Generally only that person is regarded as noble and great who is highly educated, who enjoys distinction of race and color, who is the richest in goods and property, holds the highest office, or possesses some authority, that is , he has the power to command the weak according to his own will, and can deal with his opponents severely. But , in Islam, education, wealth, family, race color, office and authority are not the proof of nobility and greatness. Islam was that the greatest and the noblest person is he who is the most pious. By piety we mean that a person should be afraid of disobeying Allah, should keep away the favour of Allah, and should do what is good. This claim of Islam is not merely theoretical, it is also very practical. Islam presented a society in which the great was he who was a model of piety in words and in deeds. There were persons who could neither read nor write, nor were they superior in race of clan, nor were they wealthy of hold any high office; they did not even possess any official authority, but they were pious. Because of their piety they were elevated to very high positions in Islam.

 Hadrat Bilal (May Allah be please with him) is a glorious example of the above mentioned criterion for respect, honour and elevation to high positions in Islamic society. For those who have full faith in Allah and His Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and who want to build an Islamic society to introduce the whole world to true Islam, the life of Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) contains several lessons. Also, there is light for those people who are concerned with the welfare pf humanity, even to a small degree.

 Hadrat Bilal was jet black in complexion. He was a Negro by birth. He has no wealth, no office and no authority. He was only slave. A salve did not have nay position in the society. He could be sold like vegetables. An animal could run away and thus save his life; but a slave could not even dare to run away; he was sure to be caught again and sent back to his master. Or he could be sold again and he had to do any work which his master order him to do.

 Hadrat Bilal was passing his life as a slave when the streets of Mecca echoed with the message of Tuhid (belief in one Allah). The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) gave His call to liberate humanity from all sorts of slavery. He exhorted:

“Slavery is to Allah only. He has created us; He has favor us with food to eat; He has provided us with all the necessaries of life. Hence our real Master is Allah. All that conforms with the will of Allah is right. If our desires are subject to Allah’s commandments, they are worth implementation otherwise not. If our family customs and traditions are governed by the Will of Allah, they are agreeable otherwise they are worthless. If the orders of a human being to his fellow human beings to his fellow human beings are in conformity with the dictates of Allah, they are worth submission, otherwise not.”

 This sermon of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was so clear, simple and natural that everybody, young and old, understood it fully well. The black and the white, poor and rich, supporters and non-believers, the salve and the master all understood it clearly. But who da adopt it as creed? The persons who had the spark of humanity in them, heard the call of the oneness of God, their hearts were inspire of faith of Islam and their cried out:

“Muhammad (peace be upon him) speaks the truth, and whatever he says is the message of Allah.”

 But those persons who were proud of themselves; who had the mentality of capitalists, whose hands were stained with the power of authority over their people, could not tolerate this voice. They realized that in case a new society was created, they could no longer retain the privilege of ruling over the others. They tried with all the means at their command-wealth, family pressure, power and authority- to crush that voice. If anybody came forward to listen to that voice he was threatened, beaten, imprisoned, kept hungry, or persuaded to keep himself away from the call of truth. The father dissuaded his son, the brother restrained his brother, the uncle forbade his nephew, the master coerced his slave-in shirt the infidels stopped the believing persons from listening to what the Holy Prophet said. Ordinary, a father could be sympathetic towards his son; a brother could sympathies his brother; and uncle could be kind to his nephew, but a master could not be sympathetic to his slave. His only consideration was that his slave did not dare disobey him. Hence the slaves were specially the target of horrifying tortures and torment.

Hadrat Bilal was the slave of the most cruel person of Mecca, Umaayya bin Khalaf. The call for belief in one Allah and the teaching of the Holy Prophet had such a deep effect on him that he could not restrain himself for even a moment and he at once cried out:

(Ash hado An La Illal-lahowa-Ash hado Anna Muhammad-dar Rassol ullah) Meaning:

 I stand witness to the fact that there is no God except Allah and I stand witness that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the Prophet of Allah.

How could Umaayya bin Khalaf tolerate that his slave bow to one God. Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) had to pay heavily for it. Umaayya bin Khalaf inflicted so much torment and torture upon him that its details make us shudder even today. Would lay Bilal on the burning sand of the Arabian Desert, or on hot pub hot bed of burning coal. He would tie a bless and cord round his neck and would hand over the end of it to ruffians of the city to drag him all around. Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) utter the words ‘Ahad! Ahad!’’, even in that unbearable torture to the utter disgust of his master, who now laid him down on burning sand, face downwards, and put a heavy stone upon his back. At about noon when Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) fainted, the master said, “Bilal! It is still time that you leave Allah of Muhammad (Peace be upon him)! ”.

Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) unmindful of the torments, still utter the words ‘Ahad! Ahad! ’’, his master invented some heinous torments. He would sometimes pack him in a cow’s shin; sometime he would put on his person an iron armour and would lay him down in sever heat of the sun, and not satisfied even with that he would beat him severely and force him to admit that Laat and Uzza were his Gods.

But the devotee of Allah could say nothing but ‘Ahad! Ahad! ’’ (Allah is one). The injuries inflicted upon his person could even melt the stones; and even the nonbelievers of Mecca felt sympathy for him and said, “Bilal! If you only repeat the words we say, we will press your master to stop torturing you”. But Bilal said, “My tongue is unable to repeat those words”. As a result the sympathizers were it and left him alone; but neither was Umaayya it of tormenting Bilal, not Bilal of suffering the torments.

When Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) bore the burnt of the tortures and torments with courage and perseverance and proved his mental, Allah, the almighty took him out of the great ordeal. Hadrat Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) was a very kind hearted person of Mecca. Though wealthy, he did not posses the mentality of a capitalist. He had already embraced Islam. He was passing by when he heard the call, ‘Ahad! Ahad! ’’. He saw the painful condition to Bilal and was grieved; ad purchased him from his master, after paying a heavy price and set him free. When the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) came to know about it, he said.

“O! Abu Bakr! Let me share this sac deal.”

Hazrat Abu Bakr said, “O Prophet of Allah, I have already set him free.”

But freedom from slavery did not save Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) from tortures and torments. In his individual capacity he was free from the brutalities of Umaayya bin Khalaf; but a as member of the community of Islam he was still the target of the persecutors of Mecca. How ever he got rid of all sorts of torments and tortures when the Muslims were order to migrate to medina and the devotes of Islam, left their houses, there belongings and their place of birth, for the sake of Allah, and migrated to in Medina.

In medina, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) tied Hadrat Bilal and Hadrat Abu Ravaiha Abdullah in bonds of brotherhood. They were so deeply attached to brothers. During the Caliphate of Hadrat Umar Farooq when Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) was proceeding on an expedition to Syria some one asked him, ‘Who will receive your stipend n your absence.’

Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) said, “Abu Ravaiha will do it. The ties of brotherhood established between us by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) will never break.”

 In medina, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) constructed the Holy Mosque. Hadrat Bilal was entrusted with the duty of announcing the adhan five times a day. And, thus, the tongue which had refused to move for uttering words of respect to the idols came into action now. Allah had been bountiful in giving Bilal a voice very loud and melodeons. Persons, intoxicated with the love of Islam, were enchanted on hearing it. Men left their business, women came out of their houses, and children stopped playing, to gather in the mosque, and then all of them, young or old, stood shoulder to shoulder to bow before Allah.

Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) was not only a Muadhdhin for the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), he was also his confidant. He was always with the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) to every place and walked a few paces ahead of him with a spear in his hand. When the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) enter the Ka’aba after the conquest of the city, Hadrat Bilal had the honour of accompanying him. Hadrat Bilal looked to the management of the Holy Prophet’s (Peace be upon him) household affairs. He was with him in all the military campaigns. He killed the greatest enemy of Islam Umaayya bin Khalaf, in the battle of Badr. He followed the footsteps of the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) throughout his life. In course of time he was elevated to a position of great esteem in the society and the high and respectable families wished him to marry in their families. Thus he married in the families of Ban Zahra and Hadrat Abu Darda (Allah be pleased with him). The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) himself performed his Nikah ceremony with the daughter of Hadrat Abu Bukair. All of them were proud of their relationship with Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) who was a Negro by birth and color, a salve by position and a poor man by worldly standards.

Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) felt great pleasure in devoting himself to Allah and in submission to the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). The Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) also had a great regard for him. He would not refuse him any favour. Once during journey night fell. Bilal (Allah will be pleased with him) liked that place. He said, “it is if the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) allows us to encamp here.” The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “I am afraid a sound sleep may not let you get up in the small hours of the night.”

Hadrat Bilal had full confidence in himself for getting up any time in the night. He took the responsibility of awakening all the fellow travelers. As a precautionary measure he made up his mind to keep himself awake the whole night; and engaged himself in prayers. But suddenly he feel asleep. He awoke when the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) awakened him.

The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Well Bilal! What about your duty? ”

He said, “o prophet of Allah! I was never negligent before.’

The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “No doubts, Allah takes possession of your souls whenever He wills, and returns them to you according to His will. Get up now, and call for prayers, so that people may come for prayers!”

This shows the position of Hadrat Bilal in the life of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). Now something about his relationship with the Caliphs after the demise of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him):

The first Caliph Hadrat Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) never kept Hadrat Bilal away from himself. One day Hadrat Bilal said to him, “I have heard the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him)” say that the best work for a good Muslim is to go for Jehad in the way of Allah. So I wish that I should engage myself in this sac work till the end of my life, I request that I may be allowed to go on some expedition”

Hadrat Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) said, “O Bilal! In the name of Allah and my right over you, do you leave me alone in this old age? When Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) heard theses affectionate words he did to insist”.

During the reign of Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him), Hadrat Bilal Again sought permission for Jehad. He also wanted to stop Bilal but did not succeed in persuading him to stay in Medina. So Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) joined the expedition to Syria. Hadrat Umar (Allah be pleased with him) used to say, “Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) was our leader, and he has set our leader Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) free.

Once the second caliph, Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) was sitting with some friends. In the course of their talk they decided that every one present should express his choicest desire. So one of them said, “I wish Allah may bestow upon me gold worth the mountain of Uhud in weight, so that I may spend it name of Allah to seek His pleasure.” another person said, “My desire is that Allah may favour me with a number of slave girls, so that I may set them free to seek His pleasure”. Some other person dies for martyrdom to win an abode in the Eternal Gardens; another person wished to go on Jehad, and still another person dies to perform a faultless Hajj. But, when to was the turn of Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him), he said, “May Allah fill this house with saints like Bilal, Salman Farsi, Khubaib and Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) and I may sit amongst them.” This shows what esteem Hadrat Bilal enjoyed in Hadrat Umar’s (Allah be pleased with him) eyes.

All of Hadrat Bilal’s counsels which he offer to the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) or to the First Caliph, or the Second Caliph, were accepted. On the occasion of the conquest of Syria, the whole army officers or troops were served the same food. On the recommendation of Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him). He spoke for the marriage of a poor devotee of Islam to the members of a very high Medinite family and the request was accepted. He was never tried of spreading the teaching of Islam. He used to say, “I am only a negro, who was till lately an ordinary slave. Oh my people! Put faith in Allah and His Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), then take part in Jehad and then perform a fault less Hajj”.

Before the death, he saw the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) in his dream, saying, “O Bilal! How long this uninteresting life! Has not the time come that we meet again?” when he got up, he was in highly excited state of mind. He was living permanently at that time in a town, kholan, in Syria. He left the town and came to Medina. He saw the relations of companions of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) and returned home. He died in Damascus and was buried there. May Allah shower his choicest blessings upon him for his piety and nobility of character? And, may Allah bless all those who love and follow the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) as did the devoted companies of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him).

Chapter 4

HADRAT ZAID BIN HARITH

(Allah be pleased with him)

Harith, father of Zaid came from Yemen. Hadrat Zaid (Allah be pleased with him) was also born in Yemen. He was still a little child when his mother undertook a journey to her parents’ home town with him. On the way they were waylaid by some dacoits who snatched the child away from her and sold him into slavery.

The child was destined to be a great man so much so that he was to be one of the dearest to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). As destined by Allah Zaid was brought up by Hakim bin Hizam, the nephew of Hadrat Khadija, the mother of faithful. He presented the child to the aunt. Hadrat Khadija gave him away to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

Ignorant of the Will of Allah, man is by nature very impatient. On the one hand the child was blessed with the bondage of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)-a bondage which was to be envied later even by the men commanding highest positions in the Islamic Society. On the other hand the parents had lost their peace of mind on account of the separation of their child. The poor souls did not know what was in store for him. They mourned their son day and night and searched for him every where. Many a years passed away and the poor parents could not get any clue of their lot child.

Once a group of people from Yemen came to Mecca to perform Hajj. As soon as they caught sight of Zaid, they at once recognized him. Going back to Yemen they conveyed the happy news to the poor father. He at once started for Mecca along with his brother taking some presents with him. They went to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and after bomage said, “O noble son of Abdullah! O noble grandson of Abdul Muttaib! You are the noblest man of your community. You belong to the sac city of Ka’aba. You are the defender of Ka’aba. You help persons in distress; you feed the prisoners. We have come to you with the prayer that you kindly set your slaves free, who is our son. We are ready to pay whatever ransom you ask for.”

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whom do you speak about?”

“We are talking about Zaid.” was the reply.

When the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) heard the name of Zaid, he paused for a while. He had brought up Zaid as if he was his own son and loved him to the core of this heart. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Harith, “Do you require anything else?” Harith said, “No”.

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Well! Call for Zaid and leave it to him. If he chooses you he will be yours. If he prefers me then by Allah, I am not a person who does not like him who likes me.”

Harith, father of Zaid, accepted this condition. He thought that Zaid was only a slave and in view of the miserable condition of the salves thought that his son must be suffering the ordeals of slavery. Little did he know that Zaid was in the service of that blessed person who uplifted the slaves to a position about the masters and whose mission was to elevate the slaves to the highest standards of humanity.

Zaid was called in. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him, “Do you recognize them?” Zaid said, “Yes Sir, this is my father, and there is my uncle.” The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) told him the whole story and said, “Do you know who I am? You know the way in which you lived with me. It is now up to you. You may either choose me if you so desire, or you may go with your father and uncle.”

Hadrat Zaid was fully conscious of the blessing which he enjoyed in the company of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and he also knew the beneficial effects of the training which he had received from the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). He therefore, said, unhesitatingly, “Only you are my parent.”

Zaid’s father and uncle were wonderstruck on his words and said, “Alas Son, you prefer slavery to freedom and reunion with your father and uncle and the family!” He said, “Yes, I have seen such traits in his Holy personage that I do not regard anybody greater than him.”

Hadrat Zaid’s conversation with his father kindled the love of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) for him. He took him to Ka’aba and proclaimed, “From today Zaid is my son. I will be his Trustee and he will be my ward.” This announcement made Harith and his brother very happy and they left the son with great pleasure in the service of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and departed cheerfully.

A few days later when the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was entrusted by Allah with the mission of Islam and he presented it to the people. Zaid embraced Islam at once along with Hadrat Ali (Allah be pleased with them).

When the uncle of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) Hadrat Hamza, embraced Islam the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) tied Hamza and Zaid in bonds of brotherhood. With the blessing of Islam Zaid came so near to Hadrat Hamza that whenever Hadrat Hamza went away he confided every thing to Zaid only. Not only this, Zaid’s stature rose still higher. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) married his governess Ummi-i-Aimen and his cousin Zaniab to Zaid. Regarding Ummi-i-Aimen the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) once said, “If anybody wants to marry the most blessed woman he may marry her.” Zaid could nor afford to miss such an opportunity. He at once offe himself although Ummi-i-Aimen was much older in age than Zaid.

When Hadrat Zaid migrated of Medina, he was decla as a brother of Hadrat Usaid bin Jafar Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) who was a dignitary of Medina. Imagine the height to which salve is elevated when he comes under the shelter of Islam. Hadrat Ayesha (Allah be pleased with her) says that when the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) sent any military expedition somewhere which included Zaid he was invariably nominated as the leader of that expedition. He was thus nominated as the leader of that expedition. He was thus nominated to command the army nine times and very senior companions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), like Hadrat Abu Bakr and Hadrat Umar Farooq, (Allah be pleased with them) served under his command. The Holy Prophet’s care had developed in such a qualities and character that none else enjoyed more esteem than Zaid in the eyes of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) could not excel Zaid. As for his valour and courage he never retreated even in any fight for the causes of Islam. Whenever the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) went outside Medina, he nominated Zaid as his successor. Zaid on his part shoulde the responsibilities so well that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was entirely satisfied with his performance.

The Battle of Mo’ta was one of the most significant wars fought in the life-time of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) the Muslim army in this war included several great companions such as Hadrat Abu Bakr, Hadrat Umar Farooq and Hadrat Jaffar Tayyar (Allah be pleased with them) and many others but the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) nominated Zaid as its Commander. When Zaid laid his life in the fight, the Holy Prophet’s eyes were filled with tears out of love for Zaid and appointed Usama, son of Zaid, as commander of the re-organized army.

The fact is that since Zaid had made the mission of his life to seek the pleasure of Allah and His Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), his position was elevated by Allah and His Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

After the death of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) Hadrat Ayesha (Allah be pleased with her) said, “If Zaid was Alive, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) would have nominated him as his successor.”

May Allah have mercy upon these great companions and enable us to follow their footsteps. It is a fact that the lives of such companions are the models for us to follow after the life of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

Chapter 4

HADRAT SALMAN FARSI

(Allah be pleased with him)

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was once sitting with his follower in his Mosque. A stranger enter the mosque and coming over to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “I understand that you are a holy and pious-person. Some of your followers are homeless and destitute. I have some alms for them. I think none else deserves better than you people. Kindly accept these alms”. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) looked at him and asked him to give the alms to his followers. He then said to his followers to eat, but he himself did not eat anything from it. The stranger took notice of it and went away. Next day again he returned with some more articles of food and presenting them he said, “You did not accept the charity yesterday. Kindly accept this as a gift from me.”

Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) accepted the gift cheerfully; he took some of it himself and distributed the rest amongst the others. The stranger, in the meantime, had been trying to catch a glimpse of the Holy Prophet’s (peace be upon him) shoulders. May it be a chance or else the cloth from the shoulders of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) fell down and exposed an embossed mark equal in size to a rupee between his shoulders. The stranger stooped down and kissed the mark in reverence. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) asked him to come forward. When he sat in front of him, he called for his followers and companions and then asked the stranger to introduce himself to all present over there. The stranger narrated his story thus:

O pious people! My name is Moaaba. I come from a village known as Jee near Isphan, a famous city of Iran. My father was a big landlord. He was very fond of farming and carried on his favorite pursuit on large scale. He loved me so much that he used to adorn me like girls and never allowed me to go out side the house. He was a follower of Zoaraster and worshipped the holy fire. He would teach me how to worship the fire and follow the doctrines of Zoarastrian religion. Being a very obedient son I also listened to my father very intently and would worship the holy fire with great devotion. From the very childhood I was consider one those sac priests who never allowed the holy fire to be extinguished for a single moment.

One day my father was busy in repairing our house and as such he could not go out for his usual round of the fields. I was quite grown up then and often went out of the house alone. So I sent to look after the crops. On the way I saw a church where some Christians had gather to say their prayers. I stopped over there and looked on. The manner in which the Christians were offering their devotions appealed me very much. I felt that their religion than ours. I then asked those Christians as to where the center of their religion was. They told me that it was in Syria. As it was getting near evening I came back home after noting the address of their Center. My father enquire from me why I had bee so late and that where had I been till then. I said, “On my way home I saw some people offering prayers in a church. Their manner of worship appealed me so much that I remained there till sunset”. My father told me that their religion was not better than Zoarastrian. I insisted that their religion was far better than ours.

My reply alarmed my father lest I should change my religion. So he forbade me to go our of the house. But I used to visit the church secretly. When my father came to know of it he was much annoyed and confined me within the house. While in confinement my restlessness increased and I sent a word to the Christians that they should inform me if any caravan was to leave to Syria.

By the grace of Allah, soon after some traders happened to pass through our village. They were going to Syria. As soon as I heard the news I managed somehow to get myself out from the confinement and joined the Caravan and reached Syria.

I made enquires from the people there about the grand priest. They gave me the address, where I met him and told my story. I changed my religion. After conversion I began to remain in attendance on the grand priest. While in his company it was revealed to me that he was a very bad man. He exhorted others to do good deeds but he never practiced what he preached. He collected charity from the people for the poor and the needy persons and usurped all of it for his personal use. Whatever he could save, he kept it under lock and key. Thus he soon got seven pails filled with gold and sliver. Seeing his greed I was disgusted. Many a time I thought of telling the people all about it. But I could not dare to do so because of the personality and the influence of the grand priest. When de died I disclosed his secret. The people searched his house and recover the pails filled with wealth. In retaliation the Christians hanged his dead body and stoned it.

After his death another clergyman was appointed in his place. He was rally a pious man. He used to worship day and night. I developed deep attachment with him. I told him my story and began to serve him. He was also pleased with me and confided in me. When he was about to die I told him that I had been with him for so long and he had always been very kind to me. Now that he was preparing for his last journey I begged for his advice as to what I should do and to whom I should go after him. He said that he was not ware of any Christian who followed the teachings of the holy Christ in its true sprit. The Christians had modified the teaching of Christ. They had abandonment the principles which they found inconvenient to observe. He however pointed out a person in Mosul who had the real knowledge of the teaching of Christ, and advised me to see him.

After the death of that kind clergyman I reached Mosul; searched for the clergyman about whom I was told, and narrated the whole story to him. He was kind enough to accommodate me. He too was really a pious man. I learned much from him. Alas! After a few days he also passed away. Before his death he gave me, on my request the address of another priest of Naseebain. I then went to that clergyman of Naseebain, and found him to be the most pious of all clergymen, but death soon overtook him also. I then went according to his advice to the Grand Bishop of Amooria. When he was also about to die I said to him, “I have been following every person about whom I thought that he could be my guide, but alas I have not been able to reach the destination. According to a poet, I go for a little while with every passer-by taking him as my guide. But I actually so not recognize my real guide.”

He said “O son! Should I tell you that there is none in this world who none followed the path of righteousness?” How can one know the true religion when its very sources (The old and New Testament) have been polluted?  But the time is approaching when the Prophet about whom you have read in the Holy Bible is about to appear. That prophet will rise from the deserts of Arabia and He will revive the religion of Ibrahim. He will be there in the land of date palms. You will recognize him by the fact that he will accept only gifts and not take charity. There will be an embossed mark equal to the size of a rupee between his both shoulders on his back I, therefore, advice you to go to him. You will find peace and blessings with him only.”

After the death of the Grand Bishop, I remained stationed there. Whenever a Caravan arrived there I enquire about their destination. Fortunately some traders from Arabia cane there and I joined them. These Arabs, however, deceived me. They enslaved me and sold me to his cousin and he took me to Medina. When I caught sight of the cluster of the date palms my excitement knew no bounds and I began to make enquires about the new Prophet. But no one could tell anything.

One day I was working in the garden of my master. I had climbed up a date tree and was engaged in pruning it. My master was sitting beneath. Some one came there and referring to a tribe he said, “Curse befall the people of that tribe. All of them have gather round a person who has came from Mecca. They call him the Prophet.”

As soon as I hearted him say so my legs began to tremble and my body shook with emotion. Had I not taken hold of myself and climbed down the tree I would surely have fallen on the ground. I was so excited that I could not control myself and without caring for the consequences I asked the stranger what he was saying. On hearing this, my master slapped me on my face and rebuked me, “How does it concern you. Mind your own job.” I kept quite but I was uneasy at heart. I had some eatables which I brought to your yesterday and offer to you as charity. You did not accept the charity for yourself and distributed it among your companions. One of the pications of the grand Bishop of Amooria had come true. I could sleep throughout the night yesterday. As soon as I got the chance again I brought some more food to you today as a gift which you accepted. You yourself took something from it and gave rest to others also. The second piction of the Bishop had also proved to be true. Then I wanted to verify the mark between you shoulders which I did just now as you saw. I am convinced that you are the Prophet I was told about. Thank God I attained my desire. The fact is that he, who seeks, does find”.

This long tale which was a true story was applauded by everybody who heard it. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was also pleased. This true story strengthened the conviction of the Muslims. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) named this seeker of truth as Salman and now Moaaba became Hadrat Salman (Allah be pleased with him).

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was very anxious about the bondage of Hadrat Salman (Allah be pleased with him). He said, “Pay off your ransom to your master and secure freedom.” Salman mentioned this to his master, a Jew. The matter was settled for three hund date tress and forty auqqias (Arab weight for gold and sliver) of gold. How could a slave manage to pay such a large ransom! And what a salve! A homeless wanderer who could not stay at one place permanently. He kept on changing places now and then. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), a blessing for all appealed Muslims to help Muslim brother. The Muslims who were the pioneers of the Islamic Movement for times to come represented in their character true sprit of brotherhood and deep love and affection for their fellow Muslims. They could not tolerate the slavery of any Muslim and could not bear to see any Muslim in distress. Thus all of them contributed the date palms one, two or four each. They quickly collected three hund trees. The Holy Prophet accompanied by all the Muslims went to the Jew’s garden planted the tress, and dressed the earth. One of the conditions of the Jew was thus fulfilled. The other condition was to provide the require quantity of gold. When Allah wills to save His salves from the test then there is no hurdle. The same day some gold was seized in a battle. This was nearly equal in weight to a hen’s egg. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) gave away all that gold to Salman. It was found to weigh forty auqqias as if Allah had sent that gold only for Salman.

Salman (Allah be pleased with him) thus paid the ransom and got rid of the slavery of the Jew and came straight to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and passed the rest of his life with him! On his arrival amongst the Muslims a very interesting controversy started. The question was whether Salman was a Muhajir or an Ansari? Both groups advanced arguments in favour of their claim in order to include Salman among themselves. The Muhajirs said that Salman left his home and hearth, parents and his country in search of truth. He wander from country to country until Allah made him successful in achieving his goal. So he was a Muhajir in the true sense. The Ansars claimed that Salman had settled in Medina before embracing Islam and he adopted Islam during stay in Medina. So he was an Ansari. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) listened to this controversy with great interest and offer thanks to Allah for the feeling of brotherhood amongst the Muslims. He said, “Salman is one of the members of my family,” He then tied him to Abu Durda a renowned companion, in fraternal bond. When Hadrat Salman (Allah be pleased with him) embraced Islam the battles of Badr and Uhud had already been over and so he had no chance to participate in them. But he fought in all the rest of the battles along with other Muslims with great valour. On many occasions his expert advice on the strategy and planning of war led the Muslims to victory.

After his conversion to Islam, Hadrat Salman (Allah be pleased with him) had the chance to take part for the first time in the battle of Trench. In this war the whole Arabia had made a concerted onslaught on Medina with a huge army in order to crush the new Islamic movement. In medina there was neither a fortress nor any defense wall round the city as was usual those days. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) called meeting of all the Muslims for consultation. Hadrat Salman had seen the wars fought in Iran and was well aware of many military tactics. He said, “It is not safe to face this huge army in the open field, we should protect the city of Medina by digging deep trenches around it.”

This strategy was favor by all and adopted. The Arabs were unaware of this tactic. Seeing the trenches they were perplexed and could not think of any way to overcome it. They besieged the city for a few days and then retreated unsuccessful. Thus Allah saved Islam and elevated the positions of a newly converted Muslims, Salman Farsi, in the eyes of the rest of the Muslims.

The revolutionary movement of Islam benefited from the counsels of Salman in each and every battle fought for the cause of Islam. During the caliphates of Hadrat Abu Bakr and Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) when the Arabs invaded Iran. Both Caliphs availed of his counsels. E did not only give advice but also accompanied he holy warriors to all the fronts where his presence was needed. Before making an attack Salman used to present to the enemy the doctrines of Islam in a beautiful way. Only when the enemy refused to be convinced by discourse, he used force. For example, we quote his address at the time of the siege of Qasre Irani. Addressing the besieged Persians in the fortress he tried to convince them on the doctrines and the principles of Islam and said, “I was your fellow countryman but Allah bestowed honour on me through Islam. O my brothers! You have no way out but to submit before Muslims. I advice you that you embrace Islam and become our brethren. Join us and you will enjoy all the rights of Muslims. You will be governed by the same law which governs the Muslims”. This speech is quite a long one. He deliver such speeches three days consecutively. When the Iranians did not concede he conquer the fort by force.

Apart from the military talent, Hadrat Salman (Allah be pleased with him) was an example of a beautiful combination of knowledge, character and fear pf Allah, it is evident form details of his early life that he understood Zoroastrianism and Christianity full well. And even when he followed those religions he did not believe in a creed without acting upon it. When he embraced Islam he became the most perfect model of Islam. In order to understand the principles and the practices of Islam he remained a constant of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). Ummul Momeneen (mother of the faithful) Hadrat Ayesha (Allah be pleased with her) once said:

 “Salman used to sit with the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) so late that we (the holy wives) fear lest our position of the night might also be consumed in the sitting”.

It is obvious that no one can realize the depth of the knowledge and understanding of a person who received education in religion from the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) with such care and devotion. All the Companions of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) acknowledged his knowledge and understanding. Some of them regarded him equal to Hakim Luqman in knowledge ad wisdom. All of them agreed that apart from Zoroastrianism he had perfect knowledge of the earlier scriptures (Old and New Testaments) and the last divine book (the Holy Qur’an). Further, Salman had not only a theorical nut practical knowledge also of both the religions. The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Salman is full of knowledge”.

Besides his knowledge, Salman’s practical life also won him a distinguished position amongst the devoted companions of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). He followed, in the letter and sprit, every word and action of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). In the last moments of his life, the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) did even a sum of four dinars to remain in his house and for them distributed amount the poor. Hadrat Salman also followed the precedent of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) in the matter of wealth and belongings. He had no house. So long as the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) he did not have a house of his won. Somebody said, “Should I build a house for you”. He said, “I do not need it”. The man however insisted and said, “I shall make it as you wish”. Hadrat Salman said, “May I know how?” He said, “It will be such a small house, that if one stands init his head will touch the ceiling, and when he lies down his feet will touch the walls”. Hadrat Salman agreed to a house of such dimensions.

Having heard from the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) that one’s belongings should not be exceed than that of a traveller, he acted upon it throughout his life. Hadrat Saab bin Abi Waqqas portrayed his life thus:

 “Hadrat Salman was sick. I went to see him. He began to weep. I asked him what for was he weeping and said,” The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) departed from this world, pleased with you. You will meet him again on the Hauz-i-Kausur (a fountain in paradise). You will also meet there with your other departed friends”.

He said, “By Allah. I am not afraid of death. Neither have I any desire for the world. What I lament for is, that I had promised the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) that my belongings would not be more than those of a traveller but now I find so many snakes around me”.

Saad bin Abi Waqqas then said that his entire belongings, which he called snakes, consisted of a large bowl, trough and a basin.

This happened just before his death. Even at the time when the Caliph appointed his the Governor of Medina, he led such a simple life that observes took hi to be an ordinary labourer.

Once a person who mistook him for a labourer asked him to carry his luggage. He carried the weight on his shoulders and went along him. When some of the passerby, who recognized him, saw him carrying the load, they saluted him and offer their services to carry the burden. The owner of the luggage was much ashamed and began to apologize. Hadrat Salman insisted, “I shall carry this load to your house. I cannot afford to lose the award of my intention”.

During this period of his Governorship, one of his friends came to see him. He found that Hadrat Salman was kneading the flout. He asked where the servant had gone. Salman replied, “He has gone out for some other work. I do not like to burden him with two responsibilities.”

As Governor, Hadrat Salman received a salary of five thousand Dinars. He ruled over thirty thousand persons but his won condition was that he possessed only one long shirt in which he gather dry wood. He used of it is as his bed and the other half as a cover. He distributed the whole salary amongst the poor and the needy. For himself he used to weave mats and give away one-third of his earnings from this occupation too, by way of alms; one-third he reserved for is family and the rest he gave away to the students of Hadith of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him).

Despite this simplicity he hated his life of abstinence. His brother in Islam, Hadrat Abu Durda was also endowed with the virtues of piety and fear of Allah. Hadrat Salman used to visit him off and one. Once he found the wife of Hadrat Abu Durda in shabby condition (i.e. clad in very ordinary clothes and without any make up etc.). He said, “Why have you made yourself so?” She said, “For whom should I adorn myself?” your brother does not care for all these things. He offers prayers throughout the night and observes fast during the day”! Meanwhile Hadrat Abu Durda came in. he greeted Hadrat Salman and after enquiring about his health he asked his wife to serve the meal. She complied and he requested Hadrat Salman to take meals. He himself sat aloof as he was observing fast. Salman said, “I shall not eat unless you join me”. At last he succeeded getting his optional fat broken. The he stayed with him at night also. When his brother got up for his usual prayers, eh stopped him and said:

 “You no doubt owe duty to your Allah, but your eyes too have some right on you. You keep fasts and pray in the night but enjoy sleep as well as it is also imperative for you.”

When Hadrat Abu Durda argued in his defence, he presented the case in the morning before the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said to Abu Durda “Salman understands, Islam better than you’.

On account of these qualities, Hadrat Salman was held in great esteem by the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) as well as by all of his Companions. Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) offer him so much respect that whenever Hadrat Salman visited him he offer his own seat to him. Hadrat Siddiq Akbar (Allah be pleased with him) could never forget the incidence when once Abu Sufyan passed along with some other persons by Hadrat Suhaib, Hadrat Bilal, Hadrat Salman (all be pleased with them) and these there persons said, “No sword of Allah has yet touched the neck of His enemy, Abu Sufyan!” Hadrat Abu Bakr said, “Why do you talk so impertinently about the chief of Quraish”

Afterwards he complained of it to the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) too. He said, “You perhaps antagonized them, and you know, to displease them is to displease Allah.” Hadrat Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) very much ashamed and at once rushed to beg pardon from those pious persons.

How did Salman Farsi achieve this position in Islam? It is evident from this discourse that he left his home and hearth, parents and relations, his country and his people in search of truth. When he found the truth he learnt its teachings and molded his life according to tenets. He held the Will of Allah and his Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) supreme at every stage of his life. He did not forsake simplicity taught by Islam in his everyday life. He did not part with it event when he was appointed as a governor. There are many lessons in the life of Hadrat Salman Farsi (Allah be pleased with him) for the workers of the Islamic movement all over the world whether they are in the preliminary stage or at the final stage of forming a state based on the principles of Islam. May Allah give us the strength and foresight to follow the footsteps of these great Muslims. Amen!

Chapter 5

HADRAT SUHAIB ROOMI

(Allah be pleased with him)

The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Suhaib is the first fruit of the Room (Turkey)”. It means that the first person from that land who embraced Islam was Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him)

Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) hailed from a village near the city of Mosul (Iraq) on the banks of River Tigris. His father was appointed by the Emperor of Iran as governor of Ubullah. The Roman armies usually fought with the Iranians. Once the Romans attacked Ubullah unexpectedly. Although the people of Ubullah defended it very bravely yet Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him), who was a child only, was capture by the Romans during the onslaught. They carried him off along with other goods and booty. The poor father searched for him everywhere but no avail. Failing to find out any trace of the child he lost all hopes and resigned himself to fate.

Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) was brought up amongst the Romans. When he grew up, the Romans sold him to a person, who brought him as a slave to Mecca. His master in Mecca was so pleased with him that he set him free.

Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) passed his days like outsider in Mecca. He started some business in partnership with another person and become quite prosperous. He was a social person having a good sense of humour. In whichever gathering he participated, he made it lively with his interesting conversation. He had a long acquaintance with the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). He often met him and had conversation and exchange of views with him. The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) deeply impressed him and Hadrat Suhaib adopted many good habits under his influence. When the city of Mecca echoed with the call of the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Hadrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him), how could a man like Suhaib lag behind in submitting to the call of Truth! He embraced Islam at once with great eagerness and enthusiasm. He had neither any blood relations nor any supporter in Mecca. How could the Quraysh of Mecca show any favour to Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) when they never ca for their own kith and kin, who had turned Muslims. Taking him to be an outsider every one teased and torture him as much as he could, but failed to shake his conviction in the truth of Islam. Muslims were order by Allah to migrate from Mecca.

The story of Hadrat Suhaib’s (Allah be pleased with him) migration so also one of the best examples set by the first believers in the unity of Allah. When we gather his belongings and prepay to leave for Medina, the residents if Mecca rushed on him and warned, “You came here penniless and pauper. You earned all this wealth in Mecca. Now you want to take it away with you. We shall not let you go like this.”

Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him), pointed to his bow, and said, “O you Quraysh of Mecca! You should know that I am one of the most skillful archer and best marksman among you all. By Allah, so long as there is a single arrow left with me you cannot dare come near me. After that I shall fight with my sword. But if you desire to have my wealth and belongings and promise not a stand in my way I agree even to this bargain.”

The Quraysh agreed, and Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) turned his back upon his wealth and all the belongings and left for Medina to comply with Allah’s order for migration conveyed through His Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him).

Deprived of all his belongings, when Suhaib reached Medina, he was almost with exhaustion and hunger. One of his eyes was badly swollen. The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) and his Companions who preached him were sitting there and eating dates. Seeing the dates Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) could not restrain and fell upon them. Hadrat Umar (Allah be pleased with him) said, “O Prophet of Allah! Look at Suhaib! His eye is sore yet he is eating dates!” Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) had a very good sense of humour. He said, “I am eating form the other side which is alright”. This prompt reply amused the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). Having finished the dates, Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) narrated whole story and said, “Finding me alone the Quraysh had detained me. At last I gave away all I had and got rid of them.” The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “You struck a profitable bargain.”

After that the following verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed by Allah:

*(Arabic Please)

“Amongst the people there are some who, far the sake of seeking pleasure of Allah is very kind to such people…..” (Al Baqarah)

In fact this pleasure of Allah ad obedience to His Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). That is why he left his second homeland, Mecca, and gave away the earnings of his whole life. He always put his life on stake in the hardest battles and the most fierce wars. He accompanied the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) in every battle fought for the sake of Islam and displayed his best skill in archery.

In old age he used to gather people around him and narrate his heroic deeds with great relish. In this manners and conduct he followed the example of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) completely. In entertaining the guests, helping the poor and giving away the charity, he was so generous that people felt he was extravagant. Once when Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) checked him, he repeated the following saying of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him):

“Of you the best is he who feeds the poor and returns the salutations”.

All the Companions, especially Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him), the second Caliph, paid him great respect. Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) had such a high opinion about him that, on his deathbed he instructed Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) should lead his funeral prayers and officiate as Iman and the Caliph till formal election Hadrat Suhaib (Allah be pleased with him) performed these duties to the best of his ability. May Allah be kind upon him and help us follow his example

Chapter 6

HADRAT ABDUR REHMAN BIN AUF

(Allah be pleased with him)

Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf (Allah be pleased with him) was one of the greatest followers and the contemporaries of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). He was a wealthy person. He was a merchant by profession. Besides his business, he owned an agricultural farm also. He worked on such a large scale that I a single unit of the farm he used to employ twenty camels at a time for watering fields. Apart from his business and farming the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) had also given him a big piece of land. Allah had blessed his trade, farm and his land so much that the three concerns yielded him quite a big income. He himself used to say that I benefited from any investment I made and any project I started.

His wealth and riches can be assessed by and instance that once his merchandise reached Medina out of which seven hund camels were loaded with wheat, flour and other foodstuff. It does not mean that he enjoyed and eminent position in Islam on accounts of his wealth. Wealth is not a symbol of greatness and nobility in Islam. Nobility and greatness are measure according to the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:

“Before Allah respectable is he, who is the most fearful of disobedience to Allah”

Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf (Allah be pleased with him) was, no doubt, very rich but the wealth did not include in him the capitalist mentality. His life was an example of this undeniable fact. The huge merchandise mentioned above also confirmed this notion. When Hadrat Ayesha (Allah be pleased with her) heard about the arrival of this huge convoy of merchandise she narrated a Hadith which stressed that the wealth often degrades a person. When Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf (Allah be pleased with him) came to know of it, he at once rushed Ummul Momeneen and said, “I make you a witness that I have given away whole of the merchandise convoy along with the camels in the name of Allah.”

Notwithstanding this instance he always spent his wealth generously for the cause of Islam.

When the great Companions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) were persuaded through Surah Baraat to spend their wealth in donations and charity. Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf (Allah be pleased with him) offer half of his wealth for the cause of Islam. Still he was not satisfied. He offer another forty thousand Dinars next. Later at a call of Jehad he offer 500 horses and 500 camels.

An idea of his charitable nature an munificence may be had from the fact that he set free thirty salves in a single day. Once he sold a piece of land for forty thousand Dinars which amount he give away in the name of Allah. Even with this generosity he often fear that his wealth may not prove harmful in the life hereinafter. With this fear in mind he once went to Hadrat Umm-e-Salma (the mother of all faithful) and said, “Mother, I fear that excessive wealth may not doom me for ever.” She advised, “Spend as much as you can in the name of Allah.”

The fear of the Doomsday was so much dominant over him that whenever he was served with good food, he started weeping remembering the days when the Muslims could not get enough to satisfy their hunger. He used to say, “Musa’b bin Umair was better than I. when he laid his life for the cause of Islam he had only one sheet of cloth for his shroud. If his head was cove his feet were exposed and if the feet cove his head was uncover. Hadrat Hamza also passed away in the same state. He was also better than I. now the conditions have changed and we are enjoying so many amenities of life that it appears as if we have received the very reward of our good deeds in this worldly life.” Saying so he would start weeping and withdraw from the meal.

Fear of Allah and the Doomsday had developed many virtues in him. The way in which he spent in the name of Allah has been described to some extent above. He also abhor family and racial pride. He embraced Islam at the age of thirty when he reached maturity. His original name was Abd-e-Amar. Since according to Islam every person is the ‘Abd (Slave) of Allah, the creator, and not of any creature, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) changed his name to Abdur Rehman. The salve of Allah accepted this name gladly and abandoned his family name. When the Muslims were orde by Allah to migrate from Mecca to Medina, nothing nor the love of his birth place. When he reached Medina, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) tied him in brotherly bond with Saad bin Az Zabee, who was the richest and most generous of all Ansars. He took his homeless brother to his own house and said, “I give half of my wealth to you.”

It has been observed generally that those whoa re wealthy are often very coward, weak, materialist and compromising, but Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf (Allah be pleased with him) so much fear Allah and Doomsday that he could not even think of any thing evil. He was neither a coward. He took part in all the battles along with the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and fought valiantly for the glory of Islam. In the battle of Badr to was he who pointed out Abu Jahl to the boys who slew him. He fought so bravely in the battle of Uhud that he received more than twenty wounds on his body. His foot was very badly injure and even after having been crushed he had to limp throughout the rest of his life.

On Sha’ban, the sixth, when he was leaving for the expedition of Daumtul Jundal, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) decorated his head with a t urban with his own hands. He was also given the flag and the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Go for the cause of Allah. Fight with those who are disobedient to Allah and indulge in vices. But do not cheat anybody nor play any tricks. Do not kill children. When you reach Daumtul Jundal present the teachings of Islam to the tribe of Kalb and when they embrace Islam, marry the daughter of their Chief”.

Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf (Allah be pleased with him) acted according to the instructions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and performed his task so amicably that all the people gladly embraced Islam within three days. He then married the daughter of the Chief of tribe.

Besides enormous wealth, sprit of sacrifice, generosity, valour and chivalry, Allah had blessed him equally with the wealth of wisdom and intelligence. In the cause of Islam whatever counsel he gave to anybody to prove most pertinent and fruitful. After t he departure of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) when there arose the problem of his successor, he actively participated in setting the matter successfully. Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Allah be pleased with him) always regarded him as a sincere adviser and always consulted him. At the time of the election if the Second Caliph his opinion was the same as was given the majority of the other great venerable companions (Allah be pleased with them). Later when Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him), the second Caliph, constituted as Advisory Council to carry out the work of Caliphate, Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf (Allah be pleased with him) was also included in it. During the reign of the Second Caliph too he continued giving his advices with great sincerity were achieved under his intelligent advice.

On many occasions his advice was eventually adopted by all the seasoned Companions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) such as in the matter of expedition to Iraq’s battle of Nehawand, the conquest of Iran and other such important issues. Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) had nominated him in the panel for the third Caliph but he withdrew his name. Again, when he voted for Hadrat Usama (Allah be pleased with him) to be the third Caliph, all the other Companions agreed with him. In short, he served the cause of Islam throughout his life with great sincerity and sprit of sacrifice.

He died at the age of seventy-five. Hadrat Ali (Allah be pleased with him) stood by his coffin and paid tributes to him in these words:

“O Ibn Auf! You drank the clean water of the world and avoided the impure one.”

Hadrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (Allah be pleased with him) paid homage to him in these words:

“Alas! That towering personality that looked high and unshakeable like a mountain has also passed away!”

Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) himself had a great regard for him. Once he had some crosstalk with Hadrat Khalid bin Waleed, the great military strategist of Islam. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) restrained Hadrat Khalid bin Waleed saying, Khalid! Don’t try to treat them at par with them even if you spend gold equal in weight to the mountain of Ohud, in the name of Allah.

His knowledge and wisdom, truthfulness and piety were such that in all complicated matters of jurisprudence and interpretation of the tenets of Islam he gave out his free and frank opinion to the Caliph, and it was always in perfect accord with Islamic principles. In the matter of inheritance and treatment with the non-Muslims his opinion was upheld by all venerable companions (Allah be pleased with them). During the days of Hadrat Othman Ghani (Allah be pleased with him) when Hadrat Zubair filled a complaint Hadrat Abdur Rehman, Hadrat Othman Ghani (Allah be pleased with them) made Hadrat Abdur Rehman himself the judge. After the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), the responsibility of looking after the Holy wives of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was entrusted to him. This shows the respect and confidence he enjoyed among the companions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). This respect and regard in enhance further when we find that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) had foretold in his life about Hadrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf (Allah be pleased with him) being destined for the Paradise. This was because he served the cause of Islam with all the talents and resources at his command. Allah blessed him with wealth and riches and he spent it for seeking the pleasure of Allah. Allah gave him intelligence, knowledge and wisdom and he used all these faculties in promoting the cause of Islam. He was imbued with the sprit of self-respect and modesty. Although a rich person he never enjoyed anything better than ordinary food.

Chapter 7

HADRAT SAEED BIN A'MIR

(Allah be pleased with him)

A Governor of the Days of Caliphate

Hadrat Saeed bin A’mir (Allah be pleased with him) was one of those persons who embraced Islam at the time when the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and some of his followers were facing great hardship and tortures at the hands of the Quraysh of Mecca. After embracing Islam he became such a model of piety and righteousness that we can learn many a lessons from his model character. His life also serves as a monument for the Civil Servants of a state which claims to be Islamic. It is also an example for all their citizens.

Hadrat Saeed bin A’mir (Allah be pleased with him) embraced Islam before the battle of Khyber. Soon after he migrated, leaving behind his home and hearth, and tool refuge with the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) in Medina. He took part in all the battles along with the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and showed great courage, bravery and faithfulness for the cause of Islam.

During the caliphate of Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) the Second Caliph, Hadrat Abu Abaidah (Allah be pleased with him) asked the Caliph for reinforcement in the battle of Yermook. He sent Hadrat Saeed bin A’mir (Allah be pleased with him) with reinforcements. Hadrat Saeed performed many heroic deeds in this battle. Later the post of governor of Hamas fell vacant due to the death of Hadrat Abbas bin Ghanam (Allah be pleased with him) Hadrat Saeed was appointed as the Governor of Hamas by the second Caliph.

During the tenure of his governorship somebody sent a complaint to Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) that the governor suffer very often with fits of insanity Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) summoned him at once for investigation. Saeed bin A’mir (Allah be pleased with him) enter Medina in a state of simplicity unknown in the history of a Governor. He held only a stick in his hand and a bowl. Saeed bin A’mir (Allah be pleased with him) said, “Is this all you have to live with?” He said, “What else is require? I eat in this bowl and hand the traveling kit on this stick.”

Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) again said, “It is reported to me that you suffer from fits of insanity”. He said, “No.”

“Then what about this report against you?” said Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him)

Hadrat Saeed bin A’mir (Allah be pleased with him), “It is true. But it is not due to any kind of mental illness. You remember the event of the murder of Hadrat Habib bin Addi.”

At that   time I was an eye witness of that heinous murder. Hadrat Habib bin Addi cursed the Quraysh when he was torture. Since I also belong to Quraysh, I shudder with fear and lose consciousness when I remember his curse.”

His explanation clear the matter and Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) dies him to join his duty in Hamas but he hesitated to go back on his job. Hadrat Umar insisted, so he had to comply with the orders and resume his duty in Hamas.

This is only an example. There are many others examples too, of his piety and righteousness. Only a couple of those examples and reproduced as under:

1. Once when he was the Governor of Hamas, Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) visited Hamas to arrange state help for the poor and needy over there. He order his staff to prepare a list of the poor. When the list was presented to him, he found that it included a name- Saeed bin A’mir. On enquiry he was told that the name refer to no other person but the Governor himself. Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) was stunned and said, “Your ruler! A poor person! What do you say? What does he do with his salary?” The people told the Caliph that he never even touched his salary and always distributed it among the poor and needy.

On learning of such selfness on the part of Governor, Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) began to weep and order a purse of a thousand Dinars to be sent to him at once so that he could meet his requirements. As soon as Hadrat Saeed bin A’mir (Allah be pleased with him) saw the purse, he recited, “Inna lillah-e-ea Inna Ilaihe Rajeoon” (To him we belong, and to Him have we to return). His wife was alarmed and asked, “What is the matter? Has the Caliph God forbid, met some accident?” H said, “No, something more fearful has happened.” His wife again said, “What calamity has befallen you?” He said, “It is even more terrible that a calamity.” Not understanding anything the perplexed wife said, “What is the matter after all? Tell me please.” He said, “The world has set many a snares for me.” She advised him to forestall them. Accordingly he threw away the whole amount into a big trough and he himself spent the whole night offering prayers. In the morning a contingent of Muslim army passed by that was and he donated the entire amount for their expenses.

2. Needless to say that how much popular a governor like Saeed bin A’mir would be in the public. Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) heard much about the prosperity of the people of Hamas and the popularity. Hadrat Saeed enjoyed there as Governor. Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) asked him why his people liked him so much. He answer, “I take  care of them and also sympathies with them.” This reply pleased Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) very much. He presented him with a gift of ten thousand Dinars which he declined to accept saying, “My income from my horses and my slaves is sufficient for me, I wish to serve the Muslims for the pleasure of Allah alone.” Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him) insisted, “Do accept the gift please. Once the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) gave me some money as gift and I also hesitated like you, whereupon the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) advised me to accept a gift which Allah give to you without your asking for it. “

These instances may lead some to think that one loses interest in this world and its attractions when he gets quite old. Bu it must be noted that Hadrat Saeed bin A’mir died at the age of forty only, and those instances refer to a period when he was in the full prime of his life.

Chapter 8

HADRAT AMMAR BIN YASIR

(Allah be pleased with him)

Hadrat Yasir, father of Hadrat Ammar, belonged to Yemen. he had many brothers. One of them was once lost and nobody ever heard of him thereafter. Yasir, along with his two brothers, went to search of him. During this search he reached Mecca. The two brothers returned home from Mecca but Yasir did not go back and made Mecca his home town. He developed friendly relations with Abu Hudaifa, a dignitary of Mecca. He gave him in marriage one of his very talented and intelligent maid servants, Samiyyah. This lady gave birth to Hadrat Ammar (Allah be pleased with him).

Hadrat Ammar was one of those fortunate and dauntless companions of the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him) who preceded others in embracing Islam Hadrat Ammar embraced Islam when the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him) had taken refuge in the house of Hadrat Arqam bin Abi Arqam along with his thirty or thirty two followers owing to the unbearable tortures and persecution of the infidels of Mecca. It was under these circumstances that his father Yasir, his Mother Samiyyah, his brother Abdullah and the rest of his family accepted Islam.

Hadrat Ammar and his family had no family links with the people of Mecca. Neither had they any wealth or high position to win for them any support from the people of Mecca. Only Abu Hudaifa patronized them but he died before the dawn of Islam.

Finding them helpless, and having no voice or support in the city, the infields of Mecca subjected them to miserable torture as a reprisal against their embracing Islam. They were forced to lie down on the extremely hot sand right at noon. They made to walk over burning cinders. They kept them immersed in the water for hour’s together but could not succeed in wining over any one of those lovers of Islam.

Hadrat Samiyyah, mother of Hadrat Ammar. Although a woman, was a staunch and enthusiastic worker of the Islamic movement. Abu Jehl could not tolerate anybody’s enthusiasm for Islam. One day, in an fit a rage, he struck her below the navel with his spear with such a force that the poor lady died on the spot. His father, Yasir and his brother Abdullah were also torture to death by the infields.

The Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him) often shed tears on the helplessness and the miserable condition of this family. Whenever he passed by them and found them holding firm to their faith under severe torture and harsh treatment, he would say:

“O family of ‘Ammar! I congratulate you. The eternal Gardens are waiting for you.”

Once the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him) saw that the infields of Mecca had made Hadrat Ammar lie down on the burning cinders and he was quite helpless. Seeing this, the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him) prayed for him:

“O fire! Cool down for Ammar as thoudidst for Hadrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him).”

When Ammar spoke of his helplessness and misery to the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him), he advised’ him to remain calm and prayed for him:

“O Allah! Forgive Yasir’s family.”

They endue untold hardships for a long time. At last Allah helped them out of their misfortune. The Muslims were order to migrate. Hadrat Ammar first went to Abyssinia and they migrated to Medina. Seeing his firm belief, faithfulness and truthfulness, the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him) prayed for him to be safe from the Devil and acclaimed him as a test of good and evil. Whenever he saw Ammar, the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him) said, “Faith and conviction run as blood into the veins of Ammar.” Many time he would say, “Alas Ammar! You will be killed by a group of rebels.”

On the basis of these sayings of the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him), people used to settle their mutual feuds in the light of the advice of Hadrat Ammar. During the Caliphate Hadrat Ali (Allah be pleased with him), when the Muslims began to quarrel among themselves and were divided in two groups, those who were neutral followed Ammar and supported Hadrat Ali (Allah be pleased with him). In this quarrel there were many fierce and lamentable skirmishes amongst the Muslims. In one of these skirmishes, two persons killed Hadrat Ammar and carried his head to their officer. In order to get reward each of them claimed to have killed Hadrat Ammar. Hadrat Abdullah bin ‘Amar bin al’As was also present there. When he saw them boasting and claming the cit of killing, he said, “Don’t try to take the responsibility of murdering Ammar because I have heard from the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him) that the rebel group will kill Ammar. Abdullah’s father, Hadrat Amar bin al’As was also there. He remarked, “By Allah both of them are quarrelling to go to Hell!”

Throughout his life, Hadrat Ammar always sought the pleasure of Allah. He fought with great valour and courage in all the battles against the infields. After the Holy Prophet (Allah be pleased with him) he also participated in all important battles fought during the reigns of the first four Caliph. There is famous event of the battle of Yemama, which apart from being interesting carries a great lesson for the Muslims.

In the battle of Yemama, Hadrat Ammar was making fierce onslaughts on the enemy. All of sudden one of his ears was chopped off and dropped on the ground but he remained busy in Jehad quite indifferent to the loss of his ear. In the mean time he felt that the Muslims were showing signs of weakness and were retreating. He climbed over a lofty rock and yelled out in a loud voice:

“O Muslims! You are running away from Paradise. Look at me. I am Ammar bin Yasir. Come with me. Follow me.”

On hearing this call, the morale of the Muslim army was strengthened and making a strong onslaught they won the battle. Afterwards, when he was the Governor of Koofa, during the Caliphate of Hadrat Umar Farooq (Allah be pleased with him), a dignitary of Koofa dies him to agree to one of his proposals, but Hadrat Ammar refused. The man got infuriated and talked to him in a rude manner. “O man with broken ear! Hadrat Ammar though a Governor, controlled his anger and said, “Alas! You have abused my best and dearest ear.””

Apart from being true and faithful to Islam, Hadrat Ammar was also one of the most intelligent companions (Allah be pleased with them). He held many important posts under the Islamic Government. When he was appointed as Governor of an important place like Koofa he performed his duties with great ability. But he was not usually happy with such appointments. He liked simplicity, showing hospitality to the guests and selflessness. Once Hadrat Ali (Allah be pleased with him) took him along to inspect a canal. This inspection took quite a long time. Hadrat Ammar was ti and began to doze off. He lay down under a tree on the bare ground and fell asleep.

Hadrat Ammar loved to offer prayers. He said his prayers with great devotion and concentration. Often he spent the whole night in offering prayers, reciting the Holy Qur’an and sac verses. Hadrat Abdullah bin Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) recited a verse with reference to Hadrat Ammar:

“Is the person who stands in his prayers and keels down on the ground through the night fearful of the hereinafter and hopeful of his Allah’s kindness,”

Hadrat Ammar attained the age of 91 years, but he never looked old. Till the end he tried to surpass others in the cause of Islam. He often prayed to Allah:

“O Allah1` If I knew I would please Thee by jumping down from the mountain, burning myself in the fire or by drowning in the water, I would obtain Thy pleasure at all costs. I go into the Holy war only to secure Thy pleasure. I hope Thou will give me success! “

Allah, no doubt, gave him success. He was marty in the cause of Islam and Allah was pleased with him and he who pleases Allah is successful.