ALMISKEENAH

 

 

Masjid Sheikhain

Rafe’ bin Khudaij RadhiAllahu anhu stood on his tip toes and puffed out his chest to give the impression he was much taller and bigger than he really was. His devotion to the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam was so great at such a tender age, and his mission to fight for the Muslim army against the Qureysh at the Battle of Uhud filled with the zeal of sacrifice. Many of his peers were fuelled with the same intoxicating devotion, but had been refused to partake in this expedition by Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam due to their young age. Rafe’s father had insisted that he was an exceptional archer, and it was this quality which the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam accepted him. However Samurah bin Jundud RadhiAllahu anhu, another Ansari youth, when he heard that his friend Rafe’ has been honoured with a place in this historic army, asked his step father Murrah bin Sanan RadhiAllahu anhu to explain that Samurah RadhiAllahu anhu possessed extraordinary wrestling skills which could easily defeat Rafe’ RadhiAllahu anhu. So the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam staged a match between them, where Samurah RadhiAllahu anhu did prove his strength and so was permitted to be part of the army.

The seeds of Iman and Islam were deeply sown in the children of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum. How their love for the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam knew no bounds, and their spirit of dedication such an inspiration to our young ones today. Their fearless attitude to enter into battle with the reality of knowing the possible consequences of being wounded or attaining martyrdom was no impediment to their passion for all that the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam epitomized in his teachings. Their Akhirah was vivid in their sight, and the honour of following their beloved Rasul SallAllahu alahi wasallam their motivation. SubahanAllah.

Masjid Sheikhain today marks this memorable time and place. Also known as the Masjid of Wrestling, the Masjid of the Shield and the Masjid of Badaai’e as according to one narration Umm Salman RadhiAllahu anha came to give food to Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam at the time. The explanation for calling this the Mosque of the Two Sheikhs is that two elderly men lived in tall houses so close together that they could both stand at their respective windows conversing with each other. And Allah knows best.  

 

Masjid Sheikhain (pink mark) is to the north of Masjid Nabawi and approximately half way to the battle ground (green mark)at the foot of Mount Uhud. The Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam inspected the troops and the equipment here and finalized the strategy for the encounter with the enemy.

Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu called Adhan for Maghrib soon after they arrived, and according to most narrations they stayed for Esha, departing in the early morning darkness in order not to draw attention to the Makkans of their position.

Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam called for volunteers to guard his tent during the night. From among the crowd a voice replied offering him self for such a noble deed. Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam then called for a second volunteer to relieve the first, when a voice was heard giving his name, and then for a third time, Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam asked for another, with a reply from the eager Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum. Then Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam requested that the three volunteers come forward to give them his instructions, but only one person identified himself. When he was asked where the other two were this Sahabah Dhakwan bin ‘Abd Qais RadhiAllahu anhu announced that it was he who called out each time! How eager they were to face whatever adversaries may befall them for the sake of Allah Ta’ala and His Habib SallAllahu alahi wasallam. 

Little four year old Yasmeen has captured her version of how strong and powerful the Muslims were in battle! On the right is the "bearded" Mu’min brandishing his faithful sword against the cowering enemy on the far left. The figure in the middle I was told is a "good friendly Muslim" coming to give assistance. All this action is played out in front of a tall minaret symbolizing Masjid Nabawi! May all our children be imbued with an endearing love for this glorious Deen Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with.

May their love for Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam grow day by day as we all take on the responsibility of bringing the stories that have been instrumental in fashioning the illustrious legacy of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anahum into their heart and hence a reality in their lives. Ameen.  

Those who believe and do good deeds are the best of creation. Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of everlasting bliss graced with flowing streams, Allah is pleased with them and they with Him. All this is for those who stand in awe of their Lord. (98: 7-8)

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.