Masjid Banu Zafar
The location where the tribe of Banu Zafar (blue dot) is on the boundary of Harrah Waqim to the east of Masjid Nabawi al-Shareef and Jannatul Baqi, both seen at the edges of the image. It is said that this village was the centre of Da’wah prior to the Hijrah of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. It was here that Usaid bni Hudair and Sa’ad bin Mu’az RadhiAllahu anhuma accepted Islam at the hands of Mus’ab bin Umair RadhiAllahu anhu. Apparently there is a stone near this area, which is fenced off, bearing the mark of the hoof of the mare of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. And Allah Almighty knows best. Extensive road works, connected to the new tunnel and diversion of roads are currently being carried out in this area, with date groves disappearing to accommodate some of the plans.
Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam visited the area with some of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum. Whilst there he requested Abdullah ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu anhu to recite from the Qur’an for him. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu anhu was shy and commented how it was revealed to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, so how could he do it justice. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said that he liked to hear it recited by some one other than himself, so Abdullah ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu anhu began to recite from Surah an-Nisaa. Upon reaching verse 41,
How will it be, then, when We bring from every people a witness and bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these? (4:41)
Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam with tears in his eyes told Abdullah ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu anhu to "behold", or stop, he was so overcome with the intensity of the meaning of the Words from His Lord Ta’ala.
An early example of Islamic justice, as stipulated in our Qur’an Majeed, occurred in this tribe. This was a time when the Jews of Madinah along with hypocrites and unbelievers were constantly conspiring against the fledgling Muslim community and generating a severe conflict between Islam and unbelief. A hypocrite by the name of Ta’imah ibn Ubayraq of the Banu Zafar tribe stole a coat of mail from Rifa’ah bin Zaid RadhiAllahu anhu, one of his own tribesman and while the investigation was proceeding he surreptitiously placed it in the house of a Jew. Rifa’ah bin Zaid RadhiAllahu anhu sent his nephew Qatadah bin Nom’an RadhiAllahu anhu to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam who expressed his suspicion about Ta’imah. Ta’imah ibn Ubayraq subsequently went to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam complaining that Qatadah and his uncle Rifa’ah had slandered a Muslim with theft without witness or evidence, and he, along with his kinsmen and many of his tribe colluded to ascribe the blame on the Jew. When the Jew pleaded not guilty, Ta’imah’s supporters waged a vigorous propaganda against him saying that he as a denier of the Truth of Islam was absolutely untrustworthy and, therefore, his denial should not be given any consideration. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam inquired whether Qatadah and Rifa’ah Radhiallahu anhuma had any evidence, which they did not, regretting that they had informed Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam of the incident. Rifa’ah RadhiAllahu anhu said: "To Allah Ta’ala we turn for assistance." At this juncture, Allah Ta’ala revealed the following and other associated verses of the Qur’an:
We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book in truth, that you can judge between men, in accordance with what Allah has shown you: do not be an advocate for those who betray their trust; But seek the forgiveness of Allah; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:105-106).
And,
But for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy to you (O Muhammad), a party of them would certainly have plotted to lead you astray. But they only lead their own souls astray, and cannot harm you in the least. For Allah has sent down to you the Book and Wisdom and taught you what you what you did not know. Great is the Grace of Allah unto you. (4:113).
A judge decides on the basis of evidence presented to him. Had the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam given judgement on the evidence before him, he could carry no blame. But Allah Ta’ala in His wisdom intervened in this particular case to enlighten believers that the real loss will be to their own souls if the perpetrators of crime, regardless of their vociferous advocacy and personal or tribal loyalties, are let go free because of fraud and deception.
Any and all disputes between Muslims must be settled on the basis of justice, as Allah Ta’ala expounds in His Words:
If two groups among the believers fall into quarrel, make peace between them; but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then you fight against the one that transgresses until they submit to the command of Allah: then make peace between them with justice, and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair and just. The believers are but a single brotherhood: so make peace between your two brothers; and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy. (49:9-10).
Another interesting story revolving around this tribe was during the time of the Battle of Uhud, when the Muslims fell into two categories: The sincere Muslims and the munafiqun. The prototype of the latter was Quzman, who joined Islam but never really believed in it. When the Muslim army left Madinah, Quzman refused to march. The next morning the women of Banu Zafar began to shame him for his cowardice. "0 Quzman," they said to him, "have you lost your sense of shame or have you become a woman to stay behind while all the men are out fighting?" Incensed, Quzman went to his home, put on his armour, grabbed his bow, arrows and sword, and set out to join the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ’s army. He was known to be a brave soul. When he arrived on the scene, he found the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ordering the ranks of the Muslim soldiers. He went straight through to the first row and was the first to throw himself into the battle. He shot his arrows and pierced many an enemy’s chest. Toward the end of the day, he was still determined to fall fighting, and he continued to fight until he did. He killed seven of the enemy in one short hour in addition to all the others whom he had killed with his arrows. Passing by him and finding him about to die, Abu al Ghaydaq congratulated him on his achievement of martyrdom. Quzman answered, "0 Abu `Amir, I have not really fought for the faith. I have fought only in order to prevent Quraysh from invading our territory and violating our homes and properties. By God, I fought only in order to protect my people and my land. Without those I would never have done it."
Insha’Allah, we will "visit" the other two locations I have marked on this image, Masjid Ejabah (yellow) and Masjid Abu Dharr (lime) in the next post.
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.
