Mahabba Campaign Part-551
Here is a narration that is quoted by Imam Ahmad from Ibn Abbas (R) about the battle of Mu’ta and Za’id Bin Haritha (R). The group for Mu’ata left early in the morning. It was a Friday. At the time of Jumu’ah prayer, Abdullah bin Rawaha (R) was present in the Madinah Masjid. Holy Prophet ﷺ asked why did you not go? Then ibn Rawaha said. I returned thinking that I can join them after the Jumu’ah prayer. Then Holy Prophet ﷺ said . Even if all that is in this world is spent, the reward of going out in the morning will not be obtained. In another report it is like this. The reward of going out in the way of Allah in the morning or in the evening is greater than all the blessings of this world.
When we read the second report, it can be understood that Holy Prophet ﷺ mentioned the greatness of traveling in the way of Allah. Abdullah ibn Rawah (R) left early in the morning and traveled a little further and returned for the Jumu’ah prayer. Therefore, Abdullah ibn Rawaha also got the reward of leaving in the morning. It will be understood from the second report that Holy Prophet ﷺ once again taught the glory of the morning and the benefit of going out in the way of Allah. The aim was not to blame the beloved companion or to say that the action was wrong.
Zaid bin Arqam (R) says. I was an orphan in the care of Abdullah ibn Rawaha (R). I have never seen anyone protect an orphan so well like him. When Ibn Rawaha left for Mu’atah, he took me with him on the journey. I was on the vehicle along with the goods. In the morning I heard some piece of poetry. Ibn Rawaha was singing about the glory of sacrificing one’s life in the way of Allah. I could not stop crying my guardian, Abdullah bin Rawaha (R) was waiting for his turn to leave this world. He noticed my crying and hit me with his whip gently . Then he asked. why are you crying Am I traveling to heaven! A journey from this world full of hardships and difficulties to the heavenly world full of joy and comfort. Why are you crying?
Muhammad bin Umar (R) says. When night fell, Abdullahi bin Rawaha (R) came down to a place and performed two rak’ahs sincerely. He prayed to Allah for a long time. After that, he called me and said. Oh my friend, by the grace of Almighty Allah, I will be martyred in His way.
Sincere thought of protecting the ideal, readiness of a devotee to welcome death. Very realistic expressions of an ideal and the love of Prophet ﷺ imbibed within. A traveler who takes every step from Makkah to Syria with the conviction that I am walking towards heaven.
Soldiers work hard on the battlefield for a living. Empires form wars for their development. Racists use the military system for ethnic cleansing. Arrogant people who want to be clever and want to reign again, use wars for that. But none of that malicious thoughts found here. The loss of life and self-sacrifice involved in it is believed and accepted as worship to get closer to Allah through a great deed. We are reading about a military operation that outshines all past and future wars in the world.
Mahabba Campaign Part-552
After reaching Mu’ta, the believers observed the surroundings. A detailed examination of the enemy was carried out. The huge number of the enemy camp worried the believers. Some of them said: Let us send a message to Holy Prophet ﷺ right now informing . Let’s ask that the enemy is huge in number and to send some more soldiers. Or, we can accept whatever Prophet ﷺ asks. Various opinions arose among the Companions. Immediately Abdullahi bin Rawaha (R) intervened and asked: ‘Isn’t it for achieving martyrdom that you willingly came out! Is that what you fear and dislike now? Even today, we have not entered the battlefield looking for physical strength or prowess. The only strength we have is faith and idealism. It is what Allah has given us. Go forth with courage. Either heaven or success. Then why are we afraid! This words of Abdullah ibn Rawaha gave a new awakening to all the believers and the strength to move forward with courage and confidence.
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Enemy troops from Rome reached Mu’ta. When they came face to face with the enemy, the Muslims could see their preparations . Then someone asked Abu Hurairah (R). ‘There seems to be a lot of soldiersj in the enemy army, doesn’t it? Abu Hurairah (R) said, ‘Yes’. Then the questioner said. You didn’t attend Badr. We did not win that day by military force, physical power or because of the number of the fighters .
The believers deployed their army by keeping Qutubat bin Qatada (R) and Ubadat bin Malik (R) in two divisions. The war was raging. The enemy came forward using all their strength . The believers remained firm in the spirit of their ideology . They did not deviate from the lessons of war adviced by Prophet ﷺ. They were enthusiastic and willing to sacrifice their lives for the establishment of a noble ideal. But the Roman powers who turned against Islam thought that there should be nothing but Rome to expand their empire and display their power.
Apart from weapons of both sides, their stance have great relevance. The answer to the question for what they fought, varies greatly. That is where the spirit and meaning of the war lead by Prophets ﷺ lies. We have to travel a little more through the battlefield.
Mahabba Campaign Part-553
The Mu’ta’ battlefield is raging . The fighters of both sides lined up. Carrying the flag entrusted to him by Holy Prophet ﷺ, Zaid bin Haritha defended the enemies. After a fierce fight, he fell to the ground, deeply wounded. He thought of heaven at that time. Friends once again recalled the prophecies of Prophet ﷺ. Jafar bin Abi Twalib held up the flag that fell from his friend’s hand. He went forward through the enemy ranks . Meanwhile, he also got injured. At a time when he saw that he could not stand for much longer, he quickly came to his horse and killed it to prevent the enemies using it as a vehicle after his martyrdom. He was the first to accept such a step in the Islamic camp. Breaking through the ranks of the enemy camp, Jafar again bravely advanced. Meanwhile he recited some lines.
Ya Habbadal Jannatu…..
“Welcome, holy heaven
Pure water preserved
Woe to unbelieving Rome
They have a severe punishment
Values are rejected by them.”
Ibn Sa’ad narrates from Abu Amir. Ja’far led the Muslim army. Took a brave stand facing the enemy camp. Dressed in armor , I actually watched the scene . He began to send his arrows accurately. At first he advanced carrying the flag in his right hand. After his right hand was cut off, he again stood on the battlefield carrying the flag in his left hand. When the left was also cut off, the flag was held close to the armpit . Even when both his hands were amputated, he did not retreat from the battlefield. Spiritual strength overshadowed his thoughts about his body. Finally, the 33-year-old fell to the ground with the flag clutched to his chest. He traveled to the heavenly world without worries. Allah gave him two wings in heaven to replace his severed hands. In heaven , he was flying with great pleasure.
There are narrations that one of the Romans cut the great leader into two pieces. Imam Bukhari narrated that Abdullah ibn Umar said. I was in the battle of Mu’ta. We searched for Jafar on the battlefield and found him lying among the dead. There were more than 60 marks on his body with wounds and injuries. When I counted the injuries on his body, there were more than 50. There was no injury to the rear part. That is, he stood bravely facing the enemy until the last moment. Even when faced with so many trials, he never thought even for a second about running back .
Mahabba Campaign Part-554
When Ja’far bin Abi Twalib (R) was killed, Abdullah bin Rawaha (R) held the flag. He enthusiastically led his horse forward . He composed poems that inspired him to struggle.
“O body, either you come obediently to the battlefield. Or else I will force you to stay on this battlefield. I know you will never hate heaven. I know that you, a mere sperm , have been waiting ages for the home of tranquility.
O body, stand firm on the path to death. Even if you are not killed, you will die one day. This is the most suitable time to say goodbye. You got what you wanted. If you do as your friends have done, you too can win.”
He advanced on the battlefield motivating and encouraging himself. He penetrated into the enemy camp to the surprise of others. With every step, he was telling himself that life in this world is momentary . Finally he too went to heaven.
When Ibn Rawaha (R) was also killed, the Muslims were completely panicked. They thought about what approach they should should take next. Some worried that they were on the brink of failure. Khutbat Binu Amir (R) announced this scene . At that time a follower from the Ansar came running and took the flag. With the flag in hand he walked straight towards Khalid bin Waleed. Khalid (R) said. ‘You must keep the flag yourself. You deserve it the most. Immediately the Ansari Companion said. ‘I have brought this to hand over to you. Now you are the one who is strong enough to lead this group .
The narration of Ibn Ishaq (R) is like this. When Abdullah bin Rawaha (R) was killed, Thabit bin Akram (R) took over the flag. Then he called out. O Muslims, appoint a leader. Give him this flag. Then the companions there said. ‘Hold it yourself and move forward. He responded that ‘he can’t’. Finally everyone gathered and declared Khalid bin Waleed as the leader.
The narration of Imam Tabrani (R) is like this. Abul Yasar Al Ansari (R) says. When Abdullahi bin Rawaha (R) was killed, I took over the flag and handed it over to Thabit bin Akram (R). Then he addressed the Muslims and said: Find a leader from among us and hand over this flag. Thus it was handed over to Khalid bin Waleed (R). Then Khalid (R) said to Thabiti (R). ‘You know war strategy better than me. Carry it yourself and move forward’. Thabit (R) repeated the same sentence to Khalid (R). Khalid (R) led the army. There was a new spirit and rejuvenation among the believers.
Mahabba Campaign Part-555
When Khalid took over the flag, the condition of the Muslim side was very miserable. There were only 3000 members on the Muslim side against the Roman army of 200,000. Rather than winning the war, it was a situation where the believers had to think about self-protection somehow. On the other side, their strength is sufficient to destroy the entire Muslim army so that not a single person is left. But Khalid took the flag with great courage. He took steps with confidence relying on Allah . The army was redeployed through a special strategy. The right and left flanks were interchanged. Fear and terror spread in the enemy camp. The battle continued for seven days.
The Holy Prophet was praying like this sitting in Madina. “Khalid is one of the swords of Allah, O Allah, help him”.
Khalid won with an amazing breakthrough. Much of the possession of the enemy got to the Muslims as post-war property. With that they returned to Madinah. Mu’ta’s is an event that offers a unique reading in history.
Sitting in the Madinah masjid, the Holy Prophet ﷺ reviewed at the same time the scenes taking place on the battlefield of Mu’ata, about 1100 km from Makkah. Reactions and descriptions were like an eyewitness directly seeing and experiencing each scene. Asma’u bint Umais, the wife of Jafar , says that immediately after Jafar bin Abi Twalib was killed, the Holy Prophet ﷺ came to Jafar’s house. That day the Holy Prophet ﷺ came to their house and told them to call sons of Ja’far. When they came near, Prophet ﷺ embraced them and kissed. Then his eyes became wet. Oh Prophet ﷺ, Oh my mother and father, why are you crying. Then the Prophet ﷺ asked, “Have you heard any news about Jafar and his friends?” I said, ‘no’. Yes, they are on their way to Allah. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said and stopped. By this time the women of her neighbourhood came screaming to Asma. The Holy Prophet ﷺ got up and walked to his house. “Don’t forget the family of Jafar, they are thinking of their loved one. You have to serve food for them”. Prophet ﷺ reminded the neighbours.
Imam Bukhari narrates that the Holy Prophet ﷺ condoled from the pulpit of Madina Maajid about the three great people who were killed in Mu’atah. The Holy Prophet’s ﷺ eyes were watering while talking about the death of each one of them. When describing the scenes on the battlefield just like an eyewitness, its reflections were seen on his face. Three companions who were dear to the Holy Prophet ﷺ were killed there. Zaid bin Haritha was the servant and stepson of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. The only Companion whose name is mentioned in the Qur’an. A dear friend who recognized the greatness of the Holy Prophet ﷺ before the declaration of prophethood and left even his own parents and chose the life of companionship with the Holy Prophet ﷺ. A beloved follower who got a chance to live knowing the splendor, beauty and authenticity of the Prophet’s ﷺ life. The Holy Prophet has often expressed his deep love for him in words and actions. The second is the son of Abu Talib, the beloved paternal brother who took the protection of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, Ja’far bin Abu Talib. A companion who maintained association and cooperation with the Holy Prophet ﷺ in his youth. The third is Abdullah ibn Rawaha. A symbol of unconditional love. He was glorifying the Holy Prophet ﷺ with all his poetic power. All the time he was thinking to highlight the Status of Prophet ﷺ. The man who returned to Prophet ﷺ after saying fare well to meet Prophet ﷺ once more.
Beloved bid farewell to these three friends as if he would donate livers in the path of Allah. Rather than the martyrs giving up their souls and bodies in the way of Allah, the beloved Prophet ﷺ gave pieces of his liver in the way of Allah.
These are all worth reading. In other words, all three of them have already gone to heaven…..
Mahabba Campaign Part-556
Imam Baihaqi (R) narrates. Ya’ala bin Umayyah (R) came to Prophet ﷺ with the information of Mu’tah. Then Prophet ﷺ said to him. “If you wish give me the information of the battlefield”. Then Bin Umayyah (R) said. Oh Prophet (ﷺ) you describe yourself. Holy Prophet ﷺ was ready to describe the scenes to a person who witnessed the battlefield. After each scene was described in detail, Bin Umayya (R) said. Oh, Prophet ﷺ, you have explained everything that happened there without leaving a single part.
Then Holy Prophet ﷺ said thus. Allah showed the battlefield in front of me. I watched every scene clearly. Later I saw them in my dream. They were each in their heavenly beds. Among them, there was a slight lean to the bed of ibn Rawaha (R). Then Prophet ﷺ was asked, why? Then Prophet ﷺ said. “The other two had already gone to the battlefield at their first thought. Abdullah (R) showed some doubt . That is why such a change is seen. The abode of Abdullah seemed to be built in one gem. A small mark on the back of Abdullah ibn Rawaha (R) and Zaid Bin Haritha (R), a mark of a swelling. But Ja’far (R) is in good condition. It is a sign that the two had turned their neck in the last stages of death. But Ja’far (R) embraced death without such an act. Allah gave two wings to Jafar (R). Wings to fly anywhere in heaven. If Abdullah ibn Umar (R) ever spoke of Ja’far (R), he would introduce him as the double-winged man.
We are now talking about the hereafter. Belief in the Hereafter is one of the fundamental beliefs of Islam. Every believer should have the belief that tomorrow’s abode and blessings, are a fact. Only then will his faith be complete. Belief in the Hereafter in Islam is not a mere assumption or concept. Surely this is the world each of us must face. The reward of the deeds and rituals of this world is to be experienced there.
This world is the world of deeds. And the world of reward is after death. There are many people who mistake death for eternal destruction. Actually the hereafter is the world of experience. Life in the hereafter is to reap what is sown in this world. There, salvation is infinite salvation and punishment is unending punishment. By relying on such a belief, the followers succeeded in the world of karma. Holy Prophet ﷺ clearly taught his followers about the course of the Hereafter. The Companions who were fortunate enough to know the world of Allah and kept the faith they received unblemished. It led their whole life to the height and progress.
Mahabba Campaign Part-557
Let’s read another report of Imam Ibn Ishaq. When knew of the martyrdom of his Companions from the battlefield of Mu’atah, Holy Prophet ﷺ was directly observing those scenes. Zaid ibn Haritha took the flag and stood firm on the battlefield until he was killed. After seeing this scene, the Prophet ﷺ kept silent for a while. Prophet’s ﷺ face changed. The Ansari Companions wondered if anything had happened to Abdullah ibn Rawaha. It was not too late, it was seen that Abdullah bin Rawaha stood firmly on the battlefield until he was killed . Prophet ﷺ said. ” I saw them in heaven on beds of golden legs.
This is what Ibn Sa’ad quotes from Abu Amir: Prophet ﷺ was saddened to hear the news of the demise of his beloved companions. After leading the midday prayer, Prophet ﷺ turned to the people. We could not bear the facial expression of Prophet ﷺ. Even after the evening prayer, the expression on his face remained the same. The followers still had a hard time. The same facial expression remained after the evening prayer and the night prayer. All the while, the followers were saddened. The next day Holy Prophet ﷺ came to the masjid for the morning prayer. People from all corners of the masjid were happy to look at that face. The Companions said to Prophet ﷺ: Only Allah does know what you are experiencing . Holy Prophet ﷺ started saying. “I was saddened by the loss of my loved ones, but happy to see them rejoicing in heaven. I guessed as if some of them were afraid of death and turned away from the head of the sword to escape . I saw Jafar in heaven flying with the wings of angels.
These narrations convey many meanings. One: The followers watch every aspect of the Holy Prophet ﷺ without batting an eye. Every mood of Prophet ﷺ influence them. They want to know the meaning of such an expression. The details are shared with followers whenever clarification is needed. Two. The sorrows and joys of the followers have a profound effect on the leader, Holy Prophet ﷺ. He feels pain by their pain. His heart is filled with their joy. The Holy Prophet ﷺ rejoices when his followers receive blessings from Allah. Three. Allah has given the Holy Prophet ﷺ the opportunity to watch every scene of the Hereafter by sitting in this world. This is proof that Allah has honored His Beloved Messenger with extraordinary sight, knowledge and attributes. How clearly the beloved Prophet ﷺ spoke to his followers about heavenly visions. Four. When the Holy Prophet ﷺ spoke with the power of Prophethood, the disciples got opportunity to accept and believe that there are many worlds beyond imagination. They served as stepping stones to their progress. By that they were appointed for a win in both worlds.
Every event in the Prophet’s ﷺ life has a core of a thousand messages. There is an essence of knowledge that transcends the realms of time.
Mahabba Campaign Part-558
The battle of Mu’tah recorded a new history. It was one of the most unique in the whole history of war. Only about 3000 people from the Muslim side faced 2 lakh enemies. That too, in a remote and climatically very different place . It was apparently not a favorable situation for war.
While recording those who were killed in the war Al-Biday’a records that only twelve people were killed from the Muslim side. What a wonderful piece of news considering the number of enemies and the above circumstances. This is how the 13th verse of the Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3, Alu Imran, explains. “There is a good lesson for you in two groups that clashed with each other. One group was fighting on the way of Allah, and the other group were unbelievers. In the eyes of the unbelievers, the believers seemed to be their double. Allah strengthens whom He wills with His help. Indeed, there is a great lesson in this for those who have insight.”
At the critical stage of the war, when the crisis arose, some could not stand and had to withdraw from the battlefield. When the Companions returned to Madinah, they were also with them. When some of the people of Madinah saw their arrival, they spoke against them, calling them the ‘retreated’ and ‘cowards’. They protested by strewing dust on them . Immediately Holy Prophet ﷺ intervened and said . They did not come as cowards. They are ready to go for war in the future.
The group was unable to take a definite stand when they actually saw the enemy’s strength. They are not criminals . They are those who had to retreat in an unfavorable condition. Holy Prophet ﷺ consoled them and conveyed his favorable opinion of them to others. Even so, they themselves felt sorry .
The situation in Mu’ta was unlike any previous struggle. Khalid bin Waleed (R) shared that exact conviction with the people of Madina. Khalid (R) narrated to them the scene where he had to face the enemy strongly for a long time during which nine of his swords were broken.
Prophet ﷺ received Khalid (R) and his group cordially. In praise of Holy Prophet ﷺ, they kissed his holy hands.
Mahabba Campaign Part-559
We are moving to yet another chapter of Islamic history. At the end of the eighth year of the Hijra, a group set out from Madinah. Their aim was to defend the Khuza’a tribe. The tribe was making preparations to attack Madinah. Holy Prophet ﷺ prepared a defense force when the enemy aimed a military move towards the borders of Madinah. Amr bin Al Asw (R) was the leader of the group. It was only been a year since he came to Islam. Holy Prophet ﷺ sent him off with an army of 300 men and two flags, black and white. He was also instructed to ensure the support of all the tribes they would meet on their way to Sham. The Ba Alavi tribe the relatives of Amr’s (R) mother . Making bond between them was one of the goals of Holy Prophet ﷺ.
Amr (R) who was well skilled in war had 30 horses and its war equipment. History introduced this military movement as “Datu Salasil”. They moved forward, hiding by day and traveling by night. Amr (R) got information about the enemies when he moved a long distance. When he came to know about their strength, he thought that it would be better to bring some more soldiers from Madinah. Accordingly, he appointed bin Rafi bin Makhisi (R) to the Prophet ﷺ.
As soon as the Prophet ﷺ heard the message, he prepared a group. Abu Ubaidah (R) was the leader of the group. He took the flag from the Holy Prophet ﷺ and moved forward. Abu Bakar (R) and Umar (R) and a group from the Answars were with him. Holy Prophet ﷺ had advised Abu Ubaidah (R) to work together with Amr bin Al Asw and not have differences of opinion. The group soon joined the army of Amr (R) . It was thought that Abu Ubaidah (R) would lead the whole group. By that time Amt (R) said: ‘I will lead the army. I asked for a group to support our group and you came. Abu Ubaidah (R) accepted the order of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. The army marched forward in unison. Amr himself led the prayers and commanded the army. As they moved a little further, the weather cooled down considerably. At night, the members of the army suggested burning wood and to warm up . But Amr (R) didn’t agree it. It was felt as a hardship by the followers. Amr (R) had no opinion on the burning of fire, even after being suggested by prominent figures including Abu Bakar (R) and Umar (R). When Umar (R) thought that he might disagree, Abu Baker (RA) said, “Don’t.” It was because of his fighting skills that Holy Prophet ﷺ made him the leader of this military group. We must obey him completely. No one voiced dissent or allowed any division in the group.
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The leader led the group very skillfully. Deployed in small groups in many places. Among the various groups of enemies, those at the extreme ends of the enemy’s land . Thus their power was weakened and they were defeated and the Muslims won very simply. They returned to Madinah with the riches of war.
Mahabba Campaign Part-560
An incident related with Datu Ssalasil can be read as follows. Rafi bin Abu Rafi (R) says. I was a Christian priest. My name was Surgis . I used to be a guide for travelers. I used to keep water inside the ostrich eggs in many places in the desert. No one else could find it as accurately as I could. I have been a guide to so many people on many trips.
After I accepted Islam, I also participated in the military movement of Datu Ssalasil led by Amr Bin Al Asw (R). I thought I should move with a good fellow traveller. Accordingly, I traveled with Abu Bakar (R). My aim was to receive the goodness of his company. He had a garment from Fadak. He used to spread it at the time of food and to sit on it during the journey. The people of Najd once said: Let’s imitate the one who comes to us wearing a robe.
Abu Rafi (R) says. After the military missions, we approached Madinah. Then I said to Abu Bakar. ‘O Abu Bakar (R) may Allah have mercy on you! I have joined you in order that I may be benefited by your company. So please advise me. Then Abu Bakar (R) responded like this. “I would have given you advice even if you hadn’t asked for it. Firmly believe in the Oneness of Allah. Do not associate anyone with him. Keep the prayer correct. Perform alms and fast. Perform Hajj. Bathe in case of great impurity or Janabat. Do not be an authority over the two of you”.
Then I said this. O Abu Bakar (R), what you said about the Oneness of Allah, I will never associate anything with Him. I will never give up prayer. I will not give up fasting in Ramadan. I will perform Hajj if possible. If there is Janabat, I will take a bath. And then it’s about power. O Abu Bakar (R), people attribute greatness to those who in power ! You asked me for advice. I will elaborate further.
Mahabba Campaign Part-561
Abu Bakar (R) started telling Rafi (R). Allah entrusted Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with this sacred way of life or Deen. Prophet ﷺ worked hard to promote this Deen . A lot of people came to that religion voluntarily. As they entered the religion, Allah gave them security and they became under the protection of Allah. It can be said figuratively that they are Allah’s people, His neighbors, or those who are under His guardianship. If any of the beloved of Allah tries to end their relationship with Allah, He will also destroy His relationship with them. Denial of any of their rights will cause the wrath of Allah.
Rafi’i (R) says. After these conversations I bade farewell to Abu Bakar and left. After some time, Holy Prophet ﷺ departed from this world. After that, Abu Bakar (R) was elected as the ruler. Then I went straight to Abu Bakar (R) and asked: ‘I reminded him of the advice given to me earlier, not to hold a position of authority’. No, it was not you who said that you should not take authority over even two people. Abu Bakr (RA) said. Yes, I told you. Then Rafi (R) asked. Why did you take over the reigns now ? Abu Bakar’s reply was as follows. ‘People were divided. I was worried that calamity would come. I had to shoulder this responsibility in such a situation. There was no other way in front of me’.
Such readings will be very useful to understand how Islam deals with everything. About the justice that should be shown if one got power. Religion and Prophet ﷺ have precise views and observations about all actions aimed at ultimate welfare. The basic principle is not to covet, usurp or demand power. At the same time, leadership bestowed unrequested, can be a source of much blessing. Thus, a believer should be able to recognize and maintain the greatness and value of any responsibility entrusted to him.
Through the lines we can understand that the policy of Abu Bakar (R) was the security of the society and the protection of religious values. The caliphate was not that of the Great Companions, which arose out of the interest of power. Rather, it was only the care and protection of the Holy Code entrusted to the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
Mahabba Campaign Part-562
There are some interesting events at Datu Ssalasil. Abu Bakar bin Hazm narrates. As we were traveling on a very cold night, Amr bin Al Asw was on great impurity or Janabat. He was in a situation where he would die if he bathed with cold water. While standing there worried, his friends asked him what he was thinking. He said. “I had a wet dream. If I take a bath in this cold, I may die. I am thinking about how to clean the impurity. Then he asked to bring water. After washing the private part, he performed wulu or ablution and led the prayer. On reaching Madinah, he explained the matter to Prophet ﷺ. And recited the 29th verse of the fourth chapter of the Holy Qur’an, “Al Nisa”. The idea of the verse is like this: “Do not kill yourselves. Allah is very merciful to you; indeed”. The Holy Prophet ﷺ laughed upon hearing this. It is not known whether Prophet ﷺ responded anything else. We can also see this in the narration of Imam Abu Dawud.
It is through such cases that Islamic law is formed and how to face the things that happen to man in different junctures of life. Every day and night of the Prophet’s ﷺ life was exemplifying a great system which survives till the last day.
Let’s move on to another incident. Auf bin Malik (R) says. Abu Bakar (R) and Umar (R) were also participants in the Datu Ssalasil led by Amr Bin Al Asw (R). On the way I happened to meet a group of people. They were worried because they could not butcher a camel and prepare food. I asked them if they would give me a share of food if I made it ready for you” .They agreed. Immediately I took the knife I had with me and cut the camel into pieces. I cooked my share and we ate together. After that, Abu Bakar (R) and Umar (R) asked me: from where did you get this meat? I explained everything. Then they both said. ‘The meat you served us was not good for us. Both of them vomited putting their finger into their mouths. Both of them were strict that the food they ate should be absolutely Halal.
When the group returned to Madinah, Auf bin Malik (R) was the first to approach Prophet ﷺ. Auf bin Malik (R) must have come first thinking about what the decision of Holy Prophet ﷺ would be in such an event and how the reaction would be if he heard from others first. Holy Prophet ﷺ asked when he came to Prophet ﷺ: ‘Aren’t you the person of camel ? Later, nothing was said about it. Muhammad bin Umar (R) says. Then Holy Prophet ﷺ inquired about the news. When Holy Prophet ﷺ heard that Abu Ubaidah (R) followed Amr ibnul Asw (R) and agreed his leadership, prayed for Abu Ubaydah (R).
Mahabba Campaign Part-563
Here is the report of Tabrani (R). ‘Amr bin Al Asw says. After returning from Datu Ssalasil to Madinah after the military operation , some of the Companions approached Holy Prophet ﷺ and complained that I did not allow them to warm themselves during the cold weather on the way. I said to Holy Prophet ﷺ. There is no other reason why I should not allow it. If we fire at night, the enemy will probably get accurate information about our strength . I did not allow it as it would affect our military strategy. On hearing my explanation, Holy Prophet ﷺ praised me and agreed with the decision. Abu Usman Al Nahdi says. I heard Amr Bin Al Asw saying. The Holy Prophet ﷺ made me the leader in the military campaign of Datu Ssalasil. Abu Bakar and Umar were also in the group. I thought that I was made the leader of this group because I had a high position with Holy Prophet ﷺ . I asked. ‘ Oh Prophet (ﷺ), who is the most beloved person to you ? ‘Ayisha’. I am not asking about your family. Then Prophet ﷺ said, ‘father of Ayisha. And then who? “Umar”. Thus continued my question and Prophet ﷺ kept mentioning the name of a group from among the Companions. Then I thought it would be better not to ask anymore. According to another report, I ended my question wondering if I would be the last one.
There are many lessons to be learned from this incident. The most important thing is the manner in which the Holy Prophet ﷺ associated with the Companions. Everyone felt that he is the most beloved person to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. But there were eminent personalities who influenced the Holy Prophet ﷺ with precise criteria. Here the Holy Prophet ﷺ adopted the method of answering honestly when his friend raised a question. Prophet ﷺ could have answer to appease the questioner. Because it was not in accordance with the fact, the Holy Prophet ﷺ who only speaks the truth could not say it. All could wish that he was the most beloved to Prophet ﷺ.
When assigned to each task Prophet ﷺ had a definite view of who was the best suited for it. In the mentioned military operation, the most suitable person was appointed by the Holy Prophet ﷺ to employ the best military tactics. It is not the Prophet’s ﷺ way to send the most beloved person to everything. Had it been so, Abu Bakar would have been appointed. But more useful in that military movement was the man of war tactics.
This incident also gives us a picture of how Holy Prophet ﷺ kept the exact standards and closeness in his heart in the world of love. It also teaches us what criteria should be used to set priorities in political and social matters.
Mahabba Campaign Part-564
In the 8th century Hijra, under the leadership of Abu Ubaidah (R), three hundred volunteers, including the Answars and the Muhajirs, set out in search of the Quraish trading group according to the instructions of Holy Prophet ﷺ. Umar bin Khatwab (R) was also in the group. It was a trip with different experiences. They had only scanty dates stored in pouches as food. After about half a month, the dates in hand were about to be empty. Immediately, according to instructions of Abu Ubaydah (R), the rest of the dates that everyone had were collected in a bowl. Each time the fixed share was distributed by the leader himself. Many people were in a state of tasting the same one date. So the food for many days was nibbling on the sweetness of dates and drinking water after that. Feeling hungry and very tired, they started eating the leaves of the tree. As a result, many people’s mouths were injured. And so the days passed again. As the days wore on, each one worried that if they met the enemy again, we would be too tired to fight.
According to the narration of Muhammad bin Hasan (R), they ate the leaves of the tree for three months to satisfy their hunger. Such an incident can be seen in the narration of Muhammad bin Umar (R). Qays bin Sa’ad bin Ubada (R) who was in the said group kept shouting like this. Who will give us a camel? Instead, the amount can be paid in the form of dates from Madinah. Umar (R)was surprised to hear this news. Is the person who has no money, taking a loan now? What a curiosity this is ! Then Qais (R) met a man from the tribe of Juhaina. He asked him. ‘Shall I give you the dates of Madinah in exchange for a camel? He said. I don’t know you? who are you? I am Qais bin Sa’ad bin Ubadah bin Dulai (R). Then the Juhaina tribe member said. I know Sa’ad but I don’t know your tribe and so on.
However, five camels were loaned on the condition that a certain amount of the best type of dates would be provided in Madinah. A group of Answars and Muhajirs witnessed it. Among the group, Umar (R) was not willing to be a witness. Because Umar (R) explained that Qais (R) had no assets of his own and only his father. Then the tribesman of Juhaina said to Umar (R). Well, no problem, the father who has considerable property and good behaviour and , a good countenance, would not leave his son anyway. That too for a small quantity of dates Qais (R) was happy.
The camel was slaughtered one by one and food was cooked and distributed to the group. As the camel continued to be slaughtered, Abu Ubaidah (R) intervened. Qais, who has no property of his own, starts slaughtering like this, it is not right. He warned them not to slaughter any more for the time being.
Mahabba Campaign Part-565
Let us read one more interesting part of the said trip. Jabir (R) says. We were traveling along the sea shore. Then the sea gifted us with big fish like a huge mound. Its name is Ambar. We have never seen any fish like that. We cooked and ate the fish for a period of half a month . In other reports it is 18 days or a month .
Everyone in our group became physically fit. Oil could be scooped out of that fish’s eye with a bowl. We cooked the parts of that fish in a big pot and kept some parts. As per the instructions of Abu Ubaidah (R) a bone of the fish was taken and placed on the earth. The bone was taller than the tallest man in our group. A curved bone was placed on the earth. A horseman could pass through it. We returned to Madinah and presented the matter to Holy Prophet ﷺ. Prophet ﷺ replied happily that it is a special food gifted by Allah. Prophet ﷺ inquired whether we have any part of that fish kept. Someone presented Prophet ﷺ a little bit of meat that he had kept. Prophet ﷺ gladly accepted and ate.
We have read a different experience of the journey of the Companions. This is a clear picture of the sacrifice of the Companions and the great blessing that Allah bestowed upon them . The final decision of each action is taken by the Companions only after consulting Holy Prophet ﷺ. This incident conveys to us the simplicity and beauty of the relationship shown by Holy Prophet ﷺ to his Companions. Prophet ﷺ receives and eat from the preserved part of the fish expressing solidarity with their stance. What a beautiful scene!
The statement of Holy Prophet ﷺ that: ‘it is Allah Who has blessed you with that fish’, is an expression of the purity of food from the sea. How beautifully the companions narrated the size of the whale and the importance of its meat.
Mahabba Campaign Part-566
Let’s read about the diplomatic move led by Abu Qatada Al Answari (R) in the eighth year of Hijra in Sha’ban. Muhammad Bin Umar Al Aslami (R) says. ‘I wished to marry the daughter of Suraqat bin Haritha (R) who was killed in Badr. That marriage was the most interesting thing in this world. However, it was agreed that 200 dirhams should be paid to her as Mahr. I had no savings for it. So I came to Holy Prophet ﷺ with a request . But Prophet ﷺ had nothing to give me then.
Then Prophet ﷺ told me: ‘Abu Qatada (R) and fourteen others are assigned for a mission. If you join that group you will get what you want . Are you ready to go? I said, ‘yes’. At that time, a leader of the tribe of Jusam organized a military campaign against the Holy Prophet ﷺ and Madinah and tried to influence the tribe of Qais. Their goal was to come to Madinah and attack the Muslims and confront Prophet ﷺ. In all such cases, the approach taken by Holy Prophet ﷺ was to confront the enemies going to their land rather than giving them opportunity to come to Madinah. For that purpose , many military teams had to be assigned at various times . Such a move is going to happen here.
Our party, consisting of sixteen or fourteen men, set out to make a defense against them. We took the weapons and supplies we had with us and went to Ghatfan, which is near Najd. Holy Prophet ﷺ gave usual advice and instructions to our group. It was instructed not to travel during the day, to travel only at night and to hide during the day. Holy Prophet ﷺ strictly advised us not to kill children and women and not to engage in unnecessary acts of destruction.
Abu Qatada (R) gave necessary instructions at regular intervals . It was mainly about the interaction between the members of the group. He explained how one can help one another and cooperate for the success of the mission. Strictly said that there should be no difference of opinion. He specifically reminded that the attack should be started only when the attack is initiated by Amir. The Takbeer should also be sounded when the Takbeer is sounded by Amir .
Mahabba Campaign Part-567
Abu Qatada took out his sword. He started chanting the Takbeer. All of us unsheathed our swords and uttered the Takbeer. There was a tall man who walked with ego. Sometimes facing me and sometimes trying to attack me from behind. I followed him. He said, O Muslim, welcome to heaven. I followed him and finally killed him. I took possession of his weapons. Then my fellow soldier asked where we were going.
The fighting continued. Followed the basic instructions of war. We stayed there hiding for a few days. It was to monitor the movements of the enemies . After 15 days in hiding, we were ready to return with a thousand goats, 200 camels and a lot of wealth. We defeated the enemy, Rifaa and took his head.
After setting aside one-fifth of the earnings, the rest was distributed among the warriors, each of them received 13 camels. Abdullah bin Abi Hadrad says : ‘We reached Holy Prophet ﷺ carrying Abu Rifaa’s head. Holy Prophet gave me 13 camels.
Each military step made Madinah more secure. It was convinced to everyone that Madinah is well-equipped with military force so that no one could attack suddenly. It was necessary to inform the other countries that no sudden attack could defeat Madinah.
Now let’s move on to another incident. Holy Prophet ﷺ is preparing to go to Makkah. It was before Ramadan. Abu Qatada was assigned to the Valley of Izam with a group of camels . It was to spread the notion that this was the path that Prophet ﷺ would travel. At the necessary stage, extraordinary skills should be used to lead a society, a nation and a war. In this way, the military strategies used by Holy Prophet ﷺ at various stages are surprising to everyone. Such strategies were of great importance in precisely protecting the nation and its followers against the slightest touch of the enemy.
Mahabba Campaign Part-568
Usamat bin Zaid (R) talks about an upcoming military move. Prophet ﷺ assigned us to Huraqah of the tribe of Juhaina. The trip was to meet Mirdas bin Naheek. He was very powerful. But we defended them very skillfully. We waited for Mirdas to go to his abode, accompanied by a red camel and several lambs. By the time he reached his residence, I followed him. I faced him at his abode. He recited ‘La Ilaha Illallah’ . We understood that he recited to save his life when there was no other way. So we didn’t leave him. Killed him and took possession of his properties.
After the military movements , when we reached Madinah, we shared all the information with Prophet ﷺ. His question was why did we use weapons on a person who had recited the testimony of faith ? When told that he did it for self-protection, Holy Prophet ﷺ’s response was like this, ‘have you opened his heart’? The displeasure and reaction of Holy Prophet ﷺ worried Usamah (R). Holy Prophet ﷺ was not satisfied with the explanation that the man recited the oath for self-protection. Holy Prophet ﷺ showed his displeasure as there is a possibility of reciting “Shahada” at that time.
Usamah (R) was the most beloved person to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Because he is the son of Zaid (R) who recognized Prophet ﷺ even before the declaration of prophethood and took care of him. Usama(R) used to play with the grandsons of Holy Prophet ﷺ; Hassan and Hussain (R). Despite this much love, Holy Prophet ﷺ disagreed because the matter was so serious. Usamah (R) says. When I saw the reaction of Holy Prophet ﷺ on this issue, I felt that it was good for me to come to Islam after that .
Every movement of Holy Prophet ﷺ was for a precise idea and a clear stance. He had no vested interest or dislike for any person or nation. Rather, the ultimate goal was to spread the fundamental belief that should last forever. The stance was to agree with everything that should be agreed with it and disagree with everything that should be disagreed with it. What the Holy Prophet ﷺ disliked for Usamah (R), who was very affectionate and loving, was his extreme love for the concept of ‘Lailaha illallah’ and its value if one accepts it. Eventually Usamah (R) admitted his mistake and apologized.
Mahabba Campaign Part-569
On the 5th of Ramadan in the eighth year of Hijra, a group headed by Khalid Bin Waleed (R) set out to a house in the area of Nakhla. It was there that the Meccan polytheists placed the image of Uzza, which they worshipped. They had a belief that the creator would be near Lata in Twaif in winter season and near Uzzah in Nakhla in summer.
The monastery of Uzzah was looked after by the people of the Banu Shaiban tribe. They used to make offerings to this house just as they make offerings to the holy Ka’aba.
Prophet ﷺ assigned Khalid (R.) to convince them of the meaninglessness of such worship and devotion and to make it clear that the images carved out of stone by man are only stones. It was their belief that these stones, which they had carved themselves, would give benefit or harm by their own power. It was the need of the believers to convince them that it was not true. It was necessary to save the people from superstition. It was necessary to show them that deities like Latha, Uzza etc.do not react or resist whatever we do. When Khalid (R) approached the idols, those who were performing worship and devotion stood away, hoping that the idols would respond.
But nothing happened to Khalid (R). That’s when many people realized the reality. They kept calling out to the idols they worshiped, torment Khalid and abase him. They believed that idols would do something. But when Khalid (R) effortlessly brought to light the meaninglessness of idolatry and proved that the idols were mere stones, those who had climbed the mountain and thought something would happen to Khalid (R), came down and supported Khalid (R). With the advancement of Khalid (R), superstitions were eradicated from the entire province and people were converted to monotheism. Then the Prophet ﷺ said: Uzza will never again be worshiped in this land. Uzza was completely disappointed.
The great Companions were able to call out the truth in any adverse situation and overcome any crisis for the establishment of the truth. The Arab people realised that Islam was spreading and Prophet ﷺ and his followers were striving to establish a lofty ideal , and Islam was accepted.
Mahabba Campaign Part-570
Like Khalid bin Waleed (R) worked to correct the superstitions associated with Uzzah to convince them of the foolishness of idolatry , Amr bin Asw(R) was the person assigned to deal with matters related to the shrine of Suwa’u. The deity was in the form of a woman. When Amr (R) reached there, the custodian of the shrine was there. He asked Amr (R). ‘For what purpose have you come’? Amr (R) immediately said. Prophet ﷺ appointed me. We believe that it is a mere idol. It cannot do any good or harm. There is no meaning in placing it here with such a belief. By removing it from here, nothing will happen to anyone.
Then the custodian said. ‘You try to remove it. of course! You will be blocked’. Such was his faith. Then Amr (R) said. What a pity! Are you still living with this superstition? Does that statue made of stone hear or see? Then he moved towards the statue. He approached it with a weapon. The deity did not respond. The custodian became embarrassed . When he finally looked into the treasury, there was nothing there either. When all the tasks were completed, Amr (R) asked the custodian of the deity. What is your opinion?
He said. ‘ I believe in Allah. It was only then he realized that he was very superstitious. The mission of Prophet ﷺ was to guide those who had misguided beliefs based only on hearsay and tradition. The mission of the Holy Prophet ﷺ in one word was to bring the people from worshiping creatures to worshiping the Creator. The Holy Prophet ﷺ gave the necessary instructions. Sometimes these things had to be convinced practically. The Holy Prophet ﷺ carried out the task of going to their own centre and convincing the reality directly to those who believed that just by touching an image it would respond.
Prophet ﷺ applied such measures considering the authority and circumstance. Prophet ﷺ did not forcibly convert anyone from any religion to Islam. Thus the lesson of Islam is that there is no force in religion. But Prophet ﷺ used various methods to convey the practicality of Islam. We should also be able to observe it through such a perspective. We are learning about past events in history. Before talking about idols set up on earth, the Holy Prophet ﷺ spoke about idols of false beliefs set up in the heart and made changes.
Mahabba Campaign Part-571
Manat is another idol worshiped by the Meccan polytheists. The belief they had about this deity was completely wrong. The problem is that they believed the stones they had carved themselves were gods that would do them good or harm. They were not ready to search for the proof or take a decision using their wisdom by which man is blessed. They relied only on what they heard and believed what they heard from their forefathers. A blind faith and rituals were ingrained in them. It could not be changed by a mere indoctrination or preaching.
Therefore, some practical measures had to be taken. Accordingly, some teams had to be sent to approach such shrines and to convince them that nothing would happen if we do anything harmful to them. Accordingly Sa’ad bin Za’id al-Ashhal (R) and a small group of companions were sent to the idol of Manat. It was on top of a hill in Mushallal area. Aus, Khazraj and Ghassan tribes lived there. The group appointed by Prophet ﷺ including 20 horsemen came to Manat on the day of Makkah victory. When the group reached there, the attendant who served the idol and deity was there.
he asked the group. What is your purpose? They disclosed their intention. But the attendant moved away without blocking them . When Sa’ad (R) approached the idol, a black female figure with unbraided hair and form went out from there . The worshipers of Manat thought that deity was getting angry. But Sa’ad (R) remained calm. Faced that female figure until it fell to the ground. Later they removed the idol. There was no wealth in the treasury.The Companions completed the task and came to Holy Prophet ﷺ.
Prophet ﷺ and his followers had to suffer many sacrifices in the early days because of declaring that ‘only Allah is to be worshipped’. Later the people of Makkah became aware of the fact when the believers migrated to Madinah and the light of the truth reached the world. When the enemies were so weakened that they had no strength to resist and the human society became more aware of the facts, Prophet ﷺ and his followers entered Makkah triumphantly . Prophet ﷺ entered Makkah declaring that there is no revenge against anyone .
Holy Prophet ﷺ and his followers were assigned with the task of reorganizing Makkah and its surroundings on the basis of Tawheed or Monotheism as maintained by previous prophets (A) . As a part of it, Holy Prophet ﷺ removed the forms and idols that were installed there and brought back Makkah and premises to their former sanctity through such missions.
Mahabba Campaign Part-572
In the month of Shawwal, the eighth year of Hijra Holy Prophet ﷺ assigned Khalid (R) and a group of 300 men to Banu Jusaimah. Preaching was the aim of this move. When they saw the arrival of Khalid (R) and his group, the said tribes started to arm themselves. Khalid asked. who are you? What is your condition now ? Then they said: ‘We are Muslims. We pray and give alms and pray in the masjid we have built in our courtyard. So why are you arming yourself now? There is an Arab tribe that is hostile to us. We thought they were coming. That is why we took up arms and tried to defend ourselves. The Banu Juzaima tribe explained .
Meanwhile a man of their tribe named Jahdam said. ‘It is Khalid who has come here. Perhaps we all may be held captives. After being made captives, we may be beheaded. Therefore I will not lay down my arms’. But no one agreed with him. Are you still trying to shed blood ? Instigating people who are at peace after all the wars, to fight again? By asking like this, the people took off Jahdam’s weapons.
It can be seen in the Hadith quoted by Imam Ahmad (R) and others that they did not declare Islam at first. Instead they tried to escape by saying that they were Sabiee. Accordingly, apart from mere admonition, certain actions and related procedures took place in the said tribe.
According to the said report, the actions of Khalid were somewhat extreme. Some of the Companions disagreed with that. Among them was Abdullah ibn Umar. An experience of Holy Prophet ﷺ during this incident can be read as follows. Jafarul Mahmudi (R) says. Holy Prophet ﷺ said. I just put a handful of sweets, Hais in my mouth to eat. Meanwhile, something got stuck in my throat. Then Ali (R) put his hand into my mouth and cleared . On hearing this, Abu Bakar (R) said. Some of your mission teams did well in their task. In the meantime, there was an act from their part that caused some disagreements. Prophet ﷺ sent Ali (R) and solved it. Abu Bakar (R) explained that the interpretation of the example given by the Holy Prophet ﷺ was like this.
Here is an explanation given by Imam Ibn Hisham (R A man from Khalidi’s group came to the Holy Prophet ﷺ and explained the events. Then the Holy Prophet ﷺ asked. Are there any dissenters out there? ‘Yes, there are. A big-sized white man disagreed. Then Khalid (R) became silent. Later, another tall man disagreed. Then there was a vigorous debate with Khalid. On hearing this Umarubnul Khatwab (R) said. The first person mentioned will be my son, Abdullah ibn Umar (R). The second would be Salim (R), the attendant of Abu Hudaifah (R).
Mahabba Campaign Part-573
Let us read one more chapter in the diplomatic moves of Holy Prophet ﷺ. Narrated Abu Musa Al Ash’ari (R). A group led by Malik Bin Auf from the Hawazin tribe who had been defeated in the Battle of Hunain returned to Twaif and organized a military group taking Auwtas as their centre . On knowing this, Prophet ﷺ sent a group under the leadership of Abu Amir Al Ash’ari (R). On the way he met and defeated a man named Duraid bin Swimmah and his men ran away .
Another narration by Abu Musa (R) is like this. Prophet ﷺ appointed me along with Abu Aamir (R). When we reached Hawazin, the people there gathered at Auwtas. In the clash that ensued, many were killed and those who ran were scattered. A man from among the opponents came forward and debated with Abu Amir. Finally he accepted Islam. Abu Amir (R) shot down the two sons of Haris( Alau and Auf )from the tribe of Banu Jusham. One was shot in the chest and the other in the leg. Abu Amir’s knee was also injured. Abu Amir (R) appointed Abu Musa (R) as leader. When his eath was near, he requested companions to convey his “Salam” to Holy Prophet ﷺ. Soon he departed this world .
Abu Amir (R) said handing over the flag to Abu Musa (R): ‘This horse and weapons of mine should be handed over to Prophet ﷺ’. Abu Musa (R) agreed. After that, he strongly confronted the enemies.Allah granted great victory to the group of Abu Musa (R). Abu Musa (R) killed the assassin of Abu Amir (R). After that, Abu Musa (R) came to the presence of the Prophet ﷺ with the things that Abu Amir (R) had entrusted him. He told Prophet ﷺ in detail what he had been entrusted.
It can be seen in another hadith narrated by Musa (R). After the said incident I came to Holy Prophet ﷺ. Prophet ﷺ was lying on a bed made of coir . A blanket was spread over it. However, the mark of the rope could be seen on many parts of Prophet’s ﷺ body. I told Prophet ﷺ everything that happened including what Abu Amir entrusted me. When I informed Holy Prophet ﷺ that Abu Amir had requested Prophet ﷺ to pray for him, Prophet ﷺ asked to bring water for ablution. After bringing water and performing wuzu’, Prophet ﷺ raised both his hands so as to his armpits could be seen. After that, he prayed like this. O Allah, forgive Abu Amir (R)! Bless him with higher status than many in the hereafter. Then I requested Prophet ﷺ to pray for me . Then Prophet ﷺ prayed like this. ” Oh Allah, forgive the sins of Abdullah bin Qais (R). Admit him to the houses of the nobles on the Day of Judgment!”.
These events also mark beautiful pictures of intimacy and interaction between Prophet ﷺ and his followers. What every Sahabah wanted at the last moments of his life was to achieve a glimpse of Prophet ﷺ, to send a greeting to Prophet ﷺ, or finally receive his prayers. This is also an example of how each of them loved Prophet ﷺ more than anyone else. Without expressing any desire to greet parents or wives or to catch a glimpse of them, he waited with more love than them for the Holy Prophet’s ﷺ glimpse, his presence, his prayers and his greetings.
While each battlefield presented many martyrs, each battlefield for the followers of Prophet ﷺ was also a testament to the dedication of those who loved Prophet ﷺ more than their own lives.
Mahabba Campaign Part-574
In the eighth year of Hijra, Prophet ﷺ appointed a group to Twaif . There was an idol called Dul Kafaifni which means two-armed. A lot of people had many foolish beliefs about this idol. Holy Prophet ﷺ appointed a group to convince the people of the truth. Tufail bin Amr Al Dhousi was the leader of the group. He reached the said community and convinced them of the senselessness of worshiping such idols. The lines he recited while looking at the idol also had an idea. ‘O idol, we were born before you’. When the society was convinced , they themselves thought that why should they keep such an idol. They removed it. It was made of mere wood that would burn when it caught fire. The Companions instilled in them the correct understanding that it is foolish to consider such a thing as god which decides and executes our good and bad.
The fact that with the advent of Islam many idols in Mecca and Madina were removed, or broken, with the advent of Islam . But these are cited maliciously. But what was the fact? Mecca has been the land of Tawheed, or monotheism, since the time of the first man, Prophet Adam (A). The Ka’aba is the first house on earth built for the worship of Allah alone. All the Prophets appointed by Allah to invite to monotheism, have come there.
The first idol to be placed in the Holy Ka’aba, Hubul brought from ‘Muab’ area, by Amr bin Luai, the chief of the Khuza’ah tribe. He installed the idol. Idols of Iswaf and Naila were also installed in the Ka’aba. This is how the holy Ka’aba, established for monotheism, became a place of idols. There were more than three hundred idols there at the time of Holy Prophet ﷺ. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived there for thirteen long years after his declaration of prophethood.
The Prophet ﷺ, who had strongly educated the people against polytheism, did not do anything against the idols installed in the house rebuilt by his forefather, Prophet Ibrahim (A) for monotheism. Later the place came under Islamic rule and all the natives accepted Islam. And there was no one there who worshiped idols. Even the leaders who stood against Prophet ﷺ and stood for idolatry and other immoralities became ardent followers of Holy Prophet ﷺ. Only then did Prophet ﷺ clean the Holy Kaaba by removing the idols. Abu Sufiyan of Makkah, who led the enemy in all the battles against Prophet ﷺ, accepted Islam at the time of victory over Makkah. Later it was by his own decision that he destroyed the idol of Manat which he worshipped. His mission was to remove a symbol that had so long chained him with superstition.
Mahabba Campaign Part-575
We can read about another movement in the eighth year of Hijra. It was after the return of Prophet ﷺ from Ji’rana. The movement was towards Yemen under the leadership of Qays Bin Sa’ad. A group of 400 members reached a place called Suda. Then a man from that tribe came forward. His name was Ziyad bin Harith. He came directly to the Prophet ﷺ and said: ‘I am here on behalf of my community. It would be better If you call back the group you have sent . I will stand as a representative for anything related to my community. He immediately returned to his society. They accepted Islam by his advice . Prophet ﷺ asked: O brother from Sudha, you are a very popular person among your people, aren’t you? Then he said, “No, it is Allah Who has guided them.” Later, hundreds more converted to Islam during the farewell Hajj.
Once the man from Suda’u was with Holy Prophet ﷺ on a journey. He performed ‘Adan’ for mid-way prayer. Then Bilal (R) came forward for Iqamat. Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Whoever performed Adan, he himself perform Iqamat also. Then Prophet ﷺ came forward and led the prayer.
It shows a beautiful picture of the companionship between Prophet ﷺ and his followers. Prophet ﷺ was ready to interact with all the followers and give instructions about religious rules at every stage of life. Even when his close friend and long-time friend Bilal came forward to perform Iqamat, he did not deny the right of his new friend.
Every follower of the Prophet ﷺ felt that he was the most beloved person to Prophet ﷺ. Everyone in the Holy Prophet’s audience would have felt that Prophet ﷺ was speaking considering him . Every follower could say that Prophet ﷺ cares about him the most. He was the epitome of a unique companionship and consideration.
There is also like this in a statement about Riyad bin Harith. He came to Prophet ﷺ with a letter from his community as their representative. Meanwhile, he made a request to the Prophet. O Prophet (ﷺ), we have a well here. Its water is sufficient for us during the rainy season, but when it comes to summer, we have a hard time for water. We the Muslims here, are less in number here. Therefore, please pray for us . The Prophet ﷺ asked to bring seven pebbles and handed them over with his holy hands. Prophet ﷺ told them to put each pebble into the well until they reached the bottom. Each one was to be put in the name of Allah. So we did. We have never been able to determine the depth of that well after that.
Mahabba Campaign Part-576
In Muharram, the ninth year of Hijra, Prophet ﷺ sent a messenger to collect Zakat property from the tribe of Banu Sa’ad. Prophet ﷺ specifically instructed them to treat the people fairly and protect their pet cattles . Then Bishar bin Sufiyan Al Ka’abi (R) set out for the tribe of Banu Ka’abu. He demanded that the entire property of the Quza’a tribe. The Banu Tamim did not approve of this accumulation of property. They observed that there was an unfair nature and the demanded wealth is over . So the Quzais said:
this is part of our religion and belief. The Tamim people immediately responded: ‘We will not allow any of our property to be seized. The Quzais attacked the Tamimis and drove them out of their settlements.
As the scene became more serious, the messenger appointed by the Holy Prophet ﷺ to receive Zakat, returned to Prophet ﷺ . Everything was clearly presented. All the scenes were evaluated. Then Holy Prophet ﷺ assigned 50 horsemen under the leadership of Uyainatu Bin Hiswn Al Fazari (R). They traveled by night and rested during the day. There were no prominent Answars or Muhajirs in the group. They brought 11 men, 21 women and 30 children to Madinah. With that, the prominent members of the Banu Tamim tribe came to Madinah and were ready to negotiate and resolve the issues.
The beautiful models of planning, agreements and political contacts set by Prophet ﷺ long before, became part of modern political practices. We read the 1500-year-old state of Medina and its politics as if we were reading the contributions of a modern society. From the time of the Prophet ﷺ we are familiar with similar tactics and pressure tactics that a student of modern political agreements would understand.
How charming is the view that when Zakat is collected as an obligatory charity, the owner has the right to keep the animals or pets that he especially cares for. This teaches us that even when the rights are collected , we should not lose the beauty of human thoughts and feelings .
Prophet ﷺ specially observed that whenever any law is applied, exploitation should not come along with it. That is why special instructions were given to the Zakat officials in this regard. The 23 years of prophetic life are not merely chapters on the social contacts of a cleric. Rather, it is a complete system of how to act in a society.
Mahabba Campaign Part-577
In Rabiul Akhir, ninth year of Hijra,Holy Prophet ﷺ appointed a team under the leadership of Alqmatu bin Mujassar Al Mudlaji (R). Such a decision was taken when Prophet ﷺ knew that a group of Ethiopians were grouping suspiciously along the sea coast. This incident convinces us that Holy Prophet ﷺ had a precise monitoring system of how the people residing, coming and going in diplomatically important places. It is also a chapter that systematically teaches in what ways the security of a nation and society to be carefully watched.
Holy Prophet ﷺ took such an action when there was a concern that the mysterious organization would turn against Madinah. A group of 300 members went there. When they went straight into the sea, the enemies fled in fear. Some wanted to go home immediately. Those who were caught by the Muslim army and wanted to go home, were released.
In a report of Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (R) it can be read as follows. The Holy Prophet ﷺ appointed a group under the leadership of Alkhama bin Al Mujassari (R). I was also in that group. When we reached the middle of the way, a separate sub-army was organized from our group. Abdullahi bin Hudafa Assahmi (R) was appointed as the leader of that group. He was a person who tell jokes among the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ. He asked his subordinates. Will you not obey me while I am your leader? Will you not obey my commands in all respects? They said in unison, yes. We will accept. Then he told them to make a fire pit. After that, everyone was asked to jump into it. Some people got ready for it. He moved a little distance and smiled. Then he asked them to sit down to laugh together. All matters were presented before Holy Prophet ﷺ. Whoever is made a leader, he must be obeyed. Or others should agree and obey him. But only those orders that are allowed by Allah’s, should be accepted. If Ameer says something that is against Allah’s law and religion, it should not be accepted. It is clear from this statement that he said this as a joke.
However, according to a narration of Ali (R), it can be seen that the leader ordered seriously and the people who refused came straight to Holy Prophet ﷺ. It was then that the Holy Prophet ﷺ explained, that the leader should not be obeyed in a matter against the law of Allah.
How precisely the Holy Prophet ﷺ marked in his life the value of leadership, the necessity of being accepted, but the limits of any law, the foundations of submission to Allah and obedience to Him.
The aforesaid group returned safely to Holy Prophet ﷺ without suffering any injuries .
Mahabba Campaign Part-578
Rabiul Akhir, ninth year of Hijra. A group under the leadership of Ali (R) was assigned to the tribe of Twayy. They were idol worshippers. The aim was to convince the foolishness of idolatry and the greatness of Tawheed. When people come to Tawheed, there is no need for an idol. So, it should be removed. It was with such missions that Ali (R) came to the tribal area. 150 people were present. It was a group of 250 people according to the narration Ibn Sa’ad (R). Ali (R) performed the task beautifully. On his return to Madinah, there was a good collection of valuables and cattle .
Adiyy bin Hatim, the leader of the Tw’ayy tribe, escaped to Syria. His sister Saffana was arrested by the Muslim group. She was with the group that reached Madina. When they reached Madina, she spoke directly to the Prophet ﷺ. Her demand was to reach his brother safely, the Holy Prophet ﷺ sent them with a group that could safely reach his brother. Thus she reached near her brother safely. She spoke about Islam and the Prophet ﷺ according to her experience. She suggested that Adiyy should meet Prophet ﷺ directly. Adiyy reached Madinah without any escort . He was influenced by the dealing of the Prophet ﷺ and the culture he saw in Madinah. Eventually, Adiyy became one of the disciples of Prophet ﷺ. It is also said that Khalid bin Waleed (R) escorted Saffana to Madina.
This is a good example of how the Prophet’s ﷺ life impressed others. Islam taught people to treat their enemies and hostages humanely and respectfully. The believers followed the instructions strictly. Its reflections have enlightened many people.
After reaching Madina, Saffana told Prophet ﷺ several times about going to her brother. All the while the reply from Prophet ﷺ was that a team should come to bring you safely to Sham. The Prophet ﷺ strictly observed that when leaving a woman to a group, even if she had not converted to Islam, it should be the safest group to reach. We also read the unvarnished statements of a woman who experienced Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ and the people of Madinah first hand. It has great messages to convey to the world. Those who create loopholes and blame Islam, are those who don’t know or don’t try to know history or facts.
Mahabba Campaign Part-579
The month of Rajab in the ninth year of Hijra. Holy Prophet ﷺ was coming from Tabuk to Madinah. A group of 420 horsemen was sent to Uqaidir bin Abdul Malik under the command of Khalid (R). Uqaidir was a Christian and lived in Domatul Janthal in Kinta. The move against Uqaidir was a major diplomatic issue in the campaign against Rome. On learning of Khalid’s arrival, Uqaidir went into the fort and hid himself. Prophet ﷺ sent Khalid (R) there to foretell them of the victory. Holy Prophet’s ﷺ instruction was to bring him to Madinah if he was found alive, and if not, to deal with him forcefully. Prophet ﷺ had informed Khalid (R) that Uqaidir usually go out for hunting, so he would be met outside the fort. Khalid (R) and his army immediately reached near the fort.
As it was hot, Uqaidir, his wife, and the singers all assembled outside the open terrace to spend the night on top of the fort. At that time a wild buffalo came to the gate of the fort. It rubbed the door with its horn. Uqaidir’s wife saw this scene. She saw it as a blessing for the flesh on this glorious night. She shared it with her husband. Have you seen anything like this before? He said, no. But then who will leave this. How happy it would be to hunt it down at night. Never before, has such an animal come knocking at our door. Uqaidir added. There is no need to delay. Immediately preparations were made for the hunt.
A group from the fort also joined him. His younger brother, Hassan and his two slaves followed . Khalid (R.) was observing all these scenes closely and made the best use of the situation. His horse rushed towards Uqaidir. Hassan intercepted him from behind but he was killed. His two slaves ran away. Khalid (R) and the team entered the fort and arrested Ukhaidir. Khalid (R) demanded, If you open the fort for me, I will bring you alive to the presence of the Prophet ﷺ . He agreed.
Ukhaidir walked straight to the door of the fort and knocked on the door. But it didn’t open. Uqaidir’s brother, Mulad, blocked . Then Uqadir said to Khalid (R). Don’t you see they don’t open? If you allow me to go, I will enter the fort and reach some agreement with you. But you should not harm my family. What do you say I should give you? Or should I decide for myself? Uqaydir and his brother will come to Madina with 2000 camels, 400 armour , 400 spears and 800 cattles. Khalid (R) went forward with the agreement for the time being.
Mahabba Campaign Part-580
The wealth from Uqaydir reached Madinah. Prophet ﷺ asked, putting this dazzling wealth in front, Do these things surprise you? Holy Prophet ﷺ asked this when he was thinking if the companions’s desire for wealth increasing . Immediately he himself said the following. Indeed, the handkerchief used by Sa’ad bin Mu’adh (R) in heaven is much better than this.
After that, under the instruction of the Prophet ﷺ, the earned wealth were distributed. Holy Prophet ﷺ’s allocation was based on social security, the needs of individuals. All the were companions satisfied .
The Holy Prophet ﷺ was not simply saying that neither material comforts nor economic benefits are the basic objective of any struggle or resistance. It was precisely practiced in the life of the Prophet ﷺ and practically taught his followers. Thousands of camels, hundreds of quadrupeds and slaves, which were considered a great asset at that time, regarded as lesser cheaper than a handkerchief in heaven. It was to express the way the Prophet ﷺ believed and approached material world .
The house that the Prophet ﷺ chose to live in, the materials in his house, and the things that he chose for worldly life, make a perfect example for the abstinence of the holy Prophet ﷺ. The life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ was not of teaching the theory only to his followers and finding justification for making use of all facilities for self. Therefore, such acts or decisions made by the Prophet ﷺ alone, did not create even a grain of suspicion or confusion among the followers. When life itself is vision, there is never conflict between precepts and life.
After talks, agreements with Uqaidir were recorded. A short form of the agreement is as follows. “In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Beneficent . This is the agreement between the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad ﷺ and Uqaidir. He has accepted the invitation of Islam forsaking Idols. From his land we have certain fertile and non-fertile places. Prayer should be performed on time. From wealth he should perform charity as prescribed. This is a covenant and agreement with Allah. The believers here and Allah are witnesses to this.
There are opinions in history which say that Uqaidir came to faith on the basis of this contract, or that he did not accept faith.
Bujair Binu Bujra (R) recited two lines of poetry in reference to the Prophet ﷺ’s remark to Khalid (R) that he will hunt the cattles in Dauma.
“Tabaraka Sahibul Baqarati Innee
Rayatullah Yahdee kulla Hadi
Fa man yaku haidan an di tabukin
Fa Inna qad Umirna Bil Jihadi”
These verses point to the knocking of the beast at the gate of Uqaidir, the sovereignty of Allah, the greatness of His guidance, and the importance of submission to the path of Allah. Immediately after reciting these lines, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said to Bujair (R). “La yuflillahu faka” or may Allah keep your teeth from falling out. Even at the age of 90, not a single tooth of his had lost.
Mahabba Campaign Part-581
Abu Sufiyan (R) and Mughira (R) were appointed…
Imam Baihaqi (R) narrates from Urwa. A group led by Abdu Yaleel and Amr bin Umayyah from the Thaqeef tribe came to Holy Prophet ﷺ. They asked the Holy Prophet ﷺ after accepting Islam: “What should we do with the deity we have been worshiping so far”? The Holy Prophet ﷺ replied that it can be removed now. But they could not agree. Their fear was that some calamity might happen and how the locals would react. Then Umar (R) asked. What will happen in removing a stone that has no benefit, harm or power? Then they said. We have not come to talk to you.
Then, they said to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. How about keeping it there for three years? The Holy Prophet ﷺ did not agree to it because the people of the true faith are likely to go back to the wrong faith. Then they requested to keep it here at least for two years, at least a year, at least a month. But the Prophet ﷺ did not allow it either. Their attitude was that they would never be able to remove it. The Holy Prophet ﷺ knows that the mentality of people who have come to Islam recently can be like that. Finally Prophet ﷺ made a decision like this. “I will send Abu Sufiyan (R) and Mughira bin Shu’ba (R)”. They will execute that task.
An old man of the Thaqeef tribe, who observes polytheism, said: ‘Let’s reach an agreement like this. If those who come to remove it do so safely without any harm, then we can be sure that our belief was wrong and that those who came to do it were in the truth. Otherwise, if there are any kind of reactions then we will look into the matter’. He was also in the belief that there would be some reaction from the idol. On hearing this, Uthman bin Abul Asw (R) said. ‘Your peccable heart has blessed us now. And the goddess has deceived you. The goddess never knew who worshiped her or who did not worship her’.
However, Abu Sufiyan (R) and Mughira (R) left to execute their task. Reached there at night. They accomplished their mission in the morning. The locals did not know anything. Their thought was that if something is done against the idol , calamity will come to the country and there will be sorrows in the society.
Mughira (R) had already predicted an interesting curiosity that was going to happen here. Seeing that the idol of our country was going to be removed, all the big and small, women and men came out. They began to bid farewell to the idol sadly. They shed tears . The thought that the goddess was still there made them cry. They did not know that it had already been removed in the morning. Mughira laughed watching this scene.
Mahabba Campaign Part-582
The mission carried out by Mugira can be read as follows. ‘He stood armed on top of the vehicle . Banu Mu’atib (R) was with him, but he was afraid. Abu Sufiyan (R.) also came near and declared his support. When Mughira (R) took up his weapon and struck the first blow at the building, he fell back and lay like an unconscious man . The entire Twaif vibrated. ‘May Allah make Mughira (R) victorious. The deity has been removed’. Some people said. Mugheera (R) has fallen even if the deity did not block him . Immediately Mughira (R) git up and said: ‘O Quraish, may Allah not fulfill your hopes. Aren’t this building and all its shrines just stones and grains of sand? You come forward. None of these are to be worshipped. Then Mughira kicked the door. It was easily crushed and many people joined him. They cleared the entire ground in a short time. Immediately the attendant to the deity said. Do not destroy its foundation. god will be angry with you. You will sink completely into the earth.
Demolition of the foundation was not intended , but now it is inevitable. It is a great task to bring the faith of people in the right direction. After leading a people who had foolish faith to the right path, it is necessary to instill the true faith in them. It is the responsibility of a true believer to be honestly convinced that a stone, soil or clay does not do good or harm by itself and that there is a supreme power that controls the entire universe. If the situation is favourable, it needs to be stated more clearly. If this foundation is not shaken now, it will be thought that it was left there out of fear of the calamities that may occur.
Mughira (R) went on to the next task without minding his fatigue. All the gold and money hidden in its basement were taken out. Abu Sufiyan (R) and Mughira (R) and their followers brought the entire property to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ praised Allah Himself for the glory bestowed upon the religion of Allah. The Thaqeef put aside all the illusions of them. They entered into the right faith. Following this incident, Prophet ﷺ instructed the believers to settle the debts or loans owed to the heirs of the faithful.
This incident should be read in historical context. It is not the encroachment upon the objects of worship of other religions . When a whole nation converted to conviction and light ending their foul deeds done because of ignorance, it was necessary to replace the evil thoughts and beliefs that had come from them in the past. A mentally and culturally transformed people were being led to the fulfillment of their light.
Reading such incidents without knowing the context is likely to cause misconceptions . Some of those who have vested interests make use of these incidents to tarnish Islam. Straightforward readings of history and facts make for useful learning.
Mahabba Campaign Part-583
Mission to Yemen led by Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (R) and Mu’ad bin Jabal (R).
Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (R) himself says. I came to Holy Prophet ﷺ with two men from the Ash’aris. Prophet ﷺ was then brushing his teeth. The two men who were with me stood on either side of me. They were asking if they would be entrusted with the responsibility of collecting Zakat. I watched Prophet ﷺ using miswak . Meanwhile Prophet ﷺ said this. “We do not entrust the responsibility of collecting Zakat to the people who come asking. O Abu Musa (R), go straight to Yemen yourself”. Abu Musa continues. Prophet ﷺ assigned me and Mu’ad (R) to Yemen. Both of them performed their mission in their respective provinces.
One in the highlands of Yemen and the other in the lowlands of Yemen. Abu Musa (R) took charge of the lowlands. At the time of appointing both of them, Holy Prophet ﷺ gave some advice. Both of you invite people to goodness. Give them glad tidings . Don’t hate them. Don’t disturb them. You must cooperate with each other. Don’t be divided. They requested Prophet ﷺ to give religious judgment about the two drinks of Yemen. For one, we call it “Batau”. It is a drink made from honey and made into wine. The second is made from corn and wheat and then to wine. Then Prophet ﷺ said: “Any kind of intoxicating drink is forbidden”.
No need of mentioning each drink. He was teaching a general principle. If any intoxicating liquid is forbidden, it is enough to know the nature of that drink .
Abu Musa Al Ash’ari (R) and Mu’ad (R) reached Yemen.
Ibn Abbas (R) says. When Mu’ad (R) was sent to Yemen, the Holy Prophet ﷺ adviced him. ‘When you reach Yemen you will meet many people of Veda there. You should invite them to faith in Allah and the Messenger ﷺ. If they accept it, you should talk about prayer and other deeds. They should also be taught the principles of Islam. When collecting their Zakath or Obligatory Charity you should not take the things they like the most.
Mu’ad (R) arrived in Yemen and performed the Subah prayer. In the prayer, the verses of the fourth chapter of the Holy Qur’an, ‘Al Nisau’, were recited. The idea of one verse that Allah has made Ibrahim (A) a friend. ‘The mother of Ibrahim is very happy now’ . A man who was there responded like this.
Mahabba Campaign Part-584
Mission of Khalid (R) to Banu Abdu Madaan…
Holy Prophet ﷺ sent a group under the leadership of Khalid bin Walid (R) to Banul Harith bin Ka’ab in Najran in the month of Jama’dul Oola in the 10th year of Hijra. The Prophet ﷺ instructed them to invite them to the straight path for three days and to fight them only if they did not obey. Khalid (R) and his group set out. They entered through the four routes of the tribe. Khalid (R) instructed them to accept all conditions and get security. This continued for three days.
The entire tribe welcomed Islam and were ready to listen to Khalid (R) and his group. Under the guidance of Khalid (R) they were taught the lessons of the Holy Religion. They were taught the message of the Holy Qur’an and the exemplary life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. They accepted Islam with open heart and followed Islamic principles. Later, Khalid (R) sent a letter to the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Its contents can be read as follows. “In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Benevolent , sent by Khalid Bin Waleed (R) to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
O Allah, I praise You.. There is no deity to be worshiped but Him. After the introduction, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ. May Allah shower his respectful blessings upon you. He assigned me to Banul Harith bin Ka’ab. I was instructed to invite them to the true path for up to three days, and if they accepted, teach them the principles of Islam, and if they did not accept, to deal with them with arms.
Accordingly I came to them. They were invited to the true path for three days. I advised them to believe to save themselves . They accepted it. I am living with them now. I teach them what Allah has commanded. Forbids them from what He has forbidden. They are taught the rules and manners of Islam. I show them the real path of Holy Prophet ﷺ. Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah…
On receiving this letter, the Holy Prophet ﷺ sent a reply to Khalid (R). Beginning in the name of Allah, the Merciful and the Benevolent , the Messenger of Allah Muhammad ﷺ to Khalid Bin Waleed (R)…
I received the letter containing the information that Banul Haris bin Ka’ab accepted Islam. I came to know that they believed that there is no god but Allah and that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the messenger and servant of Allah before any military action. Allah has given them guidance from Him. Give them warnings of possible punishments if they do anything new. You come here with a delegation from among them. May you have goodness and salvation from Allah..!
Mahabba Campaign Part-585
Miqdad Bin Al Aswad (R) to some Arab provinces…
Ibn Abbas (R) narrates. ‘The Holy Prophet ﷺ appointed a group under the leadership of Miqdad bin Al Aswad(R). The people of that area had escaped by the time he arrived there . Only one very rich man remained. He was a person who had believed secretly and declared testimony of faith at the time of Miqdad’s arrival. But he was killed him. One of the Companions who understood the reality, told Miqdad: ‘You have killed a person who recited the “Shahada”(Lailaha illallah). We will tell the Holy Prophet ﷺ about this.
Thus they informed the Holy Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ called Miqdad (R) and enquired . Oh Miqdad ! Did you kill one who declared ” La ilaha illaAllah? What will you do if La ilaha illallah becomes a witness against you in the hereafter? Then the 94th verse of the fourth chapter of the Holy Qur’an Al Nisa was revealed. The concept can be read as: “O believers, if you fight in the way of Allah, distinguish between your enemies and your friends. If someone greets you with ‘Salam’, do not say to him wishing for his wealth: “You are not a believer”. But with Allah, there are abundant gains. You too were in the same condition as they were before . Then Allah conferred a benefit on you: therefore make enquiry ; surely Allah is aware of what you do ”
Then, the Prophet ﷺ said to Miqdad (R). He who was killed by you was a man who kept his faith privately. He was a man who lived by concealing his faith just as you lived by concealing your faith when you lived in Makkah in the past. Never ignore those who greet you expecting their wealth.
We have read some similar cases in previous chapters. All of these are unique instances in which we can understand the reality and purpose of the interventions and actions of the Prophet ﷺ. It was not a mere military move or an intervention for power or supremacy, but based on a definite idea and a clear position. The aim was to inculcate mental purity, ritual purity and creedal honesty in the entire human race. Here it is being proved that once the ground is ready, nothing else is needed. Those who say that the Prophet ﷺ carried out military operations for Power, they have not grasped the reality of the Prophet ﷺ’s ideas and actions.
Mahabba Campaign Part-586
The Prophet ﷺ appointed first Khalid (R) and then Ali (R) to Hamadan.
Imam Baihaqi (R) quotes. The Holy Prophet ﷺ appointed Khalidi (RA) to invite the people of Yemen to Islam. Bara’a (R) says. I was a member of Khalid’s group. We stayed there for six months and invited people to Islam. But they refused to accept our invitation. The Holy Prophet ﷺ sent Ali (R) there after that. Prophet ﷺ asked Ali and those who interested from his group to return to Madinah itself. Baraa’ continues. I was also the one who stood with Ali. We addressed the people under the leadership of Ali (R). There we stood in line to pray. The message of the Prophet ﷺ was passed to them. With that Hamdan tribe accepted Islam. This information was conveyed to the Prophet ﷺ. He happily accepted the message and prostrated to Allah. After raising his head from prostration, he prayed like this. May the peace from Allah be upon the people of Hamdan.
Some scholars have quoted a statement that both Ali (R) and Khalidi (R) were sent to Yemen at the same time, and that if military defenses were required, they should be led by Ali (R). That’s not a very strong report. When some reports about Ali (R) reached the Holy Prophet ﷺ, the Prophet ﷺ’s facial expression changed because some parts of the report were not very good. Some narrators have also quoted as Prophet ﷺ asking that whether such remarks can be made about someone who loved Allah and the Messenger ﷺ and the one who was loved by Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).
In any case, the mission was successful in bringing a large group to the Islamic faith and social order. Prophet ﷺ and his followers could distribute some war earned property.
We find some extensive discussions in the historical texts about hostages.
Historical studies of how the approaches of Islamic propagation team changed a society, are important here. Any ideal concept or committee will have specific mentors. Manufacturers and agencies of any product are constantly striving to reach more consumers and users. It will also be a procedure that secures their lives and wealth.
Various educational efforts were made at that time to bring the blessed system of Islam to more people. The heavenly joys in return made them more eager. The Holy Prophet ﷺ emphasized and taught many times about the heavenly joys by which the preachers are blessed with.
Mahabba Campaign Part-587
The Second mission of Ali bin Abitwalib (R) to Yemen .
Ali bin Abitwalib(R) was appointed to Yemen by the Holy Prophet ﷺ during Ramadan. He was given a flag and dressed up a turban. Prophet ﷺ instructed him to move forward without looking back. Then Ali (R) asked. What should I do there? You get there and land in their yard. Invite them to goodness and Tawheed. If they obey and follow the straight path, there is no need to defend them with arms. After they have recited the text of the testimony (Lailaha illallah Muhammad dursulullah), tell them about the prayer. If they accept that too, talk about fasting. If they are convinced of that, teach them about charity or zakat. Do not expect any material gains from them. If someone is guided because of you, it is worth more than getting everything between the rising and setting of the sun ( East and West )
Ali (R) set out with 300 horsemen. Aiming at the province of Madhij, he advanced. Ali’s horse was the first to set foot in the area.
Ali (R) invited those natives to Islam. They did not accept Islam.Instead they began to attack the followers of Ali (R) with arrows. They strengthened their attack by pelting. When it came that the natives were aiming for a fight, Ali (R) kept his followers in line. The flag was handed over to Mas’ood bin Sinan (R). A man of the Madhij tribe came forward for duel. Aswad bin Al-Khuzai (R) defended him and he was killed in the defense and his property was seized. Later, under the leadership of Ali (R), a strong defense was conducted. About 20 people were killed and the enemy was scattered.
A good group of sensible people from the natives understood Islam during Ali’s subsequent preaching. By teaching them the recitation of the Qur’an and teaching them religious teachings, the Companions became active in the path of their mission . A letter containing information about this area was sent to the Prophet ﷺ with Abdullah ibn Amr bin Auf (R). Later, Ali (R) came back to the Prophet ﷺ as per the instruction of the Prophetﷺ . There was a wide discussion about Ali’s actions and approach. The Holy Prophet ﷺ analyzed the prohibitions related to the allocation of post-war assets and so on. The explanation of Ali’s judgments was asked from him. Holy Prophet ﷺ explained all the unclear things.
Mahabba Campaign Part-588
The mission targeting Ri’yat al Suhaimi….
A letter was sent to Ri’yat al-Suhaimi inviting him to the right path. The letter was written in red leather. He patched the hole of his bucket with that lather. The Prophet ﷺ sent a group protesting his action. The order to the group was to confiscate all his properties. Accordingly the group came to his house. Immediately he escaped from there leaving even his clothes behind. He headed towards his daughter’s house . She had already embraced Islam. There was a gathering of Sahabas in the backyard of her house. He walked around her house and reached near his daughter through the back door.
Surprised to see the father coming naked, the daughter asked him what was the matter and threw him a piece of cloth. ‘ oh ! my daughter, your father has lost everything. No property, no wealth, no family left behind. Then she asked. Were you invited to Islam? He immediately asked. where is your husband ?. He went to pasture the camel. Riaya went straight to his son-in-law. He also asked what had happened to him . All calamities have befallen up on me: I have no property or assets left. My family is not with me. I have to reach there before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ distribute all my wealth. ‘Then take my vehicle and ride on it’. His son-in- law said. I don’t need any of your vehicles. Ri’ya responded to his son-in-law.
A six-year-old camel was taken as vehicls. Started the journey with water and food. The clothes he had were in such a condition that if his head was covered, his feet can be seen and if his feet were covered, his head would not be covered. He also had an intention that no one should not identify him until he reached Madinah. He reached Madinah straight away. He sat directly behind the Prophet ﷺ who was in the morning prayer or Subhi prayer.
After the prayer he said to the Prophet ﷺ: please extend your hand, I want to make a pact. As he extended his hand, the Holy Prophet ﷺ took his hands back. After repeating this three times, the Holy Prophet ﷺ asked: who are you? I am Riayatu Suhaimi. Then the Prophet ﷺ took hold of his shoulders and addressed the people and said. Oh my brothers and sisters; this is Riyatu Suhaimi: The one who patched the bucket with the letter we sent. Then he became humble. O Prophet ﷺ, all my property and family…….!
The property has been divided. You can get as much as you can get from your family. As soon as he got out, his son recognized his vehicle. Immediately he came back to the Prophet and said. O Prophet ﷺ here is my son standing here. O Bilal, ask him whether I am his father or not? The Prophet ﷺ selected Bilali (R) in charge. Bilal (R) asked his son about his father and came back to Prophet ﷺ and informed: I did not see any of them shed tear. Then the Prophet ﷺ said. Such is the nature of wild Arabs.
Bilal (R) did all the arrangements that Riyat Suhaimi, who accepted Islam, needed.
Mahabba Campaign Part-589
Abu Umama (R) was assigned to Bahila.
Abu Umamah Suday bin Ajlan (R) says. The Holy Prophet ﷺ sent me to my people to invite them to Allah and the Islamic principles. When I reached there my natives welcomed me with respect. ‘Warm welcome to Suday bin Ajlan’. They kept on shouting .Then they asked. Now, are you a Sabie ? It seems like you followed that person who came up with a new ideal. I said, not so. I have accepted the religion from Allah, Islam. I believe in Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ has sent me to you as a preacher.
During the conversation they brought a plate of food. They all sat around the plate and invited me too. I come from the Prophet ﷺ who taught us not to eat anything from meat except that which has been slaughtered in the name of Allah. Allah himself has taught that law. Then I recited the third verse of the fifth chapter of the Holy Qur’an. The idea goes like this. “Carcass, blood, swine’s meat, slaughtered in the name of other than Allah, suffocated, beaten, fallen, stabbed, bitten and eaten by a wild animal – except what you slaughtered before death – sacrificed to deities; all this is forbidden to you……..” Again I invited them to Islam. . They rejected and criticized me.
By then I was thirsty, hungry and exhausted. I told them with the rigors of hunger. How bad is your situation? Give me something to eat and drink. I am very thirsty. At least give me some drinking water… they said. Nothing will be given to you. You die of thirst and hunger. I took my turban and put it under my head and fell asleep by the time I lay down in the scorching heat. No sooner I fell asleep than a person came in my dream with a milk jug in his hand. A bowl full of milk was handed to me. My stomach was full after drinking milk. No one has ever tasted such tasty milk. My stomach was full and I was healthy.
By then, people started talking: ‘A gentleman came to us and we ignored him and was starved. So somebody go as soon as possible and give him food and drink. People came to me with food and drink. Then I said I don’t want any of your food and drink. Allah has satisfied my hunger and quenched my thirst. Look how healthy I am. I have no fatigue. When they looked, they were convinced that it was true. Thus even the last person in that region accepted Islam after this incident .
Mahabba Campaign Part-590
We have something to learn from the incident of Abu Umama. The unusual interventions of the Prophets, or Mu’ajizat, and Miraculous events or Karamat, revealed from the pious people, have been a great force in the field of Islamic preaching. It is not agreeable to believe that mere advice and ideological campaigns are the only means of religious instruction. The argument that Islamic preaching was made possible only through miraculous performances, is also not true. It is clear that both have played their respective roles.
Mu’ajizat is the miracle that happens from Prophets beyond any reason. Like that , ‘Karamat’ is the supernatural wonders performed by the pious beyond any specific reason .To have karamat from the Awliyas or the pious is what the religion has taught and conforms to the precepts. Therefore, rejecting it is an unlawful stance.
In this world itself many have got food and drink in a miraculous way. We can believe Abu Umama’s statement that he never experienced hunger or thirst in his life after that. Others among the Companions have had similar experiences. We have read about Ummu Aiman’s experience that after receiving drink in a supernatural way, she lived for decades and never experienced thirst.
Judging religion and religious policies only on the basis of mere logic and common convictions, does not lead to the soul of faith. The stance that we accept only what we are convinced of, is also not acceptable from a religious point of view. The spirit of Islamic philosophy is the limitation of man and the perfection of the Creator and the extent to which the finite creature and man should be subservient to the Absolute Creator. When man comes to the realization that he is a humble and submissive slave of the Omnipotent Allah, he rises to the status of a perfect man. No human being can attain proper human thought until he recognizes Allah, the Creator and Sustainer. How can a son who lives without recognizing the father who gave him birth and enjoys all the benefits of his father, no matter how big he is, reach the value of being a proper son?
The greatest task of a man living in this universe is to realize who is the architect of the universe and himself. Whenever we experience the beauty and comfort of the sculpture that is the universe, we are committing a great crime if we do not think about who is the architect of this sculpture. It is also in this sense that the Qur’an introduces that the greatest offense is the one’s failure to recognize the One and only Allah.
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Jarir bin Abdullah Al Bujali (R) appointed to Dhul Khalsa…
This is seen in the Hadith quoted by Imam Bukhari (R) and Muslim (R). Jarir bin Abdillah (R) says. ‘One day the Holy Prophet ﷺ asked. Do you not relieve me from Dhul Khalsa? Or do you not announce victory over the evildoers there by inviting them to goodness? There was a centre where idols were worshipped. Khassam and Bujaila tribes used to perform worship there. That place was known as Al-Kabat al-Yamaniyyah. Jarir continues. I decided to set out with 150 cavalry. All those with me were well-versed in horse-riding. I couldn’t even sit on a horse because of disease.
On hearing this, the Holy Prophet ﷺ slapped me on my chest. His fingers marked on my chest. Then the Prophet ﷺ prayed like this: ‘O Allah, give him the opportunity to travel on horseback! Help him to sit firmly in the seat! Guide him as a person who has found the right path and a person who shows the right path! So we went off and arrived at the designated place. The mission was completed. Removed the darkness of disbelief. Its centers were destroyed. A person was appointed to convey this good news to the Holy Prophet ﷺ . He was known as Abu Aratwa. He came straight to the Holy Prophet ﷺ .
He said. Oh the messenger of Allah ﷺ , we left them like camels that are sick all over their bodies. Or we have defeated them completely and won. May Allah bless the horses of the tribe of Ahmad and those who ride on them. The prayer was repeated five times. Jarir (R) says again. When I came to the Holy Prophet ﷺ he prayed for the horses of Ahmas and for us. After praying and blessing by the Prophet ﷺ, I never slipped from my horse even for one time.
Sitting in Madinah, the Holy Prophet ﷺ observed the different directions of the world. Observed where the darkness (disbelief)spread. Maximum teams were sent to each location. They all went and performed the mission beautifully. The Holy Prophet ﷺ knew the weakness and power of each follower. Some people are prescribed some training and discipline to smooth out the deficiencies. Others were given great relief through spiritual means. Now we read that Jarir bin Abdillah (R) was given an immediate solution through prayer. The Holy Prophet ﷺ prescribed a mixture of spiritual and material solutions. The followers did not show any dislike. Such was the culture of faith that they formed.
When Prophet ﷺ prayed for someone and gave him relief, not a single companion doubted, why Prophet ﷺ did not help him. A follower who once received a spiritual solution, did not question, ‘why it was not given another time’. The course of faith formed among the Companions was so precise. Some of the doubts raised by internal rationalists in the present day, will surprise even the companins..!
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The Holy Prophet ﷺ appointed Ali bin Abitwalib and Khalid bin Saeed to Yemen…
Muhammad bin Ramadan quotes in “Manaqib al-Imam Shafi’i”. The Holy Prophet appointed Ali bin Abi Twalib and Khalid bin Saeed bin Al Asw to Yemen. If both of them move together, Ali will be the leader. If both of them are in two directions, each of them will lead. Thus, while the two of them were traveling together, they met Amr bin Ma’adi Kariba, a brave, cavalryman and poet. He was coming with a group of his community. He said when he saw Ali and Khalid coming. Whoever they hear my name, those who hear will shudder , and they will be afraid of my fighting spirit. Let me confront both of them. As soon as they saw Amr’s arrival, Ali and Khalid (R) competed and said: ‘Leave him to me and I will handle him’. They were swearing by their father and mother to get Amr as their opponent . Hearing this, Amr realized that these people were not like the people I had ever met. With that he skilfully withdrew from there .
The Holy Prophet ﷺ had instructed his Companions to prepare the necessary environment to listen to the ‘Adan’ or call for prayer, the immortal voice of monotheism, in places where it is not heard. Prophet ﷺ also instructed to take necessary action against those who did not follow it . Had to take arms for defending the Banu Ubaid tribe.
The self-confidence and courage possessed by the followers of the Prophet ﷺ was the basic fuel of Islamic propagation and advancement. Beyond temporary and material gains, they undertook the task of spreading an accurate and honest idea everywhere in the right proportion. They had no goal of achieving any status, financial security, or simply defeating someone athletically. Nowhere in history do we read of any group acting so unselfishly. No leader’s command has been received in the world as the Prophet’s ﷺ commands have been received by his followers. No person’s steps in the world have been imitated as the footsteps of the Holy Prophet ﷺ were imitated. The Prophet’s ﷺ companions took the position that even if Prophet ﷺ told to jump into the sea, they would not hesitate . The history of the world has never seen any people who believed that martyrdom is the way the infinite heaven, and who experienced and hoped for so much spirituality. All these introductions should be taken together to read the history of prophets (A), followers and their ways of teaching.
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So far we have been reading about the military and diplomatic moves of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Knowing the nature of the lands and nations, small and large groups of the Companions were appointed for the propagation and establishment of the truth. This led to the light of Islam reaching many parts of the world within a short period of time. Through this, there was also a conviction that Madinah, Islam and the Prophet ﷺ could not be attacked so easily.
Through this diplomacy, the world community was convinced that Islam has an invincible ideology and an invincible system and nation. All the great powers of that time recognized the strength and greatness of the Islamic state.
At the same time, the caravans from different parts of the world came to Madinah. These groups include those who heard about Islam and the Prophet ﷺ and came to be convinced directly, those who came to make a decision after seeing Prophet ﷺ in person, and those who approached Islam and Prophet ﷺ for testing purposes. The word, ‘Wufood’, which means groups of messengers, has been used in the scriptures in this regard. The pillar in the Holy House of the Prophet ﷺ, which was meant for receiving such groups, is named “Ustuwanat al-Wufood”. Even today we can see there a pillar with the same name. This historical testimony is also a proof of how much importance was given to such receptions.
We are introduced to some groups that came from different directions to holy Prophet’s ﷺ .Narrated by Jundub bin Mikyas (R). The Prophet ﷺ used to be ready to receive the Wafds from many countries in search of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ also instructed his followers to get ready for such kind of reception . When the group from Kinda came to Madinah, the Holy Prophet ﷺ received them wearing Yemani shawls. And Abu Bakar (R)and Umar (R) wore similar clothes. Prophet ﷺ was wearing a Hazrami garment that was two cubits wide and four cubits long.
From this we can understand that the Prophet ﷺ was already using diplomatic methods similar to the ambassador systems familiar to modern political techniques. When we read how appropriate the arrangements were made by the Holy Prophet ﷺ to receive and interact with each of the mission teams when they arrived, we feel very curious.
The methods adopted by the Prophet ﷺ in receiving guests and listening to their needs, made many people convert to Islam immediately. There are many instances in which by such visits misunderstandings have been changed just by a sight. The Qur’anic verses that refer to the Prophet’s ﷺ house, clearly indicate the cultures of the groups that came to Madinah.
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Ibn Sa’ad (R) says. Qais bin Garba al-Ahmasi arrived in Madinah with 250 followers. Holy Prophet ﷺ asked. Who are you? We are AhmasAllah or we are brave men of Allah. That’s how they used to describe themselves in olden days. The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Now you are brave men ‘for’ Allah. Then Prophet ﷺ said to Bilal (R). Give to the Bajila tribe. Among them, let the Ahmazis be the first to get’ . Accordingly, Bilal (R) gave them the necessary things. Twariq bin Shihab (R) narrates. “A mission team from Bajila came to the Prophet ﷺ. Then the Prophet ﷺ said. Start with Ahmasiyyin and write for the Bajilas. Then the Prophet ﷺ was praying for the Bajila tribe. O Allah, bless them! O Allah, bless them! Such was the content of that prayer.
We read about the exemplary act of the Prophet ﷺ praying and receiving a delegation that came to Madinah knowing their identity and interests.
This is what Imam Ibn Sa’ad (R) quotes about another delegation. Muneer Bin Abdullah Al Azdi (R) says. A 10-member group headed by Surad bin Abdullah Al Azdi came to Madinah and stayed as guests with Farwat bin Amr(R). He received them with respect and entertained them well for 10 days. Meanwhile he introduced Islam to them. All those who came accepted Islam. The leader of the group was Surad bin Abdullah (R). Prophet ﷺ made him the leader of the group. Prophet ﷺ entrusted him the task of inviting those people around their tribes from Yemen to the straight path and, if necessary, resisting the armed movements of the polytheists.
He traveled with the group as per the order of the Prophet ﷺ. Reached the area called Jurash. There was a group of people who built a fort and lived in safety. Many tribes of Yemen lived inside that fort. When they learned of the arrival of the Muslims,
the Khaz’am tribe also came to the fort and joined them. Unable to make any progress, Surad and his gang besieged the fort of the Jurash. After a month-long siege, they retreated to the mountainous regions. Those in the fort, thinking that they must have run away in fear, went in search of them.
Their aim was to attack and subdue Surad and his group. The name of the mountain where the Muslims retreated was called Shakar. The Muslims had no choice but to defend themselves when the enemy groups came in sight.
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The Muslims stood as a group under the leadership of Surad bin Abdullah (R). They captured 20 horses of the enemy. There was srong resistance. At this time, the Juras sent two men to the Prophet ﷺ for observation. The Holy Prophet ﷺ asked them after the evening prayer. In which region is Sakar? They said there is a mountain in our country. It is called kasar. Then the Prophet ﷺ said: ‘From today onwards its name is not Kasar but Sakar. Then the man asked. ‘O Prophet ﷺ, what is the reason for saying it now?’
Holy Prophet ﷺ said. Now Allah’s camels are being slaughtered near that mountain. The Prophet ﷺ spoke about what was happening in their tribe then. The Prophet ﷺ specifically mentioned the intervention and great service of Surad (R). The people who heard the news of the Prophet ﷺ came to Abu Bakar (R) and Uthman (R). they both asked. Are you just listening to the words of the Prophet ﷺ? Didn’t Prophet ﷺ talk about the calamities that may befall upon your countrymen? Why didn’t you request Prophet ﷺ to pray for the natives and ask Allah to avert the calamity that might happen there?
As soon as they heard it, they went to the Prophet’s ﷺ house and requested Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ prayed thus. O Allah, remove the calamity from them! Then they didn’t stay there long. They spoke to their countrymen. Strong resistance and fight took place in this tribe at the same time when Prophet ﷺ warned them at Madinah.Those who came and returned spoke to the locals in detail about all that happened . And it wasn’t too late. A group headed by Jurash left for Madinah. All of them accepted Islam. The Prophet ﷺ welcomed them with an open heart. “Welcome for the Loyal, honest and cheerful guests . You are from me and I am from you”. The Prophet ﷺ praised them.
They returned home with a unique title. The light of truth spread throughout that region. We read a bright picture of a mission team coming to Madinah and returning to their region as bearers of goodness. In the present day officials make regular visits only for formalities. We have learned the cultural mechanism of social construction that transforms an entire nation with one visit. Which leader has taught how to treat a nation and how to guide them in the right direction, as the Prophet ﷺ taught from Medina. History, time and present stand as witness .!
Mahabba Campaign Part-596
Azd delegation from Oman.
Ibn Sa’ad (R) narrates. The people of Oman embraced Islam. The Holy Prophet ﷺ sent Ala’u bin Halrami (R) to teach them Islamic rules and principles. A group of messengers from Oman came to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. A man named Asad bin Bairah Attahi was also with them. They conversed with the Holy Prophet ﷺ and asked for a messenger to be sent to them from Madinah. Mudrik bin Qut (R) known as Makhrabatul Abdi who was listening to the discussion said to the Prophet ﷺ. “I owe a debt to those people. If you appoint me as a messenger to them, I will serve them. I was taken hostage during the Arab incident known as the “Day of Janub”. The Omanis freed me. So I will go to teach them. The Holy Prophet ﷺ agreed and sent him with them.
Salamat bin Iyad Al Asadi came to Madinah with a group to meet the Holy Prophet ﷺ. They enquired Holy Prophet ﷺ about worship and prayer. Prophet ﷺ explained in detail. Pray to Allah so that our word and relation become one. The Holy Prophet ﷺ performed the prayer separately. Salamat bin Iyad (R) and his group accepted Islam. Narrated Abu Hurairah (R). “How blessed are the delegates from Asd !. Their words are pure, their deeds noble and their hearts pure. Imam al-Tabrani (R) has also quoted another hadith in praise of the said group, saying that the group of delegates who came from Oman were good.
This is the idea of the hadith narrated by Bishar bin Isma (R). “The Asd people are from me and I am from them. I am with them both in satisfaction and dissatisfaction. They like what I like. What I dislike, they dislike”.
Abu Labid (R) narrates. Yabrah bin Asad migrated in search of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. By the time he reached Madina h, the Prophet ﷺ had left for the Hereafter. On his way to Madinah, he met Umar ibn al-Khatwab(R). Umar asked. Where are you from? When he heard the reply that he was from Oman, Umar (R) grabbed his hand and brought him to Abu Bakar (R). Then Abu Bakar (R) said. This is a person from the land of which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ praised. The hadith quoted by Imam Ahmad (R) is also like this. Abu Bakar (R) said. I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say. ” I know a region called Oman. They live by the sea. When my Messenger ﷺ come to them, they will not shoot arrows or throw stones”.
The Holy Prophet ﷺ had clear views about each land. Prophet ﷺ would talk to each people mentioning the peculiarities of that land. After hearing the words of Prophet ﷺ, they will say that ‘even the person who knows the most about our country cannot say more than this. Or the view of the Holy Prophet ﷺ was accurate, clear and comprehensive. Messenger groups from different parts of the world came to Madinah to experience the Prophet ﷺ and Islam firsthand and spread it to their respective lands. We have read some studies related to the country of Oman which are particularly important.
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Delegates from Banu Asad .
Ibn Sa’ad narrates. At the beginning of the ninth year of Hijra, a group of ten men from Banu Asad ibn Khuzaima came to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. At the time of their arrival, the Holy Prophet ﷺ was in the masjid with his companions. They saluted and entered the masjid. One of the group said: ‘O messenger of Allah. We declare that there is no deity to be worshiped but Allah, He is alone and without partners, and that He is the servant and messenger of Allah.
Hadrami bin Amir said. We are the ones who have come to Prophet ﷺ hoping for salvation from the black and fierce night because no mission has come to us before .
A continuation of this can be seen in a statement of Tabrani. Banu Asad came to the Holy Prophet ﷺ .Then they said to the Holy Prophet ﷺ: ‘We have come because we believe in him. We are not prepared for war like the Arabs declared war on him’.
The Prophet ﷺ said. “You are in the guided category”. Then they had a conversation with the Holy Prophet ﷺ. They asked the Prophet ﷺ about three important things. One is ‘Iyafa’ or observing birds . Two is ‘Kahana’ or fortune-telling, and the Three, playing with pebbles. The view was that playing with pebbles would often lead to accidents. We used to do such games and things during Jahiliyyah, they said.
It is a beautiful scene where each group of delegates arrive and describe to the Holy Prophet ﷺ the ways of life in their region and inquire what they should follow in their subsequent Islamic life. If we make a close study of what changes and interventions Islam has made in different regions, we can read about a great world of diversity. How the Prophet ﷺ received the mission teams representing each group of people, is also a wonderful study. Within a short period of time, Islam has spread from Madinah to the various nations of the world that have grown geographically, developed as a culture to all parts of the world, and as a faith close to the heart of billions of people. The study will be complete only with help of sociology, anthropology, geography, climate science and behavioral science.
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Delegation from the Aslam tribe…
Ibn Sa’ad (R) narrates. Umair and Afsa came to Madina along with a group of people from the tribe of Aslam and informed Prophet ﷺ: ‘We believe in Allah and His Messenger. We follow his way of life. We are brothers of the Answars. We wish a respectable place among the Arabs. We keep our words and stand by in times of trouble. Then the Prophet ﷺ made a special prayer for them. May Allah give special security to the tribe of Aslam! May Allah forgive the tribe of Ghifar! It is because the word Aslam is related to the word Salam, which means salvation, that the beautiful phrase Salamat is prayed for. Denoting the name of the tribe, ‘Ghifar’ prayed for Magfirat meaning forgiveness.
The Prophet ﷺ wrote and sent messages to the tribes in general and to the Aslam tribe in particular. Beliefs and practices in Islam are specifically mentioned. Thabit bin Qais bin Shammas(R) wrote for the Prophet ﷺ. Abu Ubaidah Al Jarrah (R) and Umar Ibnul Khattab (R) were witnesses.
Arrival of Asidu Bin Abi Unas…
Asid was the one who entered the scene against the Prophet ﷺ. Because of his rebellious attitude, the Prophet ﷺ instructed to deal with him. Asid reached Twaif. Stayed there temporarily. His wife was about to give birth. . In the meantime the victory of Makkah was declared and Sariayat bin Zanim, a relative of Aseed, arrived at Twaif. Information was sought from him. ‘Allah helped His Prophet ﷺ with the conquest of Makkah . Sariyat explained everything and told Aseed that if he approach the Prophet ﷺ directly,he will not be killed and will be safe. His wife gave birth in an area called Qarnu Ta’alib. Aseed reached home, put on a shirt and a turban and left for the Prophet’s ﷺ house. Sariyat bin Sanim armed himself and stood as a guard for the Prophet ﷺ . Aseed, who had come before the Prophet ﷺ by then, asked. Is it true that Prophet ﷺ issued an order to end him wherever he is found? The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Yes’. How will it be if he comes to Prophet ﷺ as a believer? Will he accept ? Still the Prophet ﷺ said. Yes, it will be accepted. Immediately, Aseed’s hands were put to the Prophet’s ﷺ hands. Here I am. My hands are joined to your holy hands. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and you are the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Immediately, the Holy Prophet ﷺ assigned someone to announce the news of Aseed’s belief. After that, the Holy Prophet ﷺ put his hands on his chest and offered the blessing prayer. Later on, there was a light on his path. If he entered the darkness, he would recognize that light.
He became spiritually and materially blessed by the touch of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. He has composed a beautiful poem about the blessings received through the Prophet’s ﷺ presence and believing in him.
Such events introduce more horizons to the investigation of how the music of the right path came from the Holy Prophet ﷺ to the people. How lucky Aseed (R) was to experience the presence, touch and caress of the Prophet ﷺ.
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Delegation from Ashja’u .
Ibn Sa’ad (R) narrates. In the year of the Battle of Khandaq, a group from the Ashja’u tribe came to Madinah. Masu’d bin Rukhaila was the leader of the group. They came to the valley of Sal’u in Madinah. The Prophet ﷺ went to them. They agreed to produce vehicles loaded with dates. Then they said to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, there is no place nearer to us who are fewer in number than you. If we are allowed to stay in this area, it would be very helpful. Prophet ﷺ allowed them to stay there. The group had 700 members and all of them accepted Islam. There is another opinion in history that they came after the incident of Banu Quraila.
The arrival of the Ash’ari group..
The Prophet ﷺ prayed for the Ash’ari group from Yemen when they were coming to Madinah. The Prophet ﷺ was praying to save the group traveling by sea . It can be seen in the statement of Imam Abdur Razaq (R). The Prophet ﷺ prayed like this while sitting in the masjid with his followers. Oh Allah, save the sailors! The Prophet ﷺ also said that they have received Allah’s help before too long. By the time the people who had traveled by ship were nearing Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ also said this. ‘And here they come. They are led by a good person. The leader of that group was Amr Bin Hameeq Al Khuzai.
When they came and boarded, the Prophet ﷺ asked them. What area do you come from? They said. From Zabid. May Allah bless Zabid! Asked them again. Where are you from? Then some of the group said. We are from Sam’u. Both are regions of Yemen. Still the Prophet ﷺ prayed only for Zabid. When people mentioned the name of their country again, Prophet ﷺ prayed for that country.
This is seen in a narration quoted by Imam Baihaqi (R) and Ahmad (R). When the Ash’ari people came from Yemen, the Prophet ﷺ said. A soft-hearted group is coming from Yemen. Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (R) was a prominent person in their group. He came to Madinah with some beautiful lines. “Ghadan Nalqal Ahibba: Muhammadan wa Hisbah” were the lines. The idea of these lines is to excitedly say that tomorrow we will meet Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers.
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Abu Huraira (R) cites the Holy Prophet ﷺ saying in a hadith narrated by Imam Nasa’i (R) and others. “A team has arrived from Yemen. They are simple-minded and tender-hearted. Iman is Yamanic and philosophy is Yamanic. Humility and calmness are in shepherds. Glory and majesty are in camel herders. Jubair bin Muti’m (R) says. We were with the Prophet ﷺ. Prophet ﷺ said. “The Yemenites have come to you. They are the best on earth”. One of the Answars said: Except we the Answars . Holy Prophet ﷺ kept silent . Prophet ﷺ hummed softly when the person said it again. In another narration, which is quoted by Jubair (R), Prophet ﷺ also described them as being like a jar full of musk.
Every group that reaches near Prophet ﷺ, is carefully observed. The Prophet ﷺ himself mentions their virtues and features. The believers get a chance to experience the continuation of those virtues in later times. Abu Musal al-Ash’ari’s successor Abul Hasan al-Ash’ari (R) made a great contribution in the preservation of Islamic theology.
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Delegation from Bahila
Ibn Sa’ad (R) narrates. Mutwarrif bin Alkahin Al Bahili came to the Prophet ﷺ as a representative of his community. This was after the conquest of Mecca. He said. O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! We have accepted Islam. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and the religion that He sent down from the upper world. We believe in you .We accept what you have presented to us. So prepare a message for us .
“The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad ﷺ, writes for Mutwarrif bin Al-Bahili and the people of Bisha in Bahila. If anyone makes a barren land cultivable, used for grazing cattle. Thus he owned 40 goats, 30 cows , and 50 camels. The owners is obligated to pay off the prescribed Zakat.”
It means that the Prophet ﷺ spoke to the said community about rituals as well as economic affairs. The Prophet ﷺ had no financial or authoritarian interest other than that everyone should reach the right belief and associated good deeds. Prophet ﷺ spoke according to the resources of each place . Those who have grains were properly instructed about grain and its virtues, and those coming from the lands of cattle were instructed according to the available resources.
Another report narrated by Ibn Sa’ad himself is as follows. A man named Nahsal bin Malik Al Wai’li came to the Prophet ﷺ from Bahila. The Holy Prophet ﷺ wrote instructions for them. Islamic rules and regulations were precisely recorded in it. That letter was prepared by Uthman bin Affan (R).
The greatest feature of Islamic culture is that there are clear rules and instructions in every aspect of life. Every ordinary believer needs to acquire knowledge about several things if he wants to live religiously. One should proceed by systematically studying the obligatory worship prescribed by the religion and the methods to perform it, and the religious rules of how to perform daily activities as a human . Islam teaches basic cleaning processes to international matters.
Our deeds are rewarded only if they are performed in the manner prescribed by the religion. Religion has laid down strict instructions as to how public resources should be used. Islamic governments have the power to enforce punishment for the violation of the law. Islam teaches that even in places where Islamic governments do not exist, an ultimate system of justice will be implemented in the Hereafter, and that salvation and rewards for deeds performed on earth will be heaven for the successful and hell for the losers. Islam clearly and justly teaches that those who escape in this world by tricks will be brought before the justice of the Almighty in the hereafter.
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