. I

'There is none worthy of worship but Allaah The Most Tolerant and Magnanimous' To recite three times: '"$GI ; , . " 'All praise belongs to Allaah the Rabb of the universe' To recite three times: 'Blessed is the Being in whose hand is all kingdom. who gives life and (1) 1bn-~ajjaar, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.4 Pg.230). (2) Nasa'ee and Abu Nu'aym, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.298). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH (Vol-3) death and Who has power over all things1(') Rasulullaah @& Teaches Adhkaar and Du'aas to Some Sahabah @2@&!G Hadhrat Sa'd bin Junaadah BGw says, "I was one of the first persons from the people of Taa'if to meet Rasulullaah @@ (to accept Islaam). I left early in the morning from Saraat in the upper reaches of Taa'if and reached Mina at the time of Asr. I then climbed a mountain and descended (to Makkah where I accepted Islaam).

Rasulullaah then taught me the words: "3 -&\; 4; ul; ;G,, 4 , I , , Rasulullaah @%$ then said, "These words are the Baaqiyaatus Saalihaat (everlasting good deeds) (2)."(3) Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b narrates that Rasulullaah @$% taught them to recite the following dua every morning: "We begin the morning on the natural way of Islaam, the Kalimah of sincerity, the Sunnah of our Nabi Muhammad @% and on the creed of Hadhrat Ibraheem who was never a Mushrik." Rasulullaah @@ also taught them to recite the same dua in the evenings." (4 Hadhrat Sa'd ~ , G W j reports that Rasulullaah @?i% taught them the following dua just as a teacher would teach children to write: @I. .YL @ 6. >>* ' 1 GJJI a 3 & ~>,s\,+I / , , . # I "0 Allaah! I beseech You to protect me from miserliness, from cowardice, from being returned to an age of infirmity (senility), from the tribulations of this world and from punishment in the grave." (5) Hadhrat Naufal !8S&'G narrates, "Rasulullaah @,% taught us the following dua to be recited when a person passes away: '0 Allaah! Forgive our brothers, unite us and create love between us. 0 Allaah! We know only good of this servant of Yours (take his name) but You know him better than us. Do forgive us and him.' I was the youngest of the Sahabah W,m at the time and I asked, 'And what if I (1) Kharaa'iti in his Makaarirnul Akhlaaq, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.8 Pg.11 I). (2) As referred to in verse 46 of Surah Kahaf and verse 76 of Surah Maryam.

(3) Tabraani, as quoted in the Taheerof Ibn Katheer (Vo1.3 Pg.86). (4) Abdullaah bin Ahrnad in his Zawaa'id, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.294). (5) Ibn Jareer, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.l Pg.307). THE LNES OE THE SAHABAH &!,!%@&j' (Vol-3) do not know anything good about him?' Rasulullaah @@ replied, 'Say only that which you are certain of." ('I Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit - narrates that when Ramadhaan arrived, Rasulullaah would teach them the following dua: "0 Allaah! Keep me safe and well for Ramadhaan, keep Ramadhaan safe and well for me and accept it (my fasting and Ibaadah in Ramadhaan) from me." (2) Hadhrat Ali - Teaches People how to Send Salutations to Rasulullaah @@ Hadhrat Salaamah Kindi narrates that Hadhrat Ali ?iWW taught the people to send salutations to Rasulullaah @@ with the following words: )0. C 0 . 0 4,' C "+ 0b3, w, rn;,.jj; ~ j 3 fi 15 ULiJI d;; I "0 Allaah The One Who has spread out the earth and created the heavens.

Q The One Who has authority over the nature of hearts, be they good or evil. Bestow Your most selected mercies, Your every increasing blessings and the kindest of Your compassion on Muhammad @@ who is Your servant and Rasul (messenger), who is the seal of the Arnbiyaa (prophets) before him, the key to the locked (treasures of wisdom and Your graces), the one who used the truth to make the truth evident and who repelled the armies of falsehood. As (1) Abu Nu:aym, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.8 Pg. 11 4). (2) Tabraani in his dua and Daylami, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal(Vol.4 Pg.232). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,Gb@ (Vol-3) was entrusted to him, he fulfilled Your commands with the valour of his obedience to You and was always prepared to please you without shuffling his feet about and without weakness in his resolve. He called towards Your revelation, fulfilled his pledge to You and constantly strove to enact Your commands until the fire (of" Islaam) had been stoked for anyone wishing to take a spark from it.

It is by him that hearts were guided after being immersed in evil and vice. It was him who made manifest the clear signs and distinct features of Islaam and its unmistakable injunctions. He is the one whom You trust and with whom You have placed Your trust. He is the treasurer to Your knowledge and the one in whom You have vested Your knowledge. He shall be Your witness on the Day of Qiyaamah and it is he whom You have sent with Your bounties. He is after all, Your true Rasul (prophet). 0 Allaah!

Expand Your eternal Jannah for him and from Your ever-increasing grace, do reward him with the purest of rewards that are given time and time again and grant him from Your abundant bounties that are safely treasured. 0 Allaah! Raise his house above all others, grant him the best hospitality with You and grant him the most complete light. Whenyou raise him (on the Day of Qiyaamah), do also grant him the privilege of having his testimony accepted by Yourself and let his words be pleasing to You, just, decisive and a clear and triumphant proof (against the Kuffaar)." Teaching Guests and Those who Came to Madinah Rasulullaah t @ % ! Instructs the Sahabah + ~ G to Teach the Delegation from the Abdul Qais Tribe Hadhrat Shihaab bin Abbaad reports that he heard a Sahabi SGw who had been part of the Abdul Qais delegation say, "When we came to Rasulullaah @I% the Muslims were extremely happy with our arrival and they made ample way for us to sit when we reached their gathering. Rasulullaah @%$ welcomed us and as he looked at us, he asked who our leader was. When we all indicated that he was Mundhir bin Aa'idh, Rasulullaah @@ remarked, 'Is he the Ashaj (the one with the scar on his face)?' This was the first time that this name was used for him on account of an injury to his face caused by the hoof of a donkey.

'That is him, 0 Rasulullaah %!' we confirmed. Mundhir 3 , C W had stayed behind the rest of the delegation (when they went before Rasulullaah &%%) to tie their animals and secure their belongings. He then took out his bag, removed his travelling clothes and wore his best clothes. When he made his way to Rasulullaah @&, Rasulullaah @$% was reclining with (1) Tabraani in his Awsat and Abu Nu'aym In the Awaaii of Sa'eed bin Mansoor, as quoted in Kanzul Um~naal (Vol. l Pg.214). In his Tafseer (Vo1.3 Pg.509) Haafidh Ibn Katheer has commented on the narration. THE LIVES OF THE SAFIABAH @,G;W>j (VOI-3) his legs stretched out.

As he approached the gathering, the people made way for him, saying, 'Sit here, 0 Ashaj.' Rasulullaah @$$ was now sitting up, holding his legs up. Rasulullaah @& said, 'Sit here, 0 Ashaj.' He sat on Rasulullaah W ' s right hand side and, sitting up straight, Rasulullaah @& welcomed him and treated him warmly. Rasulullaah then asked him about his land, taking the names of various places in the territory of Hajar, such as Safa and Mushaqar. 'May my parents be sacrificed for you, 0 Rasulullaah w!' Mundhir !SGw said in astonishment, 'You know the names of our towns better than us.' Rasulullaah i%@ said, 'I have travelled extensively through your land.' Rasulullaah a then turned to the Ansaar saying, ' 0 assembly of Ansaar! Treat your brothers well because together with being Muslims like you, they also resemble you most closely in hair and complexion. (Like you) They have accepted Islaam willingly and have neither been forced to accept nor was there any need to attack and fight them for refusing to accept.' (The Ansaar then hosted the delegation).

Some time later, Rasulullaah k$?!$ asked the delegation, 'How did you find the hospitality that your brothers gave you?' They replied, They are the best of brothers. They gave us soft beds to sleep in, superb food to eat and they spent their days and nights teaching us the Book of our Rabb and the Sunnah of our Nabi m.' This impressed Rasulullaah 8@ and made him very happy. Rasulullaah @% then turned to each one of us to assess what we had learnt and what we had been taught. While some of us had learnt the Tashahhud, some had learnt Surah Faatiha, others had learnt a Surah, others two Surahs and there were also others who had learnt one or two Sunnah practices." The narration still continues further in great detail. ('1 Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri 9,G% reports, "We were sitting with Rasulullaah &%% when he said, 'A delegation from the Abdul Qais have come.' We could see no one, but after a short while, we saw that they had arrived. After they had greeted Rasulullaah m, he said to them, 'Have you any dates or any provisions left over?' When they said that they had, Rasulullaah @& had a leather spread laid out.

They then poured out the dates they had left over and Rasulullaah &&% gathered the Sahabah @ , ~ ~ ~ j around. Rasulullaah &@$!! then said to them, 'This date is called Barni.' He then proceeded to name all the different varieties of dates and the delegation confirmed all the names as correct. Thereafter, Rasulullaah k%'@ gave instructions for every man of the delegation to be hosted by one of the Muslims, who would teach him the Qur'aan and salaah. They stayed a week, after which Rasulullaah @$ summoned them and assessed that they had not yet learnt well enough and had not yet developed a keen understanding (of Islaam). Rasulullaah @@ then handed them over to another group of Muslims, with whom they stayed for another week. When Rasulullaah @& again summoned them (and assessed them), he discovered that they had learnt well and developed a sound understanding.

' 0 Rasulullaah m!' they submitted, 'Allaah has taught us tremendous good and granted us (1) Ahmad (Vo1.4 Pg.206), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.8 Pg.178) - - and by ~ u n d h i r r i n his ~c&heeb wal Tarheeb (Vol.4 Pg. 152). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @%%@!&j' (Vol-3) understanding. However, we are now yearning for home.' Rasuluilaah m then permitted them to return home. They then said, Why don't we ask Rasulullaah @$@ about the drinks that we consume in our land?' ... The Hadith then proceeds to cite the prohibition of consuming drinks fermented in pumpkin shells, hollowed wood and dyed containers. ('1 Acquiring knowledge While Travelling Rasulullaah @$@ Teaches the Injunctions of Deen While Travelling for the Farewell Had Hadhrat Jaabir - narrates that after living in Madinah for nine years, Rasulullaah @@ did not perform Hajj until the announcement was made one day that Rasulullaah @?@ would be performing Hajj that year.

A great multitude of people then arrived in Madinah with the intention of following Rasulullaah @?&! and doing what he did. There were still five days left of Dhul Qa'dah when Rasulullaah @% left (Madinah) with the Sahabah i&Gw. It was when they reached Dhul Hulayfah that Hadhrat Muhammad bin Abu Bakr BWj was born to Hadhrat Asmaa bint Umays 12X$%. She sent a message to ask Rasulullaah @@ what she was to do, Rasulullaah @@ replied saying, 'Take a bath, use a cloth to hold the blood and enter into Ihraam." Rasulullaah @@ then proceeded further and it was when his camel took him to Baydaa that he called out the Tafb~ya of Towheed saying: ''3 & ; -?" The Sahabah @W also recited theTalbiya and although Rasulullaah @&!% heard some of them add phrases like " " ("Dhal Ma'aarij"), he did not rebuke them. Hadhrat Jaabir ~~j says, "The people in front of Rasulullaah @@ reached as far as I could see. They were on foot and on animals.

Behind Rasulullaah @a?%! were just as many people, and there were also that many on his right and his left. Rasulullaah was in our midst and he was well aware of the meanings of the Qur'aanic verses that came to him. We therefore did exactly what we saw Rasulullaah @?% doing." (2) The aspects of Deen that Rasulullaah @% taught the Sahabah - on this journey and in the sermons he delivered during the Hajj will be quoted in the chapter discussing Hajj. Some of it has however passed in the chapter discussing learning while out in Jihaad. The Incident of How Hadhrat Jaabir Ghaadiri %G@j Acquired howledge during Rasulullaah -IS Journey Hadhrat Jaabir bin Azraq Ghaadiri %@%Z says, "I was riding my animal and (1) Abdur Razzaaq, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal (Vo1.3 Pg. 1 13). (2) Ahmad, as quoted in AlBidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vo1.5 Pg.146).

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH *@@&@5 (Vol-3) carrying my provisions when I came to Rasulullaah @%$. I rode with him until we reached a waypoint. Rasulullaah @I$% dismounted and entered a leather tent, the door of which was guarded by more than thirty men armed with whips. As I drew closer, one of them started pushing me away. I said, 'If you push me, I shall push you and if you hit me, I shall hit you.' You must be the worst of all men!' he remarked. 'By Allaah!' I retorted, 'You are worse than me.' 'How is that?' he asked.

'I have come form the far ends of Yemen to listen to Rasulullaah @@ so that I may report back to my people at home, yet you are pushing me away.' 'You are right,' the man submitted, 'I swear by Allaah that 1 am worse than you.' Rasulullaah then rode on and it was from the Jamarah Aqabah in Mina that people started crowding around him in great numbers to ask him questions. However, because of their large numbers, none of them could get close to him. A man who had trimmed (and not shaven off) his hair came to Rasulullaah @@ saying, '0 Rasulullaah @%! Do pray that Allaah showers His mercy on me.' Rasulullaah @%% said, 'May Allaah shower His mercy on those who shave off their hair.' Again the man pleaded saying, 'Do pray that Allaah showers His mercy on me.' Rasulullaah @I$% repeated, 'May Allaah shower His mercy on those who shave off their hair.' When the man again appealed, 'Do pray that Allaah showers His mercy on me', Rasulullaah w again said, 'May Allaah shower His mercy on those who shave off their hair.' Mter Rasulullaah repeated this three times, the man went to have his hair shaved off. Thereafter, I only saw men with shaved heads." ('1 Allaama Ibn Jareer's Interpretation of the verse "It is not for the Mulmineen to proceed (in Jihaad) all together" Allaama Ibn Jareer has cited numerous interpretations of the verse: It is not for the ~ u ' m i n e e n to proceed (in Jihaad) all together (simultaneously when it is not Fardh for all to participate). Why does a small group from every large party not proceed to attain a deep understanding of Deen so that they may warn their people when they return to them so tha?they may beware (of sin)? {Surah Taubah, verse After citing them, he states: "With regard to the phrase "to attain a deep understanding of Deen so that they may warn their people when they return to them s o that they may beware" the most correct interpretation is that of those scholars who say that the deep understanding of Deen is attained by the group proceeding out (in Jihaad) because they witness first-hand the help that Allaah renders to the people of the Deen and to the companions of Rasulullaah @$% against the enemies and Kuffaar.

It is by this first-hand observation that they can ( 1 ) Abu Nu'aym, as quoted in Kmzul Ummaal (Vol.3 Pg.49). Ibn and ah has also reported the narration, as~uoted in Isaabah (Vol.1 Pg.21 I). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH &i%%!$ij (~ol-3) make unwary people understand the truth of Islaam and that it will prevail over all other religions. At the same time, when they return home, they may warn their own people against doing anything that will attract Allaah's punishment as they had witnessed it afflict the Mushrikeen whom they had conquered. In this way, their people will also beware (not to transgress Allaah's commands). The verse therefore tells us that when these people warn their people about what they have seen, their people would take heed and their Imaan in Allaah and His Rasool @% would increase out of fear that they should not be afflicted by the punishment that afflicted the people they have been informed about." ( I ) Combining Jihaad and Acquiring Knowledge The Statement of Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri BZ$&j about how the Sahabah M.G(&$$ Combined Fighting Battles with Acquiring Knowledge Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri wW says, "When we marched to battles, we would leave behind one or two men to listen to Ahadeeth from Rasulullaah @@% and when we returned from the battle, they would narrate to us all that Rasulullaah @@ said.

Therefore, when we narrate these Ahadeeth, we can say that Rasulullaah said it." (2) Combining Earning and Acquiring Knowledge The Narration of Hadhrat Anas ~ . G w 2 about how the Sahabah @9Gw Combined Earning with Acquiring Knowledge Hadhrat Thaabit Bunaani reports that Hadhrat Anas bin Maalik 9Sw mentioned seventy men from the Ansaar who would go to a specific place in Madinah as soon as night fell. They would then spend the night there learning and teaching the Qur'aan. When morning arrived, whoever amongst them still had some strength would gather firewood and fetch drinking water. Those who had some money would then slaughter a goat, prepare the meat and hang it at Rasulullaah @%'s rooms. Hadhrat Anas 4 ! & j continues, "When Khubayb %KWj was martyred (in Makkah), Rasulullaah @%% dispatched these seventy Sahabah wW on an expedition.

Amongst the group was my uncle Haraam bin Milhaan WWj. When they approached a clan belonging to the Banu Sulaym tribe (who seemed antagonistic), Haraam 4@G5&!Gj addressed the leader of the clan saying, 'May I inform your people that we have no intention of attacking them so that they may leave us alone.' The leader agreed but it was when Haraam @,Wj was (1) Ibn Jareer (Vol.11 Pg.51). (2) Ibn Abi Khaythama and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in @nzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.240). THE LIVES OF THE S A M A H @@&&> (Vol-3) 23 1 addressing the people that someone thrust a spear at him that penetrated right through his body. When Haraam 3 , G W felt the spear strike his belly, he exclaimed, 'Allaahu Akbar! 1 swear by the Rabb of the Kabah that I am successful!' The people of the clan then attacked the other Sahabah @,Gw and did not spare anyone to tell the tale. I have never seen Rasulullaah @% so pained about any expedition than he was at this.

In fact, every time Rasulullaah t%% performed the Fajr salaah, I would see him raise his hands to curse the people of the clan." ( ' ) Hadhrat Thaabit narrates that Hadhrat Anas FdG4W said, "A group of people once approached Rasulullaah tk?@ with the request, 'Send some people with us to teach us the Qur'aan and the Sunnah.' Rasulullaah @% sent a group of Ansaar with them who were referred to as the Qurra. Amongst the Qurra was my uncle Haraam ~ . G m . These were a group of Sahabah %Lm who were proficient in the Qur'aan and who spent the nights learning and teaching the Qur'aan. During the day they would fetch water to place in the Masjid and also gather firewood to sell. The profits of their sales were then employed to purchase food for the men of Suffa and other poor people.

Nevertheless, when Rasulullaah @& sent them, they were attacked and martyred before they could even reach their destination. Their final dua was, '0 Allaah! Convey the message to Your Nabi on our behalf that we have already met with You, that we are pleased with You and that You are pleased with us.' It was from the back that a man thrust a spear right through the body of my uncle Haraam ~,Wj. When this happened, Haraam %,= exclaimed, 'I swear by the Rabb of the Kabah that I am successful!' Rasulullaah @@ (in Madinah) then informed the Sahabah iSGWj about the situation saying, 'Your brothers have been martyred and have prayed, '0 Allaah! Convey the message to Your Nabi @% on our behalf that we have already met with You, that we are pleased with You and that You are pleased with us."'(2) Hadhrat Umar ?i@$Q3 and his Ansaari Neighbour Take turns to Learn Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %Xw reports that Hadhrat Umar !iilGWj said, "I had an Ansaari neighbour from the upper reaches of Madinah who belonged to the Banu Umayyah bin Zaid tribe. He took turns with me in attending Rasulullaah m ' s gatherings.

He would go one day and I the next so that he brought me the news of revelation and other matters the day he went and I brought it to him the day I went. It was on the day when it was his turn that he came knocking hard on my door, calling, 'Is Umar here!' 1 was alarmed and came out immediately. 'Something serious has taken place,' he said .. . When 1 went to see Hafsah, she was in tears. 'Has Rasulullaah i%% divorced you?' I queried. 'I do not know,' she replied.

I then went to Rasulullaah $%!% and was still standing when I asked, 'Have you divorced your wives?'. When Rasulullaah I%% declared that he (1) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.123). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.514). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH - (Vd-3) had not, I cried out 'Allaahu ~kbar!"'(') Hadhrat Baraa ~~~j says that all of them could not Hear Ahadeeth from Rasulullaah @@ Hadhrat Baraa !&!3&%j says,"Allofus (Sahabah -) were unable to (exclusively devote all our time to) listen to Ahadeeth from-~asulullaah because we had properlies and occupations (that kept us busy). However, during those days, no one spoke lies and those who were with Rasulullaah @& would convey the Ahadeeth to those who were absent." (2) Hadhrat Baraa W3W also said, "We did not hear every Hadith directly from Rasulullaah @& but our companions would narrate them to us when we were (unable to be with Rasulullaah @@ because we were) grazing the camels." (3) Hadhrat Talha ~ , W j says that it was During the Ends of the day that they went to Rasulullaah &%@ Hadhrat Abu Anas Maalik bin Abu Aamir Asbahi says that he was with Hadhrat Talha bin Ubaydullaah !WbM when a man came to him saying, "0 Abu Muhammad! By Allaah!

We do not know whether that Yamaani (Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah -) knows more about Rasulullaah @@ than the rest of you (Sahabah i49.=j)! He seems to be making stories about Rasulullaah w that you others do not mention." Hadhrat Talha $E33&Z replied, "By Allaah! We have no doubts about the fact that he has heard from Rasulullaah @%% what we have not heard and knows what we do not know. Because we were independent people with houses and families, we would go to Rasulullaah @%% at the two ends of the day, after which we would return home. On the other hand, Abu Hurayrah %W?Wj was a poor man with neither wealth, family or children. He was always with Rasulullaah @%, and went wherever Rasulullaah @?% went.

We therefore have no doubts about the fact that he knows what we do not know and has heard from Rasulullaah @% what we have not heard. None of us (Sahabah *&2W!&j) have ever accused him of attributing to Rasulullaah statements that he never made." (4) Learning the Deen before Earning a Living Hadhrat Umar - said, "None may trade in our marketplace unless he had developed an understanding of Deen (enabling him to trade in a manner that complies with the Shariah)." (1) Bukhaari (Vol. 1 Pg. 19). (2) Haakim (Vol.1 Pg.127), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. (3) Haakim in his Ma'rifa Uloomil Hadith (~g.14) and Ahmad, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.l Pg.154). Abu Nu'aym has reported a similar narration, as quoted in KBnzuI Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.238). (4) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.5 12).

(5) Tirmidhi, as quoted in mmul Ummaal(Vo1.2 Pg.218). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH -3 (Vo1-3) 23 3 Educating one's Family Hadhrat Ali !&lGW's Interpretation of the verse: "Save yourselves and your families from the Fire" Allaah says in the Qur'aan: ". . . Save yourselves and your families from the Fire . . ." {Surah Tahreem, verse 6) In his commentary of the above verse, Hadhrat Ali ~,!&@!%5 said, "Educate yourselves and your families in all that is good." ('1 Another narration quotes Hadhrat Ali !B!SG%'s interpretation as, "Teach them (your families) and educate them in good etiquette (manners)." (2) Rasulullaah Instructs People to Teach and Educate their Families Hadhrat Maalik bin Huwayrith !.@@&%j reports, "We were a few youngsters of similar ages when we came to Rasulullaah @@ and stayed with him for twenty days. When Rasulullaah @%% sensed that we were yearning for home, he asked us about our families and we told him about them. Rasulullaah was extremely compassionate and merciful so he said to us, 'You may return home. You should however teach your families (the Deen you have learnt), instruct them (to fulfil the requisites of Deen) and perform your salaah as you have seen me performing salaah.

When the time for salaah arrives, one of you should call out the Adhaan and the eldest amongst you should lead the ~alaah"(~) Learning the Language of the Enemy and of Others for Sake of Deen Rasulullaah Instructs Hadhrat Zaid ~,&@.%+ to Learn the Jewish Language Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit %!dGWj says, 'When Rasulullaah just arrived in Madinah and I was brought before him, the people said, '0 Rasulullaah @%%! This boy from the Banu Najjaar tribe has already learnt seventeen of the Surahs that have been revealed to you.' When I then recited to Rasulullaah w, he was very impressed and said, '0 Zaid! Would you learn how to write the Jewish language because I swear by Allaah, I do not trust them to write for me.' I started learning the language and it was barely half a month later that I had mastered it. I was therefore Rasulullaah @%IS scribe when he wrote to the Jews and I would read to him the letters they wrote to him." (4) (1) Haakim, as quoted in Tagheeb wat Tarheeb (Vol.1 Pg.85). (2) Tabari in his TaTseer(Vol.28 Pg.107). (3) Bukhaari in his Adab (Pg.33).

(4) Abu Ya'la and Ibn Asaakir. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '&Gh&j (v01-3) In another narration, Hadhrat Zaid ~,W!2j says, "Rasulullaah once asked me, 'Do you know the Syriac language well because letters written in that language come to me?' When I declared that I did not, Rasulullaah @% requested me to learn it. 1 then learnt the language in seventeen days." ('1 Yet another narration states that Rasulullaah once said to Hadhrat Zaid ?$G&j, "Certain letters come to me that I would not like just anyone to read for me. Would it be possible for you to learn to write in the Hebrew or Syriac lgnguage?" Hadhrat Zaid wWj complied and learnt it in seventeen days. (2) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr %GW$ understands the Language of his Slaves ~bdhrat Umar bin Qais says, "Although Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr ?3Iw had a hundred slaves, all of whom spoke a different language, he was capable of speaking to each of them in his own language. Whenever I saw him engaged in any worldly affair, I would say, 'Here is a man who does not think of Allaah for the blinking of an eye.' Then when 1 would see him engaged in any matter of the Aakhirah, I would say, 'Here is a man who does not think of this world for the blinking of an eye."'(3) Hadhrat Umar 9L%w$ Instructs the Study of Astronomy and Genealogy Hadhrat Umar %GG said, "Study as much astronomy as will assist you to navigate over land and sea during the darkness. Thereafter you should stop." (4) Another narration states that Hadhrat Umar wWj said, "Study as much astronomy as will assist you in navigation and study as much genealogy as will assist you in maintaining good family ties," Hadhrat Ali %G&3j Instructs Hadhrat Abul hwad Duwali to Write the Fatha, Dhamma and Kasra into the Qur'aanic Text Hadhrat Sa'sa'a bin Sowhaan narrates that a Bedouin once came to Hadhrat Ali 8,= and asked, " 0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!

How do you recite the verse:;! @6 4) (&&GI ('Only those who take steps shall eat it (the filth of Jahannam)')? By Allaah! Every one of us takes steps!" Hadhrat Ali Ww smiled and recited the verse thus: "Only the sinners shall eat it (in Jahannam)." {Surah Haaqqa, verse 37) The Bedouin then said, "You have spoken the truth, 0 Ameerul Mu'mineen. I t is (1) Abu Ya'la, Ibn Asaakir and Ibn Abi Dawood. (2) Ibn Abi Dawood and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaa/(Vol.5 Pg.185). Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg. 174) has reported a slmilar narration.

(3) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.549) and Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.334). (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Ilm. (5) Hannaad, as quoted in Kanzul Umfnaal(Vol.5 Pg.234). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @Gw (Vol-3) not like Allaah to just leave His servant (in Jahannam)." Hadhrat Ali 3 G W j then turned to Hadhrat Abul Aswad Duwali and said, "All types of non-Arabs are entering into the fold of Islaam, so include something (in the Qur'aanic script) by which they may receive guidance to recite properly." It was then that the Fatha, Dhamma and ~ a s r a ( ' ) were written. (2) For A Leader to Appoint someone to Teach the People Hadhrat Urwa 5Uw reports that when Rasulullaah $&% left for Hunayn, he appointed Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal 9G&i% over the people of Makkah with instructions to teach the Qur'aan to the people and to create an understanding of Deen amongst them. Thereafter, when Rasulullaah @$& left for Madinah, he again appointed Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal WZrn over the people of ~ a k k a h .

( ~ ) Hadhrat Mujaahid narrates that Rasulullaah i%@ appointed Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal w&j over the people of Makkah when he left for Hunayn so that he should create an understanding of Deen amongst them and teach them the ~ u r ' a a n . ( ~ ) Can a Leader Prevent Someone from Proceeding in the path of Allaah for the sake of Knowledge? Hadhrat Umar ~ G W j Confines Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit !&X% in Madinah to Teach the People Hadhrat Qaasim narrates that whenever Hadhrat Umar !3GWj left on a journey, he would leave Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit %,= as his deputy in Madinah. Whereas Hadhrat Umar 3.Gs used to dispatch men to various cities (for teaching), he would send Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit S.Gw only for the most vital tasks (but would otherwise keep him in Madinah). When requests were made (by the people of the various lslaamic territories) to send specific people and Hadhrat Zaid %%iWj was asked for by name, Hadhrat Umar 9,EWj would say, "Zaid's status in my estimation has not fallen at all. I keep him back only because the people of Madinah need Zaid in the matters they encounter and cannot get from anyone else what they get from him."(5) Hadhrat Saalim bin Abdullaah says, "We were with Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %Gw the day Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit ?3%@!& passed away.

'A great Aalim has passed away today,' Iremarked.'MayAllaahshowerHis mercy on him today,' Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar ?iWJG commented, 'He was certainly a great Aalim and academic during the Khilaafah of Umar 3,w. While Umar ~,E&!G dispatched ( I ) These are the diacritical marks found above and beneath Arabic letters indicating which vowel sound is to be read. (2) Bayhaqi, Ibn Asaakir and Ibn Najjaar, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaa/(Vol.5 Pg.237) (3) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.270). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.164). (5) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg. 1 74). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,mk (Vol-3) many people to the various cities an forbade them from passing verdicts by their own judgment, Zaid %G= used to sit in Madinah and pass verdicts for the people of Madinah and those coming from outside."'(') Hadhrat Zaid' bin Thaabit BGwj Teaches People During the Khilaafah of Hadhrat Uthmaan !8Gw and the Statement of Hadhrat Umar 3WW Concerning Hadhrat Mu'aadh ~G&2jls Leaving for Shaam Hadhrat Abu Abdur Rahmaan Sulami reports that he used t a recite the Qur'aan to .Hadhrat Uthmaan WEm.

However, Hadhrat Uthmaan %E@!G once to14 him, "If you continue to do this, you will be distracting me from tending to public matters. You had rather go to Zaid bin Thaabit ?&Iw because he has more time for this. Recite to him because his and my recitation is the same, without any differences whatsoever." (2) The narration has already passed(3) in which Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik narrates that Hadhrat Umar used to say, "The departure of Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal to 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 issued. I had spoken to Hadhrat Abu Bakr about keeping Hadhrat Muaa'dh ?SWW behind (in Madinah) because the people needed him but Hadhrat Abu Bakr 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 with the status of a martyr even as he lies on his bed in his own home."' Dispatching the Sahabah w@&3 to Various Lands for Teaching Rasulullaah @@ Dispatches a Group of Sahabah ,> . ..,I# , . @bbj to Educate the Udhal and Qaara Tribes Hadhrat Aasim bin Umar bin atl la ad ah' narrates that delegates from the Udhal and Qaara tribes, both branches of the Jadeelah clan, came to Rasulullaah @% after the Battle of Uhud. They requested Rasulullaah @@ saying, "Islaam has come to our land, s o please send some of your companions with us to teach us thp_ Qur'aan and assist us in understanding Islaam."Rasulullaah @@ then sent six Sahabah -, the Arneer of whom was Hadhrat Marthad bin Abu (1) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.176).

(2) Ibn Ambaari, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg. 184). (3) Under the heading 'The Enthusiasm of the Sahabah #B!3&3 to March in jihaad for the Pleasure of Allaah" and the subheading "The Incident of Hadhrat Umar and Hadhrat Abu Bakr !B%% Concerning the Departure of Hadhrat Mu'aadh ?&W&Y ,:., ,, ,w ... THE LIVES OF THE SAHRBAH @'k&!%!d (Vol-3) 2.3 7 Marthad ?&EWj, who was a close friend of Hadhrat Hamzah bin Abdul Muttalib -3. The Hadith then continues to speak about the Battle of Rajee. ( I ) 5' 91' Y Rasulullaah @& Sends Hadhrat Ali B,G&@j and Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarraah BGG&G to Yemen Hadhrat Ali w$W narrates, "Some people from Yemen once came to Rasulullaah @% saying, 'Please send to us someone who will help us develop an understanding of the Deen, who will teach us the Sunnah and judge between us by the Book of Allaah.' Rasulullaah @@ said, '0 Ali! Go to the people of Yemen, develop an understanding of Deen amongst them, teach them the Sunnah and judge between them by the Book of Allaah.' I responded by saying, 'But the people of Yemen are a foolish bunch who will bring me cases about which I will have no knowledge.' Rasulullaah @% placed his hand on my chest and reassured me saying, 'Go.

Allaah shall guide your heart and make your tongue unwavering.' (By the blessings of this dua) Until this day, I have never doubted any judgement I have passed between two persons." Hadhrat Anas B,GWj narrates that some people from Yemen once approached Rasulullaah @%% with the request, "Do send with us someone who will teach us the Qur'aan." Rasulullaah took hold of the hand of Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarraah B,Ew and sent him with them saying, "This is the most trustworthy person of this Ummah." (3) Another narration states that the people of Yemen requested Rasulullaah @?% for someone who would teach them the Sunnah and ~slaam.(~) Rasulullaah Sends Hadhrat Amr bin Hazam Bg(@@j, Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari %,EI;w@j and Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal %%ZW to Yemen Hadhrat Abu Bakr bin Muhammad bin Amr bin Hazam said, "Here with us is the letter (of appointment) that Rasulullaah @% had written for Hadhrat Arnr bin Hazam =Wj when Rasulullaah %$% sent him to Yemen to educate the people (in Islaam), to teach them the Sunnah and to collect their zakaah. The letter was an undertaking from Hadhrat Amr bin Hazam %Gw and a briefing. The letter stated: "In the name of Allaah, the, Most Kind, the Most Merciful This is a letter from Allaah and His Rasool w. y y y yJ,* -f9 THE LIVES OF THE SAIYABAH (1f01-3) amongst the Ansaar) had memorised the entire Qur'aan during the lifetime of Rasulullaah m. These were Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal !3Cw, Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit 3G%j, Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b %i%Dj, Hadhrat P,bu -4yyoob $31Gw and Hadhrat Abu Dardaa S,G&. It was during the Khiiiafzh of ~ a d h r a t Umar B , G W j that Hadhrat Yazeed bin Abu Sufyaan 3,G@G \.trots to Hadhrat Umar SM with the request, "The population of Shaam is great. The cities are overflowing with people who have accepted lslaam and are in dire need of people to teach them the Qur'aan and to create an understanding of Deen amongst them. 0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!

Do assist me by sending men who will teach them." Hadhrat Umar 3,Gw then sent for the five Ansaar mentioned and said to them, "Your brothers in Shaam have pleaded to me to send to them people who will be able to teach them the Qur'aan and create and understanding of Deen amongst the people. Please assist me with three of you. May Allaah shower His Mercy on you! You may draw lots if you please, or if there are any volunteers amongst you, they may leave immediately." "There is no need to draw lots," they submitted, "While this man Abu Ayyoob is too old, this man Ubay bin Ka'b $Wi%j is ill." It was therefore Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal !3Gwj, Hadhrat Ubaadah bin ., , ..,,. , , Saamit 9,kWj and Hadhrat Abu Dardaa !3Zwj who went. Hadhrat Umar 9GWj's instructions to them was. "Start with Hims because there is a variety of people there and there you will find such people who learn very quickly.

When you identify such people, direct the others towards them (to learn). When you are eventually satisfied with the people there, one of you may remain behind while the second proceeds to Damascus and the third to Palestine." The three Sahabah ~ . m therefore proceeded to Hims, where they stayed until they were satisfied with the (learning of the) people. Hadhrat Ubaadah 3.Gw stayed on there while Hadhrat Abu Dardaa 3G4iiG proceeded to Damascus and Hadhrat Mu'aadh %$S&j to Palestine. Hadhrat Mu'aadh 3 , G W j stayed on in Palestine until he passed away there in the plague of Amwaas. Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit ~ . G W j then left for Palestine and also passed away there.

As for Hadhrat Abu Dardaa he lived in Damascus until his death. ( I ) Undertaking Journeys in Search of knowledge Hadhrat Jaabir ?3G':j Travels to Shaam and to SC )IY Egypt to Hear Two Ahadeeth of Rasulullaah @& Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Muhammad bin Aqeel reports that he once heard Hadhrat Jaabir 3,Cw say, "The news once reached me that there was a man who had heard a particular Hadith from Rasulullaah @#. I purchased a camel, tied a carriage to it and rode for a month until I reached Shaam. When I discovered that the man was Abdullaah bin Unays ~ G h x , I (went to his house and) said to his (1) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.172) and Haakirn, as quoted in Kanzid Ummaal (Vol.1 Pg.281). Rukhaari has reported a similar narration in his Taareekh Sagheer (Pg.22). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH %f'- (Vol-3) usher, 'Tell him that Jaabir is at the door.' 'The son of Abdullaah?' he enquired.

When I replied in the affirmative, Abdullaah bin Unays ?B!WG rushed out, tripping over his clothes (in the rush). ~e hugged me and I hugged him, after which I asked, 'A Hadith narrated by you has reached me concerning retribution. (I have come to you because) J feared that either you or me would die before I had the opportunity of hearing it (directly from you)." Abdullaah bin Unays ?BW&5 said, "I heard Rasulullaah @%$ say, "On the Day of Qiyaamah Allaah shall resurrect people naked, uncircumcised and empty-handed.' When someone asked one of the narrators what was meant by empty-handed,. he replied that people will have nothing of their worldly possessions with them. Then in a voice that those far off can hear just as well as those nearby, Allaah will make an announcement stating, 'I am the One Who pays back in full and I am the Master! It is not proper for any person destined for Jahannam to enter Jahannam while a person in Jannah owes him some right that I have not claimed for him. Similarly, it is not proper for any person destined for Jannah to enter Jannah while a person in Jahannam owes him some right that I have not claimed for him, even though it may be retribution for a sing1e.slap. I We asked, 'How will this retribution be done when people will be naked, uncircumcised and empty-handed?' Rasulullaah replied, 'It will be done with good and bad deeds (people will pay for their injustices by giving their good deeds to the wronged party and when their good deeds are exhausted,.they will be burdened with the sins of the wronged party)."'(') Hadhrat Jaabir wWi says,"IusedtohearaHadithfrom Rasulullaah @@ concerning retribution which was being narrated by someone in Egypt.

I therefore purchased a camel and travelled until I reached Egypt. I then headed for the door of the man.. ." The Hadith is then similar to the one above. (2) Hadhrat Maslamah bin Mukhallad %3M% narrates, "It was during the period that I was governor of Egypt that my usher once came to me saying, 'There is a Bedouin at the door riding a camel who is requesting to see you.' 'Who are you?' I asked. 'I am Jaabir bin Abdullaah of the Ansaar,' he replied. Looking at him (from the upper storey), I said, 'I can come down to you or, if you prefer, you may come up here.' He said, 'Neither should you come down, nor shall I be coming up. I have heard that you narrate a particular Hadith from Rasulullaah @%$ about concealing the faults of a Mu'min.

I have come to listen to it.' I said, 'I have heard Rasulullaah @?@ say that the person who conceals a fault of a Mu'rnin is like one who has given life to a girl who has been buried alive.' He then whipped his camel to lead it back home." (3) Hadhrat Muneeb narrates from his uncle that the news once reached a particular Sahabi ?&,= that another Sahabi - was narrating a Hadith stating that when a Muslim conceals the faults of his fellow Muslim brother in this world, (1) Ahmad and Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.133) has commented on the chain of narrators. Bukhaari in his Adab and Abu Ya'la have reported a similar narration, as quoted in Fat'hul Baari (Vol.1 Pg.127), as have Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.93) and Haakim (Vo1.4 Pg.574). (2) Tabraani in Masnadush Shaami'een and Tammaam in his Fawaa'id, as quoted in Fat'hul Baari. (3) Tabraani in his Awsat. Haythami has commented on the chain of narrators.

THE LIVES OF THE SAh!ABAH Bg!&&> (Vol-3) 24 1 Allaah shall conceal his faults on the Day of Qiyaamah. He therefore travelled all the way to Egypt to ask the Sahabi wW about the Hadith. The other Sahabi SGW; confirmed saying, "Yes, I have heard Rasulullaah @& say that when a Muslim conceals the faults of his fellow Muslim brother in this world, Allaah shall conceal his faults on the Day of Qiyaamah." The first Sahabi 9,Gw then said, "I too have heard this Hadith from Rasulullaah @@."(I) Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari BEwj Travels to Egypt to Hear a Hadith from Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir @,%Gu, J2 Hadhrat Ibn Jurayj narrates that Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari %.I;"@&; travelled all the way to Egypt to see Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir ~ , w . When he arrived there, he said, "I wish to ask you about a Hadith that besides you and I, no other companion of Rasulullaah survives who had heard it. What did you hear Rasulullaah @%! say about concealing the faults of a Muslim?" Hadhrat Uqba 3GW; replied, "I have heard Rasulullaah say, Whoever conceals the fault of a Mu'min in this world, Allaah shall conceal his faults on the Day of Qiyaamah."' Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob 3 G w then returned to Madinah and had already narrated the Hadith to others before ever1 alighting fronl hi: conveyance.(2) Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir B,Gwj Travels to see Hadhrat Maslama bin Mukhallad %3Ewj and another Sahabi @'G$&2 Travels to see Hadhsat Fudhaala bin Ubayd !&%Gu, J2 Hadhrat Makhool narrates that when Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir !%%G ;vent to see Hadhrat Maslama bin Mukhallad !3Gw, an argument ensued be:ween the usher and Hadhrat Uqba %,Em;. Hearing the voice of Hadhrat Uqba wWj, Hadhrat Maslama 9 B W permitted him entry.

(When he entered) Hadhrat Uqba 3Bw said, "I have not come merely to visit you, but have come for an urgent need. Do you remember the day when Rasulullaah @?% said, 'If a person conceals a sin that he knows his brother committed,, Allaah will conceal his sins on the Day of Qiyaamah'?" When Hadhrat Maslama 3GW; confirmed that he did remember, Hadhrat Uqba S,U$!G; said, "That is why I have come." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Buraydah narrates that a Sahabi !3,w once travelled all the way to Egypt to see Hadhrat Fudhala bin Ubayd ?31Gw about a Hadith. (4) Another similar narration adds the Sahabi ~~~ came to Hadhrat Fudhala 3,Gg at a time when he was feeding his camel. When Hadhrat Fudhala 9BW welcomed the Sahabi !3,EWj, he said, "I have not come on a mere visit. Both you (1) Ahmad. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.134) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(2) Ahrnad. A similar narration has been reported by Ibn Abdul Birr in his Isti'aab (Vol. 1 Pg.93). (3) Tabraani in his Kabeerand Awsat, as quoted by Haytharni (Vol.1 Pg.134). (4) Abu Dawood, as quoted in Fat'hul Baari (Vol. 1 Pg. 128). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH (Vol-3) and I have heard a particular Hadith from Rasulullaah &%% and I (have come in the)'hope that you still remember it." "What is the Hadith?" Hadhrat Fudhala ?%Mi% asked. The narration continues further.

Hadhrat Ubaydullaah bin Adi %$%W Travels to see Hadhrat Ali BEwj and the Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood !&C$@@2i Concerning Travelling in Search of Knowledge Hadhrat Ubaydullaah bin Adi - says, "When I heard that Hadhrat Ali @gw knew a particular Hadith, I feared that if he passed away, I would be unable to hear it fromanyoneelse. I therefore embarked on my journey until I reached him in Iraq." (2) Another narration adds that Hadhrat Ubaydullaah bin Adi @GWj said, 'When I asked Hadhrat Ali %$%%j about the Hadith, he narrated it to me but then made me promise that I would never report it to anyone else. I wish that he had not done that so that I could have narrated it to you people." (3) The statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood Ww shall shortly be related in which he said, "If I knew of anyone who has more knowledge of Allaah's Book than I, I would definitely travel to him." (4) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood W%!% also said, "If a camel could take me to a person who has more knowledge of what has been revealed to Muhammad &%% than I have, I shall certainly go to him to increase the knowledge I have." Learning from Worthy and Reliable People and what Happens when Knowledge Lies with People Unworthy of it Rasulullaah @%!#$ Sends Hadhrat Abu Tha'laba !&%iw to Learn from Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarraah %gW and Praises him Hadhrat Abu Tha'laba - says, "I once went to Rasulullaah with the request to refer me to someone who could teach well. Rasulullaah @@ then refe~rid to Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarraah -, saying, 'I am referring you to someone who will give you excellent education and teach you exceptional manners." (6) Another narration states that Hadhrat Abu Tha'laba wW added, "When I came to Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarraah @@S$&j, he was busy talking with Hadhrat (1) Daarmi (Pg.55). (2) Khateeb, as quoted in Fat'hul Baari (Vol.1 Pg.128). Ibn Asaakir has reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.239).

(3) Ibn Asaakir has reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.239). (4) Bukhaari. (5) Ibn Asaakir. (6) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.7 Pg.95). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @%@> (Vol-3) Basheer bin Sa'd Abu Nu'maan ?&@A%;. Seeing me approach, they fell silent.

'0 Abu Ubaydah!' I said, 'By Allaah! This is not how Rasulullaah @?% addressed me (he did not fall silent when I came).' He said, 'Sit down so that we may narrate a Hadith to you. dasulullaah said, 'While you now have a Nabi in your midst, there shall soon come Khilaafah on the pattern of Nabuwaat, to be followed by monarchy and tyranny." (I) Rasulullaah Makes it Clear that Seeking Knowledge from Unworthy People is Amongst the Signs of ayaamah Hadhrat Anas 9Wj narrates, "I once asked Rasulullaah when the time will come when people will stop enjoining good and forbidding evil, Rasulullaah @& replied, 'When that appears amongst you as appeared amongst the Bani Israa'eel before you.' '0 Rqulullaah @%$i!' we submitted, 'And what was that?' Rasulullaah @& replied, 'When the best amongst you start to compromise (principles), when the sinners amongst you start being shameless, when kingshi'p falls to the lot of your youngsters and when the knowledge of Deen is carried by the wretches amongst you." ('1 Hadhrat Abu Umayyah J u m h ~ - reports that when they once asked Rasulullaah @# about the signs of Qiyaamah, Rasulullaah @?&% said, "Amongst the signs of Qiyaamah is that knowledge will be sought from juniors." (3) Statements of Hadhrat Umar !&lG'j' and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %.JGWj Concerning Acquiring Knowledge from Seniori Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Ukaym narrates that Hadhrat Umar used to say, "Remember that the most truthful words are those of Allaah, the best way of life is that of Muhammad @?% and the worst of matters are those that have been fabricated (matters that have been made part of Deen when they are not). Take note of the fact that people will always remain in good stead as long as their knowledge comes to them from their seniors." (4) Hadhrat Bilaal bin Yahya reports that Hadhrat Umar 3334% said, "I know exactly when people will remairi righteous and when they will start to degenerate. When the knowledge of Deen will stem from juniors, the seniors will disregard them (and degeneration will start). However, when knowledge will stem from the seniors and the juniors will follow them, both groups will be rightly guided." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood k?3G&G said, "People will always remain (1) Tabraani. Haythami (V~1.5 Pg.189) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(2) Ibn Asaakir and Ibn Najjaar, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.2 Pg.139). Ibn Abdul Birr has also reported the narration in his Jaami (Vol. l Pg.157) (3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami. Tabraani has also reported the narration but Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.135) has cornmented on the chain of narrators. (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. l Pg. 158). (5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. l Pg. 158). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,g&!& (Vol-3) righteous and steadfast as long as their knowledge of Deen comes to them from the Sahabah Ww3 of Rasulullaah @& and from their seniors.

However, as soon as it starts coming from their juniors, they will all be destroyed." ( I ) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3,Ew also said, "People will always remain in good stead as long as they acquire their knowledge of Deen from their seniors. However, as soon they start acquiring it from their juniors and sinners, they will all be destroyed." (') Another narration quotes Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood $iK6W as saying, "You people will remain in good stead as long as the knowledge of Deen remains in the custody of your seniors. However, as soon as it is entrusted to the juniors, they will start to regard the seniors as fools." (3) Hadhrat Mu'aawiya ~~~~j and Hadhrat Umar ~ , g w Both Warn Against Acquiring Knowledge from people who are not Worthy of it Hadhrat Mu'aawiya wW said, "Verily the most effective tool for leading people astray is a man who recites the Qur'aan without understanding it and then proceeds to teach it to children, slaves and women who in turn use it to argue with the scholars." (4) Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab &W$5 said, "I do not fear for this Ummah a Mu'min whose lmaan restrains him nor a sinner whose sinful life is manifest. However, what I do fearfor them is a man who learns the Qur'aan until his tongue is fluerlt with it but then interprets the Qur'aan in a manner it should not be interpreted." (5) Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir %$3@G Emphasises to his Children to Accept Ahadeeth Only from Reliable Sources When Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir ~~w was on his deathbed, he advised his sons saying, "Dear sons! I forbid you from three things, so take note of what they are. Never accept a Hadith of Rasulullaah @& except from a reliable person, never ask for loans even though you may have to wear coarse clothing and never take to writing poetry because it will distract your hearts from the Qur'aan." (6) The Sermon Hadhrat Umar BGbX Delivered at Jaabiyah About Acquiring Knowledge from the Scholars of the Sahabah +BGCw&i Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas !3%@!G narrates that it was at Jaabiya that Hadhrat (1) Tabraani in his Kabeerand Awsat, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg.135).

Ibn Abdul Birr has also reported the narration in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.159). (2) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaarni (Vol. 1 Pg. 159). (3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaarni (Vol. 1 Pg. 159). (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg. 194). (5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.194). (6) Tabraani.

Haythami (vol. I Pg 140) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LIVES OF THE SAhXBAH @gb$2 (Vol-3) "mar ",' "". ' , Sbw delivered a sermon to the people saying, "Whoever has any queries about the Qur'aan should go to Ubay bin Ka'b wM, whoever has any queries about inheritance should go to Zaid bin Thaabit %%%%, whoever has any queries about Fiqh should go to Mu'aadh bin Jabal !2Uw and whoever requires money should come to me because Allaah has given me authority over it and entrusted me with its distribution." ('1 Salutations and Glad Tidings for the Student Rasulullaah Welcomes Hadhrat Safwaan bin Assaal Be%@%> The narration has passed at the beginning of the chapter(2) i n which Hadhrat Safwaan bin Assaal Muraadi %%W+j says, "I once came to Rasulullaah @%% in the Masjid as he was reclining on his red shawl. '0 Rasulullaah m4!' I said, 'I have come to seek knowledge.' Rasulullaah 6% exclaimed, Welcorr~e to the seeker of knowledge! Verily out of the love for what the person seeking knowledge is out to seek, the angels encircle him with their wings and then mount each other until they reach the sky above the earth."' Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri B 6 G W Welcomes Some Students Hadhrat Abu Haaroon narrates that whenever they went to Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri Ww, he would say, "Welcome to the people about whom Rasulullaah gave us emphatic instructions!

Rasulullaah @%% said, 'People are your followers and men will come from far-off places to acquire an understanding of Deen from you. When they come to you, it is my emphatic instruction to you to treat them well." (3) Another narration states that Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri 3$%W quoted Rasulullaah @?% as saying, "People will come from the East to learn from you. It is my emphatic instruction that when they come to you, you must treat them well." Hadhrat Abu Haaroon narrates that whenever Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri = saw them, he would say, "Welcome to the people about whom Rasulullaah @@ gave us emphatic instructions!" (4) Another narration(5) adds that part of Rasulullaah @%'s instruction was, "Teach them that which Allaah has taught you." Yet another narration states that Rasulullaah @@ said, "Soon people will come to you from the ends of the earth to ask you about your Deen. When they arrive, accommodate the:m and teach them and it is my emphatic instruction that you must treat them hnrell." ( I ) Tabraani in his Awsat. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.135) has commented on the chain of n,arrators. (2) Under the heading "The Encouragement Rasulullaah @% Gave towards Knowledge" and the subheading "Rasulullaah @@ Welcomes Hadhrat Safwaan bin Assaal !3WWj who had come to Seek Knowledge".

(3) Tirmidhi. (4) Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah (Pg.37). Haakim (Vol.1 Pg.88) has reported a similar narration from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. (5) Ibn Jareer and Ibn Asaakir. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @&%5 (Vol-3) Yet another narration states that Rasulullaah @@ added, ''Teach them and say to them, 'Welcome! Welcome!

Come closer!'''(') Whenever the young students came to Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri -, he would say, "Welcome to the people about whom Rasulullaah @@ gave us emphatic instructions! Rasulullaah @@ gave us instructions to accommodate them in our gatherings and to make them understand the Ahadeeth because you people are our successors and are the ones who will narrate Ahadeeth after us." Amongst the things Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri WZWkk used to say to the new students was,, "If there is anything you do not understand, do ask me to explain it to you because I prefer you leaving here after understanding rather than leaving without understanding." (2) Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah S I ~ ~ ~ Welcomes Students Hadhrat Ismaa'eel reports that so many of them once went to visit Hadhrat Hasan that they filled his house. Pulling his legs together, he said, "So many of us once went to visit Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah - that we filled his house. Pulling his legs together, he said, 'So many of us once went to visit Rasulullaah that we filled his house. Rasulullaah @@ was lying down on his side, but when he saw us, he pulled, his legs together and said, 'After my demise, people of various nationalities shall soon come to you in search of knowledge. You should welcome them, greet them and teach them.' By Allaah!

We have also met such people (after the Sahabah i4BW%) who heither welcomed us, greeted us nor taught us anything. All they did when we went to them was to act harshly with us," (3) Hadhrat Abu Dardaa @~~~ Smiles when ~arrat'in~ Ahadeeth Hadhrat Ummu Dardaa EBW23 says, "Whenever Hadhrat Abu Dardaa - narrated Ahadeeth tlo people, he would always smile. 1 once said to him, 'I fear that people would regard you to be a fool.' He explained, 'Rasulullaah @%$ also smiled whenever he narrated ~hadith.'"(~) Gatherings of Knowledge and Being in the Company of Ulema Rasulullaah @$&! Encourages the Gatherings of Knowledge and the Sahabah iBE= Sit in Graups Around him Hadhrat Al3dullaah bin Abbaas - narrates that Rasulullaah @&% was once ( I ) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.243). (2) Ibn Najjaar, as quoted in KBnzul Ummaal(Vo1.5 Pg.243). (3) Ibn Maaja h (Pg.37). (4) Ahmad and Tabraani in his Kabeer.

Haythami (Vol. l Pg. 131) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH 'BGw (Vol-3) asked, "0 Rasulullaah m! Which of our companions are best?" Rasulullaah &% replied, "The person who reminds you of Allaah when you look at him, whose speech increases your knowledge and whose deeds remind you of the Aakhirah." ( I ) Hadhrat Qurra @Z%&j reports that when Rasulullaah sat in a gathering, the Sahabah i4BLw would sit in groups around him (to learn and teach, asking Rasulullaah @% when they needed to)." (2) The Gatherings of the Sahabah after the Fajr Salaah Hadhrat Yazeed. Raqaashi says that after narrating Ahadeeth to them, Hadhrat Anas W'Wj would say, "By Allaah! This Hadith has not been learnt as you people learn when people gather around a person who lectures to them. What used to happen is that the Sahabah - used to sit in groups after the Fajr salaah to recite the Qur'aan and learn the compulsory and optional aspects of ~ e e n .

" ( ~ ) Rasulullaah rn Sits with a Gathering of the Sahabah $$%5W that Included many Poor People Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri GWiXN relates, "I was sitting with a group of Muhaajireen amongst whom were people who (because of poverty) had so little clothing that they were hiding behind each other. A Qaari of ours was busy reciting the Qur'aan and we were all busy listening to Allaah's Book. Rasulullaah @% (arrived there and) said, 'All praise is for Allaah who has created in my Ummah people with whom I have been instructed to remain with.' The group turned and faced Rasulullaah @?@, who recognised none of them besides myself. Rasulullaah t% then said, '0 impoverished Muhaajireen, listen to the good news that you will have perfect light on the Day of Qiyaamah. You will enter Jannah half a day before the rich, which is equal to five hundred years."'(4) Rasulullaah rn Prefers the Gathering of Knowledge to the Gathering of Dhikr Hadhrat ~bdullaah bin Amr 4%!3&j narrates that Rasulullaah @% once passed by two gatherings in his Masjid. While the people in one gathering were making dua to Allaah and concentrating on this, the other was learning and teaching Fiqh.

Rasulullaah @% remarked, "While both gatherings are doing excellent work, the one is superior than the other. As for the one, they are making dua to Allaah and concentrating on this. If Allaah wills, He shall grant them (what they ask) and if He wills, He may refuse them. As for the others, they are learning and teaching the ignorant and I have been sent as a teacher." Rasulullaah @% (1) Abu Ya'la. Mundhiri (Vol.1 Pg.76) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Bazzaar.

(3) Majma'uzZawaaM(Vol.1 Pg.132). (4) Bayhaqi, as quoted in A/ Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vo1.6 Pg.57). Abu Nu'aym has reported the narration at greater length in his Hilya ('01.1 Pg.342). THE LIVES OF THE SAhXBAH (Vol-3) therefore sat with this second group. ('1 Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari ~ , C @ j and Hadhrat Umar ?&EM Sit One Night in a Gathering of Knowledge Hadhrat Abu Bakr bin Abu Moosa narrates that Hadhrat Abu Moosa @G%!@j once went to Hadhrat Umar %'iGW after Isha. ''What bringsyou here?" Hadhrat Umar m j asked.

"I have come to speak with you," Hadhrat Abu Moosa 33W replied. "At this hour?" Hadhrat Umar ?B5W remarked. When Hadhrat Abu Moosa %@&% informed Hadhrat Umar %'isthat it was an important matter of Fiqh that he needed to discuss, Hadhrat Umar sat up and the two men discussed for a long while. Thereafter, Hadhrat Abu Moosa HL%G5 said, "What about the (Tahajjud) salaah, 0 Arneerul Mu'mineen?" Hadhrat Umar S,GWj replied, "It was in salaah that I had been engaged (when you arrived)." (2) The Incident of ~Gdhrat Jundub Bajali with Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b %%5Wj Concerning Seeking Knowledge Hadhrat Jundub bin Abdullaah Bajali says, "When I arrived in Madinah to seek knowledge, I entered the Masjid of ~tasulullaah @%! where I saw people engaged in discussions in various groups. Passing by the groups, I eventually arrived at a group in which there sat a pale man wearing two pieces of cloth and who appeared to have just arrived from a journey. I heard him say, 'I swear by the Rabb of the Kabah that the people in authority have been destroyed and I am not sorry for them!' This he repeated several times.

I then sat down with him and he continued to narrate Ahadeeth for some time. When he got up to leave, I asked the people who he was. They said, 'He is the leader of the Muslims! He is Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b BeW.' I then followed him to his house, which I discovered was in a dilapidated state. I also discovered that he was very ascetic, had severed all ties with this world and was a man of habit. When I greeted him, he replied to my greeting and asked me where I came from.

When I informed him that I was from Iraq, he remarked, 'They (Iraqis) are people who ask even more questions than I do.' This remark made me very angry and I immediately fell to my knees, raised my hands like this before my face and faced the qiblah saying, '0 Allaah! It is to You that I complain. We have spent our wealth, tired our bodies and rode our conveyances in search of knowledge. However, when we meet them, they are inhospitable and make remarks about us!' Hadhrat Ubay - started to weep and tried to pacify me saying, 'Oh dear! I did not mean to offend you. I really did not mean to offend you.' He then said, '0 Allaah!

I make a promise with You that if you keep me alive until Friday, I shall definitely state what I heard Rasulullaah &%% say without (1) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg.50). Daarmi has reported a similar narration. (2) Abdur Razzaaq and Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted in Kanzul Urnmaal(Vol.5 Pg.228). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @%b@&> (Vol-3) fearing reproach from anyone.' After he said that, I left him and waited for Friday. When I left my room that Thursday for something, I found the streets jammed with people. I could see hordes of people on very street 1 took.

'What is the matter with the people?' I asked. You must be a stranger here?' the people asked. When I confirmed that I was, they said, 'The leader of the Muslims Ubay bin Ka'b S,GWj has passed away.' When I later met Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari 9,- in Iraq and related to him the incident of Hadhrat Ubay !3XGw, he sighed, 'How tragic! If only he had lived so that you could have reported his words to us!"'(') Hadhrat Imraan bin Husayn %@@% Narrates Ahadeeth in the Masjid of Basrah Hadhrat Hilaai bin Yasaaf says, "When 1 arrived in Basrah and entered the Masjid, I saw an old man with white hair and a white beard leaning against a pillar and narrating Ahadeeth to a group of people. When 1 enquired about the man, I was informed that he was Hadhrat Imraan bin Husayn $3G&!2i."(2) People Flock to the Door of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas B,Eb3, who Taught them all Aspects of Deeni Knowledge Hadhrat Abu Saalih says, "I have seen such a large gathering around Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas - that if the entire tribe of the Quraysh boasted about such numbers, they would be the envy of all. I have seen so many people flock to him that the street could not even contain them and none was able to move forward or backward.

When I went in and informed him about all the people at his door, he instructed me to fetch some water for him to perform wudu. He then performed wudu and sat down saying, 'Go outside and announce that whoever wishes to ask about the Qur'aan and its words and meaning should come in.' When I went out and made the announcement, the people who entered filled the room as well as the entire house. In addition to informing them about everything they asked, he also told them much more. 'Now allow your brothers the opportunity,' he said. When they had left, he instructed, 'Go outside and announce that whoever wishes to ask about the Tafseer of the Qur'aan and its interpretation should come in.' When 1 went out and made the announcement, the people who entered filled the room as well as the entire house. In addition to informing them about everything they asked, he also told them much more.

'Now allow your brothers the opportunity,' he said. When they had left, he again instructed, 'Go outside and announce that whoever wishes to ask about what is Halaal and Haraam and about Fiqh should come in.' When 1 went out and made the announcement, the people who entered filled the room as well as the entire house. In addition to ( I ) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.501). (2) Ibn Sa'd 0101.4 Pg.291). THE LIVES OF THE S A M A H (Vol-3) informing them about everything they asked, he also told them much more. 'Now allow your brothers the opportunity,' he said.

When these people had left, he instructed me again saying, 'Go outside and announce that whoever wishes to ask about inheritance and the likes thereof should come in.' When 1 went out and made the announcement, the people who entered filled the room as well as the entire house. In addition to informing them about everything they asked, he also told them much more. 'Now allow your brothers the opportunity,' he said. When they had left, he instructed, 'Go outside and announce that whoever wishes to ask about Arabic, poetry and rare words should come in.' When I went out and made the announcement, the people who entered filled the room as well as the entire house. In addition to informing them about everything they asked, he also told them much more. If the entire tribe of the Quraysh boasted about such numbers, they would really be the envy of all because I have never seen such a large gathering around any person." ('1 Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %3SSw Praises the Gatherings of Knowledge Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 4WWZi once said, "The best of all gatherings is the one in which matters of wisdom are discussed." (2?

Another narration states that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - said, 'The best of all gatherings is the one in which matters of wisdom are disseminated and in which Allaah's mercy is anticipated." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - also said, "People with Taqwa are the chiefs, the jurists are the leaders and attending their gatherings is a means of increasing (one's Imaan and kliowledge)." (4) The Statements of Hadhrat Abu Juhayfah 3WW2 and Hadhrat Abu Dardaa ~ ~ W j in this Regard Hadhrat Abu Juhayfah - always used to say, "Sit in the company of the seniors, associate with the Ulema and mingle with the wise." (5) Hadhrat Abu Dardaa W3Wj said, "It is the deep understanding a person has that will makehimaccompanyandstayin contact with men of knowledge." (6) In another narration, Hadhrat Abu Dardaa !&W&& added sitting in their gatherings.(7) Respecting the Gatherings of Knowledge Hadhrat Sahl bin Sa'd Saa'idi !&Z&i43 Gets Angry with People who FooIed, Around in his Gathering Hadhrat Abu Haazim says, "Hadhrat Sahl bin Sa'd Saa'idi ?B@W was narrating (1) Abu Nu'aym in his Hi&a (Vol.1 Pg.320). Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.538) has reported a similar narration. (2) Tabraani in his mbeer, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg.167). .(3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg.50). (4) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg. 126). (5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg. 126). (6) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg. 127).

(7) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya(Vol.1 Pg.211). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @%$@ (Vol-3) 25 1 the Ahadeeth of Rasulullaah @@ to a group of his people when some of them started turning to each other and talking. This made Hadhrat Sahl qw angry and he said, 'Look at them! Some of them are turning to talk to each other when I am narrating to them what my eyes have seen and my ears have heard. I swear by Allaah that I shall leave them and never return to them ever again!' 'Where will you go?' I asked. 'I shall go to wage Jihaad in the path df Allaah,' came the reply.

'But how will you fight in Jihaad,' I submitted, 'when (because of your old age) you are unable to ride a horse, strike a blow with a sword or even use a spear?' ' 0 Abu Haazim,' he said, 'I shall stand amongst the ranks of the soldiers to be struck bi a stray arrow or rock by which Allaah shall bless me with martyrdom."'(') The Conduct Of Ulema and Students Rasulullaah m ' s Kind Address to a Youngster who Requested Permission to Fornicate Hadhrat Abu Umaamah ?&'G@j narrates that a youngster from the Quraysh once approached Rasulullaah @?@ with the request, "0 Rasulullaah m! Do permit me to fornicate." The Sahabah - turned to him and started rebuking him saying, "Don't say that! Don't say that!" 'Bring him closer," Rasulullaah @% said. When the youngster went close to Rasulullaah @&, Rasulullaah @&% asked, "Would you like someone to fornicate with your mother?" "By Allaah!" the youngster exclaimed, "I would never tolerate it! May Allaah sacrifice me for you, 0 Rasulullaah @%!" "Then," Rasulullaah explained, "other people will also not want anyone to fornicate with their mothers." Rasulullaah @%% continued, "Would you then like someone to fornicate with your daughter?" "By Allaah!" the youngster exclaimed again, "I would never tolerate it! May Allaah sacrifice me for you, 0 Rasulullaah w!" "Then," Rasulullaah l%@ said, "other people will also not want anyone to fornicate with their daughters." Rasulullaah @% asked further, "Would you like someone to fornicate with your sister?" Again the youngster exclaimed "By Allaah!

I would never tolerate it! May Allaah sacrifice me for you, 0 Rasulullaah @&%!" "Then other people will also not want others to fornicate with their sisters," Rasulullaah @?i% said. Again Rasulullaah @% asked, "Would you like someone to fornicate with your paternal aunt?" Again the youngster exclaimed "By Allaah! I would never tolerate it! May Allaah sacrifice me for you, 0 Rasulullaah m!" "Then other people will also not want anyone to fornicate with their paternal aunts. Would you like someone to fornicate with your maternal aunt?" "By Allaah!

I would never tolerate it! May AIlaah sacrifice me for you, 0 Rasulullaah @%!" the youngster exclaimed. "Then other people will also not want people to fornicate with their maternal aunts," Rasulullaah @% said. Rasulullaah @@ then placed his hand on the youngster's chest and prayed, "0 AIlaah! Forgive his sins, purify his heart and keep him chaste." Thereafter, the (1) Tabraani in his X;?beer. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.155) has commented on the chain of narrators.

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH m,%Chu3 (Vol-3) youngster's attention never again swayed in that direction. ('1 Rasulullaah Repeats Himself Thrice to Make himself Understood Hadhrat Abu Umaamah Bw says, 'When Rasulullaah spoke (something of importance), he would repeat himself thrice so that he would be understood." (2) Hadhrat Aa'isha @G@@ Instructs Hadhrat Ibn Abi Saa'ib to hold fast to Three Factors when Teaching Hadhrat Sha'bi narrates that Hadhrat Aa'isha WW once said to the lecturer of Madinah Hadhrat Ibn Abi Saa'ib, 'You must obey me in three factors, otherwise I shall oppose you most vehemently." Hadhrat Ibn Abi Saa'ib said, "1 shall most definitely obey you, 0 Ummul Mu'mineen! What are they?" Hadhrat Aa'isha WWj said, "(Firstly) Refrain from going out of your way to rhyme your du'aas because Rasulullaah @i% and the Sahabah BWj never did this. (Secondly) You should deliver a lecture once every week. If you do not want to do so only once, you may do so twice or otherwise thrice at the most because you should never allow people to become tired of the Qur'aan. (Thirdly) I never want to find you going to people who are engaged in some discussion and then you cut short their talk (by starting your lecture).

Rather leave them to talk and you start your lecture only when they approach you and ask you to talk" (3) The Conduct of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood !&= when Teaching Hadhrat Shaqeeq bin Salamah narrates that Hadhrat kbdullaah bin Mas'ood - once came to them and said, "I know well that you people are sitting here but the only thing that prevents me from coming out to you every time is the fear of you getting tired. It was the practice of Rasulullaah to consider us when delivering lectures for fear of ever tiring us out." (4) Hadhrat A'mash narrates that when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood W@& once passed by a man delivering a lecture, he said, "0 lecturer! Do not make the people despondent (of Allaah's mercy)." (5) Hadhrat Ali !&G%& Describes a True Scholar Hadhrat Ali Ww once said, "Should I not inform you who a true scholar is. He is one who neither makes people despondent of Allaah's mercy nor grants them the licence to disobey Allaah. At the same time, he does not allow them to feel that they are immune from Allaah's punishment. He is one who does not turn his (1) Tabraani and Ahmad, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.129).

(2) Tabraani in his Kabeer, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.129). (3) Ahmad, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.191). Abu Ya'la has reported a similar narration. (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.105) (5) Tabraani in his Kabeer. Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg. 191) has commented on the chain of narrators. ,., ..,, * ../ THE LIVES OF THE SAHnBflH ~ , ~ ' N J & J (Vol-3) attention to something else, thereby neglecting the Qur'aan. There is no good in the Ibaadah that is devoid of (the relevant) knowledge, no good in the knowledge that is devoid of understanding and piety and no good in the recitation of the Qur'aan that is devoid of contemplation." (I) Rasulullaah ='S Words to Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal !%$G@% and Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari %W&+5 when Dispatching them to Yemen Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar ~ , G w narrates that when Rasulullaah sent Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal 3,GW; and Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari !3C& to Yemen, he addressed them saying, "Assist each other, work together, teil the people good things and do not make them averse (to the Deen)." When Hadhrat Mu'aadh BE@&; delivered a lecture to the people, he encouraged them towards Islaam, developing a deep understanding of Deen and the Qur'aan.

He also said, "I can inform you about those destined for Jannah and those destined far Jahannam. A person is destined for Jannah when people speak good of him and destined for Jahannam when they have no good to speak of him." (2) The Statement of Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed %%5wj Concerning the Gatherings of the Sahabah @ 4 G W and the Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar ~,G@!G Concerning the True Aalim Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri WM said, "When the Sahabah @,GW of Nabi !$&% sat together, their discussion always concerned Deen unless one of them was reciting a Surah or having someone else recite a Surah." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar WWj said, "A man can never occupy a respectable position as a scholar unless he is not jealous of those above him, does not look down on those beneath him and does not seek a price for his knowledge." (4) The Statement of Hadhrat Umar S,G&G Concerning the Conduct of an Aalim Hadhrat Umar said, "Acquire knowledge and teach the people. Learn also the respectability and composure that goes with it. Humble yourself before those you learn from as well as before those you teach, and never be arrogant Ulema. In this manner, your ignorance will be unable to stand up to your knowledge." (5) (1) Ibn Dharees, Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.77), Ibn Asaakir and others, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.5 Pg.231). In his Jsti'aab (Vo1.2 Pg.44).

Ibn Abdul Birr has reported the words from Rasulullaah @@. (2) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg. 166). (3) Haakim (Vol.1 Pg.94), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. (4) Abu Nu'aym in his Hjlya (Vol. l Pg.306). (5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.135). Ahmad in his Zuhd, Bayhaqi, Ibn Abi Shaybah and others have reported a similar narration.

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,-$ (Vol-3) The Statement of Hadhrat Ali ~,E@!& Concerning the Conduct of Students Hadhrat Ali $W%!G said, "Amongst the rights of an Aalim is that you should not pose too many questions to him, you should not press him to give answers and should not pressurise him if he chooses to ignore something. Also amongst his rights is that you should not hold his clothing (and compel him to teach) when he is tired, you should never point your finger at him, never hint at him with your eyes and never question his gatherings. You should also never wait for him to slip up and if he does, you should wait for him to correct himself and accept his excuse for the slip-up. Never tell him that someone else opposes his opinion, never disclose his secrets, never gossip to him about anyone and always maintain his honour in his presence and his absence. While you may greet people collectively, gceet him specially and sit in front of him. If he has any need, beat others in serving him and never tire him by sitting too long with him.

He is like a date palm by which you ought to wait for some benefit to fall to you at any time. The Aalim occupies the status of a person who is fasting while fighting in Jihaad in the path of Allaah and when he passes away, a void is created in Islaam that can never be filled until the Day of Qiyaamah. (Also take note that) Seventy thousand high-ranking angels of the heavens escort the student of Deen." The Conduct of Hadhrat Thaabit Bunaani with his Teacher Hadhrat Anas @!Z= Hadhrat Jameela the slave woman of Hadhrat Anas W,G4&25 who mothered some of his children says, "Whenever Thaabit came to Hadhrat Anas !k'WW, Hadhrat Anas ~,Wi!G3 would instruct me to bring him some perfume to apply to his hands saying, 'Ibn Ummu Thaabit (Hadhrat Thaabit) will not be satisfied until he kisses my hands."'(') The Conduct of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas !&%@$j' with Hadhrat Umar @,B&> and his Awe for him Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas - says, "For many years I had wanted to ask Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab W4WG about an incident but it was my awe for him that prevented me from doing so. The opportunity eventually came when he lagged behind the rest of the people on a journey for Hajj or Umrah because he needed to attend to the call of nature. It was in a place called Araak in Marruz Zahraan and I was alone with him when he had completed. '0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!' I said, 'For many years I had wanted to ask you about an incident (1) Murhibi and Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaarni, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.5 Pg.242).

Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.4 Pg.73) and Khateeb in his Jaami, a s quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.229). (2) Abu Ya'la. Haytharni (Vol.1 Pg.130) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH m,@% (Vol-3) but my awe for you prevented me from doing so.' 'Do not do that,' he said, Whenever you need to know anything, feel free to ask me. If I know anything, I shall inform you and if 1 do not, I shall tell you that I know nothing about it and you may ask someone who does.' I then asked, Who are the two women that Allaah speaks about who acted together against Rasulullaah @@?' 'They were Aa'isha Wm and Hafsah GW&%,' Hadhrat Umar 3,Wj replied. The narration continues to relate the incident at length.

The Awe ~adhrat Sa'eed bin Musayyib had for Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas %Uh@j Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Musayyib says, "I once said to Hadhrat Sa'd bin Maalik (Abi Waqqaas) Ww, '1 wish to pose certain questions to you, but I stand in too much awe of you.' 'Dear son of my brother,' he said, 'do not stand in awe of me. If you feel that I know anything, feel free to ask me.' I then asked, 'What was it that Rasulullaah @@ said to Hadhrat Ali 4 - when he appointed him a s his deputy during the expedition to Tabook?' Hadhrat Sa'd %dWj replied, 'Rasulullaah k%$$ said, '0 Ali! Does it not please you to know that your status with me is like that of Haaroon @&$ with Moosa @&.!&"'(2) Hadhrat Jubayr bin Mut'im %WWj Responds to a Question by saying, "I have no knowledge on the subject" Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Abdullaah bin Mowhab narrates that Hadhrat Jubayr bin Mut'im ?8W&j was passing through an oasis when the people questioned him about a matter of inheritance. Hadhrat Jubayr 4 - responded by saying, "I have no knowledge on the subject. You may however send someone with me and I will enquire about it on your behalf." The people sent someone with him and Hadhrat Jubayr 433!24% posed the question to Hadhrat Umar W W . Hadhrat mar ?&W43G remarked, "Whoever wishes t o be a n Aalim with keen understanding should do as Jubayr bin Mut'im ?8Gm has done.

When asked about something he did not know, he said, 'Allaah knows best."'(3) The Conduct of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar sEh&$j in his Teaching Hadhrat Mujaahid reports that when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar B= was once questioned about an aspect of children's inheritance, he replied, "I do not know." "What prevents you from replying?" someone asked. His reply was, "When Abdullaah bin Umar was asked about something he did not know, he replied by saying, 'I do not know."'(4) (1) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg. 1 12). (2) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.112). Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.24) has also reported the narration with some additions. (3) Ibn Sa'd, as quoted in Kanzul L~mmaal(Vo1.5 Pg.241). (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his IstYaab (Vol.2 Pg.52). 2.56 THE LIVES OF THE SAHfiBAH @E$&&3 (Vol-3) Hadhrat Urwa Ww reports that when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar was questioned about something he had no knowledge of, he replied by saying, "I have no knowledge on the subject." As the man turned to leave, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar said to himself, "When Abdullaah bin Umar was questioned about something he had no knowledge of, he replied by saying, 'I have no knowledge on the subject."'(') Hadhrat Uqba bin Muslim says, "1 stayed with Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 9,w for thirty four months and on many occasions when he was questioned about something, he would reply by saying, 'I do not know.' He would then turn to me saying, 'Do you know what those people wanted (by asking me about something I had no knowledge of)?

They intended making our backs a bridge to ~ahannam."'(~) Hadhrat Naafi narrates that a man once posed a question to Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 9,GWj. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 3,- lowered his head and did not respond for such a long time that the man thought his question had not been heard. "May Allaah have mercy on you," the man said, "Did you not hear my question?" Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar Ww replied by saying, "I certainly did hear it. However, it seems like you people feel that Allaah will not question us about the things you ask us about. May Allaah have mercy on you! Leave us to think about your question.

If we have a reply, we will inform you, otherwise we shall tell you that we do not know." (3) Statements of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood w, G@+i, Hadhrat Ali B , G , j and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas @,Gwj about an Aalim Conceding that he does not know Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood BGw once said, "0 people! When a person is questioned about something he has knowledge about, he should give the reply and if he does not have the knowledge, he should say, 'Allaah knows best'. To say 'Allaah knows best' in reply to something one does not know is also and integral part of knowledge. Addressing His Nabi @!@, Allaah says: W , , > ¶ ' ,.-,z > > I I - , ( A T ~ T : ~ ijF) (0 +I ,, b~ L ~ ~ I > A& L 3) I " (0 Rasulullaah =$ Say, "I do not ask you people for any payment for this (propagation of the message), and I am not among those who pretend (those who pretend to know something when they do not)." {Surah Saad, verse 861(~) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Basheer states that when Hadhrat Ali bin Abi Taalib !%&%!% was once asked a question, he replied by saying, "I have no knowledge on the subject." He then said, "What a great source of comfort! I was questioned (I) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.144). (2) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.54) (3) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.168).

(4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.51). THE LIVES OF THE SMUBAH m,m$ (Vol-3) 25 7 about something I did know and I conceded that I did not know." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas - said, "When an Aalim forsakes the statement 'I do n o t know', then he has reached his point of destruction." Another narration also states that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas !3!2%% said, "When an Aalim omits using the statement 'I do not know', then he has reached his point of destruction." (2) The Conduct of Hadhrat Umar %@4@, Hadhrat Ali and Hadhrat Uthmaan k m when Teaching Hadhrat Makhool reports that when Hadhrat Umar ?!WWG noticed that the people were getting tired as he narrated Ahadeeth to them, he would occupy them with planting trees. (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mus'ab narrates that Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab %@4&5 said, "Do not pay more than forty Awqiya as dowry, even though the bride may be the daughter of Dhul Udda Qais bin Husayn Haarithi. If anyone pays more, I shall deposit the surplus into the state treasury." A tall woman with a flat nose then stood up from the women's row saying, "You do not have the authority to do that." ';why not?" asked Hadhrat Umar -. She replied, "Because Allaah declares: ... when you have given one of them a fortune, then do not take anything from it . . ."' {Surah Nisaa, verse 20) To this, Hadhrat Umar wW remarked, "The lady is right and the man is wrong." (4) Hadhrat Muhammad bin Ka'b Qurazi 4 - narrates that a man once posed a question to Hadhrat Ali GWiWi5, to which he gave a reply. "0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!" the man said, "That is not the answer." He then proceeded to give the correct answer, to which Hadhrat Ali %lW%j conceded, "You are right and 1 was wrong." He then recited the verse: * #-3 THE LIVES OF THE SAMAH @,@+&j ( ~ ~ 1 - 3 ) When they came out, they said, 'Come!

Let us go.' 'Where to?' I asked. 'Home,' they replied. I protested saying, 'I have left my home to come right here to Rasulullaah @@'s door just to return without seeing him after you had made me the promise you well acknowledge?!' 'Then hurry,' they said, 'because we have already done all the questioning for you. There is nothing that we have not asked Rasulullaah @@ about.' I then went in and said, '0 Rasulullaah @@! Pray to Allaah to grant me a deep understanding of the Deen and to teach me.' 'What was it you said?' Rasulullaah @@ asked. When I repeated my request, Rasulullaah @@ remarked, 'You have asked me for something that none of your companions have asked.

Go! You are now their Ameer and the Ameer of all of your tribe's people who come to you."' The Hadith still continues further. ('1 In another narration, Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Abul Aas 3G*j states that when he entered, Rasulullaah @@ had a copy of the Qur'aan with him. This Rasulullaah gave to him when he asked to have it. (') Learning, Teaching and Rehearsing the Knowledge of Deen and Questions that are Appropriate and those that are Inappropriate The Sahabah &EJG@ Rehearse in Rasulullaah @@'s Gathering and Ask him Questions Hadhrat Anas %G% says, "When we used to sit with Rasulullaah %@! as he narrated Ahadeeth to us, we would sometimes number as many as sixty. Then when Rasulullaah @@ needed to leave for some need, we would rehearse amongst ourselves, repeating (what Rasulullaah @@ said) one after the other so that it was firmly rooted in to hearts by the time we left." (3) Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari 3,Ew says, "After Rasulullaah @& performed the Fajr salaah, we would turn towards him.

Some of us would then ask him about the Qur'aan, others about inheritance and others about dreams." (4) The Words of Hadhrat Fudhaala bin Ubayd %G@% to his Companions in this Regard When his companions used to come to him, Hadhrat Fudhaala bin Ubayd !3G$3% would say to them, "Learn and teach each other, convey glad tidings and increase (your knowIedge). May Allaah increase you in all good, love you and love all those who love you. Rehearse the lessons (you have learnt) because the reward for the last one is as great as that of the first. You should also add (1) Tabraani. Haylhami (Vo1.9 Pg.371) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Tabraani.

(3) Abu Ya'la. Haythaml (Vol.1 Pg.161) has commented on the cham of narrators. (4) Tabraani in his Kabeer. Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg. 159) has commented on the chain of narrators THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH @ (Vol-3) Istighfaar to your discussions." (') Statements of Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed ~ ~ W , Hadhrat Ali !&3&j', Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?&%b&j and Hadhrat Abdullaak-bin Abbaas ~ECw3 Concerning Rehearsing what was Learnt Hadhrat Abu Nadhra says that when they once requested Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri ~ , W j to write down Ahadeeth for them, he said, "I shall never write it for you and never make it like the Qur'aan. You should learn the Ahadeeth from us as we had learnt from Rasulullaah @%% (by memory and not in writing)." Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri - also used to say, "Rehearse the Ahadeeth ak&st yourselves because this reinforces the memory." (2) Another narration quotes Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri as saying, "Rehearse the Ahadeeth amongst yourselves because this rejuvenates the memory." (3) Hadhrat Ali 4?B!ZW$ said, "Rehearse the Ahadeeth amongst yourselves bekause if you d o n o t do this, you will forget them." (4) Another narration states that Hadhrat Ali WS&!Gj also added, "Keep visiting each other." (5) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood WW$ said, "Rehearse the Ahadeeth amongst yourselves because this keeps it alive." (6) Another narration quotes Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %3!HkG as saying, "Rehearsing (Deeni knowledge and the Ahadeeth) reaps the reward of (Nafl) salaah." (7) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas ?B!3W said, "I prefer rehearsing the knowledge of Deen for a part of the night to engaging in 1baadah throughout the night."(8) Hadhrat Umar i ! & @ & $ asks Hadhrat Ali !&Eb@j Three Question and is Overjoyed with the Replies Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar WW narrates that Hadhrat Umar ~ , - once addressed Hadhrat Ali - saying, "0 Abul Hasan! There were times when you were present with Rasulullaah k?@$ when we were not and there were times when we were present with Rasulullaah @&% when you were not. 1 have three questions to pose to you.

Do you know anything about them?" "What are they?" Hadhrat Ali %%%?$j asked. Hadhrat Umar said, "(Is it possible that) A man likes another when he has seen no good in him or dislikes a man when he has seen no bad in him?" "That is certainly possible," Hadhrat Ali replied, "Rasulullaah @@ once said, 'All souls had Been gathered together in metaphysical realm where they met and associated. Those that got to know each (I) Tabraani in his Kabee1;-qorting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.l Pg.161). (2) Tabraani in his Awsat, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.161). (3) Haakim (Vol. l Pg.94) and Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. l Pg. I l l ) .

(4) Haakim (Vol. l Pg.95). (5) Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted by Ibn Abdul Birr.in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg. 101). (6) Haakim (Vol. l Pg.95). (7) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Isti'aab (Vol. 1 Pg.22). (8) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Isti'aab (Vol. 1 Pg.24). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH *@C@!k5 (Vol-3) 26 1 other there, bond in this world and those who were detached there remain detached here."' "That was one question (to which we have a reply)," Hadhrat Umar - said, "(the second question is that) when speaking about something, a man sometimes remembers and sometimes forgets." Hadhrat Ali - responded by saying, "Rasululla?k, said, 'Every heart has clouds passing over it just as clouds pass across the moon.

While the moon is shining, a cloud passes across it, causing the light to vanish, but it again shines through once the cloud has passed. Similarly, when a man is busy speaking, one of the clouds passes across (his heart), causing him to forget. Then when it passes by, he is once again able to remember." "That was two questions," Hadhrat Umar 4?BW&4j said, "Now what about a man who sees dreams, some of which are true and others false." Hadhrat Ali 4WZWj said, "I have a reply for that as well. I heard Rasulullaah @%% say, Whenever any male or female falls into a deep sleep, their soul rises up to the Arsh (Allaah's throne). Those that awaken after reaching the Arsh have true dreams and those that awaken before reaching the Arsh have false dreams." Hadhrat Umar %- remarked, "These were three answers that I had been in search of. I thank Allaah that I have found them before my death." ('I Hadhrat Umar % G 5 Questions Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %@&j' about the Differences Amongst the Ummah Hadhrat lbraaheem Taymi narrates that Hadhrat Umar - was alone one day when he started thinking to himself.

He then sent for Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas and asked him, "How will this Ummah have differences between them when their Book is one, their Nabi @% is one and their qiblah is one?" "0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!" Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas said, "When the Qur'aan was revealed to us, we recited it knowing exactly for what reason every verse was revealed. However, after us there shall come many nations who will recite the Qur'aan without knowing why the various verses were revealed. Every nation will therefore have its own opinion about every verse. When this happens, they will naturally have differences between them and when differences crop up, they will start to fight each other." (In his grief over this) Hadhrat Umar - rebuked Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 4-, who then left. Hadhrat Umar W3@% however realised the truth of what Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas ?%SW said and again called for him. When Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %WBZ arrived, Hadhrat Umar %$%% said to him, "Do repeat what you have said." (2) (1) Tabraani in his Awsat.

Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.162) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Sa'eed bin Mansoor, Bayhaqi and Khateeb, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.l Pg.228). THE LlVES O F THE SAHABAH '@,gbm (Vol-3) Hadhrat Umar !&Cwj Questions the Sahabah @,GW about a Particular verse and is Impressed by the Reply that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas Sgf&&j gave Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas WGw narrates, "Hadhrat Umar 9,EW once said, 'I recited a verse last night that kept me awake. (The verse is): Would any of you like to own a garden (an orchard) containing all types of fruit for himself, with palm trees, vines and rivers flowing beneath? (Later, however) He then suffers old age while he (still) has weak &oung) children (who cannot assist him) and a severe wind carrying fire strikes (his orchard), burning it down (leaving him in desperate want when he most needs wealth to care for his children). In this manner does Allaah make His Aayaat clear for you so that yvu may ponder. {Surah Baqarah, verse 266) 'What does it refer to?' Hadhrat Umar %lGWj wanted to know.

When some people responded by saying, 'Allaah knows best', Hadhrat Umar S G W j said, 'I know well that Allaah knows best, but I have asked because if any of you know anything about it or have heard anything about it, he should inform me about what he has heard.' Everyone was silent. Hadhrat Umar SGw then noticed me whispering something and said, 'Dear son of my brother! Say your piece and do not undermine yourself.' 'It is actions that are being referred to,' I said. 'What. makes you say that actions are being referred to?' I said, 'It was something that came to my heart which I stated.' Hadhrat Umar %lGm then left me and started explaining it himself. He said, 'You are right, dear son of my brother. It is actions that are being referred to.

A man is most in need of his orchard when he is old and when he has many dependents. He is also most in need of his actions on the Day of Qiyaamah. You are definitely right, dear son of my brother."'(') Hadhrat Umar ~ , G w j Questions Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas SGi!&3 about Some Difficulty he was Experiencing with Surah Nasr Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 8,GWj says, "Because Hadhrat Umar %Gm used to allow me in with the veterans of Badr, Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf %G@j objected saying, 'Why do you allow this youngster in with us when we have children his age?' Hadhrat Umar %lGw replied, 'He is of a calibre that you will ( I ) Abd bin Humayd and Ibn Mundhir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.1 Pg.234) reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.542) THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH i45Gb3j (Val-3) soon come to know.' Hadhrat Umar 3G&lLil therefore summoned them one day and called for me as well. I believe that he called them that day only to show me off to them. He said, 'What comments do you have about the (following) words of Allaah: # $ 4 r 1 c 5 b9, ,*, c / W I I . 4 + ~ l ~ ~ & > j j , I ' / (0 Rasuiullaah @&Q When Allaah's help (to the Musims) and victory come and you see people entering the Deen of Allaah in droves then glorify the praises of your Rabb (in gratitude for this great favour) and seek forgiveness from Him. Without doubt, He is the Greatest Acceptor of repentance. {Surah Nasr) Some said, "Allaah is commanding us to praise him and seek His forgiveness when His help arrives and when he grants us victory.' Others conceded that they were unable to comment and others remained silent.

Hadhrat Umar %Gwj then said to me, '0 son of Abbaas! Do you share that view?' When I declared that I did not, he asked, 'Then what have you to say?' I replied, 'The Surah speaks of the demise of Rasulullaah @@ that Allaah is informing him about. Allaah is saying to Rasulullaah @@: 'When Allaah's help and victory, namely the Conquest of Makkah, come and you see people (entering the Deen of Allaah in droves), then this is an indication that your demise is imminent. At this stage, you should glorify the praises of your Rabb and seek forg~veness from Him. Without doubt, He is the Greatest Acceptor of repentance.' Hadhrat Umar ?&.i5w then remarked, 'That is exactly what 1 understood."'(') Another narration quotes that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %GWj said, "Because Hadhrat Umar !&GW used to consult with me together with the senior Sahabah @G@j of Rasulullaah @&, Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf 9 G w objected saying, 'Why do you consult him with us ..." The rest of the narration is like the one above. (2) Hadhrat Umar W3%5 and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %,Gb&+ Discuss a Verse and an Incident with Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %Ewj reports that he once asked Hadhrat Umar sGk&$> about the verse: 0 you who have Imaan!

Do not ask questions concerning those things that you will dislike when they are made known to you (because they are too difficult to carry out). {Surah Maa'idah, verse 101) (1) Sa'eed bin Mansoor, Ibn Sa'd, Abu Ya'la, lbn Jareer, Ibn Mundhir, Tabraani, Ibn Mtrdway, Abu Nu'aym and Bayhaqi both in their Dalaa'il, a s quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.1 Pg.276). Abu Nu'aym has also reported the narration in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.317) (2) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.539), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @g!&!&?? (Vol-3) Hadhrat Umar W.%I# explained, "When some people from amongst the Muhaajireen had certain doubts about their lineage, they said, 'We wish that Allaah would reveal verses of the Qur'aan concerning our lineage.' It was then that Allaah revealed the verse you have just recited." Hadhrat Umar WkW then asked Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 4 ! & j about Hadhrat Ali bin Abi Taalib - saying, "I know that if that companion of yours assumes the post of Khilaafah, he will be abstinent. However, I fear that he should not be carried away by conceit." "What are you saying, 0 Ameerul Mu'mineen?" Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 4 - exclaimed, "You are well aware of (the virtues of) our companion. By Allaah!

He has never changed or spoiled (after the demise of Rasulullaah @&) and has never offended Rasulullaah 8@% as long as he stayed with Rasulullaah w." Hadhrat Umar S!3W asked, "And what about Abu Jahal's daughter that he wanted to marry while Faatima !ii@WW was still his wife (did this not upset Rasulullaah s)? Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas !&I@% replied by arguing, "Concerning the decisive error Hadhrat Aadam made, Allaah says: qbh~d.aJ,d) (0 G I ij 3; 2) - ::i5$; ... but he forga"jChd We did not find him to be determined (to disobey Our command). (Surah TaaHaa, verse 1 15) Similarly, our companion was not determined to offend Rasulullaah s. The idea was merely a thought that no person is capable of driving out of the mind. In addition to this, people with a deep understanding and profound knowledge of Allaah's Deen are also prone to err sometimes. However, they retract and repent as soon as they are alerted." Hadhrat Umar WW5 then said, "A person will be sorely mistaken if he thinks that he will ever be able to dive and reach the depths (of knowledge and wisdom) with people like you." ('1 Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar !fEWj Asks Hadhrat Aa'isha About a Hadith that Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah ~ , W Reported about Attending Funerals Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas SB$&M reports that he was once sitting with Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar !&W#iS when Hadhrat Khabbaab came there saying, "0 Abdullaah. bin Umar &W!&!

Have you heard what Abu Hurayrah - is saying? He claims to have heard Rasulullaah 8@% say, 'When a person accompanies a funeral bier from the house, performs the Janaazah salaah and then follows it until it has been buried, he will receive the reward of two Qiraats, each Qiraat being equal to Mount Uhud in magnitude. As for the person who returns after performing the Janaazah salaah, he shall have a reward equal in magnitude to Mount Uhud'." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar $WW sent Hadhrat Khabbaab to Hadhrat Aa'isha (1) Zubayr bin Bakkaar in his Muwaffaqiyaat, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal(Vol5 Pg.229). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @%&& (Vol-3) - with instructions to verify the words of Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah mj and to then report what she said back to him. In the meantime, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar ?B3W took a handful of pebbles from the ground and kept turning them over in his hand until Hadhrat Khabbaab returned. When Hadhrat Aa'isha - confirmed what Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah SDWj said, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar !&G@2j threw the pebbles down saying, "We have lost a great number of Qiraats." ( I ) Another narration adds that Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah 9 G W j said, "We (the poor men of Suffa) had neither plantations nor trade in the marketplaces to distract us f r ~ m being with Rasulullaah m.

All I did was to seek a word from Rasulullaah - &@ to teach me or a morsel to feed me (I therefore heard a lot that others did not hear)." To this, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 9 S W j remarked, "0 Abu Hurayrah -! You stayed more with Rasulullaah than we did and therefore know more Ahadeeth than us." (2) The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %&&j Concerning how Few Questions the Sahabah @@&% Posed to Rasulullaah @@ Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 4WW.j said, "I have never seen people better than the Sahabah P 2 j of Rasulullaah @%. Until he passed away, they did not ask him more than thirteen questions, all of which appear in the Qur'aan (Some of these are): They (the Sahabah -) ask you (0 Rasulullaah &%%) about the sacred months", They ask you about wine and gambling", "They ask you about orphans", 'They ask you about menstruation", "They ask you about the spoils of war", "They ask you about what they should spend". The Sahabah iiLS-S questioned Rasulullaah only about matters that were of benefit to them." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 4 ? 2 i stated further, "The first beings to perform Tawaaf of the Kabah were the angels. Between the Hajar (Aswad) and the Rukn Yamaani are the graves of several Arnbiyaa. When any of these Ambiyaa was harassed by his people, he left them to worship Allaah here until he passed away." (3) The Women of the Ansaar ask Rasulullaah Qgestions about Deen and Hadhrat Ummu Sulaym @Gw asks about Wet Dreams Hadhrat Aa'isha G&W6 said, "The women of the Ansaar were the best of women.

Modesty did not prevent them from asking questions about Deen and attaining a deep understanding of Deen." (4) Hadhrat Ummu Sulaym W3Wj narrates that she was sitting next to Rasulullaah (1) Muslim, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.5 Pg.302). (2) Haakim 0101.3 Pg.510). Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.332) has reported a similar narration. (3) Tabraani Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg. 158) has commented on the chain of narrators. Bazzaar has reported a similar narration, as quoted in Al Itqaan. (4) ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg.88).

THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH @gh@j' (Vol-3) m ' s wife Hadhrat Ummu Salamah @G&%j when she asked, "0 Rasulullaah m! Should a woman have a bath if she dreams that her husband is having intercourse with her?" "Shame on you, 0 Ummu Sulaym!" Hadhrat Ummu Salamah BBWj cried out, 'You have disgraced all women in front of Rasulullaah @&!I' Hadhrat Ummu Sulaym ~G@@.j responded by saying, "Allaah does not shy away from the truth and rather than remaining in darkness about the matters we find difficulty with, we must ask Rasulullaah m." Rasulullaah 6% replied to the question by saying, "Bless you, 0 Ummu Sulaym! The woman should take a bath if she finds any semen." "0 Rasulullaah @&!" Hadhrat Ummu Salamah @Gw exclaimed, "Do women also have semen?" "Then how else do her children resemble her?" Rasulullaah @& asked, "Women are but offshoots of men." ('1 The Consequences of Asking too many Questions and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ~,W%'S Condemnation of the Same Hadhrat Sa'd ?91Gw, "People used to question each other about certain matters that Rasulullaah @%$ mentioned and would then question Rasulullaah &$% so much about it that although it had been Halaal, it would eventually be declared Haraam." (2) Hadhrat Jaabir BGw says, "The verses of Li'aan were revealed only because of the many questions that were asked." (3) When people were posing too many questions to Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?91Gw, he said to Hadhrat Haarith bin Qais, "0 Haar bin Qais! What do you think they ask so many questions for?" Hadhrat Haarith replied, "They want to know the answers only to forget them afterwards (they have no intention of putting their knowledge into practice)." To this, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood WZWj remarked, "I swear by the Being besides Whom there is none worthy of worship that You are right!" (4) The Sahabah i@3Pw Condemn Asking about Things that have not Occurred Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 9WW once said, "0 people! Never ask about things that have not happened because Hadhrat Umar %WWj use to curse people who asked about things that have not happened." (5) Hadhrat Umar BN% said, "It is not permissible to ask about things that have not happened because Allaah has already decreed everything that is still to happen." Hadhrat Khaarijah bin Zaid bin Thaabit narrates that his father (Hadhrat Zaid bin ( I ) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.88). (2) Bazzaar.

Haythami (Vol.1 Pg. 158) has commented on the chain of narrators. (3) Bazzaar, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.158). (4) Tabraani in his Kabeec reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg. 158). (5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg. 143). (6) Ibn Abdul Birr in hisJaami (Vo1.2 Pg. 142). THE LIVES OF THE SAWIDAH @,EM (1'01-3) Thaabit ''-8 ""' " S,~*J) would never voice his opinion concerning anything he was asked about until he ascertained whether the matter problem had already occurred.

If it did not yet occur he would not say anything and he would comment only if it had occurred. Therefore, whenever he was once asked something, he queried, "Has it already happened?" "0 Abu Sa'eed," the reply would come, "it has not yet happened, but we are preparing for it." "Then leave it," he would reply. It was then only when the incident actually occurred that he would duly inform the people (about what to do). Hadhrat Masrooq relates, "When I once questioned Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b 3Ge about something, he asked, 'Has this actually occurred?' When I informed him that it did not, he remarked, 'Then let u s rest until it does."' Another narration(2) adds that he said, "Then let us rest until it does happen. Then when it does happen, we shall be able to apply ourselves and to get a solution for you." (3) Hadhrat Aamir narrates that when Hadhrat Ammaar 9,Gwj was once questioned about something, he asked, "Has this actually occurred?" When informed that it did not, he remarked, "Then leave us until it does. Then when it happens, we shall be able to apply ourselves and to get a solution for you." (4) Learning and Teaching the Qur'aan and Reciting it to People 4' )I' Y Rasulullaah k$& Encourages a Person who Earned a Profit to Learn the Qur'aan Hadhrat Abu Umaamah 3 G W j narrates that a man once came to Rasulullaah @@ and explained how much profit he had earned by buying (and selling) the shares of a particular tribe.

"Should J not inform you about something even more profitable?" Rasulullaah @% asked. "Can there be anything more profitable?" the man asked. Rasulullaah 6?@ replied, "For a man to learn ten verses of the Qur'aan." The man then went to learn ten verses, which he reported to Rasulullaah @%%.(5) Rasulullaah @@ Teaches Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b B,Gwj the Virtue of Surah Faatiha Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b %GWj narrates, "Rasulullaah @& once said to me, 'Should I not inform you of a Surah, the like of which has not been revealed in the Torah, the Zaboor, the Injeel or the Qur'aan?' 'Certainly,' I replied. Rasulullaah @& said, 'I expect that you will know it before you leave through that door.' Rasulullaah k$& then stood up and I stood up with him, a s he continued (1) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.142). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.500). (3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.2 Pg.142).

(4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.256) (5) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.7 Pg.165). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,&&&& (Vol-3) speaking to me with my hand in his. I then started to slow down fearing that Rasulullaah @?% would leave before informing me about the Surah. As we drew close to the door, 1 said, '0 Rasulullaah w! The Surah that you promised me?' Rasulullaah @%$ asked, 'What do you recite when you stand up in salaah?' I then recited Surah Faatiha. Thereafter, Rasulullaah @& said, 'That's it!

That's it! Those are the seven often repeated verses that I have been granted and about which Allaah speaks when He says: (*ywi':F iJP) $0 ~ q & >G\ 2 I G;) Verily We have granted you (0 Muhammad @@) seven verses that are often repeated (especially in salaah), and the Glorious Qur'aan. {Surah Hijr, verse 87)(') Rasulullaah Teaches the Men of Suffa Hadhrat Anas - says, "Abu Talha !&WM once arrived (at the Masjid) to find Rasulullaah @$% teaching the men of Suffa with a portion of a rock tied to his belly in order to keep his back straight because of extreme hunger." Rasulullaah k$@ Overhears Haahrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari ~~w Reciting the ar'aan to some People Hadhrat Anas &!Sw narrates that Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari 3,Wj was once sitting at home and when some people gathered there, he started reciting the Qur'aan to them. A man then went to Rasulullaah k%# saying, "0 Rasulullaah @&! Should I not tell something remarkable of Abu M o o s a , ~ ? He was sitting at home when some people gathered there aqd he started reciting the Qur'aan to them." "Can you find me a place to sit from where none of them will be able to see me?" Rasulullaah @%% asked. "Certainly," the man said.

Rasulullaah @!% then went with the man, who seated him in a place from where none of the people could see him. After listening to Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari ?%,WB& reciting the Qur'aan, Rasulullaah @% remarked, "He recites in one of the tunes of the family of Dawood &34&."(3) Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari %2Z$W Teaches the mr'aan in the Jaami Masjid of Basrah Hadhrat Anas - relates, "Hadhrat (Abu Moosa) Ash'ari SS3W once sent me to Hadhrat Umar 3&W?&j. Hadhrat Umar ?3@W asked, 'How was Ash'ari when you left?' I replied, 'He was busy teaching Qur'aan to the people when I left.' Hadhrat Umar ?&WW remarked, 'Take note that he is an extremely intelligent man. You should however never let this reach his ears. How were the Bedouins when you left?' 'The Ash'ari people?' I asked. 'No, the people of Basrah,' he replied.

'They will be extremely offended to hear that (you are referring to them (1) Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.220). (2) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol. 1 Pg.342). (3) Abu Ya'la, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.360). Ibn Asaakir has reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.7 Pg.94). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH ~,@&2> (VOW as Bedouins),' I remarked. Hadhrat Umar 3,Gw said, 'Then you need not inform them.

They will all remain Bedouins except for the man amongst them whom Allaah blesses with the inspiration to wage Jihaad in the path of Allaah." (') Hadhrat Abu Rajaa Utaaridi says, "Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari W%!.G used to come around to us in this Masjid of Basrah and sit in each gathering. I can still picture him wearing two white sheets as he taught the Qur'aan. It was from him that I learnt the Surah $j$&i, A~b!(~urah Alaq). It was the first Surah revealed to Allaah's Rasool ~uhamkad'@@."(~) Hadhrat Ali %WWj Memorises the Qur'aan after the Demise of Rasulullaah @@ Hadhrat Ali %Gw says, "When Rasulullaah @@ left this world, I vowed never to remove my shawl from my back (would not rest) until I had memorised what was contained between the two covers (of the Qur'aan). I therefore did not remove the shawl until I had memorised the entire Qur'aan." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar B,G$%j Learns Surah Baqarah in Four Years Hadhrat Maymoon %#%%.j reports that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar SGWj learnt Surah Baqara in four years. (4)-- Hadhrat Salmaan @Gw Recites Surah Yusuf to the People in the Masjid of Madaa'in A man from the Ashja tribe narrates that when the people of Madaa'in heard that Hadhrat Salmaan was in the Masjid, they continued arriving there until almost a thousand people had gathered.

Hadhrat Salmaan BGw stood up and bade the people to sit down. When they were all seated, he started reciting Surah Yusuf. The people then started dispersing and leaving until there were only about a hundred people left. Hadhrat Salmaan %Gw became very angry and said, 'You want an enchanting lecture, but when I recite the Book of Allaah to you, you start to leave!?" (5) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood @W%j Teaches Qur'aan to the People and Encourages them to Learn Whenever Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3,G& taught a verse of the Qur'aan to someone, he would say, "This (verse) is better than everything upon which the sun rises and everything upon the surface of the earth. He would then say this for (I) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.162). (2) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol. l Pg.256).

(3) Abu Nu'aym in his HiIya (Vol. 1 Pg.67). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.121). (5) Abu Nu'aym in his HiIya (Vol. 1 Pg.203). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@,Ekm (Vol-3) every verse of the Qur'aan. Another narration states that when people arrived at his house every morning, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood S,U@ would bade them to sit down and then passing by each person learning the Qur'aan, he would ask them which verse they had reached. When they informed him, he would then teach them the next verse and say, "Learn it because it is better for you than everything between the heavens and the earth.

In fact, for a person to even look at a verse of the Qur'aan written somewhere outside the Qur'aan is better than everything between the heavens and the earth." He would then proceed to the next person and tell him the same thing, until he had said it to each one of them. ('1 Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood &gWj used to say to the people, "Ensure that you stick to this Qur'aan because it is Allaah's tablecloth (laden with food). Whoever is capable of taking anything from Allaah's tablecloth should do so. Knowledge is acquired only through studies." (2) Another narration states that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %lGw said, "Verily this Qur'aan is Allaah's tablecloth (laden with food). Whoever is capable of learning anything from it should do so because the house most deprived of any good is the one that has nothing of the Allaah's Book within it. Indeed, the house with nothing of Allaah's Book in it is like a deserted house with none to occupy it and Shaytaan leaves the house in which he hears Surah Baqarah." (3) Hadhrat Umar $2.1Gwj Instructs a Man to Leave his Door to Study the Qur'aan Hadhrat Hasan narrates that Hadhrat Umar once said to a man who very often came to his door, "Go and study the Book of Allaah." The man left and Hadhrat Umar 3 , G W j actually started to miss him.

When Hadhrat Umar 9Gwj met him again, Hadhrat Umar 3 G W j almost rebuked him. the man said, "I have found in the Book of Allaah such things that have made me independent of being at Umar SE@&j's door." (4) What Amount of the Qur'aan Should every Muslim Learn Hadhrat Umar ~ , G @ said, "It is necessary for every Muslim man to learn six Surahs, two Surahs for the Fajr salaah, two Surahs for the Maghrib salaah and two Surahs for the Isha salaah." (5) Hadhrat Miswar bin Makhrama 9,CtW says that he heard Hadhrat Umar !%@!G say, "Learn Surah Baqarah, Surah Nisaa, Surah Maa'idah, Surah Hajj and Surah Noor because they contain the Faraa'idh." (6) (1) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.7 Pg.167) (2) Bazzaar, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.129). (3) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol. l Pg. 130). (4) Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.1 Pg.217). (5) Abdur Razzaaq, as quoted in Kanzul Unimaal (Vol. 1 4 . 2 17). (6) Haakim and Bayhaqi. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,@@&$ (Vol-3) Hadhrat Haaritha bin Mudarrib narrates that Hadhrat Umar ?3Ghi4 wrote to them with instructions to learn Surah Nisaa, Surah Ahzaab and Surah Noor.

('1 Another narration states that Hadhrat Umar ~ G . W said, "Learn Surah Baraa'ah, teach Surah Noor to your women and give them silver jewellery to wear." (2) What a Person Ought to do when it is Difficult for him to Learn the Qur'aan Hadhrat Abu Rayhaana 3kW reports that he once complained to Rasulullaah @&% that it was difficult for him to learn the Qur'aan and that what he learnt escaped his memory. Rasulullaah @& advised him saying, "Do not take on more than you can manage and perform Sajdah (Nafl salaah) in abundance." Hadhrat Umayrah reports, "Hadhrat Abu Rayhaana came to Asqalaan where he used to perform Sajdah in abundance." (3) Specialising in the Qur'aan Hadhrat Qaradha bin Ka'b $%3iGj reports that when they were leaving for Iraq, Hadhrat Umar ?3Gwj accompanied them to a place called Siraar. There Hadhrat Umar 3 , G N performed wudu and said, "Do you know why I have walked with you?" "Yes," they replied, ''you have walked with us because we are the Sahabah @Gh$j of Rasulullaah @%." Hadhrat Umar 3Dh$j said, "(1 have come to tell you that) You are headed for a region where the people are humming with the recitation of the Qur'aan just as bees are constantly humming. Do not preoccupy them by narrating Ahadeeth before them. They should occupy themselves with the Qur'aan alone and narrate few Ahadeeth of Rasulullaah %8$.

Proceed and I shall be with you." When Hadhrat Qaradha 3 G W arrived at there (in Iraq) and the people asked him to narrate Ahadeeth to them, he said, "Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab 3Gwj has prohibited us." (4) Another narration states that Hadhrat Umar 3,G&j said, "Do not preoccupy them with Ahadeeth for it will prevent them from mastering the Qur'aan." Yet another narration states that Hadhrat Umar 3.GWj asked the Sahabah @G&, "Do you know why I have walked with you?" They replied, "You have walked with u s because you wish to see us off and to honour us." Hadhrat Umar !3GW said, "In addition to that, I have come for another purpose as well. (I have come to tell you that) You are headed for a region where ..." The rest of the narration is like the one above. (5) ( I ) Abu Ubayd. (2) Sa'eed bin Mansoor, Abu Sha~kh and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kallzul Ummaal(Vol. l Pg.224). (3) Abdul Ghaafir bin Salaamah Himsi in his Taareekh, as quoted in lsaabah (Vo1.2 Pg. 156). (4) Haakim (Vol.1 Pg.102). reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi.

(5) Ibn ~ b d u l Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.120). Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.6 Pg.7) has reported a similar narration with the words "it will prevent them from specialising in the Qur'aan" in place of the words "it will prevent them from mastering the Qur'aan". 2 72 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,-3 (Vol-3) Reproaching Those who Question the Mutashaabih") Verses of the Qur'aan Hadhrat Umar %U@!2j Reproaches Sabeegh for Questioning the Mutashaabih Verses of the Qur'aan A freed slave of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %%&% narrates that an Iraqi called Sabeegh in the Muslim army was questioning certain (Mutashaabih) verses of the Qur'aan and continued doing so until he reached Egypt. From there, Hadhrat Arnr bin Al Aas ?3iw sent him to Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab b?&!ZW. A messenger brought the letter to Hadhrat Umar HS&G and after he had read it, he asked, "Where is the man?" "He is still on the carriage," replied the messenger. Hadhrat Umar ?&WW instruc'ted, "Go see if he is still there because I will punish you very severely if he has escaped." When Sabeegh came, Hadhrat Umar %W&i2j said to him, "What are your questions?" When he stated his case, Hadhrat Umar ?B@Wj asked Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar w@!G for a branch of a date palm. He then beat the man until his back was scarred.

Hadhrat Umar ~ , ~ j then left him until his wounds healed. Thereafter, he repeated the treatment and again left him to recover. When Hadhrat Umar BSw called him back for more of the same, Sabeegh pleaded with him saying, "0 Ameerul Mu'mineen! If you wish to kill me, do so in a nice manner and if you intend to cure me, then I swear by Allaah that 1 have already been cured." Hadhrat Umar 9,Gw then permitted him to return to his land but sent a letter with him to Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari %%&j stating that none of the Muslims should associate with him. When this became unbearable for him, Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari wrote back to Hadhrat Umar %WW stating that Sabeegh had truly reformed. It was only then that Hadhrat Umar 4W5,&6 permitted the people to associate with him.

(2) Another narration from Hadhrat Sulaymaan bin Yasaar states that a man from the Banu Tameem called Sabeegh bin Is1 once arrived in Madinah. He had many books and always questioned the Mutashaabih verses of the Qur'aan. When Hadhrat Umar ?%SW heard about 'this, he sent for Sabeegh while keeping some branches of the date palm ready for him. When he arrived, Hadhrat Umar ?3W% asked him who he was. "I am the servant of Allaah, Sabeegh," came the reply. "And I am the servant of Allaah, Umar!" Hadhrat Umar ?BLWG retorted.

Hadhrat Umar !3JEw then motioned him (to come forward) and started beating him with (1) Mutashaabih (plural - Mutashaabihaat): These are those verses of the Qur'aan that are not as clear as the "Muhkamaat" in their interpretation. Their meanings are best known to Allaah. Allaah says about these verses, "None knows their interpretation except Allaah" [Surah 3, verse 71. It is necessary to interpret these yerses only in a manner that does not contradict what the Muhkam verses mention. When a suitable interpretation cannot be found, one should not delve too deeply into their meanings because the injunctions of lslaam are clearly mentioned in the Muhkamaat verses and failure to perfectly interpret the Mutashaabih verses will not affect a person's life. (2) Daarmi, Ibn Abdil Hakam and Ibn Asaakir.

THE LIVES OF T H E ' S A ~ B A H W,GcUI%> (~01-3) 2 73 the branches until his head was injured and blood started to drip down his face. Sabeegh then cried out, "Enough, 0 Ameerul Mu'mineen! By Allaah! That which was in my head has now disappeared." (') Another narration adds that Hadhrat Abu Uthmaan said, "~adhrat Umar ~ , W & j then wrote to instruct us not to associate with Sabeegh. Therefore, if he ever arrived, we would all disperse, even if we were a hundred people." (2) Yet another narration states that whereas Sabeegh was then despised amongst his people after he had once been their leader. (3) The Incident Between Hadhrat Umar $BECu,@j and Some People who Arrived from Egypt Hadhrat Hasan narrates that when some people met Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 9Ch32 in Egypt, they said, "We have come across some matters in the Qur'aan that we have been instructed to carry out when they cannot be carried out.

We wish to meet the Ameerul Mu'mineen to ask him about this." Therefore, when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar B,w arrived in Madinah, these people arrived with him. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar SG&j then went to Hadhrat Umar ~~~ saying, "0 Ameerul Mu'mineen! Some people met me in Egypt and said, 'We have come across some matters in the Qur'aan that we have been instructed to carry out when they cannot be carried out.' They therefore wished to meet you in this regard." Hadhrat Umar 3G@% asked for them to be brought before him and when they were, he called the one closest to him. Hadhrat Umar ~ , G m asked him, "1 ask you to tell me in the name of Allaah and by the right lslaam has upon you whether you have read the entire Qur'aan." When the man replied that he did, Hadhrat Umar W,CG further asked, "Have you then gathered it all in your heart?" When he replied in the negative, Hadhrat Umar W.GGj continued, "Have you then gathered it all in your sight?" When he again admitted that he did not, Hadhrat Umar 5%.5wj asked, "Have you then memorised it all? Have you put it all into practice?" Hadhrat Umar S,G!&2 then questioned each one of them in a like manner and after he had finished with the last of them, he said, "Umar's mother should have rather lost him! Do you expect me to make every person steadfast on the Book of Allaah?!

Your Rabb knows well that we slip up." He then recited the verse: If you avoid the major sins you are forbidden from, We shall wipe out your evil actions (minor sins) and enter you into a place of honour Uannah). {Surah Nisaa, verse 3 1 } Hadhrat Umar 9,Gw then asked them, "Do the people of Madinah know why (1) Daarmi, as quoted in Karlzul U~n~naal(Vol.l Pg.228). (2) Khateeb and Ibn Asaakir. Daar Qutni has reported a similar narration. (3) Ibn Ambaari. Ismaa'eeli has reported a similar narration. The narrations above have been quoted in Jsaabah (Vo1.2 Pg.198). 2 74 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH ~,@%&2 (Vol-3) you have come." "No," they replied.

Hadhrat Umar %M then said, "Had they known, I would have taught them a lesson with you." (') Dislike for Accepting Remuneration for Teaching the Qur'aan Rasulullaah m ' s Advice to Hadhrat Ubaadah s , g ~ j and Ha&rat Ubay "J,""- eS '.' in this Regard Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit $&%&j says, "Because Rasulullaah '&% was very occupied, he would hand over to one of us any person who migrated so that we may teach him the Qur'aan. Rasulullaah @?% once placed in my care a person who stayed in my house, ate meals with me and whom I taught the Qur'aan. When he returned home, he felt that he owed me something and therefore gave me a bow a s a gift, I had never seen a bow made of better wood nor more flexible. 1 however went to Rasulullaah and asked him his opinion. Rasulullaah @%$ said, "It is a burning ember that you are hanging between your shoulders." (2) Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b WW44 once taught a Surah to a man who gave him a garment or a shawl as,a gift. When he informed Rasulullaah @& about this, Rasulullaah i!$%$ remarked, "If you wear it, you will be wearing a garment of fire." (3) Another narration states that when Hadhrat Ubay W%%j taught the Qur'aan to a man, he gave him a bow as a gift. (4) Hadhrat Tufayl bin Amr 3,m says, "When Hadhrat Ubay S G W taught me the Qur'aan, I gave him a bow as a gift.

When he went to Rasulullaah the next morning with the bow hanging around his neck, Rasulullaah %%% asked, "Who gave you this bow, 0 Ubay?" Hadhrat Ubay 3,w replied, "It was Tufayl bin Amr Dowsi to whom I had taught the Qur'aan." Rasulullaah @%! remarked, 'You are hanging it around your neck when it is a spark from Jahannam?!" "0 Rasulullaah m!" Hadhrat Ubay said, "But we even eat from their food." Rasulullaah %@ said, "There is no harm in eating the food that was prepared for others and which you ate by being there. However, if the food is prepared specially for you and you eat from it, you will be eating from your share (of the Aakhirah, because of which you will have less there)." (5) Rasulullaah W ' s Words to Hadhrat Awf bin Maalik !&ii$&+j and Another Sahabi SG(&&j in this Regard Hadhrat Awf bin Maalik 5EEiX reports that there was a man with him to whom ( I ) Ibn Jareer, as quoted in Kanzul U/ntnaal(Vol.l Ps.228). (2) Tabraani and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Um~naa/(Vol.l Pg.231). Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.356) has also reported the narration from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. (3) Abd bin Humayd, as quoted in Kat~zul Umtnaal (Vol.1 Pg.231). Ibn Maajah, Rooyaani and Bayhaqi have reported a similar narration.

(4) Sa'eed bin Mansoor, as quoted in Kanzul Utn~naal(Vol.i Pg.230). (5) Baghawi and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kat~i.ul Utnmaal (Vol.1 Pg.231). Tabraan~ has reported a similar narration but Haythami (Vo1.4 P9.95) has commented on the chain olnarralors. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH em> (Vol-3) 2 75 he had hught the Qur'aan. When the man gave him a bow as a gift, he mentioned it to Rasulullaah m. Rasulullaah @%!$ remarked, "0 Awt!

Do you want to meet Allaah while carrying an ember of Jahannam on your back?" ( I ) Hadhrat Muthanna bin Waa'il says, "When I went to Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Busr 3 G W j one day, he passed his hand over my head and I held him by the forearm. Just then someone asked him about remuneration for a teacher and he replied, 'A man once came to Rasulullaah @%, carrying a bow over his shoulder. Rasulullaah @& was very impressed by the bow and remarked, 'What an excellent bow! Did you buy it?' 'No,' the man replied, 'Someone gave it to me as a gift because I had taught his child the Qur'aan.' To this, Rasulullaah '&% said, 'Do you want Allaah to hang a bow of fire around your neck?' 'Not at all!' the man replied. 'Then return it,' Rasulullaah $$I?% instructed." (2) Hadhrat Umar %%5Wj Disapproves of Accepting Remuneration for Teaching the Qur'aan Hadhrat Usayr bin Amr narrates that the news once reached Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab ",' "'" " Sb&+j that Hadhrat Sa'd 3said, "I shall include those who teach the Qur'aan amongst the people who receive an allowance of two thousand." To this Hadhrat Umar 3 G w remarked, "Oh dear! Oh dear!

Are people being paid for (teaching) the Book of Allaah?!" Hadhrat Sa'eed bin lbraaheem narrates that Hadhrat Umar ?%%!&j wrote to one of his governors saying, "Give people an allowance for teaching the Qur'aan." The governor wrote back saying, 'You have written to say that people should be given an allowance for teaching the Qur'aan, but then such people will start to teach the Qur'aan whose only inclination would be to be enlisted (and thereby receive a state allowance like the soldiers of the national army)." Hadhrat Umar 3 G W j then wrote back saying, "Rather give people an allowance by merit of them being family and companions of Rasulullaah k%?@."(3) Hadhrat Mujaahid narrates that Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab S W addressed the people saying, "0 men of knowledge and men of the Qur'aan! Do not accept remuneration for imparting your knowledge and for teaching the Qur'aan because then even adulterers will beat you to Jannah." (4) (NOTE. Since there are also Ahadeeth permitting the acceptance of remuneration for teaching the Qur'aan, a person may do so if he has no other option. While it is best not to accept remuneration, if a person does accept remuneration, he should accept it as remuneration for his time and not for his teaching ) (1) Tabraani in his Kabeer, a s quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.1 Pg.232). Haythami (Vo1.4 Pg.96) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Tabraani in his Kabeer.

Haythami (Vo1.4 Pg.96) has commented on the chain of narrators. (3) Abu Ubayd, as quoted in Kanzul Umtnaal (Vol. 1 Pg.229). (4) Khateeb, as auoted in Kanzul Umtnaal (Vol. 1 P~229). 2 76 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,Giw$3 (1'01-3) Fear of Differences Arising once the Qur'aan Spread amongst Different People The Fear that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas ~ ~ W j had about this and the Incident with Hadhrat Umar B,G@&j Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas BG4% narrates, "1 was sitting with Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab =3&j whenalettercametohim from Kufa, informing him how much Qur'aan the people had learnt. 'Allaahu Akbar!' Hadhrat Umar 3 G a exclaimed (out of happiness). May Allaah have mercy on him. 'They will soon start to have differences,' 1 remarked.

'What are you saying!' Hadhrat Umar Swj exclaimed, 'How would you know that?' Because he got so angry, I left and went home. A while later, he sent for me, but 1 made an excuse. He however sent a message saying that I have no option but to come. When I got there, he said, 'There was something that you had said (What was it?).' 'I seek Allaah's forgiveness,' I said, '1 shall never repeat what 1 said.' It was only when Hadhrat Umar SEW++ forced me to repeat my words that I said, 'A letter came to you stating how much Qur'aan the people had learnt, to which I said that they will soon start to have differences.' 'How did you come to learn this?' he asked. I replied, "I read the verse: r . 0 4 9 i J Y J L , (7.0 l~.t,i:?jr ilr, (@ ji,~411 Y From mankind is he whose speech pleases you in this worldly life and (claiming to be a Muslim) he calls Allaah to be witness over that which is in his heart, yet he is the hardest of opponents (to aN Mus/ims). When he turns away (fiomyou) he exerts himself to cause corruption (trouble and mischied on earth and (among other things) to destroy crops and stock (cattle and other animals).

Allaah dislikes corruption. {Surah Baqarah, verses 204,205) When this happens, men of the Qur'aan will be unable to contain themselves. I then read the verse: - (Y.V ' Y . T ~ I :i+ ijy) When he is told to fear Allaah (because of his behaviour), pride leads him to (commit more) sin. Jahannam will suffice for him (as punishment). It is a terrible resting place indeed. From mankind is he THE LlVES OF THE SAHnBAH 'e,@&% (Vol-3) who would sell himself seeking Allaah's pleasure.

Allaah is Most Compassionate (Kind) towards His bondsmen. '{Surah Baqarah, verses 206,207) To this, Hadhrat Umar G ! i i + i remarked, '1 swear by Allaah that you are right." Another Incident about the Fear Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %Gi&35 had in this Regard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Ubayd bin Umayr reports that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas S,E4$2j said, "I was with Hadhrat Umar 4WH&.2. when he caught hold of my hand and said, '1 think that the Qur'aan has now spread amongst the masses.' 'I do not like that too much, 0 Arneerul Mu'mineen,' I remarked. Hadhrat Umar pulled his hand away saying, 'And why not?' 'Because,' I started to explain, 'when they all start to learn the Qur'aan (without proper understanding), they will start to propound their own opinions. Once they do this, they will start to dispute and once the disputes start, they will start killing each other.' Hadhrat Umar Ww then sat aside and left me alone. Only Allaah knows the anxiety I endured during the rest of that day. It was only the following afternoon that his messenger came to inform me that the Ameerul Mu'mineen was calling me.

When 1 got there, Hadhrat Umar 4 ? i % j asked, 'What was it that you said?' After 1 had repeated my words to him, he said, '(I had also understood the same but) I had been concealing this from the people."'(2) The Advice that the Sahabah @,@@@& gave to Qurraa The Advice of Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab %IBWj Hadhrat Kinaanah Adawi narrates that Hadhrat Umar 3,- wrote to the commanders of his armies to send him a list of all the men who were Huffaadh of the Qur'aan so that he could dispatch them to the ends of the empire to teach the Qur'aan. Hadhrat (Abu Moosa) Ash'ari 4-2 wrote back to Hadhrat Umar ?8Gw stating that the Huffaadh with him numbered just over three hundred. Hadhrat Umar 3GWj"s reply to him was as follows: 'Yn the name ofAllaah the Most Kind, the Most Merciful From the servant of Allaah Umar to the servant of Allaah Qais and all the Huffaadh with him Peace be upon you all This Qur'aan is a great source of reward and honour for you and ssall be a treasure for you in the Aakhirah. You should therefore follow its dictates and never a110 w it to follow yours (by distorting its interpretation to suit your desires) because the person whose dictates the Qur'aan is forced to follow shall have it shoved on to his neck to throw him into Jahannam. As for the one who follows the Qurban, the Qurban shall lead him to Jannatul Firdous. So as far as you can, ( 1 ) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.540), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi.

(2) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.540). 2 78 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH &%8%3 (Vol-3) let it be an intercessor foryou and never let it be a complainant against you. The person for whom the Qur2an intercedes shall enterlannah and the one against whom the Qur'aan complains shall surely enter lahannam. Always bear in mind that the Qur'aan is a fountainhead ofguidance, a flower of knowledge and the final scripture fiom the Most Merciful. It is by this Qur'aan that Allaah opens blind eyes, deaf ears and locked hearts. You must also bear in mind that when a man wakes up at night, brushes his teeth with a Miswaak, performs wudu, says Bllaahu Akbar'and then recites the Qur'aan, an angel places his mouth on the person k mouth and says, Recite, recite. You are doing an excellent thing and it is most excellent for you.' If he performs wudu without using the Miswaak, the angel protects him and does nothing else.

Behold' Recitation of the Qurhan in salaah is a protected treasure and an ordained excellence. You should therefore do as much of it as you possibly can. Salaah is a celestial light, zakmh is a symbol patience is an illumination, fasting is a shield and the Qur'aan is a. proof either for you or against you. You should therefore honour the Qur'aan and never cause it disgrace because Allaah will honour the one who honours the Qur'aan and will disgrace the one who brings it disgrace. You also ought to know that the person who recites the Qur'aan, memorises it, practises on it and abides by its injunctions shall have his dubas accepted by Allaah. If Allaah pleases, He may accept them in this world and if He wills, he may reserve them as a I'reasure for the Aakhirah.

Remember that what remains with Allaah is better and more lasti,7g for those who have /maan and who rely on their Rabb. "('1 The Advice of Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari ! & ~ Hadhrat Abu Kinaanah reports that when Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari WZWti gatherea together the Huffaadh (of the army he commanded), they numbered close t? three hundred. Hadhrat Abu Moosa %E@% lectured to them about the greatness of the Qur'aan saying, ''Verily this Qur'aan shall be either a source of reward for you or a burden (in the Aakhirah). You should therefore follow the dictates of the Qur'aan and never force it to follows yours because the one who follows the Qur'aan shall be with it in the gardens of Jannah while the one who forces the Qur'aan to follow his desires shall have it shoved on his neck and it will fling him into Jahannam." (2) Hadhrat Abul Aswad Daly reports that Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari !BGw once gathered all the Qurraa, emphasising that none but the Huffaadh should come to him. It was approximately three hundred men who came to him. He then addressed them saying, "You men are the Qurraa of the city and should therefore never allow the passage of time to harden your hearts as it happened to the Ahlul Kitaab.

A Surah had been revealed that we thought resembled Surah Baraa'ah in length and in the stern subject matter it contained. A verse from it which I had memorised stated that if man had two valleys of gold he would seek to have a (I) Ibn Zanjway, a s quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Val. l P~1.217) (2) Abu ~ u ' i y m in his Hi&a (Vol.1 Pg.257). .. THE LIVES OF THE SAhYBAH pm (Vol-3) 2 79 third and it would only be the sand ( ~ f his grave) that would be able to fill his belly. Thereafter, another Surah was revealed which we thought resembled the Musabbihaat because it begins with the words& & (Sabbaha Lillaah). The verse from it that I had memorised is: 0 you who have Imaan! Why do you say that which you did not do? {Surah Saff, verse 2) Testimony will therefore be taken for everything you do and you will be questioned about it on the Day of Qiyaamah." ('1 The Advice of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 8 G W j Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood k-j once addressed the people of Kufa.

After greeting them with Salaam and instructing them to observe Taqwa, he said, "Never dispute about the Qur'aan and never oppose each other concerning it because there are no discrepancies in the Qur'aan, it will never be (completely) forgotten and constant repetition of the Qur'aan will never tire one. Do you not see that the restrictions, the Faraa'idh and Allaah's explicit commands in the Shariah of lslaam are one? It would be said that the Qur'aan has discrepancies ii a part of it c ~ m m a n d s an act which another part forbids. Every part of the Qur'aan rather complements the rest of it. I am convinced that such deep understanding and knowledge shall surface amongst you people that surpasses all other people. If a camel could take me to a person who has more knowledge of what has been revealed to Muhammad than I have, I shall certainly go to him to increase the knowledge I have.

I know well that while the entire Qur'adn would be recited to Rasulullaah @&$ once every year, it was recited to . Rasulullaah k%@ twice during the year that he passed away (every Ramadhaan Hadhrat Jibra'eel 6@$& would recite the Qur'aan to Rasulullaah @@ and Rasulullaah @$% would recite to him). Whenever I recited Qur'aan to Rasulullaah k%?%, he would approve of my recitation, therefore whoever recites Qur'aan in the manner that I recite, should not turn away and forsake it. In a like manner, whoever recites the Qur'aan in another authentic manner should also not turn away and forsake it because whoever rejects any one of the various manners of recitation will reject them all." (2) A student of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 4!W%%j from Hamdaan narrates that \ before Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 4 % i left for Madinah, he gathered all his students together and said, "By Aliaah! I am convinced that such religiousness, deep understanding of Deen and knowledge of the Qur'aan shall surface amongst you people that surpasses that of all other Muslims ..." The narration continues until it states that he said, 'Verily there are no discrepancies in the Qur'aan, neither does the Qur'aan ever age or lose its dignity by continuous repetition." (3) ( I ) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.257). (2) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.l Pg.232).

(3) Ahmad. Haythami (Vol. l Pg.450) has commented on the chain of narrators. *.:., .,- ., THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH &~!J&ZJ (Vol-3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood Ww also said, "It is only befitting that a man of the Qur'aan be recognised by his nights (when he is engaged in Ibaadah) when others are asleep, by his days (spent fasting) when others are eating, by his sorrow (pondering about his plight in the Aakhirah) when others are rejoicing, by his weeping when others are laughing, by his silence when others are socialising and by his humility when others are behaving arrogantly. It is also befitting of a man of the Qur'aan to be weeping and sorrowful, wise and tolerant, knowledgeable and composed. It does not behove a man of the Qur'aan to be uncouth, negligent, boisterous, rowdy and short-tempered." Another narration states that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 9 B W said, "Do your best to be a listener (rather than always speaking) and take careful note when you hear Allaah say, '0 you who have Imaan!' because it is only something good that you are being instructed to do or something evil that you are being prohibited from." fl) Occupation with the Ahadeeth of Rasulullaah @% and Befitting Behaviour for those Occupied with this A Bedouin Questions Rasulullaah @@ about Qlyaamah when he was Busy Narrating Ahadeeth Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah 4 - narrates that Rasulullaah k$@ was busy narrating Ahadeeth when a Bedouin arrived and asked, "When will Qiyaamah take place?" When kasulullaah continued narrating, some of the Sahabah @Gw said that Rasulullaah @%% (was not giving a reply because he) heard the man but did not like the question. Others said that Rasulullaah did not hear the man at all. When Rasulullaah @% had completed narrating Ahadeeth, he asked, "Where is he (the Bedouin)?" "Here am I over here!" the man said.

Rasulullaah @& then said, "Wait for Qiyaamah when a time arrives in which trusts are misappropriated." "How will they be misappropriated?" the man asked. Rasulullaah &%$ replied, 'Wait for Qiyaamah when authority is placed in the hands of unworthy people." (2) Hadhrat Waabisah @~~ Propagates a Hadith of Rasulullaah @@b$ in Conformance with the Instruction Rasulullaah gave in his Farewell Sermon Standing before the people in the largest Mabjid of Riqqa during the days of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adhaa, Hadhrat Waabisah WG5w used to say, "I was present with Rasulullaah @% during the Farewell Hajj when he addressed the people saying, ( 1 ) Abu Nu'aym in his HiIya (Vol.1 Pg.130). (2) Bukhaari (Vol.1 Pg. 14). THE LZVES OF THE SAHABAH E23b3j (VOL-3) '0 people! Which month is most sacred?' 'This month (of Dhul Hijjah) is,' the people replied. Rasulullaah @i?@ asked further, '0 people!

Which city is most sacred?' 'This city (of Makkah) is,' the people replied. Rasulullaah @&! then declared, 'Until the day you meet your Rabb, your blood, your wealth and your honour are as sacred to you as this day, this month and this city are. Have I conveyed the message?' 'You certainly have,' the people replied. Rasulullaah @& then raised his hands to the sky saying, 'You be the witness, 0 Allaah.' Thereafter, he said, 'Those of you present here should pass the message on to those who are absent.' Do come closer so that I may convey to you what Rasulullaah @'@ said to us." ( I ) Hadhrat Abu Umaamah !&$EWj Instructs his Students to Propagate Hadhrat Makhool says, "lbn Abu Zakariyyah, Sulaymaan bin Habeeb and 1 once went to Hadhrat Abu Urnaarnah SE~@J in Hims. After we had greeted him with the words of Salaam, he said, 'This sitting of yours here is a means Allaah has used for the Deen to reach you and will also be Allaah's evidence against you (if you do not propagate it). RasuIullaah Lffi@ propagated, s o you too should propagate." In another narration, Hadhrat Saleem bin Aamir says, "When we would sit with Hadhrat Abu Ubaadah 9GE and he narrated to us many Ahadeeth of Rasulullaah @@, he would say to us after he had completed, 'Have you understood?

Now propagate as it has been propagated to you."'(2) Rasulullaah @&IS dua for those who Narrate his Ahadeeth and Teach them to the People Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas S,Ew narrates that Rasulullaah @@ once prayed, "0 Allaah! Shower Your mercy on my successors." "0 Rasulullaah w!" the Sahabah WBW asked, "Who are your successors?" Rasulullaah k$@ replied, "Those who will come after me, who will narrate my Ahadeeth and teach them to the people." (3) Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah %GWj Narrates Ahadeeth in the Masjid of-~asulullaah @@ before the Jumu'ah Salaah Hadhrat Aasim bin Muhammad narrates from his father that he saw Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah 3,Gm come to the Masjid of RasuIullaah k%% on the day of Jumu'ah. Standing and holding the two knobs of the pulpit, he said, "Abul Qaasim Rasulullaah @&& the truthful and veritable narrated to us.. ." He then continued to narrate Ahadeeth until he heard the door of the Imaam's room open as the ( I ) Bazzaar, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.139). (2) Tabraani in his Kabee~ reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg. 140). (3) Tabraani, as quoted in Targlieeb wat Tarheeb (Vol.1 Pg.74). Ibn Najjaar, Khateeb in Sharfus Sahabah W W j and others, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.240).

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,-5 (Vol-3) Imaam emerged to lead the salaah. He then sat down. The Difficulty Hadhrat Umar S%%!4j, Hadhrat Uthmaan s, G$i$i&j and Hadhrat Ali sjG#@j Experienced Narrating Ahadeeth Hadhrat Aslam reports that when they used to ask Hadhrat Umar 4 = to narrate Ahadeeth to them, he would say, "I fear that I may add a word or omit a word because Rasulullaah @%% said, 'The person who intentionally lies about me is headed for Jahannam." (2) Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Haatib says, "I have not seen any of the Sahabah @CWj narrate Ahadeeth as well and as thoroughly as Hadhrat Uthmaan 431S&!&. However, he was a man who was extremely reluctant to narrate Ahadeeth." (3) Hadhrat Uthmaan BG@G used to say, "What prevents me from narrating Ahadeeth from Rasulullaah @f@ is not the fact that I was not one of those Sahabah W W with the best memories What prevents me is that I can testify that I heard Rasulullaah say, 'Whoever attributes anything to me that I never stated should prepare for his abode in Jahannam."' Another narration quotes Rasulullaah &@'s words as, "Whoever speaks lies about me should prepare for a house in Jahannam." (4) Hadhrat Ali %IGW said, "When narrating Ahadeeth to you, I prefer falling from the sky rather than stating something that Rasulullaah @I% never said. However, when speaking to you about matters between us, then (precautions need not be so strict because) wars are won by strategy." (5) The Difficulty Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood !8E&% Experienced with Narrating Ahadeeth Hadhrat Amr bin Maymoon reports that sometimes an entire year would pass by without Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood &lw narrating a single Hadith. When he narrated a Hadith one day, he started to shiver and perspiration beaded up on his forehead.

He then said, "Rasulullaah @%$ said something like that or stated similar words." (6) Hadhrat Masrooq reports, "Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood m j started to narrate a Hadith one day, but as soon as he said, 'Rasulullaah &% said,' he started to shiver s o much that even his clothing shook. He then added, 'Rasulullaah f%% said something to the effect or something similar."'(7) (1) Haakim, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. (2) Ahmad, lbn Adi, Uqayli and Abu Nu'aym in his Ma'rifah, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.239). (3) Ibn Sa'd and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.9). (4) Ahmad, Abu Ya'la and Bazzaar. Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg.143) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(5) Bukhaari, Muslim and others, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.240). (6) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.314), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. (7) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.79). Isaabah (Vol.3 Pg.156) has reported a similar narration. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH (Vol-3) Hadhrat Abu Dardaa S,Gwj, Hadhrat Anas W,G&&j and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar ~~(;lu&+j' all use the words "something like that or something similar" when narrating Ahadeeth. Hadhrat Abu Idrees Khowlaani says, "1 noticed that whenever Hadhrat Abu Dardaa -3 completed narrating Ahadeeth, he would add, 'Rasulullaah @@ said that, something similar to that or something resembling that."'(') Hadhrat Muhammad bin Seereen narrates that whenever Hadhrat Anas bin Maalik b = narrated ~hadith from Rasulullaah m, he would end with the words, "It was something like this that Rasulullaah %?!+$ said." (2) In another narration, Rasulullaah &% said, "Hadhrat Anas bin Maalik !3Ew narrated few Ahadeeth from Rasulullaah w, but when he did, he would end with the words, "It was something like this that Rasulullaah said." (3) Hadhrat Abu Ja'far Muhammad bin Ali says, "There was no companion of Rasulullaah rn more cautious of adding anything to or omitting anything from the Ahadeeth of Rasulullaah than Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar ~ .

G w ~ . " ( ~ ) Hadhrat Sha'bi says, "1 sat in the company of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 9 , G W for an entire year without hearing him narrate anything from Rasulullaah @yjg "(5) -. The Dependability of Hadhrat Imraan bin Husayn ~ . W j 1 s Memory and Narration of Ahadeeth Hadhrat Imraan bin Husayn - said, "I have heard many Ahadeeth from Rasulullaah @%% which I have memorised. All that prevents me from narrating them is that some of my companions may differ with me in the narration." Hadhrat Mutarraf reports that Hadhrat Imraan bin Husayn ?Z@%!%j said to him, "0 Mutarraf! By Allaah!

I am certain that if I chose to do so, I could narrate Ahadeeth from Rasulullaah @$!$ for two days continuously without repeating a single Hadith. However, what makes me reluctant to do so and makes me disapprove of doing such a thing is that although I was there when many Sahabah @- of Muhammad @% were there and I also heard what they heard, they confuse the sequence of the words when they narrate." Sometimes, Hadhrat Imraan bin Husayn 4 ? & j would say, "If 1 were to narrate to you what Rasulullaah @% said, I am certain that I will be accurate." When he quoted the words of Rasulullaah @&!, Hadhrat lmraan bin Husayn wW would do so with great certainty and say, "I heard Rasulullaah @@ say.. ."(7) (1) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by ~ a ~ t h a m i (VoI.1 Pg.141). Abu Ya'la, Rooyaani and Ibn Asaakir have reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.3 Pg.156). (2) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg.79). (3) Ahmad, Abu Ya'la and Haakim, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.240). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.144).

(5) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.145). (6) Tabraani in his Kabeer, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. l Pg. 141). (7) Tabraani. Haythami (Vo1.1 Pg. 141) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,G!%&> (Vol-3) Hadhrat Suhayb $&Wwj 's Reluctance to say, "Rasulullaah @@ said" Hadhrat Sulaymaan bin Abu Abdullaah reports that he heard Hadhrat Suhayb S,Gw say, "By Allaah! I shall never intentionally narrate Ahadeeth to you saying that it is what Rasulullaah @%% said.

However, I shall gladly relate to you what I experienced in the expeditions I participated in with Rasulullaah @@. Then again, I shall never say, 'Rasulullaah said'." (') Hadhrat Waathila bin Asqa !i%%% Narrates only the Intended Meaning of the Ahadeeth Hadhrat Makhool relates, "Abul Azhar and I once went to Hadhrat Waathila bin Asqa ",' ,/". , , @w!&J and said, '0 Abu Asqa! Narrate to us a Hadith that you heard from Rasulullaah @'@ without any uncertain words, and without any additions or omissions.' Hadhrat Waathila k ? & j asked, 'Has any of you recited any part of the Qur'aan last night?' 'Yes,' we replied, 'But since we are not Huffaadh, we tend to add a Waawb) or an A/if(l).' To this, Hadhrat Waathila t!3Wj remarked, 'And that is the Qur'aan which you have still not mastered when it has been in your midst for such a long time. When you feel that you are adding or omitting letters to it, what about the Ahadeeth that we had perhaps heard only once from Rasulullaah %@? It is sufficient for you that we narrate only their intended meanings to you." (2) Hadhrat Umar ~ @ W Censures those Sahabah +,y ,,'" ,./ @.lj-qES) who Narrated Plenty of Ahadeeth Hadhrat Ibraheem bin Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf relates, "By Allaah! Before he passed away, Hadhrat Umar Ww sent messengers to various distant places to summon Sahabah @ W j such as Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Hudhaafa 3,GWj, Hadhrat Abu Dardaa !&PWj, Hadhrat Abu Dharr WWj and Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir !&l3%!2j.

When they had gathered, he said to them, 'What Ahadeeth have you people spread to even the far distant lands?' 'Are you forbidding us from narrating them?' they asked. 'No,' Hadhrat Umar %l!Zw replied, 'I just want you to remain with me. By Allaah! 1 do not want you to part from me (here in Madinah) for as long as I live because we know best which of your narrations we shall accept and which ones we will not.' They therefore did not part from Hadhrat Umar ~ . G W j until he passed away." (3) Hadhrat Ibraheem bin Abdur Rahmaan relates that Hadhrat Umar 3,Gw sent for Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3,w, Hadhrat Abu Mas'ood Ansaari and Hadhrat Abu Dardaa !&,w and said to them, "What are the Ahadeeth that you are so frequently narrating to the people?" He then confined them to Madinah until he was martyred. (4) (1) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.229), as quoted in Muntakhab ~nzulUmmaal(Vol.5 Pg.203). (2) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.79).

(3) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.5 Pg.239). (4) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.149) has commented on the chain of narrators. Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH ^@,G$&j (v01-3) The Difficulty Hadhrat Zaid bin Arqam !&%$% Experienced with Narrating Ahadeeth in his Old Age Hadhrat Ibn Abu Awfa %&!2j reports that when they used to request Hadhrat Zaid bin Arqam G3Gw to narrate the Ahadeeth of Rasulullaah @& to them, he would say, "We have aged and have begun to forget. Narrating the Ahadeeth of Rasulullaah @@ is a very serious matter (which cannot be taken lightly)." ( I ) Attaching More Importance to Practise than to Theory Statements of Hadhrat Mu'aadh ~ , G w j , Hadhrat Abu Dardaa a, Gt.,@j and Hadhrat Anas g, Gt.,&+j' in this Regard Hadhrat Mu'aadh and Hadhrat Abu Dardaa % G ~ ( ~ ) both said, "Learn a s much as you wish to learn but Allaah will place no benefit in your knowledge until you practise what you know." Hadhrat Anas ?&Gw said, "Learn as much as you please, but I swear by Allaah that you will not be rewarded for your knowledge until you put it into practise."(4) Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Ghanam says, 'Ten Sahabah @Em> of Rasulullaah @% informed me that they were learning in the Masjid of Quba when Rasulullaah %@ came to them and said, 'Learn..."' The remainder of the words are like the narration above. Rasulullaah @@'s Words to a Man in this Regard and the Statement of Hadhrat Umar B , G W Hadhrat Ali "-8 ""' " SL* reports that a man came to Rasulullaah @@ and said, "0 Rasulullaah @@!

What will satisfy the evidence that ignorance will hold against me?" "Knowledge," Rasulullaah @@ replied. "And what will satisfy the evidence that knowledge will hold against me?" he asked further. Rasulullaah @%IS reply was, "Action." (6) Hadhrat Umar 9Gwj said, "Study the Book of Allaah and you will be known for it. Practise on its teachings and you will be amongst its worthy bearers." (7) Pg.153) has reported a similar narration which states the name of Hadhrat Abu Dharr 9G%j in place of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ~ W J . (1) Ibn Asaak~r, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.239). (2) Ibn Adi and Khateeb.

(3) Ibn Asaakir. (4) Abul Hasan bin Akhram in his Amaali, as quoted in Jaami'us Sagheer. (5) ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.6). (6) Khateeb, as quoted in Kanzul Umtnaal (Vo1.5 Pg.229). (7) Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted in Ka~lzul UmmaalWo1.5 Pg.229). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,!%&5 (~01-3) The Statements of Hadhrat Ali BGWj in this regard Hadhrat Ali !W@G said, "Study and you will be known for it.

Practise on your knowledge and you will be amongst its worthy bearers because soon a time will come when nine-tenths of the truth will be rejected and the only person who will be saved will be one who remains anonymous and aloof from people. Such people are the beacons of guidance and the lanterns of knowledge. They are not hasty, do not promote immoral behaviour or immoral speech." ('1 Hadhrat Ali WW4; once said, " 0 men of knowledge! Practise on your knowledge because only that person is an Aalim whose knowledge is followed by practise and whose practise conforms with his knowledge. There shall soon come people whose knowtedge will not even transcend their collar-bones. Their private lives will contradict their public lives just as their actions will contradict their knowledge.

They will sit in groups, boasting to each other and will get angry if anyone sitting in their group had to leave to sit with another group. The actions of such people will not even transcend their gatherings on its way to reach Allaah." (') Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood !&GWj Emphasises Combining Knowledge with Action Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood -2 said, " 0 people! Study, but whoever studies should practise what he learns." (3) Hadbrat Abdullaah bin Ukaym says, "It was in this very Masjid that I heard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3w begin his speech with an oath as he said, 'Your Rabb shall be Alone with every one of you just as you see the fourteenth moon all by itself. Allaah will say, ' 0 son ofAadam! What deceived you about Me? 0 son of Aadam! How did you respond to the Ambiyaa? 0 son of Aadam!

Did you practise on your knowledge?"' Hadhrat Ad1 binAdi narrates that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood W%!k; repeated the following words: "Destruction be to the person who does not acquire knowledge Still, if Allaah wills, Allaah shall educate him. However, seven times destruction be to the person who has the knowledge but does not practise." (4) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood BL5%?2j said, "Everyone has fantastic words to say but only those will be successful whose deeds are consistent with their words. The one whose deeds contradict his words shall have only himself to blame." (5) It was also Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood =8Gj who said, "People are in need of anyone who is engrossed in Allaah. People are also in need of that person's (1) Ahmad in his Zuhd, Abu Ubayd. Deenowri in his Ghareeb and Ibn Asaakir, a s quoted in Kanzul Ummaal No1.5 Pg.229). (2) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.7), as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.233).

(3) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.164) has commented on the chain ofnarrators. Abu Nu'aym has also reported the narration in his Hi&a (Vol.1 Pg.131) from Hadhrat Alqama. (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.2). (5) lbn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.6). THE LIVES OF THE SAhXBAH $'&@!$$> (Vol-3) knowledge who practises on his knowledge." ( I ) Hadhrat Abu Dardaa 3~Gwj Fears that on the Day of Qjyaamah he will be Questioned about how much he Practised on his Knowledge Hadhrat Luqmaan bin Aamir narrates that Hadhrat Abu Dardaa 3 G W j used to say, "What I fear most about Allaah on the Day of Qiyaamah is that he would call me in front of all creation saying, ' 0 Uwaymir!' Then when I respond by saying, 'I am at Your service, 0 my Rabb!', Allaah shall ask, 'Did you practise on your knowledge?"'(2) Another narration quoted Hadhrat Abu Dardaa %Gw a s sayjng, "What I fear most is that I should be asked on the Day of Qiyaamah, ' 0 Uwaymir!

Did you acquire knowledge or remain ignorant?' If I reply that I had acquired knowledge, every verse containing a command and every verse containing an admonition shall claim their rights. The verses containing commands will ask, 'Did you carry out (what was commanded)?' and every verse containing an admonition will ask, 'Did you take heed (to the admonition)?' I seek Allaah's protection from knowledge that does not benefit, from desires that are not sated and from du'aas that are not answered." (3) Hadhrat Abu Dardaa 3 G S j said, "None can possess Taqwa unt~l he has knowledge and one can attain beauty through knowledge only if one practises on it."(4) Hadhrat Abu Dardaa 33.W also said, "The worst of people in Allaah's sight on the Day of Qiyaamah shall be that person with knowledge whose knowledge does not benefit him (which he does not practise on)." (5) Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal sGcXu&j and Hadhrat Anas B THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,G$@&& (Vol-3) hearts to harden and distant hopes should never make you negligent (of the Aakhirah) because everything still pending is nearby and something far off is that which is never to come." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood said, "Moderation in the Sunnah is better than exerting oneself in Bid'ah." (2) The Encouragement Hadhrat Imraan bin Husayn B,G@&j Gave in this Regard Hadhrat Imraan bin Husayn w&j said, "The Qur'aan was revealed and Rasulullaah @@ demonstrated his way of life (which we emulated). You people must follow us because if you do not, you shall go astray." (3) Hadhrat Imraan bin Husayn 39GWj once said to someone (who insisted on following only the Qur'aan), "You are a fool! Do you find any verse of the Qur'aan telling you that there are four Rakaahs in Zuhr and that the Qiraa'ah should be silent?" He then proceeded to enumerate the other salaahs, zakaah and other injunctions of Deen, saying, "Are the details of these found in the Qur'aan. While the Book of Allaah only briefly mentions these things, the Sunnah explains the details."(4) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood W8Gw Encourages Following the Sahabah BgW Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 9Gw said, "Whoever wishes to follow anyone, should follow the companions of Muhammad because from amongst the entire Ummah, their hearts are most righteous, their knowledge is deepest, they are the least pretentious, they are most unswerving in example and their (religious) condition is best. Allaah had selected them to be the companions of His Nabi @g and to establish His Deen.

You should therefore acknowledge their worth and follow in their footsteps because they had been fixed on upright guidance."(5) Hadhrat Hudhayfah %,GW Encourages the Qurraa to Follow in the Footsteps of those who Preceded them Hadhrat Hudhayfah 9 , G W used to say, "0 assembly of Qurraa! Fear Allaah and follow the path of those before you. 1 swear by my life that if you follow them, you will go very far ahead and if you forsake their path to go this way and that, (1) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.181). (2) Haakirn (Vol.1 Pg.103), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. Abu Nu'aym has reported a similar narration in his Hilya (Vol. 1 ~ g . 173). (3) Ahrnad. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.191) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg. 191). (5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.2 Pg.97). Abu Nu'aym has reported a similar narration from Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 9,Wj in his Hilya (Vo1.l Pg.305), as has been quoted in the chapter describing the qualities of the Sahabah MG5Wj. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,=5 IVol-3) you will have gone far astray." ('I Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas BgWj Tells his son, "We are the leaders to be followed" Hadhrat Mus'ab bin Sa'd reports that whenever his father (Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas %ii2Wj) led the salaah (in congregation), he would make it brief together with performing the Ruku and Sajdah properly. However, when performing salaah at home (by himself), he would prolong the Ruku, the Sajdah and the salaah. He would then say, "Dear son!

We (the Sahabah i43-j) are the leaders to be followed." (2) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3said, "Follow and do not introducen and his Statement about Hadhrat Abu Bakr ? 3 L 5 and Hadhrat Umar ?!3G%% Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood @LW4 once said, "Follow and do not introduce (new ways) because everything has been done for you (Rasulullaah @@ and the Sahabah @,- have already blazed the trail)." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood mW also said, "An integral part of the Sunnah is to love Hadhrat Abu Bakr %%m and Hadhrat Umar 3 G W j and to acknowledge their worth." (4) Hadhrat Ali !&XGw Forbids People from Following Living People Hadhrat Ali %G%9j said, "Be careful not to emulate people because while a man can be doing the deeds of the people of Jannah, he can change according to the knowledge of Allaah and then start doing the actions of the people of Jahannam. When he then dies, he becomes an inmate of Jahannam. It may also happen that while a man can be doing the actions of the people of Jahannam, he can change according to the knowledge of Allaah and then start doing the deeds of the people of Jannah. When he then dies, he becomes a worthy ,dweller of Jannah. However, if it is absolutely necessary for you to follow someone, let it be those who have died (as practising Mu'mineen) and not those who are alive." (') Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood !&iGW Reproaches a Group who Opposed the Sunnah by Changing the Method of Dhikr. Hadhrat Abul Bakhtari says that someone once informed Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood t = about a group of people who sat in the Masjid after Maghrib when one of them would tell the others to recite lXllaahu Akbar" in a particular manner, to recite "Subhaanallaah" in a particular manner and to recite "Al Hamdu (1) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.97).

Ibn Abi Shaybah and Ibn Asaakir have reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Urnmaal(Vo1.5 Pg.233). (2) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.182). (3) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.181). (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.2 Pg. 187). (5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.2 Pg. 1 14). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @!&%!3 (Vol-3) Lillaah" in a particular manner.

"Do they then do as he says?" Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - asked. When the person confirmed that they dicj, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ~ , W told him, "Inform me when you see them gathering again." (When the person informed him afterwards,) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood B,- then came to this group, wearing his high hat, and sat with them. When he heard what they were saying, he, being the stern man that he was, stood up and said, "I am Abdullaah bin Mas'ood. By Allaah, besides Whom there is none worthy of worship! Verily you people have certainly perpetrated a terrible wrong by carrying out this act of Bid'ah! Have you then superseded the companions of Muhammad @%% in knowledge?" A person nbmed Ma'dad said, "By Allaah!

We never intended to perpetrate a wrong with this new act, nor have we superseded the companions of Muhammad @% in knowledge." Amr bin Utba said, "0 Abu Abdur Rahmaan! We seek forgiveness from Allaah." Thereupon Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - told them, "It is compulsory for you to follow the path (of Rasulullaah &?@ and the Sahabah @,GWi5) and to strictly adhere to it. By Allaah! If you will do so, you will have advanced far ahead and if you start swerving to the left and right, you will stray far off." ('I Another narration states: "The news reached Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3,- that a group of people were sitting in the Masjid between Maghrib and Isha.. ." The rest of the narration is like the one above. The only difference is in the following words: "Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3said to them, "You people have certainly perpetrated a terrible wrong by carrying out this act of Bid'ah, otherwise we the companions of Muhammad @I% must have strayed." Amr bin Utba bin Farqad said, "OAbdullaah bin Mas'ood @ W j ! We seek forgiveness from Allaah and we repent to Him." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 4 - then ordered them to disperse.(2) Another narration states that when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3,WG5 saw two groups in the Masjid of Kufa, he stood between the two and asked, "Which of you two was before the other?" When the one group said that they were first, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?&lG&@j ordered the other group to join them, thereby combining the two into one.

(3) An authentic abridged narration($) states that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3 G W j approached them covering his face and said, 'Whoever recognises me will have recognised me. As' for those who do not recognise me, I am Abdullaah bin Mas'ood. Are you people more rightly guided than the companions of Muhammad m?" The narrator says that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - (1) Abu Nu'aym In his Hilya (Vo1.4 Pg.381). Abu Nu'aym has reported a similar narration from Abu Za'raa, stating that it was Musayyib bin Nujbah that reported the gathering to Hadhrat Abdullaah bin MasTood SWj, (2) Tabraani. (3) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.181) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(4) Tabraani. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,g&%3 (Vol-3) also may have added, "You people are definitely clinging to the tail of deviation." Hadhrat Amr Ibn Salamah says that they were sitting at the door of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood kBZ@!2j's home between Maghrib and Isha when Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari %= came to the house and said to Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %lSS, "Come with me, 0 Abu Abdur Rahmaan." When Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 5Jw came out from the house, he asked, "0 Abu Moosa! What brings you here at this hour?" Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari S G W j replied, "By Allaah! The only thing that brings me here is something that I have seen which frightens me, yet it seems so good. There is a group sitting in the Masjid with a person instructing them to recite 'Subhaanallah' in a particular manner and to recite 'A1 Hamdu Lillah' in a particular manner." Hadhrat Amr bin Salamah says that they accompanied Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %U5Wj to the Masjid. When he arrived there, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 9 G w told the people, "You have wandered astray so fast!

Even while the companions of Muhammad @@ are still alive in your midst, when his wives are still young and when his clothing and utensils are still as they were! Count your evil deeds, for I stand surety for Allaah that your good deeds will be counted."(') The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr %[email protected] when his Son sat with a Group who became Ecstatic as they Engaged in Dhikr. Hadhrat Aaamirwhowas the son of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubair 3,Gm narrates that he once came to his father, who asked him, "Where have you been?" The son replied, "I found a group of people better than whom I have not seen. When they engage in Dhikr, one of them trembles and grows ecstatic until he falls unconscious out of fear for Allaah. (1 am late because) I was sitting with them." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr instructed his son saying, "Never sit with them again!" When he detected that this did not make an impression on his son, he added, "I have seen Rasulullaah @%$ recite the Qur'aan, and I have seen Hadhrat Abu Bakr 8.GW; and Hadhrat Umar 3,Bw also reciting the Qur'aan. Nothing like this ever happened to them.

Do you think that these people fear Allaah more than Hadhrat Abu Bakr 9,Gm and Hadhrat Umar !3ej'W?" The son, Hadhrat Aamir 9.ZW says, "I then realised that what he said was true, after which I forsook these people." (2) Hadhrat Sila bin Haarith ?&%5wj and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %,Gwj Admonish People who Related Stories in the Masjid Hadhrat Abu Saalih Sa'eed bin Abdur Rahmaan narrates that Anz Nujaybi was once standing and relating stories in the Masjid when a Sahabi by the name of Hadhrat Sila bin Haarith Ghifaari 9,G$@j said to him, "By Allaah! We have (1)TaSraani in his Kabeel: Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.181) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vo1.3 Pg. 167). THE LIVES OF THE SAhXBAH e,@lcho@3 (Vol-3) scarcely left Rasulullaah k$?@'s time and have not even severed ties with our kin, yet you and your kind have already stood up in our midst (to perpetrate such acts of Bid'ah)." Hadhrat Amr bin Zuraarah says, "I was relating stories in the Masjid when Hadhrat Abdullaah (bin Mas'ood) 5Uw stood up and said, '0 Amr! You have started a misleading Bid'ah! Are you more rightly guided than the companions of Muhammad m?' I then saw everyone dispersing from around me until 1 was left all alone." (2) Abstaining from Opinions that do not Conform to the Qur'aan and ~hadith Statements of Hadhrat Umar !&GW in this Regard Hadhrat Ibn Shihaab reports that Hadhrat Umar was standing on the pulpit and addressed the people saying, "0 people!

Accurate opinions came only from Rasulullaah @%$ because Allaah used to guide him. What comes from us are but assumptions and pretences." (3) Another narration states that Hadhrat umar ,.,,. . , SbW2 then added: ... and assumptions are absolutely useless against the truth." {Surah Najrn, verse 281(~) Hadhrat Sadaqah bin Abu Abdullaah reports that Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab S G W j used to say, "Those who wish to exercise their personal opinions are the enemies of the Sunnah. They are too lazy to learn the Sunnah and it escapes their memory even when they do learn it. When questioned, they are too shy to admit that they do not know and therefore use their intellect to challenge the Sunnah. You should beware of such people." Hadhrat Umar %,l%Wj also said, "The Sunnah is that which Allaah and His Rasool @$% havedetermined. Youshould never make your mistaken opinion a ~unnah."(@ Another narration from Hadhrat Amr bin Dinaar states that when someone asked Hadhrat Umar %CW4 whether Allaah guided him in the judgements he passed, he replied,'"r>o not say that!

That was a speciality of Rasulullaah @'@."(7) The Statements of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood s%;Lu&j and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas sFI;w&j in this Regard Hadhrat Sha'bi narrates that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?8Gw said, (1) Tabraani in his Kabeer, reporting from reliable sources a s confirmed by Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg. 189). Bukhaari, Baghawi, Muhammad bin Rabee and Ibn Sakan have reported a similar narration, as quoted in lsaabah (Vo1.2 Pg. 193). (2) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.189) has commented on the chain of narrators. (3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.2 Pg. 134). (4) Ibn Abi Haatim and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.241).

(5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg. 135). (6) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg. 135). (7) Ibn Mundhir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.241). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,@&3 (Vol-3) "Beware of asking, 'What is your opinion? What is your opinion?' because those before you were destroyed because they asked, 'What is you opinion? What is you opinion?' You should also not judge one thing by another because your feet will then slip after being firm.

In addition to this, whenever any of you are asked about something that he does not know, he should say, 'Allaah knows best,' because this constitutes a third of knowledge." ('1 Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - once said, "Every year is followed by a year that is worse. While no year is essentially worse than another, no nation is essentially worse than another. However, what will happen is that when your Ulema and righteous ones leave the world, such people will come about who will analyse matters using their personal opinions, because of which they will destroy and perforate Islaam." ('1 Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas !&%%Hj said, "The basis (of lslaam and the Shariah) is Allaah's Book and the Sunnah of Rasulullaah @%. Whoever says anything else based on his personal opinion, I cannot say whether he will find this amongst his good deeds or his sins." (3) Hadhrat Ataa narrates from his father that when a Sahabi 3iW+% was questioned about something, he said, "I am too shy before my Rabb to employ my personal opinion in commenting on a matter that affects the Ummah of Muhammad pJ3g."(4) The ~jtihaad'~' of the Sahabah +@,GW Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal ag#@j Tells Rasulullaah that he will Practise Ijtihaad without Compromising on Diligence Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal5B!ZW$ narrates that when Rasulullaah @$% sent him to Yemen, Rasulullaah @% asked him, "How will you pass judgement when a case comesbeforeyou?""Ishall pass judgement by Allaah's Book," Hadhrat Mu'aadh - replied. Rasulullaah @I@ asked further, "And what if you do not find the solution in the Book of Allaah?" "Then," Hadhrat Mu'aadh ?iiWW said, "I shall judge by the Sunnah of Allaah's Rasool m." Again Rasulullaah @% asked, "And what if you do not find the solution in the Sunnah of Allaah's Rasool m?" Hadhrat Mu'aadh ?%@I%%j replied by saying, "I shall then practise Ijtihaad without compromising on diligence." Rasulullaah then placed his hand on Hadhrat Mu'aadh ! B % ! ~ chest saying, "All praise belongs to Allaah Who has inspired the envoy of Rasulullaah with that which pleases Rasulullaah (1) Tabraani.

Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.180) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Tabraan~ in his mbeer. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.180) has commented on the cham of narrators. Ibn Abdul Birr has reported a similar narration in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.135). (3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.136). (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.2 Pg.136).

(5) ljtihaad briefly refers to applying one's mind to the source references of the Shariah to extract laws that are not explicitly stated. This is, of course, the work of a person whose proficiency in lslaamic jurisprudence in unqutstionabie. The Concern Hadhrat Abu Bakr $&S#jXjj and Hadhrat Umar BFwj had for Matters they were Unaware of Hadhrat Muhammad bin Seereen says, "After Rasulullaah @ i % there was none more concerned about not knowing something than Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?3W and after Hadhrat Abu Bakr - there was none more concerned about not knowing something than Hadhrat Umar ~,lZW. When Hadhrat Abu Bakr %83&4j needed to pass a verdict and could not find a verse of the Qur'aan or a narration of Rasulullaah @%$ that applied directly to the situation, he would say, 'I shall now practise Ijtihaad. Should it be correct, it is from Allaah and if it is wrong, it is my error and I seek Allaah's forgiveness for it." (2) Hadhrat Umar sEWj's Letter to Hadlirat Shurayh in this Regard Hadhrat Shurayh narrates that Hadhrat Umar S,Gw once wrote to him saying, "When a matter presents itself before you, pass your verdict according to the Book of Allaah. If the matter is not mentioned in the Book of Allaah, pass your verdict according to what Rasulullaah @i?& directed.

If such a matter presents itself that is neither in the Book of Allaah, about which Rasulullaah @I% has issued no directives, then pass your verdict by that about which the Ulema are unanimous. However, if such a matter presents itself that is neither in the Book of Allaah, about which Rasulullaah @% has issued no directives and about which no scholar has commented, then you have one of two choices. If you prefer to practise Ijtihaad, you may proceed. Otherwise, if you prefer, you may desist from doing so. In my opinion, desisting is the best course for you." (3) The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood Concerning Ijtihaad Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - said, "When any of you has to pass a verdict, he should pass his verdict according to the Book of Allaah. If the matter is not mentioned in the Book of Allaah, he should pass his verdict as Rasulullaah k%% had done.

If such a matter presents itself that is neither in the Book of Allaah, about which Rasulullaah @% has not passed a verdict, then he should pass his verdict as the righteous scholars had done. However, if such a matter presents itself that is neither in the Book of Allaah and about which neither Rasulullaah @% nor the righteous scholars have passed verdicts, he should practise Ijtihaad. He must then be firm on his verdict without being embarrassed about it." Another narration adds that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?i@Wj said, "He should then practise ljtihaad and (when stating his verdict, he must) (1) Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi and Daarmi, as quoted in Mishkaatul Masaabeeh (Pg.316). (2) Ibn Sa'd and Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.241). (3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.56). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @@b&3 (Vol-3) never say 'I think.. .' or '1 fear that ...' because what is Halaal is clear and what is Haraam is also clear.

Between the two are doubtful matters and you should forsake that which gives you doubts for that which does not."(') The Ijtihaad of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas a%@&> and Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b a,@@>> Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abu Yazeed reports that when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %,Wj was questioned about anything and the reply was to be found in the Qur'aan, he would state what was in the Qur'aan. If it was not found in the Qur'aan but Rasulullaah had spoken about it, he would say what Rasulullaah k%'t% said. If it was not foun 'n the Qur'aan and Rasulullaah @@ \ had not spoken about it, but Hadhrat Abu Bakr Sw or Hadhrat Umar %,mW had rnentionyd it, he would say what Hadhrat Abu Bakr tY%@!& or Hadhrat Umar t&3&G'said. However, if it was not found in the Qur'aan and if Rasulullaah @?%, Hadhrat Abu Bakr $2&$WZ and Hadhrat Umar W , W had not spoken about it, he would practise Ijtihaad." (2) Another narration states that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %,G$!3 said, '-When we receive corroboration (to an injunction), we would not equate anything else to it (and would readily practise it)." (3) Hadhrat Masrooq narrates that when he once questioned Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b %,w about something, Hadhrat Ubay S,W asked, "Has it already happened?" When he was informed that it had not happened, he said, "Then grant us respite until it happens and then when it does, we will be able to practise Ijtihaad." (4) Exercising Caution when Issuing Fataawaa and the Sahabah ~~~ who used to Issue Fataawaa The Statement of Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Abu Layla concerning the Cautiousness of the Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Abu Layla says, "I met a hundred and twenty Sahabah @,Wj of Rasulullaah @% in the Masjid. When any of them narrated a Hadith, he wished that his brother (another Sahabi !&lGW) had done it for him and whenever he issued a Fatwaa, he also wished that his brother had done it for him,"(5) (1) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.57). (2) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami Bayaanil Ilrn (Vol.2 Pg.57).

Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg. 181) has reported a similar narration. (3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami Bayaanil Ilm (Vo1.2 Pg.57). (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami Bayaanil Ilrn (Vo1.2 Pg.58). (5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami Bayaanil Ilrn (Vol.2 Pg.163). Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.6 Pg.110) has reported a similar narration adding that the Sahabah i@%@% Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Abu Layla met were from the Ansaar. THE LIVES OF THE S A Y A B A H @gb&3 (Vol-3) Statements of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood @g(&&j, Hadhrat Hudhayfah @gI;w&> and Hadhrat Umar @EWj in this Regard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3Gw said, "It is only a madman who will immediately issue a Fatwa for everything he is asked." The same statement has been reported from Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas ?3Gw.(l) Hadhrat Hudhayfah @3% said, "It is only one of three persons who would issue Fataawaa; a man who knows which verses of theaQur'aan abrogate injunctions of Deen and which have been abrogated, a leader who has no alternative and a pretentious fool." (2) Hadhrat Ibn Seereen narrates that Hadhrat Umar ?3Bw said to Hadhrat Abu Mas'ood Uqba bin Umar G-j, "I was informed that you issue Fataawaa to people!

The person blessed with the privileges (of l e a d e r ~ h i ~ j s h m i l ~ ~ o bear its burden (of issuing Fataawaa)." (3) Another narration stdes that Hadhrat Umar %,Ws also added, "And you are not a governor (so you need not issue ~ataawaa)."(~) The Cautiousness of Hadhrat Zaid bin Arqam and Hadhrat Baraa ?&%wj in this Regard Hadhrat Abu Minhaal says, "When 1 questioned Hadhrat Zaid bin Arqam ~ G W j and Hadhrat Baraa %UK@&j about selling gold and silver, each one of them told me to ask the other, saying, 'He is better than me and has more knowledge."' The narration goes on further to discuss trading in gold and silver. (5) Hadhrat Abu Husayn says, "Everyone now issues Fataawaa on matters that had they been posed to Hadhrat Umar G s j , he would have gathered all the veterans of ~ a i r (to consult with before issuing a Fatwaa)." (6) Hadhrat Abu Bakr w, G#&j, Hadhrat Umar %,GW>, Hadhrat Uthmaan %'GWj and Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf %Bwj Issue Fataawaa During the Time of Rasulullaah @&! When Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 4-j was asked who used to issue Fataawaa during the time of Rasulullaah w, he replied, "Abu Bakr ~ B w and Umar ?&GW$. I do not know of anyone else." (7) Hadhrat Qaasim bin Muhammad says that Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?&GWj, Hadhrat (1) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami Bayaanil Ilrn (Vol.2 Pg.165). Tabraani has reported a similar narration from Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood W.%&.j, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. 1 Pg.183). (2) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami Bayaanil Ilrn (Vol.2 Pg.166).

(3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami Bayaanil Ilrn (Vo1.2 Pg.166). (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami Bayaanil Ilrn (Vo1.2 Pg.143). (5) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami Bayaanil Ilrn (Vol.2 Pg.166). (6) fbn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzu/Ummaa/(Vol.5 Pg.241). (7) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.151). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH wAH=5 (Vol-3) Umar 4-2, Hadhrat Uthmaan %W&% and Hadhrat Ali - used to issue Fataawaa during the time of Rasulullaah @ ? % .

( I ) Hadhrat Fudhayl bin Abu Abdullaah bin Dinaar narrates from his father that Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf 3BW6, Hadhrat Abu Bakr !&%?@&, Hadhrat Umar !BG@!25 and Hadhrat Uthmaan S3W were amongst those who issued Fataawaa during the time of Rasulullaah @@ according to what they heard from Rasulullaah @$$.(') Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari ~ ~ W j Tells the People not to ask him Anything While Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ! & ~ ~ j is Alive Hadhrat Abu Attiyya Hamdaani reports that he was once sitting with Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 4 - when a person came to ask him a question. "Have you asked anyone else?" Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?i4WM enquired. 'Yes," the man replied, "I have asked Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari $BGW4." The man then informed Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood m j about Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari 4?B3W6's reply. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %tG4%6 gave a reply that contradicted that of Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari !&Wi% and then left. (When this was brought to the attention of Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari 4E4W6,) He said, "Do not ask me about anything when this great scholar is in your midst." (3) Those Who Issued Fataawaa during the Time of Rasulullaah @%% and the Time of the Khulafaa Raashideen Hadhrat Sahl bin Abu Khaythamah reports that during the time of Rasulullaah @%, three Sahabah &%&&.S from the Muhaajireen and three Sahabah i43GW from the Ansaar were authorised to issue ~ a t a a w k . They were Hadhrat Umar -, Hadhrat Uthmaan !W&.&, Hadhrat Ali %l.

W!?% (from the Muhaajireen) and Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b SiW&%, Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal %UW6 and Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit SW&!kj (from the Ansaar). (4) Hadhrat Masrooq reports that from amongst the Sahabah i4WW6 of Rasulullaah @?%, those who issued Fataawaa were Hadhrat Umar -, Hadhrat Ali !@W&j, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 4-, Hadhrat Zaid (bin Thaabit) @13W, Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b %W&% and Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari ?&H%.(5 Hadhrat Qabeesah bin Duayb bin Halhala reports, "During the time of Hadhrat Umar SG%?45, Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit iHlW6 remained the chief authority of the judiciary of Madinah, as well as the chief authority of issuing Fataawaa, Qiraa'ah and dissolution of estates. He maintained this position during the time (1) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.151). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.157). Ibn Asaakir has reported a similar narration, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.77). (3) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.160).

Abu Nu'aym has reported a similar narration in his Hi/ya (Vol. 1 Pg. 129). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg. 167). (5) Ibn'Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.168). THE LIVES OF THE SN~ABAH mmj (~0'01-3) of Hadhrat Uthmaan kWZ4&$ and for as long as Hadhrat Ali ~,EWj remained in Madinah (as Khalifah before moving the capital to Kufa). Thereafter, he kept the post for a further five years until Hadhrat Mu'aawiya k-3 became the Khalifah in the year 40 A.H. Even after this, he remained instated in the position until he passed away in the year 45 A.H." ('1 Hadhrat Ataa bin Yasaar reports that both Hadhrat Umar ~ , G m and Hadhrat Uthmaan 4?i&24%j used to call for Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 3Gw (to consult with) and would also consult with the veterans of the Battle of Badr.

Until the day he passed away, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas Wm used to issue Fataawaa during the time of Hadhrat Umar W , ~ W and Hadhrat Uthmaan m. (2) Hadhrat Ziyaad bin Meenaa narrates that amongst those Sahabah @W&j who issued Fataawaa and narrated Ahadeeth in Madinah were Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %,-, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar BWj, Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri ~,Wj, Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah W4W$, Hadhrat Abdullaah Amr bin A1 Aas W3W, Hadhrat Jaabir bin Abdullaah 4!83%$, Hadhrat Raafi bin Khudayj %$W%, Hadhrat Salamah bin Akwa % I ! Hadhrat Abu Waaqid Laythi %JGw and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Buhaynah WW$. This they continued doing from the time Hadhrat Uthmaan ?&G3W$ passed away until their deaths. Amongst them, the ones who issued the bulk of the Fataawaa were Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas ?3G%l$2j, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri -2, Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah kWiWj and Hadhrat Jaabir bin Abdullaah -.(3) Hadhrat Qaasim relates, "During the Khilaafah of Hadhrat Abu Bakr wW, Hadhrat Umar ?B!X%j, Hadhrat Uthmaan %@@!%j and until the time she passed away (may Allaah shower his mercy on her), (my aunt) Hadhrat Aa'isha @Gm used to issue Fataawaa by herself. I used to stay with her and she showed extreme affection towards me." (4) The Knowledge of the Sahabah '@,GiW The Statement of Hadhrat Abu Dharr %%iW concerning the Vast Knowledge of the Sahabah @,E&i&i Hadhrat Abu Dharr 4 = said, "Rasulullaah @@ left us with s o much knowledge that even when a bird fluttered its wings in the sky, it would remind us of something he had taught us." (5) Another narration adds that Rasulullaah @$% said, "Everything that draws one closer to Jannah and that takes one further from Jahannam has been explained to (1) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.175).

(2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.181). (3) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.187). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.189). (5) Ahmad. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH BG- (Vol-3) you (Sahabah @,~$&j)."(l) The Narration of Hadhrat Amr bin A1 Aas B,Ew about what he Memorised from Rasulullaah &%.% and the Narration of Hadhrat Aa'isha lBEm about the Knowledge of Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,Ew Hadhrat Amr bin A1 Aas @Wj says, "I have learnt a thousand similitudes from Rasulullaah @&."(2) In a lengthy narration, Hadhrat Aa'isha W3W4 says, "Whenever they (the Sahabah @,Gw) disagreed about anything, my father (Hadhrat Abu Bakr 4=) would come forth with a Hadith that would satisfy them all and settle the dispute. Therefore, when it was asked where Rasulullaah @% was to be buried, no one could be found who had any relevant knowledge.

It was then that Hadhrat Abu Bakr %%@!2j said, 'I heard Rasulullaah @@ say, 'Whenever a Nabi passed away, he was buried beneath the place he lay at the time he passed away.' Similarly, when the Sahabah @,w posed divergent opinions about the inheritance of Rasulullaah @$I%, they could find none with relevant knowledge. Again it was Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3,GWi who said, 'I heard Rasulullaah @%! say, 'We the assembly of Arnbiyaa do not leave behind any inheritance. Everything we leave behind is donated as ~ a d a ~ a h . " ' ( ~ ) The Statements of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood B,E@@ and Hadhrat Hudhayfah B,Em About the Knowledge of Hadhrat Umar ~ , E W j Hadhrat Abu Waa'il narrates that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - said, "If the knowledge of Umar $B34&$ was placed on one pan of a scale and the knowledge of all on earth was placed on the other, the knowledge of Umar would outweigh the rest." Hadhrat A'mash says, "I found it difficult to accept this, s o I mentioned it to Ibraheem, who said, 'Why do you find this difficult to accept when I can swear by Allaah that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood W%W said something even more profound than this. He said, 'In my estimation, nine tenths of knowledge leR the world with the demise of Umar 4 ~ $ . , 1 1 ' ( 4 ) In a lengthy narration concerning the demise of Hadhrat Umar ?i%,-, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?i%>Wj stated, "From all of us, it was Umar ?i%Wj who possessed the most knowledge about Allaah, who recited the Book of Allaah the - (1) Tabraani. Tabraani has reported a narration similar to that of Ahmad from Hadhrat Abu Dardaa WSWbj, which is reported from reliable sources, as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.8 Pg.264).

Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.170) has also reported a similar narration. (2) Ahmad, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.8 Pg.264). (3) Baghawi, Tbn Asaakir and others, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.4 Pg.346). (4) Tabraani. Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.69) has commented on the chain of narrators. Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.153) has reported a similar narration.

THE LIVES OF THE S W A H @,g%j' (Vol-3) most and who had the deepest understanding of Allaah's Deen." ('1 Hadhrat Hudhayfah %UWj said, "In comparison to the knowledge of Umar 9,Gm, the knowledge of all other people seems like it could be buried in a little hole."(2) A man from Madinah said, "When I was presented before Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab ~.Wj, learned scholars appeared to be little children before him. His understanding and knowledge towered above theirs." (3) Rasulullaah @% Declares that Hadhrat Ali %$ZiCu,&j was the most learned of the Sahabah +MGwj and the statement of Hadhrat Ali about his Knowledge of the Qur'aan Hadhrat Abu Is'haaq narrates that when Rasulullaah got Hadhrat Ali 3,WG married to Hadhrat Faatima WWj, she said to Rasulullaah @%, "You have married me to a man whose eyesight is weak and whose stomach is big." Rasulullaah @?% responded by saying, "I have married you to him because from all my companions, he was the first to accept Islaam, he has the most knowledge and is the most tolerant." (4) Another narration states that Rasulullaah said to Hadhrat Faatima DBw, "Are you not pleased that I have married you to the person who was the first of my Ummah to accept Islaam, is the one with the most knowledge and is the most tolerant?" (5) Hadhrat Ali ~,G&!Gj once said, "By Allaah! I know precisely about what every verse of the Qur'aan was revealed, where it was revealed and concerning whom it was revealed. My Rabb has blessed me with a perceptive heart and an eloquent tongue." (6) Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Musayyib reports that Hadhrat Umar ~ , G ~ ~ used to seek Allaah's protection against any intricate problem which had to be resolved without the help of Hadhrat Ali % I B ~ . ( ~ ) The Knowledge of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood s, G$$3 Hadhrat Masrooq narrates that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %WW said, "I know the precise circumstances surrounding the revelation of every chapter of the Qur'aan. If I knew of a person more knowledgeable than myself, I would certainly go to him if a camel or any other conveyance could take me to him." Hadhrat Masrooq says, "I sat in the company of many Sahabah @.G@!2j of ( I ) Tabraani, as quoted in hfajma'uzZawaaYd(V01.9 Pg.69).

(2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg. 153). (3) Ibn Sa'd w 1 . 4 Pg.153). (4) Tabraani. Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.102) has commented on the chain of narrators. (5) Tabraani and Ahmad. Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg. 101) has commented on the chain of narrators (6) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.154).

(7) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.156). THE LIVES OF THE SAMBAH @,=3 (Vol-3) Muhammad @% and found them to be like dams. While some dams may quench the thirst of one man, others may quench the thirst of two men, others the thirst of ten and others will quench the thirst of a hundred men. Then there are oceans that can cater for all the people on earth if they had to settle there. I found Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - to be such an ocean." (') Hadhrat Zaid bin Wahab narrates that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood arrived one day at a place where Hadhrat Umar !3!3% was sitting. When he saw Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3iUW approach, Hadhrat Umar %@&% said, "He is a coffer filled to the brim with the knowledge and understanding of Deen." Hadhrat Asad bin Wadaa'ah reports that Hadhrat Umar once made mention of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood !3BW$3 saying, "He is a coffer filled to the brim with knowledge.

I however had to give preference to the people of Qaadisiyyah over myself concerning him (by sending him to teach them rather than keeping him behind with me in Madinah)." (2) The Statement of Hadhrat Ali %lEconcerning his Knowledge and the Knowledge of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood SGw, Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari %&$@@j, Hadhrat Ammaar BB@@2, Hadhrat Hudhayfah !&lB&&j and Hadhrat Salmaan !&Gw Hadhrat Abul Bakhtari narrates that they once approached ~ a d h r a t Ali 4 - with the request to inform them about the Sahabah '$E@'&& of Rasulullaah @@. 'Which of them would you like to know about?" Hadhrat Ali - asked. "Tell us about Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood Sl@&G," they replied. Hadhrat Ali ? 3 G i said, "He learnt the Qur'aan and the Sunnah and reached the apex of knowledge. This is sufficient for you to gauge the extent of his knowledge." 'Tell us about Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari they asked next. Hadhrat Ali 4?&33i5 said, "He had been thorough? dyed in knowledge before coming out of the dye." The men asked further, "Then tell us about Hadhrat Ammaar bin Yaasir w'Wj." Hadhrat Ali W%% said, "He is a Mu'min who remembers well after being reminded about something he had forgotten." "Now tell us about Hadhrat Hudhayfah wj," they asked.

Hadhrat Ali ?&W%'s reply was: "Of all the Sahabah '$B!X%, he best knew who the Munaafiqeen were." When they asked about Hadhrat Abu Dharr -, Hadhrat Ali S'W% said, "He acquired a substantial amount of knowledge but was unable to disseminate it.'' The men further asked, "Tell us about Hadhrat Salmaan %.Wt$3." Hadhrat Ali mW said, "He acquired the knowledge of the previous Ambiyaa as well as the I knowledge of the final Nabi m. He is an ocean whose bottom cannot be reached and he is also one of us, the household of Rasulullaah w." "0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!" the men then asked, "Now tell us about yourself." Hadhrat Ali (1) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.169). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Voi.4 Pg.161). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH &!5l, L'Wj (VOW ~ , = said, "It was this that you had intended asking from the outset! Whenever - 1 asked (Rasulullaah &&) anything, 1 would receive a reply and whenever I remained silent. I would be informed." (') The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ~ F W j Concerning the Knowledge of Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal BEbSj Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood -2 said, "Mu'aadh bin Jabal 3,Wj is certainly an Ummah who was Qaanit and Haneef (one inclined towards the truth and averse to all false creeds).

He is (definitely) not from the Mushrikeen." The narrator says, "I thought that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood Ww had perhaps made an error because Allaah says in the Qur'aan: I 1 I- ( I ¶ ( I I . ~ ~ : + iJp) (@ +I> I JI I LY-U, +I Ibraheem &$!& was certainly an Ummah who was Qaanit and Haneef (one inclined towards the truth and averse to all false creeds). He was (definitely) not from the Mushrikeen. {Surah Nahl, verse 120-121) However, when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin ~ a s ' o o d 3,Wj repeated his words to me, 1 knew that he meant what he was saying. I therefore remained silent. He then asked, 'Do you know what the meaning of 'Ummah'and 'Qaanit'is?' When I submitted that Allaah knows best, he explained, 'Ummah (in this context) refers to a person who teaches people good things and Qaanit'refers to a person who obeys Allaah and His Rasool @%. That is exactly how Mu'aadh bin Jabal %M&!4 was. He taught people everything that was good and was obedient to Allaah and to Allaah's Rasool @&."'(2) Statements of Hadhrat Masrooq Concerning the Knowledge of the Sahabah.i%EJF@&&5 Hadhrat Masrooq says, "I examined the Sahabah i$EWi% carefully and found that all their knowledge could be found in six of them; namely Hadhrat Umar ~ , W j , Hadhrat Ali -, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %?!Z4%, Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal ~WWj, Hadhrat Abu Dardaa W3W2 and Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit kSl%%.

After closely examining these six, 1 discovered that all their knowledge could be found in Hadhrat Ali W%LG and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood , w . n (3) Hadhrat Masrooq also said, 'When I arrived in Madinah and enquired about the Sahabah i4i3GiW, I discovered that amongst those with the most profound knowledge was Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit W3W.''(4) (1) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.162). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg. 165). (3) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg. 167). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.176). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@,Gw (Vol-3) The Knowledge of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas s, G&g Hadhrat Masrooq reports that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood wW once said, "If Abdullaah bin Abbaas Wm were our age, none of us would be able to equal even a tenth of his knowledge." Another narration adds that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3 G w said, "Abdullaah bin Abbaas 3 G W j is a n excellent commentator of the Qur'aan." Hadhrat Mujaahid reports that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %Gw used to be called an ocean because of the great amount of knowledge he possessed. (2) Hadhrat Layth bin Abu Sulaym says that he once said to Hadhrat Tawoos, "Why have you attached yourself to this youngster (Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas WWj) instead of the senior Sahabah @,- of Rasulullaah w?" Hadhrat Tawoos replied, "I have seen seventy Sahabah i43W.23 who favoured the opinion of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 3,w whenever a difference of opinion arose in any matter." (3) Hadhrat Aamir the son of Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas ?&U$&'$j reports that his father said, "I have never seen as quick-witted, as intelligent, as knowledgeable and as tolerant as Abdullaah bin Abbaas 3,w.

I saw that when an intricate problem arose, Umar bin Khattaab BSw would call for him and say, 'Be prepared! A most complicated problem is coming your way.' Umar B%@j would then accept his opinion on the matter even though he would be surrounded by veterans of the Battle of Badr both from the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar." (4) Hadhrat Abu Zinaad narrates that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas B,13W was suffering from high fever when Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab ?B3G came to visit him. Hadhrat Umar %$Giw said, "Your illness has certainly posed a great obstacle to us. Nevertheless it is only from Allaah that we seek help." (5) Hadhrat Talha bin Ubaydullaah %Gw said, "Abdullaah bin Abbaas 3,- has been blessed with deep understanding, intelligence and tremendous knowledge. I have not seen Umar bin Khattaab 3,w give precedence to any other person's opinion over his." (6) Hadhrat Muhammad the son of Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b 3,GWj says that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas ~,G4&i was once present when Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b Ww stood up and said, "This youth will soon become the most learned scholar of this Ummah. Together with being blessed with intelligence and deep understanding, Rasulullaah @& also prayed to Allaah to grant him a sound understanding of Deen." (7) Hadhrat Tawoos says, "Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 523w towered above ( I ) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.181).

(2) IbnSa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.181). (3) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.181). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.183). (5) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.185). (6) ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.185). (7) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.185).

THE LIVES OF THE S M B A H *@!%&= (Vol-3) others in knowledge just as a tall palm tree towers above shorter ones." ('I Hadhrat Abu Waa'il says, "A friend and I performed Hajj at a time when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas Ww was the Arneer of Hajj. When he started reciting Surah Noor and commenting on it, my friend remarked, 'Oh Subhaanallaah! What great knowledge is emerging from this man's head! Even the Turks would accept Islaam if they had to hear this."' Another narration adds that Hadhrat Abu Waa'il himself said, "I have never seen or heard anyone speak as he does! Even the Persians and Romans would accept Islaam if they heard him." (2) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 9,GWj relates, "When I went to Umar bin Khattaab 3,GCw@> one day, he asked me a question that Ya'la bin Umayyah - had written to him about from Yemen. After I had given him the answer, Umar 3Gm remarked, 'I testify that you are certainly most eligible to speak on behalf of Rasulullaah @$&'s household."'(3) Hadhrat Ataa says, "While some people used to approach Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas :;I,"".

"' wdm to ask about poetry, others went to him to ask about ancestry and there were still others who referred to him to ask about the battles that the Arabs fought and about their history. He was able to give each group of people due attention and gave them detailed replies to their satisfaction." (4) Hadhrat Ubadullaah bin Abdullaah bin Utba says, "Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %%%% surpassed all other people in his qualities. He excelled others in his knowledge of past events, in the deep understanding with which he gave his opinion to people who consulted with him, in his level of tolerance and in his immense magnanimity. None knew the Ahadeeth of Rasulullaah i$%% and the verdicts of Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3.Gw, Hadhrat Umar %'&%% and Hadhrat Uthmaan 5 $ G W better than he. None gave opinions as deeply thought of as he and there was also none who better knew poetry and Arabic as he did. In addition to all of this, his knowledge was also most profound in the commentary of the Qur'aan, in mathematics and in the laws of inheritance.

I have also not seen anyone else as knowledgeable about the past events as he was, nor anyone who gave an opinion more dependable than his when people are most in need of one. Sometimes he would sit all day discussing nothing besides Fiqh, while on other days, he would discuss nothing besides the commentary of the Qur'aan. Then there were days when he sat and discussed only.the battles of Rasulullaah w, while on other days, he discussed only poetry or only the history of the Arabs. I have never seen any scholar sit before him without surrendering himself to him. I have also seen no one asking him a question without receiving the relevant information from him." (5) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 9GCw$!&% says, "I used to remain close to the senior Muhaajireen and Ansaar Sahabah ,@I;"W and ask them about the battles ( I ) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.185). (2) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.537).

(3) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg. 184). (4) rbn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.182). (5) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.183). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @-g#k3 (Vol-3) Rasulullaah @@ fought and the revelation that pertained to them. Whenever I went to any one of them, they became overjoyed because 1 am related to Rasulullaah @@. Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b w%W was one of the Sahabah %5mj with the soundest knowledge.

When I asked him one day about the Surahs that were revealed in Madinah, he informed me that twenty-seven Surahs were revealed in Madinah and all the rest in Makkah." (I) Hadhrat Ikrama says, "I heard Hadhrat Arnr bin A1 Aas ~ w say, 'From all of us, it is Abdullaah bin Abbaas B!3&5 who has the most knowledge of the previous scriptures and also understands best those matters that the Qur'aan and Ahadeeth are not explicit about.' When I informed Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas - about what Hadhrat h r bin A1 Aas b@Z&Gj had said, he remarked, 'He himself has tremendous knowledge because he used to ask Rasulullaah @'i% about matters that were Halaal and ~araam."'(~) Hadhrat Aa'isha WWj was once looking at a group of people gathered around Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas W3W4.j during the days of Hajj, asking him about the rites of Hajj. She remarked, "Of those (Sahabah @,EWj) still alive, he knows the rites of Hajj best." (3) WHAT PEOPLE SAID AT THE DEMISE OF HADHRAT ABDULLAAH BIN A B B N $&)2i@sj When the news of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas b ? % G @ ! $ j ' s death reached Hadhrat Jaabir 4-, he hit his one hand on the other and said, "The most knowledgeable and most tolerant of all people has passed away. By his demise, this Ummah has been afflicted with a calamity that can never be redressed." (4) Upon the demise of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas Hadhrat Raafi bin Khudayj %G&?j remarkid, "All the people between the East and the West were dependent on the one who has passed away today for their knowledge." (5) Hadhrat Abu Kulthoom narrates that when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas W-2 was buried, Hadhrat Ibn Hanafiyyah said, "Today the sage of this Ummah has passed away." The Knowledge of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar $$f&%&j, Hadhrat Ubaadah $&'G&i$j, Hadhrat Shaddaad bin Aws $&)2iWj and Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri !$&G@&j Hadhrat Arnr bin Dinaar says, "Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar W,w was regarded as one of the young Fuqahaa." (7) (1) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.186). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.186). (3) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.184). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.187).

(5) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.183). (6) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1,4 Pg. 1 83). (7) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg 187). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,G-cw@5 (Vol-3) Hadhrat Khaalid bin Ma'daan says, "From amongst the Sahabah @%-Sw= of Rasulullaah @$&, there are none left in Shaam whose knowledge is more dependable, who have a deeper understanding and who are more beloved to the people than Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit @,- and Hadhrat Shaddaad bin Aws ~,p&&j, I 1 ( 1 ) Hadhrat Handhla bin Sufyaan reports from his teachers that none had a better understanding of the Deen than Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri $i@Z4!G."(2) The Knowledge of Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah ?&Ewj Hadhrat Abu Za'eeza'a who was Marwaan bin Hakam's scribe reports, "Marwaan once summoned Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah 4 - and, seating me behind his chair, he started questioning Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah 4 - as I wrote everything down. After a complete year had passed, Marwaan again sent for Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah @%= and, seating him behind a screen, started asking him the same questions. Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah @,w replied to the questions just as he did the previous year without adding, deleting or even misplacing a single word." (3) The Knowledge of Ummul Mu'mineen Hadhrat HadhraI Abu Moosa Ash'ari ~ , W j says, "Whenever the Sahabah ~~j of Rasulullaah @g had doubts about anything, they referred it to Hadhrat Aa'isha Ww and always found the answer with her." (4) Hadhrat Qabeesah bin Dhuwayb says, "Hadhrat Aa'isha W'w was one of the most knowledgeable personalities and even the senior Sahabah i49Ew of Rasulullaah @% consulted with her." (5) Hadhrat Abu Salamah says, "I have not seen anyone with more knowledge of the Sunnah practices of Rasulullaah @&! than Hadhrat Aa'isha G3Gw.

I have also not seen anyone offer a better opinion when an opinion was sought and seen no one with more knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the revelation of any verse or with more knowledge of the laws of inheritance." (6) When someone asked Hadhrat Masrooq whether Hadhrat Aa'isha @w was proficient in the laws of inheritance, he replied, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life that she certainly was! In fact, I saw the senior Sahabah @,Wj of Rasulullaah ask her about inheritance." (7) Hadhrat Mahmood bin Labeed says, "Although all the pure wives of Rasulullaah @@ knew many Ahadeeth, none knew as much as Hadhrat Aa'isha @Ew and Hadhrat Ummu Salamah @BWZi. In fact, Hadhrat Aa'isha WCw used to issue (1) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.188). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg. 188). (3) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.510), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.189).

(5) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 ~ g . r89). (6) Ibn Sa'd (~01.4 Pg.189). (7) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.189). Tabraani has reported a similar narration from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.242). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @!.%%!& (VOI-3) Fataawaa during the period of Hadhrat Umar - and Hadhrat Uthmaan WW6. This she continued doing until she passed away.

May Allaah shower His mercy on her. Senior Sahabah W , W i of Rasulullaah @@ such as Hadhrat Umar !&%&$ add Hadhrat Uthmaan ?B!%&j after him used to send messengers to her to ask about Sunnah practices." Hadhrat Mu'aawiya %X3Wj said, "I have never seen a speaker as well-spoken, as eloquent and as intelligent as Aa'isha Gi%4W6."(2) Hadhrat Urwa !8!3&4 says, "I have not seen a woman as knowledgeable in medicine, Fiqh and poetry as Hadhrat Aa'isha !Z4E4W." (3) Hadhrat Urwa W once said to (his aunt) Hadhrat Aa'isha G@GWj, "I am more astonished about you the more I think about you! When I find you to be one of those most proficient in Islaamic jurisprudence, I ask myself what was there to prevent you from being such when you were the wife of Rasulullaah @&$ and the daughter of Abu Bakr !&!3Wj? Then when I find you to be one of those most knowledgeable about the history of the Arabs and about their lineage and poetry, I ask myself what was there to prevent you from being such when your father knew most about the Quraysh? However, what surprises me is that I also find you to be most proficient in medicine. Where did you learn this from?" Hadhrat Aa'isha @lW'& held Hadhrat Urwa 5ilM&'s hand and said, "When Rasulullaah #!%@?s illness worsened, Arab and non-Arab physicians sent (many medicines and prescriptions) for him, from which I learnt medicine." (4) Another narration states that she said, "When I used these to treat Rasulullaah @%, I learnt all about it."(5) Those Ulema who are Attached to Allaah and those Who are Evil The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood $&$#&> in this Regard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 4 ! & j once said to his students, "Be people who are the fountainheads of knowledge, who are beacons of guidance, who spend most of the time at home, who are lanterns of the night, whose hearts remain fresh and young and who wear old clothes.

In this manner, you will be known to the inhabitants of the heavens while remaining anonymous to the inhabitants of earth." A similar narration from Hadhrat Ali - states, "In this manner, you will be known to the inhabitants of the heavens while the inhabitants of earth will rave about you." (7) (1) Ibn Sa'd ('01.4 Pg.189). (2) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.243). (3) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.242). (4) Bazzaar, Ahmad and Tabraan~ in his Kabeerand Awsat. (5) Ahmad. Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.242) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(6) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Voll . Pg. 126) (7) Abu Nu'aym in his Hi&a (Vol. 1 Pg.77). THE-LIVES OF THE SAH/IBAH wsw5 (Vol-3) The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas !&Em Concerning the Ulema who are attached to Allaah Hadhrat Wahab bin Munabbih narrates that when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas - was informed that some people were debating about predestination at Baab Bani Sahm, he quickly got up and, handing his staff over to Hadhrat Ikrama, he placed one hand on the staff and the other on Hadhrat Tawoos. When he reached the group, they made way for him and welcomed him. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas however did not.sit down and asked them to inform him of their lineage so that he may recognise who they were. When they did so, he addressed them saying, "Do you not know that Allaab has servants whom fear for Him has driven them to silence even though they are neither handicapped nor dumb?

On the contrary, they are people who are Ulema, orators and people of high status. They are well acquainted with the way Allaah deals with sinners but whenever they think of the greatness of Allaah, they lose their minds, their hearts are torn apart and their tongues stop functioning. When they recover from this state, they hasten to perform good deeds that will purify them. While they regard themselves as people who neglect their duties to Allaah, they are really the intelligent ones with the most strength (to do good). Although they regard themselves as wrong-doers and sinners, they are really righteous and innocent. What distinguishes them is they never regard anything as being too much to do for Allaah, they are never satisfied to do only a little for Him and they are never too proud of the deeds they do for Him.

Wherever you meet them, they will be filled with concern, in awe of Allaah and ever fearing (that they should not displease) Him." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas -5 then left and returned to his gathering. Statements of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood !&EWj and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas WPw Concerning Evil Ulema Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood S%Wj said, "If the men of knowledge would safeguard their knowledge and give it only to those who are worthy, they would lead the people of their times. However, they have handed it over to men of this world only to receive a portion of the world and have therefore fallen in the eyes of these people. I have heard Rasulullaah @@ say, 'Whoever narrows all his worries to the one worry for the Aakhirah, Allaah will take care of all his other worries. On the other hand, whoever has been confounded by the worries of this world, Allaah cares not in which valley he destroys himself." (2) Hadhrat Sufyaan bin Uyaynah reports that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas - j said, "If the bearers of knowledge uphold it as it ought to be upheld and in a ( 1 ) Abu Nu'aym in his Hdya (Vol.1 Pg.325). (2) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg.243).

Ibn Abdul Birr has reported a slmllar narration in his Jaarni (Vol.1 Pg. 187). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH *@,@@& (Vol-3) befitting manner, Allaah, His angels and the pious ones will love them. In addition to this, people will stand in awe of them. However, they seek the wealth of this world with their knowledge, because of which Allaah detests them and they have no status in the eyes of the people." ('1 Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - said, "What will happen to you when such a calamity overtakes you because of which your youngsters start to age; your elders grow older and such practices are regarded as being Sunnah that when an attempt is made to change them, people will say (about the act is truly Sunnah), This is something very strange!"' When someone asked Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood Sew when such a time would come, he replied, "When the trustworthy ones amongst you will be few while your leaders will be plenty, when the Fuqahaa amongst you will be few while those reciting the Qur'aan will be plenty, when the knowledge of Deen will be sought for motives other than the benefit of Deen and when worldly gain will be the motivation behind carrying out acts of the Aakhirah." Another narration states that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ~,G= said, 'When a fabricated Sunnah becomes such a norm in society, when an effort is made to change it, people will say, 'The Sunnah has been changed!"' The narration also adds that the time will be "when your Fuqahaa will be few and your leaders will hoard wealth." (2) The Statements of Hadhrat Abu Dharr %lGwj, Concerning Acquiring the Knowledge of Deen for worldly Motives Hadhrat Abu Dharr 4 - said, "You should understand well that these Ahadeeth ought to be learnt solely for the pleasure of Allaah. When a person learns them solely for worldly gain, he wiil not even smell the fragrance of Jannah. (3) " ' Hadhrat Umar !&W4?2j once asked Hadhrat Ka'b (who was learned in the previous scriptures), "What can remove knowledge from the hearts of Ulema after they have studied and memorised it?" Hadhrat Ka'b replied, "It will be greed and asking people for one's needs that will remove it." (4) When Hadhrat Ali - once spoke about certain tribulations that will occur . towards the end of time, Hadhrat Umar %&Wj asked, "When will this occur, 0 Ali?" Hadhrat Ali - replied, "When the knowledge of Deen will be sought for motives other than the benefit of Deen, when knowledge will be sought for reasons other than to practise and when worldly gain will be the motivation behind carrying out acts of the Aakhirah." (1) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.188).

(2) Abdur Razzaaq, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vol.1 Pg.82). Ibn Abdul Birr has reported a similar narration in his Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg. 188). (3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.187). (4) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.6). (5) Abdur Razzaaq, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vol.1 Pg.82). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,G$@@5 (Vol-3) What Hadhrat Umar SGwj Feared for the Ummah from Evil Ulema Hadhrat Umar - once addressed the people saying, "I fear two people for you, the person who misinterprets the Qur'aan and a person who is vying with his brother for kingdom." ('1 Hadhrat Hasan narrates that when a delegation from Basrah that included Hadhrat Ahnaf bin Qais %%@&j came to Hadhrat Umar k m j , he granted them all leave, except for Hadhrat Ahnaf %Gw, whom he kept back for an entire year.

Thereafter, Hadhrat Umar %3&5&%> said to Hadhrat Ahnaf %$!Z&G, "Do you know why I kept you back? Rasulullaah 6% warned us against well-spoken hypocrites and I feared that you should not be one. Inshaa Allaah, (I am now confident that) you are not one of them." (2) Hadhrat Abu Uthmaan Nahdi reports that he heard Hadhrat Umar 4WSWi say from the pulpit, "Beware of the hypocritical Aalim." "How will a hypocrite become an Aalim?" the people asked. Hadhrat Umar ?&%% replied, "He will be a person who speaks what is right but then does what is wrong." (3) Hadhrat Umar kW$&G also said, "We always maintained that the one to destroy this Ummah will be a hypocrite with an educated tongue." (4) Hadhrat Abu Uthmaan Nahdi reports that he heard Hadhrat Umar %XW&5 say from the pulpit, "What I fear most for this Ummah is the hypocritical Aalim." "HOW will a hypocrite be an Aalim, 0 Ameerul Mu'mineen?" the people asked. Hadhrat Umar %&4&j replied, "He will be a person whose tongue will be educated but whose heart and actions will be ignorant." (5) Hadhrat Hudhayfah %Ewj and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood $B!%&i$j Warn the Ulema Against Frequenting the Doors of the Rulers Hadhrat Hudhayfah !@3Wj said, "Beware of the plates of tribulation!" "0 Abu Abdullaah!" someone asked, "What are the places of tribulation?" Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - replied, "The doors of the rulers. When any of you enters the door of a ruler, he confirms (as truth) the lies he speaks and praises him for what he is not." (6) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ~ , W j said, "At the doors of the rulers lie tribulations just as certainly as there are camels at the place where camels rest. 1 swear by the Being Who controls my life that as much of their wealth you receive, so much of your Deen will they have in exchange." (7) (1) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vo1.2 Pg.194).

Ibn Abi Shaybah has reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.5 Pg.233). (2) Ibn Sa'd and Abu Ya'la. (3) Bayhaqi and Ibn Najjaar. (4) Firyaabi, Abu Ya'la, Nasr and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.5 Pg.232). (5) Musaddad and Firyaabi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.233). (6) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg. 167).

(7) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.167). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,Em& (Vol-3) The Disappearance and Forgetting of Deeni Knowledge What Rasulullaah Meant when he Stated that Deeni Knowledge will be Lifted Hadhrat Awf bin Maalik Ashja'ee 3,= reports that Rasulullaah @%% looked to the sky one day and said, "(There shall come) A time when Deeni knowledge will be lifted (off the surface of the earth)." A man from the Ansaar called Labeed W@3 asked, "0 Rasulullaah @&! How will this knowledge be lifted when it is recorded in script and safeguarded in people's hearts?" Rasulullaah @@ remarked, "I was of the opinion that you were one of the most perceptive people in Madinah." Rasulullaah &?$$ then proceeded to explain how the Jew and the Christians deviated from the path even though Allaah's scripture was with them. The narrator says that when he met Hadhrat Shaddaad bin Aws BGw and narrated the ~ a d i t 6 of Hadhrat Awf ?&3W> to him, he said, "Awf 9 G W j has spoken the truth. Shall I not inform you about the first thing to be lifted?" When the narrator begged to be informed, Hadhrat Shaddaad 9Gw said, "It is devotion. It will be s o completely removed that you will not find a single person with any devotion." (I) An'other narration adds that a person by the name of Ziyaad bin Labeed who was from the Ansaar asked, "0 Rasulullaah m!

How will it be lifted from us when we have theBookof Allaah with us, which we teach to our wives and children?"(2) Yet another narration states that Hadhrat Shaddaad - asked, "Do you know what is meant by knowledge being lifted?" When the narrator submitted that he did not know, Hadhrat Shaddaad %i%3W4 said, "It refers to the leaving of the containers of knowledge (the Ulema). And do you know which knowledge will be the first to be lifted?" When the narrator again submitted that he did not know, Hadhrat Shaddaad - said, "It is devotion. It will be so completely removed that you will not find a single person with any devotion." (3) A similar narration from Hadhrat Abu Dardaa BG4!& states that Rasulullaah said, "Of what benefit was the Torah and the Injeel that were with the Jews and the Christians?" (4) A narration from Hadhrat Wahshi wj mentions that Rasulullaah &%% said, "They (the Jews and Christians) did not pay any attention to it (their scriptures)." (5) Yet another narration from Hadhrat Ibn Labeed quotes Rasulullaah @%$ as saying, 'They however did not benefit from it (their scriptures) at all." 6) (1) Haakim (Vo1.l Pg.99). Bazzaar and Tabraani have reported a similar narration, as quoted in Majma'uzzawaa W(Vol. I Pg.200). (2) Ibn Abdul Birr in hls Jaami (Vol. 1 Pg. 152).

(3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami (Vol.1 Pg.152). Haakim and Tabraani have reported a similar narration, as quoted in Majmaut ZawaaYd (4) Haakim. (5) Tabraani. (6) Haakim. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABRH @,%%3 (vol-3) 3 13 Statements of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %KZw and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %CW Concerning the Lifting of Knowledge and the Statement Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas @'G@35 made when Hadhrat Zaid B j passed away Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?&w once asked, "Do you know how Islaam will dwindle?" The people replied, "Just as the dye on clothing fades or as an animal loses its fat or as a Dirham deteriorates when it is hidden away for too long." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood S,mj replied, 'That also happens, but the most serious cause will be the death of the Ulema." Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Musayyib says, "I attended the funeral of Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit %%%&2j. After he had been buried, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas %U4% said, "0 you people!

Whoever wishes to know how knowledge leaves us, should know that it is like this that knowledge leaves. I swear by Allaah that a great deal of knowledge has just left us today." (2) Hadhrat Ammaar bin Abu Ammaar says, ' W e n Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit -j passed away, we sat with Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas - in the shade of a building. He said, "It is like this that knowledge leaves. A great deal of knowledge has just been buried today." Another narration states that as he pointed his finger to the grave, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas iiW%BS said, "It is like this that knowledge leaves. When a man passes away who knows something that no one else knows, his knowledge leaves with him." Yet another narration states that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas WZ&j once asked, "Do you know how knowledge will leave? It is by the Ulema leaving the surface of the earth." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood WWj said, "l'strongly believe that it is by committing sins that a man forgets the knowledge he once learnt." (4) Hadhrat Qaasim reports that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood SPWj said, "The problem with knowledge is forgetting." ('1 Propagating one's Knowledge even if One does not practise and Seeking Protection from Knowledge that is not ~eneficial The statement of Hadhrat Hudhayfah !&Cw Concerning Propagating Knowledge Hadhrat Jaabir bin Abdullaah [email protected] narrates that Hadhrat Hudhayfah - (I) Tabraani in his Kabeer, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.202).

(2) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.1 Pg.202) has commented on the chain of narrators. (3) Majma'uzZawaaYd (Vol. 1 Pg.202). (4) Abu Nu'aym in his H$a (Vol. 1 Pg. 131). The narration also appears in Majma'uz Zawaa'id (Vol. l Pg. 199) and Taebeeb wal Tarheeb (Val. l Pg.92). (5) Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted in Jaami'ul Ilm (Vol.1 Pg.108).

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @@@!& (Vol-3) said to them, 'We have been given this knowledge to bear and we therefore pass it on to you even though we do not practise on it." ( I ) C' 91' Y Rasulullaah &$!& Seeks Protection from Knowledge that does not Benefit Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah S!%%B!G narrates that when Rasulullaah &l% made dua, he said, "0 Allaah! I seek Your protection from four things; from knowledge that is not beneficial, from a heart that does not submit, from a soul that is never satiated and from a dua that is not answered." (2) (1) Bayhaqi and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaalpfo1.7 Pg.24). (2) Haakim (Vol.1 Pg.104), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi THE LIVES OF THE S W A H &%@&% (Vol-3) 3 15