Part 56

In 6 Hijrah fourteen hundred Companions set out for Makkah with the Prophet 38 to perform ‘Umrah. They were stopped at Hudaibiyah. Finally a treaty was concluded between the Prophet 3% and the Quraish of Makkah, which came to be known as the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. ‘Ukashah bin Mohsin was one of these pure-hearted

Companions, who are described in the Noble Qur’an in these words of Sarah Al-Fath:

“Indeed Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave the Bai‘ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad 3) under the tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory.” (48:18)

During the caliphate Abu Bakr Siddiq 4 subversion and perfidy had reached their peak. Instead of feeling upset and panicking, he displayed determination and courage and declared Jihdd against the apostates. In order to subdue these traitors he sent armies of Mujahideen in various directions. The very famous and cunning boy of the Banu Asad tribe, Taleehah bin Khawaled Asadi declared that he was a prophet. Of the Arab tribes, Banu Tai and Banu Farazah had united with the Banu Asad. The Prophet 3 had appointed Dharar bin Azwar -$, a brave and heroic warrior of the Banu Asad to suppress and overpower him. He showed his experience and valor in defeating Taleehah Asadi and his army. Taleehah, in an effort to save his life escaped to a place called Bazakhah and took up residence there.

Abu Bakr Siddiq 4 ordered the great Muslim General Khalid bin Waleed 4 to suppress Taleehah and he set off for Bazakhah. Khalid @ sent ‘Ukashah bin Mohsin and Thabit bin Aqram Uys 4 2, first to find the main route to the battlefield and check its condition. It so happened that Taleehah and his brother Salamah were riding in the area. Taking advantage of the opportunity they attacked ‘Ukashah

This incident had taken place before the Muslim army had reached the battlefield. When Khalid bin Waleed .# saw the bodies of these two martyrs he was close to tears; he buried them in the same bloodsoaked clothes and turned in fury to challenge the enemy. Taleehah’s army faced a disgraceful defeat in the battlefield and he himself took to his heels.

He finally managed to find refuge in Syria. There he repented and embraced Islam again. From Syria he decided to proceed to Makkah for the purpose of performing ‘Umrah. While he was passing AlMadinah, a person who reported his intentions to the Caliph Abu Bakr Siddig spotted him. But caliph Abu Bakr Siddiq 8 said he could not be prevented from performing ‘Umrah since he had come back into the fold of Islam.

During the Caliphate of ‘Umar Farooq -# he wished to swear allegiance to him in person, but the Caliph was very angry with him. He told him:

“You have tortured Muslims.” Taleehah pleaded his case and said:

“Allah 3% accepts the true repentance of a sinner; | wish to swear allegiance to you in person and find redemption for my past sins. Please be kind enough to give me this opportunity.”

‘Umar Faroog -# finally agreed and his future was blessed because he had returned to the fold of Islam. If Allah wishes to Blessed a person with True Faith no one else can stand in his way or deprive him.

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

‘Abdullah bin Jahash 2 The Prophet # said:

“O ‘Abdullah! You should be delighted because a grand palace has been made for you in Paradise.”

‘Abdullah bin Jahash 2

‘Abdullah bin Jahash @ is one of the most brilliant stars in the firmament of Islam and a torch-bearer of the new religion. He was the son of Umaima bint ‘Abdul Mutallib, the aunt of the Prophet 38. His sister was Umm-ul-Mo'mincen Zainab bint Jahash \s 4) 2). He was a man of medium height with a sturdy well-built body and his thick hair framed a beautiful face. He had supreme patience and could bear up with hunger and thirst with great fortitude. He was one of them whom accept Islam first; the Prophet # had just sat in Dar-Arqam when ‘Abdullah bin Jahash came in and swore allegiance to Islam.

According to one tradition, he was appointed as a General of the first Islamic troop. He also had the good fortune and distinction of being the first great Companion to receive the flag of Islam from the hands of the Prophet 38 himself and lead a band of the Mujahideen. He loved martyrdom more than this borrowed lifetime. In the battlefield of Uhud, he offered such a unique supplication, which moved the listeners deeply. This supplication was honoured. His Ijtehad was proved by Allah 3% regarding distribution of one-fifth spoils of war in the Noble Qur’an. He was martyred in the Battle of Uhud and had the distinction of finding tranquillity and repose in the same grave as the Leader of the Martyrs, Amir Hamzah -%, the dearly beloved uncle of the Prophet 38.

When the Prophet % saw his Companions being persecuted and tortured by the Quraish, he gave them permission to migrate to AlMadinah. ‘Abdullah bin Jahash + decided to migrate and take his

whole family with him. It was not a difficult decision for him to leave behind a settled life in his hometown and resettle in a strange new place, since it was for the sake of Allah. He had earlier migrated to Ethiopia as well with the first band of migrants, so really speaking it was not a unique experience. But this time round migration was ona larger scale, since all his family was to traveling together.

When the family left Makkah for Al-Madinah the houses wore a forlorn deserted look. One day Abu Jahl and Shaibah visited these deserted grand palaces. They were surprised to see that the doors and windows had been left wide open and they were banging in the strong winds. It seemed as if no one had ever lived in them before. Abu Jahl took over the magnificent palace of ‘Abdullah bin Jahash 4 and started living there. When ‘Abdullah 4 heard this news he felt sorrowful that a disbeliever has occupying it. He asked the Prophet 38:

“O Prophet! What has happened? The worst man in the creation of Allah 3% has occupied my house.”

When the Prophet 38 saw his distress he consoled him, saying:

“Would you not like it that Allah make a beautiful and grand palace for you in Paradise?”

“Why not O Prophet; if this happens then what greater happiness could I want?”

Then the Prophet 3 said:

“O ‘Abdullah! You should be delighted because a grand palace has been made for you in Paradise.”

His pleasure and gratification knew no bounds. The news of a palace in Paradise, made one must be the very pinnacle and peak of perfection. Any Muslim could aspire such a thing to catch this honour. It is only natural that his heart started to dance with happiness. The Companions of the Prophet 8 were those fortunate people, who have sacrificed all for him and Islam. They heard such tidings of honour from him personally. The azure dome of the heavens could never have seen a more noble, honorable and self-respecting band of people

than the Companions of the Prophet 38. These are hallowed and sacred souls who have found honourable mention in the Book of Allah Himself. The minor regret that ‘Abdullah bin Jahash 4 may have felt at the worst of men takeover his house and wealth. He was instantly changed into rapture on this thought. Doubtless the life of this world and all its trappings are transient and temporary. It is the life Hereafter that is Eternal and Everlasting and which was belongs rightfully to the respected Companions. They were given the glad tidings of success not only in this world, but also in the life after death.

“Today I am appointing a man as your leader, who is capable of bearing up with hunger and thirst better than any of you.”

As he said this he handed the troop’s flag to ‘Abdullah bin Jahash #5. He also gave hima letter and told him:

“Open this letter and read it after you have travelled for two days and follow the instructions given in it.”

The leader, ‘Abdullah bin Jahash -4, opened the letter after two days as instructed by the Prophet 38. The following was the text of the letter:

“When you read this letter do not stop, but keep on advancing until you reach Nakhlah, which is between Taif and Makkah. Set up camp at Nakhlah, and keep a very close watch on the Quraish. If you detect any unusual or dangerous movements inform me immediately.”

When ‘Abdullah bin Jahash -¢ read the instructions of the Prophet 3, and told his companions:

“{ have been ordered by the Prophet 3 to set up camp at Nakhlah and keep a watch on the movements of the Quraish. It is quite possible that our lives may be at risk, so those of you

who wish to attain martyrdom please accompany me. There may be some of you who value their life more than their mission; in case if they wish to go back, they can do so. No objections will be raised.”