”.

Note: Mount Uhud is well known as the biggest mountain near Madinah. Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam has said that, if he had as much gold as the mountain of Uhud, he would like to give it away within three days and would not keep any portion of it with himself.

This is simply meant to convey that it will take at least three days to distribute that huge amount of gold. Of course, if there was a debt to be paid and the creditor was not present, some portion of gold could be retained till the debt could be paid. This shows that payment of a debt is more important than Sadaqah. It was the noble habit of
Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam not to hoard anything. Anas Radhiallaho anho who was the special attendant of Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam says that he never kept anything for the next day.

Once somebody presented three birds to Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam, one of which he gave to his own attendant. The attendant brought back that bird the following day to Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam who said to him “Have I not told you not to keep anything for the next day? Allah Jalla Shanohu Himself will provide food for the next day.” Samurah Radhiallaho anho quoted Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam as saying that he checked the store cabinet frequently to make sure that nothing was left in it, lest he should die with something left behind.

Abu Zarr Ghifari Radhiallaho anho, a famous and extremely pious Sahabi had a particular aversion to wealth, about which several incidents have been reported, one of which has been related under the Ayat given at Serial No. 11 above. He says, “I was once accompanying Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam when he looked at Mount Uhud
and said,
“If this mountain were to turn into gold and be given to me, I would not like to keep a single Dinaar of it with me for more than three days except that which I put aside to pay a debt”. He added, “Many of those who have much property shall gain scanty rewards, except for those who say, “Take this and this, before them, behind them, on their right and on their left”. (The narrator made a gesture indicating that they spend profusely with both their hands, distributing money to people around them). (Bukhari)

In Mishkaat, another incident has been related to Abu Zarr Radhiallaho anho. Abu Zarr Radhiallaho anho was once sitting with Uthman Radhiallaho anho during the period of the latter’s Caliphate when he told Ka’b Radhiallaho anho that Abdur Rahman Radhiallaho anho had died leaving behind some property and asked him what he thought about it. Ka’b replied that there was no harm in leaving such property if he had given what was due on it to Allah Ta’ala.

Hearing this, Abu Zarr raised the stick he was carrying, struck Ka’b, and said that he had heard Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam saying, “If I possessed gold equal in quantity to this mountain, which I could spend and which were accepted from me, I would not like to leave behind even six ‘Auqias’ (a small weight) of it”. Abu Zarr Radhiallaho anho then turned to Uthman Radhiallaho anho and adjured him three times to tell him if he had not heard Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam saying these words. Uthman said that he had.

Imaam Bukhari Rahmathullah alaihe has related still another story about Abu Zarr Radhiallaho anho, on the authority of Ahnaf Ibne Qais Rahmathullah alaihe, who says, “I was once sitting with a group of the Quraish in Madinah Munawwarah when a man came there.

He had stiff, dry, and disheveled hair, was dressed in coarse cloth, and looked like an ordinary man. He stopped by their side, greeted them saying, ‘Assalam-o-Alaikum’ and then addressing the people, said “Give those who hoard up treasures, tidings of a rock heated in the fire of Jahannam, which will be placed on their breasts; its heat will cause their flesh to melt and to boil over their shoulders. The rock will then be put on their shoulders causing it to flow from their breasts”. Saying this, he went into the Masjid and sat down beside a pillar.

I did not know who this Divine was; so, I followed him, sat near him, and said, “The people gathered there did not pay heed to what you said; they rather seemed to dislike your saying so”. The divine replied, “They are fools who lack proper understanding, my most loved friend once told me”. When I asked him who was his most loved friend, he replied, “Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam was my most loved friend who once said to me, ‘Abu Zarr, do you see Mount Uhud over there? I said that I did” (thinking that he wanted to send me on an errand and was telling me how much time remained before sunset.) He then said, “If I had gold to the extent of that mountain I would love to spend all of it except for three Dinaars”.

Other versions of the Hadith explain why he would like to keep three Dinaars. After this Abu Zarr Radhiallaho anho said, “These people have no sense; they go on hoarding wealth. By Allah, I neither expect them to give me any money nor need to ask them anything about my religion! Then, why should I feel afraid or hesitate to tell them
exactly what I believe to be true?” (Fatah)

Refrence:
Book Name: Fazail-e-Sadqaat.
Author Name: Shiekh ul Hadees Maulana Zikariya Sahab.

Marvels And Excellence Of Sayyiduna Uthman al-Ghani [Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu]

On the 18th of Zul Hijjah, the 35th year of the Hijrah, the companion of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), Sayyiduna Usman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) was ruthlessly martyred. He was the third Khalifah (caliph) amongst those known as the Khulafah al-Rashideen. His patronymic (Kunyah) is Abu Amr. He is also known as Zun-Nurayn (i.e. Possessor of two Lights) because the Noble Prophet gave two of his honorable daughters’ hands in marriage one after the other to the Honorable Usman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu).

He embraced Islam at the very advent [of Islam]. He is also known as “Sahib al-Hijratayn” (the one who migrated twice) because firstly he migrated to Habshah (Ethiopia) and then to Madinatul Munawwarah.

Ameer al-Mu’mineen, Sayyiduna Uthman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) was an ardent follower of the Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam). He was, in fact, the embodiment of love of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Absolute submission to the Sunnah manifests in his words and deeds.

★ One day Sayyiduna Uthman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) sat by the entrance of the Masjid and asked for the meat of the limb of a goat and consumed it. He, then, offered Salah without redoing the Wudu and explained that the Noble Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) also consumed the same [whilst] sitting in the same place, and did it in the same way. [Musnad Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal, Vol. 1, Page 137, Hadith 441]

★ Once Sayyiduna Uthman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) smiled whilst performing Wudu. The people asked the reason, to which he replied, “Once I saw that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) smiled having performed Wudu at this very place.” [Musnad Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal, Vol. 1, Page 130, Hadith 415]

★ Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu Anhu) narrates, “Uthman bought Jannah twice from the Prophet. Firstly, on the day of ‘The Well of Ruma’ and secondly, when the Muslims were in a very poor state.” [Al-Mustadrak li al-Hakim, Vol. 3, Page 107; Tarikh Dimashq al-Kabir, Vol. 41, Page 49; Al-Kamil li Ibn Adi, Vol. 2, Page 464]

★ When the migrants came to the blessed city of Madina Munawwarah, they did not like the taste of the water. A man from the tribe of Bani Ghaffar possessed a well, named Ruma, full of sweet water. He used to sell this water to the people. The Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked him if he would sell his well for a spring in paradise. The man replied, “O Prophet of Allah! This is my only income.” Hearing this, Syyiduna Uthman (Radi Allahu Anhu) came and bought the well for thirty-one thousand. He then came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and asked, “Will I be able to get the spring of Paradise as you said, if I would buy the well from him?” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “Yes.” Thus, Sayyiduna Uthman (Radi Allahu Anhu) stated, “I have bought the well of Ruma and given it to the Muslims.” [Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir, Vol. 2, Page 41-42, Hadith 1226; Tarikh Dimashq al-Kabir, Vol. 41, Page 49; Kanz al-Ummal, , Vol. 13, Page 35-36, Hadith 36183]

★ When the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was preparing for the battle of Tabuk, the Muslims were in need of some financial support. At this moment the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) sought the help of Sayyiduna Uthman Radi Allahu Anhu. Hadrat Uthman (Radi Allahu Anhu) gave 10,000 Dinars, thereafter the Prophet said, “O Uthman! May Allah forgive your outer and inner mistakes and forgive all that which you commit till the Day of Judgement. Uthman can do whatever he wills.” [Kanz al-Ummal, Vol. 13, Page 38, Hadith 36189]

★ Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (Radi Allahu anhuma) has stated that Uthman bin Affan’s (Radi Allahu Anhu) absence from the battle of Badr was because the daughter of the Prophet of Allah (Ruqayyah), who was his wife, fell ill. Allah’s Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to him, “You will receive the same reward and share (of the booty) as anyone of those who participated in the battle of Badr (if you stay with her).” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 523; Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Vol. 2, Page 101; Jaami’ Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Page 395, Hadith 3726]

★ This was the specialty of Sayyiduna Uthman (Radi Allahu Anhu) as whoever does not attend the battle does not get his share of the booty. Hadrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radi Allahu Anhuma) has said, “The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) allocated for him his share and did not do so for anyone else who was absent.” [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 18]

★ Sayyiduna Shurhabil bin Muslim (Radi Allahu Anhu) has reported, “Ameer al-Mu’mineen, Sayyiduna Uthman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) would feed the people with lavish food, and he himself would go home and remain contented with vinegar and olive only.” [Az-Zuhd lil Imam Ahmad, Page 155, Hadith 684]

★ He was known for his modesty, generosity and braveness. The beloved Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “Should I not show modesty to one whom even the Angels show modesty.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2402]

★ Ameer al-Mu’mineen, Sayyiduna Usman al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) has said, ‘The hand by which I committed Bay’ah (spiritual bond) in the blessed hands of the Most Noble Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), I have never touched my genital organ with that (i.e. right hand) thereafter.’ [Az-Zuhd lil Imam Ahmad, Page 155, Hadith 685]

★ Sayyiduna Usman al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) has said, “I swear by Allah! I never committed fornication during the pre-Islamic era of ignorance nor have I committed it after embracing Islam.” [Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Page 99]

★ Sayyiduna Hasan al-Basri (Radi Allahu Anhu) has mentioned explaining the extreme modesty of Ameer al-Mu’mineen, Sayyiduna Usman al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu), “If he had been in some room with the door properly shut, even then he would not put off his clothes for taking the bath nor would he straighten his back out of modesty.” [Hilyat al-Awliya, Vol. 1, Page 94, Hadith 159]

★ Ameer al-Mu’mineen, Sayyiduna Usman al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) would always observe Nafl (supererogatory) Fasts. Having taken rest during the initial part of the night, he would stand vigil (for worship) for the rest of the night. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Vol. 2, Page 173]

★ Whenever Ameer al-Mu’mineen, Sayyiduna Usman al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) would get up to offer the Salah of Tahajjud at night, he would himself arrange water for performing the Wudu. When it was asked, ‘Why do you bother yourself; let your servant do it for you’, He replied, “No, the night is theirs; it is for their rest.” [Ibn Asakir, Vol. 39, Page 236]

★ Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (Radi Allahu anhuma) has reported that the beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prophesized a heretical event and informed Sayyiduna Uthman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) that he will be wickedly martyred in that. [Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Page 395, Hadith 3728]

★ Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Salam (Radi Allahu Anhu) has stated: When the rebels had laid siege to the sanctified house of Uthman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) even a single drop of water was not allowed to supply his blessed home. Sayyiduna Uthman Al-Ghani would feel restless due to severe thirst. He was observing fast during the day and I went to see him. He looked at me and said, ‘O! Abdullah bin Salam, I beheld the Noble Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) through this skylight. The Most Merciful Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said in a very sympathetic manner, ‘O Uthman! These people have made you restless by thirst blocking the water?’ I respectfully replied, ‘Yes.’ So, the Noble Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) immediately lowered a bucket towards me that was filled with water. I quenched my thirst. I can still feel the soothing effect of that water between both of my breasts and both of my shoulders.

The Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) then said, ‘O Uthman! If you wish, I’ll help you against these people; or if you like you may come to me and break your fast in my company.’ I respectfully replied, ‘Ya Rasool Allah (Sallallahu Alayka wa Sallam); breaking my fast in your graceful court is dearer to me.’ Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Salam stated that he returned that day and Sayyiduna Uthman was martyred on that same day by the rebels. [Kitab al-Manamat, Vol. 3, Page 74, Hadith 109]

★ Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti (Alayhir Rahmah) has narrated that Shaykh Ibn Batish (Alayhir Rahmah) deduced that this event (of the sighting of the Noble Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was not a dream, rather it took place whilst awake. [Al-Hawi lil Fatawi, Vol. 1, Page 151]

★ Sayyiduna ‘Adi bin Hatim has stated that on the day when Sayyiduna Uthman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) was martyred, I heard with my ears that someone was saying aloud, “Give Uthman Al-Ghani the glad tidings of comfort and fragrance; tell him the delightful news about meeting with Rab (Azza wa Jal). Who is not displeased; also give him the glad tidings of forgiveness and the pleasure of his Rab (Azza wa Jal).”

Shaykh ‘Adi bin Hatim further stated that he looked around, but he did not see anyone. [Ibn Asakir, Vol. 37, Page 355; Shawahid al-Nubuwwah, Page 209]

★ It has been reported that some of the close companions of Uthman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) took his body to Jannat-ul-Baqi’ at night taking advantage of the darkness. They were digging the grave when suddenly a large number of riders entered Jannat-ul-Baqi’. The devotees got frightened. The riders said loudly, ‘Do not fear; we are here to take part in his burial.’ Hearing this, people’s fear abated and Sayyiduna Uthman Al-Ghani (Radi Allahu Anhu) was buried in peace. After returning from the graveyard the Sahaba al-Kiram (Alayhim ar-Ridwan) swore to the people that the riders were in fact, angels. [Shawahid al-Nabuwwah, Page 209]

Blessed With Barakah​

‘Umaarah bin Hazm (rahimahullah) narrates the following incident from Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka’b (radhiyallahu ‘anhu):

On one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) sent me to collect the zakat that was due on the people’s wealth. While collecting zakat from the people, I passed by a Sahaabi who also needed to discharge his zakat. Accordingly, this Sahabi gathered all his camels and presented them to me so that I could calculate the zakat due on the camels. After examining the camels, I determined that his zakat on the camels amounted to a single one-year-old she-camel.

I thus said to him, “You need to discharge a single one-year-old she-camel as this is the zakat due on your camels.” Hearing this, the man replied, “A one-year-old she-camel neither gives milk nor can it be used as a conveyance (hence, there is very little benefit in it). Instead of a one-year-old she-camel, here is a young, strong, large, and fat she-camel. Take this camel..” I replied, “I cannot take that which I was not instructed to take. However, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is nearby. If you wish to go to him and present to him what you presented to me, you may do so. If Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) accepts your offer (to give a better camel in zakat), I will take the camel from you, but if he does not accept your offer, I will not take the camel.”

The man replied, “I will do as you suggest.” He thus accompanied me to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), bringing with him the superior camel that he wished to give in zakat. When we came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he addressed him saying, “O Nabi of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Your messenger came to me to collect the zakat due on my wealth. By the oath of Allah! Neither Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) nor the messenger of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has ever collected the zakat due on my wealth before (i.e. this is the first time that I am fortunate enough to discharge zakat on my animals). I thus gathered all my animals for your messenger who claimed that I only have to discharge a single one-year-old she-camel. However, such a camel neither provides milk nor can it be used as a conveyance. I presented him with a large, strong camel and asked him to take it, but he refused. Here is the camel, I have brought it to you, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Please accept it from me.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “It is only a single one-year-old she-camel that is compulsory upon you. However, if you wish to voluntarily give a better camel, Allah Ta‘ala will reward you for it and we will accept it from you.” The man said, “Here it is, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), so accept it from me!” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) thus accepted it from him, gave the instruction for the camel to be taken from him, and made special du‘aa for this Sahabi to be blessed with barakah in his wealth.

Many years later, during the period of the rule of Mu‘aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), ‘Umaarah bin Hazm (rahimahullah) was sent to this very same Sahabi to collect his zakat. At this time, the zakat due on the camels of this Sahaabi was 30 three-year-old camels, as he now owned 1500 camels in total! (This was on account of the special du‘aa for barakah that Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam] had made for him.)

(Sunan Abi Dawood #1583 and Musnad Ahmad #21280)

Lessons:
1. The sign of true love and devotion is that a person happily and wholeheartedly goes the extra mile. Imagine asking a person to lend you a pot to cook biryani, and instead, he gives you a pot of hot, steaming, fragrant biryani! At that moment, one will undoubtedly feel gratitude and develop a love for the person who ‘went the extra mile’. Similarly, we should not suffice merely fulfilling the faraa-idh (obligations). Rather, we should go the ‘extra mile’, as this draws the special love and blessing of Allah Ta‘ala.

2. When giving something in the path of Allah Ta‘ala, we should ensure that it is fit to be given in His path. It should not be rotten, broken, unusable, or tattered. The better the item that we give, the greater our reward will be.

3. When the Sahabi offered to give a better camel in zakat, Ubayy (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) refused to accept it as he did not know whether it was allowed or not. Hence, he insisted that they refer the matter to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Likewise, we should refer all matters in our Deen to the righteous, knowledgeable ‘Ulama so that we can get guidance and direction in our lives.

4. There is no value that can be attached to barakah. When a person is blessed with barakah, his life will be one of happiness and posterity. We should thus try to please Allah Ta‘ala at all times so that we do not deprive ourselves of His barakah.

Hazrat Saad Bin Abi Waqqas: A Short Lifestory

His name was Abu Ishak Saad. the name of His father is Abu Waqqas Malik. The name of his mother is Amna. Hazrat Saad was one of those few who became a Muslim at the beginning of Islam. His brother was Hazrat Umair. He was martyred in the battle of Badr. His mother created a scene when she heard about the Islam of Saad. This story was in the 6th year of Nobuat. Though he converted to Islam earlier, he didn’t tell his mother until the 6th year of Nobuat. She shouted aloud and told Saad to leave Islam. His mother, however, converted to Islam later.

Hazrat Saad was a very close friend of Abu Bakr. He got the news of Islam from that great man. He turned into a Muslim to Abu Bakr’s impression. According to Saad, he was the 3rd man of Islam. He did Hijrat to Medina with all other Muslims. He was a warrior and a true Mujahid. He participated in all the battles of Islam. He was the fighter of Allah and the fighter of the ideology of Muhammad (PBUH). He fought in Badr valiantly.

Hazrat Saad also contributed to the Uhud battle. In fact, he was an instinctive warrior. He was a wise man, as well. He was one of the major weapons of Islam. In the battle of Khondok, he uprooted an eye of a kafir and Rasulullah suddenly laughed at the scene. He was on many important charges during the khelafat of Abu Bakr. He brought a lot of subjugation for Islam during the khelafat of Omar. Hazrat Saad also contributed to the khelafat of Usman. After the martyr of Usman, he didn’t participate in the works of khelafat anymore. After the martyrdom of Usman, Muslims were divided into many groups. They couldn’t uphold the instruction of the Quran and Hadith about unity. They forgot about the teaching of the Quran about brotherhood. At that time, Saad remained neutral. He didn’t take any side. Hazrat Saad was very much worried about the situation of Muslims. He followed the belief that hurting a Muslim is always forbidden.

He was always busy with the thought of a Muslim world, and he always thought of the way to Allah and His Rasul. He was always busy doing welfare for Islam and Muslims. He was one of those ten men who were given the good news of Jannat. Hazrat Saad was the worrier who never left. He always kept himself busy in the works of Islam. He was a true worrier of Rasulullah. He should be an origin of inspiration for us. May Allah dignify him hereafter as he dignified him in the earth.