Part 18

By Allah’s grace such was the graphic picture of Eternity in the minds of those noble souls. Similarly once when he was weeping and wailing, someone saw him and asked why he was mourning and what tragedy or problem had overtaken him. Why was he shedding tears and looking so sorrowful? He answered,

“The ruler of the Muslim Ummah, the Prophet 3, had said goodbye to the world while he was in sucha state that there was not even enough simple and ordinary food for his family. Today we are living in wealth and plenty. We don’t know what will be our end result. I pray that Allah Almighty does not get rid of us in the Hereafter after giving us everything here.”

Such people with such ideas and viewpoints! It is the Greatness and Glory of Allah 38!

In spite of his time-consuming business and agricultural activities ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf 4 took an active part in fighting battles of jihad for the exaltation and glory of Islam. He had courageously slain the dangerous enemy of Islam, ‘Umair bin ‘Uthman, by cutting off his head.

Jahl approaching very arrogantly. Immediately ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf > pointed him out to them and said that their prey was approaching. They attacked him with the speed of lightening and dealt him such a fatal blow that he fell off his horse. What a spirit of jihdd animated these young boys; their unbounded love for the Prophet 3 gave them almost superhuman strength. Their astounding feat of destroying one of the greatest pillars of the enemy at sucha young age was truly remarkable.

In 6 Hijrah the Muslim army was sent to bring the area of Doamatul Jandal under the control of the Islamic government. The Banu Kalb tribe who were enemies of Islam lived there. The Prophet 3% appointed ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf .# the commander of the Muslimarmy, placed the turban of the general on his head and handed him the flag. He instructed him to first invite the tribe to convert to Islam; if they accepted, it would be better for them. If they did not agree then the Muslim army had to fight resolutely. But they should be careful not to harm or kill the aged people, the women and the children. ‘AbdurRahman bin ‘Auf . reached Doamatul Jandal and following the instructions of the Prophet 3%, spent three days in talking and lecturing to the people about Islam ina tactful and rational manner. They invited the people to come into the fold of Islam. The chieftain of the tribe, Asbagh bin ‘Amr kulbi, who loved Christianity much, was affected by their teachings and decided to become a Muslim. Influenced by his conversion, most of his people too converted to Islam. Those who did not want to accept Islam got their freedom on condition that they agreed to pay the jazyah.

The other important event which took place was that the chieftain got his daughter married to ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf. Thus through instruction and invitation this area came under the sway of Isiam in a very peaceful manner without any loss of life or property.

Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf 4 used to spend his wealth for the propagation of Islam without counting the cost. This really gave great support to the armies of the Mujahideen. On one occasion he bought for them five hundred horses trained for military combat. On another occasion he bought fifteen hundred pure-bred Arab steeds for the Mujahideen.

Just before his death he freed all his slaves and wrote in his will that the survivors of the Battle of Badr should be presented with four hundred dinars each; he also wrote that the Ummahatul-Mo'’mineen should be given a great proportion of his wealth and goods.

‘Mishah ye 51 =, Often used to offer this supplication for him to Allah

“O Allah please give ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf .# the sweet waters of the stream of Salsabil in Paradise.”

He was fortunate enough to receive many blessed prayers from many in this life on earth. The Prophet # prayed for his prosperity, and gave him the glad tidings of a life in the Hereafter in Paradise.

He tied the turban of the commander on his head with his own hands, and placed the flag of Islam in his hands. Ummul Mo’mineen ‘A’ishah 4 4! 2, prayed to Allah 38 to quench his thirst with the sweet water of Salsabil.

What greater honours can a human being receive in this world?

The Prophet #8 announced the recruitment of Mujahideen for the Battle of Tabuk. Besides the need for Mujahideen to fight against the huge number of soldiers in the Roman army, there was a dire need for money and provisions. The journey was long and arduous, and they had very limited means. They lacked camels and horses as well. Due to this reason many of the volunteers could not be included in the army, and they were in tears. They were weeping because they did not have transport and means, and thus they were deprived of the honour of taking part in Jihéd. The army which set out for the War of Tabook was also called the Jaeesh-Usarah (Penniless army). On this occasion the Prophet 3% urged people to spend freely to equip the army for Jihad. The Companion who had the means was vying with each other to respond to the Prophet's call. This time too ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf’s contribution outweighed all others. He brought bags full of silver,

All Praise to Allah the Pure! It was a sight to behold the scenes of faith and fervour, sincerity and purity, generosity and munificence! Nowhere

under the azure heavens have men seen such purity of souls!

What a great stature and what respect and honour! The Prophet 38 gave this exalted position to his loyal servant and follower. He took the dwellers of the earth to the seventh heaven and may he be exalted and place in even more exalted regions!

Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf 4% was with the Prophet 3% on the historic occasion of the conquest of Makkah and from that time on till the Hajjahtul-Widah (the Farewell).

After a great deal of consideration and soul-searching, ‘AbdurRahman bin ‘Auf ¢ voted in favour of ’Uthman bin ‘Affan 4 and made the announcement. And he was the first to swear the oath of loyalty on his palm. Thus in a very pleasant way the problem was resolved.

The way he handled the whole affair was remarkable for its foresight and wisdom.

Amir-ul-Mo'mineen ‘Uthman bin ’Affan < once said he had heard the Prophet # say that the person who served and protected the Ummahatul-Mo'mineen (Mothers of the Believers) after his death would most certainly be a picture of trustworthiness, honesty and purity. So, ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf 4% performed this duty very well and with sincerity. During the Hajj he would organise provisions and conveyance for the Ummahatul-Mo'mineen. In the duration of the journey he would make special arrangements for their privacy. With respect and honour they would be protected throughout the period of Hajj. He would earn their supplications in his favour with his earnest, honest and devoted efforts to provide them with every imaginable comfort and convenience.

He passed away from this life to Paradise during the caliphate of “Uthman bin ‘A ffan 8, and was buried in Jannatul-Bagahi.

‘Amr bin Al-‘As 2 ‘Umar bin Khattab said:

“O ‘Amr when I see your intelligence, your wisdom your understanding and your farsightedness, I feel you should have been the very first to enter into the fold of Islam.”