Part 38

The figs and apples of Halwan are known for their quality, sweetness and delicious taste. The figs are appreciated all over the world and are known as the ‘Queen of Figs.’ Since this city is situated ina valley, the beautiful streams present a scenic beauty of spring.

The Muslim army conquered Halwan after they had taken Jalula’. When the Iranian Emperor heard of the coming of the Muslims he fled from Halwan to Isphahan and found refuge there. But he was fated to keep on fleeing from every place.

Nahawind is a huge and ancient city. Great scholar Yaqut Hamawi, in his book, Ma‘jam Al-Baldén has given detailed information about the

“If Nu’man bin Magran Mazni <% is martyred, Huthaifah bin Yamman should take over as Commander. If jhe too is killed then Jareer bin “Abdullah % should take over the responsibility. {f he martyred, then Mughirah bin Sha’bah t+ 4s 2, should take command of the army. After him Ash‘ath bin Qais .5 is to perform the duties of the commander.”

The Iranian had taken refuge in the fort and dug trenches all around Nahawind for protection, so the Muslim army besieged the city. Since the Iranian were not coming out to confront them, the Commander-inChief, Nu’man bin Maqran Mazni +, finally called for a meeting his most experienced generals. Among them were brave men such as ‘Amr bin Muthna, ‘Amr bin Ma‘adi Karb and Talihah bin Khawaled Liye a re

They all suggested that a few Mujahideen should be sent into the city under the leadership of an experienced general. When the [ranians attacked them they should race back. This would boost the courage of the Jranians and they would set out in a chase. Once they came out of the city, the Muslim army could launch a powerful attack. These Mujahideen who were to thus play on their lives were led by Qa‘qa’ bin ‘Amr . He, displaying great courage and daring, entered the city of Nahawind with lightening speed. When the Iranian army saw this unexpected threat they panicked; then they plucked up their courage and got ready to fight. When they advanced forward to battle with the invaders, Qa’qa’ bin ‘Amr +48 and his men, in accordance with their plan, zoomed around and started to race back. Thus encouraged by what they saw as a retreat, the Iranian army came out into the battlefield. The whole of the Muslim army collectively made a powerful attack. A fierce battle followed, and in no time the field of Jihad was red with the blood of those killed from the two armies.

The Commander-in-Chief, Nu‘man bin Magran Mazni #%, exhibiting extraordinary bravery was martyred. When the Iranian Commanderin-Chief, Ferozan, saw the battle was at a critical juncture, he fled the field and started to climb up a mountain. But Qa’qa’ bin ‘Amr 2, displaying great daring, gave chase, caught up with him and finally killed him.

This great enviable and heroic Mujahid, who was said to equal more than a thousand ordinary soldiers, immersed in his deep love for Allah 3 and the Prophet 3, had the honour of killing three of the enemy Generals in the battle of Qadissiyah. He was an experienced warrior, who in every battle with the Iranians terrified the enemy with his military prowess; he never craved for wealth or amassed it and never lusted after political power or worldly status. In the Battles of Jamal and Safain he was the ambassador of ‘Ali bin Abi Talib 4 and in these two battles his sword remained in its scabbard. He was a sympathetic Mujahid who after spending the last days of an exemplary and enviable life in the city of Kufa finally met with his Creator.

“Come back to your Lord, well-pleased (yourself) and wellpleasing (unto Him)!” (89:28)

The friendship of Khalid bin Waleed and Sharjeel bin Hasanah Lge St ee performed a great role in the exaltation and eminence of Islam.” (Historians)

This youth came to be known in the annals of history as Sharjeel bin Hasanah .#. He was the son of ‘Abdullah bin Mata’ bin ’Amr bin Kundah. His mother was named Hasanah. He was an infant in his mother’s lap when his father passed away. After passing the period of her ‘Iddat’ his mother married Sufyan bin Mua’mmar Ansari. This is why his name rather than his father’s name knew by him mother. His mother was from the tribe of Banu ‘Adul who were inhabitants of Bahrain and aliies of the Banu Zahra. This respectable lady also had the honour of migrating to Ethiopia with her son Sharjeel 4.

When the benefactor of Mankind, first became the Messenger of Allah 38, Sharjeel bin Hasanah 4 was under the guardianship of his

stepfather, Sufyan bin Mua’mmar Ansari and being brought up by him. By his mother’s second marriage he had two brothers, Khalid bin Sufyan and Janadah bin Sufyan, who were born soon after each other.

When Prophet Muhammad # proclaimed himself as the Messenger of Allah, both his parents had the honour to be among the first to accept Islam. Thus from his very childhood he had the chance to grow up in Islamic environment. During. this critical period the newly converted Muslims underwent great hardships and suffering. They were ground in the mills of cruelty and oppression. Their naked bodies were subjected to the whiplash and they were dragged naked across the pebbled sands of the burning desert.

They were made to lie down on burning fires and heavy stones were laid across their chests. All new method of torture was tested callously and cruelly on them.

Doubtless in the context of the spreading of the Message this was the most tragic and terrible period in the history of Islam. It chills the spine of any person who turns the pages of this dark period filled with blood and gore. Which cruelty was left untried on these unarmed Muslims? Which torment was not tested on these innocent and pure bodies of Muslims? Which punishment did their bodies not taste?

Tt was only they whose lives had been blessed and brightened directly by the radiance of the Messenger’s personality. Whose hearts had been illuminated by the True Faith, who could call out ina trance, as it were, the Name of Allah 3 even as they were being tugged naked across the burning pebbles of the sandy desert or lying down on live coals. When the sufferings and, agony of the Quraish had exceeded all limits, these obedient and noble Companions received orders from the Prophet 3 to migrate towards Ethiopia. The Emperor Najashi of Ethiopia was wellknown in the Arab world for his justice and hospitality. Thus the very first caravan of oppressed migrants in the history of Islam set out for Ethiopia. It comprised eleven men and four women. They were provided accommodation and their days and nights passed in peace and tranquillity. One day they received news that there was peace in Makkah at last and Muslims were no longer subject to persecution. Their love for their motherland compelled them to return. When they reached there, their hearts filled with love and joy, but they found that

the news they had received was not correct. Things had not changed in any way, in fact the Quraish was targeting the Muslims even more and they were being inflicted with worse abuse and torment. Tired of this constant subjugation and tyranny, the Muslims were forced to migrate for a second time. This time round besides the women and children there were eighty men, who set out for Ethiopia. And this time Sharjeel (4) was with his family among the members of the caravan.

They remained in Ethiopia till such time as the Prophet # migrated to Al-Madinah. When this news reached the Muslim migrants in Ethiopia that he had bid goodbye to Makkah and had moved permanently to Al-Madinah and settled there, they were delighted. Gradually they also started moving there.

In the year 9 Hijrah the Prophet 38, Commanding the Muslim forces set out for Tabook to grapple the problems. After his return he appointed Khalid bin Waleed % as the Commander of four hundred warriors to go to Domatul-Jandal to subjugate the Banu Kundah tribe. Their chieftain, Akidar bin ‘Abdul-Malik, was a Christian.

Khalid bin Waleed 4 asked:

“O Messenger of Allah 3% how can I conquer such a powerful enemy with such a small army?”

The Prophet 38 replied: