ALMISKEENAH

 

 

Stellar Sahabah, Umar ibn Khattab RadhiAllahu anhu.

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was a true ascetic. He withheld and limited his reliance on the transient comforts. He preferred hardships over convenience, and uncompromisingly sought the everlasting solace of the Hereafter. His words of wisdom are a truthful mirror of a true believer who has submitted and dedicated his body, mind and soul to the privilege of serving his Lord. When Umar RadhiAllahu anhu embraced Islam, the spirit of the believers was uplifted, and he brought about a new clarity and determination to defend the divine revealed message of Allah Ta’ala. From that day on the perfidy of the unbelievers was heavily shaken, the weight of their numbers no longer influenced the balance of power, and their ignoble plots were openly challenged. May this legacy live on in the hearts of the entire Ummah. May we regain such strength as personified in this Wise Caliph, as to shake all oppressors. May his actions that once filled the Madinah air with such noble and honourable qualities, influence our contemporary lives, giving truth and justice the same impact they had through Umar RadhiAllahu anhu and his contribution to the glory of Islam.  

The Prophet said SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, "None of you believes until he loves me more than he loves his children, his parents, and all people." He also said: "None of you believes until he loves me more than he loves himself." 

One day Omar RadhiAllahu anhu went for a walk with the Prophet of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam took Omar’s hand, and Omar RadhiAllahu anhu said, “By Allah, I love you O Prophet of Allah”.  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than your children, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than your family, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than your money, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than yourself, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “No, O Prophet of Allah.”  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, “O Omar, your faith will never be complete until you love me more than yourself.” 

So Omar RadhiAllahu anhu went away and stayed alone for a while, then he came back and stood in the middle of the mosque saying loudly, “O Prophet of Allah, now I love you more than myself.”  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then replied, “Now, O Omar.  Now, O Omar.” (Meaning that now Omar’s faith is complete.)  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu was later asked how he could make himself love the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam more than himself in such a short time.  He replied, “I went out and asked myself whom I needed more, myself or the Prophet of Allah?  I found that I needed the Prophet more.  I will not intercede for myself on the Day of Judgment, but the Prophet of Allah will.  My deeds will not place me in the highest of levels, but my love for the Prophet will.  I did not take myself from the darkness to light, but the Prophet of Allah did.  Hence, the love of the Prophet fell in my heart more than my love for myself." SubhanAllah.

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu one night went in disguise with his companion Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu to check the condition of the people on the outskirts of Madinah. They strolled from one quarter to another. At last they came to a tribe where very poor people lived. While passing by a small hut, the Caliph overheard voices from inside. A mother was telling her daughter that the amount fetched by her that day on account of the sale of milk was very little. She told her that when she was young, and used to sell milk, she always mixed water with milk, and that led to considerable profit. She advised her daughter to do the same.
The girl said, "You diluted milk, when you were not a Muslim. Now that we are Muslims, we cannot dilute milk." The mother said that Islam did not stand in  the way of her diluting the milk. The daughter said, "Have you forgotten the Caliph’s order? He wants that the milk should not be diluted" The mother said, "But the Caliph has forgotten us. We’re so poor, what else should we do but dilute milk in order to survive?" The daughter said "Such living would not be lawful, and as a Muslim I would not do anything which is against the orders of the Caliph, and whereby other Muslims are deceived."
The mother said, "But there is neither the Caliph nor any of his officers here to see what we do. Daughter you are still a child. Go to bed now and tomorrow I will myself mix the milk with water for you."
The girl refused to fall in with the plan of her mother. She said, "The Caliph may or may not be here, but his order is order, and it must be obeyed. My conscience is my Caliph. You may escape the notice of the Caliph and his officers, but how can we escape the notice of Allah and our own conscience?" Thereupon the mother remained quiet. The lamp was extinguished and the mother and the daughter went to sleep.
The next day, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu sent a man to purchase milk from the girl. The milk was undiluted. The girl had kept her resolve. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu turned to Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu and said, "The girl has kept her resolve in spite of the demands of her mother. She deserves a reward. What reward should I give her?"
"She should be paid some money" said Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu. Umar said, "Such a girl would become a great mother. Her integrity is not to be weighed with a few coins; it is to be measured in the scale of national values. I shall offer her the highest award in my gift, and which shall also be in the highest interest of the nation."
The Caliph summoned the daughter and the mother to his court. The mother trembled as she stood before the mighty ruler. But the girl faced Umar RadhiAllahu anhu with a calm repose. She was beautiful, and there was an impressive dignity about her.
Then before the gathering, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu related how he had overheard the mother and the daughter, and how in spite of the pleads of the mother the daughter had kept he resolve.
Someone suggested that the mother should be taken to task. The Caliph said that ordinarily he would have punished the mother, but he had forgiven her for the sake of her daughter. Turning to the girl Umar RadhiAllahu anhu said, "Islam needs daughters like you, and as a Caliph of Islam I wish to reward you by owning you as a daughter".
The Caliph called his sons, and addressing them said "Here is a gem of a girl who would make a great mother. I desire that one of you should take this girl as wife. I know of no better bride than this girl of sterling character. In matters of wedlock, it should be the character, and not the stature in life that should count."
Abdullah and Abdur Rahman RadhiAllahu anhuma the elder sons of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu were already married. Asim RadhiAllahu anhu the third son was unmarried, so he offered to marry the girl. Thereupon with the consent of the milkmaid and her mother Asim RadhiAllahu anhu was married to the girl, and the milkmaid became the daughter-in-law of the Caliph.
From this union was born a daughter Umm Asim, who became in due course the mother of Umar bin Abdul Aziz, who later became a Caliph.
While other Caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty lived in luxury, Umar bin Abdul Aziz upheld standards of austerity and simplicity following in the footsteps of Umar the second Caliph of Islam. It is said that if ever there was a noble Caliph after the ‘Rightly Guided Caliphs’, such a man was Umar bin Abdul Aziz. He inherited the noble qualities of the milkmaid who married the Caliph’s son, and those of Umar Farooq RadhiAllahu anhu who had the eye to discern the noble and honest qualities in a poor girl.

Another incident when Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was anonymously traveling around the environs of Madinah, dressed in his usual old and tattered clothes he came upon a young shepherd tending his flock. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu requested that he milk one of the sheep so he could satisfy his thirst. He offered the young boy money for the milk.
The shepherd said he would willingly give him a drink, but the sheep were not his, they were entrusted to him by the owner and he did not have the owner’s permission to offer any milk to any body.
Umar RadhiAllahu anhu being the wise guardian of his people took the opportunity to test this young boy suggesting that he sell him one of the sheep so he could milk it and then slaughter it later if necessary, while the shepherd profits from the money Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was prepared to pay him. He offered the shepherd an explanation for the missing sheep suggesting he tell the owner that a wolf had eaten one of the flock, that nobody would know the truth. The young shepherd exclaimed, "What about Allah?" Such love and fear and strength of Yaqeen!

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu once was wearing a new shirt, which he considered had sleeves that were too long. He called upon his son Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu to trim the sleeves with a blade, instructing him to place his forefingers across the edge of his knuckles, cutting the excess length. Ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu cut the sleeves accordingly, but remarked that it looked untidy with the fabric unraveling. He offered to hem the sleeves, but Umar RadhiAllahu anhu insisted they remain like that as he had seen Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam wear sleeves like that. Abdullah ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu reported that his father RadhiAllahu anhu kept on wearing that shirt, even though threads dangled from the sleeves and the hem.

Many narrations tell that Umar’s RadhiAllahu anhu dress had as many as twelve patches on it, with some of the patches sewn on the top of others!

Hafsa RadhiAllahu anha, his daughter, and one of the blessed wives of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam one day said to him, "O Commander of the Faithful, There is no harm if you wear a better dress than this, and eat more wholesome food, because Allah Ta’ala has provided you amply." He replied, "Don’t you remember what Allah’s Messenger and Abu Bakr used to suffer?" he started to mention them until she wept. He continued, "By Allah, if I can share with them some of the hardships in the world, perhaps I could share with them some of their comfort in the Hereafter."

Salim ibn Abdullah narrated that Umar RadhiAllahu anhu said, "By Allah, we do not care much for the pleasures of this world. We ask for the most inferior of goats to be prepared for food when we are hungry, and we ask for wheat husk and oats’ pith to be grounded for our bread, and we prefer raisins for our vinegar. We want to save our pleasures and comfort for the Hereafter, for we have heard Allah Almighty say:

You have wallowed in your satisfaction during your life in the world and sought comfort therein. (46:20)

Another time, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was walking along with some of the Companions RadhiAllahu anhum when they passed a rubbish dump. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu stood there for a moment pondering, which disturbed the Companions RadhiAllahu anhum. When he noticed that they were offended by the stench, he commented, "This is the world you care so much about to hoard, and this is the outcome of what you trust the most and rely upon your needs!"

During the drought year, Hijrah 18, known as the "Year of the Ashes" Umar RadhiAllahu anhu vowed not to eat meat, butter and other delicious meals until the calamity lifted. Once when he was extremely hungry, and his stomach was rumbling he was seen to tap on his stomach with his finger saying, "It does not matter if you rumble or not. You will only receive oil when life returns to normal."

One day he saw a fat camel for sale in the market. Upon inquiry he was told that it belonged to Abdullah, his son. So he went to him and asked how the camel became so fat. Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu explained that after he originally purchased it was so thin so he put it in the government grazing ground where it became healthy, so he thought he would sell it for a good profit. Umar reprimanded him saying that seeing it became fat while in the governments ground that he could only retain a very small amount of the money from the sale and the bulk of it was to be deposited in the Baitul Maal!

Another story relays that once a supply of ambergris and musk reached Madinah from Bahrain, and he needed to find someone who knew how to weigh and measure the scents into containers. Atika bint Zaid RadhiAllahu anha, his wife offered to do that. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu told her, "I would not ask you to do this job because while performing this work if some scent sticks to your hands, I am afraid that some may rub onto your clothing, meaning I may be receiving more than my share than others in the community."

Some of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu ’s words of piety and wisdom;

"Patience is the healthiest ingredient of our life."

"You must know that greed means poverty, despair means wealth. When a man gives up hope in having something, he means that he no longer needs it, and hence, abundance connotes absence of need."

"My heart was mellowed in Allah to the degree that it became softer than butter, and it was steeled in Allah to the degree that it became harder than rock."

"I would have loved to have already met my Lord had it not been for three blessings in this world. That is: One, to prostrate my forehead on the ground before Him. Two, to sit in gatherings that favour the good word, which is like opting for the better dates on a platter and three, for the opportunity to fight in His cause, to proclaim His Word, and to establish His religion on earth."

"Wintertime is an auspicious time for worshippers."

"Weigh your actions before they are weighed, and reckon yourselves before you are reckoned, this will make it easier for you tomorrow. Adorn yourselves for the grand exhibition:

On the day, you will be displayed for judgement, and all your secrets will be brought to light. (69:18)"

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu knew of his martyrdom, as he was foretold by Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He was once heard to say in prostration, "Lord, Thy will be done, I pray that Thou will not let my murder be at the hands of a servant who prostrated himself even once before Thee, so that his prostration will not be in his favour on the Day of Judgement." He died from the wound he suffered from a poisonous dagger of a traitorous Magian.

Peace be on you, Amir of the believers, Umar ibn Khattab, whom the Messenger of Allah said about him, "He is the lamp of the People in Paradise," and "Never the sun rises onto anyone better than Umar."
Peace be on you, who administered justice, and said what was right. Peace be on you, who was the father of the weak and destitute, the widows and orphans. We beseech Allah Ta’ala to bestow on to you, the best reward for what you have done for the nation of the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

Stellar Sahabah Al Anbar.

The patient ones will indeed be paid their wages without account. (39:10)

The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam prepared an expedition of three hundred men, under the command of Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah RadhiAllahu anhu in 8 A.H. Their mission was to watch the caravan of the Quraysh pagans near the Red Sea. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam gave them a bag full of dates for their provisions, which they carried on the shoulders. They had been hardly out for fifteen days when they ran short of rations.

In order to provide the contingent with food, Qais RadhiAllahu anhu began buying three camels daily from his own men, to feed the Mujahideen, with a promise to pay for them on their return to Madinah. He slaughtered three camels each day a few times, but Abu Ubaidah RadhiAllahu anhu seeing that the slaughter of camels would deprive the party of their only means of transport prohibited him from slaughtering any more. The Amir then collected the dates that had been left with each person and stored them in a bag. He would issue one date to each man as his daily ration.

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu was asked, "How could one date benefit you?" He replied, "We came to know its value when even that too finished. We longed even for that one date when the whole stock was exhausted. We were on the verge of starvation.

We stayed at the seashore for half a month and were struck with such severe hunger that we even ate the Khabt, the leaves of the Salam, a thorny desert tree. The army came to be known as Jaish-ul-Khabt.

When they reached this stage, Allah Ta’ala had mercy on them for He always brings ease after every hardship, provided it is endured patiently. A big fish known as Al-’Anbar was thrown out of the sea for them. The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum reported that it was like a small mountain. The fish was so big that they all lived on it for eighteen days and rubbed its fat on their bodies till they returned to their original state of being strong and healthy.

Abu Ubaida RadhiAllah anhu ordered two of its ribs to be fixed on the ground; then he went to the tallest man of his companions, and got him to ride on his she-camel under this arch formed by the two ribs. Another narration said that eighteen Sahabah could stand in the eye socket alone!

They also filled their satchels with the remaining portion, which lasted them right up to Madinah. When the episode was narrated to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam he said: "The fish was a provision arranged for you by Allah Ta’ala, feed us if you have some of it." He was given some of the fish and he ate it.

 

The road from Madinah to the Red Sea winds past extremely rugged terrain. Huge imposing mountains of rock and massive expanses of formidable desert sands. The satellite image gives a scant idea of how the geography is. The following two photos show the remains of Ottoman structures, rock buildings growing out from the mountains of rock. This old settlement was about half way between Madinah and Badr, which is then about half way to the Red Sea.

 

 


A contemporary whale story. A group of Saudi brothers were sitting with a visiting Sheikh, when the conversation turned to one of them relating a fishing trip he had recently been on with a group of friends. While they were out in the Red Sea they saw two huge whales, they were so big that that could have swallowed the whole boat and all that was in it in one gulp. This incident made them reflect on the story of Yunus Alaihis Salam, and the above account, saying to the Sheikh, how now they could comprehend the Qudrat of Allah Ta’ala. Whereupon the Sheikh asked them if they needed tangible proof for all that Allah Ta’ala has created?

 

 The Red Sea, but no sign of any whales!

Insha’Allah we remember these events as a source of comfort whenever we too are faced with difficulties regarding practicing Islam. Insha’Allah we deeply ponder the numerous lessons Allah Ta’ala is offering us with the amazing examples the Stellar Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum were put to test with. May Allah Ta’ala enlighten their graves and raise them to be with their Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops, and give glad tidings to the steadfast, who say when misfortune falls on them: We belong to Allah and we shall indeed return to Him. Such are they on whom are blessings from Allah and they are the rightly guided ones. (2:155-157)


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. 

 

 

 

 Stellar Sahabiah Two

"My slave, you want and I want. But nothing will occur except what I want. So if you obey Me in what I want, I will give you what you want. But if you disobey Me in what I want, I will tire you seeking what you want. Then nothing will occur except what I want." Hadith Qudsi.

 

Living in this Blessed City of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, one re-discovers his faith through projecting the three dimensions of space, time and incidents of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Companions RadhiAllahu anhu onto contemporary life. We aim at closeness to Allah Ta’ala. We cannot realize this valuable aim without projecting back to the noble orations of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Reflecting these on our lives, filtering away the bricks, concrete and glitter surrounding us today, attempting to subjugate our desires for what Allah the Almighty wants from us and for us.

Once a Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu responded to the call from Masjid Nabawi to assemble to go out on the Path of Allah Ta’ala. As he was bidding farewell to his wife he requested that she does not leave the house during his absence.

It so happened that after some time a messenger came to her informing her that her father was ill and needed her to visit him. She remembered her husband’s words and told the messenger that she could not visit her father at this time. A few days passed and she was called again. This time being told that her father was getting worse, but yet again she refused to leave the house.

Then once again a messenger arrived at her place with the sad news that her father had been taken back to Allah Ta’ala having passed away that morning. She was naturally devastated and distressed at losing her dear father and not having been able to attend to his needs, nor see him during this time. But worse than the feeling of loss was the reaction of many around her, who condemned her decision to remain in her home at such a critical time.

When the husband finally returned and was told of the situation he immediately went to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam asking for his advice on how to deal with the negative comments from some of the community.

Whereupon Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "By the One Who holds my life in His Hands, due to your wife’s obedience to her husband’s wishes, her father has been blessed with a place in Jannah."

 

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu reported: Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, stated: I am near to the thought of My servant as he thinks about Me, and I am with him as he remembers Me. And if he remembers Me in his heart, I also remember him in My Heart, and if he remembers Me in assembly I remember him in assembly, better than his remembrance, and if he draws near Me by the span of a palm, I draw near him by a cubit, and if he draws near Me by a cubit I draw near him by the space covered by two arms. And if he walks towards Me, I rush towards him."

May we be seen as making giant strides towards Allah Ta’ala, in all conditions He Wills upon us.

Narrated Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu: Allah’s Apostle said, "If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials." 

Narrated Abu Musa RadhiAllahu anhu: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "My Ummah is one to which mercy is shown. It will have no punishment in the next world, but its punishment in this world will be trials, earthquakes and being killed."

 

Some eyes are restless while others are in sleep,

In meditating that which may or may not occur,

So leave worrying as much as possible,

As carrying the burdens of anxiety is madness,

There is your Lord, Who has provided you with solutions to yesterday,

And He will similarly provide for what is to come tomorrow.

 

Allah is the Most Exalted and Most Praiseworthy. There is no strength other than what is given by Allah. Whatever Allah wills shall be, and whatever Allah wills not shall be. I testify that Allah has power over all things and that He has encompassed everything in His knowledge.

 

O Allah, the Living, the Eternal Controller and Sustainer of all things, Originator of the heavens and the earth. You are the Full Holder of all Majesty and Honour. There is no Allah but You. I seek refuge in Your Mercy. Amend for me all my affairs, and surrender me not to my own self, not for even the twinkling of an eye.

 

O Allah, You are my Lord. You have created me and I am but a slave of Yours. I remain intent on abiding by Your Covenant and Promise to the best of my ability. I seek refuge with You from the evils of my own doing. I surrender to You with all the bounties You have bestowed upon me. And I surrender to You with my sins. So, forgive me, O Allah, for surely You are the Only One who forgives sins.

 

O Allah, all the Du’as of goodness made by Your Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, bless us with that goodness, bless our parents with that goodness, bless all our family with that goodness, bless the entire Ummah with that goodness.

 

O Allah, change the condition of our hearts. Fill our hearts with Noor: fill our hearts with the love of this Deen. Fill our hearts with the Noor of Taqwa and grant us such Iman which clings to our hearts.

 

O Allah grant us your proximity.

 

O Allah, we want those hearts which are filled with Your Love and the Love of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam so that it may be easy to do that which is pleasing to You and pleasing to Your Beloved Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam

 

O Allah, bless us with what we have asked and give us that which we have not asked-whatever is Khair.

 

O Allah, guide my outward submission to lead to inward submission, filling my heart with your Love and Gratitude for whatever Bounties You choose to bestow upon me. 

 

O Allah, increase my capacity for Sabr and Shukr.

 

O Allah, let the winds of Hidayah blow throughout the world.

 

O Allah, accept our Du’a with the Waseela of Your Beloved Rasul Sayyidul Ambiyaa Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

 

Ameen Ameen Ameen.

 

Dedicated to a special Mu’minah who is currently blessed with a special trial. May The One Who has Blessed her with this special opportunity to gain His Nearness and that of His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, be The One to display what He wants for her. Ameen.

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

Stellar Sahabah Hudayr

Just as we can never reach the stars in the sky, so we could never reach the glowing examples of the lives of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu. But just as we can marvel at the brilliance of the celestial realms above, so we can marvel at the shining character displayed by the Companions RadhiAllahu anhum. Insha’Allah we try to take their brilliance into our hearts, where it can outshine any presence of darkness.

Such blessed ones, having an intimate closeness to our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. His tender teachings shaping their values, challenging their desires. Encouraging their hearts to look at the ephemeral and then reject it, to examine the pleasures and glitter of this world in favour of Allah Ta’ala’s promises in their Akhirah. His teaching sessions were not just confined to inside Masjid Nabawi, but combined with action, movement, facing the realities of all that Allah Ta’ala  presented to them. Faith was alive, bubbling, and thus no time for stagnation of the heart. This journey of life is one of constant toil, at the end of which we are going to meet our Creator, Who tells us in His Book:

O mankind, Verily you are ever toiling on towards your Lord, painfully toiling, and you shall meet Him (86:6)

Hudayr RadhiAllahu anhu was one of the lesser known Sahabah, who embraced Islam after the opening of Makkah. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was preparing an army at a time when there was insufficient food and provisions. Hudayr RadhiAllahu anhu was part of this army. When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was distributing the little food and provisions that was available he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam forgot to give any to Hadayr RadhiAllahu anhu. However Hudayr RadhiAllahu anhu still went with the army and happened to be at the very back of the contingent.  

He patiently and constantly did dhikr of Allah Ta’ala saying:

“There is no god except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, All praise is to Allah, All Glorious is Allah, There is no power or might except with Allah.”

And then said:

“This is the best of provisions, O Lord”

Jibrail Alaihis Salam came to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and said: “My Lord has sent me to you to inform you that you have given all the companions food but have forgotten Hudayr RadhiAllahu anhu. He is at the very end of the caravan making dhikr to Allah Ta’ala. This dhikr that he is repeating constantly is Nur for him on the Day of Judgement, and it is now filling the space between the earth and the sky, so send him some provisions.”

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam called upon a man to go and give Hudayr RadhiAllahu anhu some provisions and requested him to memorize what he was saying and to memorize what his response was when he received the food. Also tell him that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is sending you his Salam and the Mercy of Allah. Explain that I had forgotten his provisions and that My Lord sent Jibrail Alaihis Salam to me to remind me of you.

The man approached Hudayr RadhiAllahu anhu and as he came closer he could hear him reciting the dhikr over and over. He conveyed all that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had told him to do and then gave him the provisions sent by the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

Hudayr RadhiAllahu anhu praised Allah Ta’ala and gave Salam to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and then said: “My Lord has remembered me from above the seven skies, from above His ‘Arsh, and He has had Mercy on my hunger and weakness. O Allah Ta’ala as You have not forgotten Hudayr, make Hudayr never forget You.”

The man returned to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and repeated what he had heard. Whereupon the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "If you had raised your head when you heard Hudayr RadhiAllahu anhu supplicating to Allah Ta’ala and looked towards the sky you would have seen a brilliant light between the earth and the sky emanating from his words."

May we too toil, while forever keeping our eye on our destination throughout this arduous journey. And like the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum, conquering the distractions all around us by engraving our hearts with the Praises of Allah Ta’ala and His Habib SallAllahu alahi wasallam.

As Allah Ta’ala said in a Hadith Qudsi: "I am with my servant as long as he remembers Me."

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stellar Sahabiah

The names of the two Sahabiah mentioned in the stories following are written so feintly that they remain anonymous. But the example they shine to us eternally glows. Jewels of the Madanian society, inspiring our contemporary lives until this day. May we have the courage to emulate their noble qualities. Ameen.

We learn from Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "A woman is married for four reasons: her property, her rank, her beauty and her religion. So marry one for her religion; may you thus prosper." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Abdullah ibn Amr RadhiAllahu anhu said that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "The world, all of it, is something to benefit from. Of the things of the world a righteous woman is the best from which one may benefit." (Muslim)

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu said that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "When someone with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks your daughter in marriage, accede to his request. If you do not do so there will be temptation in the earth and extensive corruption." (Mishkat and Tirmidhi)

According to Aisha RadhiAllahu anha, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "The marriage that involves the least burden is one that produces most blessing." (Baihaqi)

 

Once, Sayyiduna Saad RadhiAllahu anhu came to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and exclaimed, "Oh Prophet Allah! I want to get married but not a single person is willing to grant me his daughter, I am black and moneyless, nevertheless, I belong to a noble family, I am Ansari, but no one accepts my proposal." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Go to Amar Bin Wahab Thaqafi RadhiAllahu anhu and tell him to give you his daughter."

Amar RadhiAllahu anhu was well off and his daughter was quite pretty.

Saad RadhiAllahu anhu went to Amar’s house and called out "ajib rasula rasulillah" "Reply to the call of the messenger of Allah’s Prophet"

He hastily came out and answered "marhaban bi rasuli rasulillah" "Welcome oh thou who has been sent from the Prophet of Allah." Amar asked him what the matter was, whereupon Saad RadhiAllahu anhu informed him of the Prophet’s SallAllahu alaihi wasallam message requesting he marry his daughter to him.

Alas, Amar was a father, he could see the vast difference; great poverty on one side, and wealth on the other, unattractive on one side, and beauty on the other, so he hesitated, he stammered a bit, and answered that it isn’t possible.

Hearing this, Saad RadhiAllahu anhu turned and went away.
The daughter had listened to this conversation while sitting inside, so when her father appeared she said, "ya abata! annajaat annajat qabla an yafdhaha ka al wahu" I accept it. Amar RadhiAllahu anhu scurried after Saad RadhiAllahu anhu.

Meanwhile, Saad RadhiAllahu anhu had already informed the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam that the proposal has been rejected, so when Amar arrived, He said, "anta alladhi radadta ala’ rasulillahi maa radadta?" "Are you the one who replied as you replied?" He answered, "Oh Prophet of Allah! After all, I am the father. Now I am ready to carry out whatever you enjoin me to." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam told him to marry his daughter. He answered "Oh Prophet of Allah! You marry her."
The marriage took place and the dowry was 400 dirhams. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ordered Saad RadhiAllahu anhu to hand over the dowry. But Saad exclaimed; "Oh Prophet of Allah! I don’t even have 4 pennies, how can I afford 400?"
Thus, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam requested Ali, Abu Bakr and Abdur Rahman RadhiAllahu anhum to arrange some money for him. They collected 800 dirhams for him. Saad was delighted, it was much more than he needed. He proceeded to the bazaar to buy some things he was in need of for his married life.

While he was in the market a voice from the Masjid called out, "yaa khailalllahi irkabee." This announcement used to be called when someone was needed for Jihaad. "Oh horsemen of Allah! Ride, away/ take off/ mount (on your horses)."

There used to be minor attacks on Medinah launched by the Arab Bedouins. This was one of the occasions where the Bedouins had invaded Medinah, and as soon as the news arrived there was an announcement from the Masjid "Ya khailallahi! Irkabee."

On hearing this, Sayyiduna Saad RadhiAllahu anhu, who was planning to greet his bride, momentarily stood dazed. He looked at the sky, exclaiming; "Subhanallah, Allahumma ilahas samaawaati wal ardh" "Oh lord of the heavens and the earth" "wa ilaaha Muhammadin SallAllahu alaihi wasallam " "And Oh Lord of Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam " "la ajalanna haadhihi ddaraahima feemaa yu hibbullahu wa rasuuluhu wal mu’minun" "Witness that I will utilize this money for that which Allah Ta’ala and His Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and the believing people would desire/prefer."

So with the money that he was planning to do some shopping for some essentials for his marriage, he now goes and buys a horse, a shield and a sword. Hanging the sword on the horse, and with one vault he joins the other Sahabah congregating to follow the commands of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
Saad veiled his face with his turban. Everyone was quite curious as to who this person with the hidden face was, "manil mutalathim"
"Who is it with the veiled face?" Ali RadhiAllahu anhu hushed them saying what does it matter? Maybe he hid his face fearing that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would return him if he saw him, wondering why he was there when he had just married.

Anyway, when the attack was launched he ensued and in the first attack his horse was wounded, lurching forward, making him stumble, but he regained his balance and continued fighting. He came upon the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam who recognized him, and exclaimed, "awa Saadun!" "Aren’t you Saad?", "Yes indeed I am Saad", "bi abee ant yaa rasulallallhi" "abshir" "congratulations to you (of Jannah)" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "asbahta saeeda" "you are
glorified " (Saad and Saeed mean blessed/lucky/fortunate/redeemed.) "Oh Saad you have become Saeed!" "That’s all I desire Oh Prophet of Allah." Suddenly he leapt into the crowd and fought till he was severely injured and tumbled down. The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum exclaimed, "Useeba Saadun Ya rasulallah" "Oh Prophet of Allah! Saad is hurt." On hearing this, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam hurried towards him and put Saad’s head in his lap. Saad’s head was in the Prophet’s lap with the Prophet’s SallAllahu alahi wasallam tears mixing with the mud on Saad’s face. As the Prophet’s tears were trickling on his face, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam exclaimed, "maa atyaba reehak wa ahaabbaka ilallahi wa rasulihi yaa Saad!" "How lovely is your fragrance Oh Saad! And you are so greatly adored by Allah and His Prophet" "waradal haudha wa rabbil Kaaba" "I swear by the Lord of the Kaaba! He has already arrived at the Haudh of Kauthar" and he smiled, then turned his face away.

Abu Lubaaba RadhiAllahu anhu was standing nearby. When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said this, Abu Lubaaba RadhiAllahu anhu asked, "What is this Haudh Oh Rasulallah?" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied, "It is the fountain of Kauthar, it is as white as milk, sweet as honey and cold as ice, you drink one sip and you will never feel thirsty." Then he asked, "Oh Rasulallah! First you cried, then smiled, then you turned your face away, why was that? Raitu minka thalaatha khis’alin" "I noticed three expressions" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam answered, "amma bukaai fa shauqan ilaa Saadin" "I cried in woe of Saad’s death", "wa amma dhihkee fa mimma raitu manzilatahu indallah" " whereas my smiling was because of the high degree which he was rewarded, "wa amma iraadhee fa limaa raaitu azwaajahu minal hurilain" "and as for the turning of my face, it was because of the Hur’s I saw. They were his wives" "kaashifaatin suqahunna wa baadiyaatin
khalaakheelahunna fa a’radhtu anhunna hayaan" "They were running so
fast that their legs became uncovered exposing their ankles, so I turned
my head away in embarrassment." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked that a message be sent to Saad’s wife, telling her that Allah Ta’ala has awarded him the most beautiful of wives in Jannah.

Read also the moving story of Julaybib RadhiAllahu anhu.

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. 

 

 

 

 

 Stellar Sahabah RadhiAllah anhum

 Ka’b ibn Malik RadhiAllah anhu

The desert stars glitter and sparkle in the deep velvety black sky. Diamonds meticulously set in a sphere so majestic. By Al-Majeed, The Majestic One.

Every detail of the creation is in total harmony with each and every component part. Subhanallah. We are a minute part of a world overflowing with countless beautiful things embellished by the unique artistry of The Creator.

 

"He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again, do you see any flaw? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted!" (67: 3-4)

 

So to be aware of the magnificence, and the benefits, of the stars set in the grander of the cosmos, and the influence they have on the rhythm and movements of the whole, gives perspective to the saying of the Prophet, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, describing his Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum as being like the shining stars; so follow them. Insha’Allah let us too be dazzled by their exemplary stories, their enduring sacrifices, the trials and lessons presented to them from Allah Ta’ala testing their Yaqeen, their reliance on nothing but Him the One, as taught to them by the Most Beloved of all creation, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Allow the heart to follow their shining examples. Learning how to gain the favours and pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, by opening to their illustrious stories and emulating their resolve. Ameen.

 

Ka’b was the son of Malik, a great poet of the tribe of Khazraj of Madinah, composer of heroic poems during the wars between the city’s two famous tribes, al-Aws and al-Khazraj, which were frequent before the advent of Islam. Ka’b inherited this talent from his father and became known for it.

Ka’b was among those who hastened to embrace Islam in Madinah. He was among the forty who gathered for salatul-Jumuah for the first time, before even the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, made Hijrah. He was also among the seventy-three men who traveled from Madinah to Makkah to pledge allegiance to the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam.

Insha’Allah read the rest of this story and reflect upon the significance it may have on your life today.

 

This waterfall marks the place where a messenger was sent by Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to deliver the news that Allah Ta’ala had forgiven him for not participating in the Tabuk Ghazwah.

 

The map shows the relationship between the Haram and the edge of Mount Sala’. According to narrations the messenger traveled across the mountain, standing at the top of this section calling on Ka’b ibn Malik from there. And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Insha’Allah share such stories with family and friends, so that our hearts shine with the love of what Allah Ta’ala loves from us, and the love of following the Sunnah becomes a reality. Let us contribute to the shining of the Ummah, in harmony with Allah Ta’ala’s Magnificence, glowing in the delight of following the Prophet’s SallAllahu alaihi wasallam shining stars. Ameen. 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Bless all readers.