Chapter Six

The Chapter Concerning Jihaad (Striving in the Path of Allaah) in the path of Allaah and how they went out to give dawah towards Allaah and towards His Rasool @# regardless of whether their circumstances were favourable or unfavourable, or whether they had a choice or not. The chapter also makes clear how they prepared for this during times of difficulty and ease, Rasulullaah Encourages Striving in the path of Allaah and Spending One's Wealth for this Cause Rasulullaah leaves for the Battle of Badr after Consulting with the Sahabah i4!5@w Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari $H@@& narrates that they were all in Madinah when Rasulullaah @?@ said, "I have been informed that the trade caravan of Abu Sufyaan is arriving (from Shaam with plenty of wealth). Do you want to march to the caravan so that Allaah should perhaps give y/ou plenty of booty?" When the Sahabah iBlW% agreed, Rasulullaah @@ marched out of Madinah with them. After marching a day or two, Rasulullaah @.%% said to the Sahabah i@WW, "The Quraysh have received intelligence about us (and have prepared an army to fight US), SO what do you say (about fighting them)?" The Sahabah i43EW said, "By Allaah! We do not have the strength to fight them because we intended taking on only the caravan." Rasulullaah @%&! repeated, 'What do you say about fighting them?" When the Sahabah i@@&!& gave the same response, Hadhrat Miqdaad bin Aswad !&WM stood up and said, "In that case, 0 Rasulullaah (if we have to fight them), we shall not say to you what the people of Moosa @&$ said to him when they said: 6 - I * I * & I . I W , I 0 ( ~ t : ~ U I a~p) (@ Gj$ UI I %U I GJJ GI +bib) ' . ..

You and your Rabb both go ahead and fight. We shall remain sitting here."' {Surah Maa'idah, verse 24) THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH %r-5 (Vol-I) Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob !BW says, "We Ansaar wished that we had said what Miqdaad B!&M had said. This would have been more beloved to us than having an abundance of wealth." It was then that Allaah revealed the following verse of the Qur'aan: Just as your Rabb took you (0 Muhammad @%$) from your home with the truth (with good cause to fight the battle) while there was certainly a group of the Mu'mineen who were unhappy (to fight the K~ffaar because they were not prepared for battle). {Surah Anfaal, Lerse s)(') Hadhrat Anas WiW narrates that when Rasulullaah @@ consulted with the Sahabah itBW&j to march to Badr, Hadhrat Abu Bakr - gave his opinion (in favour of marching). Rasulullaah @@ again asked for opinions and Hadhrat Umar HX% gave his. When Rasulullaah @@ again asked for opinions, someone from the Ansaar said, "0 assembly of Ansaar! It is your opinion that Rasulullaah wants." A person from the Ansaar then said, "In that case, 0 Rasulullaah @& (if we have to fight them), we shall not say to you what the Bani Israa'eel said to Moosa when they told him, 'You and your Rabb both go ahead and fight.

We ;hall remain sitting here.' In fact, we shear by the Being Who sent you with the truth that we shall follow you even if you travel to (the distant city of) Barkul Ghimaad (in Yemen)." (2) Another narration from Hadhrat Anas - states that when Rasulullaah heard about the arrival of (the caravan of) Abu Sufyaan, he consulted with the Sahabah -. When Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~ , W j voiced his opinion (to march), Rasulullaah @@ turned away from him. Thereafter, when Hadhrat Umar %3W% voiced his opinion, Rasulullaah @%$ turned away from him as well. Hadhrat Sa'd bin Ubaadah !@Mi% (from the Ansaar) then said, "It is our opinion that Rasulullaah @$?@ wants." Addressing Rasulullaah @@, he then said, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life! If you command us to ride our animals into the sea, we shall readily do'so and if you command us to travel to (the distant city of) ~arkul Ghimaad (in Yemen), we shall certainly do so." It was only then that Rasulullaah @& gave the command (for the Sahabah i+EW&i to march). (3) Hadhrat Alqama bin Waqqaas Laythi ?&w narrates that after leaving for Badr, when he reached a place called Rowhaa, Rasulullaah @%% addressed the Sahabah i@!S&-% asking, "What is your opinion?" Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?&W responded by mentioning the news that had reached them about the extensive battle preparations that Mushrikeen had made.

When Rasulullaah &%@ again asked for (1) Ibn Abi Haatim and Ibn Mardaway, as quoted in A/ Bidaaya wan Nihai?ya (Vo1.3 Pg.263). The complete narration appears in Majma'uzzawaa'id (Vol.6 Pg.73) and in (Vo1.6 Pg.74), lmaam Haythami has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Ahmad, narrating from reliable sources as confirmed by Ibn Kathcer in A/ Bidaaya wan Nlhaaya (Vo1.3 Pg.263). The narration is "ThulaathiUin nature. (3) Ahmad, as quoted in A1 Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vol.3 Pg.263) and Ibn Asaakir as quoted in Kanzui Ummaal (vol.5 Pg.273). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH $&.- (Vol-1) opinions, Hadhrat Umar &G54%j responded as Hadhrat Abu Bakr k ? % j had done.

When Rasulullaah @% again asked for opinions, Hadhrat Sa'd bin Mu'aadh !!,iIGW (from the Ansaar) said, "0 Rasulullaah w! It seems like it is our opinion that you are asking for. I swear by the Being Who has honoured you and revealed the Qur'aan to you that although I have never travelled the road and have no knowledge about it, we shall definitely travel with you even if you were to travel up to Barkulhi ma ad which lies in Yemen. We shall also not be like those people who said to Moosa 4@&Jk, You and your Rabb both go ahead and fight. We shall remain sitting here.' We shall rather say, 'You and your Rabb both go ahead and fight. We shall be there right behind you.' You had possibly left for a purpose after which Allaah intended you to do something else.

Look into the matter that Allaah intends you to do and then do it. You may join ties with whoever you please, severe ties with whoever you please, initiate hostilities towards whoever you please, enter into peace treaties with whoever you please and take as much of our wealth as you please." It was with reference to this statement of Hadhrat Sa'd %.lm that Allaah revealed the following verse of the Qur'aan: ( 0 :JkYl i~y) ~ u s t as your Rabb took you (0 ~uhammad @%) from your home with the truth (with good cause to fight the battle) while there was certainly a group of the Mu'mineen who were unhappy (to fight the Kuffaar because they were notprepared for battle). (Surah Anfaal, verse 5)(') Another narration states that Hadhrat Sa'd 3also said to Rasulullaah m, "Take as much of our wealth as you please and leave as much as you please but what you take from us is more beloved to us than what you leave. Our wills are subservient to the commands you give us. I swear by Allaah that even if you continue travelling until you reach Barkul Ghamdaan, we shall travel with Ibn Is'haaq has narrated that Hadhrat Sa'd bin Mu'aadh W%Bij said, "It appears as if it is our opinion that you want, 0 Rasulullaah m." When Rasulullaah &?@ confirmed that it was, Hadhrat Sa'd !#2Wtj said, "We have believed in you, accepted you and testified that whatever you have brought to us is the truth. For this, we have pledged to you that we will always listen to and obey you.

Therefore, 0 Rasulullaah @%, you may proceed to do as you please for we are with you. I swear by the Being Who has sent you with the truth that even if you take us to the sea and then dive inside, we shall dive with you without any of us staying behind. We do not mind if you lead us in battle against the enemy tomorrow because we are unfaltering in battle and fearless when we encounter the enemy. Allaah shall perhaps show you actions from us that will bring you (1) Ibn Mardaway, as quoted in AIBidaaya wan Nihaayil (Vol.3 Pg.264). (21 Umawi in his Maghaazi, as quoted in A1 Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.3 Pg.264). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,=3 (Vol-1) great pleasure.

Proceed with the blessings of Allaah." Rasulullaah @%$ was greatly pleased with these words of Hadhrat Sa'd 3 G w and was rejuvenated. He then said, "March and hear the glad tidings that Allaah had promised me that one of the two groups (either capturing the caravan or the defeating the Quraysh army). By Allaah! It is as if I can actually see the places where the Mushrikeen will fall dead." ( I ) Rasulullaah @g Gives Encouragement before a Battle and the Statement of Hadhrat Umayr bin Hamaam a$$!& Hadhrat Anas says, "Rasulullaah sent Basbas ?%%% to spy on what the caravan of Abu Sufyaan was doing. 'When he reported back to Rasulullaah @@, there was none with him in the room besides myself." The narrator says that Hadhrat Anas %,Uw also mentioned the names of some wives of Rasulullaah @$% (who were in the room) but he (the narrator) does not remember who they were. After Hadhrat Basbas %%5Wj had informed Rasulullaah @?@ about the news, Rasulullaah t% left the house and announced, "We are leaving in pursuit (of the caravan).

Whoever has his mount present should ride with us." When some Sahabah ,+43Wj requested permission to fetch their animals that were in the upper part of Madinah, Rasulullaah @@ said, "No. Only those whose mounts are present may ride." Rasulullaah @@ and the Sahabah W G ~ then rode off and arrived at Badr before the Mushrikeen. When the Mushrikeen arrived, Rasulullaah said to the Sahabah W ~ W j , "None of you should do anything until I act." When the Mushrikeen came close, Rasulullaah @$% said, "Stand up and advance to a Jannah that is as wide as the heavens and the earth!" Hadhrat Umayr bin Hamaam !3Wj from the Ansaar asked, "0 Rasulullaah @?&! A Jannah that is as wide as the heavens and the earth?" "Certainly," confirmed Rasulullaah @@. Hadhrat Umayr i2G3&j exclaimed, "Wow!" When Rasulullaah @@ asked him why he said this, Hadhrat Umayr WWj replied, "0 Rasulullaah m! By Allaah!

There is no reason other than that I should be among its inhabitants." Rasulullaah @% assured him, "You are certainly from amongst its inhabitants." Hadhrat Umayr ~,UWj took out some dates from his quiver and started eating them. However, he then said, "If I live until I have eaten these dates, it would take too much time." He then threw down the dates he had left and jumped into the thick of battle until he was martyred. May Allaah shower His mercy on him. (*) Ibn Is'haaq narrates that Rasulullaah went to the Sahabah @GWj to give them encouragement saying, "1 swear by the Being Who controls the life of Muhammad! Allaah shall enter into Jannah every man who fights the Mushrikeen today and is martyred while he is patient, hoping for rewards from Allaah, ( I ) A1 Bldaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.3 Pg.262). (2) Ahmad and Muslim, as quoted in A1 Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.3 Pg.277).

Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.99) has narrated it in detail while Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.426) has narrated it in brief. THE WVES OF THE SAHABAH @%@!& (Vol-1) advancing against the enemy and not fleeing from the'battlefield." Hadhrat Umayr bin Hamaam who belonged to the Banu Salama tribe was eating some dates he had with him. (When he heard what Rasulullaah @% said,) He exclaimed, "Wow!" All that stands between me and my entry into Jannah is the Mushrikeen killing me." He then threw down the,dates in his hand, grabbed hi; sword and fought until he was killed. Ibn Jareer has mentioned that when he was martyred, Hadhrat Umayr %&%!!& was reciting the following couplets (which mean): 'Y am running to Allaah without any (physical) provisons besides Taqwa, deeds for the Aakhirah and steadfhstness in Jihaad for the sake ofAllaah Certain& all prodsions shall come to an end ,E* besides those of Taqwa, r&hteousness and correct guidance"(') The Expedition to Tabook and the wealth that the Sahabah Spent on this Occasion Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas !!&w says that he came to Rasulullaah @?@ six months after Rasulullaah @& returned from Taa'if. Allaah had then commanded Rasulullaah @% to march to Tabook, which Allaah refers to as "the hour of hardship" in the Qur'aan. This took place when the heat was intense, when hypocrisy was rife and the men of Suffa were plenty.

Suffa was a platform (in the Masjid) where the very poor Muslims gathered. The h d a q a h that came to Rasulullaah @% (for distribution) and the Sadaqah of the Muslims went to thkm. Whenever there arose a military expedition, a Muslim would take one or more of them, feed him well, equip him for battle and they would fight with the other Muslims. In this way, the Muslims anticipated more reward (for spending on them). Rasulullaah @% instructed the Muslims to spend in the path of Allaah with the intention of gaining rewards. They therefore spent most generously with the expectation of reward.

However, there were others (the Munaafiqeen) who did not spend with the intention of gaining rewards from Allaah (they spent for show and to conceal their true identities). While transport was provided for many poor people, many were left without transport. The person who donated the most on that day was Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf !&WW, who gave two hundred Awqiya of silver (eight thousand Dirhams). Hadhrat Umar WW6 gave a hundred Awqiya of silver (equal to four thousand Dirhams) while Hadhrat Aasim Ansaari W3M5 gave ninety Wasaq of dates. Hadhrat Umar ?&W% said, "0 Rasulullaah @@! I think that Abdur Rahmaan has committed a sin because he has not left anything for his family." Rasulullaah @% then asked Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan S@Wj if he had left anything behind for his family.

He replied, "Yes, what I have left is more than what I have spent ( 1 ) A1 Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.3 5.277). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@g&% (Vol-I) 41 1 and better." When Rasulullaah #& asked him how much he had left for them, he replied, "The sustenance and good that Allaah and His Rasool #& have promised." A Sahabi from the Ansaar by the name of Abu Aqeel%,- brought a mere Saa of dates, which was his donation. When the Munaafiqeen saw the donations, they started mocking. If someone donated a large sum, they would say that he was a show-off and when another donated a small amount of dates, which was all he could afford, they would say, "He is more in need of what he has brought." When Hadhrat Abu Aqeel ~ , G W brought his Saa of dates, he said, "I spent the entire night pulling a rope (to draw water from a well) in exchange for two Saa of dates. By Allaah! I have nothing besides this." In an effort to excuse his small contribution and feeling embarrassed about it, he concluded by saying, "I have brought one Saa and left the other for my family." The Munaafiqeen commented, "He needs the Saa more than anyone else." The Munaafiqeen continued in this manner as the wealthy and poor amongst them waited to receive a share of the donations.

When the time drew close for Rasulullaah @?i% to leave, the Munaafiqeen came in large numbers to seek exemption. They complained about the intense heat and also said that if they had to embark on the expedition, they would face many tests. They even went to the extent of taking oaths to substantiate their lies. Not knowing what their hearts concealed, Rasulullaah k%% exempted them. It was a group from amongst them who built the Masjid of hypocrisy in expectation of the arrival of the evildoer Abu Aamir as well as Kinaana bin Abd Yaleel and Alqama bin Ulaatha Aamiri. Abu Aamir had aligned himself with (the Roman emperor) Heraclius (with whom he plotted to attack the Muslims.

The 'Masjid' was built as a meeting place for him). It was with reference to them that Surah Baraa'ah was revealed part by part. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas Wi&4 continues to narrate that it was also in Surah Baraa'ah that a verse was revealed which does not exempt anyone from marching in Jihaad. The sincere Muslims who were loyal to Allaah and His Rasool @?@ were weak, unwell or poor and complained to Rasulullaah #& when the following verse of the Qur'aan was revealed: Proceed (in the path of AJJaah) when light or heavy (happily or reluctant& rich or poor, in good conditions and adverse conditions). . . {Surah Baraa'ah, verse 4 1 ) They said, "There is now no exemption from this (we cannot miss the expedition)." At that stage, many of the sins of the Munaafiqeen were still concealed and only became apparent afterwards. Many of them stayed behind the expedition without any physical ailment because they had no conviction (in Allaah). The Surah (Baraa'ah) was revealed to Rasulullaah with great clarification and detail, informing him about the pecple who had joined him.

THE LIVES OF THE SRHABAH @g!@%5 (Vol-I) When he reached Tabook, Rasulullaah @@ dispatched Hadhrat Alqama bin Mujazzar %X%%j to Palestine and Hadhrat ~ h a a l i d bin Waleed %'I@% to Dowmatul Jandal. Rasulullaah @@ said to Hadhrat Khaalid %%%%&&, "Move quickly for you may find him (the ruler of Dowmatul Jandal) out hunting and will be able to capture him." Hadhrat Khaalid 3found the ruler out hunting and captured him. In the meantime, the Munaafiqeen in Madinah were anxious to hear bad news (about the Muslims). Consequently, when they heard that the Muslims were suffering great hardships and difficulties, they rejoiced and said, ''We expected this and therefore steered clear from it." On the other hand, when they heard that the Muslims were safe and sound, they grew very depressed. Every enemy of the Munaafiqeen in Madinah could clearly see this (enmity towards the Muslims) in the Munaafiqeen. Every Bedouin and non-Bedouin Munaafiq was engaging in some clandestine act, which was eventually exposed.

Every indisposed Muslim was anxiously awaiting for Allaah to reveal verses of the Qur'aan that would excuse them. As Surah Baraa'ah was being revealed bit by bit, the Muslims started entertaining all types of thoughts about themselves. Until the entire Surah was revealed, they feared that some punishment would be cited about every major and minor sin that they ever committed. Eventually, (once the revelation was complete) the position of every person became clear. It was then apparent who was rightly guided and who was wandering astray. ('1 The Response of Rasulullaah @%?! when Jadd bin Qais Sought Exemption from the Expedition and the Verses of Qur'aan Revealed in this Regard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abu Bakr bin Hazam Bw narrates that whenever Rasulullaah &?i% intended to leave on a military expedition, he made it seem as if he was going in another direction.

However, when he intended leaving for Tabook, he made it clear to the people and announced that he intended fighting the Romans. This happened at a time when people were experiencing difficulty, when the heat was intense, the land was drought-stricken and the crops were ripe and ready for harvesting. The people therefore preferred to stay behind to tend to their crops and sit in the shade. They were very reluctant to separate (from their comforts). As Rasulullaah was busy with preparations one day, he asked jadd bin Qais (one of the Munaafiqeen), "0 Jadd! Are you ready to fight the Romans?" jadd replied, "0 Rasulullaah @%!

Excuse me (from the expedition) and do not expose me to temptation. My people know well that there is none so obsessed with women as 1 am. 1 therefore fear that I may be cast into temptation when I see the Roman women. Do exempt me, 0 Rasulullaah &%%." Rasulullaah turned away from him saying, "I exempt you." It was then that Allaah revealed the following verse: ( I ) Ibn Asaakir (Vo!. 1 Pg. 105). Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. l Pg.249) has also reported the narration in detail from Ibn Asaakir and Ibn Aa'idh. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH MGw (1'01-1) 41 3 Among them (the Munaafiqeen) is he who says, "Excuse me (from fighting) and do not expose me to temptation (because I will be unable to control myself when I see the enemy women)." Behold! In temptation did he (already) fall (by being reluctant to fight) ... ! {Surah Baraa'ah, verse 49) I This verse tells us that staying behind from the expedition and have greater concern for himself than for Rasulullaah @@ is a worse crime than his falling for the Roman women.

Jadd had therefore already fallen for temptation before even leaving on the expedition. Referring to all those after Jadd as well, the verse goes on to state: ( ~ 9 :*I> 5jy) (@ &.& .. . &&j ' 3 &) . . . Verily Jahannam shall surround the Kaafiroon (and they will be unable to escape). (Surah Baraa'ah, verse 49) When one of the Munaafiqeen said to the others, "Do not march in the heat," Allaah revealed the following verse: ... Tell them, "The fire of Jahannam is much more intense in heat." If only they understood. (If they understood that the heat oflahannam is unbearable and everlasting they would not kar the temporary heat of this world which is bearable.) {Surah Baraa'ah, verse 81 ) Rasulullaah @% then intensified his preparations for the journey and gave the Muslims encouragement to fight in Jihaad.

He gave special encouragement to the wealthy Muslims to spend their wealth and to provide transport for the pleasure of Allaah. Many wealthy Sahabah %Cprovided transport only with the intention of earning reward from Allaah. In this regard Hadhrat Uthmaan W%L% spent most generously and none was able to match his spending. He provided two hundred camels. ( I ) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas ?BGWj narrates that as Rasulullaah was preparing for the expedition to Tabook, he asked Jadd bin Qais, "What do you say about fighting the Romans?" He said, "0 Rasulullaah m! I am a man who is obsessed by women.

When I see the Roman women, I shall be cast into temptation. Will you permit me to stay behind and not expose me to temptation?" It was then that Allaah revealed the verse: Among them (the Munaaiigeen) is he who says, "Excuse me (from fighting) and do not expose me to temptation (because I will be unable to control myself when I see the enemy women)." Behold! In temptation did he (already) fall (by being reluctant to fight) . . .! {Surah Baraa'ah, verse 49) ( I ) Bayhaqi narrating from Ibn Is'haaq, as quoted by Ibn Asaakir (Vol.1 Pg.108). Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.33) and A/ Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.5 Pg.3) have also reported the narration. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@%w2 (Vol-1 ) Rasulullaah Dispatches the Sahabah to Makkah and to Various Tribes to Recruit People for Jihaad Ibn Asaakir narrates that Rasulullaah w sent Sahabah W,Gw to several tribes and to Makkah to recruit people to fight their enemies. For this purpose, Rasulullaah w sent Hadhrat Buraydah bin Husayb ?%&@% to the Banu Aslam tribe with instructions to proceed to a place called Fura.

Rasulullaah sent Abu Ruhm Ghifaari ?i!iWW> to his people with instructions to gather them all in their territory. Hadhrat Abu waaqid Laythi @ , W h went to his people and Hadhrat Abu Ja'd Dhamri !BEWj went to his people who were on the coast. Rasulullaah rn also dispatched Hadhrat Raafi bin Makeeth B13w and Hadhrat Jund bin Makeeth 4 - to the Juhayna tribe, Hadhrat Nu'aym bin Mas'ood !3GW$ to the Ash'ja tribe and several Sahabah P m to the Banu Ka'b bin Arnr tribe. Amongst these Sahabah %!BWj was Hadhrat Budayl bin Waraqa 3Wj, Hadhrat Amr bin Saalim !WW6 and Iladhrat Bishr bin Sufyaan B W . Amongst the many Sahabah i&3!SW Rasulullaah @@ sent to the Banu Sulaym tribe Hadhrat Abbaas bin Mirdaas ?&W%. The Sahabah '&33%%3 Spend Generously for the Expedition to Tabook Rasulullaah @@ gave the Sahabah #%@!2j plenty of encouragement to fight in Jihaad and asked them to spend for the pleasure of Allaah.

The Sahabah P4WW therefore donated most generously. The first to spend so generously was Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3iWWij who donated everything he owned, equalling four thousand Dirhams. Rasulullaah @%% asked him, "Have you left anything for your family?" he replied, "I have left Allaah and His Rasool @@ for them." Hadhrat Umar ~~j then arrived with half of his belongings. When Rasulullaah @% asked him if he had left anything for his family, he replied, 'Yes, I have left half of what I have brought." (~not'her narration states that he had left as much as he had brought.) When Hadhrat Umar - heard about what Hadhrat Abu Bakr SiK@% had brought he said, "He has beaten me each time we have vied to do good." Hadhrat Abbaas bin Abdil Muttalib Bw, Hadhrat Talha bin Ubaydillaah -, Hadhrat Sa'd bin Ubaadah BWj and Hadhrat Muhammad bin Maslama Ball donated large sums. Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf BE@!G donated two hundred AwqQa of silver (equal to eight thousand Dirhams) while Hadhrat Aasim bin Adi Bw contributed ninety Wasaq of dates. Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Affaan iW5W equipped a third of the army and in providing everything for a third of the army, he became the person who spent the most.

In fact, he gave so much that it is said that he left them without any needs. The Sahabah '&Ep5w report that Rasulullaah @@ then said, "Nothing that Uthmaan does after this can cause him any harm." T H E LIVES OF T H E SAHABAH @g@!& (Vol-I) With great enthusiasm, the wealthy Sahabah i4ES@&j spent in this good cause anticipating the rewards 2om Allaah. Those Sahabah i43who were less wealthy assisted those who were poorer than them. They would even bring their camels to one or two persons, asking them to ride in turns. Some people would even bring some money and give it to someone leaving on the expedition. In fact, even the ladies assisted those in every way they could.

Hadhrat Ummu Sinaan Aslamiyya - says that she saw a cloth spread out in front of Hadhrat Aa'isha i5EW&$ in her room, which was filled with bangles, bracelets, anklets, earrings, rings and other jewellery that the women had sent to assist the Muslim army in its preparations. The Muslims were suiering poverty at that time and because it was a time when the fruit crops were ripe and shady areas were sought after. People therefore preferred to stay at home and disliked leaving. Rasulullaah @@ hastened and intensified preparations and made the army camp at Thaniyyatul Wadaa (just outside Madinah). The army was so large that their names could not be contained in one register. Few were those who intended to absent themselves for they knew that their absence would be unknown only until Allaah reveals some revelation to Rasulullaah @@@ (a time when they would suffer much embarrassment).

When Rasulullaah @% was ready to leave, he appointed Hadhrat Sibaa bin Urfuta Ghifaari W3@& as his deputy in Madinah. According to others, Rasulullaah @?$!! appointed Hadhrat Muhammad bin Maslama ?Z%J&%. Rasulullaah @% instructed the Sahabah '@,w saying, "Take many pairs of shoes along because as long as a person is wearing shoes, he is like one who is riding." As Rasulullaah @?$!! travelled, Ibn Ubay and other Munaafiqeen drew back saying, "Muhammad wants to fight the Romans despite his arduous condition coupled with the extreme heat and the long journey towards an army he has no power to combat. Does he think that fighting the Romans is child's play?" The Munaafiqeen with Ibn Ubay expressed the same opinions. To make people panic about the safety of Rasulullaah @@ and the Sahabah P E S , he also added, '"BY Allaah! It is as if I can already see the companions of Muhammad tied up in ropes tomorrow." When Rasulullaah m left from Thaniyyatul Wadaa for Tabook, he had already flawn the large and small flags.

He handed over the biggest flag to Hadhrat Abu Bakr another large flag to Hadhrat Zubayr BWj, the flag of the Aws tribe to Hadhrat Usayd bin Hudhayr 3,w and the flag of the Khazraj tribe to either Hadhrat Abu Dujaana S%4!i5 or to Hadhrat Hubaab bin Mundhir %@&%. I n t o t a l t h e r e ~ r e ~ t h o u ~ a n d p e o p l e w i t 68% including ten thousyd horsemen. Rasulullaah @@ instructed every tribe of the Ansaar to carry its own large and small flags. The other Arab tribes also carried their large and small flags. (' ) Rasulullaah @@ is Particular about Dispatching the Army of Hadhrat Usaama bin Zaid ?B%%!G even on his Deathbed, after which Hadhrat Abu Bakr gU&+i also (1) Ibn Asaakir (Vol.1 Pg.110). 41 6 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @g&!% (Vol-I) Gives the Same Importance to the Matter When he Becomes the Khalifah Rasulullaah @& Dispatches the Army of Hadhrat Usaama s, GI;w@j which Included the Senior Sahabah @,Gw and Rejects the Argument of those who Object to the Appointment of Hadhrat Usaama a,g@>jj Hadhrat Usaama bin Zaid SWj narrates that Rasulullaah @% gave him instructions to attack the inhabitants of Ubna (in Palestine) at dawn and to raze their town to the ground. Rasulullaah @@ then said to him, "Proceed in the name of Allaah." Hadhrat Usaama SG= then left flying the flag (that Rasulullaah gave him) and handed it over to Hadhrat Burayda bin Husayb SG&j from the Banu Aslam tribe, who then carried it to the house of Hadhrat Usaama ~G&+.

On the instruction of Rasulullaah @@, the army of Hadhrat Usaama 9 G W j camped at a place called Jurf, which is today called Siqaaya Sulaymaan (close to Madinah). The soldiers then started to leave. Whoever had fulfilled his necessities would leave for his camp and whoever did not, would engage in completing it. Every one of the earliest Muhaajireen were part of this expedition including Hadhrat Umar %Gw, Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah @GW, Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas ?i3Gw, Hadhrat Abu A'war Sa'eed bin Zaid bin Amr bin Nufayl W3@% and several others. Amongst the Ansaar who were part of the army were Hadhrat Qataadah bin Nu'maan %Uw and Hadhrat Salama bin Aslam bin Hareesh SW3. Many of the Muhaajireen, Hadhrat Ayaash bin Abi Rabee'ah 4W25iM being the most vociferous of them, remarked, "This youth has been appointed as Ameer of the earliest Muhaajireen!" This talk then became rife.

When Hadhrat Umar 4 m heard some of the talk, he refuted what the speaker said and then reported it to Rasulullaah @%. Rasulullaah @$% became extremely angry and although he had a bandage tied to his head (because of his illness) and was covered in a shawl, he left his room and ascended the pulpit. After praising Allaah, he said, "0 people! What is this talk of yours that has reached me concerning the appointment of Usaama as Ameer? By Allaah! If you object to my appointing him as Ameer, you must have objected to my appointing his father (Hadhrat Zaid bin Haaritha 3Wj) before him.

I swear by Allaah that just as he was fit for leadership, his son after him is also fit for it. Just as his father was the most beloved person to , me, he is the most beloved to me. They are both the most suitable people for any good. Accept my bequest to treat Usaama well for he is amongst the best of you." Rasulullaah @%! then descended from the pulpit and went to his room. This took place on Saturday 10th Rabee'ul Awwal. The Muslims who were due to leave in the army of Hadhrat Usaama 3came to bid farewell to Rasulullaah @?%.

Amongst them was Hadhrat Umar THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,@@& (Vol-1) 41 7 m. As they came, Rasulullaah @@ kept saying, "Dispatch the army of Usaama." (HadhratUsaama L?%jls mother) Hadhrat Ummu Ayman @G%%j came to Rasulullaah m and said, "0 Rasulullaah @&! Do leave Usaama to stay at the camp (in Jurf) until you are well. If you send him like this, he will not be able to even help himself (because of his concern for you)." However, Rasulullaah @?@ repeated, "Dispatch the army of Usaama." The Muslims therefore returned to the camp and spent Saturday night there. On Sunday morning, Hadhrat Usaama ~~ came to Madinah (to see Rasulullaah@?%). ~ a s u l u l l a a h r n was extremely ill and unconscious. This was the day in which ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ was given medicine.

With tears in his eyes, Hadhrat Usaama !%%W> entered the room of Rasulullaah@&% where Hadhrat Abbaas 4 = and the wives of Rasulullaah@&% sat around him. Hadhrat Usaama W4M bent down to kiss Rasulullaah@&%. R a s u l u l l a a h ~ was unable to speak and lifted his hands towards the sky and then placed them on Hadhrat Usaama WG%id& Hadhrat Usaama 9-+ says that he knew that R a s u l u l l a a h ~ was making dua for him. Hadhrat Usaama SW452j then returned to the camp. On Monday, ~asulullaah&%% was well and Hadhrat Usaama SXW6 came t o meet him early in the morning. Rasulullaah@&% said to him, "Travel with the blessing of Allaah." When Hadhrat Usaama 9bade farewell to R a s u l u l l a a h ~ , he was looking well. ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ ' ~ wives were even combing each others' hair out of happiness at the recovery of Rasulullaah@8$.

Hadhrat Abu Bakr %W came to ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ and said, "0 Rasulullaah@$?$! With the grace of Allaah, you look well this morning. Today is my day with (my wife) Bint Khaarijah. Permit me to go to her." When ~asulullaah@?@ permitted him, he left for the Sunh district (in the upper part of Madinah). In. the meanwhile, Hadhrat Usaama S,Gw went to the army's camp and called for the others to join up with the army. When he reached the camp, he descended and commanded the men to leave.

By then, the sun was already high. Rasulullaah Passes Away and the Sahabah i@gWj Return to Madinah As Hadhrat Usaama %@HI!% was preparing to leave from Jurf, a messenger came to him from Hadhrat Urnmu Ayman kEUW who was his mother. The messenger informed him that ~ a s u l u l l a a h m was in the throes of death. Hadhrat Usaama !W4l!G5 therefore returned to Madinah together with Hadhrat Umar Sand Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah !&X5&%. When they arrived, Rasulullaah@% was in the last few moments. ~ a s u l u l l a a h w then passed away close to midday on Monday 12th Rabee'ul Awwal. All the Muslims camping at Jurf returned to Madinah.

Hadhrat Buraydah bin Husayb 4?3EW came with the flag of Hadhrat Usaama ?&GW still flying and stuck it in the ground at the door of ~asulullaah@%'s room. After Hadhrat Abu Bakr 325irn became the Khalifah, he instructed Hadhrat Buraydah to take the flag to the house of Hadhrat 41 8 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,- (Vol-I) Usaama ?ZW!& and not to remove it from the staff until Hadhrat Usaama WW6 had led the Muslims in battle. Hadhrat Buraydah B , W 3 says, "I then took the flag to the house of Hadhrat Usaama B,W3, after which I took it flying to Shaam with Hadhrat Usaama 4-. I then returned it to the house of Hadhrat Usaama !B!S!@& where it stood flying until he passed away." Hadhrat Abu Bakr $&$3&5 Insists on Dispatching the Army of Hadhrat Usaama %%%% in Compliance with the Orders of ~asulullaahm When the news of ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ ' ~ demise reached the other Arabs, many of them renounced Islaam. Hadhrat Abu Bakr !@%% then said to Usaama ?@3&5, "Proceed whence ~asulullaah@?@ had commanded you to go." Consequently, the army started to march and camped where they were previously camped. Hadhrat Buraydah also took the flag to the previous camp.

This (decision to dispatch the army) did not appeal to the senior Sahabah MW-. Consequently, Hadhrat Umar 433%&!&3, Hadhrat Uthmaan !BX&;, Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah SiK@!&, Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas %Iw and Hadhrat Sa'eed binZaid W W approached Hadhrat Abu Bakr WH&j. They said, " 0 successor of Rasulullaah@?ii$! Everywhere the Arabs are rebelling against you and you will not be able to do anything by separating this large army from yourself. Rather use them to combat the Murtaddeen (those who have forsaken Islaam). Another concern we have is that we fear that Madinah may be attacked while there are only women and children here.

Why do you not postpone the dispatching of this army against the Romans until stability returns and the Murtaddeen have either returned to the Deen they have left or are destroyed by the sword. You are then at liberty to dispatch Usaama We are confident that the Romans will not be marching against us yet." After listening to everything they had to say, Hadhrat Abu Bakr Bw asked, "Does anyone have anything else to add?" They replied, "No. you have heard everything we have to say." Hadhrat Abu Bakr %lWi then said, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life! I shall dispatch this army even if I knew that wild animals would eat me in Madinah (without them here to defend me). This has to be the first task I shall undertake (as Khalifah). How can I not do it when revelation had been descending on Rasulullaah@% from the heavens as he kept saying, 'Dispatch the army of Usaama.' Of course, there is one thing that I need to speak to Usaama about. It is that Umar stays behind with us (in Madinah) because we cannot do without him.

By Allaah! I have no idea whether Usaama will do so or not. I swear by Allaah that if he refuses I shall not compel him to concede." The Sahabah then realised that Hadhrat Abu Bakr BG@!G was determined tc send the army of Hadhrat Usaama SIGkW. Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~~ then went to see Hadhrat Usaama SWj at his house and spoke to him about leaving Hadhrat Umar 3Wi% behind. When Hadhrat Usaama ?BWG agreed, Hadhrat Abu Bakr BWj said to him, "Are you giving TNE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH m,- (Vol-1) permission with a happy heart?" "1 certainly am," replied Hadhrat Usaama 9,-. Hadhrat Abu Bakr s, G&$j then left the house and instructed someone to announce, "I strongly emphasise that no one who had marched with Usaama during the lifetime of ~asulullaah@@ should remain behind.

If anyone is brought to me who had stayed behind, I shall make him join the army on foot." Hadhrat Abu Bakr $iQC%!% then sent for those Muhaajireen who objected to the appointment of Hadhrat Usaama %I!.%% as Ameer. He was stern with them and took an undertaking from them that they will march with Hadhrat Usaama SlW. Consequently, not a soul stayed behind. Hadhrat Abu Bakr then left to see Hadhrat Usaama 8 , G M and the Muslims off. When they left from Jurf, they numbered three thousand men and had a thousand horses. As they rode off, Hadhrat Abu Bakr @,G& walked by the side of Hadhrat Usaama B,lSl!& for a while and said to him, "I entrust to Allaah your Deen, your belongings and the result of your actions. ~asulullaah@@ has already briefed you, so fulfil the instructions of Rasulullaahw.

I shall neither command nor prevent you from proceeding for I am merely executing the instruction that ~asulullaah@% issued." Hadhrat Usaama 4W&Wj set off speedily and passed through peaceful areas where the people had not forsaken Islaam, such as the areas of the Juhayna clan and other tribes belonging to the Qudaa'ah tribe. When he reached Waadi Qura, Hadhrat Usaama i!B2%BG sent a spy ahead from the Banu Udhra tribe, whose name was Hurayth. Taking to his mount, he rode ahead of Hadhrat Usaama until he reached Ubna (their intended destination). He surveyed the area and searched for the best route (for the army to take). He then returned quickly and rejoined Hadhrat Usaama 5$W at a place that lay a distance of two nights journey from Ubna. He informed Hadhrat Usaama that the people were oblivious of the (Muslim) army and had not even mustered their own army.

Hadhrat Usaama ~,!XG then ordered the Muslim army to move speedily and attack the enemy unawares before they had a chance to muster their forces. ( I ) Hadhrat Usaama BGWj Seeks Permission to Return to Madinah but Hadhrat Abu Bakr BPM Refuses Permission Hadhrat Hasan bin Abil Hasan narrates that before he passed away, ~asulullaah@& formed an army comprising of the people of Madinah and surrounding areas. Included in this army was Hadhrat Umar 4WSiGi. ~asulullaah@% appointed Hadhrat Usaama bin Zaid WZ&!G as the Ameer of this army. The last man of the army had not yet passed by the trench when ~asulullaah@% passed away. Hadhrat Usaama %Wj halted the army and said to Hadhrat Umar S,-, "Request the Khalifah of ~asulullaahk%@ to permit me to return the army to Madinah for I have with me the noblest and leading (1) Ibn Asaakir (Vol.1 Pg.130). The narration also appears in Mukhtasar Ibn Asaakir.

Kanzul Ummaal 0101.5 Pg.312) has reported the narration from Ibn Asaakir using another chain of narrators. Reference is also made to this narration in Fat'hulBaari(Vo1.8 Pg. 107). THE LIVES OF THE SRHABAH m, G*j' (Vol-I-) Sahabah iElWj and I fear that the Mushrikeen may attack the Khalifah and the families of ~asulullaah@@ and the Muslims." Some of the Ansaar said to Hadhrat Umar B,Gw that if Hadhrat Abu Bakr w, Wj is determined to dispatch the army, he should convey the message from them that an Ameer who is older than Hadhrat Usaama B G W j should be appointed,. Upon the instructionofHadhrat Usaama W W j , Hadhrat Umar ?3w proceeded to Hadhrat Abu Bakr @ , G 5 and informed him about what Hadhrat Usaama %,G%% had said. Hadhrat Abu Bakr %,Gw said, "I would not reverse a decision that ~asulullaah@%% made even if wild dogs and wolves were to snatch away my body." Hadhrat Umar W3W+i then said, "The Ansaar have requested me to convey the message that they want you to appoint an Ameer over them who is elder than Usaama." Hadhrat Abu Bakr BGM had been sitting, but (when he heard this, he) sprang up and grabbed hold of the beard of Hadhrat Umar B G W . He then said, "May your mother lose you, 0 son of .Khattaab!

You are asking me to relieve him of a post to which R a s u l u l l a a h ~ appointed him?!" When Hadhrat Umar %MWi returned and the people asked him what had happened, he said, "March on. May your mothers lose you because of what I have suffered today at the hands of the Khalifah of ~asulullaah@!% on your account." Hadhrat Abu Bakr %%iW Sees the Army of Hadhrat Usaama g, E@&g Off Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~ , - then proceeded to see the army off and to give them encouragement. Hadhrat Abu Bakr SGw walked as Hadhrat Usaama ~ , W rode while ~ a d h r a t Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf ?iiYGWj led Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3 . w ; ' ~ animal. Hadhrat Usaama 8 G W j said, "0 Khalifah of R a s u l u l l a a h ~ ! Either you ride or I dismount." Hadhrat Abu Bakr @.lSW replied, "By Allaah! You should not dismount.

By Allaah! I shall not ride. What harm is there if I make my feet dusty for a while in the path of Allaah? In fact, every step taken by the person leaving in Jihaad earns the reward of seven hundred good deeds, has his ranks raised by seven hundred stages and erases seven hundred sins from his account." When he was about to leave, ~adhrat Abu Bakr BGw asked, "If you feel that you could help me by leaving Umar bin Khattaab with me, could you please do so." Hadhrat Usaama B,Gw granted permission. ( I ) Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~~~ Rejects the Request of the Muhaajireen and Ansaar to hold back the Army of Hadhrat Usaama %,G@@j Hadhrat Urwa B,W% narrates that after the Sahabah W , W j had pledged their ,allegiance (to Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~.Wj) and were satisfied, Hadhrat Abu Bakr @,= said to Hadhrat Usaama # , m j , "Proceed whence Rasulullaah@& had ( I ) rbn Asaakir, as it appears in Mukhtasar Ibn Asaakir (Vol. 1 Pg. 1 1 7), Kanzul ummaal(Vo1.5 ~ g . 3 14) and A1 Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.6 Pg.305). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '&gw (Vol-I) 42 1 commanded you." Several individuals from the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar discussed the matter with Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?&Gw.

They said to him, "Hold back Usaama and his army because we fear that the other Arabs may attack us when they hear about the demise of ~asulullaah@@." Being more resolute (and knowledgeable) about the sitdation, Hadhrat Abu Bakr SZ({~, "HOW can I hold back an army that ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ had dispatched? I would then be doing something very bold! I swear by the Being Who controls my life that I would prefer having all the Arabs attack me rather than restraining an army that R a s u l u l l a a h ~ had dispatched! 0 Usaama! Proceed with your army whence Rasulullaah@& had commanded you and fight in the area of Palestine where Rasulullaah@& had commanded. Fight the people of Mu'ta for Allaah shall be sufficient for those whom you are leaving behind (in Madinah). However, if you would, could you please permit Umar ~~ to remain behind.

I need his counsel and his assistance for he has excellent opinions and is a great well-wisher to the cause of Islaam. Hadhrat Usaama ?&= permitted Hadhrat Umar Bw to remain behind. Most of the Arab tribes had by then renounced IslaamThey included most of the tribes in the east as well as the Ghitfaan tribe, the Banu Asad tribe and most of the Ash'ja tribe. The Banu Tay tribe thou'gh held on to their Deen. For this reason, most of the Sahabah were of the opinion that the army of Hadhrat Usaama WCW should be held back and rather used against the Ghitfaan and olher tribes who had renounced Islaam. Refusing to withhold the army of Hadhrat Usaama $W.W$, Hadhrat Abu Bakr %lWj said, 'You know well that from the period of Rasulullaah @%& it had been our practice to consult with each other concerning matters about which no practice of Rasulullaah @?% was found and about which no verse of the Qur'aan was revealed.

You have expressed your opinions and I shall now express mine. If it is correct, you should practise accordingly for Allaah shall never make you all unite on anything that is misguided. I swear by the Being Who controls my life that I 40 not see anything better than fighting those who refuse to give me even a of rope that Rasulullaah %$% used to take from them (as zakaah)." The ~ u s l i m s approved of the opinion of Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?&Gw and agreed that it was better than theirs. Hadhrat Abu Bakr W3W then dispatched Hadhrat Usaama bin Zaid W G 5 in the direction that ~asulullaah@%$ had commanded. Hadhrat Usaama ?&Gw reaped a large booty in the battle and Allaah returned him and his army safely. When Hadhrat Usaama @Gw had left, Hadhrat Abu Bakr B C W took an army of Muhaajireen and Ansaar (to fight the Murtaddeen) but (when they heard of his army approaching) the Bedouins fled with their families.

When the Muslims received intelligence about the Bedouins fleeing with families, they said to Hadhrat Abu Bakr !33GW, "Return to Madinah to our families and women and appoint an Ameer (in your place) from amongst your companions, handing over your command to him." They kept insisting until Hadhrat Abu Bakr @w eventually THE LIVES OF T H E SAHABAH m,w> (Vol-1) decided to return. He appointed Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed - as commander of the army with instructions that any of them was at liberty to return to Madinah as soon as the Murtaddeen returned to Islaam and paid their zakaah. Hadhrat Abu Bakr then returned to Madinah. ('I Hadhrat Urwa ?3lGW narrates that when the pledge of allegiance was taken on the hand of Hadhrat Abu Bakr $&3lS&&, the Ansaar became united in the matter of Khilaafah about which they had differed. Hadhrat Abu Bakr $&3,Wj dispatched the army of Hadhrat Usaama S$G.W and many Arab tribes renounced Islaam. While in some cases, complete tribes renounced Islaam, it was only individuals in other tribes who renounced Islaam.

Hypocrisy started to surface and Judaism and Christianity began raising their heads. Because they had just lost their ~abi&%% and because they were so few compared to the horsed enemy, the Muslims appeared to be like wet sheep on a cold night. It was then that people said to Hadhrat Abu Bakr SG4%, "These men (forming the army of Hadhrat Usaama @@@%) are the most distinguished of the Muslims and as you see, the Arabs are refusing to follow you. It is therefore not the appropriate time to split up the ranks of the Muslims (by dispatching the army). Hadhrat Abu Bakr B-2 responded by saying, "I swear by the Being Who controls the life of Abu Bakr! I shall ensure that the army of Usaama is sent according to the instruction of ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ even though I know that wild animals will (attack me as I remain all alone in Madinah and) steal away my body.

I shall dispatch the army even though there is none left in any of the towns besides myself." (2) Hadhrat Aa'isha G W W S says, "After ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ passed away, all the Arab tribes renounced Islaam and hypocrisy reared its ugly head. By Allaah! Such conditions faced my father (Hadhrat Abu Bakr WZWj) that would crush a mighty mountain. The Sahabah Ww of ~asulullaah&!&& appeared to be wet sheep on a rainy night in a forest infested with wild animals. By Allaah! Whenever the Sahabah 'M.Wj disputed any matter, my father would eliminate its harm, take control of the reins and pass decisive judgement." (3) Hadhrat Abu Hurayra BWj says, "I swear by the Being besides Whom none other is worthy of worship that none would have been worshipping Allaah had Abu Bakr W%Bj not been appointed as Khalifah." He then repeated this a second and a third time.

When someone bade him to stop repeating himself, Hadhrat Abu Hurayra 3Uw added, "~asulullaah@@# dispatched an army of seven hundred(4) under the command of Usaama bin Zaid 333UW. However, when they had just reached Dhi Khushub when ~asulullaah@@# passed away and the Arab tribes around Madinah renounced Islaam. It was then that the Sahabah HW of ~asulullaah@% came to Hadhrat Abu Bakr !BlS&%j and said, '0 Abu Bakr Bw! Recall the army. How can they be heading to Rome when the Arabs (1) Ibn Asaakir, as it appears in Mukhtasarfbn Asaakir (Vol. l Pg. l18), Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.314). (2) Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.6 Pg.304).

(3) Tabraani, narrating from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.50). (4) These seven hundred belonged to the Quraysh while the entire army numbered three thousand. THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH &!%@% (Vol-1) around Madinah are renouncing Islaam?!' Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,Wj replied, 'I swear by the Being besides whom there is none worthy of worship! Even thoughwild dogs,should drag the legs of the wives of ~asulullaah@@ (because there is none in Madinah to defend them), I shall never recall an army that Rasulullaah@& had dispatched'nor untie a flag that Rasulullaah@& had tied."' Hadhrat Usaama B,Wj left (with the army) and whenever they passed by a tribe that was contemplating renouncing Islaam, the people of the tribe would say, "If the Muslims are not still powerful, an army like this would never have left them. We shall presently leave them until they meet the Roman army (then we shall see their strength)." When the Muslim army engaged the Romans in combat, they defeated the Romans and returned safe and sound. Those who were intending to renounce Islaam therefore remained as Muslims.

( I ) Hadhrat Abu Bakr $iWm Addresses Hadhrat Umar %#3m Before he Passes Away Hadhrat Sayf narrates that after Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed %iX$&j had left for Shaam, Hadhrat Abu Bakr W , W j fell ill. It was as a result of this illness that he passed away a few months later. Hadhrat Abu Bakr $kP3W6 was close to death and had already appointed Hadhrat Umar W%% as the next Khalifah when Hadhrat Muthanna %3W& arrived (from Shaam) and informed Hadhrat Abu Bakr BEm about events there. Hadhrat Abu Bakr @,W5 sent for Hadhrat Umar B,Wj and when he arrived, Hadhrat Abu Bakr @ , W j said, "0 Umar! Listen carefully to what I say and then carry it out. I expect that I shall die today (it was a Monday).

If I die now, you should prepare people to leave with Muthanna (for Shaam) before the evening and if I die later, you should prepare people to leave with Muthanna before dawn. Regardless of the magnitude of any hurdle, never let it prevent you from the matters of Deen and the commands of your Rabb. You have seen how I acted when ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ passed away although it was a time when the creation was afflicted with a calamity like no other. By Allaah! Had I postponed the command of Allaah and His ~asool@&, Allaah's would not have assisted us and would have punished us instead. The whole of Madinah would then have been engulfed in flames." (2) Hadhrat Abu Bakr !BZW4 Ensures that Jihaad is Waged Against the Murtaddeen and Those Who Refused to Pay Zakaah Hadhrat Abu Bakr %ISw Consults with the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar about Waging Jihaad and Delivers a Sermon in this Regard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar SiW6% narrates that when ~asulullaah@%$ passed away, hypocrisy reared its ugly head in Madinah.

At the same time, many Arab tribes left the fold of Islaam while the non-Arab nations began issuing threats. They posed a danger (to Muslim security) and gathered at Nahaawind, where ( 1 ) Bayhaqi, as quoted in A/ Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.6 Pg.305) and Ibn Asaakir as quoted in Mukhtasar (Vol. l Pg. 124). Allaama Ibn Katheer has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Ibn Jareer (Vo1.4 Pg.43). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH m,- (Vol-I they made statements to the effect that the person who had been a cause for the domination of the Arabs had passed away. Hadhrat Abu Bakr %3SWj assembled the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar and said to them, "The Arabs refuse to pay (the zakaah) for their goats and camels and have turned away from their Deen.

On the other front, the non-Arabs have gathered at Nahaawind to fight you from a united platform, smugly thinking that the person who had been the cause for your dominatipn has passed away. Do give me your opinions, for I am merely a man from amongst you who is most heavily burdened with this load." After they had their heads bowed for long while, it was Hadhrat Umar !&%&% who spoke first. He submitted, "0 successor of ~asulullaahk%@! By Allaah! I am of the opinion that you content yourself with accepting only salaah from them and waive the zakaah because they have only recently accepted lslaam after the Period of Ignorance and Islaam has not yet prepared them fully. Perhaps Allaah shall take them back towards good or if Allaah grants further strength to lslaam (and they still refuse to yield), we shall be able to wage war against them.

The Muhaajireen and Ansaar who are left do not have the might to take on the Arabs and the non-Arabs all at once." When Hadhrat Abu Bakr turned to Hadhrat Uthmaan !&=, he offered a similar opinion. Thereafter, Hadhrat Ali @- and the rest of the Muhaajireen echoed the same view. When Hadhrat Abu Bakr !&GW turned to the Ansaar, they also agreed. When Hadhrat Abu Bakr B G W realised that they all felt the same way, he mounted the pulpit and after praising Allaah, he said, "When Allaah sent ~ u h a m m a d m , the truth was undermined and without support. Islaam was a stranger and an outcast, hanging only by a thread. Although its adherents were few, Allaah assembled them through ~ u h a m m a d m and formed them into the best of nations destined to survive.

I swear by Allaah that I shall remain devoted to the laws of Allaah and continue fighting in Jihaad until Allaah fulfils His promise to us. Those of us who are killed shall be martyrs bound for jannah while those who survive shall remain as Allaah's deputies'on His earth and successors of His bondsmen. Allaah has spoken the truth and there can be no going back on His word. Allaah has declared: Allaah has promised those of you who have lmaan and who do good actions that He will definitely make them successors (of the rulers) on earth just as He had made those before them successors. {Surah Noor, verse 55) I swear by Allaah that if they (the Arabs &fusing to pay zakaah) refuse to pay me THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@g&!&3 (Vol-I) even a string which they used to pay to Rasulullaah&%% (as zakaah) and then confront me together with the trees, the rocks, all of Jinn and all of mankind, I shall fight them until my soul meets with Allaah! Allaah has never separated salaah and zakaah and then combined them again (how is it then possible for me to acknowledge their salaah and ignore zakaah?)." Hadhrat Umar -3 shouted, "Allaahu Akbar!" and said, "By Allaah! After Allaah had fixed the resolve in the heart of Hadhrat Abu Bakr to wage Jihaad against those who refused to pay zakaah, I also realised that this was right." Hadhrat Saalih bin Kaysaan 3Cn51&% narrates that when people started leaving the fold of Islaam (after the demise of ~asulullaah@%%), Hadhrat Abu Bakr - stood up to address the Muslims.

After extolling the praises of Allaah, he added, "All praises are due to Allaah who guides and suffices (whose guidance is sufficient) and who gives and (gives so much that He) makes (others) independent (of the creation). When Allaah sent ~ u h a r n m a d w , he was treated as a fugitive while true Deen was treated as a stranger and an outcast. It hung by a thread and was already around for a very long time. (As a result) Its adherents had gone astray and Allaah was displeased with the Ahlul Kitaab. He gave them no good because of any good in them nor did He avert evil from them because of evil predominant in them. They had distorted their scriptures and introduced in it things that did not belong there.

On the other hand, the illiterate Arabs had no relationship with Allaah. Neither did they worship Him nor were they praying to Him. They lived the hardest lives, their religion was most deviated and they lived in a most inhospitable land. Although R a s u l u l l a a h ~ had only a few companions, Allaah assembled them around him through his blessings and formed them into the best of nations. Allaah assisted them by those who followed them and made them dominate others until Allaah finally took His ~ a b i @ @ away. Shaytaan then climbed back on to the Arabs to assume the position he had been enjoying formally when Allaah removed him from there.

He has now taken them by the hand and intends destroying them." Hadhrat Abu Bakr%fJG3% then recited the following verse of the Qur'aan: (!ti :ol+ Jl (0 ~ u h a m r n a d w is but a Rasool (ofpllaah). Indeed many Rusul have passed before him. If he passes away or is martyred, would you (Muslims) then turn back on your heels (and forsake Islaam)? He who turns back on his heels can never harm Allaah in the least (because he wi// be harming only himself). Allaah shall soon reward the grateful ones (so be Iirm and strive for His Deen). {Surah Aal Imraan, verse 144) The Arabs around you are refusing to pay (the zakaah due) for their goats and ( I ) Khateeb, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.3 Pg.142). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH (Vol-I) camels.

Although they have only now reverted to their former religions, their inclination to do so was never more than it is today. On the other hand, your resolve in the Deen is no stronger today than it had been the day you lost the blessing of your ~ a b i w . Rasulullaah@& had handed you over into the custody of the very first Being Who had always b'een sufficient for you; the very Being Who had found Rasulullaah@% without a Shariah and then granted him one and Who had found him without wealth and then made him wealthy. It was He Who saved you people when you were on the crumbling edge of a precipice over the fire (of Jahannam). I swear by Allaah that I shall never shirk fighting for a single command of Allaah until Allaah fulfils His promise to us. Those of us who are killed shall be martyrs bound for Jannah while those who survive shall remain as Allaah's deputies and successors on His earth.

Allaah has spoken the truth and there can be no going back on His word when He declares: l Y J I I I , , , 0 , , I I b ,,I , I , J , J I , * , J J , I b *I & *# d, I+ 3 u + " ~ U djsr L.! ; d i .i; '2 I I ' Allaah has promised those of you who have Imaan and who do good actions that He will definitely make them successors (of the rulers) on earth just as He had made those before them successors. {Surah Noor, verse 55)'' Hadhrat Abu Bakr W$W then stepped down from the pulpit. Hadhrat Abu Bakr !@Fwj Censures Those who were Hesitant and who wanted to Delay Jihaad Hadhrat Umar - narrates that when the Arab tribes forsook Islaam, the Muhaajireen together with himself arrived at a common conclusion. They said to Hadhrat Abu Bakr W,w, "0 successor of ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ ! Leave the people to continue performing salaah without paying zakaah because they will soon accept the obligation of zakaah once true Imaan enters their hearts." Hadhrat Abu Bakr S4E%W responded by saying, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life! I prefer falling headlong from the sky rather than neglecting to fight for something that ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ fought for." Hadhrat Abu Bakr WWj then fought (those who refused to pay zakaah) until they all returned to the fold of Islaam. Hadhrat Umar says, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life that that single day (of Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?W@&j) is better than (the life's deeds of) the family of Umar." (2) Hadhrat Umar !3.KU3 narrates that when ~ a s u l u l l a a h M passed away, many (1) Ibn Asaakir.

Ibn Katheer has commented on the chain of narrators, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.3 Pg.142). A similar narration apbears in AlBidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.6 Pg.311). (2) Adani, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.3 Pg. 141). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @%&5 (Vol-I) 42 7 Arab tribes left the fold of Islaam when they said that they would perform salaah without paying zakaah. He narrates further that he then approached Hadhrat Abu Bakr B G W and said, "0 Khalifah of Rasulullaahk%%! Be sympathetic towards the people and show mercy towards them for they are like wild animals." Hadhrat Abu Bakr @Gw said, "whereas I was hopeful of your help, you have come to inform me that you will not render any assistance.

While you had been powerful during the Period of Ignorance, have you become weak in Islaam? Why should I sympathise with them using composed verse or concocted magic? Farfetched! Farfetched! R a s u l u l l a a h ~ has passed away and revelation has stopped. I swear by Allaah that I shall fight them as long as my hand can hold a sword and (if) they refuse to pay even a string (that is due from them as zakaah)." Hadhrat Umar !!&%I.% says, "I found Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,- to be more competent and resolute than myself.

He trained the people in many matters which made many of my tasks easy when I was appointed as Khalifah." ('I Hadhrat Dabba bin Mihsin Anzi narrates that he once asked Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab WXl@, "Are you better than Hadhrat Abu Bakr m?" Hadhrat Umar W%Z% began to weep and said, "A single night of Hadhrat Abu Bakr !&U&% and a single day of his is better than (the life's deeds of) Umar and the entire family of Umar. Should I not inform you of that night and that day of Hadhrat Abu Bakr %BI3&!3?' When Hadhrat Dabba asked to be informed, Hadhrat Umar !@X&& said, "The night was the night when Rasulullaah left the people of Makkah. He left at night and Hadhrat Abu Bakr 33WiZi followed him." He then proceeded to narrate the incident as reported in the Chapter Concerning ~ijrah('). Hadhrat Umar %WW6 then continued, 'The day of his was when Rasulullaah @% had passed away and many Arab tribes forsook Islaam. While some of them said that they would perform salaah without paying zakaah, others said that they would neither perform salaah nor pay zakaah. I then approached him with the sincere intention of offering good counsel.

I said to him, '0 Khalifah of Rasulullaah @&! Be compassionate towards the people.. ." The rest of the Hadith is similar to the one quoted above.(3) Hadhrat Abu Hurayra =Wj narrates that after ~asulullaah@@ had passed away and Hadhrat Abu Bakr !2dGw succeeded him, many Arab tribes forsook Islaam. It was then that Hadhrat Umar BGw approached Hadhrat Abu Bakr %Cw and said, "0 Abu Bakr! How can we fight these people when ~asulullaahk%% said, 'I have been commanded to fight people until they declare 'Laa Ilaaha Illallaah'. When someone declares 'Laa Ilaaha Illallaah', his property and life is safe from me except by the right of Allaah (a warrant by which his property or life may be taken as a penalty). Thereafter, Allaah shall reckon with him." (1) Ismaa'ili, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.3 Pg.300).

(2) Under the heading "The Hijrah of Rasulullaah @@ and Hadhrat Abu Bakr 4W%!W and the subheading "Hadhrat Abu Bakr W W j Fears for Rasulullaah @% when they Leave the Cave and Hadhrat Umar &,Wit&> Praises Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~ , W Y . (3) Dinowri in his Majaalasah, Abul Hasan bin Bishraan in his FawaaYd Bayhaqi in his DalaaVand La'lakaai in his Sunnah, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Umrnaal(Vo1.4 Pg.348). THE LIVES OF TE SAHABAH m, W (Vol-I) Hadhrat Abu Bakr i@!2%l% responded by saying, "I swear by Allaah that I shall definitely fight anyone who differentiates between salaah and zakaah for zakaah is a right of wealth (just as salaah is a right due from the body). By Allaah! If they refuse to pay to me (as a part of zakaah) a string that they were paying to . ~asulullaahk%&, I shall certainly fight them for it!" Hadhrat Umar 3,W says, "I swear by Allaah that Hadhrat Abu Bakr !@SWj said this because he had assurance from Allaah that he ought to wage Jihaad. I was therefore convinced that this was the right thing to do." ('1 Hadhrat Abu Bakr %#.%I% Ensures that Armies are Dispatched in the Path of Allaah.

He Encourages the Muslims to March in Jihaad and Consults with the Sahabah i@%%!& About Fighting the Romans Hadhrat Abu ~ a k r %!@5@!&j Encourages the Muslims to Fight in Jihaad in his Sermon In a narration reported by Hadhrat Qaasim bin Mahmood pW&14Xj, it is 'mentioned that Hadhrat Abu Bakr %$%.!3 once stood up to deliver a sermon. After praising Allaah and sending salutations to ~asulullaah@?%, he said, "Everything has principles which shall meet the requirements of the one who adheres to them. Whoever does something solely for Allaah, Allaah shall see to his needs. You should ensure that you work hard and exercise moderation, for it is moderation that will take you to your destination. Listen attentively! There is no Deen in one who has no Imaan, ,there is no reward for the one who does not expect any and no deed for one'who has no Niyyah (intention).

Listen carefully! There are such rewards promised in the Book of Allaah for those engaged in Jihaad in the path of Allaah that it is only appropriate for a Muslim to wish that they are reserved for him. This is the trade that Allaah has pointed towardd2), which shall provide deliverance from humiliation and secure honour in both worlds." (3) The Letter of Hadhrat Abu Bakr to Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed %,@W and Other Sahabah l@%3W6 with him Concerning Jihaad in the Path of Allaah Hadhrat Ibn Is'haaq bin Yasaar narrates from Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed W@!& that they were still on the battlefield of Yamaamah after the battle when Hadhrat Abu Bakr !W4!& wrote a letter to Hadhrat Khaalid !&I%&%. The letter read: From Abdullaah, Abu Bakr the Khalifah of ~asulullaah@@ To Khaalid bin Waleed, the Muhaajireen and Ansaar with him as well as (I) al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Nasa'ee, Ibn Hibbaan and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.3 Pg.30 1). (2) See Surah Saff (Surah 6 1 ), verse 10. (3) Ibn Asaakir (V0l.l Pg.l33), as quoted in Mukhtasar.

Similar narrations are quoted-in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.8 Pg.207) and by Ibn Jareer Tabari (Vo1.4 Pg.30). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH ma!%.&> (Vol-I) all those who follow them in good faith Peace be on you all Before you all, I praise Allaah besides Whom there is none worthy of worship. All praises belong to Allaah Who has fulfilled His promise, assisted His servant, granted honour to His friends, disgraced His enemies and defeated the coalition of forces by Himself. The very Allaah besides Whom there is no deity has declared: Allaah has promised those of you who have Imaan and who do good actions that He will definitely make them successors (of the rulers) on earth just as He had made those before them successors. And He will certainly grant (great) strength to the Deen that He has chosen for them and will certainly replace their fear with peace (on condition that) they worship Me and do not ascribe any as partner to Myself. Those who are ungrateful after this are sinful indeed.

('1 This is a promis'e from Allaah which cannot be left unfulfilled and statement that cannot be doubted. Allaah has made Jihaad obligatory on the Mu'mineen. He declares: Warfare Uihaad for the pleasure ofA1laah against the enemies of Islaam) has been made obligatory for you (when necessav) though you may dislike it (because of the hardship involvedl. It may be that you dislike something that is good for you and you may like something that ' is bad for you. Allaah knows (what is good for you) and you do not know. (2) You should therefore idopt those avenues by which the promises of Allaah to you will be fulfilled and continue obeying Him in everything He has made obligatory on you even though the effort may seem tremendous, the hardship may be intense, the journey may be distant and you may suffer loss to your wealth or health.

All of this fades into insignificance before the great rewards of klaah. So fight in the way of Allaah, may Allaah have mercy on you. ( I ) Surah Noor, verse 55. (2) Surah Baqara, verse 2 16. 7 R E LlVES OF THE S A M A H @%&> (Vol-I) Proceed (in the path of Allaah) when light or heavy (happily or reluctantly, rich or poor, in good conditions and adverse conditions), and exert yourselves (for the welhre of the Deen) with your wealth and lives in Allaah's way (forAllaahlcpleasure). I have commanded Khaalid bin waleed to march to Iraq and to remain there until I issue further instructions. You should all proceed with him without hesitation because this is a path in which Allaah has multiplied the rewards for those whose intentions are good and who are enthusiastic about good things.

When you reach Iraq, stay here until my instructions reach you. May Allaah take care of mine and your every concern of this world and the Aakhirah. Peace be on you together with the mercy and blessings of Allaah. (2) Hadhrat Abu Bakr BGGw Consults with the Senior Sahabah @,Gw Concerning a Military Offensive Against the Romans and Delivers a Speech in this Regard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abi Awfa ~ , G m narrates that when Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~,G@@> intended launching a military offensive against the Romans, he first called for Hadhrat Ali BGw, Hadhrat Umar B G W , Hadhrat Uthmaan SiWWj, Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf ~,W&, Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas W,GW, Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Zaid %,Gw, Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarraah ~.%$&!% and other senior Sahabah @,Gm from amongst the Muhaajireen and Ansaar. He called both those who participated in the Battle of Badr and those who did not. Amongst them was Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abi Awfa !3We, who narrates further that when they all arrived, Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,Gw addressed them saying, "Verily the bounties of Allaah on His servants cannot be counted and all our deeds can never compensate for these.

All praises belong to Allaah who has united you, reconciled you, guided you to Islaam and distanced Shaytaan from you. Shaytaan now has no hope of you committing Shirk or of you taking a deity other than Allaah. The Arabs are the children of a single father and mother." Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~ , G m continued, "I have decided that the Muslims should march in Jihaad against the Romans in Shaam so that Allaah may strengthen the Muslims and elevate the Kalimah. Together with this, the Muslims shall have a tremendous share because whoever is killed shall die as a martyr and the rewards with Allaah are best for the righteous. On the other hand, whoever survives shall survive to defend the Deen and will be deserving of the great rewards due to those who wage Jihaad. This is merely my opinion.

Any one of you is at liberty to advise me." (1) Surah raubah, verse 41. (2) Bayhaqi in his Sunan (Vo1.9 Pg.179). T H E LIVES OF T H E S A W A H HG$@!% ( ~ 0 1 - I ) 43 1 The Speech of Hadhrat Umar $@G$i&+i in Support of the Opinion of Hadhrat Abu Bakr %Gw to March in Jihaad Hadhrat Umar S,w then stood up and said, "All praises are due to Allaah Who blesses those of His servant; with good Whom He pleases. By Allaah! Whenever we competed for good, you always beat us to it. This is the bounty of Allaah Whom Allaah grants to whoever He wills.

Allaah is the One Who possesses the greatest bounties. As a matter of fact, I had intended to approach you concerning the very matter you have raised. However, it was destined that you should be the first to mention it. Your opinion is most accurate. May Allaah always guide you to what is correct. Dispatch troops of cavalry one after the other and troops of infantry one after the other.

Armies should march in succession and Allaah shall assist His Deen and grant honour and strength to lslaam and the M~slims." The Opinion of Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf !&lGWj concerning the Battle Strategy Thereafter, Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf SG= stood up and said, " 0 Khalifah of ~asulullaah@%! They are Romans and the progeny of Romans. They are extremely powerful and as solid as a pillar. I do not think that you should launch a full frontal attack but you should rather dispatch cavalry battalions to start skirmishes along their borders and then return to you. When this is done several times, the Romans will suffer many losses and our battalions will capture many outlying areas. By then the Romans will also have grown weary.

Thereafter, you should send a message to the various areas of Yemen and to the furthest members of the Rabee'ah and Mudhar tribes so that they may all gather around you. You may then lead an attack by yourself or appoint another leader (while you attend to affairs from Madinah)." After this address, Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf B G W j remained silent, as did the others present. Hadhrat Uthmaan %Gim Supports the Opinion of Hadhrat Abu Bakr %,EM and the other Sahabah ,> ,. .,I" . . @,kW Echo the Same Opinion Hadhrat Abu Bakr $932&5 then asked the others what their opinions were. A response came from Hadhrat Uthmaan %Gw who said, " ( 0 Khalifah of ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ ! ) I believe that you are truly a well-wisher of everyone who follows this Deen and are concerned about them. Therefore, whenever you have an opinion that you think is in the best interests of the masses, do feel free to carry it out for you can never be slandered for it." In response to this, Hadhrat Talha, Zubayr, Sa'd, Abu Ubaydah, Sa'eed bin Zaid and all the other Muhaajireen and Ansaar @ G i present there said, "Uthmaan has spoken the truth. Do feel free to carry out what you feel for we shall never oppose you or slander you." With this, they made other similar statements as THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,%&&> (Vol-I) well.

Although Hadhrat Ali %,Gw was also present, he remained silent all the while. Hadhrat Ali ?&&3@3j Gives Glad Tidings to Hadhrat Abu Bakr !BGh%j', Who is Pleased by this and then Delivers a Lecture to Motivate the Sahabah 'B.- to March in Jihaad (Addressing Hadhrat Ali %U@2) Hadhrat Abu Bakr %LWG said, "what is your opinion, 0 Abul Hasan?" Hadhrat Ali %BWj said, "I feel that whether you march against them yourself or whether you send others against them, you will have Allaah's assistance, Inshaa Allaah." Hadhrat Abu Bakr %3w said, "May Allaah always give you good news! How do you know this?" Hadhrat Ali 8replied, "I have heard Rasulullaah@@ say that this Deen will always dominate those who oppose it until the Deen and its adherents are victorious." Hadhrat Abu Bakr 4-j exclaimed, "Subhaanallaah! What a beautiful Hadith! You have made me very happy with this. May Allaah always keep you happy." Hadhrat Abu Bakr %Wj then stood up to address the people.

After duly praising Allaah and sending salutations to ~asulullaah@&, he said, "0 people! Allaah has certainly blessed you with Islaam and honoured you with the institution of Jihaad. Through this Deen Allaah has elevated your status over the people of other religions. Therefore, 0 servants of Allaah, prepare to fight the Romans in Shaam. I shall appoint commanders over you and make flags for you. Obey your Rabb, do not disobey your commanders and make good your intentions and your provisions for food and drink for Allaah is with those who have Taqwa and who do things well." An Exchange of Words between Hadhrat Umar B G w j and Hadhrat Amr bin Sa'eed !!&)3&2> and Hadhrat Khaalid bin Sa'eed !BGwj Advises his Brother to Assist Hadhrat Abu Bakr %Gwj (After listening to the address of Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~l3Wj) The Sahabah i@U&j were silent without any of them offering any response.

Hadhrat Umar !FdW then said, "0 assembly of Muslims! What is the matter with you that you do not respond to the Khalifah of R a s u l u l l a a h ~ when he is calling you towards that which will give life to you?" Had the gains been near at hand and the journey an easy one, you would have certainly jumped to it (I)." In response to this, Hadhrat Amr bin Sa'eed ~ ' W j stood up and retorted, "0 son of Khattaab! Are you comparing us to the e"xamp1e of the Munaafiqeen? What prevented you from taking the initiative to do that which you accused us of not doing?" Hadhrat Umar % W j replied, "Hadhrat Abu Bakr 8BK knows well that I will surely respond if he calls me and fight if he asks me to." Hadhrat Amr bin (1) Here Hadhrat Umar 4-2 was referr~ng to a statement in verse 42 of Surah Taubah. THE WVES OF THE SAHABAH @%@!& (VolI) Sa'eed %G@&j rejoined, "If we fight, it will not be for you because we fight only for Allaah." Hadhrat Umar SWj then said, "May Allaah guide you! You have spoken well." Hadhrat ~ b u Bakr 9then said to Hadhrat Amr bin Sa'eed BGw, "Please be seated.

May Allaah shower, His mercy on you. In saying what you heard him say, Umar did not intend to hurt or to insult any Muslim. All he intended by what he said was to encourage those who were hesitant to fight in Jihaad." Thereafter, ~ a d h r a t Khaalid bin Sa'eed !%&&% (the brother of Hadhrat Amr bin Sa'eed %W>) stood up and said, "The Khalifah of ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ is right. Do be seated, dear brother." When Hadhrat Amr bin Sa'eed BWiG sat down, Hadhrat Khaalid ?&Wj continued, "All praises belong to Allaah besides Whom none is worthy of worship. Who has sent ~ u h a m r n a d m with guidance and the true Deen to make it dominate over all other religions even though the Mushrikeen abhor it. All praises are due to Allaah Who fulfils His promises, Who makes them come to realisation and Who destroys His enemies.

We neither oppose you nor have any opposition amongst ourselves. You are a well-wishing and concerned leader and we are prepared to march whenever you command and prepared to obey you whenever you issue an order." Hadhrat Abu Bakr SWWj was extremely pleased by this speech and said, "May Allaah reward you well, my brother and friend! You had accepted Islaam willingly, migrated with the hope of reward when you escaped from the Kuffaar with your Deen so that Allaah and His Rasool@@ may be pleased and so that the Kalimah may be elevated. You are one of the commanders of the people, so prepare to march. May Allaah shower His mercy on you." Thereafter, Hadhrat Abu Bakr descended from the pulpit. Hadhrat Khaalid bin Sa'eed Bthen left to make the necessary preparations.

In the meanwhile, Hadhrat Abu Bakr 9G5&i instructed Hadhrat Bilaal B B W to make the following announcement: "0 people! March in Jihaad against the Romans in Shaam!" There were no doubts amongst the people that Hadhrat Khaalid bin Sa'eed %UW was their commander. He was the first to reach the army camp, after which people started arriving there in tens, twenties, thirties, forties, fifties and hundreds. Eventually, a very large army had gathered. Accompanied by several leading Sahabah m, Hadhrat Abu Bakr BWj proceeded to the camp one day. Although he saw an impressive number of men, he did not think that the number was adequate to fight the Romans.

Turning to his companions, he asked, 'What would you say if I send this number of men to Shaam?" Hadhrat Umar %3Wi5 replied, "I do not think that this number is sufficient for the large Roman army." Turning to the others, Hadhrat Abu Bakr BGw asked, "What do you men think?" they replied, 'We second the opinion of Umar." Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~~ then said, "Should I then rather not write to the people of Yemen, calling them to Jihaad and encouraging them with the rewards for Jihaad?" All his companions shared his opinion and said, "That is an excellent idea! Go ahead." Hadhrat Abu Bakr SGW then wrote the letter. 7'HE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,-3 (Vol-I) The Letter of Hadhrat Abu Bakr %%iWj to the People of Yemen calling them to Fight in Jihaad In the name of Allaah the Most Kind the Most Merciful From the Khalifah of ~asulullaah@$& to every Muslim and Mu'min of Yemen to whom this letter is read. Peace be to you. Before you all, I praise Allaah besides Whom there is none worthy of worship. Verily Allaah has made Jihaad obligatory for the Mu'mineen and has commanded them to Proceed (in thepath ofAJlaah) when light or heavy and exert themselves with their wealth and lives in Allaah's way. Jihaad is a greatly emphasised obligation and its rewards with Allaah are tremendous, We have prepared the Muslims to march in Jihaad against the Romans in Shaam.

They have hastened to it with noble intentions and with great hopes of being rewarded. Therefore, 0 servants of Allaah, you should also hasten to that towards which they have hastened, ensuring that your intentions are good. You are assured one of two excellent virtues; either martyrdom or victory and booty. Remember that Allaah is not pleased with only words from His servants that are not accompanied by actions. Furthermore, Jihaad against the enemies of Islaam shall perpetuate until they accept the true Deen and accept the injunctions of the Qur'aan. May Allaah preserve your Deen for you, guide your hearts, purify your deeds and bless you with the rewards of those who wage Jihaad and who are steadfast." Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,= sent this letter with Hadhrat Anas bin Maalik 4W5&$.(') The Lecture of Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~,G@25 When the Muslim Army Left for Shaam Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Jubayr *WdI@j narrates that when Hadhrat Abu Bakr S,Wj was seeing the army off to Shaam, he stood up amongst them.

He praised Allaah, instructed them to march to Shaam and gave them the glad tidings that Allaah would grant them victory to the extent that they would even build Masaajid there. He said, 'You should never think that you are going there for sport. Shaam is a land of plenty that has plenty of food for you so beware of developing pride foci swear by the Rabb of the Kabah that pride and boastfulness will certainly come to you. I advise you with ten things, so always keep them in mind. Never kill a helpless old man.. ." The Hadith continues further. (2) (1) Ibn Asaakir (Vol. 1 Pg. 126), a s quoted in Mukhtasar (Vo1.2 Pg. 126) and Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.3 Pg. 143).

(2) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.3 Pg. 143). THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH (VolI ) Hadhrat Umar Bin Khattaab %lGw Encourages Jihaad in the Path of AUaah and Consults with the Sahabah &3Gw in Matters Arising Before him Hadhrat Umar !%%!% Encourages People Towards Jihaad Hadhrat Qaasim bin Muhammad narrates that Hadhrat Muthanna bin Haaritha %,w once addressed the people saying, "0 people! You should never regard marching against the Persians as something difficult. We have already captured their fertile grounds and the best half of Iraq. We already have half of their kingdom and have caused them tremendous losses. Our people are bold against them and Inshaa Allaah we shall soon also have their remaining lands." Hadhrat Umar %,Wj then stood up and said, "The region of Hijaaz is not your original homeland.

You only stay where you can find some vegetation and it is only by that the people of Hijaaz manage to survive. Where are those Muhaajireen who were always leaping towards the promises of Allaah? March to the lands that Allaah has promised in His Book that He would make you inherit. Allaah has declared: .. '. 9 ) 4iy$&.%+$) 'To make it (Islaam) dominate over all other religions.' ('1 Allaah shall therefore make His Deen dominate, give honour to those who assist His Deen and make its adherents the inheritors of (the territories) all nations. Where are the righteous servants of Allaah then?" The first to respond was Hadhrat Abu Ubayd bin Mas'ood, followed by either Hadhrat Sa'd bin ubayd or Hadhrat Saleet bin Qais @.GW.

When the party gathered, Hadhrat Umar B,- was told to appoint someone from the senior Muhaajireen and Ansaar as their commander. However, Hadhrat Umar S,w said, "By Allaah! I shall not do this. Allaah only gives status on account of your eagerness and enthusiasm to fight the enemy. Therefore, should you shrink away and dislike meeting the enemy, then the most deserving of leadership will be he who was the first to come forward and respond to the call. By Allaah!

I shall appoint as commander only he who was the first to respond." Hadhrat Umar 5lW& then summoned Hadhrat Abu Ubayd, Hadhrat'Saleet and Hadhrat Sa'd P4iW&!Z and said (to Hadhrat Saeet and Sa'd i@U&!Z), "If you two had beaten him, 1 would have appointed you as commander and you would have deserved it because you are Muslims longer." Hadhrat Umar WS&!.% then appointed Hadhrat Abu Ubayd as commander of the army and said to him, "Listen to the Sahabah P 4 E of ~asulullaah@% and consult with them. Never do anything hastly 'until you have verified the facts. This is warfare and (1) Surah Fatah, verse 28. 43 6 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @%$@% (Vol-I) only that person succeeds in it who is calm and who knows when to attack and when not to attack." (') In another report narrated by Hadhrat Sha'bi FWdIGj, it is mentioned that when Hadhrat Umar k!&@&Gj was told to appoint a Sahabi %3Wj as commander, he said, "The virtue of the Sahabah %"= is on account of them being the first to volunteer and being present when others refused to present themselves. However, when they express reluctance and others do what they had been doing, then those who are prepared to march when heavy or light become more deserving. By Allaah! I shall only appoint as their commander the one who had been first to respond." Hadhrat Umar %3Wj then appointed Hadhrat Abu Ubayd as the commander and advised him concerning the army.

(2) Hadhrat Umar 5BGm Consults with the Sahabah ,,.q /.,I" , , &bw Concerning a Military Offensive Against the Persians Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez says that when the news of the martyrdom of Hadhrat Abu Ubayd bin Mas'ood reached Hadhrat Umar !8Wj and he learnt that the Persians aligned behind someone from the family of the Kisra, he had an announcement (of Jihaad) made amongst the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar (and instructed them to meet at a place called Siraar). Hadhrat Umar !@%%j left for ~ i r a a i and sent Hadhrat Talha bin Ubaydillaah %= ahead to a place called Ahwas. He then appointed Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf k!B13M a s commander of the army's right flank, Hadhrat Zubayr bin Awaam as commander of the left flank and appointed Hadhrat Ali ! 8 G 5 as his deputy in Madinah. When Hadhrat Umar + ! & consulted with the Sahabah P-2, they all shared the opinion that he should march against the Persians. However, Hadhrat Umar BBGi4% did not consult with them before reaching Siraar and before Hadhrat Talha ! 8 G 3 had returned (from Ahwas). When Hadhrat Umar BGw consulted with the eminent Sahabah i@G@G, Hadhrat Talha 3Gh% also expressed the same opinion as the others (to march against the Persians) but Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf !8,- was against the idea.

Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf k33!3&$ said, "After the demise of ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ , I have never before this day and shall never afterwards say that I shall sacrifice my parents for anyone. However, now I say that may my parents be sacrificed for you (0 Ameerul Mu'mineen)! Leave this matter to me. You remain in Madinah and send out an army. I have noticed that the decree of Allaah has always been in favour of your armies. The defeat of your army is not (as demoralising) as your defeat.

I fear that if you are martyred or defeated in battle, the Muslims (will be so demoralised that they) will never again cry out 'Allaahu Akbar' or recite 'Laa Ilaaha Illallaah'." Hadhrat Umar WGW (accepted this opinion and) was looking for a commander ( 1 ) Ibn Jareer Tabari (Vo1.4 Pg.61). (2) Ibn Jareer Tabari (Vo1.4 Pg.61). THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH '&,Eb@3 (Vol-1) '43 7 and they were still busy consulting when a letter arrived from Hadhrat Sa'd 4=, who had been employed to collect zakaah of the people of Najd. When Hadhrat Umar %.EW asked those with him to suggest who should command the army, Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf ~ , G m said, "You have just found him." "Who is he?" asked Hadhrat ~ r n a r @,Ew. Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan %@#% replied, "He is the clawed and valiant lion Sa'd bin Maalik %lGWj." The other members of the consultative assembly agreed. ( I ) Hadhrat Uthmaan BG= Encourages People Towards Jihaad Hadhrat Abu Saalih who was the freed slave of Hadhrat Uthmaan narrates that he heard Hadhrat Uthmaan 3,GWj saying from the pulpit, "0 people!

I had kept secret from you a Hadith that I had heard from R a s u l u l l a a h ~ fearing that you would disperse from around me (and proceed in Jihaad). I then decided to mention it to you so that each person may decide to do as he pleases. I have heard Rasulullaah@% say, 'A single day spent guarding the borders (of the Muslim state) for the pleasure of Allaah is better than a thousand other days spent at other places'." (2) Hadhrat Mus'ab bin Thaabit bin Abdullaah bin zubayr BG= narrates that Hadhrat Uthmaan BGW mentioned the following in a sermon from the pulpit: "I intent narrating to you a Hadith that I had heard from R a s u l u l l a a h ~ . All that prevented me from narrating it to you previously was to keep you behind with me (here in Madinah to tend to the affairs of the capital city). I heard ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ say, 'A single day spent guarding the borders (of the Muslim state) for the pleasure of Allaah is better than a thousand other days spent in salaah coupled with days spent fasting'."'(3) Hadhrat Ali %G@i5 Encourages People Towards Jihaad Hadhrat Zaid bin Wahab narrates that Hadhrat Ali S,w once stood up to address the people. He said, "All praises belong to Allaah Who when He crushes something, none can mend it and when He wants something to remain intact, none can smash it.

If Allaah wills, no two persons would have a quarrel and the Ummah would never dispute any of His laws. Similarly, if He wills, no underling would reject the virtue of his superiors. Fate has drawn us and the others to this place. Allaah sees and hears us and if He wills, He could hasten our punishment. Allaah controls change and has the power to expose the oppressor and make it known where the truth lies. Nevertheless, Allaah has made this world a place of actions and has made the Aakhirah a place to live forever.

(1) Ibn Jareer Tabari (Vol. l Pg.65). (2) Ahrnad (vol. 1 Pg.65). (3) Ahrnad (vol. I Pg.6 1 ). 43 8 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @g@%> (Vol-I) He may punish the evil-doers for their (evil) actions and reward those who do good with the best (of rewards, namely Jannah). {Surah Najm, verse 3 1 ) Listen attentively! Tomorrow you will face your enemy so spend a long time in salaah tonight, recite Qur'aan abundantly and beseech Allaah for assistance and steadfastness. Fight them with determination and caution and remain staunch." Hadhrat Ali - then turned and left.

('I Hadhrat Ali B,= Encourages the Muslims During the Battle of Siffeen Hadhrat Abu Amra Ansaari narrates that when giving courage to the Muslims during the Battle of Siffeen, Hadhrat Ali 3w said, "Allaah has shown you a trade which will save you from a painful punishment and take you closer to all goodness(2) ; (the trade is) Imaan in Allaah and His ~ a s o o l w and Jihaad in the path of Allaah Whose mention is most high. Allaah has determined that the rewards for this shall be forgiveness from Allaah and wonderful mansions in the eternal Jannah. Allaah has also informed you that He loves those who fight (the enemies of Islaam) in His path (standing) in rows (in front of the enemy with steadfastness and unity) as if they are a solid building. You should therefore straighten your rows like a solid building. Those wearing armour should be in front and those without armour should fall behind. Then persevere with tenacity." (3) Hadhrat Ali BGWj Encourages the Muslims to Fight the Khawaarij Hadhrat Abul Wadaak Hamdaani narrates that when Hadhrat Ali 9,= camped at a place called Nukhayla (close to Kufa) and had lost hope in the Khawaarij, he stood up (to address the people).

After praising Allaah, he said, "He who discards Jihaad and compromises the laws of Allaah, borders on the fringe of destruction unless Allaah rescues him by His grace. Fear Allaah and fight those who oppose Allaah, who attempt to extinguish the light of Allaah, who are in error, deviant, oppressive and sinful. They are not proficient in reciting the Qur'aan, have no understanding of the Deen, have no knowledge of interpreting the Qur'aan and are not even long in the Deen that they could be wbrthy of Khilaafah. By Allaah! If they become rulers, they will rule you in the way that Kisra and Heraclius ruled. Prepare well for your march against your enemies from the West.

I have sent a message to your brothers from Basrah to come to (assist) you. Inshaa Allaah, we shall all msrch together (against the Khawaarij) as soon as they arrive. There is no power or might but with Allaah." (4) (1) Tabari (Vo1.4 Pg.9). (2) Here Hadhrat Ali was referring to verses 10-13 of Surah Saff (Surah 61). (3) Tabari (Vo1.4 Pg. 11). (4) Tabari (Vo1.4 Pg.57). \ THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @$@&!% (Vol-I) Hadhrat Ali ~ ~ @ % delivers a lecture Concerning the Reluctance of the Muslims to March in Jihaad Hadhrat Zaid bin Wahab narrates that in his first address to the Muslims after the Battle ~ahrwaan, Hadhrat Ali @Gsaid, "0 people!

Prepare to march against the enemy in a Jihaad that will draw you close to Allaah and secure a great status for you near Him. They are people who are confused about the truth, know nothing about the Qur'aan, are far from the Deen, are bewildered in rebellion and have fallen headlong into the abyss of deviation. Prepare (to use in battle) against them whatever forces of strength (weapons) you can muster, as well as trained horses. Trust in Allaah for Allaah suffices as Defender and Allaah suffices as Helper." When the people failed to march and to prepare, Hadhrat Ali @GWj left them alone for a few days. Eventually, when he lost hope that they would prepare, he summoned their leaders and influential people. When Hadhrat Ali asked them for their opinions and about what it was that caused them to procrastinate, some of them complained of illness while others excused themselves on account of some pressing circumstances.

Only a few of them were willing. Hadhrat Ali W%&& then stood up to deliver a lecture. He said, "0 servants of Allaah! What is the matter with you that you cling to the ground when you are commanded to march? Do you prefer the life of this world to that of the Aakhirah? Do you prefer humiliation and dishonour over respect?

Each time I call you to wage Jihaad, your eyes start to turn like a person in the throes of death. It then seems as if your hearts have lost their senses, leaving you without any understanding and as if your eyes have been blinded so that you see nothing. By Allaah! When there is comfort and luxury, you are like the lions of the Shira forest but wpen you are called towards battle, you become sly foxes. I have permanently lost confidence in you people. You are not the type of horsemen with whom an attack can be launched neither people of nobility with whom refuge can be sought. 1 swear by Allaah that you people are the worst and most incompetent in battle.

The plots of the enemy are sure to succeed against you whereas your strategies would be useless against them. Your limbs are being severed and you cannot defend each other. Your enemies are not asleep whereas you are oblivious. A fighter is vigilant and intelligent whereas one who bows to a truce becomes humiliated. Those who fight amongst themselves are soon defeated and defeated people are suppressed and looted." \ Hadhrat Ali %w continued, "You should now understand that I have rights over you just as you have rights over me. Your rights over me are that I should be your well-wisher as long as I am with you, that I should increase your shares of booty, that I should educate you so that you do not remain ignorant and that I should teach you etiquette and manners so that you are able to learn.

My rights that are due from you are that you fulfil your pledge of loyalty to me and that you remain my well-wishers in my presence as well as in my absence. In addition to THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH (Vol-IJ this, you ought to respond to me when I summon you and obey me when I issue an order. If Allaah intends good for you, you would forsake that which displeases me and return to that which pleases me. By doing this, you will receive what you want and achieve what you aspire for." Howshab Himyari Calls for Hadhrat Ali During the Battle of Siffeen and the Reply he Received Hadhrat Abdul Waahid Damishqi narrates that during the Battle of Siffeen, Howshab Himyari called to Hadhrat Ali saying, "0 son of Abu Taalib! Leave us alone for the sake of yours and our blood! We shall leave Iraq for you and you leave Shaam for us.

In this way, the blood of Muslims will be spared." Hadhrat Ali S= replied by saying, "Farfetched, 0 son of Umm Zulaym! I swear by Allaah that I would do this if I knew that I am permitted to compromise the Deen of Allaah. In fact, this would cause me less trouble. However, when Allaah is disobeyed and the people of the Qur'aan have the might to take a stand and wage Jihaad until Allaah's commands dominate, Allaah does not like them to remain silent and to compromise the Deen." Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas %%@33 Encourages the Muslims to Wage Jihaad The Speech of Hadhrat Sa'd %Gw during the Battle of Qgaadisiyyah Hadhrat Muhammad, Hadhrat Talha and Hadhrat Ziyaad B,Wj all narrate that during the Battle of Qaadisiyyah, Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas Ssw stood up to address the Muslims. After praising Allaah, he said "Allaah is definitely True. He has no partner in His kingdom and never goes back on His word.

Allaah The Majestic declares: ( 1 6 0 :buy\ i ~ p ) Without doubt, We have already written in the Zaboor after the reminder (the Torah) that My pious bondsmen shall inherit the land. {Surah Arnbiyaa, verse 105) This earth is your legacy and the promise of your Rabb. For the past three years, Allaah has given you use of this land. You are feeding others from it and yourselves eating from it. To this day, you have killed its people (in the wars that took place), collected their wealth and taken prisoners from amongst them. In the previous battles, those before you have caused much harm to them. Now ( 1 ) Tabari (Vo1.4 Pg.67).

(2) Ibn Abdil Birr in Istikab (Vol. 1 Pg.391) as well as Abu Nu'ayrn in Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.85). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH WGW (VOI-I) their army has come to you (the army of Yazdgird, numbering approximately two hundred thousand). You are amongst the pride of the Arabs, their nobles, the cream of every tribe and the most honourable of those you have left behind you. If you are detached from the world and aspirant to the Aakhirah, Allaah shall grant you both worlds. This battle cannot take you any closer to your deaths (because death is predestined). However, if you lose courage, become cowardly and weak, your strength will leave you and you will be destroying your Aakhirah." The Speech of Hadhrat Aasim bin Amr @Gwj during the Battle of Qaadisiyyah Thereafter, Hadhrat Aasim bin Amr ~~j stood up and said, "Allaah has subjected the people of this land (of Iraq) to you for the past three years and the harm you have done to them (in weakening their military strength) is more than the harm they have caused to you.

You are now in a position of superiority and Allaah shall remain with you on condition that you are steadfast and use your swords and spears properly. You will then have possession of their wealth, their women, their children and their country. On the other hand, if you weaken and become cowardly - may Allaah protect you from this - their large army shall not leave a single survivor from amongst you for fear that you would return to destroy them. Fear Allaah! Fear Allaah and remember the previous battles in which Allaah had blessed you. Do you not look back to the land (of Arabia) behind you that is barren without any vegetation.

It had neither any shade nor offers any sanctuary where refuge can be taken and a defence organised. Make the Aakhirah your objective." (') The Enthusiasm of the Sahabah '@GW to March in Jihaad for the Pleasure of Allaah The Enthusiasm of Hadhrat Abu Umaamah %Bwj for Jihaad Hadhrat Abu Umaamah - narrates that he got ready to join Rasulullaah@$% when ~asulullaah@% intended leaving for the Battle of Badr. His uncle Hadhrat Abu Burda bin Niyaar ~,13W advised him to rather stay behind with his mother. To this, Hadhrat Abu Umaamah B,Bw said, "Why do you rather not stay behind with your sister (my mother)?" when this was mentioned to ~asulullaah4k@!$, he instructed Hadhrat Abu Umaamah @,GW to remain with his mother while Hadhrat Abu Burda B,G= left (with R a s u l u l l a a h ~ ) . When ~ a s u l u l l a a h w returned, Hadhrat Abu Umaamah 3B!3Wj4s mother had just passed away and ~asulullaah@@ led the Janaazah (funeral) prayer. (2) ( I ) Tabari (Vo1.4 Pg.44).

(2) Abu Nu'aym in Hilya (vo1.9 ~g.37). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '&%*> (vol-I) The Enthusiasm of Hadhrat Umar !&3Wj for Jihaad and His Statement that Jihaad is Better than Hajj Hadhrat Umar ~ G f i j is reported to have said, "1 would have preferred to meet Allaah had it not been for three things; for walking in the path of Allaah, for placing my head on the sand in prostration before Allaah and for sitting in the company of people who choose their words just as the best dates are selected."(') Hadhrar Umar ~ , - is also reported to have said (to the people), "~nsuie that you perform Hajj for it is a virtuous deed that Allaah has commanded. Howeirer, Jihaad is even more virtuous." The Enthusiasm of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar $&B@@ij for Jihaad Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar @W once said, "When I was brought before ~ a s u l u l l a a h w to participate in the Battle of Badr, ~asulullaah@@ thought that I was too young and did not accept me. I had never experienced no night like that night. Because ~asulullaah@% did not accept me (to fight in Jihaad), I did not sleep a wink, was overcome with grief and wept incessantly. When I was brought before him the following year and ~ a s u l u l l a a h r n accepted me, I praised Allaah for it." Someone then asked him, "0 Abu Abdur Rahmaan!

Did you people turn back on the day the two armies met (during the Battle of Uhud)?" "Yes," replied Hadhrat ~bdullaah bin Umar ?&I-, ''but Allaah forgave all of us, and all thanks are due to Him." (3) The Incident of Hadhrat Umar %!2im With the Person who Intended to Proceed in Jihaad Hadhrat Anas %GWZ narrates that a man came to Hadhrat Umar 3W and requested, "0 Ameerul Mu'mineen! Please provide me with transport because I want to proceed in Jihaad." Hadhrat Umar 3W; then told someone to take the man to the public treasury so that he could take whatever he required form there. When the man entered the treasury and found gold and silver, he asked, "What is all this? I need none of this. All I require are provisions for a journey and transport." The people took the man back to Hadhrat Umar %lZ4G and informed him about what he had said. Hadhrat Umar S G W j then issued instructions that the man should be provided with provisions and transport.

(When these were brought) Hadhrat Umar iB3W; himself tied the saddle to the animal. After mounting the animals, the man raised his hands (in dua) and praised Allaah for the treatment he received and for what Hadhrat Umar !i$lw had given him. In the meanwhile, Hadhrat Umar Uw was walking behind him with the hope that the man would make dua for him. After praising Allaah, the man said, "0 ( I ) Ahmad in his Zuhd, Sa'eed bin Mansoor, Ibn Abi Shayba and others, as quoted in. Kanzul Ummaal. (2) Ibn Abi Shayba, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaaal(Vol.2 Pg.288).

(3) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanz(Vo1.5 Pg.231). THE LIVES OF THE SRHABRH ' & ~ ~ ~ (~ol-1, Allaah! Also grant Hadhrat Umar $E$X&j the best of rewards." The Statement of Hadhrat Umar %%wj About the Virtue of the Person who Marches out and Stands Guard in the Path of Allaah Hadhrat Artaat bin Mundhir narrates that Hadhrat Umar WGW once asked those sitting in his company, "Which person deserves the greatest rewards?" The people started making mention of salaah and fasting and mentioning the names of people who are best after the Ameerul Mu'mineen. Thereafter, Hadhrat Umar 5Uw said, "Shall I not inform you of those whose rewards are greater than those you have mentioned and who is even better than the Arneerul Mu'mineen?" When the people asked to be informed, Hadhrat Umar SGWj replied, 'A small (seemingly unimportant) man in Shaam leading his horse by its reins as he walks while guarding the capital city of the Muslims (guarding Madinah against any attack from the Kuffaar in Shaam). He neither knows whether a wild animal may maul him, whether a poisonous reptile may bite him or whether an enemy may overpower him. That is the person whose rewards are greater than all those you have mentioned and who is even better than the Ameerul Mu'mineen." (2) The Incident of Hadhrat Umar and Hadhrat Abu Bakr %GW Concerning the Departure of Hadhrat Mu'aadh sG$&&++ Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik @,- narrates that Hadhrat Umar W,DW used to say, "The departure of Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal @Cto Shaam was an event that presented much difficulty to Madinah and its people with regard to questions of Islaamic jurisprudence and the religious rulings (Fataawa) that Hadhrat Mu'aadh ?3BWj issued.

I had spoken to Hadhrat Abu Bakr $&,Gw about keeping Hadhrat Muaa'dh ~ G m behind (in Madinah) because the people needed him but Hadhrat Abu Bakr @,Gw refused this request saying, 'I cannot stop a man who wants to go somewhere in search of martyrdom.' I responded by saying, 'By Allaah! When a person is serving important interests of his townspeople, he will be blessed withthestatusofamartyr even as he lies on his bed in his own home."' Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik $3says that Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal %,DM used to issue Fataawa (religious rulings) during the lifetime of ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ as well as during the time that Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~ , m was Khalifah. (3) Hadhrat Umar !&law Gives Preference to those who were the First to Migrate over the Popular Leaders of People Hadhrat Naufal bin Amaarah narrates that Hadhrat Haarith bin Hishaam and (1) Hannaad, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.2 Pg.288). (2) rbn Asaakir, as quoted in Kmzu/ Urnrnaa/(Vol.2 Pg.289). (3) Ibn Sa'd, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaa/(Vo1.7 Pg.87). THE LIVES OF THE SAWAH ( ~ o l - I ) Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr %;C-j came and sat with Hadhrat Umar WZ%!% in a manner that he was between the two of them.

Thereafter, the first among those to migrate to Madinah started arriving. (As each one of them arrived,) Hadhrat Umar said, "Move aside, 0 Suhayl! Move aside, 0 Haarith!" In this manner, Hadhrat Umar ?&Wj moved the two of'them further from himself. As the Ansaar started coming to Hadhrat Umar B,W, he moved the two men further in a like manner until they were behind everyone. When the two men left the presence of Hadhrat Umar BWj, Hadhrat Haarith bin Hishaam !&W!% said to Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr !2X5@!3, "Did you see how we were treated?" Hadhrat Suhayl ?&m replied, "Dear man! We should not blame Hadhrat Umar $@!Z$i@j, but should blame ourselves.

When those people were invited to accept Islaam, they were quick to do so while we procrastinated." When the Muhaajireen and Ansaar had left Hadhrat Umar 5!,W, the two men approached him and said, "0 Ameerul Mu'mineen! We noticed what you did today and realise that is was due to our own shortcomings. However, is there any way in which we could gain the status we have not been able to achieve?" Hadhrat Umar @ W 5 said to them, "I know of no other way but in that direction." He then pointed'towards the Roman borders (where the Muslims were waging Jihaad against the Romans). The two men then left for Shaam, where they both passed away. ('1 The Statement of Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr @Gm to the Leaders over Whom Hadhrat Umar %XZWj had Given preference to the Early Muhaajireen Hadhrat Hasan *3%XllSj narrates that several persons came to the door of Hadhrat Umar %k@i&j. Amongst them were Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr i@3@&&, Hadhrat Abu Sufyaan bin Harb 4%$!3&!$j and other prominent leaders of the Quraysh W,Wj.

Hadhrat Umar w 5 ' s doorkeeper came out and allowed inside those Sahabah W W who participated in the Battle of Badr such as Hadhrat Suhayb $E4&j, Hadhrat Bilaal w4&& and Hadhrat Ammaar !ZW.&6. Hadhrat Hasan W&lGj says, "I swear by Allaah that Hadhrat Umar 3W had himself participated inthk Battle of Badr. He loved those who participated in the Battle of Badr and always advised others to show preference to them. Abu Sufyaan %3w said, "I have never before seen a day like today! He allows these slaves to enter without paying any attention to us sitting there." Hadhrat Hasan 'i2G&lGj narrates fhrther by saying, "Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr W . W responded to him.

What an excellent and intelligent man he was! He said, '0 people! By Allaah! I see the expressions on your faces. If you are angry, be angry with yourselves. You were also invited to accept Islaam when these people were invited.

However, they were quick to respond while you procrastinated. Listen well! I swear by Allaah that the virtue (of accepting Islaam early) by which they (1) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in mnzul Urnmaal(Vol.7 Pg.136). Ibn Abdil Birr has also quoted it in his Isti'aab (Vol.2 Pg.111). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH m!%&& (Vol-I) have excelled ahead of you is a greater loss to you than their beating you to this door (of the Ameerul Mu'mineen) for which you are competing."' Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr ~~j then continued to say, "As you see, these men have beaten you and I swear by Allaah that you have no way of reaching the status that they have to beat you. You should therefore look towards waging Jihaad and hold tightly to it.

Perhaps Aliaah shall bless you with the honour of (waging sincere) Jihaad and martyrdom." Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr BWj then stood up, dusted his clothing and proceeded to Shaam. Hadhrat Hasan 3G&\Gj added, "Hadhrat Suhayl bin Arnr i43Wj had spoken the truth. By Allaah! Allaah has not made the person who is quick like the person who procrastinates (they cannot share the same status)." (') Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr @%$w Marches in Jihaad and Remains in the Path of Allaah until his Death Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed bin Fudaala BGw was a Sahabi who narrated, "Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr 1'43and myself went together to Shaam. I heard him say, 'I heard Rasulullaah &%% say, 'A moment spent standing in the path of Allaah is better than a lifetime of deeds one of you can do while with his family.' I shall therefore remain guarding the borders of the Islaamic state until I die and shall never return to Makkah."' Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed %Gw says that Hadhrat Suhayl bin Amr W,Wi% then remained in Shaam until he passed away in the plague of Arnwaas. (2) Hadhrat Haarith bin Hishaam ~,G@&G Leaves for Jihaad despite the Despondency of the People of Makkah Hadhrat Abu Naufal bin Abi Aqrab narrates that when Hadhrat Haarith bin Hishaam %i%%&$j left Makkah, the people of Makkah became extremely sad and besides suckling infants, everyone left to see him off.

When he reached an elevated spot of Bat'haa or somewhere close to it, he stopped and the people around him also stopped. They were all weeping. Seeing the sorrow of the people, he said, "0 people! I swear by Allaah that I am not leaving because I love myself more than you nor because 1 prefer another city to yours. However, when Islaam came, there were many men of the Quraysh who left (Makkah and left in Jihaad) for the sake of Islaam even though they were not from amongst the prominent people of the Quraysh nor from its nobility. By Allaah!

Our condition at present is that even if the mountains of Makkah were solid gold and we spent all of it in the path of Allaah, we would never equal a day of theirs. By Allaah! Although they have surpassed us in this world, we hope that we shall be (1) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.282) and fsti'aab (Vo1.2 Pg.110). Haythami (Vo1.8 Pg.46) has commented on the chain of narrators. Bukhari in his Taareekh and Baawardi have also narrated it in brief, as quoted in rsaaba (Vo1.2 Pg.94). (2) Ibn Sad (Vo1.5 Pg.339, as quoted in lsaaba (Vo1.2 Pg.94).

Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.282) has also narrated it. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @!%@!%~ (Vol-I) on par in the Aakhirah. Every person who carries out any deed should fear Allaah." He then leftfor Shaam together with all those who followed him and was later martyred. May Allaah shower His mercy on him. (') The Enthusiasm of Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed %%%% for Jihaad and his Desire to be Martyred Hadhrat Ziyaad who was a freed slave of the family of Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed B,Wj narrates that on his deathbed, Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed S,- said, "There is no night on earth more beloved to me than a night out on a military expedition with the Muhaajireen which is so cold that water turns to ice and we are to attack the enemy the following dawn. You people should steadfastly cling to Jihaad." (2) Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed !X@4% has also mentioned, "The night in which my newly-wed bride whom I love dearly is brought to my house or from whom I am given the news of a son to be born is not aearer to me then that night out on a military expedition with the Muhaajireen whicn is so cold that water turns to ice and we are to attack the enemy the following dawn." (3) Another narration states that Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed W3w said, "Involvement in Jihaad in the path of Allaah prevented me from learning much of the Qur'aan." (4) It is also narrated that Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed !&Gw said, "Involvement in Jihaad has preoccupied me from learning much about the Qur'aan." (5) Hadhrat Abu Waa'il narrates that when Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed B,G@j was about to pass away, he said, "I searched for martyrdom wherever I anticipated it to be but I was destined to die on my bed.

After my recitation of 'Laa Ilaaha Illallaah', there is no deed I have more hope in than the night I spent wearing my helmet as the rain poured all the time until dawn. Thereafter, we launched a surprise attack on the enemy positions. When I die, I want you to gather my weapons and my horse and donate it as equipment in the path of Allaah." After Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed B . W j had passed away, Hadhrat Umar @,- came for the Janaazah (funeral prayer) and said, "There is no harm if the family of Waleed shed their tears as long as they do not tear their clothes and wail loudly." (6) The Enthusiasm of Hadhrat Bilaal %,G@ to Proceed in the Path of Allaah The fathers of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Muhammad, Umar bin Hafs and Ammaar (I) Istikab (Vol.1 Pg.310). Haakim (Vol.3 Pg.278) has also narrated it. (2) Ibn Sa'd, as quoted in lsaaba (Vol. l Pg.4 14).

(3) Abu Ya'la, as quoted in Majma'uzZawaa'id(Vol.9 Pg.350). (4) Abu Ya'la. Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.350) has commented on the chain of narrators. (5) Abu Ya'la, as quoted in lsaaba (Vol.1 Pg.414). (6) Ibn Mubaarak in his Kitaabul Jihaad, as quoted in lsaaba (Vol.1 Pg.415). Although majority of scholars believe that Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed %l!5m passed away in Hims, this narration indicates that he passed away in Madinah.

Tabraani has also narrated this report in brief and Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.350) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @Gw (Vol-I) bin Hafs all narrate from their fathers that Hadhrat Bilaal ~ . - once approached Hadhrat Abu Bakr % , ~ ~ saying. "0 Khalifah of Rasulullaah@@! I have heard Rasulullaah@%% say that the best deed of the Mu'mineen is Jihaad in the path of Allaah. I have therefore decided to guard the borders for the pleasure of Allaah until I die.'' Hadhrat Abu Bakr %,!3S responded by saying, "0 Bilaal! I plead to you in the name of Allaah and for the sake of my honour and the rights I have (not to leave me).

My age has advanced, my strength has weakened and my death is near." Hadhrat Bilaal %.Gw therefore stayed with Hadhrat Abu Bakr % , W j . After Hadhrat Abu Bakr %,GW+ had passed away, Hadhrat Umar %GW+ gave Hadhrat Bilaal %Gw a similar .reply (when he requested to proceed in Jihaad). However, Hadhrat Bilaal %,Gw refused to accept the reply. Hadhrat Umar B , G W then asked, "Who then (will call out the Adhaan)?" Hadhrat Bilaal %GWj replied, "Leave it to Sa'd, for he also called out the Adhaan in Quba during the time of ~asulullaah@?f$." Hadhrat Umar 4 = then appointed Hadhrat Sa'd B , G W to call out the Adhaan and decided that his progeny after him should call out the Adhaan. Hadhrat Muhammad bin Ibraheem Taymi narrates that after the demise of R a s u l u l l a a h ~ , Hadhrat Bilaal BGm called out the Adhaan before Rasulullaah@%% was buried. The people in the Masjid started to weep uncontrollably when he called out the words: "I testify that ~ u h a m r n a d w is the Rasul of Allaah." After ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ was buried and Hadhrat Abu Bakr %GWj asked Hadhrat Bilaal %,- to call out the Adhaan, Hadhrat pilaal ~ , G W said, "If you had freed me so that I should always remain with you, then it is alright (I shall do so).

However, if you freed me for Allaah then leave me to the One for Whom you had freed me." When Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3,13W4 made it clear that he had freed Hadhrat Bilaal %lGWj solely for the pleasure of Allaah, Hadhrat Bilaal ~ , C w said, "I therefore prefer not to call out the Adhaan for anyone else after the demise of R a s u l u l l a a h ~ . " Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3,Gw acknowledged this by saying, "The choice is yours." Hadhrat Bilaal ~ , W j then remained in Madinah until an army was leaving for Shaam. He then joined them to Shaam. Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Musayyib *&&IS3 narrates that when Hadhrat Abu Bakr 33.W once ascended the pulpit on the day of Jumu'ah, Hadhrat Bilaal ?ZiW&+ called for him. "At your service," replied Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,GW$. Hadhrat Bilaal B,GiW3 asked, "Did you free me for the pleasure of Allaah or for yourself?" "Only for Allaah's pleasure," was the reply.

"Then," continued Hadhrat Bilaal S,Wj, ."permit me to wage Jihaad in the path of Allaah." With the permission of Hadhrat Abu Bakr %,-, Hadhrat Bilaal 9 . W 5 then left for Shaam where he uassed away. (2) ( 1 ) Tabraani. Haythami (Vo1.5 Pg.274) has commented on the chain of narrators. 1bn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg. 168) has also reported the narration. (2) Ibn Sa'd and Abu Nu'aym in Hilya (Vol. 1 Pg. 150). THE LIVES OF THE SAU4BAH e.@&3 (Vol-I) Hadhiat Miqdaad ~~~~ Refuses to Miss a Jihaad Expedition because of the verse of the Qur'aan Exhorting Jihaad Hadhrat Abu Yazeed Makki narrates that Hadhrat Miqdaad 4 - and Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob B,= used to say, "we have been commanded to proceed in Jihaad in all conditions." This was their interpretation of the verse: Proceed (in the path of Allaah) when light or heavy (happily or reluctant& rich or poor, in good conditions and adverse conditions) {Surah Taubah, verse 41) Hadhrat Abu Raashid Habraani 7W&l@j narrates that he once happened to meet Hadhrat Miqdaad bin Aswad %,= who was part of ~asulullaah@&'s cavalry.

He was sitting on the box of a currency exchanger and because his body was sizeable (he had put on extra weight in his old age), part of his body hung over the box. This was in Hims and Hadhrat Miqdaad %= was intending to march in Jihaad. Hadhrat Abu Raashid said to him, "Allaah has excused you (from Jihaad because of your condition)." Hadhrat Miqdaad 3,- replied, "The verse of Surah ~u'hooth(~) has come to us (in which Allaah says): Proceed (in the path of Allaah) when light or heavy (happily or reluctant& rich or poor, in good conditions and adverse conditions) {Surah Taubah, verse 41 ) (3) Hadhrat Jubayr bin Nufayr 3G&lGZj narrates that they were sitting in the company of Hadhrat Miqdaad bin &$ad %,G= in Damascus. Hadhrat Miqdaad %W!ki was sitting on a box which had no space left on it (because his weight had become uncontrollable). Someone said to him, "You should sit out the year without fighting in Jihaad (because of your ill health)." He replied by saying, "The verse of Surah Bu'hooth has come to us." He was referring to Surah Taubah. He continued, "Allaah says: 'Proceed (in the path ofAllaah) when light or heavy' {Surah Taubah, verse 4 1 ) I find myself to be light (and therefore have no excuse to remain behind)." (4) The Incident of Hadhrat Abu Talha !&JE@!&$3 in this Regard Hadhrat Anas %Gw narrates that Hadhrat Abu Talha 3.W was reciting Surah ( I ) Abu Nu'aym in Hilya (Vo1.9 Pg.47).

(2) Surah Taubah. (3) Abu Nu'aym in Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.176). Tabraani has also reported the narration and Haythami (Vo1.7 Pg.30) has commented on the chain of narrators. Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.115) and Haakim have also narrated it from reliable sources as confirmed by Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.349). (4) Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.21). THE LNES OF THE SAHABAH @&@% (Vol-1) , Baraa'ah when he came to verse: 'Proceed (in thepath ofAffaah) when light or heavy' {Surah Taubah, verse 41 ) He said, "I have no doubts that our Rabb intends to encourage us to proceed (in Jihaad) whether we are young or old. 0 my sons.

Prepare my provisions for the journey. Prepare my drovisions for the journey." His sons said to him, "May Allah have mercy on you! You fought with ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ until he passed away. ThereaRer, you fought with Hadhrat Abu Bakr !B@?!& until he passed away and then with Hadhrat Umar !#!%&% until he passed away. Now let us fight on your behalf." "Never!" exclaimed Hadhrat Abu Talha ??%%!%, "Just prepare my provisions." He then joined the naval expedition and passed away while at sea. It was only after seven days that an island could be found on which to bury him.

When he was buried there, his body had not even started to decay. (I) The Incident of Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob !$3K5j in this Regard Hadhrat Muhammad bin Seereen Whas mentioned that Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari !&WW was present at the Battle of Badr with ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ . Thereafter, apart from one year, he never missed a single military expedition. He sat out that year because a youngster had been appointed as commander of the army. However, after that year, he was always remorseful and would repeat three times, "I care not who is appointed as commander over me." He fell ill while with an army under the command of Yazeed bin Mu'aawiya. When he came to see Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob !&WW, Yazeed asked, "Is there anything you need?" Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob ??%%!% replied, "When I die, I want you to place my body on an animal and take me as far as you can into the land of the enemy.

Eventually, when you are unable to take me any further, you may bury me." Consequently, after Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob %Wi% passed away, Yazeed had his body placed on an animal and took him as far as he could into enemy territory. When he could no t longer take him along, he buried him and then left the area. Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob !B@?!& used to recite the verse: Proceed (in thepath ofMiaah) when light or heavy {Surah Taubah, verse 41 ) Thereafter, he would say, "I always find myself to be either light or heavy (never being excused from marching in Jihaad)." (2) Hadhrat Abu Dhabyaan narrates from his teachers from Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari !&WW that he fell ill as he was on a military expedition during the rule (I) Ist~aab(Vol.1 F'g.550). Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.66), Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 5.21) and Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.353) have also reported the narration from reliable sources as confirmed by Haakim. Abu Ya'la has also reported the narration from reliable sources as quoted in Majma'uztawaalid (Vo1.9 Pg.312). (2) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.458) and Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.49), as quoted in Isdaba (Vol. 1 Pg.405).

A narration of Abu Is'haaq Fazaari names the vounnster as Abdul Malik bin Mawaan. 45 0 THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH '@&@% (Vol-I) of Hadhrat Mu'aawiya ?iW&Gj. When his illness worsened, he said to his companions, "Load me on an animal after I die and bury me beneath your feet when yoii stand in your rows in front of the enemy." They did as he requested. The narration still continues further. Hadhrat Abu Dhabyaan also narrates that when Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob 8was on a military campaign under the command of Yazeed bin Mu'aawiya, he said, "Take me to enemy territory after I die and bury me beneath you feet wherever you clash with the enemy." Thereafter he said, "The person who dies without ascribing partners to Allaah shall enter Jannah." (2) Hadhrat Abu Khaythama SGwj Forsakes the Luxuries of this world and Proceeds in the Path of Allaah Hadhrat Ibn Is'haaq yW&l&Sj narrates that it was a few days after ~asulullaah4!%% had already left (for Tabook) that Hadhrat Abu Khaythama ~ , - returned home on an extremely hot day. He found his two wives beneath their shelters in his orchard. Each one of them had sprinkled water on their shelters and kept cold water for him together with food they had prepared.

When he entered the orchard and stood at the door of a shelter, he saw his wives and what they had done for him. He then said, "~asulullaah@% is sweltering in the sun, hot winds and heat while Abu Khaythama is enjoying cool shade, prepared meals and beautiful wives as he remains with his wealth. This is not fair! I swear by Allaah that I shall not enter the shelter of any of you before meeting with ~asulullaah@$%. Prepare my journey's provisions." They prepared the provisions and brought his camel. He saddled the camel and left in search of ~asulullaah@@ until he finally caught up when ~asulullaah@@ had set up camp in Tabook.

Hadhrat Abu Khaythama 8Gw met up with Hadhrat Umayr bin Wahab Jamahi WW% on the road, who was also looking for ~asulullaah@%. The two rode together until they came close to Tabook. Hadhrat Abu Khaythama BWj then said to Hadhrat Umayr ?%%%, "Since I am at fault (for not joining the army earlier and have to meet Rasulullaah@?i% as soon as possible), why do you not ride behind me (for you have no hurry) so that 1 may reach R a s u l u l l a a h ~ (first)." Hadhrat Umayr 8,= complied and when Hadhrat Abu Khaythama 8,WiG drew close to ~asulullaah@@ in Tabook, the Sahabah i4E!m said, "Here comes a rider on the road." ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ said, "Let it be Abu Khaythama." The Sahabah W , W j then said, "0 R a s u l u l l a a h ~ ! By Allaah! It really is Abu Khaythama!" When Hadhrat Abu Khaythama @,lSW had made his camel sit down, he approached ~asulullaah@@. After he had greeted ~asulullaah@%%, R a s u l u l l a a h ~ said to him, "Shame on you, 0 Abu Khaythama!" After Hadhrat Abu Khaythama 8,Gm had explained the incident to R a s u l u l l a a h ~ , (i) Isti'aab (~01. 1 Pg.404).

(2) Ahmad, as quoted in NBidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.8 Pg.59). Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.49) has also reported the narration. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,g@!% (Vol-I) 45 1 R a s u l u l l a a h ~ commended him and prayed for him. (') Hadhrat Sa'd bin Khaythama W3W2 says, "1 was unable to march with ~asulullaah@?%. When I entered my orchard, I saw a shelter sprinkled with water and my wife. I then said, 'This is not fair!

Rasulullaah@@ is suffering in hot winds and heat while I am enjoying shade and luxury.' I then went to load my camel and took along some dates as my provisions. My wife called out, 'Where are you heading, 0 Abu Khaythama?' 'I am going to ~asulullaah@&!,' I replied." Narrating further, Hadhrat Abu Khaythama 3 , G M says, "I then left to find ~asulullaah@?%. On the road Umayr bin Wahab met me. I said to him, 'You are a brave man (and have nothing to fear being alone). I know where Rasulullaah@& is and I am at fault (for not joining the army sooner). Do ride behind me so that I may meet ~asulullaah@?@ alone.' Umayr did as I bid and as I set sight on the Muslim army, they also spotted me. ~asulullaah@@ said, 'Let it be Abu Khaythama.' I approached ~asulullaah@@ and said, 'I had almost destroyed myself, 0 ~asulullaaht$$&!' After narrating my story to him, ~asulullaah@& had good words to say and made dua for me." ('1 The Grief of the Sahabah + ~ , G W When they did not have the Ability to Go Out in the Path of Allaah or to Spend in the Path of Allaah The Incident of Hadhrat Abu Layla %G@!G and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mughaffal !&Emj Hadhrat Ibn Is'haaq says that the report reached him that Hadhrat Ibn Yaameen Nasri B,Gm once met Hadhrat Abu Layla 3 , G W and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mughaffal "" """ " siW, both of whom were weeping.

Hadhrat Ibn Yaameen 3Wj asked, "What makes you two weep?" They replied, "We approached ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ to provide transport for us (so that we could proceed in Jihaad) but we found nothing with him that we could use as transport. We also have nothing which could enable us to leave (in Jihaad) with ~asulullaah@?&. Hadhrat Ibn Yaameen 3,Gw then gave them his camel and some dates for the journey's provision. The two then left with ~ a s u l u l l a a h m . A narration of Yunus bin Bukayr also from Ibn Is'haaq adds that another Sahabi by the name of Hadhrat Ulba bin Zaid 3.Gw (who also did not have the means to proceed in Jihaad) left at night and engaged in salaah for a considerable portion of the night. Thereafter, he started weeping and said, "0 Allaah!

You have issued the command to wage Jihaad and encouraged it. However, You have not given me the means with which to do it and have also not given to Your ~asulullaah@&! the means to provide transport for me. Now I wish to distribute (1) Hadhrat Urwa bin Zubayr and Moosa bin Uqba have also reported the story of I-ladhrat Abu Khaythama %,Wj in more detail. They mention that Hadhrat Abu Khaythama 3Gw3 left for Tabook during autumn, as quoted in AlBidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.5 Pg.7). (2) Tabraani, as quoted in Majma'uzZawaa'id(Vol.6 Pg.192). Haythami (Vo1.6 Pg.193) has commented on the chain of narrators.

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,- (Vol-1) as Sadaqah to all the Muslims (the rewards for me forgiving) every injustice that has been done to me in my wealth, my body and my honour." When he came out in the morning with the other Muslims, Rasulullaah@% asked, "Where is the person who gave Sadaqah last night?" when no one replied, ~asulullaah@% repeated, "Where is the person who gave Sadaqah? Let him stand up." Hadhrat Ulba S.W stood up and related his story. ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ commended him saying, "Hear the good news! I swear by the Being Who controls my life that your Sadaqah has been recorded as an accepted act of zakaah." ( I ) The Story of Hadhrat Ulba bin Zaid ~ , G W 3 Hadhrat Abu Abs bin Jabar narrates that amongst the companions of Rasulullaah@% was Hadhrat Ulba bin Zaid bin Haaritha %WW. When the Sahabah i4EI-j were encouraged to spend in Sadaqah, each one of them brought whatever he could afford and whatever he had. Hadhrat Ulba %&@!& said, "0 Allaah! I have nothing to spend in Sadaqah. 0 Allaah!

I therefore spend (the rewards for me forgiving) every insult to my honour caused by any of Your creation," (The next morning) Rasulullaah@&$ appointed someone to announce, "Where is the person who donated his honour as Sadaqah last night?" When Hadhrat Ulba !!3.WSj stood up, R a s u l u l l a a h ~ said, 'Your Sadaqah has been accepted." (2) Censuring Those Who Delayed Marching in the Path of Allaah ~asulullaah@@ Censures Hadhrat Ibn Rawaaha gJ,g$&j Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 4 - narrates that when ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ dispatched an army to Mu'ta, he appointed Hadhrat Zaid bin Haaritha !BW&i as the commander. R a s u l u l l a a h ~ also added that if Hadhrat Zaid !BW&i is martyred, Hadhrat Ja'far %$S&5 was to take command and if he were martyred, Hadhrat Ibn Rawaaha - was to take command. However, Hadhrat Ibn Rawaaha ?BSW delayed in leaving and performed the Jumu'ah salaah behind ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ . When Rasulullaah@% saw him, he asked, "What has delayed you?" Hadhrat Ibn Rawaaha !iW&G replied, "Performing the Jumu'ah salaah with you." ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ told him, "A single morning or evening in the path of Allaah is better than the entire world and its contents." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas ?B@!G narrates that it happened to be the day of Jumu'ah when ~asulullaah@% dispatched Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Rawaaha (1) Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.5 Pg.5). The author of Isaaba (Vol.2 Pg.500) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Ibn Mandah.

Bazzaar has reported the narration in the words of Hadhrat Ulba %W&G himself. Bazzaar then says that Hadhrat Ulba %W$.W was a famous Ansaari Sahabi about whom this is the only report narrated. A similar report is narrates by Ibn Abi Dunya and Ibn Shaheen. Ibn Najjaar has also reported the narration in brief, as quoted in mnzul Urnmaal(Vo1.7 Pg.80). (3) Ahmad, as quoted in AlBidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.4 Pg.242). Ibn Abi Shayba have also reported the narration, as quoted Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.309).

TNE WVES OF THE SAHABAH @&%3 (Vol-1) 45 3 !&.%%%6 with an army. Hadhrat Ibn Rawaaha 4!k%%% let the others proceed ahead and said to them, "I shall remain behind to perform the Jumu'ah salaah with R a s u l u l l a a h ~ . I shall then catch up with you." R a s u l u l l a a h ~ caught sight of him after performing the salaah and asked, "What prevented you from leaving with your companions in the morning?" Hadhrat Ibn Rawaaha !&I%% replied, "I wanted to perform the Jumu'ah salaah with you and catch them up later." ~asulullaah@!$!$ said, "Even if you spent everything on earth you would be unable to gain (the rewards of) their morning.'' ('I ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ Rebukes one of the Sahabah B,- who Delayed Marching in the Path of Allaah Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Anas ~ , W narrates that Rasulullaah@% once commanded some Sahabah i&Y!3Wj to march on a military expedition. One of them said t o his wife, "I shall stay behind to perform salaah with Rasulullaahm. Thereafter, I can make salaam with him and bid him farewell. He would then make a dua for me that would reach the Day of Qiyaamah (and benefit me then)." After Rasulullaah@%?@ had completed the salaah, the man came forward to greet him. ~asulullaah@% asked, "Do you know how far ahead your companions have gone?" "Yes," replied the Sahabi S13&%, "They are ahead of me by half a day." Rasulullaah@@ said, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life!

They have excelled you in virtue by a measure that is greater than the distance between the east and the west." (2) ~asulullaah@i!@ Commands a Battalion to Leave by Night Hadhrat Abu Hurayra SWW6 narrates that R a s u l u l l a a h ~ once commanded a battalion to leave. They asked, "0 ~asulullaah@%! Should we leave tonight or wait until the morning?" Rasulullaah@@# said, "Would you not like to spend the night in a garden from amongst the magnificent gardens of Jannah?" (3) Hadhrat Umar BGWj Censures Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal !HG553 for Delaying his Departure Hadhrat Abu Zur'ah bin Amr bin Jareer narrates that Hadhrat Umar !BW once dispatched an army that included Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal @,w. After the army had left, Hadhrat Umar ~ , W j saw Hadhrat Mu'aadh 3B3Wj and asked, "What has kept you back?" Hadhrat Mu'aadh !&W&i replied, "I wanted to leave after performing the Jumu'ah salaah." Hadhrat Umar %lMBj scolded him by saying, "Have you not heard Rasulullaahm say, 'A single morning or evening in ( I ) Tirmidhi with commentary on the chain of narrators, as quoted in A1 Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.4 Pg.242). (2) Ahmad. Haythami (Vo1.5 Pg.284) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(3) Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.158). Tabraani has also reported the narration and Haythami (Vo1.5 Pg.276) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LlVES OF THE SAH'ABAH @,g$%? (Vol-I) the path of Allaah is better than the entire world and its contents'?" Censuring Those Who Delayed Marching in the Path of Allaah Because of Negligence on their Part The Story of Hadhrat K'ab bin Maalik %%w Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik B G W says, "Besides the military expedition to Tabook, I did not miss a single military expedition in which Rasulullaah@@ participated. Of course, I did miss the Battle of Badr, but no one was reprimanded for missing that expedition because Rasulullaah@,%% had only intended to intercept a caravan of the Quraysh, after which Allaah brought the Muslims and their enemy together without any prearrangement. I was present on the night that the Pledge of Aqaba took place with R a s u l u l l a a h ~ .

This was the night that we pledged our allegiance to Islaam. I would not like to exchange that night for being at the Battle of Badr even though the Battle of Badr is more popularly spoken about amongst people. This is my story: I was never more healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I missed the (Tabook) expedition with R a s u l u l l a a h ~ . I had never before owned two animals as I had at the time of the expedition. Until this expedition took place, it was always the practice of Rasulullaah@?% to conceal the destination and make it seem that he was heading in a different direction. When ~ a s u l u l l a a h m intended to march on this expedition, the heat was extreme, the journey was long and across barren land and the enemy were large in number. ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ therefore disclosed the matter to the Muslims so that they could make proper preparations for the expedition.

He informed the Muslims exactly where he intended marching. The Muslims marching with Rasulullaah@%$ were so many that a single register could not contain their names. In fact, anyone who intended absenting himself knew that his absence would not be noted unless Allaah sent revelation about it. ~asulullaah@& left on this expedition at a time when the date crop and the shade was most appealing (because the dates were ripe for thk picking and the intense heat drew everyone towards the shade). However, h e Muslims 'started their preparations along with ~asulullaah@@. Each morning I left to start my preparations with the other Muslims but returned home every time without doing anything, telling myself that I have the means to prepare (and can even do so at short notice). This procrastination continued until others had prepared in earnest and the morning arrived when ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ marched with the Muslims.

By then I had stil1,not yet made any preparations but told myself that I, would get ready in a day or two and then catch up with them. After they had left, I started the morning with the intention of making preparations, but returned home without accomplishing anything. The next morning was the same and again I (1) Ibn Raahway and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.2 Pg.289). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @@@%2 (Vol-1) 45 5 returned home without accomplishing anything. This continued happening to me and the Muslims marched very fast until every chance of catching up with the expedition was-lost. I had a firm resolve to ride out to meet them and wish that I had.

However, I was never destined to do so. When I walked amongst the people after Rasulullaah@?% had left, it saddened me greatly to see only people whose hearts were tainted by hypocrisy or ailing people whom Allaah had excused (staying behind). Rasulullaah@% made no mention of me until the ~ u s l i m s had reached Tabook. As he was sitting amongst the others at Tabook, he asked, 'What has happened to Ka'b?' Someone from the Banu Salma tribe commented, '0 Rasulullaah@@! His fine clothing (wealth) has obstructed him.' Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal 9 G W interjected by saying, 'You have made a terrible statement! 0 ~asulullaah@@! I swear by Allaah that we only know him to be an excellent person.' Rasulullaah6% remained silent." Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik !&Wj continues to narrate, "When the news reached me that Rasulullaahk@$ was returning, I became worried and started thinking of false excuses.

I asked myself what I could do to avert the anger of ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ and I also sought advice from every wise person of my family. When the news arrived that Rasulullaah@@ was about arriving, all false excuses vanished from my mind and I knew that I could never come out of the situation with anything connected to lies. I therefore resolved to tell Rasulullaah@%% the truth. Rasulullaahk@$ arrived and according to his normal practice after returning from a journey, he proceeded to the Masjid where he performed two Rakaahs of salaah. He then sat to meet with people. As R a s u l u l l a a h ~ did this, those who stayed behind started approaching him and to present their excuses.

They numbered eighty odd men and even took oaths before ~ a s u l u l l a a h m (to substantiate their excuses). R a s u l u l l a a h ~ accepted their excuses at face value, renewed their pledges of allegiance and sought Allaah's forgiveness on their behalf. He then handed over the inner details of their affairs to Allaah. When I approached ~asulullaah@% and greeted him with Salaam, he smiled the smile of an angry person and said, 'Do come forward.' I walked to him and sat in front of him. He asked, 'What kept you behind? Had you not already purchased your conveyance?' I responded by saying, 'That's true.

By Allaah! Had I been sitting before someone other than you from amongst worldly men, I would have certainly escaped your anger by making some excuse because I have been given the ability to present convincing arguments. However, I swear by Allaah that if I lie to you today and manage to secure your pleasure, the time will soon come when Allaah shall make you angry with me. On the other hand, if I tell you the truth and you become angry with me, I have strong hopes of Allaah's forgiveness. I swear by Allaah that I really had no excuse. By Allaah!

I was never more healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I missed the expedition.' ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ said, 'At least this man had spoken the truth. You may leave (and wait) until Allaah decides your matter.' 45 6 THE WVES OF THE SRHABAH (voI-1) As I stood up, some men from the Banu Salma tribe (to which I belonged) also stood up and followed me. They said to me, 'By Allaah! We have never known you to commit a sin before this! Could you not make an excuse like the others who stayed behind had made excuses? The forgiveness that ~asulullaah@% would have sought on your behalf should have then sufficed for our sin.' They kept scolding me in this manner so much that I actually made up my mind to return to ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ and deny whatever 1 had told him.

I then asked them, 'Has anyone else experienced the same treatment as I have?' They replied, Yes. TWO others said what you did and received the same reply you received.' 'Who are they?' I asked. 'Muraarah bin Rabee Amri and Hilaal bin Umayyah Waaqifl,' came the reply. The two men they named were two righteous men who had participated in the Battle of Badr and who made excellent examples to follow. I therefore went on my way when they mentioned these two names to me. ~asulullaah@$% subsequently prevented people from speaking only to the three of us as opposed to the others who had missed the expedition. People avoided us and ignored us so much so that even the earth seemed like a different place to me.

It was not the same place I had been used to. We remained in this condition for fifty days. MY two companions became helpless and confined themselves to their homes, weeping excessively. Since I was the youngest and most daring of us, I used to go out and join the Muslims for salaah. I even walked about in the marketplace but no one spoke to me. When ~asulullaah&& sat in gatherings after salaah, I would approach him and greet h h with Salaam.

I would then ask myself whether his lips moved in reply to my Salaam or not. I also performed salaah close to Rasulullaahand steal a glance at him. I noticed that whenever I was engaged in salaah, he looked at me and would avert his glance as soon as 1 turned towards him. The time eventually arrived when the attitude of the people became to much to bear, I walked t he orchard of Abu Qataadah and scaled the wall. He was my cousin and m $* best friend. I swear by Allaah that he did not even reply to my Salaam when 1 greeted him.

I protested by saying, '0 Abu Qataadah! I ask you in the name of Allaah to tell me whether I have love for Allaah and His ~ a s o o l m ? ' When he gave no reply, I repeated the question and again asked in the name of Allaah. He remained silent. Yet again, I repeated myself and took the name of Allaah. All he said was, 'Allaah and ~asulullaah&& know best.' My eyes welled with tears and I turned around to again scale the wall." Continuing with the story, Hadhrat Ka'b ?&WW says, "As I was walking in the marketplace one day, I heard the voice of a farmer from the farmers of Shaam who had come to Madinah to sell his grains.

He was announcing, 'Who will show me where is Ka'b bin Maalik?' As the people pointed him in my direction, he handed over to me a letter from the king of Ghassaan (wrapped in a silken cloth). The letter read: The news has readed me fhatpur masfer L king harsh towards p u Allaah has not made you a lowly md mined w o n . join forces with us and we shall THE WVES OF THE SAl-lABAH ' - (Vol-I) 45 7 honour you.' After reading the letter, 1 said to myself, 'This is part of the test.' I then went to an oven where I burnt the letter. when forty of the fifty days had passed, a messenger of Rasulullaah @@ suddenly came to me with the message that 1 was to separate from my wife. 'Should I divorce her?' I asked. 'No,' he replied, 'Just be separated from her and do not go near her.' The same message was sent to my two companions. I then said to my wife, 'Go to your family and stay with them until Allaah decides this matter.' The wife of Hadhrat Hilaal bin Umayyah 4 ! & approached ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ and pleaded, '0 Rasulullaah@?i%! Hilaal bin Umayyah is an extremely old and helpless man who has no servant.

Would you object if I serve him?' 'No,' replied ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ , 'Just ensure that he has no intimate relations with you.' She commented, 'By Allaah! He has no inclination to do anything. By Allaah! He has wept continuously since this affair started and continues to do so."' Hadhrat Ka'b %&W#j continues, "Some of my family members advised me to also request that my wife stays to serve me as Hilaal bin Umayyah W,GWj had requested permission. I told them that I would never seek such permission from Rasulullaah@% for I do not know what reply ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ would give me as a young man (who can care for himself). I then remained in this condition (without my wife) for ten days until full fifty nights had passed since ~asulullaah$%% banned others from speaking to us.

After performing the Fajr salaah on the morning of the fiftieth night, I was still on the roof of my house and sitting there in the condition. that Allaah describes in the Qur'aan (in verse 118 of Surah Taubah); the earth had narrowed for me despite its vastness (I could find no place to hide myself) and my own soul had narrowed for me (I had become frustrated with myself). It was then that I heard the voice of a caller who had climbed to the top of Mount Sala. He announced at the top of his voice, 'Rejoice, 0 Ka'b!' I immediately fell prostrate in Sajdah for 1 knew that relief had arrived. ARer performing the Fajr salaah, Rasulullaah@@ had announced to the people that Allaah had accepted our repentance. Many people came to congratulate us and went to congratulate my two companions. As someone (Hadhrat Zubayr bin Awaam -) spurred his horse to reach me, a man from the Banu Aslam (Hadhrat Hamzah bin Arnr Aslami iiW$&$j) tribe rushed to climb the hill and his voice was faster than the horse.

When the person whose voice I had heard came to me, I took off the two sheets of cloth I was wearing and gave them to him (in thanks) for the good news he had given me. I swear by Allaah that I had no other clothes besides this at the time. I therefore borrowed some clothes and went to ~ a s u l u l l a a h w . Droves of people came to congratulate me on my repentance saying, 'Congratulations! Allaah has accepted your repentance.' When I eventually reached the Masjid, Rasulullaah@@@ was sitting there surrounded by people. It was Talha bin Ubaydillaah BEw who stood up and rushed towards me to shake my hands and to congratulate me.

By Allaah! No 45 8 THE LllrES OF THE SAHABAH @,g$@> (Vol-I) other person from amoligst the Muhaajireen stood up to receive me. I shall never forget this gesture of Talha BGw. I then greeted Rasulullaah@@. With his face beaming with delight, Rasulullaahw said, 'Rejoice about the best day that has passed you since the day you were born. I asked, 'Is this from your side, 0 Rasulullaahw or from Allaah?' R a s u l u l l a a h ~ replied, 'It is from Allaah's side.' Whenever Rasulullaahw was happy, his face would shine and appear to be a portion of the moon.

We would therefore always recognise when he was happy. When I sat in front of Rasulullaah@$%, I said, ' 0 Rasulullaahk%@! As part of my Taubah, I wish to give all my wealth as Sadaqah for the pleasure of Allaah and His ~asool@&.' Rasulullaahw advised, 'It would be best if you keep some of your wealth for yourself.' 'I shall then keep my allotted piece of land in Khaybar,' I said. I added, '0 Rasulullaah@@! Allaah has saved me because of the truth I spoke and as part of my repentance, I shall speak only the truth as long as I live.' By Allaah! I do not know of any Muslim whom Allaah had given a better reward than Allaah had given me from the time I spoke the truth to Rasulullaah@!@.

From the time I mentioned this to R a s u l u l l a a h ~ , I have not spoken any lies up to this day and hope that Allaah protects me from it as long as I remain alive. Allaah has revealed the following verse to Rasulullaah@%& 9 J P J ' , u C " & PI 6LI 3 a&\ '$\J&5\> ' s&\J 4 1 +\ # 3 2b\ &{ s) o \ q b \\v :+,dl 5~,..4) Allaah has certainly turned in mercy towards the ~ a b i w and towards the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar who followed him in the hour of difficulty (to Tabook) after the hearts of some of them were almost shaken (causing them to hesitate). Without doubt, He is Most Compassionate and Most Merciful towards them (by blessing them with steadhstness and devotion). And Allaah (has also turned in mercy to wards) the three (Sahaaba '1-5, namely Muraarah bin Rabee BWj, Ka b bin Maalik k.;$@S&j and Hilaal bin Umayyah 4=Wj) whose matter (forgiveness for not marching to Tabook) was postponed (for fifly days) until the earth narrowed for them despite its vastness (and they could find no place to hide themselves), their own souls narrowed for them (they became frustrated with themselves) and they were convinced that there was no safety from Allaah except (in turning) towards Him. Then Allaah turned towards them (in mercy) so that they (could) THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH @g&3 (Vol-I) 45 9 turn to Him (in repentance). Indeed Allaah is Most Pardoning, Most Merciful. 0 you who have Imaan!

Fear (the punishment 013 Allaah (by doing good and abstaining from sin) and stay (associate) with the truthful. {Surah Taubah, verses 1 171 19) I swear by Allaah that after guiding me to Islaam, Allaah has not granted me a greater blessing than making me speak the truth to R a s u l u l l a a h ~ rather than lying, thereby causing me to be destroyed like those who had lied. When Allaah sent revelation, he used the worst of terms for those who had lied than for anyone else. Allaah states: When you (0 R a s u f u l f a a ~ ) return to them (the Munaafiqeen) shortly (in Madinah) they will swear before you by Allaah (that they had valid reasons for not accompanyingyou), so that you may leave them alone (and do not admonish them). Pay no attention to them! They (their beliefs and actions) are impure! Their abode shall be Jahannam as a punishment forwhat (evil deeds) they earned.

They swear (oaths) before you (0 ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ ) so that you may be pleased with them. (However,) Even if you are pleased with them, Allaah is certainly not pleased with the disobedient ones (Muslims should therefore not maintain close ties with such people). {Surah Taubah, verses 95,961 The matter of the three of us was postponed until after the matter of those whose excuses ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ accepted. When they swore oaths before ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ , he renewed their pledges of allegiance and sought Allaah's forgiveness for them. ~asulullaah@% then postponed our matter until Allaah had passed judgement. It is with reference to this that Allaah says: 4 b &\ &:) (\\A :++!I ijy) I . . And Allaah (has also turned in mercy towards) the three whose matter was postponed.. . {Surah Taubah, verse 1 18) In this verse, Allaah is not referring to our staying behind from the expedition but to the postponement of our case after deciding the case of the others who had sworn oaths before Rasulullaahk$@ and who had made excuses that ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ accepted. ('I ( I ) al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Is'haaq.

Ahmad has also reported the narration with some additions, as quoted in A1 Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.5 Pg.23). Abu Dawood and Nasa'ee have also reported the narration in parts and with more brevity and Tirmidhi has reported a part of the beginning. These are quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.4 Pg.366). Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.33) has also reported the narration in detail. THE UVES OF WE MHABAH =,- (Vol-I) A Warning to Those who Forsake Jihaad to remain with their Families and Wealth Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob B G i s Interpretation of the Verse: "and do not throw your own hands into destruction" Hadhrat Abu Imraan !B!N!% narrates that they were in Constantinople with Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir %$3&!& as the commander of the Egyptian forces and Hadhrat Fudhala bin Ubayd !&X%$% as commander of the forces from Shaam. When an extremely large Roman army marched from Constantinople, the Muslims formed their rows to face them.

One of the Muslims assaulted the Roman army so tenaciously that he penetrated their ranks and then returned to his own ranks. The other Muslims shouted at him saying, "Subhaanallaah! He is throwing himself into destruction by his own hands." It was then that Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari B W a Sahabi of ~asulullaah@@ stood up and said, "0 people! You people are interpreting this verse in this manner whereas it was actually revealed with reference to us the Ansaar community. When Allaah gave strength to Islaam and there were many people to assist its cause, we said to each other without the knowledge of ~asulullaah$%%, 'Our fields have been destroyed (out of neglect). We should therefore stay in Madinah to repair the damage done.

In response to what we had intended, Allaah revealed the verse: (He :.A\ *p) (0 &dl Spend in the path of Allaah and do not throw (do not leadyourselves) into destruction by (the doing 09 your own hands. {Surah Baqara, verse 195) The destruction referred to is our staying behind (in Madinah) to tend to our fields, as we had intended to do." Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari ?&WW thereafter instructed the others to fight and remained fighting in the path of Allaah until Allaah took him away. ('1 In another narration, Hadhrat Abu lrnraan narrates that when they were attacking the city of Constantinople under the leadership of Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin, Khaalid bin waleed, the Romans had their backs against the walls of the city. As one of the Muslim soldiers courageously attacked the enemy, the others shouted, "Stop! Stop! Laa Ilaaha Illallaah! He is throwing himself into destruction by his own hand." Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari !lW@!% then said, "That verse was revealed with reference to us the Ansaar community.

When Allaah's assistance came to His ~abi@& and Islaam became dominant, we said, 'Let us stay in our fields and tend to them.' Allaah then revealed the verse: (1) Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.45). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH p@%> (Vol-I) 46 1 Spend in the path of Allaah and do not throw (do not Ieadyourselves) into destruction by (the doing 04 your own hands. {Surah Baqara, verse 195) The destruction by our own hands refers to sta$ng behind in our fields and tending to them while neglecting Jihaad." Hadhrat Abu Imraan says that Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob ?&%5&&j continued fighting in the path of Allaah until he was eventually buried in Constantinople. ('1 Hadhrat Abu Imraan narrates that someone from amongst the Muhaajireen attacked the ranks of the enemy soldiers at Constantinople and actually penetrated them. To this, some people commented, "He is throwing himself into destruction by his own hand!" In the army was Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari ?B%% who then said, "We know this verse best for it was revealed with reference to us. We remained in the company of ~asulullaah@@, fought many battles with him and were there to assist him. However, when Islaam spread and became dominant, we the Ansaar community gathered together for the love of Islaam and said, 'Allaah has honoured us with the companionship of ~asulullaah@% and giving us the ability to assist him until Islaam has spread and its adherents have multiplied greatly.

We had given preference to Islaam over our families, our wealth and our children and now that the wars have stopped, we should return to our families and children and tend to them. With reference to this, the verse was revealed: Spend in the path of Allaah and do not throw (do not lead yourselves) into destruction by (the doing of) your own hands. {Surah Baqara, verse 195) The destruction being referred to is staying with our families and properties and neglecting Jihaad." Warnings to Those who Forsake Jihaad because of their Preoccupation with Farming Hadhrat Umar ~ , S = Rebukes Hadhrat Abdullaah Hadhrat Yazeed bin Abi Habeeb narrates that the news reached Hadhrat Umar ( 1 ) Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.99). (2) Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Nasa'ee, Abd bin Humayd in his Tafeeer, Ibn Abi Haatim, Ibn Jareer, Ibn Mardway, Abu Ya'la in his Musnad, Ibn Hibbaan in his Sahih and Haakim in his Mustadrak. The ~adjth is authentic, as confirmed by Tirmidhi and Haakim. The narration is reported in the Taiseer of Ibn Katheer (Vol.1 Pg.228). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @@$& (Vol-1) 3.- that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Harr Anasi ~ , C m had started farming on his land in Shaam.

Hadhrat Umar %,w therefore took the land away from him and gave it to someone else saying, "You have taken the disgrace and humiliation from the necks of these prominent people and placed it on your neck." (') Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Arnr bin A1 Aas ~ G $ 3 2 Rebukes a man who Neglected Jihaad Hadhrat Yahya bin Abi Amr shaybaani narrates that a group of people from Yemen once passed by Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr bin Al Aas ~ , - . They asked him, "What is your comment about a person who accepts Islaam in a most beautiful fashion, then undertakes Hijrah in a most perfect manner and also wages Jihaad most superbly. However, he then returns to his parents in Yemen to serve them and to care for them." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr bin A1 Aas S= asked them, "What is your comment on such as person?" They replied, "In our opinion, he has turned back on his heels." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr bin Al Aas %,%I% corrected them saying, "In fact, this person shall be in Jannah. Let me tell you of someone who has turned back on his heels. He is a man who accepts Islaam in a most beautiful fashion, then undertakes Hijrah in a most perfect manner and also wages Jihaad most superbly. However, he then goes to the land of a non-Muslim farmer in Shaam and takes over the land together with the Jizya that was being paid and the monthly quota of produce which is given to the Muslim state.

Thereafter, he develops the land and forsakes Jihaad. This man is one who has turned back on his heels." (21 Moving Urgently in the Path of Allaah to Uproot Strife The Expedition of Muraysee Hadhrat Jaabir bin Abdullaah %%i@j narrates that they (the Sahabah '&!S&kj) were once on an expedition when someone from the Muhaajireen punched another Sahabi from the Ansaar on the back. When the Ansaari called the other Ansaar for help, the Muhaajir called for the other Muhaajireen to help him as well. When ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ heard this, he exclaimed, "What are these calls of the Period of Ignorance?" When the Sahabah ~~2 informed Rasulullaah@@ that a Muhaajir had punched an Ansaari, Rasulullaah@% said, "Forget these talks for they are foul-smelling." When Abdullaah bin Ubay (the leader of the Munaafiqeen) heard about this, he commented, "Are they (the Muhaajireen) doing this? By Allaah! If we return to Madinah, the honourable ones among us (the people of Madinah) shall certainly exile the humiliated ones (the Muhaajireen)." When the news of this statement reached ~ a s u l u l l a a h r n , Hadhrat Umar BGw stood up and said, "0 (I) Ibn Aa'idh in his Maghaazi, a s quoted in lsaaba (vo1.3 Pg.88).

(2) Abu Nu'aym in Hilya (vol 1 Pg.291). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,GCw@> (vd-I) 46 3 R a s u l u l l a a h ~ ! Permit me to cut off the neck of that Munaafiq!" R a s u l u l l a a h ~ replied, "Leave him. We do not want people to say that ~ u h a m r n a d w kills his companions." Whereas the Ansaar were in the majority when the Muhaajireen arrived in Madinah, the Muhaajireen later outnumbered them. ( I ) Hadhrat Urwa bin Zubayr B,W2 and Hadhrat Amr bin Thaabit Ansaari - narrates that ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ was on the expedition of Muraysee when he demolished the idol Manaat that stood between Qafa Mushallal and the coast. R a s u l u l l a a h ~ had dispatched Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed ~~j to destroy the idol.

It was during the same expedition that two men started fighting with each other. The one belonged to the Muhaajireen while the other belonged to the Bahz tribe who were allies of the Ansaar. The man from the Muhaajireen had floored the man from the Bahz tribe and was on top of him when the man from the Bahz cried out, "0 assembly of Ansaar!" When some members of the Ansaar came to his assistance, the Muhaajir called to the Muhaajireen for help. A few Muhaajireen responded. When a fight was about to break out between the group from the Ansaar and the group from the Muhaajireen, they were stopped. When this occurred, every Munaafiq and those with the disease (of hypocrisy) in their hearts went to Abdullaah bin Ubay bin Salool (the leader of the Munaafiqeen) saying, "We used to entertain hopes in you previously and you always used to defend us.

However, you can no longer cause any harm nor any benefit. These Jalaabeeb have assisted each other against us." They referred to the new Muhaajireen as Jalaabeeb. Allaah's enemy Abdullaah bin Ubay responded by saying, "By Allaah! If we return to Madinah, the honourable ones among us (the people of Madinah) shall certainly exile the humiliated ones (the Muhaajireen)." Another Munaafiq by the name of Maalik bin Dukhshun commented, "Did I not tell you people not to spend on those who are with Rasulullaah@@ until they disperse." When Hadhrat Umar !W.%% heard about this, he went to Rasulullaah@%$ and said, "0 Rasulullaah@&! Permit me to cut off the neck of that man who is causing dissension." Here Hadhrat Umar ?&Gw was referring to Abdullaah bin Ubay. R a s u l u l l a a h ~ said to Hadhrat Umar ~ , E W , "Will you really kill him if I give the command?" "Certainly," replied, Hadhrat Umar ~Gm, "I swear by Allaah that I shall cut off his neck as soon as you issue the command to kill him." ~asulullaah@@ then told Hadhrat Umar ?&,GWj to be seated.

Hadhrat Usayd bin Hudhayr W,Gw who belonged to the Banu Abdul Ash'hal family of the Ansaar then approached Rasulullaah@i@ and said, ""0 ~asulullaahk%%! Permit me to cut off the neck of that man who is causing dissension." Rasulullaah@@ said to Hadhrat Usayd B,w, "Will you really kill him if I give the command?" "Certainly," replied, Hadhrat Usayd ~,G+W, "I swear by Allaah that I shall strike my sword beneath his earlobes as soon as you issue ( I ) al-Bukhari, Muslim. Ahmad and Bayhaqi a s quoted in the Tafseerof Ibn Katheer (Vo1.4 Pg.370). THE LllrES OF THE SAHABAH (Vd-2) the command to kill him." Rasulullaahm then told him to be seated. ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ then instructed the Sahabah i#!X@% to announce that the army would be leaving. ~asulullaah&%@ left with the Sahabah i@GbI!% during the afternoon and travelled the entire day and night until the following afternoon. R a s u l u l l a a h ~ then set up camp and again left with the Sahabah iBM% in the afternoon as he did previously until after the third day of travelling they reached Qafa Mushallal in the morning. When ~asulullaah@@ reached Madinah, he sent for Hadhrat Umar %@@% and said to him, "0 Umar! would you have killed him if I issued the command?" When Hadhrat Umar -2 replied in the affirmative, ~ a s u l u l l a a h m said, "Had you killed him on that day, many of the Ansaar would have felt insulted (because the skirmish had just taken place in which the Ansaar were in a weaker position).

However, if I issue the command today, even they would be prepared to execute him. (Had you killed him then) People would have said that I attack my own companions, take them out of their homes (in Jihaad) and then kill them aRer having them bound." It was with reference to this incident that Allaah revealed the verses: They (the ~unaafiqeen) are the ones who said, "Do not spend on those with ~asulullaah@% (the Muhaajireen) until they disperse (leave Madinah)." (However, they fail to realise that Allaah can sustain people without them because) To Allaah belongs the treasures of the heavens and the earth but the hypocrites do not understand (this). They (the Munaafiqeen) say, "If we return to Madinah, the honourable ones among us (the people of Madinah) shall certainly exile the humiliated ones (the Muhaajireen)." (However, they fail to realise that it is the true Mu'mineen who are truly honourable because) All honour belongs to Allaah, His R a s o o l M and the Mu'mineen but the Munaafiqeen do not know it. {Surah Munaafiqoon, verses 7,8)(l) Ibn Is'haaq has also reported the narration with the addition that Rasulullaah@@ travelled with the Sahabah i#!X@% the entire day until the evening and throughout the night until the morning. They also travelled the following day until the sun hurt them. Rasulullaah@@ then set up camp and (because of exhaustion) they all fell sound asleep as soon as they touched the ground. Rasulullaah@@ did this so that the Sahabah i#!X@% do not have the opportunity to discuss what had been said the previous day by Abdullaah bin (1) Ibn Abi Haatim.

Ibn Katheer in his Tafeer(Vo1.4 Pg.372) and Ibn Hajar in his Fatlhul Baari 0101.8. Pg.458) have commented on the chain of narrators. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH a,@@!& (Vol-I) 46 5 Ubay. ' Rebuking Someone Who had not Completed Forty Days in the Path of Allaah Hadhrat Zaid bin Abi Habeeb narrates that when a man once came to Hadhrat Umar BCWj, Hadhrat Umar 9Gw asked, "Where have you been?" "I have been guarding the ,borders," the man replied. Hadhrat Umar @CWj asked further, "How many days did you spend on guard?" "Thirty days," was the reply. Hadhrat Umar %W&$ commented, "Why did you rather not complete forty days?" ( ' ) Spending Three Periods of Forty Days in the path of Allaah The Incident of a Woman and the Decision of Hadhrat Ibn Jurayj narrates that someone whom he regards to be a truthful person informed him that as Hadhrat Umar %Gm was patrolling (the streets of Madinah), he overheard a wom;iij saying: " The night is long and its ends have become dark / am unable to sleep because /have no beloved to fondle Were it not for fear ofAllaah, which is something without a match every end of this bed would be shaken furious&" When Hadhrat Umar B,GW> asked her what the matter was, she replied, "My husband has been away for several months and I have great desire for him." Hadhrat Umar B,GWj asked, "Have you no evil intentions?" "Allaah forbid!" she exclaimed.

Hadhrat Umar %WWj then said to her, "Control yourself for 1 shall sent a message to him." When Hadhrat Umar ?&= had done this, he went to (his-daughter) Hadhrat Hafsa - and asked, "I wish to ask you something that worries me, so do remove my worries from me. Tell me after how long a period d0es.a woman start desiring for her husband?" Hadhrat Hafsa J@BISj cast down her gazes out of modesty. ~ a d h r a t Umar B,C= said, 'Verily Allaah does not shy away from the truth." She then motioned with her hands to indicate three months, otherwise four. Hadhrat Umar B,G@ then wrote (to the governors of all the regions) that no army was to be kept away (from home) for more than four months. (2) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar SGWj narrates Hadhrat Umar B,CW once left the house at night. He then happened to overhear a woman recite the following couplet: (1) AIBidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.4 Pg.157). (2) Abdur Razzaaq, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.8 Pg.308).

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH %%!,@@% (Vol-I) "The night is long and its ends have become dark / am unable to sleep because /have no beloved to fondle" Hadhrat Umar !83&% then asked his daughter Hadhrat Hafsa G@W2j, 'What is the maximum period that a woman can do without her husband?" She replied, "Four to six months." Hadhrat Umar !&li, Wj' then said, "I shall then not keep an army (away from home) for more than this period." The Keenness of the Sahabah 4@,GW to Encounter Dust in the Path of Allaah ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ Rebukes those who Disliked experiencing Dust While out in the Path of Allaah Hadhrat Rabee bin Zaid - narrates that while ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ was once in the centre of the road, he noticed a youngster from the Quraysh walking off the road. When R a s u l u l l a a h ~ took the youngster's name and asked whether it was he, the Sahabah i#!Y%W confirmed that it was. ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ then asked the Sahabah #BW to call for him. When he arrived, Rasulullaah#$@ asked him, "Why are you walking off the road?" "I dislike the dust," he replied. Rasulullaah%?f& then said, "Do not walk off the road because I swear by the Being Who controls my life that this dust is a special fragrance from ~annah."(~) The Incident of Hadhrat Jaabir Bin Abdullaah @gw3 in this Regard Hadhrat Abul Musabbih Muqra'ee narrates that they were once travelling in the Roman territories as a group under the command of Hadhrat Maalik bin Abdullaah Khath'ami -. Hadhrat Maalik S,W passed by Hadhrat Jaabir bin Abdullaah ~ , w who was leading his mule along. Hadhrat Maalik %%@& said to Hadhrat Jaabir 3X&W5, "0 Abu Abdullaah!

Ride because Allaah has provided you with a conveyance." Hadhrat Jaabir @!%Mj replied, "I have kept my animal in a good condition and require nothing from my people. However, (I am walking because) I have heard ~asulullaah@% say that Allaah has forbidden Jahannam for the person whose feet become dusty in the path of Allaah." Hadhrat Maalik %W&6 then proceeded further until he was just within earshot of Hadhrat Jaabir !BJ!3@2j, he then shouted at the top of his voice, ""0 Abu Abdullaah! Ride because Allaah has provided you with a conveyance." Hadhrat Jaabir !Z&%&3 understood what Hadhrat Maalik SiWj wanted (that everyone should hear his reply) so he called out, "I have kept my animal in a good condition and require nothing from my people. However, (I am walking because) I have heard ~asulullaah@%% say that Allaah has forbidden Jahannam for the person whose feet become dusty in the path of Allaah." Hadhrat Abul Musabbih says, "At that instant all the people jumped off their animals and I have never ( I ) Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.29). (2) Tabraani, narrating from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.5 Pg.287). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@@&% (Vol-I) seen so many people walkingas I saw that day." ('I A narration of Abu ~ a ' l a ' s a ~ s that Hadhrat Jaabir B,GWj said, "I heard ~asulullaah@!t% says, 'Wkfenever the feet of a servant (of Allaah) gets dusty in the path of Allaah, Allaah fodids Jahannam from them'." It was then that Hadhrat Maalik BGw and thetother people dismounted form their animali and more people were not see walking as on that day.

(2) Serving Others While Out in the Path of Allaah Those who Were not Fasting Serve the Fasting Ones in the path of Allaah Hadhrat Anas %aw narrates that on a certain expedition with ~asulullaah@@, some of them were fasting while others were not. When they stopped to set up camp, the heat was extreme and those with the most shade were those with shawls (who used their shawls to shade themselves). Others used their hands to shield themselves from the blazing sun. Those who were fasting fell to the ground while those who were not fasting stood up to pitch the tents and water the animals. ~asulullaahL%% commented, "Today those who are not fasting have taken all the rewards." (3) A narration of Bukhari states that those with the most shade with Rasulullaah @% were those who used their shawls to shade themselves. Whereas the fasting ones could do nothing, those who were not fasting sent the animals (for watering), exerted themselves to serve and did other tedious tasks. Rasulullaah @?% commented, "Today those who are not fasting have taken all the rewards." The Sahabah @,E@25 Sewe a Man Engrossed in Reciting the Qur'aan and Performing Salaah Hadhrat Abu Qilaaba 9,= narrates that after returning from a journey, the Sahabah - were full of praise for one of their companions.

They said, "We have not seen anyone like him. Whenever we traveled, he was busy reciting the Qur'aan and whenever we set up camp, he was engaged in salaah." R a s u l u l l a a h ~ asked, "Who did his errands for him?" Asking about several things, ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ also asked, "Who used to feed his animal?" When the others replied that they had been doing this, ~asulullaah@@ said, "Then all of you are better than him (because you have gained all his rewards by serving him)." (4) The Freed slave of ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ Called Hadhrat Safeena 3,Ew Carries the Goods of the Sahabah @,Ebj Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Jumhaan narrates that he once asked Hadhrat Safeena ( I ) Ibn Hibbaan and Abu Ya'la. (2) Targheeb war Tarheeb (Vol.2 Pg.396). Haythami (Vo1.5 Pg.286) and lsaaba (Vo1.3 Pg.126) have commented on the chain of narrators. Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.162) has also reported the narration. (3) Muslim pol. 1 Pg.356).

(4) Abu Dawood in his Maraaseel, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.4 Pg. 172) THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@,g&3 (Vol-I) ~ , G W j about his name. He replied, "I shall inform you about my name. It was ~ a s u l u l l a a h ~ who gave me the name Safeena (ship)." "But why did ~asulullaah&%%$ call you Safeena?" Hadhrat Sa'eed asked. Hadhrat Safeena % = replied, "~asblullaah@@ once left on a journey with his Sahabah @,-. When their goods became too heavy for them, ~asulullaah@%% said (to me), 'Spread out your shawl'. When I spread it out, ~ a s u l u l l a a h r n tied up all the goods in it and placed it on me, saying, 'Carry this for you are Safeena (a ship).' Had Rasulullaah @$% loaded on me the load of not only one or two but five camels, it would not have been heavy for me." ('I The Incidents of Hadhrat Ahmar %%im the Freed Slave of Hadhrat Ummu Salina @%(dl3 and Mujaahid with Hadhrat Abdullgah bin Umar B.%W$ Hadhrat Ahmar SG53 who was the freed slave of Hadhrat ummu Salma lEW4!& narrates that they were travelling with Rasulullaah @$% on an expedition when they passed by a stream.

As Hadhrat Ahmar BEw started transporting people across the stream, Rasulullaah @@! commented, "You are certainly a Safeena (a ship) today." (2) Hadhrat Mujaahid 3W&lGj narrates, "I used to accompany Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar Bw on his journeys. Whenever I would mount my animal, he would come and hold the stirrup and whenever I got on to the animal, he would put my clothes right. When he came to me once (to give me the same service) I expressed my annoyance. He then said, '0 Mujaahid! You have a very straitened personality."' (3) Fasting While out in the path of Allaah Rasulullaah @@ and the Sahabah i@%@= Fast During Extreme Heat While Out in the path of Allaah Hadhrat Abu Dardaa @,Ew says, "I saw us on some journeys with Rasulullaah @% during such extreme heat that people would place their hands over their heads because of the severity of the heat. None would be fasting then besides Rasulullaah @@ himself and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Rawaaha 4-." (4) Another narration states that this was during the month of Ramadhaan.

Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri wiM says, "We went on expeditions with Rasulullaah @@ during the month of Ramadhaan. Whilst some of us fasted, others did not. Neither would the fasting ones get upset with the non-fasting ones, nor would the non-fasting ones get upset with the fasting ones. Each one thought that if someone had the strength, he would fast and that was best for (1) Abu Nuaym in HjQa (Vol.1 Pg.369). (2) Hasan bin Sufyaan, Ibn Mandah, Maalini and Abu Nu'aym, as quoted in ~untakhab (Vo1.5 Pg.194). (3) Abu Nu'aym in Hjlya (Vo1.3 Pg.285).

(4) Muslim (Vol. 1 Pg 357). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@g&%3 (Vol-I) him. On the other hand if someone felt weak, he would not fast and that was best for him." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Makhrama fasts during the Battle of Yamaamah Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar WZiW narrates that during the Battle of Yamaamah he approached Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Makhrama ~ , w , who was lying on the ground. When Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %i3~w'stopped by him, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Makhrama B,- asked him whether the time had come to break the fast. When Hadhrat Abdullaah bin .Umar BGw replied that the time had already come, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Makhrama ~ , - said, "Fill some water in that wooden shield so that I may break my fast with it." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %i3,WG5 went to a pond which was brimming with water and used his leather shield to scoop up water to fill the wooden shield. However, when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %&24%j returned to Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Makhrama %i3,Gm, he found that he had already passed away.

(') The Fast of Hadhrat Awf bin ~ b i Hayya and the statement of Hadhrat Umar ~,W&%5 in this Regard Hadhrat ~ G d r i k bin Awf Ahmis states that he was once with Hadhrat Umar - when a messenger from Hadhrat Nu'maan bin Muqarrin %i3,EW arrived. When Hadhrat Umar B,- asked him about the condition of the people, he mentioned those Muslims who had been martyred. He mentioned the names of the martyrs and added that there were many whom he did not recognise. Hadhrat Umar commented, "But Allaah knows them all." Some people then said that there was a person who had sold his soul. They were referring to Hadhrat Awf bin Abi Hayya Ahmisi, also known as Abu Shubayl. Hadhrat Mudrik bin Awf interjected by saying, "0 Ameerul Mu'inineen!

These people are of the opinion that that uncle of mine threw himself into destruction." Hadhrat Umar 4-j replied, "They are wrong. In fact, he bought the Aakhirah in exchange for this world." Hadprat Awf had been fasting on the day that he was wounded. He was still alive when he was removed from. the battlefield and refused to drink any water until he eventually passed away (in the state of fasting). (3) The Fast of Hadhrat Abu Amr Ansaari %%$Z% In the chapter entitled "Enduring Thirst when Inviting People Towards Allaah *and His Rasool k%?%~'(~); it has already been narrated from Hadhrat Muhammad bin Hanafiyyah B W who says, "Hadhrat Abu Amr Ansaari !BG= had participated (1) Muslim (Vol.1 Pg.356). . (2) Istikab (Vo1.2 Pg.316), Ibn Abi Shayba and Bukhari in his Taareekh, as quoted in Isaaba (Vo1.2 Pg.366). Ibn Mubaarak has also reported the narration in his Jihaad.

(3) Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted in Isaaba (Vo1.3 Pg.122). (4) Under the subheading "Hadhrat Abu Arnr Ansaari ?&G&k Endures Severe Thirst in the Path of Allaah". THE LIVES OF W E SAHABAH @%@!% (Vol-I) in the Battles of Badr, Uhud and the pledge at Aqaba. I once saw him fasting (on the battlefield), restless because of severe thirst. He asked his slave to pass to him his shield and when the slave did so, he fired an arrow which did not go far (because he had grown weak with thirst). When he had fired three arrows, he said that he had heard Rasulullaah say, Whoever fires an arrow in the path of Allaah, the arrow shall be a source of light for him on the Day of Qiyaamah whether it reaches its target or not.' Hadhrat Abu Amr ?3w was martyred before sunset of that day.

Performing Salaah While Out in the path of Allaah The Salaah of Rasulullaah &%% On the Night Before the Battle of Badr was Fought Hadhrat Ali kWW2 says, "There was not a single horseman amongst us during the Battle of Badr besides Miqdaad b % ' j . I noticed that each one of us was asleep (the night before the battle) besides Rasulullaah @@. He was performing salaah beneath a tree and weeping until dawn broke." ( I ) Rasulullaah &%% Performs Salaah in Usfaan Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 3 G W j narrates that they were with Rasulullaah @%$ at a place called Usfaan when the Mushrikeen army under the command of Khaalid bin Waleed aW%!& confronted them. The Mushrikeen army was positioned between the Muslims and the qiblah. When Rasulullaah @%% led the Sahabah V - in the Zuhr salaah, the Mushrikeen said, "If only we had taken advantage of the state of obliviousness that they were in (during their salaah) and attacked them!" However, they consoled themselves by saying, "A salaah is approaching (the Asr salaah) that is more beloved to them than their children and even their own selves (we can attack them then)." However, between the Zurh and Asr salaahs, Hadhrat Jibrateelcame with the revelation of the following verses of the Qur'aan describing the Salaatul Khowf: > J . . 0. # ¶ > # (,.Y :.Ul i, (;*I isZIU 2 &lib) 0 ' . When you (0 Muhammad w) are with them (present with the Muslims on the battlefield) and you lead them in salaah.. . {Surah Nisaa, verse I 0 2 ) ( ~ ) A narration of Muslim from Hadhrat Jaabir - states that the Mushrikeen said, "There shall soon come a salaah which is more beloved to them than even their own children." (3) The Salaah of Hadhrat Abbaad bin Bishr !i%W6 In the Path of Allaah Hadhrat Jaabir - narrates that they were accompanying Rasulullaah to ( I ) Ibn Khuzayrna, as quoted in Targheeb war Tarheeb (Vol.1 Pg.316).

(2) Ahmad. (3) A/ Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Val .4 Pg .I3 1 ) . THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,wk (Vol-I) a place called Nakhl during the expedition of Dhaatur Riqaa. It so happened that one of the Muslims killed (or captured) the wife of one of the Mushrikeen. The woman's husband had been away and only returned after Rasulullaah had left. When he was informed about what had happened, he took an oath that he would never rest until he spilt the blood of the companions of Rasulullaah @%%.

He therefore set off to follow the tracks of Rasulullaah @@. When Rasulullaah @@ set up camp, he asked, "Who shall stand guard over us tonight?" A volunteer from amongst the Muhaajireen and another from amongst the Ansaar stood up and said, "We shall do so, 0 Rasulullaah w!" Rasulullaah @@ gave them instructions to stand guard at the mouth of the valley. The two volunteers were Hadhrat Ammaar bin Yaasir - and Hadhrat Abbaad bin Bishr iiB3W. When the two men reached the mouth of the valley, the Ansaari (Hadhrat Abbaad %W&@j) said to the Muhaajir (Hadhrat Arnmaar %flSW%), "For which part of the night would you like me to relieve you (as we take turns to keep watch)? Will it be the first part of the night or the second?" the Muhaajir replied, "Relieve me for the first part of the night." The Muhaajir then lay down to sleep as the Ansaari stood up to perform salaah. Subsequently, the man (who swore to spill the blood of the Muslims) arrived there and when he saw the silhouette (external shape) of a person, he took the Ansaari to be a spy and immediately fired an arrow which struck the Ansaari.

The Ansaari removed the arrow from his body, threw it aside and continued standing (in salaah). The Mushrik fired another arrow which also struck the Ansaari. The Ansaari also removed this arrow from his body, threw it aside and continued( standing (in salaah). When the Mushrik fired a third arrow which also struck the Ansaari, the Ansaari removed the arrow from his body, threw it aside and then completed his Ruku and Sajdah (and his salaah). He then awoke his companion saying, "Sit up because I have been incapacitated." The Muhaajireen jumped up and when the Mushrikeen saw the two of them, he realised that they had been alerted and he fled. When the Muhaajir saw 'the blood on the Ansaari, he exclaimed, "Subhaanallaah!

Why did you not wake me up when he shot at you the first time?" the Ansaari replied, "I had started reciting a Surah and did not like to cut it short before completing it. However, when the firing persisted, I went into Ruku (completed my salaah) and informed you. 1 swear by Allaah that had it not been for (fear of) jeopardising the mouth of the pass that Rasulullaah &%% had instructed me to guard, I would have given my life rather than cut the Surah short." Another narration state that while Hadhrat Ammaar @,w went to sleep, Hadhrat Abbaad 5iWWi stood in salaah. The narration also adds that Hadhrat Abbaad Saw said, "I was reciting Surah Kahaf in my salaah and did not like to cut it short." ( 1 ) Ibn Is'haaq and Abu Dawood (Vol. 1 Pg.29), as quoted in A1 Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vol.4 Pg.85). Ibn Hibbaan in his sahih, Haakim in his Mustadrak (certified authentic by Daar Qutni), Bayhaqi in his Sunan and Bukhari (Ta'leeqan) have also reported the narration, as quoted in Nasbur Rays (V0l.l Pg.43). 4 72 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,!%%3 (Vol-13 The Salaah of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Unays %Gw in the Path of Allaah Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Unays ? & X @ j narrates that Rasulullaah once called him and said, "I have intelligence that Khaalid bin Sufyaan bin Nubay of the Banu Hudhayl tribe had mustered up'a force to attack me. He is now at Urna. Go there and kill him." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Unays =&j asked, "0 Rasulullaah @&!

Describe him to me so that I may recognise him." Rasulullaah @%% said, "When you see him, you will find him shivering." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Unays -2 relates further that he then left with his sword hanging around his neck and proceeded until he found him at Urna with his wives. The time for Asr had already arrived and Khaalid was looking for a place to settle his wives. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Unays @W!@j says, "When I saw him, I recognised the shivering that ~asulullaah described and I advanced towards him. Fearing that nothing should prove an obstacle to prevent me from my salaah as I attempted to kill him, r performed my salaah as I walked towards him. 1 performed Ruku and Sajdah by making gestures with my head. When I reached him, he asked, 'who is this man?' I replied, 'I am an Arab who has heard about you and about your mustering forces against that person (Rasulullaah @&). I have come to you in this regard." He said, 'Yes, I am busy with that."' Continuing further, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Unays !8Gw says, "I then travelled with him for awhile until I found an opportunity.

I then attacked him with my sword and kified him. I then left, leaving his wives falling over him. when I came to Rasulullaah @@ and he saw me, he said, 'A look of success.' 'I have killed him,' I said. 'True,' was the reply. Rasulullaah then stood up with me, took me in his room and gave me a staff saying, 'Keep this staff with you, 0 Abdullpah . bin Unays.' When I left with the staff and came to the people, they asked, 'what is this staff?' I replied, 'Rasulullaah @$!% gave it to me with instrudtions to keep it with me.' When they told me to return to Rasulullaah @% to ask him about it, 1 complied. When I got to Rasulullaah @@, I asked, '0 Rasulullaah @%! Why have you given me this staff?' Rasulullaah @I@ replied, 'It is a token between you and me on the Day of Qiyaamah because on that day there shall be few people carrying staffs (few people with the support of their good deeds)."' Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Unays ?BWBj tied the staff to his sword and it remained with him throughout his life.

When he passed away, he instructed thit it should be included in his burial clothes and buried with him. ( I ) Performing Salaah at Night While out in the path of Allaah Hadhrat Urwa W,= narrates that when the two armies confronted each other for the Battle of Yarmook, Qubqulaar (a Roman commander) dispatched an Arab (to spy on the Muslims). The last portion of the narration states that (after the spy returned) Qubqulaar asked him what he had noticed. The spy replied, "They (1) Ahmad, as quoted in Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.4 ~ g . 140). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @%@= (Vol-I) Muslims are engaged in worship by night and-seasoned horsemen by day." (') In a lengthy narration of Abu lslhaaq, it is mentioned that Heraclius (the Roman Emperor) asked (his generals), "What is the matter? Why are you being defeated (by the Muslims)?" An old man from amongst his senior officers replied, "Because the Muslims stand in worship during the night and fast during the day." (2) More Ahadeeth on this subject will be discussed in the chapter dealing with the reasons for which divine assistance came.

In thechapter titled "Women pledged ' Their allegiance" (3), the narration has passed which states that Hadhrat Hind - said (to her husband Hadhrat Abu Shfyaan B G W ) , "I wish to pledge allegiance .to Muhammad w." Hadhrat Abu Sufyaan %,Em said, "But I have noticed that you have always been rejecting what he says." She replied, "By Allaah! That it true, However, I swear by Allaah that before this night I have never seen Allaah being worshipped iri this Masjid as He deserves to be worshipped. By Allaah! The Muslims spent €he entire night performing salaah standing, bowing down and prostrating." . . Engaging in Dhikr While Out in the path of Allaah The Dhikr of the Sahabah '&- the Night they Conquered Makkah Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Musayyib J&Gb1G3 narrates that on the night after the ~ u s i i m s entered Makkah as conquerors, they continuously recited "Allaahu Akbar", "Laa Ilaaha Illallaah" and performed Tawaaf of the Kabah until dawn broke. Hadhrat Abu Sufyaan ?&Gw then said to his wife Hind @WG, "Do you not see that all this is from Allaah?" "Yes," she replied, "this certainly is from Allaah." The next morning Hadhrat Abu Sufyaan ?&&% went early to Rasulullaah m.

Rasulullaah said, "(Last night) You said to Hind, 'Do you not see that ' all this is from Allaah? and she replied, 'Yes, this certainly is from Allaah."' Hadhrat Abu Sufyaan b = exclaimed, "I testify that you are certainly the servant and Rasul of Allaah! I swear by the ~ e i n g in Whose name I take oaths that no one but Hind heard this statement of mine." (4) The Dhikr of the Sahabah '@%iW2 as they Stood over a Valley During the Battle of Khaybar Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari ?&,G%G narrates that when Rasulullaah left on a military expedition to Khaybar, the Sahabah @3Bw had reached a valley when they raised their voices reciting, "Allaahu Akbar! Laa Ilaaha Illallaah!" Rasulullaah k!@% said to them, "Have mercy on yourselves (do not exert yourselves) for you are not calling someone who is deaf or absent. You are calling One Who is All Hearing, Who is close and Who is always with you." Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari ?&G= narrates further that he was behind the (1) Tabari (Vo1.2 Pg.610). (2) Ahmad bin Marwaan Maaliki as well as Ibn Asaakir (Vol.1 Pg.143), narrating from Ibn Is'haaq. (3) Under the subheading "Hadhrat Faatima bint Utba @3&!2j Pledges Allegiance Along with her Sister Hadhrat Hind tiE.lWG> who was the Wife of Hadhrat Abu Sufyaan t".

(4) Bayhaqi, as quoted in A/ Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.4 Pg.304). Ibn Asaakir has also,reported the narration authentically, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.297). ' THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH i4!%8%j (vol-I) animal of Rasulullaah @%?% when Rasulullaah @% overheard him say, "Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaah (There is no power or might except with Allaah)." Rasulullaah @%% then said, "0 Abdullaah bin Qais!" Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari ~ , W j replied by saying, "I am at your service, 0 Rasulullaah m!" Rasulullaah @% told him, "Should I not inform you of words that are from the treasures of Jannah?" Hadhrat Abu MOOSa Ash'ari a,= said, "Please do, 0 Rasulullaah @@! May my parents be sacrificed for you." ~asulullaah k@% enlightened him by saying, "(The words are) Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaah (There is no power or might except with Allaah)." The Sahabah @E4w Recite Takbeer and Tasbeeh when Ascending and Descending Inclines Hadhrat Jaabir - narrates that whenever they (the Sahabah @,W) ascended an incline, they recited Takbeer and whenever they descended from an incline, they recited Tasbeeh. (2) The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %%@ij that the People Embarking on Military Expeditions are of Two types Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %%3W said, "On an expedition, people are of two types. One type are those who go out and abundantly engage in the Dhikr of Allaah together with maintaining the consciousness of Allaah.

They stay away from evil on their journey, assist their companions (physically and financially) and spend the best of their wealth. They are more keen on the wealth they spend (in the path of Allaah) than the wealth they use to benefit their worldly lives. When they are in war situations, they feel ashamed that Allaah should discover any doubts in their hearts or ihat He should find them failing to assist the Muslims. Even if they are in a position of misappropriating the booty, they cleanse their hearts and deeds from any such activity. Shaytaan is therefore unable to involve them in sin or to whisper evil into their hearts. It is through such people that Allaah strengthens and gives honour to His Deen and defeats His enemies." "As for the second type.

They go out without engaging in abundant Dhikr and without being conscious of Allaah. They do not abstain from evil and are reluctant to spend their wealth. They regard whatever they spend as a tax and this is what Shaytaan tells them. In the battle situation they remain with those right at the back and those who render absolutely no help. They stick to the tops of mountains watching what the others are doing and speak the worst of lies when Allaah grants victory (by boasting about feats they did not achieve). Should they have the opportunity to misappropriate the spoils of war, they boldly do so (1) Bukhari and the othcr five.

As quoted in Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.4 Pg.2 13), this incident occurred during the return from Khaybar because Hadhrat Abu Moosa ?&&@& arrived in Madinah only after the conquest of Khaybar. (2) Bukhari and Nasa'ee in Yawm wallaya, as quoted by Ayni (Vo1.7 Pg.36). THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH @!3&% (Vol-I) with the booty of Allaah, as Shaytaan tells them that these are merely spoils of war (and they therefore have a right to do as they please with it). When conditions are favorable, they boast and when they encounter any obstacle, Shaytaan misleads them to place their needs before people. They shall have no share of the rewards of the Mu'mineen. All they shall have to show is that their bodies were with the bodies of the Mu'mineen and that they travelled with the Mu'mineen.

Their intentions and deeds vary and Allaah shall judge them when He gathers them on the Day of Qiyaamah." Being Particular About Making dua when in Jihaad in the path of Allaah Making dua when Leaving a Place The Duaa of Rasulullaah w as he Left Makkah for the Hijrah Hadhrat Muhammad bin Is'haaq says that he was informed that when Rasulullaah w left Makkah to make Hijrah to Mqdinah for the pleasure of Allaah, he said, "All praises belong to Allaah Who has created me when I had been nothing. 0 Allaah! Assist me against the fears of this world, the evils of the times and the calamities of the nights and days. 0 Allaah! Be my companion on my journey, be my deputy amongst my family and grant me blessings in that which You provide for me. Make me humble before You, keep me steadfast on good character, make me beloved to You and never hand me over to people. 0 Rabb of the weak ones, you are my Rabb as well. I seek refuge in Your munificent countenance by which the skies and the earth are illuminated, by which darkness is dispersed and by which the affairs of the past people were set right. I seek Your protection from attracting Your wrath on me and having Your anger descend on me.

I seek Your protection from losing Your bounties, from Your sudden punishment, from losing Your safety and from all causes of Your wrath. Securing Your pleasure is better than all the deeds I am capable of doing. There is no power or might except with You." (2) Making dua when Within Sight of a Place The dua Rasulullaah @&$ when he Saw Khaybar The grandfather of Hadhrat Abu Manvaan Aslami narrates that they accompanied Rasulullaah @& to Khaybar. When they got close (to Khaybar) and could see it, Rasulullaah instructed the Sahabah i@W&j to stop. When they came to a halt, Rasulullaah prayed, "0 Allaah the Rabb of the seven skies and whatever they shade! 0 Rabb of the seven earths and whatever they bear! 0 Rabb of the Shayaateen and whoever they mislead! 0 Rabb of the winds and whatever they carry! We beg of you the best of this town, the best of its inhabitants and the best of whatever it contains.

We seek Your protection from the evii of this town, ( I ) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.2 Pg.290). (2) Abu Nu'aym, as quoted in A/ Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.3 Pg. 178). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH (Vol-I) the evil of its inhabitants and the evil of whatever it contains." Rasulullaah @&% then said (to the Sahabah "Proceed in the name of Allaah!" ('I A narration of Tabraani states that Rasulullaah @i% used to make this dua each time he entered a town. Making dua at the Beginning of the Battle The dua Rasulullaah Made on the Occasion of the Battle of Badr Hadhrat Umar !&W!&i narrates that on the day of the Battle of Badr, Rasulullaah looked at his ~ i h a b a h @3GbIG who numbered just over three hundred. He then looked at the Mushrikeen who numbered over a thousand. Wearing only an upper and lower garment, Rasulullaah @i% then turned towards the qiblah and prayed, "0 Allaah!

Fulfil Your promise to me. 0 Allaah! If this group of Muslims is destroyed; ~ouwillnkvera~ainbe worshipped on earth."Rasulullaah @@ continued seeking Allaah's help and praying to Him until his upper garment fell off. Hadhrat Abu Bakr - came to put the garment on again and then held on to Rasuldllaah @%! from behind saying, '0 Rasululla'ah @@! What you have so persistently asked from your Rabb is sufficient for He will certainly fulfil the promise He made to you." It was then that Allaah revealed the verse: (0 Muhammad m, remember the time behre the Battle of Bad0 When sought help from your Rabb and He accepted your dua saying, "I shall strengthen (reinforce) you w i k a ..t%ousand angels who will appear one after another (to. help you fight the Mushrikeen)." {Surah Anfaal, verse ~ a d h r a t Abdullaah bin Arnr bin Al Aas narrates that Rasulullaah l&$% left for Badr with three hundred and fifteen men. When they reached Badr, Rasulullaah @%! prayed, "0 Allaah! They (my Sahabah W,-) are barefoot, so do grant them transport. 0 Allaah!

They are scantily clothed, so do clothe them. 0 Allaah! They are hungry, so do ti11 their bellies." h e n Allaah granted them victory in the Battle of Badr and they returned, there was not a single one of - them who did not possess one or two camels. They also had clothing to wear and had eaten to their fill. (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - says that he had never heard a dua ( I ) Bayhaqi.and Ibn Is'haaq, as quoted in Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.4 Pg.183). Tabraani has'also reported the narration and Haythami (Vol. I0 Pg.135)' has commented on the chain of narrators.

(2) Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Ibn Jareer and others, a s quoted in A1 Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.3 Pg.275). Ibn Abi'Shayba, Abu Awaana, Ibn Hibbaan, Abu Nu'aym, Ibn Mundhir, Ibn , Abi Haatim, Abu Shaykh, Ibn Mardway and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.5 Pg.266). (3) Abu Dawood, a s quoted in Jam'ul Fawaa'id (Vo1.2 Pg.38). Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.57) and Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.2 Pg. 13) have also reported the narration. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @gwj ( ~ ~ 1 - 1 ) more persistent than the dua Rasulullaah @%! made on the occasion of the Battle of Badr. He prayed, "0 Allaah!

I am beseeching You in'the name of Your promise and pledge. 0 Allaah! I f this group is destroyed, You will not be worshipped." When Rasulullaah @& turned around, his face appeared to be a part of the moon as he said, "It is as if I can see the places whe're they (the dead Mushrikeen) will lie by tonight." ('1 The dua Rasulullaah @@ .made on the Occasions of the Battle of Uhud and the ~attke of Khandaq Hadhrat Anas B,w narrates that on the day that the Battle of Uhud was fought, Rasulullaah repetitively said, "0 Allaah! (Do assist us) If You (choose not to assist us) none would worship You on earth." (2) Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri ~ , G m narrates that on the occasion of the Battle of Khandaq; the Sahabah ~ , m asked Rasulullaah w, "0 Rasulullaah @I% Is there any dua that we could make on this occasion because our hearts have reached our throats." Rasulullaah k?@$ replied, "Yes," and then recited the following dua: . y y 5 , . , y . y j , 5 , 5 , "y. GJJ &'\ J @lJp3""'1 4 1 ' ' "0 Allaah! Conceal our faults and calm our fears." Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri W&M completes the narration by saying, "(When we started reciting the dua) Allaah smote the faces of His enemies (defeated them)by sending a powerful wind against them." (3) Hadhrat Jaabir ~~w narrates that Rasulullaah once went'to Masjid Ahzaab and placed his shawl aside. He then stood up and stretched his hands out to curse the Mushrikeen army.

On this occasion, he did not perform any salaah. Rasulullaah %?i% then went there again, again cursed them and this time performed (two Rakaahs) salaah. (4) A narration of Bukhari and Muslim state that Rasulullaah @%% cursed the conglomeration of Kuffaar forces' (when they attacked Madinah) by saying, "0 Allaah Who has revealed the Qur'aan, Who is quick in reckoning and Whb will defeat the mass of troops! 0 Allaah! Defeat them and shake (destabilise) them." Another narration states that Rasulullaah prayed, "0 Allaah! Defeat them and assist us against them." Another narration of Bukhari related by Hadhrat Abu Hurayra b.iW24% mentions that the dua Rasulullaah made was: "There is none worthy pf worship but th'e One Allaah Who has given honour to His army, assisted His servant and defeated the coalition of forces all by Himself. There is nothing after Him." (5) ( I ) Nasa'ee, a s quoted in A1 Bidaaya wan ~ i h a a ~ a (Vo1.3 Pg.276).

Tabraani has also reported the narration and Haythami (Vo1.6 Pg.82) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Ahmad and ~ u s l i m , as quoted in-AI Bidaaya wan ~ i h a a ~ a (Vo1.4 Pg.28): (3) Ahmad and Ibn Abi Haatim. (4) Muslim and Ahmad. (5) Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya. (V01.4 Pg . 11 1 ) . THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH '@&ws (Vol-I) Making dua During the Battle The dua ~asulullaah @@ Made While Fighting During the Battle of Badr Hadhrat Ali %WW5 says, "After fighting for a while during the Battle of Badr, I rushed to see how Rasulullaah w was keeping.

When I arrived there, Rasulullaah @!.% was in Sajdah praying, Yaa Hayyu! Yaa Qayyoom! Yaa Hayyu! Yaa Qayyoom! ('0 The Living, The Controller! 0 The Living, The Controller!').' Rasulullaah said nothing more. I then returned to the fight and when I got back to Rasulullaah @!.%, he was still in Sajdah repeating the same words.

Rasulullaah @!.% continued in this manner until Allaah gave him victory." ('I Making dua During the night (of a Battle) The dua Rasulullaah @& Made on the Night Before the Battle of Badr Hadhrat Ali WG= narrates that on the night before the Battle of Badr, Rasulullaah &?@ spent the night in salaah praying, "0 Allaah! If this group is destroyed, You will never again be worshipped on earth." That night, some rain fell (causing the firm ground where the Mushrikeen stood to become muddy and the soft ground where the Muslims stood to become firm). (2) Another narration from Hadhrat Ali ~ G = states that although Rasulullaah @!.% was a Musaafir (traveller), he had spent the entire night in Ibaadah till the morning that the Battle of Badr was fought. (3) Making dua after Finishing the Battle The dua of Rasulullaah @@ after the Battle of Uhud ~ a d h r a t Rifaa'ah Zuraqi W$JG narrates that when the Mushrikeen had returned after the Battle of Uhud, Rasulullaah @%% said, "Stand straight so that I may praise my Rabb $tE$3P." When the Sahabah @,Gs had arranged themselves into rows behind Rasulullaah m, he said, "0 Allaah! Every type of praise belongs to You. 0 Allaah! There is none to restrain what You give in abundance and none to give anything that You restrain.

None can guide the one whom You cause to deviate and none can deviate the one whom You guide. None can give what You hold back and none can hold back what You give. None can bring close that which You make distant and none can make distant that which You bring close. 0 Allaah! Grant us in abundance Your blessings, Your mercy, Your grace (1) Bayhaqi and Nasa'ee in his "A1 Yown wal Layla", as quoted in A1 Bidaaya win Nihaaya (Vol.3 Pg.275). Bazzaar, Abu Ya'la, Firyaabi and Haakim have also reported the narration, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.267). (2) Ibn Mardway and Sa'eed bin Jubayr, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.5 Pg.267).

(3) Abu Ya'la and Ibn Hibbaan, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.5 Pg.267). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH &!%$&> (Vol-1) and Your sustenance. 0 Allaah! I ask from You Your everlasting bounties that never change and are never lost. 0 Allaah! I beseech You for bounties on that day of poverty (Qiyaamah) and for safety on the day of fear. 0 Allaah! I seek Your protection from the evil of that which You have given us and from the evil of that which You have held back from us. 0 Allaah! Make Imaan beloved to us and beautify it in our hearts.

Make kufr, sin and disobedience abhorrent to us and make us amongst the rightly guided ones. 0 Allaah! Grant us death as Muslims, keep us living as Muslims and allow us to meet up with the righteous ones (in the Aakhirah) without suffering any humiliation and wit'hout having to endure any trials. 0 Allaah! Destroy the Kuffaar who call Your messengers liars and who prevent others from Your path. Set on them Your punishment and chastisement. 0 Allaah! 0 the True Deity! Destroy also those Kuffaar to whom You have given scriptures." ('1 The dua that Rasulullaah @%% made after giving dawah to the people of Taa'if has already been related in the chapter entitled: "Rasulullaah @%8# Endures Hardship and Difficulty when Giving dawah towards Allaah". (') Being Particular About Ta'leem (Learning and teaching) when in Jihaad in the path of Allaah The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas Saw Concerning the Verse "It is not for the Mu'mineen to proceed (in Jihaad) all together.. ." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas mj says, "Allaah has stated: 2 J , ) I ) ) J J ) J . 6 .&- (Y\ : s U l &,F) (@ G& lj3lJi yL3,piU S>b I,& ip'l Sill L&1) ' I Take your precautions (your weapons and other means to guard yourselves against your enemies) and advance (in Jihaad against them) in groups or all together. {Surah Nisaa, verse 71) Proceed (in the path of AJJaah) when light or heavy (happily or reluctantly, rich or poor, in good conditions and adverse conditions). {Surah Taubah, verse 4 1 ) If you do not go forth, Allaah shall punish you severely ...{ Surah ~aubah, . verse 39) However, these verses were later abrogated when Allaah revealed the verse: ( 1 ) Ahmad and Nasa'ee in his 'N Yowm wa1 ~aylah: as quoted in A/ Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.4 Pg.38).

Bukhari in his Adab, Tabraani, Baghawi, Baawardi, Abu Nu'aym in H i h Haakim and Bayhaqi have also reported the narration, as quoted in Kanzuul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.276). Dhahabi a~id Haythami (Vo1.6 Pg. 122) have both commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Under the subheading: "The dua Rasulullaah made after Leaving Taa'if'. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,Gw (VOZ-I) It is not (correct) for. the Mu'mineen to proceed (in Jihaad) all together (simuftaneously when it is not Fardh for all to participate). {Surah Taubah, verse 122) Then was the practice that while a party of Muslims would march with Rasulullaah w, another party would remain behind. Those that remained behind with Rasulullaah @@ would attain a deep understanding of Deen so that they may warn their people (those who had been engaged in Jihaad) when they return.to them from the expeditions. In this manner, they were aware of what Allaah revealed in the Qur'aan, about their obligations and about the limits that Allaah had set." The Letter of Hadhrat Umar S,Gwj to his Commanders about Attaining a Deep understanding of Deen Hadhrat Ahwas bin Hakeem bin Umayr AbSi narrates that Hadhrat Umar B,Gm wrote the following in a letter addressed to the commanders of the various Muslims armies, "Endeavour to attain a deep understanding of Deen because no person can be excused for pursuing falsehood thinking that it is the truth. Similarly, no one can be excused for forsaking the truth in the belief that it is fals.ehood." (2)