. Allaah's punishment for it. Be moderate in seeking your livelihood because

Allaah has assumed responsibility for your sustenance. Every person will complete every action he is destined to carry out, s o seek Allaah's assistance in your actions because He removes and retains whatever (event of destiny) He pleases and the 'Mother of all Books' (the Lowhul Mahfoodh) is with Him."' Hadhrat Umar ?B!3w then concluded his lecture by saying, "May Allaah shower His special mercy on our Nabi Muhammad and on his family. May peace and Ailaah's mercy be on him. Peace be to you all." (2) Rasulullaah Final Sermon Hadhrat Mu'aawiya bin Abu Sufyaan @,Ew reports that (during his final illness,) Rasulullaah @% instructed the Sahabah @Ew saying, "Pour over me seven water bags of waters drawn from several wells so that I may go to the people and advise them." Consequently, with a bandage tied to his head, Rasulullaah k5@ managed to leave his room and mounted the pulpit. After duly praising Allaah, Rasulullaah @?@ said, "A servant from amongst AIIaahls servants has , been asked to choose between this world and what is with Allaah and he has chosen that which is with Allaah." None of the Sahabah B W besides Hadhrat Abu Bakr 4 - understood this statement. He therefore burst out crying and ( 1 ) Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Haakim and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Jaarni'us Sagheer and Manaawi's commentary, Manaawi (Vol.2 Pg.181) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(2) Ibn Mardway, Bayhaqi in his Shu'abul lmaan and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.8 Pg.207). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,%&% (Vol-3) 43 7 said, "May our parents and our children be sacrificed for you (0 Rasulullaah @$$)!I! Rasulullaah !&%% consoled him, saying, "Take it easy. The best of all my companions and the one who assisted me the most is the son of Abu Quhaafa (Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3Bw). All these doors leading to the Masjid must be closed except for the door of Abu Bakr because I see celestial light emerging from it."(') Hadhrat Ayyoob bin Basheer WSWj narrates that during his illness, Rasulullaah @@ requested for water to be poured over him. The narration then proceeds like the one above, but adds that the first thing Rasulullaah mentioned after praising Allaah was the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud.

Rasulullaah sought ALlaah's forgiveness for them and made dua for them. Thereafter, he said, "0 assembly of Muhaajireen! Whereas your numbers will continue to increase (as more people make Hijrah), the population of the Ansaar will not increase any more than they are today. The Ansaar are my personal trunk with whom I have taken shelter. You should therefore honour the honourable ones amongst them and overlook the sinful ones. 0 people! A servant from amongst Allaah's servants has been asked to choose between this world and what is with Allaah and he has chosen that which is with Allaah." Form all the Sahabah WW;, it was only Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3 , G W who understood this statement and therefore burst out crying.

(2) Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri S,G= narrates, "Rasulullaah @%$ delivered a lecture saying, 'Allaah has asked a servant from amongst His servants to choose between this world and what is with Allaah and he has chosen that which is with Allaah." When Abu Bakr 9Gw burst out crying, we all wondered why he should be weeping over some servant of Allaah that Rasulullaah was speaking about. (What the rest of us did not understand was that) The servant given this choice was none other than Rasulullaah k?!.%% and Hadhrat Abu Bakr WWj knew this well. Rasulullaah @@ then said, "The person who did me the most favours through his friendship and wealth is Abu Bakr. If I were to choose a bosom friend other than my Rabb, I would have chosen Abu Bakr %SWj. He is nonetheless my close companion in Islaam and in the love for Islaam. Every door leading to the Masjid must be sealed except for the door of Abu Bakr %MW."(3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas W,Gm narrates that during the illness with which he passed away, Rasulullaah @@ came out of his room with his head wrapped in an oily bandage.

With a shawl draped over his shoulders, Rasulullaah @@ sat on the pulpit. The narration then recounts the sermon quoted above together with the advice Rasulullaah &%! gave about the Ansaar. The narration concludes to state that this was the final sermon that Rasulullaah @i$% ever delivered. (4) ( I ) Tabraani in his Awsat. A narration in his Kabeeradds that Rasulullaah @% also made mention of the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud and performed salaah for them, as quoted in Majma'uzZawaa'id (Vo1.9 Pg.42). '\ (2) Bayhaqi, as quoted in A/ ~idaayah wan Nihaayah (Vo1.5 Pg.229).

(3) Ahmad, Bukhaari and Muslim, as quoted in A/ Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vo1.5 Pg.229). (4) Bukhaari, as quoted in A1 Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vo1.5 Pg.230). Ibn Sa'd (Vol.2 Pg.251) has reported a similar narration from Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri 3JWj. 43 8 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH wgk&j' (Vol-3) Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik - who was one of the three men whose repentance was accepted(') relates that Rasulullaah once came out of his room and after duly praising Allah and seeking forgiveness on behalf of the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud, he said, "0 assembly of Muhaajireen! Whereas your numbers will continue to increase (as more people make Hijrah), the populati'on of the ArISaar will not increase any more than they are today. The Ansaar are my personal trunk with whom I have taken shelter. You should therefore honour the honourable ones amongst them and overlook the sinful ones." (') Another similar narration states that this was the last sermon that Rasulullaah ever delivered.

(3) Hadhrat Abu Salmah bin Abdur Rahmaan narrates that he heard from both Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah 4 - and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas SGWj that the last sermon they heard Rasulullaah @@ deliver was when he-said, "Verily the person who guards these five Fardh salaahs in congregation will be the first to pass over the Bridge of Siraat like a flash of lightning. Allaah shall also resurrect him amongst the first group of those who followed (the Deen). In addition to this, for every day and night that he guarded his salaahs, he will have the reward of a thousand martyrs killed in the path of Allaah." (4) The Lecture Rasulullaah @?&! Delivered from Fajr Until Maghrib Hadhrat Abu Zaid Ansaari B,- relates, "Rasulullaah @%$ led us in the Fajr salaah and then delivered a lecture to us until Zuhr. He then dismounted the pulpit and led the Zuhr salaah. Thereafter, he delivered a lecture until Asr, after which he again dismounted to lead the Asr salaah.

He then mounted the pulpit again and delivered a lecture until Maghrib. In these lectures, Rasulullaah @% related to us everything that was still to happen. Those of us who remembered the most (of these lectures) are therefore the most knowledgeable." (5) Rasulullaah m ' s Condition at the Time of delivering a lecture Hadhrat Jaabir - reports that when Rasulullaah @% delivered a lecture, his eyes would redden, his voice would get louder and (when necessary) his anger would be intense as if he were warning an army that the enemy was attacking them that morning or evening. He would then hold up his index and middle finger and say, "My coming and Qiyaamah are like these two (as close as they are)." Rasulullaah &%?.@ would then also add, "The best guidance is that of Muhammad @%, the worst of matters are those that have been fabricated and every Bid'ah is a means of misguidance. The wealth a person leaves behind after his death shall be for his family and the debts and little children he leaves behind (1) When they missed the expedition to Tabook. (2) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.37).

(3) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.37). Haakim (Vo1.4 Pg.78) has reported a similar narration from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. (4) Tabraani in his Awsat. Haythami (Vo1.2 Pg.39) has commented on the chain of narrators. (5) Haakim (Vol.4 Pg.487), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH @,%@% (Vol-3) 43 9 shall be-mine and will be my responsibility." s0 ,Iu,;, The lectures that Rasulullaah &&& s Successor Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq !@GI;u,@j/ delivered His Lecture when he Assumed the Office of Khilaafah Hadhrat Urwa !B5w reports that when Hadhrat Abu Bakr 4W@!g assumed the office of Khilaafah, he delivered a lecture to the people.

After duly praising Allaah, he said, "0 people! I have been placed in charge of your affairs whereas I am not the best amongst you. The Qur'aan has already been revealed and Nabi &$@ has already chalked out his ways. He taught us that the best of intelligence is Taqwa and that the most foolish of all foolishness is to sin. The powerful amongst ygu are weak in my sight until I am able to reclaim the rights he owes (to the weak ones he oppressed) and the weakest is powerful in my sight until I can restore his right (taken by the powerful ones). 0 people! I am a follower and not one to fabricate new practices (in Deen).

Do assist me when I do right and straighten me when I stray. This much I have to say and 1 seek Allaah's pardon for myself and for you." (2) Hadhral Abdullaah bin Ukaym i&!%&Gj narrates that when the Muslims pledged allegiance to Hadhrat Abu Bakr %,Wj, he ascended the pulpit and, sitting a step beneath the step where Rasulullaah @% usuaily sat, he praised Allaah and said, "0 people! You should know that the best of intelligence ..." The Hadith continues like the one above, with the following addition at the end: "Take stock of yourselves before your reckoning takes place (on the Day of Qiyaamah). Whenever a nation forsakes Jihaad in the path of Allaah, Allaah smites them with poverty and whenever immorality prevails in a nation, Allaah afflicts them all with a common calamity. Obey me as long as I obey Allaah and as soon as I disobey Allaah and His Rasool @%I@, you need not obey me any more. This much I have to say and I seek Allaah's pardon for myself and for you." Hadhrat Hasan narrates a narration similar to the one above, but with the addition that Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?&WEi said, "The most foolish of all foolishness is sin.

Take note that to me truthfulness is a great trust and lying is grave treachery." After Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?WW1s statement "I am not the best amongst you", Hadhrat Hasan says, "By Allaah! He was the best of them and none would have contested the fact. However, he made the statement because a true Mu'min always humbles himself." This narration also states that Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~ , @ W added, "I wish that one of you would have relieved me of this responsibility." To this, Hadhrat Hasan comments, "By Allaah! He truly meant this." Hadhrat Abu Bakr Ww then said further, "If you people wish that I fill the (1) ~ b n Sa'd (Vol.1 Pg.376). Bayhaqi has reported a similar narration in his Asmaa was Sifaat (Pg.144), where he states that Muslim has reported the narration. (2) Ibn Sa'd, Mahaamili and others, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.3 Pg.130).

(3) Deenowri, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.3 Pg.135). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @&%&%3 (Vol-3) position for which Allaah used revelation to steer His Nabi m, then you should know that I do not enjoy that privilege. I am but an ordinary human being, so please do watch over me." ('1 Hadhrat Hasan also reports that Hadhrat Abu Bakr wW delivered a lecture saying, "By Allaah! I am not the best of you. I have always disliked this post and have always wished that one of you would relieve me of it. Do you think that I can practice the ways of Rasulullaah @@# precisely as he did with you?

This I am unable to do because Rasulullaah @@# was safeguarded from doing wrong by revelation and while he had an angel with him, I have a Shaytaan who keeps coming to me. You should therefore stay away from me when I am angry so that I harm neither your hide nor your hair. Remember to keep watch over me. When I remain steadfast (on Deen), then assist me but when I stray, then correct me." Hadhrat Hasan says, "By Allaah! This was a sermon the like of which he never delivered again." (2) Another narration states that Hadhrat Abu Bakr - also added, "I am but a human being who does right and makes mistakes as well. When I do right, I want you to praise Allaah and when I err, I want you to correct me." (3) Hadhrat Qais bin Abu Haazirn reports that he was sitting with Rasulullaah m s Khalifah Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?!&3&5 a month after Rasulullaah @%$ passed away.. .

The narration continues until he says that'the people were gathered with the call "As Salaatu Jaarni'ah", after which Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,= mountkd the pulpit, which was a little platform made for him to deliver lectures on. This was the first sermon that Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,- delivered in Islaam (after becoming the Khalifah). After praising Allaah, he said, " 0 people! I had wished' that someone else could relieve me of this post. If you people want to charge me with following the Sunnah of your Nabi @$% (to the fullest), you should know that I do not (fully) have the ability to do s o because Rasulullaah @& was protected fromshaytaanandrevelation from the heavens used to come to him."(4) Already quoted earlier(5) was the following lecture in which Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?BZ4i% said, "0 people! There are people who entered into Islaam willingly and those who entered unwillingly.

However, they are now all in Allaah's protection - and His neighbours. Therefore, if it is possible that Allaah does not find you guilty of wronging anyone in His protection, then make sure that you do so. I also have a Shaytaan with me so when you see me angry, stay away from me so that I may not harm even your hair or your skin. 0 people! Keep watch over the income of your slaves because flesh nourished with Haraam cannot enter Jannah. Hear this well! Inspect me with your eyes and assist me when I do good.

However should I deviate, then do correct me. Obey me as long as I obey Allaah ( I ) Bayhaqi (Vo1.6 Pg.353). (2) Abu Dharr Harawi and Ibn Raahway, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal(Vo1.3 Pg. 126). (3) Abu Dharr Harawi, as quoted in Kanzul Umrnaal (Vol.3 Pg. 136). (4) Ahmad. Haythami (Vo1.5 Pg. 184) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(5) Under the heading "Relinquishing the Post of Khilaafah" and the subheading "The Response of the Sahabah M.WW to Hadhrat Abu Bakr and their Statement Confirming that he was the Best Amongst them". THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @GI%&!& (Vol-3) 44 1 and disobey me if I disobey Allaah. Hadhrat Aasim bin Adi narrates that it was a day after Rasulullaah @& had passed away that Hadhrat Abu Bakr W%W sent a caller to announce that the expedition of Hadhrat Usaamah Wm must proceed. The announcement was, "Behold! Not a single member of Usaamah's army should remain behind in Madinah without proceeding to the military rendezvous at Juruf." Hadhrat Abu Bakr =@!2j then stood up amongst the people to deliver a lecture. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "0 people!

I am a human just like you. I however do not know whether you would expect me to do what only Rasulullaah .@%%'could do. Allaah had selected ~ u h a m m a d @@ from all in the universe and Safeguarded him against all disasters. I am only a follower and not one to start anything new. Therefore, if I remain steadfast (on Deen), you should follow me and if I stray, you must correct me. Rasulullaah @% was taken from this world without any member of the Ummah seeking redress for a lash given unjustly or anything even less than this.

Remember that I have a Shaytaan that comes to me, so when he does, you should keep away from me so that I never harm your hide or hair. You pass through every morning and evening with a lifespan that is hidden from you. Therefore, if you can, you must spend every moment of this life doing good deeds. This you can of course not do without Allaah's help. You should compete with each other in doing good while your lifespan still allows you grace and before it brings all your deeds to an end one day. You must beware not to be like some people who had forgotten their deaths and did all their actions for others.

Exert yourselves! Exert yourselves! Rush! Rush! Hasten to salvation! Hasten to salvation!

(Do this) Because behind you is a speedy hunter, which is very quick. Fear death and take lesson from (the deaths of) your forefathers, children and brothers. Never envy the living for anything other than that for which you would envy the dead." (') Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Abu Maryam says that he was informed that when Hadhrat Abu Bakr %835j became the Khalifah, he mounted the pulpit. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "By Allaah! Had it not been for your affairs being ruined with us in your midst, I would have preferred that this responsibility be placed around the neck of the person I detest the most so that he could have no peace. Remember that the most ill-fortuned people in this world and in the Aakhirah are the kings." When the people looked up and started at him, Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,= said, 'Take it easy!

You people are too hasty. A person never becomes king of a place before Allaah knows the kingdom well and the person spends half his life. Fear and worry then take charge of him and he becomes greedy for what the people have, while ignoring what he has with him. His life then becomes straightened even though he eats the best and wears the best. Eventually when his shadow dwindles and his life is taken, he reaches Allaah's court. Allaah will then take him to task most severely. and is unlikely to forgive him.

Remember that it is the poor ones who will be forgiven! Remember that it is the poor ones who will be (1) Tabari in his Taareekh (Vol.2 Pg.460) THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH &%$&&!&3 (Vol-3) forgiven! Remember that it is the poor ones who will be forgiven!" ('1 Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~,W!$&'s Lecture Concerning Taqwa and Acting for the Aakhirah Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Ukaym reports that Rasulullaah @& once delivered a lecture to them saying, "I emphatically advise you to adopt Taqwa, to praise Allaah as He deserves to be praised, to combine both hope and fear (of Allaah) and that you be persistent in begging from Allaah. Allaah has praised Zakariyya @% and his family when He says: Verily, they would hasten to perform good deeds and prayed to U s in anticipation (of Our mercy) and in fear (of Ourpunishment). They were truly humble before Us.' {Surah Arnbiyaa, verse 90) 0 servants of Allaah, you must know that Allaah has taken your souls as security against the rights you owe Him. He has also taken a pledge from you (to fulfil these rights) and has bought from you this temporary little (world) for what is eternal and much more.

This Book of Allaah that you have is such that its wonders will never cease and its light will never be extinguished. You must therefore believe its words, heed its advices and glean sight from it for the day of complete darkness. You have been created only for worshipping Allaah. The honourable angel scribes (Hr-aaman Kaatibeen) have been appointed over you (to record your actions) and they are aware of the actions you do. 0 servants of Allaah! You must also know that you spend every morning and evening within a fixed lifespan that you have no knowledge of. Therefore, if you are able to be doing deeds that please Allaah when your lifespan comes to an end, you must do so.

You will however be unable to do this without Allaah's help. Compete in good deeds while your lifespans allow you grace and before they eventually terminate, causing you to return to the worst of your actions. There have been people who have sacrificed their lives for others and forgotten about themselves. I want to stop you from being like them. Rush! Rush!

Hasten to salvation! Hasten to salvation! (Do this) Becausebehindyouisa speedy hunter, which is very quick."(2) Hadhrat Abu Bakr %&2!3Wjts Lecture about Taqwa and about taking Lessons from the Past Hadhrat Arnr bin Dinaar reports that Hadhrat Abu Bakr - once said the following in one of his lectures: "My advice to you in your conditions of poverty and hunger is to fear Allaah, to praise Him as He deserves to be praised and to seek His pardon because He is most Forgiving." The rest of the narration is like (1) Ibn Zanjway in his Kitaabul Amwaal, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal(~ol.3 Pg.162). (2) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.35). Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hannaad, Haakim and Bayhaqi have reported similar narrations and Ibn Abi Dunya has also reported a part of it in his Qisarul Amal, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.8 Pg.206). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH (Vol-3) the one above narrated by Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Ukaym.

The following addition has however been reported: "You ought to remember that by being sincere (in everything you do), you will be obeying your Rabb as well as safeguarding what (reward) is yours. You must pay what is due from you during the days that you have been given to make your advance payment (i.e, in this world) and ensure that you also send Nawaafil ahead of you (to the Aakhirah) because you will then collect all the advance payments you had made at a time when you will be in dire need for it. 0 servants of Allaah! You should also ponder about those who lived before you. Where were they yesterday and where are they today? Where are the kings who had erected monuments on earth and had cities built? People have forgotten about them and their feats have also been forgotten.

They are non-entities today and because of their injustice, their dwellings now lie in ruins (after Allaah had destroyed them) while they lie in the darkness of the grave. Do you hear any of them or even a whimper from them? Where are all the friends and brothers that you knew? They have reached the actions they sent ahead and it is either good fortune or ill fortune that has become their lot. Allaah has no family ties with any creation because of which He would give them some good or avert any evil from them. This will happen purely due to obedience to Him and by carrying out His commands.

There is no good in the good that is followed by entry into Jahannam and there is no difficulty in the difficulty that is followed by entry into Jannah. This much IhavetosayandIseek Allaah's pardon for myself and for all of you."(') Hadhrat Nu'aym bin Namha narrates that a lecture of Hadhrat Abu Bakr %Gw included the following: "Do you not know that you spend mornings and evenings within the confines of your lifespans ..." The narration then continues like the narration of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Ukaym, but with the addition: "There is no good in the speech that is not said with the intention of pleasing Allaah, there is no good in the wealth that is not spent in the path of Allaah, there is no good in the person whose foolishness dominates his forbearance and there is no good in the person who fears the condemnation of a critic when carrying out a command of Allaah." The Narration of Tabari Concerning Hadhrat Abu Bakr aP&&j's Lecture about Taqwa and about taking Lessons from the Past Hadhrat Aasim bin Adi reports a lecture that Hadhrat Abu Bakr ~ G m delivered. While the first part is like the one already narrated, this narration states that Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3Gw stood up again and after praising Allaah yet again, he said, "Verily Allaah accepts only those actions done solely to please Him, s o ensure that your intention for all your actions is solely for Him. You must (1) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.35). (2) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.36). Tabraani has reported a similar narration, as quoted in the Tafseerof Ibn Katheer (Vo1.2 Pg.342) with more detail on the narrators.

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH $%&&&~ (Vol-3) know that every act that you do sincerely for Allaah represents an act of obedience, a sin that you have been saved from, an instalment that you have paid (towards the Aakhirah) and an advance payment that you send ahead from these transitory days to others that are eternal. It will therefore be there for the time when you will be most in need of it. 0 servants of Allaah! Take lessons from those who have died from amongst you and think about those who had lived before you. Where were they yesterday and where are they today? Where are all the 'tyrants? Where are those who were famous in battle, in conquests and whenever wars raged?

Time has humbled them, their bones have decayed and people have stopped talkirtg about them. Remember that indecent women are for indecent men and indecent men are for indecent women. Where are the kings who had erected monuments on earth and had cities built? They are far away, have been forgotten about and are non-entities today. Listen well! While their passions have long been cut off and they have passed on, their sins will still remain theirs but their worldly possessions have gone to others.

We have been left as their successors and we will be saved only if we take lesson from them. However, if we allow ourselves to be deceived, we will be just like them. Where are all the handsome and attractive people who were so enamoured by their youth? They have become dust and now regret their overindulgence. Where are those who erected cities, fortified them with high walls and built spectacuIar wonders? They had left it all behind for their successors.

So there are their dweHings standing in ruins while they are in tlte darkness of their graves. Do you hear any of them or even a whimper from them? Where are aU the children and brothers that you knew? Their prescribed terms caught up with them so they reached the actions they sent ahead (to the Aakhirah) and have settled there. They now live after death in either a place of ill fortune or a place of good fortune. Listen well!

Allaah has no family ties with any creation because of which He would give them some good or avert any evil from them. This will happen purely due to obedience to Him and by carrying out His commands. Remember that you are servants who will be rewarded and whatever is with Allaah can be attained only by being obedient to Him. There is no good in the good that is followed by entry into Jahannam and there is no difficulty in the difficulty that is followed by entry into Jannah." A Comprehensive Lecture that Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,G&&> Delivered Hadhrat Moosa bin Uqba reports that when he delivered a lecture, Hadhrat Abu Bakr %G= would say, "All praise belongs to Allaah the Rabb of the universe. I praise Him, seek his assistance and ask Him for honour after death because my death and yours have drawn very close. I testify that there is none worthy of worship but the One and Only Allaah and I testify that Muhammad @@ is the servant and Rasul of Allaah.

Allaah sent him with the truth, as a giver of glad (1) Tabari (Vo1.2 Pg.460). /' .- THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @&@@%s (Vol-3) tidings, a Warner and an illuminating lantern. Allaah sent him to warn the living and so that the proof may be established against the Kuffaar. Whoever obeys Allaah and His Rasool @2% has been rightly guided and whoever disobeys them has strayed far off the path. I strongly advise you to adopt Taqwa and to hold fast to Allaah's commands that He has ordained for you and to which He has directed you. The most comprehensive guidance of Islaam after the Kalimaheof sincerity is to listen to and obey the people whom Allaah has appointed to take charge of your affairs (your leaders). The person who obeys the leader who enjoins good and forbids evil shall be successful and has fulfilled his responsibility.

I must also warn you 'against following your desires. Successful is the person who is saved from his whims, from greed and from anger. You must also stay away from pride, for what pride can orie have when one is created from sand and shall be returning to sand where worms shall consume his body? What pride can he have when he is alive today and shall be dead tomorrow? Act from day to day and from hour to hour, save yourselves from the curse of the oppressed one and count yourselves amongst the dead. Persevere, because all actions are achieved through perseverance and be vigilant because vigilance is truly beneficial.

Continue carrying out good deeds because such deeds are accepted, beware of the punishment that Allaah has warned you about and hasten to the mercy that Allaah has promised you. Make an effort to understand and Allaah will make you understand, make an effort to stay away (from wrong) and Allaah will save you from it. Allaah has explained to you what it was that destroyed those before you and what it was that caused others to be rescued. Allaah has also detailed what is Halaal and what is Haraam and which actions He likes and which ones He does not like. Remember that I shall never compromise on what ensures your and my welfare. It is Allaah from Whom we seek assistance because there is no power or might except with Allaah.

Listen well! Whenever you do something sincerely for Allaah, you are obeying Allaah, safeguarding your share (of rewards in the Aakhirah) and becoming the envy of others. The deeds you carry out apart from the Faraa'idh, you will be sending ahead of you (to the Aakhirah) as Nawaafil and there you will receive back in full every advance payment you made and given your reward at a time when you will be most in need of it. 0 servants of Allaah! You must also think about your friends and brothers who have passed on. They have reached the actions they sent ahead and there that they shall abide. After their deaths, they have now settled either in a place of good fortune or one of ill fortune.

Allaah has no partner and no family ties with any creation because of which He would give them some good or avert any evil from them. This will happen purely due to obedience to Him and by carrying out His commands. There is no good in the good that is followed by entry into Jahannam and there is no difficulty in the difficulty that is followed by entry into Jannah. This much I have to say and I seek Allaah's pardon for myself and for all THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @g%5 (Vol-3) of you. Send salutations to your Nabi w. May peace be on him as well as Allaah's mercy and blessings." (I) The lecture Hadhrat Abu Bakr W,EW delivered About the condition in the Aakhirah of the person who Was Ungratehl for the Bounties of Allaah Hadhrat Yazeed bin Haaroon reports that Hadhrat Abu Bakr @,G$% once delivered a lecture saying, "(On the Day of Qiyaamah) A person will be brought forward upon whom Allaah had showered His bounties.

Allaah had given him plenty of sustenance and a healthy body, yet he was ungrateful for these bounties (and did not thank Allaah by being obedient to Allaah). He will be made to stand before Allaah aid asked, "What have you done for this day? What deeds have you sent ahead for yourself?" Finding that he had not carried out any good deed, he will weep so much that all his tears would be exhausted. He will then be taunted and humiliated so much for not obeying Allaah that he will start to cry tears of blood. Thereafter, he will again be taunted and humiliated so much that he will (start biting his nails and eventually) eat his hands up to the elbows. Then too, he will be further taunted and humiliated so much for not obeying Allaah that he will scream and cry so much that his eyeballs will (pop out and) fall to his cheeks.

Each eye will then be three miles long and three miles wide. Yet again he will be taunted and humiliated so much that he will cry, 'O'my Rabb! Send me to Jahannam and relieve me of standing here.' It is about this that Allaah says: (,rqT:q+ i ~ p ) (@ 'Whoever opposes Allaah and His Rasool@& shall have the fire of Jahannam (as his punishment), where he shall live forever? That is the extreme humiliation."' {Surah Taubah, verse 6 3 1 ( ~ ) Various lectures that Hadhrat Abu Bakr !&J@&$+j delivered Hadhrat Muhammad bin Ibraheem bin Haarith narrates that Hadhrat Abu Bakr %%@Ej once delivered a lecture to the people saying, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life that if you have Taqwa and do good deeds, it will -not be long before the time arrives when you will eat bread and butter to your fill." (3) Hadhrat Zubayr - narrates that Hadhrat Abu Bakr once delivered a lecture saying, "0 people! Have shame before Allaah 3,@33G. I swear by the Being Who controls my life that out of shame before my Rabb 3@3G I always have a cloth covering my head whenever I go out to relieve myself." (4) (1) Ibn Abi Dunya in his Kitaabul Hadhr and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Umrnaal(Vo1.8 Pg.206).

(2) Abu Sheikh, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal(Vol. 1 Pg.246). (3) Ibn Abi Dunya and Deenowri, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal(Vo1.8 Pg.206). (4) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.34). Ibn Mubaarak, Rustah, Ibn Abi Shaybah and Kharaa'iti have reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal(Vo1.8 Pg.306). THE LIVES OF THE S M B A H @,%$&@& (Vol-3) 44 7 Hadhrat Ibn Shihaab reports that during one of his sermons, Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq 9EWj said, "Have shame before Allaah 3,Gj$c. I swear by Allaah that out of shame before my Rabb, since the day I pledged allegiance to Rasulullaah @%, I have always had a cloth covering my head whenever I go out to relieve myself." ~ a d h r a t Abu Bakr ?&lGWj once stood on the pulpit and started to weep, saying, "It was during the first year that Rasulullaah @@ stood on the pulpit and started to weep.

He then said, 'Ask Allaah for forgiveness and well-being because well-being is the best thing that a person can be granted after con~iction."'(~) Hadhrat Aws ?$%%Mj narrates that Hadhrat Abu Bakr !31Ew once delivered a sermon saying, "It was during the first year that Rasulullaah %%% stood where I am standing and said, 'Ask Allaah for forgiveness and wellibeing because well-being is the best thing that a person can be granted after conviction. You must also ensure that you adhere to speaking the truth because it is coupled with righteousness and the two will lead to Jannah. You must also ensure that you refrain from lying because it is coupled with sinfulness and the two will lead to Jahannam. Never foster jealousy between you, never have hatred for each other, never sever family ties and never turn your backs to each other. 0 servants of Allaah! You must rather be brothers as Allaah has commanded you."'(3) Hadhrat Abu Bakr bin Muhammad bin Amr bin Hazm reports that Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq once delivered a lecture to them saying, "Rasulullaah @?@ once told us to seek Allaah's protection from hypocritical humility. When the Sahabah @,Gw asked what hypocritical humility was, Rasulullaah %@ explained that it occurred when the body appeared to be humble but there lurked hypocrisy in the heart." (4) Hadhrat Abul Aaliya narrates'that Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?3W&4 once delivered a lecture to them saying, "Rasulullaah @@ once said, "The traveller will perform two Rakaahs salaah while the resident will perform four.

While Makkah is my place of birth, Madinah is my place of migration. Therefore, when I leave for Makkah from Dhul Hulayfah, I shall perform two Rakaahs salaah until I return (to Madinah)." (5) Hadhrat Abu Dhamra narrates that in one of his lectures to the people, Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3Gw praised Allaah and then said, "You people will soon be conquering Shaam. You will then arrive in a fertile land where you shall fill yourselves with bread and olive oil. Masaajid will also be built for you there. You should therefore never let Allaah know that you go to these Masaajid only in vanity because they are built expressly for Allaah's remembrance." 6) Hadhrat Anas ?&lGw reports, "When Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?&l, W delivered lectures to us, he would mention how man is created. He would say, When he is born, (1) Ibn Hibbaan in his Rowdhatul Uqalaa, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal(Vol.5 Pg.124).

(2) Tirmidhi and Nasa'ee, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.5 Pg.233). (3) Ahmad, Nasa'ee, Ibn Hibbaan and Haakim, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.291). (4) Hakeem, Askari and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Umrnaal(Vol.4 Pg.229). (5) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilyaand Ibn Jareer, as quoted in Kanzul Umrnaal(Vo1.4 Pg.239). (6) Ahmad in his Zuhd, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal(Vol.4 Pg.259). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @&%> (Vol-3) man has to twice pass through the urinary passage.' He would make this point clear until each of us would regard himself as being impure (thereby expelling pride from our hearts)." In the chapter discussing Jihaad, the lectures of Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3,- have already passed in which he encourages the Muslims to fight the Murtaddeen, to fight in Jihaad and to march against the Romans.

His lecture to the Muslims before they marched to Shaam has also been reported there. His lectures have also been quoted in the chapter discussing the importance that the Sahabah iBEa gave to unity. Here, his lecture warning against conflict has been quoted, as well as his lecture confirming the demise of Rasulullaah @@$ and concerning holding fast to Deen. Also quoted is his lecture about Khilaafah being for the Quraysh, his lecture in which he excused himself from being the Khalifah, his lecture about refusing to pledge allegiance and his lecture about the qualities of a Khalifah. The chapter discussing enjoining good and forbidding evil also quotes his lecture that explains the meaning of the verse: He who has strayed (from the truth) cannot harm you when (as long as) you are rightly guided (obeying Allaah4 commands). {Surah Maa'idah, verse 105) The Lectures of Ameerul Mu'mineen Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab !&$2&QQ2 His lecture after Burying Hadhrat Abu Bakr @Gm Hadhrat Humayd bin Hilaal reports from someone who was present for the burial of Hadhrat Abu Bakr !&J3W?j that after Hadhrat Umar - had finished with the burial, he dusted off the sand from his hands. Standing where he was, he then delivered a lecture saying, "Allaah is testing you with me and me with you (by making me your leader) and has kept me alive after mytwo companions (Rasulullaah @I% and Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?%SiAG).

By Allaah! It will never be that any of your matters are presented before me (to be settled) and is then done by anyone other than myself. It will also never happen that something happens in my absence and I am then negligent in settling it with integrity. When people behave well, I shall be good to them, but when they do evil, I shall punish them." The man reporting the narration says, "By Allaah! This was exactly what Hadhrat Umar %Wj did until the day he departed from this world." (2) His Lecture the day he became the Khalifah Hadhrat Sha'bi narrates that when Hadhrat Umar WG became the Khalifah, he ascended the pulpit and said, "Allaah should never see me considering myself (1) Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.8 Pg.205). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.275).

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @g$@@> (Vol-3) worthy of sitting where Abu Bakr W$&!2j sat." He then climbed a step lower and after duly praising Allaah, he said, "Recite the Qur'aan and you will be noted for it. Practise its teachings and you will be amongst its bearers. Weigh yourselves before you are weighed and beautify yourselves (with good deeds) for the great presentation on the day you will be presented before Allaah and nothing of yours will be hidden from Him. Remember that no one has such a right over you that compels you to obey him while disobeying Allaah. Take note that in respect of the wealth of Allaah (public funds), I regard myself to be like the guardian of an orphan. I shall therefore stay away from it if I have sufficient means and will use it within reason if I am ever in need of it." ('1 Another narration states that Hadhrat Umar B , G W said the following in his sermon: ''Take reckoning of yourselves before your reckoning is taken (on the Day of Qiyaamah), because it (the reckoning you take of yourself) is easier.

Weigh yourselves before you are weighed for the great presentation on the day you will be presented before Allaah and nothing of yours will be hidden from Him." (2) The Lecture Hadhrat Umar S,Ew gave About how he Knew the Conditions of People and about other Matters Hadhrat Abul Firaas reports that Hadhrat Umar ~ , U W once delivered a lecture saying; "0 people! We knew you people well when Rasulullaah 6% was in our midst because it was a time when revelation descended and Allaah used to inform us about your condition. Take note however that Rasulullaah @& has left and revelation has ceased. Therefore, we now get to know you only in the manner we shall be stating to you: Whoever displays good behaviour, we shall think good of him and love him for the good. On the other hand, whoever displays evil behaviour, we shall think negatively of him and dislike him for his evil ways. Your secret affairs lie between you and your Rabb (and only He can judge you by them).

There was a time when I was certain that whoever recited the Qur'aan did so to please Allaah and to attain what (reward) is with Him. However, I have since come to realise that lately some people recite the Qur'aan to attain that which is with the people. You must therefore aspire to please only Allaah when reciting the Qur'aan and when carrying out any good deeds. Take note also that I do not dispatch my governors to you to beat you or to take away your wealth. I am sending them only to educate you in your Deen and in the Sunnah practices. Whoever receives treatment other than this, should take the matter up with me and I swear by the Being Who controls my life that reparation shall be done.

You must never hit Muslims because this will humiliate them and never prevent them from returning home after their shifts in guarding the state borders because this will cast them into difficulty. You should also not deny them (1) Deenowri, as quoted in Kanzul UmmaaJ (Vo1.8 Pg.210). Fadhaa'ili has reported a similar narration, as quoted in Riyaadhun Nudhrah (Vo1.2 Pg.89). (2) Ibn Mubaarak, Sa'eed bin Mansoor, Ahmad in his Zuhd, Ibn Abi Shaybah and others, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.8 Pg.208). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH ~gixO&3 (VOI-3) their rights because this would lead them to show ingratitude. Do not make them set up camp in a dense forest because this would lead to their destruction (when they fall prey to the enemy taking advantage of the ample cover)." Hadhrat Umar $&GW Delivers a Lecture Preventing people from Making Dowries Expensive and from openly stating who is a Martyr Hadhrat Ibnul Ajfaa reports that Hadhrat Umar BGGG once said the following in his lecture: "Take note that you should not inflate the dowries of your women because had .this been an act of honour in this world and an act of Taqwa in Allaah's sight, Nabi @@ would have been most entitled to it.

However, Rasulullaah never gave any of his wives a dowry of more than twelve Awqiya and did not receive more than this as dowry for any of his daughters either. What is happening is that some of you inflate the dowry so much that the husband (when unable to pay) fosters hatred for her in his heart, saying, 'It is because of you that I have been burdened with a water-bag hung around my neck.' Another aspect I wish to discuss is that when someone is killed in your battles, you say that he has been killed as a martyr or has died as a martyr. However, it is very possible that in the interests of conducting trade, he has stored away some gold or silver at the back of his animal or in his carriage. You should therefore not make such bold statements but rather say what Rasulullaah &%% used to say; 'Whoever is killed or dies in the path of Allaah shall be in ~ a n n a h . ' ~ ( ~ ) Hadhrat Masrooq narrates that Hadhrat Umar 3lS% once mounted the pulpit and said, "0 people! What is this inflation of dowries for your women when the dowries common amongst Rasulullaah @& and his Sahabah i43G&S were in the region of four hundred Dirhams and less.

Had inflated dowries been a sign of Taqwa in Allaah's sight or a mark of honour, you people would have never beaten Rasulullaah @@ and his Sahabah @Gi.,s to it (they would have been first to implement it)." (3) Some versions of this lecture have already been quoted in the chapter discussing marriage. The Lecture of Hadhrat Umar ~ , @ & $ Prohibiting - Discussions on Predestination Hadhrat Umar 3Ew was in Jaabiya when he delivered a lecture. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "There can be none to mislead the one whom Allaah guides and none can guide the one whom Allaah misleads." A priest who was in front of Hadhrat Umar Ww then said something in Persian. When Hadhrat (1) Ahmad, Ibn Sa'd, Musaddad, Ibn Khuzaymah, Haakim, Bayhaqi and others, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.8 Pg.209). Haythami (Vo1.5 Pg.211) has commented on the chain of narrators. Haakim (Vo1.4 Pg.439) states that the report is from reliable sources and this is confirmed by Dhahabi.

(2) Abdur Razzaaq, Tayaalisi, Ahmad, Daarmi, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, Nasa'ee, Ibn Maajah and others. (3) Sa'eed bin Mansoor and Abu Ya'la, as quoted in Kanzul LJmmaal(Vo1.8 Pg.258). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,@&& (Vol-3) 45 1 Umar ",' "A. " &Ljmj asked a translator to translate what he had said, the translator said, "He is of the opinion that Allaah does not mislead anyone." "You are wrong, 0 enemy of Allaah!" Hadhrat Umar W,G@!G+ exclaimed, "It was Allaah Who created you, Who misled you and will enter you into Jahannam if He s o pleases. Had you not entered into a treaty (with the Muslims), I would have had you executed." Hadhrat Umar B%Wj then said, "When Allaah created Hadhrat Aadam @I%, He spread out his progeny. Allaah then recorded who the people of Jannah shall be and the actions they will carry out.

Thereafter, Allaah also recorded who the people of Jahannam shall be and the actions they will carry out and said, 'These are for this Uannah) and those for that (Jahannam).' The people then dispersed (on earth) and now they dispute about predestination." Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Abzah narrates th-at when someone reported to Hadhrat Umar Ww that some people were disputing about predestination, he stood up to deliver a lecture saying, "0 people! The nations before you were destroyed when they disputed about predestination. I swear by the Being Who controls Umar's life that if I have to hear about any two persons disputing about predestination, I shall have them both executed." The people then stopped disputing about predestination and no one discussed the matter until a group in Shaam started to dispute about it during the time of Hajjaaj." His' Lecture at Jaabiya Hadhrat Baahili narrates that when he arrived in Shaam, Hadhrat Umar %Gw stood up to deliver a lecture in Jaabiya. He said, "Learn the Qur'aan and will be noted for it. Practise its teachings and you will be amongst its bearers. Remember that no person who has a right over you has reached such a status that compels you to obey him while disobeying Allaah.

You should also take note that speaking the truth and advising a senior can never draw your death any closer nor distance any of your sustenance. Remember that there is a barrier between a servant and his sustenance. If he is patient, his sustenance will come to him but if he charges towards it (not caring whether he is earning Halaal or Haraam), he will rupture the barrier and find nothing more than his sustenance (that has been predestined for him). Train your horses, practise archery, use the Miswaak, live lives of simplicity and avoid the behaviour of the non-Arabs. Avoid the company of tyrants, never allow a cross to be raised in your midst and never sit at a table where wine is served. You must also not enter public baths without a lower garment and never permit your women to enter them because none of this is permissible.

After entering the lands of the non-Arabs and entering into a pact with them, avoid earning your living in any manner that will prevent you from returning to your land because you will soon be required to return. Avoid bringing humiliation to yourselves and ensure that you stay with Arab animals and that (1) Abu Dawood in his Kitaabul Qadariyyah, Ibn Jareer, Ibn Abi Haatirn and others. (2) Laalkaa'ee, Ibn Asaakir and others, as quoted in Kanzd Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.86). THE LIVES OF THE sAHA&W @,@&kk (Vol-3) you take them wherever you go. Remember that wine can be made from three substances; from raisins, honey and dates. When any of these ferments (and becomes intoxicating), they are regarded a$ wine and are not permissible.

You must also take note that there are three types of person whom Allaah shall not purify, shall not even look at (with mercy) and will not allow to be brought close to Him. They shall be inflicted with a painful punishment. (The first is) The person who pledges allegiance to his leader solely for worldly gain. He is therefore loyal to the pledge only if he receives some worldly benefit, otherwise not. (The second is) The person who leaves with his merchandise after the Asr salaah and (falsely) swears in the name of Allaah that he purchased it at a certain price (which he did not). Because of this oath, he then manages to sell the goods.

(The third is a person who owns a watering place in a parched land and refuses water to travellers(')). Verbally abusing a Muslim is a grave sin and physically abusing him leads to kufr. It is also not permissible to sever relations with your (Muslim) brother for more than three days. Furthermore, the person who approaches a sorcerer, a fortune-teller or an astrologer and then believes what they say has disbelieved what has been revealed to Muhammad @@."(') A most Comprehensive Lecture that Hadhrat Umar ~ , % W Delivered at Jaabiya Hadhrat Moosa bin Uqba reports that the following is the lecture thz: Hadhrat Umar 4 ? & j delivered at Jaabiya: "After praising Allaah and sending salutations to Rasulullaah m, I wish to advise you to fear that Allaah Who shall remain alive forever while everything else shall perish. It is by obedience to Him that His friends are honoured and it is by fisobeying Him that His enemies wander astray. None has any excuse for carrying out a misdeed that he regards as an act of virtue just as there is no excuse for the person who does not carry out an act of virtue, thinking it to be a misdeed.

The matters that most need the attention of a ruler are those duties that his subjects owe to Allaah. These are the responsibilities of Deen that Allaah has guided them to carry out. Our duty (as rulers) is only to instruct you to do those acts of obedience that Allaah has commanded you to do and to forbid you from carrying out those acts of disobedience that Allaah has forbidden you from. Furthermore, we need to establish the commands of Allaah $)Zj$F amongst those of you who are nearby and those far off without a concern for those who wish to bend the truth. I am aware of the fact that there are many people who entertain hopes in their Deen, saying that they will perform salaah with those who perform salaah, that they will strive in Jihaad with the Mujaahideen and adopt the prestige of making Hijrah. They however do this without fulfilling the rights of these acts.

Remember that Imaan is not achieved by mere superficial dressing. There are times for salaah that Allaah has specified and they will not be correct at any other times. (1) Targheeb wat Tarheeb, narrated by Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah 52lSE+j. (2) Adani, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.8 Pg.207). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,w!&3 (~01-3) 45 3 The time for the Fajr salaah is when night draws to an end and food and drink become Haraam for the fasting person. Give this salaah its due share of the Qur'aan (recite lengthy portions of the Qur'aan during this salaah).

The time for the Zuhr salaah starts when the heat is intense and the sun crosses the meridian. It then Iasts until your shadow equals your height. This is usually the time when a person takes his siesta. In winter however, it should be performed when the sun shines on your right eyebrow after crossing the meridian (i.e, wait a while even after it crosses). The salaah should be performed with all the necessay conditions that Allaah has stipulated in the wudu, the Ruku and the Sajdah. These have been ordained so that one does not sleep through the salaah (is not unaware and oblivious of what he is doing).

The time for the Asr salaah is while the sun is still bright and clear and before it starts to turn yellow. It is equal to the time in which a person rides a slow camel for two Farsakh (six miles) before the sun sets. Now the time for the Maghrib salaah starts when the sun sets and the fasting person terminates his fast and the time for the lsha salaah starts when the night becomes completely dark. This is between the time that the redness in the sky disappears and a third of the night passes. May Allaah never awaken the person who sleeps before that (without performing his salaah). These are the times of the salaahs, as Allaah says: * J t; *' (,.rwi:sl.d ii),A) (@ kw I '+GI ,, & Lg i&l :I) .

' Indeed salaah has been made obligatory for the Mu'mineen at fixed hours (and can therefore not bepostponed). {Surah Nisaa, verse 103) There are people who claim that they have migrated when they have actually not done so because the true Muhaajir is he who migrates away from sin. Then there are those who claim that they have waged Jihaad whereas true Jihaad in the path of Allaah is fighting the enemy and refraining from Haraam. There have also been people who fight well in battle but in doing so they have no intention of attaining rewards nor do they remember (pleasing) Allaah. Being killed is merely one of the many means of death and every slain person will be judged according to the reasons for which he was killed (he will therefore be regarded as a martyr only if he was killed while attempting to uplift the Deen of Allaah). There are those who fight because they are naturally courageous and who therefore come to the rescue of those they know and those they do not know. Then there are those who are naturally s o cowardly that they will surrender their own parents to the enemy whereas even a dog will bark in defence of its family.

Remember that fasting is an extremely sacred act and causing any harm to the Muslims should also be avoided while fastirrgjttst as-, drinking and sensual pleasures are forbidden. This is a complete fast. Remember also that the zakaah that Rasulullaah k$% has made Fardh (by the instruction of Allaah) should be paid with a happy heart and must never be regarded as a favour to the recipient. Understand the advices you are given because the ransacked person is one whose Deen is ransacked. The fortunate person is he who learns from the THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @@!&@> (Vo1-3) experiences of others while the unfortunate one has been decreed as such since the time he was in his mother's womb. The worst of things are those that have been fabricated.

Remember that moderation in practising the Sunnah is better than exerting oneself in practising ~id'ah. Indeed, people have a natural dislike for their rulers, so I seek Allaah's protection from Him finding me or you with malice ingrained within us. I also seek Allaah's protection from Him finding us following our whims and giving preference to this world (over the Aakhirah). 1 fear that you should incline to the ways of those who oppress themselves, s o you should never content yourselves to be with those who have been granted wealth. Hold fast to this Qur'aan because it is filled with light and healing powers, whereas everything else is filled only with misfortune. I have fulfilled my responsibilities to your affairs that Allaah $,l%$G has made me responsible for and I have advised you in your best interests. We have fixed your allowances (from the state treasury), prepared your armed forces, stipulated the places where you will be engaging in military operations and specified the locations of your military camps.

We have even been very accommodating in the shares of the booty you receive from the battles you fight. You therefore have no objections to present before Allaah. In fact, objections can well be brought against you. I have had my say and seek Allaah's forgiveness for myself and for you all." (') Another narration states that Hadhrat Umar k= appointed Hadhrat Ali W'M as his deputy and then left Madinah by horseback so that he could travel faster. When he reached Jaabiya, he dismounted and delivered an eloquent lecture there. Amongst the things he said was the following: "0 people!

Ensure that your private lives are in order and your public lives will automatically follow suit. Work for your Aakhirah and your matters in this world will be seen to (by Allaah). Remember that no man has a living father between himself and Aadam %&$ who can be of assistance to him at the time of death, neither has he any pact with Allaah (that will ensure his salvation). The person who wished to have the path to Jannah made apparent to him should stick with the greater body of united Muslims because Shaytaan always preys on the lonesome individual and stays far from two united persons. None of you should ever be alone with a (non-Mahram) woman because Shaytaan will be the third person with them (encouraging them to sin). The true Mu'min is he whose good deeds please him and whose sins bother him." The narrator states that this was Hadhrat Umar @Gw's lecture that he has condensed into a few words.

(2) Hadhrat Umar %%$&$'s Lecture at Jaabiya which he Quoted from Rasulullaah @@ Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar W3!4@j reports that in his lecture to the people at Jaabiya, Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab W'w said, "Just as I am standing before (1) Kanzul Umrnaal (Vol.8 Pg.2 10). (2) A/ Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vo1.7 Pg.56). THE LIVES OF THE S M A H @%@@3 (Vol-3) you here, Rasulullaah @@ once stood up to address us saying, 'Accept this advice to treat my Sahabah @Gw well as well as those to come after them and then those after them. Thereafter a time will come when lying will be ko widespread that a person will be prepared to offer testimony before being even asked to do so. Whoever wishes to attain to the very heart of Jannah must stick with the greater body of united Muslims because Shaytaan always preys on the lonesome individual while staying far from two united persons. None of you should ever be alone with a (non-Mahram) woman because Shaytaan will be the third person with them.

The person whose good deeds please him and whose sins bother him is a true Mu'min." ('I Hadhrat Suwayd bin Ghafala narrates that in an address to the people at Jaabiya, Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab WiUr= said, "Rasulullaah &%% forbade (men from the) wearing of silken garments unless it be (an insignificant quantity such as) the equivalent of three or four fingers." Hadhrat Umar WGWj then indicated with his hand to elucidate. (2) Hadhrat Umar W,Ewj's Lecture at Jaabiya when he Intended to Return when the Plague Broke out In his report detailing Hadhrat Umar BBw's arrival (in Shaam) after the outbreak of the plague in Amwaas at the end of the year 17 A.H., Hadhrat Sayf reports that it was just before his departure back to Madinah that Hadhrat Umar ?iill%Wj addressed the people in the month of Dhul Hijjah. After duly praising Allaah, Hadhrat Umar BGhW4 said, "Listen well! I have been entrusted to your affairs and have fulfilled my responsibilities towards your affairs as commanded by Allaah. By the will of Allaah, we have exercised justice between you as far as your shares of the booty are concerned and as far as your military camps and sites of battle are concerned. We have conveyed to you everything y ~ u are entitled to, amassed armed 'forces for you, demarcated your borders, built towns for you and generously given you your shares of the booty and everything you fought for in Shaam.

We have also allotted your rations, allowances and shares of the booty. If anyone knows of anything worth doing, he should inform us accordingly and we shall Inshaa Allaah cdmply. There is no strength (to do good) except with Allaah." (3) Two Lectures that Hadhrat Umar B G G m Delivered when he Became Khalifah and his Explanation of the Rights his Subjects have over Him Hadhrat Urwa bin Zubayr ~&G$&j and others have reported after duly praising Allaah, Hadhrat Umar 5W&$ reminded the people about (the greatness of) Allaah 3,Gjgg and about the Day of Qiyaamah. Thereafter, he said, "0 people! I (1.) Ahmad (Vol.1 Pg.18). (2) Ahmad (Vol. l Pg.51).

(3) Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol. 7 Pg.79). 45 6 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,@&&5 (Vol-3) have been appointed over you and I would have never accepted the post had it not been for the hope that I may develop into one who is the best for you, the strongest for you and the most powerful for you when tackling matters of importance to you. Merely waiting for reckoning concerning my administration of your rights is enough to worry and depress Umar because it will be judged how I took up the matters, how I handled them and how I have been treating you. It is from my Rabb that I seek assistance because Umar has neither any strength nor strategy if the mercy, assistance and help of Allaah $,@$\r' was not there for him." ( I ) Another narration states that Hadhrat Umar 3,= said the following in his lecture: "Allaah $,@$C has appointed me to be in charge of your affairs. Although I know what is most beneficial for you from all that which is before you, I still seek Allaah's help in making the decision. I beseech Allaah to watch over me when doing this just as He watches over me at other times. I also ask Him to inspire me to exercise justice when distributing things amongst you as He has commanded me to do.

I am merely an average Muslim and a weak servant unless Allaah comes to my aid. The post of Khilaafah that I have been entrusted with will not alter my character in any way, Inshaa Allaah (because I understand well that) all grandeur belongs to Allaah $,Gj$C and His servants have no stake to it. None of you should therefgre say that Umar has changed since becoming the , Khalifah. I know what truly lies within me and I will come forward to inform you of it (I will not defend my wrongs). Therefore, any person who has a need, who feels wronged or wants to object about any facet of my character, should come to me (to redress matters) because I am merely a normal person amongst you (and am prone to err). You should adhere to Taqwa in your private and public lives and when dealing with affairs that are sacred and that impact upon your honour.

At the same time, ensure that you fulfil the duties that are binding upon you. None of you should ever goad others into bringing their cases to me (thinking that I will certainly rule in their favour) because no pact exists between me and anyone else (forcing me to rule in his favour). I love you to be on the right and hate to rebuke you. You are a people whose majority reside in Allaah's cities and people living in cities usually have no plantations or milk-giving animals. They therefore have no access to these necessities apart from what Allaah brings to them. Allaah has promised you tremendous honour and I shall be questioned about the trust given to me and about the post I occupy.

Inshaa Allaah, I shall personally tend to matters that are before me without appointing anyone else to do it. However, I cannot tend to matters that are far from me without the assistance of trustworthy persons who are well-wishers to the masses. Inshaa Allaah, I shall never entrust my duties to anyone else apart from such (trustworthy and well-wishing) men." (2) (1) Ibn Jareer Tabari In his Taareekh (Vo1.3 Pg.281). (2) Ibn Jareer Tabari in his Taareekh (Vo1.3 Pg.281). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH mgw (Vo1-3) 45 7 Hadhrat Umar ~ , C W t s Lecture Concerning Wishing well for his Subjects and the Rights they have over him After praising Allaah and sending salutations to Rasulullaah w, Hadhrat Umar 3.Gh32 once said the following in his lecture, "0 people! Some instances of greed lead to poverty and some instances of losing hope lead to independence.

You people stockpile food that you will never eat and entertain hopes that you will never reach whereas in this place of deception you have been granted respite (to live only until the time of your death). During the time of Rasulullaah w, you were apprehended by means of revelation. Therefore whoever hid something (evil) was apprehended for what he hid and whoever made something public was apprehended for that. (However nowadays) You must make public your best behaviour because only Allaah knows what is in your heart. Whoever makes something (evil) apparent to us and then claims that what is in his heart is good, we shall not believe him. We shall therefore have a good opinion of only those people whose public behaviour is good (and not of those whose public behaviour is evil).

Remember that in so many cases, the miserliness coupled with greed is asign of hypocrisy, so make sure that you spend generously (in Sadaqah). (Allaah says:) Spend (in charity for AffaahS pleasure) for this is best for you. Those who are protected (by Aifaah) from the miserliness (and accompanying greea) of their souls are indeed the successful ones. {Surah Taghaabun, verse 16) 0 people! Make your places of eternal residence good, reconcile matters between yourselves, fear Allaah your Rabb and never allow your women to wear the fine white Egyptian cloth because since it does not conceal well, it reveals the features of the body. 0 people! I wish that I attain salvation without any sin against me nor any rewards in my favour. I also hope that, Inshaa Allaah, I am always able to exercise what is right, whether I live for a long while or for a short period amongst you.

I also hope that every Muslim receives the wealth due to him from Allaah's riches, even though he may be sitting in his house, without him having to do anything or even tiring himself for a single day. Ensure that you set right the wealth that Allaah has blessed you with (by ensuring that you earn only what is Halaal). Remember that a little done with gentleness is better than a lot done with harshness. Being killed is a means of death that both the righteous and sinful attain while the martyr is the one who intends earning rewards (from Allaah). When any of you intends purchasing a camel, he should look for one that is tall and large and then strike it with his staff. If he then finds that it is bright, he should buy it." (1) Ibn Jareer in his Taareekh (Vo1.3 Pg.282). 45 8 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH m,@?&3 (Vol-3) The Historic Lecture Hadhrat Umar ?&Zm Delivered concerning Allaah's Bounties on the Muslims and Encouragement to Express Gratitude for the Same Hadhrat Urwa SB2@!G and others have narrated that in one of his lectures, Hadhrat Umar Ww said, "Indeed Allaah is Pure and free from all blemishes and it is necessary for you to express gratitude to Him by praising Him.

Without your asking for or aspiring for them, Allaah has shown you many proofs of the honour that He has bestowed upon you in this world as well as in the Aakhirah. When you were nothing, Allaah created you (as human beings) for Himself and for worshipping Him even though He had all the power to make you into a creation of a much inferidr type. He has placed the rest of creation at your service, something that He has not done for any other creation. In addition to this (Allaah says): - (7. -1 :ukhl ijy) Allaah has placed at your service whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and that He has showered His visible and hidden favours on you (favours that are perceived both by one5 senses and by one3 intellect). {Surah Luqmaan, verse 20) Allaah also carries you on land and at sea and provides your sustenance so that you may be grateful. Furthermore, Allaah has blessed you with hearing and sight. Amongst the bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon you are those that He has blessed all mankind with as well as those that He has granted only to those belonging to your Deen.

All of these bounties, be they the universal ones as well as the exclusive ones, have all fallen to your lands, during your time and amongst your kind. Each of these bounties given to a single individual is such that if given to all of mankind, they would get tired showing gratitude for it and fulfilling the rights of this gratitude would be much too difficult for them unless Allaah assists them and they do so with Imaan in Allaah and in His Rasool@%%. You have been appointed as vice-gerents on earth and have authority over its people. Allaah has assisted your Deen and apart from two goups of people, there remains no other group that is opposed to your Deen. The first of the two is the group of people who have been made subservient to Islaam and the Muslims and who pay the Jizyah (they are the Dhimmi people -non-Muslims living in a Muslim country). They labour at their occupations, toil hard and spend the sweat on their brows.

While they have the responsibility of doing the hard work, the benefits of their efforts come to you. The second group comprises of those people who are waiting day and night for Allaah's armies to attack them and whose hearts Allaah has filled with terror. They have no sanctuary, no place of safety and nowhere to run to from where they can be saved. Allaah's armies have started military THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,Cw (Vol-3) 45 9 offensives against them and set up camp in their territory. With the permission of Allaah, you are enjoying good lives, an abundance of wealth, a steady stream of reinforcements and impregnable borders. In addition to all of this, you have the priceless bounty of collective well-being, better than which the Ummah as a whole has never had since the dawn of Islaam.

Only Allaah is to be praised that at the same time, you are enjoying military victories in every country. The gratitude of the grateful ones, the Dhikr of those engaged in Dhikr and all the efforts of those exerting themselves can scarcely fulfil the rights of the gratitude owing to Allaah for these bounties that cannot be counted and which cannot be appreciated to their fullest extent. Of course, this is possible only with the assistance, mercy and grace of Allaah. We ask Allaah besides Whom there is none worthy of worship and Who has granted us all of this, that He blesses us with the ability to obey Him and to hasten to do everything that will please Him. 0 servants of Allaah! Think about Allaah's bounties when alone and even in your gatherings of two persons to have Allaah's bounties completed upon you. Allaah said to Moosa m&: L y,yw:.y (OJ:,+~\ iJ+ 411 &4 , , ,+JJ O;j~ ,J .

A1 I ,: &3 si) 'Remove your people (the Bani Israa'eef) from the multitude of darkness, take them into the light (Imaan) and remind them of the days (the favours) of Allaah.' {Surah Ibraheem, verse 5) Allaah also said to Muhammad m: . ,)I Y . y d 0, I ,)># 3 -yJ)? I tr-iri:~liil i ~ r ) (Ail . 2 &&zL.+ J . $ + ! j! ~~rf.)!~) 'Remember the time when you were few and regarded as weak on earth.' {Surah Anfaal, verse 26) At the' time when you were regarded as weak on earth and deprived of worldly wealth, you would have been in an excellent condition had you been believing in and taking solace from some truth together with the recognition of Allaah and His Deen, hoping all the time to have success after death. However at that time you led the harshest of lives and were most ignorant of Allaah. It may have been best if this (Deen) that came to your rescue had come with no worldly gains and with only a security for your Aakhirah, to which you will eventually be returning. Then in the difficult lives you were leading, you would have been more covetous over your fortune ensuring that nothing else overwhelms it. That being as it is, what has happened is that Allaah has combined for you the bounties of this world as well as the honour of the Aakhirah.

Therefore, whoever wishes that these two factors be combined for him, I wish to remind him of that Allaah Who can come between a man and his own heart. He must act on every right he realises he owes to Allaah, he must defeat his soul to obey Allaah and together with being overjoyed with Allaah's bounties, he must also fear that they must never be overturned and lost. There is nothing more effective in taking bounties away than ingratitude for them. Gratitude ensures that bounties are safe from THE LIES OF THE SAHABAH @,Wj (VOL-3) change and is a means for them to increase and to grow. It is a duty to Allaah upon me to instruct you (to do good) and to forbid you (from evil)." The Lecture Hadhrat Umar $&Gwj Delivered discussing the Battle of Uhud Hadhrat Ibn Kulayb narrates that it was on a Friday that Hadhrat Umar %%!&2j addressed the people. He recited a portion of Surah Aal Imraan until he reached the verse: Those of you who fled on the day when the two armies (of the Muslim and the Mushrikeen) clashed (at Uhud) . . . {Surah Aal Irnraan, verse 155) Hadhrat Umar ?BGw then commented, "After we had been defeated in the Battle of Uhud, I ran up the mountain, leaping as if I were a mountain goat.

When the people started saying that Muhammad @% had been martyred, I announced that 1 would kill $nyone who made that statement. We then regrouped on the mountain and Allaah revealed the verse: Those of you who fled on the day,when the two armies (of the Muslim and the Mushrikeen) clashed (at Uhud) ... {Surah Aal Imraan, verse 1551(~) Another narration from Ibn Kulayb states that as he recited Surah Aal Imraan on the pulpit, Hadhrat Umar W= said, '"This Surah discusses the Battle of Uhud. When we dispersed from around Rasulullaah @@ during the Battle of Uhud and I had climbed up the mountain, I heard a Jew announce that Rasulullaah @?% had been martyred. I then declared, 'I shall personally execute any person who says that Rasulullaah &%% has been martyred!' When I then had a proper look, I saw Rasulullaah @$% and saw the Muslims regrouping around him. It was then that the verse was revealed: , y " , , ' J & J I 6 O 6 . J I J 4 ~ \ ~ & & 5 ~ j A J y - ~ ; : ; b . .

I ~ l t t ~ i : ~ ~ + ji,) (0 Muhammad && is but a Rasool (ofAllAah). Indeed many Rusul have passed before him. If he passes away or is martyred, would you (Muslims) then turn back on your heels (and forsake Islaam)? He who turns back on his heels can never harm Allaah in the least (because he will be harming only himself). Allaah shall soon reward the grateful ones (so be firm and strive for His Deen). {Surah Aal Irnraan, verse 144)(~) (I) Ibn Jareer in his Taareekh (Vo1.3 Pg.283). (2) Ibn Jareer.

(3) Ibn Mundhir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.238). THE LIVES OF THE S/WABAH @g&& (Vol-3) 46 1 Various Lectures that Hadhrat Umar ~~W Delivered Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Adi bin Khiyaar reports that he heard Hadhrat Umar ?3.3@%6 deliver the following lecture from the pulpit: "When a servant humbles himself for the pleasure of Allaah, Allaah elevates his status saying, 'Rise (in status)! May Allaah elevate you.' While such a person sees himself as a degraded person, he is very much revered by the people. On the other hand, when a person has pride, and transgresses, Allaah breaks him. and floors him, saying, 'Be disgraced! May Allaah degrade you!' While such a person sees himself as a great person, he is so humiliated in the eyes of the people that they regard him as being lower than a pig." Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri 4 = reports that Hadhrat Umar ~,G+Bj once delivered a lecture saying, "It may happen that I forbid you from things that are of benefit to you and instruct you to do things that hold no benefit for you. Amongst the last verses to be revealed were those forbidding interest and (because of other commitments) Rasulullaah @% passed away without explaining the finer details ofinterest.

You people should therefore forsake all transactions that give you doubts (about the involvement of interest) and rather opt for those that do not give you doubts." (2) Hadhrat Aswad bin Yazeed narrates that Hadhrat Umar B,G&j once delivered a lecture saying, 'Whoever intends performing Hajj should enter into the state of Ihraam only from the Miqaat (the designated places for doing s o and not afterwards). These various places as designated by Rasulullaah @!% are: Dhul Hulayfah for the residents of Madinah and for its non-residents who happen to be passing by it. For the residents of Shaam and for its non-residents who happen to be passing by it, the Miqaat is Juhfah. Qarn is the Miqaat for the residents of Najd and for its non-residents who happen to be passing by it. Yalamlam is the Miqaat for the residents of Yemen, while Dhaatul Iraq is the Miqaat for the people of Iraq and others (in that direction)." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas narrates that while discussing Rajm (stoning an adulterer) in his lecture, Hadhrat Umar WGWj said, "Never be deceived about it because it is definitely a penalty from amongst those that Allaah has ordained. Take note of the fact that Rasulullaah @@ had people stoned and we have also done so after him.

Had it not been for people remarkipg that Umar adds to Allaah's book things that are not part of it, I would have attached a footnote to the Qur'aan stating that Umar bin Khattaab, Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf and many others testify that Rasulullaah @% had people stoned and they have also done so after him. Remember that after you there shall come people who will refuse t o believe in Rajm, in Dajjaal, in intercession (in the Aakhirah), in punishment in the grave and that people will (1) Abu Ubayd, Khraa'iti, Saabooni and Abdur Razzaaq, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.2 Pg. 143). (2) Khateeb, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.2 Pg.232). (3) lbnud Diyaa, as quoted in Kanzul UmmaaI (Vo1.3 Pg.30). 462 ' THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@,g!@= (Vol-3) be removed from Jahannam after being burnt there." (') Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Musayyib narrates that when Hadhrat Umar W,l3@!23 left Mina (after his stay in Makkah), he sat his camel down at Abtah, where he made a mound with the loose sand. Thereafter, he cast a portion of his garment over the mound and then leaned against it. He then raised his hands and made dua saying, "0 Allaah!

I am growing old, my strength is dwindling and my subjects have all dispersed far and wide. Do call me to you while I am not guilty of sinning nor have I been negligent in any duty." When Hadhrat Umar BmW reached Madinah, he addressed the people saying, "0 people! The Faraa'idh have been ordained for you, the Sunan have been shown to you and you have been left on a clear path." He then hit his right hand on the left and added, "Unless you sway people to the right and left and lead them astray. Beware that you never destroy yourselves because of the verse of Rajm and never let anyone say that we do not find two penalties in Allaah's Book (we find only the one for lashing a fornicator and not the one for stoning an adulterer). I saw Rasulullaah having people stoned and we have also done so after him. Had it not been for people remarking that Umar adds new things to Allaah's book, I would have written in (a footnote of) the Qur'aan the verse that we used to recite (while the words of the verse were abrogated, the law still remained).

It reads that if a married man or a, married woman commits adultery, both must be stoned." Hadhrat Sa'eed says, "The month of Dhul Hijjah had hardly passed by when Hadhrat Umar W4iW was stabbed (and then passed away)." (2) Hadhrat Ma'daan bin Abu Talha Ya'muri reports that it was on a Friday that Hadhrat Umar %%5s once stood on the pulpit and praised Allaah. He then spoke of Rasulullaah @%$ and Hadhrat Abu Bakr before saying, "I have seen a dream that I feel means nothing other than the approach of my death. I saw that a red rooster twice pecked at me. When I related the dream to Asmaa bint Umais lRWM, she informed me that a non-Arab will kill me. Although people now want me to appoint a successor, you must remember that Allaah will never destroy ~ i ; Deen nor the role of vicegerency (on earth) for which He sent his Nabi @%. If anything happens to me suddenly, the consultative assembly (to decide which of them will be the Khalifah) shall comprise of six men with whom Rasulullaah @%% was pleased when he left this world.

They are Uthmaan ~,C@!23, Ali ?&ISw, Zubayr %,-, Talha Wm, Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf s , E @ @ + and Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas ~,Wj. You people must listen to and obey whichever of them you pledge allegiance to. I know well that some people will criticise this matter and these are the very ones against whom I personally fought for the sake of Islaam. (In doing so) They will be joining the ranks of the enemies of Allaah and the misguided Kuffaar (because they will be assisting the cause of these Kuffaar). I am leaving behind nothing more important in my estimation than the matter of (1) Ahrnad, Abu Ya'la and Abu Ubayd. (2) Maalik, Ibn Sa'd, Musaddad and Haakirn, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.3 Pg.90).

THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH m= (Vol-3) the Kalaalah (the person who dies without leaving behind any ascendants or descendants). I swear by Allaah that since the time I joined the company of Rasulullaah @%, he was not as strict with me about any matter as he was about the matter of the Kalaalah. In fact, Rasulullaah even jabbed his finger in my chest and said, 'The verse of Surah ~isaa(l) revealed in summer is enough for you (in this regard).' If I live long enough, I shall certainly be passing a law concerning the Kafaafah that every learned and unlettered person will understand. I also make Allaah Witness to the fact that every governor whom I have sent to the various cities has been sent expressly for the purpose of educating the people about their Deen, about the Sunnah practices of their Nabi @@ and to bring to my attention matters that othewise go unnoticed. I would also like to bring to your notice something about two plants that you eat from, namely garlic and onions. They are foul-smelling in my estimation and I swear that I have seen that when Rasulullaah @k% smelled them on anyone, he would give the instruction for the person to be taken by the hand and led out of the Masjid as far as Baqee.

If a person has to eat them, he must first eliminate the smell by cooking." This lecture Hadhrat Umar @,w delivered on a Friday and it was on a Wednesday just four days before the end of Dhul Hijjah that he was stabbed." ('1 Hadhrat Yasaar bin Maroor narrates that Hadhrat Umar Ww once addressed them saying, "0 people! Rasulullaah @%$ built this Masjid when we the Muhaajireen and Ansaar were with him. When the crowds become excessive, every one of you should make Sajdah on the back of his brother (in front of him)." When Hadhrat Umar Ww saw some people performing their salaah in the streets, he instructed them to perform salaah inside the Masjid. (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar 3i&4% narrates that when he was appointed Khalifah, Hadhrat Umar ?i$WG addressed the people saying, "Rasulullaah permitted Muttail for us for three days only, after which it was declared Haraam. By Allaah! If I find out that any married man has committed Mut'ah, I shall have him stoned to death unless he brings forth four witnesses to testify that Rasulullaah permitted it after it was made Haraam.

In the same manner, if I find any other (non-married) Muslim committing Mut'ah, I will have him lashed a hundred lashes unless he brings forth four witnesses to testify that (1) The verse Rasool @% was referring to is verse 176 of Surah Nisaa which reads: "They (the Sahabah &3!24W) seek a ruling from you (0 Muhammad m). Say, "Allaah shall issue a ruling (verdict) to you concerning the person who leaves neither ascendants (parents or grandparents) nor descendants (children or grandchildren). If a man passes away without any children, but has a sister, then she will inherit half of what he leaves. (If she dies) He will inherit all of her wealth if she has no children. If they (the heirs) are hvo (or more) sisters, then they will inherit two-thirds of what he leaves. If they (the heirs) are (a few) brothers and sisters, then the male will inherit the similar share of two females.

Allaah explains to you (the laws of Shariah) so that you do not go astray. Allaah is the Knower of all things. (2) Tayaalisi, Ibn Sa'd, Ibn Abi Shaybah, Ahmad, Ibn Hibbaan, Muslim, Nasa'ee, Abu Awaana and Abu Ya'la, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.3 Pg. 153). (3) Tabraani, Ahmad, Shaashi, Bayhaqi and Sa'eed bin Mansoor, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.4 Pg.259). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @gb%> (Vol-3) Rasulullaah permitted it after it was made Haraam."!') Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Sa'eed reports from his grandfather who heard Hadhrat Umar say from the pulpit, "0 assembly of Muslims! Very Allaah has granted you so many non-Arab women and children as booty that He did not grant to either Rasulullaah or to Hadhrat Abu Bakr I also know that many men engage in sexual relations with these women (who are their slaves and they are therefore within their legal right to have relations with them).

Therefore, if any of you have children from any of these non-Arab (slave) women, he must not sell her because if he does so, the possibility exists that without him knowing, apersonmayengagein intercourse with a woman who is his ahr ram."(') Hadhrat Ma'roor or Ibn Ma'roor Tameemi reports, "Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab - was on the pulpit, sitting on a step beneath that on which Rasulullaah sat when I heard him say, 'i emphatically advise you to adopt Taqwa and to listen to and obey those who are entrusted to take charge of your affairs (your leaders)."'(3) Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah @I%$% narrates that Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab 3 G W used to say the following in his lectures: "The most successful of you all is he who is safeguarded against his passions, anger and greed and who is inspired to always be truthful in his speech. It is such truthfulness that draws one towards all virtue. The person who lies will always sin and such sin will ultimately destroy him. Beware of sin! Why should one sin when he has been created from sand and who will return to sand and while he is alive today, he will be dead tomorrow? Do your deeds from day to day, avoid the curse of the oppressed and count yourself amongst the dead." (4) Hadhrat Qabeesah narrates that he heard Hadhrat Umar @,GM say from the pulpit, "Whoever has no mercy will not be shown any, whoever does not forgive will not be forgiven, whoever does not repent will not have his repentance accepted and whoever does not abstain (from sin) will not be saved (from punishment) ." (5) Hadhrat Urwa - reports that Hadhrat Umar once said in his lecture, "Know well that greed leads to poverty and that losing hope leads to independence because when a person loses hope in something, he becomes independent of it." 6) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Khiraash reports that his uncle heard Hadhrat Umar Wm say in a lecture, "0 Allaah!

Rescue us with Your rope and keep us steadfast on your Deen." (7) Another narration states that Hadhrat Umar $9Gw (1) Ibn Asaakir, Sa'eed bin Mansoor and Tammaam, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.8 Pg.293). (2) Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.8 Pg.292). (3) Ibn Jareer, as quoted in KanzulUmmaal(Vo1.8 Pg.208). (4) Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Umrnaal(Vo1.8 Pg.208). (5) Bukhaari in his Adab (Pg.), Ibn Khuzaymah and Ja'far Firyaabi, as quoted in Kanzu/ UmmaaI (Vd.8 Pg.207). (6) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.50).

Ibn Mubaarak has reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.8 Pg.235). (7) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol. 1 Pg.54). THE LIVES OF THE SAhXBAH @,!.%b&% (Vol-3) also added, "...and provide for us from Your grace." Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed narrates that Hadhrat Umar 3once delivered a lecture saying, "Verily Allaah had granted certain concessions to His Nabi @% as He pleased (because of which Rasulullaah @@ was allowed to perform Umrah with the same Ihraam he originally donned only for Hajj. This is not permitted for the Ummah). Rasulullaah @%$ has now passed on and you people must complete your Hajj and Umrah as Allaah 3,%3P has commanded(2) and you must ensure that you safeguard the chastity of your women." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr @FWj says that he heard Hadhrat Umar 3Gw say in his lecture that he heard Rasulullaah say, "Whoever (from amongst the ma1es)wearssilkinthis world will not be given any to wear in the ~akhirah."(~) Hadhrat Abu Ubayd who was the freed slave of Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf !3EGj reports that he once attended the Eid salaah led by Hadhrat Umar 3Gwj. Without any Adhaan or Iqaamah being called out, Hadhrat Umar SEW led the salaah before delivering the lecture.

He then said in his lecture, "0 people! Rasulullaah @$% forbade fasting on two days. The one is the day in which you break from your fasting, which is the day of Eid (Eidul Fitr). The other is the day in which you eat from your sacrificial animals (Eidul Adhaa)." (5) Hadhrat Alqama bin Waqqaas Laythi !BEw narrates that he heard Hadhrat Umar SJ5'&%j say the following in his lecture to the people. "I have heard Rasulullaah @ i say, 'Actions are judged according to their intentions and a man will have what he had intended. Therefore, whoever migrated for the pleasure of Allaah and His Rasool @@, his migration will be for Allaah and His Rasool @%%.

As for the one who migrated for worldly gain or to wed a woman, his migration shall be for that towards which he migrated."'(6) ' Hadhrat Sulaymaan bin Yasaar reports that it was during the period of drought that Hadhrat Umar %Gw addressed the people saying, "0 people! Fear Allaah from within yourselves and in all those personal matters that are hidden from the people. While I have been put to test with (being Khalifah over) you, you have been put to test with me. I do not know whether this (drought) is because Allaah is angry with me and not with you, and not me or whether Allaah is angry with all of us. Come! Let us pray to Allaah so that Allaah may correct our hearts, have mercy on us and remove this drought from us." That day, Hadhrat Umar S,G&+ and the people were seen with their arms raised as they made dua to Allaah and wept for some time before he descended from the pulpit.

(7) Hadhrat Abu Uthmaan Nahdi says, "I was sitting beneath Hadhrat Umar ~,Bb='s (1) Ahrnad in his Zuhd, Rooyaani, Laalkaa'ee and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. 1 Pg.303). (2) In verse 196 of Surah Baqarah. (3) Ahrnad (Vol. l Pg. 17). (4) Ahrnad (Vol. l Pg.20). (5) Ahrnad (Vol. l Pg.34). (6) Ahrnad (Vol. 1 Pg.43).

(7) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.322). 1 ./, ,,,, ,./ THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH ~,k!&%J (Vol-3) pulpit as he said in his lecture, 'I heard Rasulullaah @@ say, 'What I fear inost from this Ummah is the Munaafiq with an eloquent tongue." (') Several other lectures of Hadhrat Umar ?%W+j have already been quoted in the chapter discussing unity. The Lectures of Ameerul Mu'mineen I-Iadhrat Uthmaan bin Affaan s, G&G> Hadhrat lbraheem bin Abdur Rahmaan Makhzoomi reports that when the people had pledged allegiance to Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Affaan ?i%$LL&!$j, he stood up to deliver a lecture. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "0 people! The first rung of the ladder is most difficult and there will still be many more days to come after this one. If I live longer, you shall have lectures that are properly prepared. Although we have never been speakers, Allaah shall soon teach us." (2) Hadhrat Radr bin Uthmaan reports from his uncle that when the other members of the consultative assembly pledged allegiance to Hadhrat Uthmaan %GWj, he left for the Masjid in great consternation.

He then went to the pulpit of Rasulullaah $@, from where he addressed the people. After duly praising Allaah and sending salutations to Rasulullaah @8, he said, "You are in a place from where you shall soon be leaving and you have but a short duration of your lives ahead. You should therefore beat your deaths by doing as much good as you possibly can because death will certainly come to you, whether by day or night. Remember that this world is deception through and through. (Allaah says:) Let not the life of this world deceive you (into believing that Q~yaamah will never come), and do not allow the great deceiver (Shaytaan) to deceive you about Allaah. {surah Luqmaan, verse 33) Learn lessons from those who have passed on and then be resolute without giving way to negligence because death will never neglect you. Where are all those sons of t h ~ s world and its brothers who inhabited the earth, left landmarks and who enjoyed it for an extensive period of time?

Did the world not fling them aside? Throw the world aside just as Allaah has done and seek the Aakhirah. Allaah has drawn a similitude for the world and the Aakhirah, which is the better of the two. Allaah says. (C7 'to, S:& ijY, 'Relate to them the example of this worldly life which is like the rain (1) Ahmad (Vol. 1 Pg.44). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.62) THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH B,Gks (Vol-3) 46 7 that We send from the sky, with which the plants of the earth mingle (causing them to flourish).

Thereafter (the tihe comes when) they (the once flourishing plants dry up or are destroyed in some way, only to) become debris (broken bits andpieces), to be carried (dispersed) by the winds (after which there is no sign that they ever existed). Allaah always has control over everything (He can create and destroy as and when Hepleases). Wealth and sons are merely adornments of this worldly life (that will not last forever). The lasting good deeds (all good actions that one does in this world, the rewards of which are everlasting) are best in the sight of your Rabb in terms of reward and best in terms of expectations (because the expected rewards in the Aakhirah areguaranteed byAllaah)."' {Surah Kahaf, verses 45.46) The people then went up to him and pledged their allegiance to him. ( I ) Hadhrat Utba narrates that after he became the Khalifah, Hadhrat Uthmaan ?3JGWj addressed the people saying, "I have been made responsible for this task and have accepted it. Take note of the fact that I am a follower (of the Deen) and not one to introduce new things.

Listen well! After the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Rasulullaah @&, you people have three rights over me: (The first is) That I follow that which you are unanimous about, that you have been practising and that has a precedent amongst those before me (during the periods of Rasulullaah @@, Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3,Em and Hadhrat Umar 3GWj); (the second is) that I follow the ways of the righteous ones in matters that you may have not been accustomed to doing; (the third is) that I restrain my hand from you except in matters that necessitate punishment. Remember that this world is a lush place that has been made desirable to people, because of which so many people are inclined towards it. You should therefore not be inclined towards the world and should never place your trust in it because it is not dependable. Bear in mind also that this world will never leave anyone besides the one who leaves it first." (2) Various Lectures that Hadhrat Uthmaan W,GW Delivered Hadhrat Mujaahid reports that Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Affaan 9,Gi;,= once delivered a lecture saying, "0 son of Aadam @,&! You must know that the angel of death who has been appointed to take your life has always been leaving you to go to others a s long as you have been in this world.

It now appears that he is skipping all the others out and is now stalking you. You must therefore take your precautions and prepare for him, never be unmindful of him because he is never unmindful of you. 0 son of Aadam mu! Remember that if you are unmindful of yourself and do not prepare, no one else will prepare for you. Meeting Allaah is inevitable, so take charge of your Nafs and do not hand it over to others. Peace ( I ) Ibn Jareer in his Taareekh (Vo1.3 Pg.305). (2) lbn Jareeer (Vo1.3 Pg.446).

I 46 8 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @g!&&> (Vol-3) be upon you all." (') Hadhrat Hasan narrates that in an address to the people, Hadhrat Uthmaan B,Gw started by praising Allaah and then said, "0 people! Adopt Taqwa because Taqwa is a great asset. Verily the greatest of all the intelligent people is the one who controls his Nafs and acts for his life after death. Glean from Allaah's light some light for the darkness of the grave and every person should fear that he be raised blind when he was sighted in this world. Concise words suffice for a wise person and it is only the deaf who have to be shouted to from a distant place. Remember that the person who has Allaah with him need not fear anything.

On the other hand, what hope can there be for the person who has Allaah up against him?" (2) Hadhrat Hasan narrates that he saw Hadhrat Uthmaan %G$!= delivering the following lecture from the pulpit: "0 people! Fear Allaah in your private affairs because I heard Rasulullaah @& say, 'I swear by the Being Who controls the life of Muhammad that whenever a person does an act in private, Allaah dons him with such garments in public (such will be peoples' impression of him). Therefore, if the act is good, the garment will be good and if the act is evil, so too will the garment be." He then recited the verse: ' I & , Y ' ' ,G .J ,,b * (~,~T:dpl g j j . 4 (dJi j& dJi &&*! &Jj ... and (We have sent clothing to you) as a means of beautification, but (remember that) the clothing of Taqwa is best (because it offers you protection from all evi/). {Surah A'raaf, verse 26) Hadhrat Uthmaan 3 , G 5 recited the word and not (as is recited in the most popular mode of recitation). (3) Hadhrat Abbaad bin Zaahir says that he heard Hadhrat Uthmaan 9,G&!% deliver a lecture saying, "By Allaah! We were with Rasulullaah @& all the time, whether at home or on journey. Rasulullaah k?$% would visit our ill, accompany our funeral processions, fight battles with us and take care of our needs whether he had a little with him or plenty.

Nowadays some people teach us certain things about Rasulullaah @@ whereas they have perhaps never even seen him." (4) Another narration adds that a person named A'yan bin Imra'atul Farazdaq addressed Hadhrat Uthmaan !2GCWj saying, "0 ~ a ' s h a l ( ~ ) ! You have changed many things (in Deen)." "Who is that man?" Hadhrat Uthmaan 9 G W asked. When the people named him as A'yan, others sprung to attack him. A man from the Banu Layth however managed to ward the people off him and took him to his house." (6) Hadhrat Maalik narrates that he heard Hadhrat Uthmaan S,G@j say the (1) Deenowri in his Mujaalasah and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.8 Pg. 109). (2) Deenowri and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.8 Pg.224). (3) Ibn Jareer and Ibn Abi Haatim, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.2 Pg.137).

(4) Ahmad, Bazzaar, Mirwazi, Shaashi, Abu Ya'la and Sa'eed bin Mansoor, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.4 Pg.44). (5) Na'shal was the name of a man in Egypt who had an extremely long beard. People opposed to Hadhrat Uthmaan 3GG= would call him this name in a derogatory manner because the length of his beard was the only factor they find by which to criticise him. (6) Ahmad and Abu Ya'la, as quoted in Majma'uzZawaaYd(Vol.7 Pg.228). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,Gh$j (v01-3) following in his lecture: "Never burden young children with the task of earning because when you do so, they tend to steal. You should also not delegate the responsibility of earning to a slave woman who does not know a craft because when you do this, she will earn by her charms (as a prostitute).

You should remain chaste when Allaah has kept you chaste and eat only those foods that are good for you." Hadhrat Zaid bin Silt narrates that Hadhrat Uthmaan 3 G w was referring to backgammon when he heard him say from the pulpit, "0 people! Stay away from gambling because I have been informed that this is to be found in some of your homes. Whoever has this in his house must either burn or break it." On another occasion, Hadhrat Uthmaan !3R3@!% mentioned the following from the pulpit, "0 people! I have already spoken to you about backgammon but I see that you have not removed it from your homes. I have therefore decided to have firewood collected and to then dispatch people to set fire to the houses in which these games are to be found." (2) Hadhrat Saalim the freed slave of Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Humayd reports that Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Affaan 9,GM performed salaah in full in Mina and then addressed the people saying, "0 people! The true Sunnah is that of Rasulullaah and his two companions (Hadhrat Abu Bakr 3 , G W and Hadhrat Umar W,GW, all of whom performed two Rakaahs for Zuhr, Asr and lsha at Mina).

However, because many new people are performing Hajj this year, (1 am performing four Rakaahs salaah because) I Iear i-nt they will regard it as Sunnah (to always perform two Rakaahs salaah)." (3) Hadhrat Qutaybah bin Muslim narrates, "Hajjaaj bin Yusuf once addressed us and spoke of the grave. He then said, 'It is a place of solitude and a place of loneliness.' He repeated this so much that he then burst out crying and made everyone around him weep as well. Thereafter, he continued, 'I heard Ameerul Mu'mineen Abdul Malik bin Marwaan say that he heard Marwaan say in a lecture, 'Hadhrat Uthmaan 3Gw once addressed us saying Rasulullaah @% always wept whenever he saw a grave or spoke about the grave."'(4) Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Musayyib narrates that he heard Hadhrat Uthmaan ?3Gw say the following in an address from the pulpit: "I used to buy dates from a tribe of the Jews called the Banu Qaynuqaa and then sell it at a profit. When Rasulullaah @$% learnt that I was doing this, he said, "0 Uthmaan! Weigh the dates when you purchase them a n d them weigh them again when you resell."(5) Hadhrat Hasanreports thathewaspresentwhen Hadhrat Uthmaan 9,GWj instructed from the pulpit that all (dangerous) dogs should be killed and pigeons (used for sport) should be slaughtered. (') .-- ( I ) Shaafi'ee and Bayhaqi (Vo1.8 Pg.9), as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.47).

(2) Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.7 Pg.334). (3) Bayhaqi and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.4 Pg.239). (4) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul UmmaaI(Vol.8 Pg. 109). (5) Ahmad (Vol. 1 Pg.62). (6) Ahmad (Vol. l Pg.72). T H E 1-1 I ~ E S OF THE SAHIIBAH i?&Gh$j , VOL 3) The Final Lecture that Hadhrat Uthmaan ~,w'W Delivered Hadhrat Badr bin Uthmaan reports from his uncle that in the final lecture that Hadhrat Uthmaan 9,Gh= delivered in public was when he said, "Verily Allaah has granted you this world so that you may use it to acquire the Aakhirah and not for you to attach yourselves to it. whereas this world will come to an end, the Aakhirah shall be forever, s o never allow what is temporary to make you arrogant and never allow it to distract you from that which is everlasting.

Give preference to that which is eternal to that which is transitory because this world will certainly come to an end while you will have to return to Allaah (in the Aakhirah). Fear Allaah 3,G>$F because Taqwa is a shield against His punishment and a means to draw close to Him. Take precautions against Allaah changing your conditions (removing your bounties), remain united with the Muslims and never break up into splinter groups. (He then recited the verse:) - - 5 . 9 (br-l :ol+ ~ i i ) ~ , C Recall Allaah's favour to you when you were enemies and He (Allaah) created love between your hearts. Then you became brothers by His grace. {Surah Aal Imraan, verse 103)(*) A narration has already passed in the chapter discussing Jihaad in which Hadhrat Uthmaan ~ G w extols the virtues of keeping guard in the path of ~ 1 l a a h . W The Lectures of Ameerul R/Iutrnineen Hadhrat Ali bin Abi Taalib !&%@&> The First Lecture that he Delivered Hadhrat Ali bin Husayn narrates that when he was appointed Khalifah, Hadhrat Ali ~ G h = started his first lecture by praising Allaah.

Thereafter, he said, "Verily Allaah has revealed a scripture that is a guide and which makes distinct what is good and what is not. You must therefore hold fast to what is good and abstain from what is evil. When you carry out the Faraa'idh for Allaah, Allaah will carry you into Jannah. Allaah has made many things sacred, and these are no secret. He has however made the sanctity of a Muslim more sacred than anything else and bonded the Muslims by sincerity and Towheed. The (true) Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands other people are safe unless it be done rightfully (to mete punishment when Allaah's laws are broken).

It is not permissible to harm any Muslim unless it becomes necessary (when he transgresses Allaah's laws). Hasten to do good deeds before the universal occurrence (Qiyaamah) and before the individual occurrence as well, which is the death of each one of you. Many people have passed ahead of you and Qiyaamah is driving you from behind. (1) Ibn Jareer (Vo1.3 Pg.446) Travel lightly (without sins) and you will meet (those who have passed away) because (deceased) people are waiting for those after them. lnstil the fear of Allaah into His bondsmen with regard to (abusing) His other bondsmen and lands because you will be questioned even with regard to tracts of land and animals. Obey Allaah and never disobey Him. Seize the opportunity to do good whenever you see it, avoid evil when you see it and remember the time when you were few in number and regarded as weak in the lands." (') His Lecture Concerning the Value of a Person's Tribe Hadhrat Ali S B W once delivered a lecture saying, "A man's tribe is more valuable to him than he is to his tribe.

If he restrains his hand from (assisting) them, he will be restraining but one hand. However, if they restrain their hands, they will be restraining many hands together with the love, protection and assistance they have to offer him. In fact, it often happens that a person becomes angry with another only because of the tribe he belongs to. I can cite to you s o many verses of the Qur'aan in this regard." He then recited the verse: He (Hadhrat Loot &@W) said, "If only I had some might against you or (if only) I could seek protection from a strong pillar." {Surah Hood, verse 80) Hadhrat Ali 3 G B + then continued to explain, "The strong pillar is a tribe that Hadhrat Loot @W did not have (in the place he resided). I swear by the Being besides Whom there is no deity that after Hadhrat Loot @k&, Allaah sent every Nabi @u as a member of a strong tribe." Hadhrat Ali SGWj then recited the following verse with regard to Hadhrat Shu'ayb @u: (His people said, '0 Shu'ayb!) we consider you to be a weakling among us. "This they said because Hadhrat Shu'ayb @U was blind.

However, they then added: If it were not for your tribe (who are there to protect you), we would have certainly stoned you (to death). {Surah Hood, verse 9 1 } Hadhrat Ali S G W j said further, "I swear by the Being besides Whom there is no deity that rather than fear the supremacy of their Rabb, these people were in awe of Hadhrat Shu'ayb @&Is tribe." (2) His Lecture when Ramadhaan\Arrived Hadhrat Sha'bi reports that whenever Ramadhaan arrived, Hadhrat Ali SBw would deliver a lecture and say, "This is that blessed month in which fasting has been made obligatory while standing (at night in salaah) has not. One must ( I ) ibn Jareer (Vol.3 4.457). (2) Abu Sheikh, as quotedin K a ~ i z ~ ~ l Um~naal(Vol. 1 Pg.250). THE LIVES OF THE SAHRBAH $2W&sj ( ~ o l - 3 ) beware of saying that he will fast only if a particular person fasts and will not fast if a particular person does not. Remember well that fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink but abstaining from lies, falsehood and kufr. Bear in mind that you must never bring the month forward.

Fast only when you see the new moon (of Ramadhaan) and stop fasting when you see the new moon (of Shawwaal). However, if it is overcast (and you cannot see the new moon), then complete the month (as thirty days)." Hadhrat Ali W,- used to say this after the Fajr and Asr salaahs. ('1 His Lecture Concerning the Grave and its Condition After commencing with the praises of Allaah in one of his lectures, Hadhrat Ali %GWj proceeded to speak about death. He said, "0 servants of Allaah! By Allaah! There is no escape from death.

If you stand still for it, it will seize you and if you flee from it, it will still find you. Hasten to salvation! Hasten to salvation! Be quick! Be quick! Behind you is a speedy pursuer, which is the grave.

Beware of its pressure, intense darkness and loneliness. Remember well that the grave may elther be a pit of Jahannam or a garden from amongst the gardens of Jannah. Bear in mind that the grave calls out three times every day saying, 'I am the home of darkness! I am the home of worms! I am the home of loneliness! Do not forget also that what is to come afterwards is even worse.

There is Jahannam with extremely hot fire, a tremendous depth, decorations of iron and Maalik as its custodian. In there shall be no part of Allaah's mercy. After this there is Jannah, which is as wide as the heayens and the earth and which has been prepared for those with Taqwa. May Allaah make us and all of you amongst those with Taqwa and save us and all of you from a most painful punishment." (2) Hadhrat Asbagh bin Nabaatah reports that Hadhrat Ali W'- one day ascended the pulpit and after duly praising Allaah, he spoke about death. The rest of the narration is similar to the one above, but after the words "I am the home of worms!", it adds that Hadhrat Ali - then said, "Remember that after this shall come a day in which even a youngster will turn white, a grown man will break down and every expectant mother will abort her child. You will see people in a state of intoxication but they will not really be intoxicated.

The fact is that (they will be in this condition because) the punishment of Allaah will be extreme." Another narration states that Hadhrat Ali - then burst out crying and the Muslims around him also wept. (3) His Lecture concerning the World, the Grave and the Aakhirah Hadhrat Saalih ljli reports that Hadhrat Ali bin Abi Taalib - once addressed the people. After praising Allaah and conveying salutations to Rasulullaah m, he said, "0 servants of Allaah! Never allow this worldly life to deceive you ( 1 ) Husayn bin Yahya Qattaan an6 bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Urnmaal(Vol.4 Pg.322). (2) Saabooni in his Mi'atayn and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.8 Pg. 110). (3) A/ Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol. 8 Pg.6).

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,@@% (Vol-3) because it is a place of light difficulties, it is famous for its transitory nature and well-recognised for its treachery. Everything in it shall come to an end and is continuously passed on from person to person. The one who goes down to tap its resources cannot remain safe from its evil and even while its people enjoy prosperity and happiness, they are still involved in its calamities and deception. Living a good life in this world is condemned and its prosperity does not last. Its people are only its practice targets that it fires at with its arrows and eventually destroys with death. Dear servants of Allaah!

You and all that is with you in this world are following the same path as those who have passed on before you. They had lives longer than yours, they were more powerful than you, they constructed more buildings than you and their landmarks had weathered the times. However, their voices have been silenced and extinguished after their long sojourn. Their bodies have decomposed, their homes lie empty and their landmarks have been wiped out. They have exchanged their fortified palaces, their luxurious beds and their scattered cushions for rocks and stones stacked in their muddy and boxed graves dug in the wilderness, fortified with sand only. Although it (the graveyard) may be close to a town, its inhabitants are still estranged and even though it may be in the very midst of an inhabited place, its inhabitants are extremely lonely as the people of the town engage in their activities.

They feel no affinity with other inhabitants and do not even engage in mutual neighbourly relations despite being so close to each other. How can they really have any relations when decomposition has ground them to dust and rocks and mud have consumed their bodies. After once being vibrant with life, they now lay dead and after once seeking good lives, they are now reduced to decayed bones. Their friends were pained as they took to live in the sand and undertook a journey from which there is no return. Farfetched! Farfetched indeed (is the thought of returning to this world)!

Never (will they return)! The request to return is merely a statement they make (without any hope for a response) because behind them is a (impregnable) barrier until the day when they are resurrected. You people will also be'experiencing the loneliness and decay that they have experienced in the realm of the dead. You will be placed in trust in that resting place and that safety deposit box will take charge of you. What will your condition be when all matters will draw to an end, when everything contained in the graves will be raised, when everything contained in the heart will be exposed and you will be standing before your honoured King to have everything laid bare. Hearts will then flutter out of fear because of past sins.

All veils and shrouds will then be torn apart and all your faults and secrets will be exposed. (He then recited the following verses:) # d > , , J I .Y. c \ ~ ~ i : ~ p ijP) (3 G I '& S; dH On this day every soul shall be recompensed for what it earned. {Surah Mu'min, verse 17) 4 74 THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,-5 (Vol-3) (With this complete power) He may punish the evil-doers for their (evi4 actions and reward those who do good with the best (of rewards, namelyjannah). {Surah Najm, verse 3 1) The book (every person k record of actions) shall be placed (given to them) and you will see the sinners afraid of what is contained in them (because it will condemn them to Jahannam). They will say, 'We are destroyed! What is (the matter) with this book that (it is so thorough thatjit does not leave anything small or large unrecorded?" They will find their actions present (written in their records) and your Rabb shall not oppress anyone. {Surah Kahaf, verse 49) May Allaah make us and you all practise on His Book and followers of His friends until He enters us all into the home of eternal residence by His grace. Verily He is Most Worthy of Praise, Most Majestic." Another narratipn states at the beginning that Hadhrat Ali - commenced his lecture saying, "All praise belongs to Allaah. I praise Allaah, seek His assistance, believe in Him, rely on Him and I testify that there is none worthy of worship but the One Allaah Who has no partner and that Muhammad @@ is His servant and Rasul (messenger).

Allaah sent him with guidance and the true religion to eradicate all your ailments and to awaken you from your negligence. Remember that you will certainly be dying and resurrected after death, when you will be made to stand to account for your actions and be either rewarded or punished for it. You should therefore never allow this worldly life to deceive you.. ." The rest of the narration is as quoted above. (') His Lecture Concerning Accompanying Funeral Processions Hadhrat Ja'far bin Muhammad reports from his grandfather that Hadhrat Ali 5W4G once accompanied a funeral procession. When the deceased was lowered into the grave, the family started to weep loudly. "What makes you weep?" he asked.

"By Allaah!" he continued, "If people could witness what the deceased has witnessed, the sight would make them forget all about the deceased. The angel of death will return to them time and time again until he leaves none of them alive." Hadhrat Ali wWj then stood up and said, "0 s m n t s of Allaah! I emphatically (1) Deenowri and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted In Kanzuf Ummaa/ (Vol.8 Pg.2 19) and Munrakl~ab Ka11zu1 Ummaal(Vol.6 Pg.324) (2) Ibn Jowzi in his Safwatus Safwah (Vol.1 Pg.124). THE LlVES OF THE SAHAl3AH @Gh%> (Vol-3) advise you to be conscious of that Allaah Who has cited so many examples for you (to make you understand realities) and has specified the periods you are to live. He has granted you ears so that whatever enters them may be memorised and granted you eyes so that whatever is hidden can become apparent to you. Allaah has also granted you hearts to understand the mechanics of whatever misfortunes strike it and to understand that which gives life to it (Allaah's Dhikr).

Allaah has neither created you in vain nor diverted the Reminder (the Qur'aan) from you. On the contrary, He has honoured you with a shower of munificent bounties and granted you the best of gifts most generously. Allaah has full knowledge of your numbers and has prepared returns for your every condition of prosperity and adversity. 0 servants of Allaah! You must therefore inculcate Taqwa, earnestly apply yourselves to seeking (the pleasure of Allaah) and hasten to do good deeds before the arrival of that which destroys passions and demolishes all desires (death). This is necessary because the bounties of this world are short-lived and one is never safe from the sudden disasters of this world. In addition to this, the world is also deceptive, ever-changing, a paltry shelter and a shaky support.

Things of this world quickly become old and after tiring out a person with his passions, it feeds him only the milk of deception. Dear servants of Allaah! Take heed from the lessons you learn and from the signs and indications you observe. Hearken to warnings and take benefit from advices. It is almost as if the talons of death have dug themselves in to you and the home of sand has enveloped you. It is almost as if the most frightening scenes have taken you by surprise when the trumpet is sounded, when graves are emptied, when people are led to the plains of resurrection and made to stand for reckoning under the complete authority of the Almighty.

Every soul will then have an angel to push him along to the Plains of Resurrection and also a witness to testify against him for the actions he carried out. The earth will then be illuminated by the light of its Rabb, records of deeds will be presented (to the people), the Ambiyaa and witnesses will be brought forward and without anyone being wronged, all matters will be decided with justice. Cities will shake on that day, a crier will make the announcement, people will meet (with Allaah), the 'shin' will be exposed(') and the sun will eclipse. Wild animals will be gathered together on the plains, secrets will be exposed, the evil ones will be destroyed and hearts will tremble. Allaah shall inflict the people of Jahannam with devastating fear and a terrible punishment. Jahannam will be brought forward (for all to see) along with its hooks, yokes, frightening screams, thunderous roars, fury and threats.

Its flames will be leaping, its waters will be bubbling all over and its searing winds will be raging. Those doomed there for eternity will have no respite from it and their remorse will never end. The shackles of Jahannam can never be broken and the people there will have angels with them who will give them the news that the hospitality they will be shown ( I ) This term is among the "Mutashaabihaat". See the commentaries of verse 42 of Surah Qalarn (Surah 68) for explanation. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@g$&2 (Vol-3) will only be boiling water, entry into flaming fires, deprivation from the mercy of Allaah, separation from friends and a trip to the fire of Jahannam, 0 servants of Allaah! Fear Allaah as a gentle and humble person would fear, who would flee out of fear and would heed all warnings he is given.

Such a person would be on the lookout, would save himself by fleeing, would carry out good deeds for the Aakhirah and take his journey's provisions along for assistance. Allaah suffices as an avenger (for the oppressed) and One who sees everything. Allaah's Book will suffice as a plaintiff and adversary (for those who acted against it) and Jannah will suffice as a reward (for the righteous) while Jahannam will suffice as retribution and punishment (for the sinful). I seek Allaah's forgiveness for myself and for all of you." His Lecture Encouraging People to Act for the Aakhirah After duly praising Allaah in one of his lectures, Hadhrat Ali 9 G W j said, "Verily this world is turning its back around and bidding farewell while the Aakhirah is arriving and straining its eyes to look. Today (this world) is the time for the race while tomorrow it will be seen who has gone ahead. Behold!

You are passing through days of hope which are followed by your death. Therefore, whoever is neglectful (of doing good) during the days of hope before death approaches will be at a loss. Remember that you should do deeds for Allaah in anticipation for rewards just as you would do them when fearing his punishment. I have never seen a place like Jannah yet its seeker is asleep. I have also not seen a place like Jahannam, yet the one who ought to be running away from it is also asleep. Take note of the fact that whoever does not benefit from the truth will still be harmed by falsehood and the one whom guidance does not put on the straight path will certainly be led away (from the straight path) by misguidance.

Listen well! You have been instructed to travel (to the Aakhirah) and have been shown where to find the provisions for the journey. 0 people! *Remember that this world is a ready commodity that both the righteous and the sinful eat of, whereas the Aakhirah is true promise when the All Powerful King (Allaah) shall pass judgement. While Shaytaan threatens you with poverty and instructs you to do lewd acts, Allaah promises you His forgiveness and grace. Allaah is Most Accommodating and All Knowing. 0 people! Do good works during your lives and you will be protected in the end. Allaah has promised Jannah for those who obey Him and promised Jahannam for those who disobey Him.

The screams of the people in the fire of Jahannam never subsides, the prisoners of Jahannam never escape and those with fractured limbs never have them heal. Its heat is intense, its depth immense and its drink is pus. What I fear most for you people is that you follow the dictates of your passions and that you entertain long hopes of the future. (2) Another narration states that (1) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.77). (2) Deenowri and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal (Vo1.8 Pg.220) and Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.6 Pg.324). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,%$&%3 (vol-3) Hadhrat Ali Ww also added, "...because following one's passions prevents one from the truth and entertaining long hopes makes one forget the Aakhirah." ('I His Lecture after the Battle at Nahnvaan Hadhrat Ziyaad A'raabi narrates that Ameerul Mu'mineen Hadhrat Ali bin Abi Taalib ?3once ascended the pulpit in Kufa after the scourge (of the Khawaarij) and after the battle had been fought (against them) at Nahrwaan.

He started by praising Allaah but he then choked on his tears and wept so much that his beard was soaked and the tears, which started running off. He then shook his beard and the droplets of tears happened to fall on some people. Hadhrat Ziyaad says that they commonly believed that Allaah forbade Jahannam from the people on whom those tears fell. Thereafter, he said, "0 people! Never be amongst those people who wish for Jannah without doing any good and who postpone repentance because of their long hopes (hopes to live long). They are people who speak like the abstinent ones yet they behave like those who hanker after the world.

If they are given any portion of the world, they are not satisfied and when anything is held back from them, they are not content. They fail to express gratitude for what they are given and still seek to have more. They instruct people to do what they do not themselves do and forbid people from that which they themselves do not abstain from. They love the righteous ones but do not carry out their actions and they detest the sinful ones whereas they are amongst them. The Nafs of such a person overpowers him in matters he is uncertain about (to do worldly acts, the benefits of which are not certain) but does not overpower him in matters he is convinced about (to do acts for the Aakhirah, the benefits of which are guaranteed). When he achieves independence, he falls into sin, when he falls ill, he is grieved and when he suffers poverty, he loses hope and becomes weak-hearted.

He takes benefit from both sin and Allaah's bounties without ever being grateful when he is blessed with well-being or even being patient when afflicted with hardship. He behaves as if only others have been warned of death and that only they have been cautioned and rebuked. 0 targets of death! 0 pawns of death! 0 containers of disease! 0 spoils of time! 0 booty of the ages! 0 fruits of generations! 0 light of the vicissitudes of time! 0 muted ones at the time of litigation (on the Day of Qiyaamah)! 0 those drowning in tribulations that have become an obstacle to them learning lessons! It is with proof and conviction that I state that no successful person can attain success without knowing himself and every destroyed person has destroyed himself. Allaah says: ' 9 ,'* ( ~ ~ i : ~ + gJy) ( I : C ~ I , I$ 221 &)I '0 you who have Imaan! Save yourselves and your families from the Fire fofjahannam).' {Surah Tahreem, verse 6 ) ( 1 ) Al Bldaayah wan N~haayah (Vol 8 Pg 7) THE LIVES OF THE SAHABA31 '@,Gbs (Vol-3) May Allaah make us and you all amongst those who listen to advice and accept it and who respond with the correct action when summoned to carry it out." ('I His Lecture Concerning Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil Hadhrat Yahya bin Yamur narrates that in a lecture to the people, Hadhrat Ali bin Abi Taalib %Gm started by praising Allaah. Thereafter, he said, "0 people!

Those who came before you were destroyed only because when they started to sin openly and were not stopped by their priests and those attached to Allaah, Allaah sent His punishment to them. Behold! You must remember that enjoining good and forbidding evil neither cuts off your sustenance nor does it bring your death any closer. Allaah's decisions descend from the heavens just as raindrops fall down. These decisions of Allaah determine whether there will be prosperity or adversity in any aspect concerning a particular person's personal self, his family or his wealth. Therefore, when any of you suffers an adversity in any aspect of his personal self, his family or his wealth and he sees that someone else enjoys quite the opposite, this must never be a cause of tribulation for him.

When a Muslim has not been overpowered by a wretched disposition, he expresses humility whenever he thinks of the adversity, whereas a person with a wretched disposition laments over it, behaving like a gambler waiting for his first win (after too many losses) that will bring him plenty of wealth and allow him to settle all the penalties he has had to bear. This also bears a similarity with the Muslim who is trustworthy. Whenever he makes dua to Allaah, he waits for one of two good things to happen (either he gets what he prays for or he gets rewards in the Aakhirah). What is with Allaah (his rewards in the Aakhirah) is better for him, otherwise Allaah grants him some wealth, making him a person who has both family and wealth. There are two types of harvests (the harvest of this world and that of the Aakhirah). While the harvest of this world is wealth and children, the harvest of the Aakhirah is good deeds.

Allaah has however granted both to certain people." Hadhrat Sufyaan bin Uyaynah remarked, "Who else but Hadhrat Ali bin Abi Taalib 52GW is capable of speaking such wonderful words?!" (2) Another narration states that Hadhrat Ali %,GWj said, "Allaah's decisions descend from the heavens. .." The narration continues like the one above, but adds that he also said, "(Whenever he makes dua to Allaah, he waits for one of two good things to happen) He may either become a wealthy person with a large family, together with honour and Deen. Otherwise, Allaah will grant him rewards in the Aakhirah and the Aakhirah is always better and everlasting. There are two types of harvests. While the harvest of this world is wealth and Taqwa, the harvest of ( I ) Ibn Najjaar, a s quoted in Kanzul UmmaaJ (Vo1.8 Pg.220) and Muntakhab Kanzul Um~naal (Vo1.6 Pg.325). (2) Ibn Abi Dunya and Jbn Asaakir, as quoted in KanzuJ Ummaal(Vo1.8 Pg.220) and M~~ntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.6 Pg.326). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,g@&> (Vol-3) the Aakhirah is the everlasting good deeds." (') The Lecture he Delivered in Kufa Hadhrat Abu Waa'il reports that in a lecture delivered in Kufa, he heard Hadhrat Ali ~ . ~ ~ j say, "0 people!

The person who portrays himself as a pauper will soon suffer poverty, the person who lives very long will suffer many trials and the one who does not prepare for adversities will be unable to exercise patience when afflicted. Remember also that the one who assumes a position of authority will practise favouritism and the one who does not consult with others will have regrets." After saying this, Hadhrat Ali 3G= would say, "Soon there shall remain of Islaam naught but its name and of the Qur'aan naught but its script. Behold! No person should be too shy to learn, neither should he be too shy to admit that he does not know something when asked about something he has no knowledge about. While your Masaajid will be well attended during those times, your hearts and bodies will be bereft of guidance. The worst of you beneath the skies will be your learned ones who will be the source of trouble, which will uItimately return to them." A man then stood up and asked, "0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!

When will this happen?" Hadhrat Ali 9 G w replied, "When the knowfedge of Deen will rest with the downtrodden ones, when the best of you will carry out indecent acts ?rid when government will be in the hands of your youngsters. It is then that you should just wait for Qiyaamah." (2) emely Eloquent and Comprehensive Lecture of His Hadhrat Ali S G W j once stood up to deliver a lecture saying, "All praise belongs to Allaah Who has created creation, Who breaks the dawn, Who will resurrect the dead and raise all within the graves. I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah and I testify that Muhammad @@ is the servant and Rasul (messenger) of Allaah. I emphatically advise you to adopt Taqwa. Remember that the best means of attaining proximity to Allaah is by Imaan and Jihaad in the path of Allaah. It is also most effectively attained by the Kalimah of sincerity that is most natural, by establishing salaah, which is part of the true creed, by paying zakaah, which one of the obligatory duties and by fasting during the month of Ramadhaan, which happens to be a shield against Allaah's punishment.

Furthermore, i t is attained by making Hajj at the Kabah, which eliminates poverty and obliterates sins. Fostering good family ties is also a means (of attaining proximity to Allaah) since it causes one's wealth to increase, one's lifespan to be extended and love within the family to grow. Sadaqah should also be given in secret because it erases sin and extinguishes the wrath of your Rabb. Good deeds need also be carried out because it thwarts a bad death and safeguards one against being floored by abject circumstances. ( 1 ) A1 Btclaayah wan Ntf7aayah (Vol .8 Pg. 8). (2) Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzu/Urnrnda/(Vo1.8 Pg.218).

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH Wr;"h&> (VOL-3) Engage abundantly in Allaah's Dhikr because it is the best thing to engage the tongue with. You must look forward to the promises Allaah has made to the people of Taqwa because Allaah's promises are the most truthful of all promises. Follow the guidance of your Nabi because it is the best of all guidance and adopt his way of life because it is the best of practices to follow. Learn the Book of Allaah because it is the best of all speeches and develop a deep understanding of Allaah's Deen because it is the spring of the heart. Treat (physical and spiritual) illnesses with its light because the Qur'aan is definitely a cure for all that hearts contain. Recite the Qur'aan beautifully because it is the most beautiful of all narratives and when it is recited to you, listen attentively and remain silent so that mercy may be showered on you.

When you have been inspired to study the Qur'aan, practise what you have learnt so that you may receive guidance. Remember that the practising Aaiim who does not practise his knowledge, he would be just like the tyrannical ignoramus who cannot be straightened because of his ignorance. In fact, I feel that the regret is more lasting and the case stronger against the Aalim who forsakes his knowledge as opposed to the ignoramus who is confused in his ignorance. Both these persons are astray and destroyed. Never entertain doubts because it will plunge you into misgivings and it is such misgivings that will lead you to kufr. Do not also practice on concessions because you will then soon become too compromising and as soon as you compromise on the truth, you will lose plenty.

Bear in mind that it is an act of intelligence that you rely on Allaah but this reliance should not be such that it leads you to deception. The person who most wishes well for himself will Pe the most obedient to his Rabb whereas the one who is most deceived - .ill Je most disobedient to his Rabb. The person who obeys Allaah will remain safe and happy while the one who disobeys Allaah will remain in fear and have regrets . . Furthermore, you must also pray to Allaah for conviction and always sho-vv Him your desire for well-being. In fact, conviction is the best of &l.&k.ngs that remain entrenched within the heart. The best of all matters are those that are the most resolute while the worst of them are those that have been fabricated.

Remember that every fabricated matter is a Bid'ah and every person who fabricates is engaging in Bid'ah. Such a person will be destroying (the Deen) because whenever he fabricates a Bid'ah, he is forsaking a Sunnah. Those truly at a loss are those whose Deen is at a loss and who have put their own souls at the losing end (by disobeying Allaah). Verily ostentation is a part of Shirk, while sincerity is a part of good deeds and Imaan Gatherings of futility make one forget the Qur'aan, are attended by Shaytaan and invite people to misguidance. Remaining in the company of (non-Mahram) women causes the heart to stray and captivates the eyes because women are indeed the traps of Shaytaan. Be true to Allaah because Allaah is with those who are true and abstain from lying because lying is the antithesis of Imaan.

Always bear in mind that the truth THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,EM (Vol-3) 48 1 stands at the peak of salvation and honour while lying stands at the peak of destruction and devastation. Listen well! Always speak the truth and you will be known for it, practise it and you will be amongst its worthy bearers. Always return trusts to those who have entrusted goods with you. Join ties with those family members who have severed them and be gracious to those who deprive you. Fulfil the pledges you undertake with people, ensure that you exercise justice when passing judgement and never boast about your ancestors before each other.

Never call each other names, never make fun of each other and never make each other angry. Assist the poor, the oppressed, those in debt, those striving in the path of Allaah, the beggars and slaves and always show mercy to widows and orphans. Make Salaam common amongst you and reply to the Salaam of those who greet you, using the same words or words that are better. (He then recited the verse:) Assist each other in good works (virtue andpiety) and Taqwa and do not assist each other i i i sin and transgression (oppression and injustice). Fear (thepunrshment 04 Allaah! Most surely Allaah is severe in punishment. {Surah Maa'idah, verse 2) Entertain guests, be good to your neighbour, visit the ill, accompany funeral processions and, 0 servants of Allaah, behave like brothers.

Furthermore, I wish to add that this world has turned its back and bid farewell, whereas the Aakhirah has arrived and is straining its eyes to look. Today (this world) is the time for the race while tomorrow it will be seen who has gone ahead. The winner will have Jannah while at the other end is Jahannam. Behold! You are passing through days of respite which are followed by your death that is approaching very fast. Therefore, whoever does good decd., sincerely for Allaah during the days of respite before his death, has really done well and will have what he hopes for.

On the other hand, whoever is neglectful of do~ng good will be at a loss for good deeds, will have shattered hopes and will actually come to harm because of his hopes. You must do good deeds with hope of reward as well as in fear (for punishment). If you are overcome with hope, then be grateful to Allaah and couple it with fear. Then, if you are overcome with fear, remember Allaah and couple it with hope because Allaah has announced that men shall have Jannah in return for their good deeds and will have an increase (in bounties) for their gratitude. I have never seen a place like Jannah yet its seeker is asleep. I have also not seen a place like Jahannam, yet the one who ought to be running away from it is also asleep.

I have also not seen anyone earn as much as the one who earns for the day when treasures will be accumulated, when secrets will be exposed and when all major sins are collected together. Take note of the fact that whoever does not benefit from the truth will still be harmed by falsehood and the one whom THE LIVES OF THE SilJiABM '@%&@k3 (Vol-3) guidance does not put on the straight path will certainly be led away (from the straight path) by misguidance. The one whom conviction does not benefit will be harmed by doubt and the one who does not benefit from what is before him will be one-eyed when viewing something far off and even more helpless when it comes to things that are not present. You have been instructed to travel (to the Aakhirah) and have been shown where to find the provisions for the journey. What I fear most for you people is that you follow the dictates of your passions and that you entertain long hopes of the future. As for entertaining long hopes, it . makes one forget the Aakhirah, whereas following one's passions distances one from the truth.

Listen well! While this world has already embarked on its return journey, the Aakhirah has just commenced its arrival. Both these places have their sons, so as far as possible, you should endeavour to be amongst the sons of the Aakhirah and not amongst the sons of this world. While today you have the opportunity for actions without reckoning, tomorrow you will face reckoning without the opportunity for actions." (I) His Lecture Concerning what will Happen to the .:' 7,- Y Progeny of Rasulullaah w& Hadhrat Abu Khayrah reports that he accompanied Hadhrat Ali 3 G W j to Kufa, where he ascended the pulpit and duly praised Allaah. Thereafter, addressed the people saying, "What will you people do when the progeny of Rasulullaah will be attackedwhilstinyourmidst?" The people replied by saying, "We will then display the most fearsome valour before Allaah." To this, Hadhrat Ali ~ G m remarked, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life that they will certainly be attacked whilst in your midst and you people will go out to kill them yourselves. He then recited the following couplets (which mean): They bring him (Hadhrat Husayn W@!Zi) there (to Kufa) in deception and then announce 'Accept his (Yazeed's) call (to pledge allegiance at his hands), otherwise there can be no escapk-or excuse"'(2) His Lecture In which he Quotes the Words of Rasulullaah @@ Hadhrat lbraheem Taymi reports from his father(3) that Hadhrat Ali BCWj once addressed them saying, "Whoever claims that we (the family of Rasulullaah m) have with us something else to read other than the Book of Allaah and this note, then he is grossly mistaken.

All that this note contains is the ages of camels (according to which zakaah is paid), some laws pertaining to (retribution (1) A1 Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vo1.7 Pg.30). Haafidh Ibn Katheer states that this lecture is most eloquent and comprehensive in enjoining good and forbidding evil and has been narrated through many unbroken chains of narrators. (2) Tabraani. (3) Hadhrat Yazeed bin Shareek. THE LIVES OF THE S A W A H @,@$$> (Vol-3) for) injuries and a statement of Rasulullaah in which he said, 'Madinah is sacred from between Mount Ayr and Mount Thowr. Whoever fabricates anything (in Deen) here or even gives refuge to one who does, he will have on him the curse of Allaah, of the angels and of all of mankind.

Allaah will also not accept from him any obligatory or optional deeds until the Day of Qiyaamah. Whoever claims that another person is his father or whichever slave claims that another person is his master, then he will also have on him the curse of Allaah, of the angels and of all of mankind. Allaah will also not accept from him any obligatory or optional deeds until the Day of Qiyaamah. The responsibility of all Muslims is one and even the lowest of them must strive to fulfil it."'(') His Lecture Concerning the Merits of Hadhrat Abu Hadhrat Ibraheem Nakha'ee reports that Hadhrat Alqama bin Qais once mounted the pulpit and said, "It was on this very pulpit that Hadhrat Ali WGw delivered a lecture to us. After duly praising Allaah and mentioning certain things, he said, 'Verily the best of all people after Rasulullaah @$% were Abu Bakr !3GWj and Umar 3,Gi;w&Gj. After them, we had initiated many new things, about which Allaah shall pass judgement."'(2) Hadhrat Abu Juhayfah also reports that Hadhrat Ali 3,Cw once mounted the pulpit where he commenced by praising Allaah and sending salutations to Rasulullaah $&.

Thereafter, he said, "The best person of this ummah after Rasulullaah $8 was Abu Bakr %,Gwj and next was Umar s,lj"$%. Allaah places goodness wherever He pleases." (3) Another narration is similar to the first one quoted above, but without the words "After them, we had initiated many new things...". This narration however adds that Hadhrat Ali H,G$is said, "We never regarded it as farfetched to think that it was an angel who would speak with the tongue of Umar w ~ . " ( ~ ) Hadhrat Alqama reports that Hadhrat Ali 3 G W once addressed them. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "The news has reached me that some people regard me to be better than Abu Bakr 3,Gwj and Umar %,Gwj. Had I forbidden you from this before, I would have certainly punished people for saying it.

However, I do not like to punish before first announcing the prohibition. Nevertheless, whoever mentions anything of the sort after this address of mine shall be regarded as a slanderer and shall therefore suffer the penalty of a slanderer (eighty lashes). Verily the best of all people after Rasulullaah t % ! ! was Abu Bakr 3G@ij, followed by Umar 3,G$i&+. After them, we had initiated many new things, about which Allaah shall pass judgement." (5) Hadhrat Zaid bin Wahab reports that Hadhrat Suwayd bin Ghafalah once went to ( I ) Ahrnad (Vol.1 Pg.81). (2) Ahmad (Vol. 1 Pg. 127). (3) Ahrnad (Vol. l Pg. 106).

(4) Ahrnad. (5) Ibn Aasirn, Ibn Shaaheen in his Sunnah, lsfahaani in his Hujjah and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.4 Pg. 1 16). THE LIVES OF THE S/WRB/W @Gw (vo1-3) Hadhrat Ali &GWj when he was the Khalifah. "0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!" Hadhrat Suwayd said, "1 have passed by some people who were making inappropriate statements about Hadhrat Abu Bakr ?&lGw and Hadhrat Umar ?&IY'W." Hadhrat Ali WW4S immediately sprang up, mounted the pulpit and said, "I swear by the Being Who splits the seed and created the soul that It is a venerable Mu'min who loves the two of them (Hadhrat Abu Bakr G ? i % j and Hadhrat Umar %Xi@!%) whereas only a wretched and irreligious person will dislike them. Loving them is a means of attaining proximity to Allaah while enmity for them will lead to irreligiousness. What is the matter with certain people that they speak ill of Rasulullaah @%'s two brothers, his two ministers, his two companions, the two leaders of the Quraysh and two fathers of the Muslims?

I absolve myself of all those who speak ill of them and I shall have them punished." (') A detailed lecture in this regard has already passed in the chapter discussing defending one's pious predecessors. Hadhrat Ali bin Husayn narrates that after Hadhrat Ali ~ , w had returned from the Battle of Siffeen, a youngster from the Banu Haashim family asked him, "2 Ameerul Mu'mineen! I heard you say in the Jumu'ah sermon, '0 Allaah! Set right our affairs as you had done for the rightly guided Khulafaa.' Who were they?'' Hadhrat Ali % % % % j ' eyes welled with tears as he said, "They were Abu Bakr %W&!Gj and Umar W,C&G. They were the leaders of guidance, the great scholars of Islaam and the ones by whom guidance was attained after Rasulullaah w. Whoever follows them will be guided to the straight path and whoever does what they did will have direction.

Whoever holds fast to their ways will be amongst the group of Allaah and the group of Allaah are the ones who will attain true success." (2) Various Lectures that Hadhrat Ali B,Ewj Delivered A scholar from the Banu Tameem tribe reports that Hadhrat Ali !&IY'Wj once addressed them saying, "There shall come a time when people will bite into each other and the wealthy will hold on to their wealth (refusing to spend it on others) whereas they have never been commanded to do that. In fact, Allaah says: Do not forget kindness among yourself. {Surah Baqarah, verse 237) (During those times) The evil ones will be regarded as honourable while the good people will be looked down upon. Furthermore, people will be buying from desperate people, whereas Rasulullaah @%% forbade buying from people who are desperate (because they are forced to sell, even if it is at a loss). Rasulullaah @@ also forbadesalesthatinvolve deception and the selling of fruit before it ripens."(3) Hadhrat Abu Ubayd who was the freed slave of ~ a d h r a t Abdur ahm ma an bin Auf !&%%j reports that he also attended the Eid (Eidul Adhaa) salaah led by Hadhrat (1) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Umrnaal (Vol.4 Pg.443). (2) Laalkaa'ee, Abu Taalib Ishaari and Nasr in his Hujjah, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Urnrnaal / (Vo1.4 Pg.444). (3) Ahmad (Vol.

I Pg. 1 16). THE LIVES OF THE S A W B A H @,G?&j' (Vol-3) Ali ?8lGWj. He led the salaah before delivering the sermon, and there was neither any Adhaan nor Iqaamah. He then said in his sermon, "0 people! Verily Rasulullaah @%% prohibited eating the meat of your sacrificial animals after three days, so do not eat it thereafter." (This prohibition was however lifted and Muslims are permitted to eat the meat after three days.) ('1 Hadhrat Rib'ee bin Hiraash reports that he heard Hadhrat Ali @,- say in a lecture, "Do not lie about me because whoever lies about me shall enter Jahannam. " (2) Hadhrat Abu Abdur Rahmaan Sulami narrates that Hadhrat Ali !!&Sw said the following in his lecture: " 0 people!

Enforce the penalties of the Shariah on your slaves, whether they are married or not. When a slave woman bel~nging to Rasulullaah rn committed adultery, Rasulullaah k%% instructed me to enforce the penalty. However, when I went to her I found that she had just started to bleed after giving birth. I therefore feared that she may lose her life if I had to lash her. When I reported back to Rasulullaah W, he told me that my decision had been correct." (3) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Sabt narrates that Hadhrat Ali W3w once addressed them saying, "I swear by the Being Who splits the seed and creates the soul that this beard will certainly be smeared with the blood of this head (I will shortly be assassinated). The people asked, "Do inform us who he (your assassin) shall be.

By Allaah! We shall kill his entire family!" Hadhrat Ali %W2!G however instructed them saying, "I ask you in the name of Allaah not to kill anyone other than my assassin." The people's response was, "If you know this, why do you not appoint a successor then?" "No," Hadhrat Ali 4359 replied, "I prefer to rather leave you just as Rasulullaah @@ left you (to choose your own Khalifah)." (4) Hadhrat Amr bin Alaa reports that Hadhrat Ali @Gw once addressed the people saying, "0people! I swear by the Being besides Whom there is not deity that I have not decreased anything small or large from your wealth apart from this vial that the chief of a village gave me as a gift." He then removed from his sleeve a vial containing some perfume. (5) Hadhrat Umayr bin Abdul Malik reports that Hadhrat Ali !!&,gW once addressed them from the pulpit in Kufa saying, "Rasulullaah t!$t!& would be first to notify me if I did not ask him a question about something and would always inform me about anything I asked. He once informed me about His Rabb 8,%2% saying, 'Allaah 8(@5G says, 'I swear by My loftiness over My throne that when the people of any town or household or even when a lone man in the wilderness turns away from disobeying Me, which displeases Me towards obeying Me, which pleases Me, I shall turn away from him My punishment, which displeases him and focus towards him My mercy, which is sure to please him. On the contrary, when the (1) Ahmad (Vol.1 Pg.141).

(2) Ahmad (Vol. l Pg.150). Tayaalisi (Pg. 17) has reported a similar narration (3) Ahmad (vol. I Pg. 156). (4) Ahmad (Vol. 1 Pg. 156). (5) Abdur Razzaaq, Abu Ubayd in his Arnwaal, Haakim in his Kuna and Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya, as quoted in Muntakhab KanzuI Ummaal (Vo1.5 Pg 54). THE LIVES OF THE SAHAl3flH *@,E$&&> (Vol-3) people of any town or household or even when a lone man in the wilderness turns away from obeying Me, which pleases Me towards disobeying Me, which displeases Me, I shall turn away from him My mercy, which displeases him and focus towards him My wrath, which is sure to displease him." (I) The Lectures that Ameerul Mu'mineen Hadhrat Hasan bin Ali @'G(&& delivered The Lecture he Delivered after the Demise of his Father Hadhrat Hubayrah narrates that when Hadhrat Ali bin Abi Taalib 9.Gh3; passed away, his son Hadhrat Hasan S?- stood up, mounted the pulpit and addressed the people saying, "0 people!

Tonight such a man has left this world whom the earlier people could not catch up with and whom the latter people will never be able to find. Whenever Rasulullaah @$% dispatched him on an expedition, Hadhrat Jibra'eel would be on his right side, Hadhrat Mikaa'eel @W would be on his left side and he would not return until Allaah had granted him victory. All that he left in estate was seven hundred Dirhams with which he intended to purchase a slave. His soul departed on the same night that Hadhrat Isa @& was raised to the heavens, which was the twenty seventh night of Ramadhaan." Another narration adds that he also said, "He left neither any gold or silver apart from seven hundred Dirhams, which was all that was left over from his allowance." This narration however does not contain the words "His soul departed on the same night that.. ."(2) When Hadhrat Ali %- was martyred, Hadhrat Hasan !3lGWj stood up to address the people. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "By Allaah! You have killed a man tonight, which is a night during which the Qur'aan was revealed, during which Hadhrat Isa a& was raised to the heavens, during which Hadhrat Yusha bin Noon 6@& the aide to Hadhrat Moosa @% was martyred and the night during which the repentance of the Bani Israa'eel was accepted." (3) Hadhrat Abu Tufayl reports a narration similar to the one above, but with the addition that Hadhrat Hasan %- also said, "Whoever knows me knows and whoever does not know me should know that 1 am Hasan the son of Muhammad &%$.

He then recited the verse in which Hadhrat Yusuf &W says: . , 9 y . . . l y . . , l y 3 v .G > y . G . t r ~ i : - ~ g ~ ~ ) (++ j ,p.+ ,+$! LC !bl\ + j) "I follow the creed of my fathers Ibraheem @W, Is'haaq @.W and Ya'qoob &@&I' {Surah Yusuf, verse 38) (Just as Hadhrat Yusuf 6@!!& referred to his grandfathers as his fathers, so too do ( I ) Ibn Mardway, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.8 Pg.203). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.38). Abu Nu'aym has reported a narration similar to the second one in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.65). Ahmad (Vol.1 Pg.199) has also reported a similar narration in brief.

(3) Abu Ya'la, Ibn Jareer and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanznl Urn1naal(Vol.5 Pg.61). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,%b&%> (Vol-3) 48 7 I refer to my grandfather Rasulullaah @& as my father.)" After then reciting some portions of the Qur'aan, he said, "I am the son of the giver of glad tidings, I am the son of the Warner, I am the son of Nabi @@, I am the son of the one who called to Allaah with His permission, I am the son of the brilliant lamp and I am the son of the one who was sent a s a mercy to the universe. I belong to that household which Allaah liad rid of (all spiritual) filth and had thoroughly purified. I belong to that family whom Allaah g.@$F has made it compulsory (for others) to love and to assist. Allaah says in the revelation He has sent to Muhammad @$: 'Say (to the people, 0 ~ u h a m m a d w ) , '1 ask of you no repayme*nt (for conveying to you the message of Towheed), except (all that I ask for is) the (usual and traditiona/l love between relatives (that you ought to show to me regardless of what message I carry to you).' {Surah Shura, verse 23)(l) Another narration adds that Hadhrat Hasan @~&45 also said, "Rasulullaah would hand over the flag to him (Hadhrat Ali B-) and when the battle grew furious, Hadhrat Jibra'eel @& would be there to fight by his side." The narrator of this report states that it was the twenty first of Ramadhaan (when Hadhrat Ali ks@22 passed away). (2) Yet another narrationsimilartotheoneofHadhratAbu Tufayl adqs that Hadhrat Hasan WWj said, "I am from that family to whom Hadhrat Jibra'eel G@W descended and with whom he ascended." The narration alsostates that Hadhrat Hasan wa added the concluding part of the above verse when he recited: As for the one who carries out a good deed, We will increase the beauty of the deed (by granting a reward for it that is far superior to the deed itself) " {Surah Shura, verse 23) He then explained carrying out a good deed in the this verse refers to imbibing love for the family of Rasulullaah &6@.(3) His Lecture after being Stabbed Hadhrat Abu Jameela narrates that after Hadhrat Ali Wm was assassinated, (his son) Hadhrat Hasan %Gw became the Khalifah.

However, when he was once leading the salaah, someone leapt at him and stabbed him with a dagger in his buttock. This confined him to bed for a month, after which he stood up to address the people from the pulpit. He said, "0 people of Iraq! Fear Allaah when it concerns us because we are both your leaders and your guests. We also belong to the household concerning whom Allaah says: (1) Abu Ya'la, Ibn Jareer and Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.5 Pg.61). (2) Tabraani, Abu Ya'la and Bazzaar, as quoted in Majma'uzZawaa'id(Vo1.9 Pg.146).

(3) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg. 172). THE LIVES OF THE SAHAEAH @g(&&j' (~01-3) # ' , ' 'Allaah only wishes to rid you of (spiritual) filth, 0 members of the household (ofRasulullaah w), and to purify you thoroughly (from all evil)."' {Surah Ahzaab, verse 33) He then continued speakinguntiltherewas none to be seen in the Masjid who was not weeping. Another narration states that Hadhrat Hasan ?&Gw continued repeating these words until there was none in the Masjid who was not sobbing profusely. (2) The Lecture he Delivered when he Made Peace with Hadhrat Mu'aawiya ~ ~ ~ ~ Hadhrat Sha'bi reports that he was present at Nakheelah when Hadhrat Hasan ?&Gw made peace with Hadhrat Mu'aawiya ?&Gw. Hadhrat Mu'aawiya ?&,GW then said to him, "Now that the matter has been settled, do address the people and inform them that you have relinquished the Khilaafah and handed it over to me." Hadhrat Hasan WWj then stood on the pulpit and praised Allaah. Hadhrat Sha'bi confirms that he personally heard the lecture.

Hadhrat Hasan !i3G4&& said, "The best of all intelligence isf Taqwa and the worst of all foolishness is sin. The post of Khilaafah that has been disputed between Mu'aawiya !3UW and I may either be my right, which I have now relinquished in his favour for peace to reign amongst the Ummah and to save their blood. If this post is really the right of someone else other than me, then I have now handed it over. He then recited the verse: I have no idea whether it (the delay in punishment) is a test for you (to see whetheryou repent) or an enjoyment until a stipulated time." {Surah Arnbiyaa, verse 11 In another narration, Hadhrat Sha'bi says, "Hadhrat Hasan bin Ali W= addressed us at Nakheelah when he made peace with Hadhrat Mu'aawiya %Gm. He stood up and after praising Allaah, he said ..." The words of this narration are like the one above, but states that after reciting the verse of the Qur'aan, Hadhrat Hasan UGw concluded by saying, "This is all I have to say. I now seek Allaah's forgiveness for myself and for all of you." (4) Yet another narration states that in this historic lecture, Hadhrat Hasan bin Ali ?&GW said, "0 people!

Allaah has guided you through the first generation of our family (Rasulullaah w) and has saved your blood from being spilled by the latter generation of our family (myself). The post of Khilaafah is a temporary one (1) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.172). (2) Ibn Abi Haatim, as quoted in the Tah-eerof Ibn Katheer (Vo1.3 Pg.486). (3) Tabraani in his Kabeer. Haythami (Vo1.4 Pg. 108) has commented on the chain of narrators. (4) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.175).

Bayhaqi (Vo1.8 Pg.173) has reported a similar narration. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @SWj (vd-3) and the successes of this world pass from hand to hand. Allaah has said to His Nabi @@; I have no idea whether it (the delayinpunishmenlj is a test for you (to see whetheryou repent) or an enjoyment until a stipulated time." {Surah Arnbiyaa, verse 1 1 I)(') The Lecture of Arneerul Mu'mineen Hadhrat Mu'aawiya bin Abu Sufyaan %!3+&2 Hadhrat Muhammad bin Ka'b Qurazi narrates that Hadhrat Mu'aawiya bin Abu Sufyaan S,w delivered a lecture in Madinah saying, "0 people! There is none to prevent that which Allaah grants, none can grant what Allaah prevents, the wealth of the wealthy cannot assist them and when Allaah wishes well for a person, He grants him understanding of the Deen. 1 have heard Rasulullaah @% speak these words from this very pulpit." (2) Hadhrat Muhammad bin Abdur Rahmaan reports that he heard Hadhrat Mu'aawiya @BGu,3j deliver a lecture saying, "I have heard Rasulullaah say, 'When Allaah wishes well for a person, He grants him understanding of the Deen. While I am just the distributor (of knowledge), it is Allaah Who grants it. This Ummah will always remain firm on the truth and on Allaah's Deen until the Day of Qiyaamah without being harmed by those who oppose them." (3) Hadhrat Umayr bin Haani narrates that Hadhrat Mu'aawiya bin Abu Sufyaan ~ , w once addressed them saying, "1 heard Rasulullaah say, 'Until the Day of Qiyaamah, this Ummah will always remain steadfast on Allaah's Deen and will not be harmed by those who oppose them or by those who do not want to assist them." Another narration states that he also said, "And they (the Ummah) shall dominate over others." Hadhrat Umayr bin Haani says, "Hadhrat Maalik bin Yakhaamir then stood up and said, 'I heard Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal say that these people (the Ummah steadfast on the Deen and dominant over others) are the people of Shaam (during those times)." (4) Hadhrat Yunus bin Halbas Janadi reports a similar narration with the addition that Hadhrat Mu'aawiya S,W> recited the following verse (in substantiation): (Allaah said,) '0 Isa, I shall take you away (from this world), raise you to Me (to the heavens), purify you from (the company 00 those who disbelieve and make those who Tollow you above (superior to) those ( I ) Ibn Jareer in his Taareekh 0101.4 Pg.124).

(2) Ibn Abdul Birr in his Jaami'ul Ilm (Vol. 1 Pg.20). (3) Ibn Abdul Birr in his jaami (Vol. l Pg.20) (4) Ahmad, Abu Ya'la, Ya'qoob bin Sufyaan and others. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH rn, G'&&> (Vol-3) who disbelieve until the Day of Qiyaamah. {Surah Aal Irnraan, verse 55)(') Hadhrat Makhool reports that Hadhrat Mu'aawiya 9,GWj was delivering a lecture from the pulpit when he said, "I heard Rasulullaah @% say, '0 people! Knowledge is attained through studies and understanding of Deen is attained through deep thought. When Allaah wishes well for a person, He grants him understanding of the Deen and it is only the learned ones who truly fear Allaah. There shall always be a group from my Ummah who will always remain steadfast on the truth and will dominate over others without being intimidated by those who oppose them and those who are hostile towards them.

They will prevail until the Day of Qiyaamah." (2) The Lectures of Arneerul Mu'mineen Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr WbG@&5 His Lecture On the Occasion of Hajj Hadhrat Muhammad bin Abdullaah reports, "I was present when Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr &G$&j delivered a lecture during the occasion of Hajj. We had no idea of his presence until he appeared just before the day of Tarwiya (8th of Dhul Hijjah) when people entered into the state of Ihraam. He was an extremely handsome man in his middle ages, wearing two white garments. When he arrived, the people shouted, 'Here comes the Ameerul Mu'mineen!' He ascended the pulpit and greeted the people. After they replied to his greeting, he recited the most beautiful Talbiya I had ever heard. He then praised Allaah and said, "You people have come as delegations to Allaah from distant and different places.

It is therefore necessary that Allaah should honour you. Whoever has come in search of what is with Allaah should know that the one who seeks Allaah shall never return empty-handed. You must therefore confirm your words with deeds because deeds are the masters of words and intentions are confined to the heart. Fear Allaah! Fear Allaah in these days of yours because these are days during which Allaah forgives sins. Remember that you have come here from various distant lands without the desire for trade, wealth or any other aspect of this world." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr bbGw then recited the Talbiya and the people recited it with him.

After deliberating at length, he said, "Verily Allaah states in .,> z , ,. 4 - 3 . His Book: ( & b + L ~ I +I) 'Haj, is the few known months'(3). These are three months, namely Shawwaal, Dhul Qa'dah and ten days of Dhul Hijjah." He then recited further: (1) lbn Asaakir. (2) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Utnmaal(Voi.7 ~g.130) (3) Surah Baqarah, verse 197. THE LIVES OF THE S A H n B N I @G%$% fVo1-3) 49 1 "So whoever considers the Hajj obligatory (upon himselfand enters the state of lhraam) in them (during these months) should not engage in any sexual relations (with his wife) nor commit any act of sin (should not swear) nor dispute (quarrel or fight) during Hajj. Allaah knows whatever good deed you do.

Take your provisions along with you (for the journey), but (always remember that) the best of provisions is Taqwa." {Surah Baqarah, verse 197) He then continued further to state, "Allaah says: (2; I* &! jg 3) 'There shall be no sin upon you should you seek the bounty from your Rabb! Allaah has therefore made trade permissible (during the days of Hajj). Thereafter, Allaah says: (y6> 2 % I$) 'When you leave Arafaat.. . 'This is the place where people will stay until sunset, after which they will depart (for Muzdalifah). Allaah says further: (,l$l@l+ , . l$ii)) 'then remember Allaah at the Mash 'arul Haraam (The Sacred Monument)! These are the mountains where people will also stay over, namely Muzdalifah.

Allaah states further: ($Lti 13 igil;) Remember Him as He had guidedyou! The next command is not general, but addressed specifically to the people of this city (Makkah) who used to depart (back to Makkah) from Muzdalifah (without going to Arafaat at all), while others departed from Arafaat. Slamming this act of theirs, Allaah revealed the verse: 'And proceed from the place where the people proceed from (when heading of7 to fulfil the other rights of Hajj in Mina).' {Surah Baqarah, verse 199) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr &W!% continued further. He said, "It was the practice of the people to boast about their forefathers after completing their Hajj. It was with regard to this that Allaah revealed the verse stating: 5 , I , 4 5 fir0 t7.j .~..~i:.& i j y , (@,wI +lL L;5r L-; +$I (Once you have completedyour Hajj rites) Remember Allaah as you remember your forefathers, or (rather with) an even greater remembrance. From among man there are those (the Kaafiroon) who say, '0 our Rabb, grant us in this world.' (They are then granted their needs in this world whereas) They shall have no share (of good) in the Aakhirah, (On the other hand) From among them there are also those (the Mulmineen) who say, '0 our Rabb, grant us (all that which is) good in this world, (all that which is) good in the Aakhirah and save us from the punishment of the fire (ofJahannam).' {Surah Baqarah, verses 200,20 1 ) THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @@&z (Vol-3) These people work in this world for the good of this world as well as for the Aakhirah." He then continued reciting until he reached the verse: Carry out the Dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah during the limited days (loth, 1 I th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah). {Surah Baqarah, verse 203) With reference to this verse, he commented, "These are the days of Tashreeq.

The Dhikr of Allaah to be carried out during these days consist of (&I&$) L > .* ('Subhaanallaah'), (g*LxJI)('Al ~amdulillaah'),(~l ('Laa Ilaaha Illallaah'), (*('~llaahu Akbar') and other glorifications of Allaah." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr WW then spoke of the various points from where people need to enter the state of Ihraam. He said, "The place from where the people of Madinah need to enter into Ihraam is Dhul Hulayfah, the place from where the people of Iraq need to enter into Ihraam is Aqeeq, the place from where the people of Najd and Taa'if need to enter into Ihraam is Qarn and the place from where the people of Yemen need to enter into lhraam is Yalamlam." He then cursed the disbelievers from the Ahlul Kitaab saying, "0 Allaah! Punish the disbelievers from the Ahlul Kitaab who reject Your signs, disbelieve in your Arnbiyaa and who prevent others from Your path. 0 Allaah! Punish them and give them the hearts of immoral women." He then proceeded to make many more du'aas. He then continued to say, "There are many men here whose hearts have'been blinded just as their sight has been. Their ruling in the case of Tamattu Hajj is that if a person arrijes from Khurasaan with the Ihraam for Hajj, they tell him that he may emerge from the Hajj Ihraam after performing Umrah and then enter into Ihraam again for his Hajj (whereas the person intending Hajj may emerge from his Hajj Ihraam only after performing Hajj).

By Allaah! This type of Tamattu is permissible only for the person in straitened circumstances." He then recited the Talbiya and the people recited it as well. The narrator says that he had not seen so many people weeping as he did on that day. (') Various Lectures that he Delivered Hadhrat Hishaam bin Urwa narrates that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr HW said the following in his lecture: 'You need to know that one (performing Hajj) may stay at every part of Arafah besides Batn Urna and you also need to know well that one m'ay also stay in every part of Muzdalifah besides Batn Muhassar." (2) Hadhrat Abbaas bin Sahl bin Sa'd Saa'idi Ansaari reports that he heard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr - deliver a lecture on the pulpit in Makkah. He said, "0 people! Rasulullaah @% used to say, 'If man is given a valley full of gold, he would want a second and when given a second, he would still want a third.

(1) Tabraani in his Kabeer. Haythami (Vo1.3 Pg.250) has commented on the chain of narrators. Abu Nu'aym has reported a similar narration in his Hilya (Vol. 1 Pg.326) without the words "After deliberating at length ..." until "only for the person in straitened circumstances". (2) Ibn Jareer in his Taheer(Vo1.2 Pg.168). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH mr%@> (Vol-3) There is nothing to fill man's belly besides the sand of the grave and Allaah accepts the repentance of those who repent." ('I Hadhrat Ataa bin Abi Rabaah narrates that in one of his lectures, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr said, "Rasulullaah .@% said, 'A single salaah in this Masjid of mine (in Madinah) is better than a thousand salaahs in any other Masjid other than the Masjidul Haraam. A single salaah in the Masjidul Haraam is a hundred times superior (than a salaah in my Masjid)." Hadhrat Ataa says further, "That makes it (the rewards) a hundred thousand (more than in any other Masjid in the world). 1 therefore asked, ' 0 Abu Muhammad!

Does this virtue apply exclusively to the Masjidul Haraam or to all of the Haram?' He replied, 'It applies to all of the Haram because all of the Haram is a ~asjid."'(~) Hadhrat Wahab bin Kaysaan a freed slave of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr ?2Jw reports that he heard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr SGiWj deliver a lecture on the day of Eid. On that occasion, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr ?2JGWj led the salaah before delivering the lecture and when he did stand up to deliver the lecture, he said, " 0 people! All of this (performing the salaah before the lecture) is the way shown by Allaah and by Rasulullaah @i%."(3) Hadhrat Thaabit reports that he heard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr ?2JlSWj say the following in a lecture: "Muhammad said, 'Whoever (from amongst the males) wears silk in this world will not wear it in the ~akhirah."'(~) Hadhrat Abu Zubayr says, "It was on this very pulpit that I heard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr ! & % J & j narrate some Ahadeeth. He said, 'After making the Salaam after his salaah, Rasulullaah @@ used to recite: "There is none worthy of worship but the One Allaah Who has no partner. All kingdom and all praise belong to Him and He has power over all things. There is no strength or power without Allaah.

We worship only Him Who bestows all bounties and grace and to Whom all good praise is due. There is none worthy of worship but Allaah, for Whom all worship is to be done sincerely, even though the Kuffaar detest it." (5) Hadhrat Thuwayr narrates that he heard Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr %,W@2j say from the pulpit: "This is the day of Aashura (10th of Muharram) so fast because Rasulullaah @% gave the instruction to fast." 6) Hadhrat Kulthoom bin Hibr narrates that Hadhrat ~bdullaah bin Zubayr %%Wj (1) Abu Nu'ayrn in his Hika (Vol.1 Pg.337). (2) Abu Dawood Tayaalisi (Pg. 195) (3) Ahrnad (Vo1.4 Pg.4). (4) Ahrnad (Vol. 1 Pg.5). (5) Ahrnad (Vo1.4 Pg.5). (6) Ahrnad (Vo1.4 Pg.6).

THE LIVES OF THE SAH/ZBAH ~ ~ ~ l ! @ ~ (Val-3) once addressed the people saying, "0 people of Makkah! 1 have been informed that some of you play a (gambling) game called Nardsheer, whereas Allaah says: 0 you who have Imaan! Indeed liquor (wine, beer and other intoxicants), gambling, idols and (distribution by) arrows are filth from the acts of Shaytaan, s o abstain from them s o that you may be successful (in both worJds). {Surah Maa'idah, verse 90) I swear by Allaah that I shall severely punish him by removing his hair and lashing him. I shall also hand over all his possessions (with him at the time) to the person who brings him in." The Lectures of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin The Lecture he Delivered in the presence of Rasulullaah @I!@ Hadhrat Abu Dardaa 9,Gw narrates that after once delivering a short lecture, Rasulullaah @@ said, "0 Abu Bakr a,=! Stand up and deliver a lecture." Hadhrat Abu Bakr !313w then delivered a lecture that was shorter than that of Rasulullaah g@. Rasulullaah &$% then instructed Hadhrat Umar ~ , W j to deliver a lecture and he complied by delivering a lecture that was shorter than that of Hadhrat Abu Bakr B,GWj. When Rasulullaah @?% then asked another person to deliver a lecture, he was very bombastic in his speech, because of which Rasulullaah @@ told him to step down.

Rasulullaah @$% then said, "Bombastic speech is from Shaytaan and well delivered speech is magical indeed." Addressing Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood W'=, Rasulullaah @@ said, "0 Ibn Ummi Abd! You now deliver a lecture." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %&% then stood up and after praising Allaah, he said, "0 people! Verily Allaah 3,%3G is our Rabb, Islaam is our Deen, the Qur'aan is our Imaam, the Kabah is our Qiblah and (pointing to Rasulullaah @I%) this is our Nabi @?%. We are pleased with what Allaah and His Rasool%@ like for us and we dislike that which Allaah and His Rasool @@ dislike for us." To this, Rasulullaah &@ remarked, "Ibn Ummi Abd has spoken well." (2) Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Jubayr reports a similar narration from Hadhrat Abu Dardaa S,W with the addition that Rasulullaah @@ also said, "I am pleased with that which Allaah is pleased with for me and for my Ummah and with that which pleases Ibn Ummi Abd. Likewise, I am displeased with that which Allaah is displeased with for me and for my Ummah and with that which displeases Ibn (1) Bukhaari in his Adab (Pg.186). (2) Tabraani.

Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.290) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH 'B,%&> (Vol-3) Ummi Abd." ('1 Another similar narration states that after Rasulullaah @k?$$ asked Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3Wj to speak, he began by praising Allaah, invoking peace and blessings on Rasulullaah @@ and attesting to the Shahaadah of truth. Thereafter, he said, "We are pleased with Allaah as our Rabb, with lslaam as our religion and I am pleased with that with which Allaah and His Rasool k%!% like for you." To this, Rasulullaah @@ remarked, "I am pleased with that which Ibn Ummi Abd likes for you." (2) Various Lectures that he delivered Hadhrat Abul Ahwas Jushami reports that while Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood & = was delivering a lecture, he noticed a snake slithering along a wall. He immediately stopped the lecture and hit the snake with his staff until he killed it. Thereafter, he said, "I heard Rasulullaah @@ say that one who kills a snake is like the person who kills a Mushrik who deserves to be executed." (3) Hadhrat Abu Waa'il narrates that when Hadhrat Uthmaan ~,Wl!kj became the Khalifah, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 3,w travelled for eight days from Madinah to Kufa. He then delivered a lecture in which he said, "When Ameerul Mu'mineen Umar bin Khattaab 9,Gw passed away, we did not see s o many people weep as on that day.

We the companions of Muhammad @?8@ then gathered together and did our very best to select the one who is best from amongst us. We therefore pledged our allegiance to Ameerul Mu'mineen Uthmaan %,Wt!Gj, so you should all pledge your allegiance to him as well." (4) The Lectures of Hadhrat Utba bin Ghazwaan ~ G @ 3 j Hadhrat Khaalid bin Umayr Adawi reports that Hadhrat Utba bin Ghazwaan was the governor of Basrah when he addressed them. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "Verily this world has already announced its termination and has speedily turned on its heels. All that is left of her is like the little residue left over in a utensil that a person tries to lick out of it. You people will certainly be moving over from here to a place that will never come to an end. You must therefore take along with you the best that you have with you because we have been informed that a stone thrown from the edge of Jahannam will continue falling for seventy years without reaching the bottom.

By Allaah! This Jahannam will however be filled. Does this not astonish you? We have also been informed that the distance between two of the many doorways to Jannah spans a distance of forty years. There shall however come a day when even these doorways will be crowded with people (entering into Jannah). I have seen thetimewhenlwas one of seven people with Rasulullaah @& without any food between ourselves other than the leaves of trees (which we continued to eat) until our jaws were filled with sores.

Throwing down a shawl of mine, I (1) Ibn Asaakir. (2) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.5 Pg.237) (3) Ahmad (Vol. l Pg.421). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.3 Pg.63). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABrZH@&w3 (VoI-3) tore it into two parts. I used one part as a lower garment for myself and the other I gave to Sa'd bin Maalik, who also used it as a loincloth. However, today there is none of us who has not become the governor of a city.

I ask Allaah to protect me from standing high in my own esteem while being humiliated in Allaah's sight."(') Another narration adds that Hadhrat Utba SW$% concluded with the words, "There has never been a (succession of leaders starting from the period of) Nabuwwaat that does not gradually decline until it degenerates into a monarchy. After me you shall soon experience and be tested with many (different types) of leaders and governors (so prepare yourselves)." (') Yet another narration states that this was the first lecture that Hadhrat Utba Ww delivered in Basrah. He said, "All praise belongs to Allaah Whom I praise, from Whom I seek help, Who I believe in and in Whom do I rely. I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah and I testify that Muhammad @$% is the servant and Rasul of Allaah. 0 people! Verily this world has already.. ." The rest of the narration is like both narrations quoted above. (3) The Lectures of Hadhrat Hudhayfah bin Hadhrat Abu Abdur Rahmaan Sulami reports, "I once accompanied my father for the Jumu'ah salaah in Madaa'in.

We lived a Farsakh away from the Masjid and it was during the time when Hadhrat Hudhayfah bin Yamaan 9SWj was the governor of Madaa'in. He ascended the pulpit and after praising Allaah, he recited the verse: J 0 / # ? + > / 6 owT:+ 5Jy) WI p 1 3 uU! Qiyaamah has drawn close and the moon has been split. (Surah Qamar, verse 1) He then continued, 'Listen well! The moon has already been split. Listen well!

This world has already announced her departure. Listen well! Today (this world) is the time for the race while tomorrow it will be seen who has gone ahead.' I then asked my father, 'What does he mean by the race?' My father informed me that he was referring to the race to Jannah." (4) Another similar narration states that Hadhrat Hudhayfah 9 S 5 j said, "Allaah says: Qiyaamah has drawn close and the moon has been split. (Surah Qamar, verse 1) Listen well! The moon has already been split ..." This narration concludes with Hadhrat Abu Abdur Rahmaan Sulami saying, "1 then asked my father, 'Will people be running a race tomorrow?' 'Dear son!' my father remarked, 'You do not (1) Muslim, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vol.5 Pg. 179). (2) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg 261), reporting from reliable sources.

Ibn Jowzi has reported a similar narration in his Safwatus Safwah (Vo1.l Pg.152), as has Naabilsi in his Dhakhaa'irul Mawaareeth (Vo1.2 Pg.229), reporting from Muslim, Ibn Maajah and Tirmidhi. Ahmad (Vo1.4 Pg.174) has reported a similar narration, as has Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vo1.l Pg.171). (3) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.7 Pg.6). (4) Abu Nu'aym in his Hi&a (Vo1.l Pg.281). THE LIVES OF THE S W N I '@!%&!% (Vol-3) 49 7 understand. It is the race for good deeds that he is referring to.' When we attended the following Jumu'ah salaah, Hadhrat Hudhayfah %&%% said in his lecture, "Behold!

Verily Allaah 8,WG says: Qiyaamah has drawn close and the moon has been split. {Surah Qamar, verse 1) 'Listen well! This world has already announced her departure. Listen well! Today (this world) is the time for the race while tomorrow it will be seen who has gone ahead. Take note that at the end is the fire of Jahannam while the race is on for those heading for Jannah." Hadhrat Kurdoos narrates that in a lecture in Madaa'in, Hadhrat Hudhayfah wWj said, " 0 people! Closely monitor what your slaves earn.

If it is Halaal, you may utilise it, otherwise, discard it because I have heard Rasulullaah @&% say that no fle,sh nourished with Haraam can ever enter Jannah." (2) Another narration states that in a lecture he delivered in Madaa'in, Hadhrat Hudhayfah W , W j said, "0 people! Be vigilant over your slaves and ensure that you know their sources of income because the flesh nourished by Haraam can never enter Jannah. Remember also that the seller, the buyer and the maker of wine are just like the one who consumes it." (3) A Lecture of Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari %BWj Hadhrat Qasaama bin Zuhayr narrates that Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari S%Wjs once addressed the people of Basrah saying, " 0 people! Do weep (over your sins and for fear of Jahannam) and if you are unable to weep, then at least pretend to do so because the people of Jahannam will weep until their tears will come to an end. When their tears are eventually finished, they will cry blood so much that even ships will be able sail on it." (4) A lecture of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas !&GW Hadhrat Shaqeeq says, "When Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas was the Ameer of Hajj, he delivered a lecture. He started reciting Surah Baqarah and he commented on each verse as he recited.

(This was so impressive that) I said, '1 have never seen or heard anyone speak like this. If the Romans and Persians have to hear this, they will surely accept Islaam." (5) Lectures of Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah ?i!iIEWj Hadhrat Abu Yazeed Madeeni reports that Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah %%&?% once ascended Rasulullaah k % # s pulpit and stood on a step lower than that on which Rasulullaah ## stood. He then said, "All praise belongs to Allaah Who has guided Abu Hurayrah to Islaam. All praise belongs to Allaah Who has taught Abu ( I ) Ibn Jareer, as quoted in the Tafseer of Ibn Katheer (Vo1.4 Pg.261). Haakim (V01.4 Pg.609) has reported a simiiar narration from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. (2) Abu Nu'aym in his Hi&a (Vol. 1 Pg.28 1).

(3) Abdur Razzaaq, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. l Pg.2 18). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.1 lo). Abu Nu'aym has reported a simiiar narration in h b H/&a (V0l.l Pg.261). (5) Abu Nu'aym in his H/&a (Vol. l Pg.324). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH p- (Vol-3) Hurayrah the Qur'aan. All praise belongs to Allaah Who has blessed Abu Hurayrah with Muhammad @!@.

All praise belongs to Allaah Who has fed me leavened bread and given me fine garments to wear. All praise belongs to Allaah Who has given me the hand of Ghazwaan's daughter in marriage after I had been her servant to earn food to fill my belly and now I am able to annoy her just as she used to annoy me. Destruction will come to the Arabs because of the evil that has already arrived. Destruction will come to them because they will be led by mere children who will rule according to their passion and will kill in anger. Glad tidings to you, 0 non-Arabs! I swear by the Being Who controls my life that even if Deen is suspended on the Pleiades constellzition, a group from you will certainly reach it." ('I Hadhrat Abu Habeebah narrates that he entered the house of Hadhrat Uthmaan - during the period when he was besieged in it.

It was then he heard Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah ?&82W6 seek permission to address Hadhrat Uthmaan ik83@%. When permission was granted, Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah #,W stood up, duly praised Allaah and then said, "I have heard Rasulullaah say, 'You will surely encounter plenty of tribulation and disputes after me.' '0 Rasulullaah m!' someone asked, 'What do you advise us to do?' Rasulullaah replied, 'Attach yourselves with the Ameer and those with him."' Saying this, Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah B,- pointed towards Hadhrat Uthmaan %%~j.(~) A Lecture of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Salaam @*GW Hadhrat Muhammad bin Yusuf bin Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Salaam reports that he once sought permission to see Hajjaaj bin Yusuf and when permission was granted, he entered and greeted with Salaam. Hajjaaj instructed two men sitting close to his chair to make way and when they did, Hadhrat Muhammad bin Yusuf sat down. Hajjaaj then said to him, "May Allaah grant abundant good to your father. Do you know the narration that your father reported to Abdul Malik bin Marwaan, which he heard from your grandfather Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Salaam 4?BG4&!3j?" "May Allaah have mercy on you," Hadhrat Muhammad bin Yusuf remarked, "there are so many narrations. Which one is it?" Hajjaaj replied, "The narration of the Egyptians when they blockaded the house of Hadhrat Uthmaan -,.'I Hadhrat Muhammad bin Yusuf then said, "I know that narration.

When Hadhrat Uthmaan ?3&@!%5 was besieged in his house, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Salaam ?%@&!% arrived and entered the house. The people gave him way until he came to Hadhrat Uthmaan - and said, 'Peace be on you, 0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!' 'Peace be on you too,' Hadhrat Uthmaan 3W&!G replied, 'What brings you here, 0 Abdullaah bin Salaam?' Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Salaam ~,lSG replied, 'I have come to remain by your side (and to fight these people) until I am either martyred or until Allaah grants you victory because I estimate that these people will definitely come out to fight you. If they ever succeed in martyring you, it will (1) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.383). (2) Haakim (Vo1.4 Pg.433), reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Dhahabi. THE LIVES OF THE SAhYBAH @,@@@> (Vol-3) be good for you but terrible for them.' To this Hadhrat Uthmaan U,Ew said, 'I ask you by the rights I have over you that you must goout to them (and explain to them the error of their ways).' (Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Salaam USm complied and) When the rebels saw him approach them, they gathered around, hoping to hear some news that would please them. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Salaam ?3B&j then stood before them to deliver a lecture.

After duly praising Allaah, he said, 'Verily Allaah had sent Muhammad @@ as a giver of glad tidings and a Warner. He gave the glad tidings of Jannah to those who obeyed him and warned those who disobeyed him about the fire of Jahannam. Allaah then made those who followed Rasulullaah 6% prevail over the adherents to every other faith even though the Mushrikeen detested this. From all the other chosen places of residence, Allaah chose Madinah as the residence of Rasulullaah @@ and made it the place of Hijrah and the place of Imaan. By Allaah! Angels have been surrounding Madinah ever since Rasulullaah @% entered it and remain doing so to this day.

Al1aah:s sword has also remained sheathed against you (because of which Muslims have not been fighting each other) and remains so until this day.' 'Allaah had sent Muhammad @@ with the truth and whoever takes guidance (from him) has been guided by the guidance of Allaah and whoever strays has done so after matters have been made plain to him and proven beyond doubt. It is a fact that whenever a Nabi &@W has been martyred in the past, seventy thousand warriors had lost their lives, each one being killed in retribution for the killing of the Nabi @&&. Similarly, whenever a Khalifah has been martyred, thirty five thousand warriors had lost their lives, each one being killed in retribution for the killing of the Khalifah. You people should therefore never be rushed into assassinating this elderly man because I swear by Allaah that the person who kills him will appear before Allaah on the Day of Qiyaamah with an amputated and paralysed hand. Remember well that this elderly man has a s many rights over you as a father has over his son.' The rebels however stood up and .shouted, 'The Jew is lying! The Jew is lying!' Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Salaam 3,@%4 retorted by saying, 'I swear by Allaah that it is you who are the liars and the ones at fault.

I am not a Jew but one of the Muslims. Allaah, Rasulullaah @@ and all the Mu'mineen know this fact well. It is with reference to me that Allaah revealed the verse: ' 0 , 9 0 , I f $ 3 ( t ~ ~ i : ~ ~ iJy) Q@ &I ,+ b e r;r"j j I++ $J& > 3) , * (0 RasuJuJJaah s@) Say (to the Mushrikeen), 'Allaah is sufficient as witness between us (to attest that I am truly His messenger), and so are those who possess the knowledge of the Book (such as Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Salaam g, GG.&>).' {Surah Ra'd, verse 43) Allaah has also revealed another verse, which is: ) 9, ,,* 9 9 & & s 7 > ~ $ f ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ y > ~ ; h ~ & ~ ~ 2 I , I H I , THE LIVES OF THE s ~ ~ B A H @,m (Vol-3) I ' 9 ' l I',* ~ ~ ~ T ; d b \ ~JY) >&I, &li &.a I # I (0 Rasulullaah @@) Say (to the Mushrikeen), 'Tell me. What if this Qur'aan is really from Allaah and you people deny it (without good reason) and are too proud (to accept it) although a witness from the Bani Israa'eel (those learned in the original teachings of the Torah and lnjee4 such as Abdullaah bin Salaam B,%W>) testifies to a similar (divine) book and believes in it (believes that the Qur'aan is from Allaah)?"' {Surah Ahqaaf, verse 10) The narration then proceeds to recount the martyrdom of Hadhrat Uthmaan -j,(l) The lectures of Hadhrat Husayn bin Ali &W& Hadhrat Muhammad bin Hasan narrates that when Umar bin Sa'd arrived (with his army) to confront Hadhrat Husayn B,kw (and his party), Hadhrat Husayn stood up to address his companions. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "Matters have reached a head as you can see. Life in this world has changed and become detestable.

The good of this life has turned away and passed on. All that is left of the good is the equivalent of what remains at the bottom of a utensil (after the contents have been poured out). What is left of life is the worst of it like a diseased pasture (that makes every grazing animal ill). Do you not see that the truth is no longer practised on and that people do not refrain from falsehood? Every Mu'min should look forward to meeting Allaah. I regard death as something most fortunate and life amongst oppressors as a source of great anguish." (2) Hadhrat Uqba bin Abul Ayraaz narrates that it was at a place called Bayda that Hadhrat Husayn - addressed his companions together with the army of Hurr bin Yazeed (whose army had arrived to fight Hadhrat Husayn B,Wj).

After praising Allaah, he said, " 0 people! Verily Rasulullaah @% said, 'When a person sees a tyrannical ruler who permits what Allaah has made Haraam, who reneges his pledge with Allaah, who contradicts the Sunnah of Allaah's Rasool @fi$ and who sins and transgresses against Allaah's servants and he neither acts or speaks out against such a ruler (despite having the ability to do so), Allaah takes it upon Himself to enter such a person into the same place He will be entering the tyrant (i.e. into Jahannam).' Take note of the fact that these people (the present ruling party) have taken it upon themselves to obey Shaytaan, to forsake obedience to Allaah, to spread corruption, to renounce the restrictions Allaah has set, to show fa~ouritisrn~when distributing booty, to make legal what Allaah has forbidden and to forbid what Allaah has made lawful. I am most obliged to change all of this. (0 people of Kufa!) Your letters had come to me and many of your messengers had also come to me with the assurance that you will never desert me or leave me in the lurch. If you fulfil this pledge of allegiance to me, you will (1) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.93). (2) Tabraani.

Haythami (Vo1.9 Pg.193) has commented on the chain of narrators. A narration of Ibn Jareer (V01.4 Pg.305) states that this lecture was delivered at a place called Dhu Husum. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @@*3 (Vol-3) have been rightly guided because I am Husayn the son of Ali and the son of Faatima who was the daughter of kasulullaah m. My life is with yours and my family is with yours, so you should follow the example in me (by pledging your lives and families for mine as well). If you do not do this and choose to renege on your promise and to absolve yourselves of your pledge to loyalty, I swear by my life that I do not at all find this strange because you have already done the same to my father, my brother and my cousin (Muslim bin Aqeel). A truly deceived person is one who is deceived by you.

You people have forsaken your share to good fortune and whoever breaks his promise does so to his own detriment. Allaah will soon make me completely independent of you. Was Salaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh." ('1 The Lectures of Hadhrat Yazeed bin Shajarah !B,= Hadhrat Mujaahid says, "Hadhrat Yazeed bin Shajarah 8,Wj was one of those people whose'words always materialised into action. He once addressed us saying, ' 0 people! Remember Allaah's favours on you because Allaah's favours on you are tremendous indeed. They are found in all colours and in the things we have in our homes.' He would often say, 'When people form their rows for salaah and to do battle, the doors of the skies, the doors of Jannah and the doors of Jahannam open, The wide-eyed damsels of Jannah beautify themselves and watch closely.

When the person steps forward, they pray, ' 0 Allaah! Assist him' but if he turns his back, they conceal themselves from him saying, ' 0 Allaah! Forgive him.' May my parents be sacrificed for you! Engage the enemy in full combat and do not disappoint the damsels. The Brst drop of blood that spills (of a martyr) erases every sin he has committed and it is then that two of his wives from Jannah descend to wipe his face saying, 'The time has come for you.' He will respond by saying, 'The time has come for you.' He will then be clothed in a hundred garments which will not be woven like the garments of man, but will be the products of Jannah. (They are so flne that) If they (all hundred of them) are placed between two fingers, they will Bt comfortably.' He also used to say, We have been informed that swords are really the keys to ~annah."'(~) Hadhrat Mujaahid reports, "Hadhrat Yazeed bin Shajarah Rahaawi ?WfWj was one of the governors of Shaam whom Hadhrat Mu'aawiya !iU.W3 had placed in command of the armed forces.

He once addressed us saying, ' 0 people! Remember Allaah's favours on you, If only you could see the many shades of them as 1 do, in addition to the many things we have in our homes. 'When people stand up for salaah, the doors of the skies, the doors of Jannah and the doors of Jahannam open. The wide-eyed damsels of Jannah beautify themselves and watch closely. Then when a person steps forward to do battle, they pray, '0 Allaah! Keep him steadfast! 0 Allaah!

Assist him'. However, if he turns his back, they conceal themselves from him saying, '0 Allaah! Forgive him! 0 Allaah! Have mercy on him.' May my parents be sacrificed for you! Engage the enemy in full (1) Ibn Jareer (Vo1.4 Pg.305). (2) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by naythami (Vol.5 Pg.294) THE LIVES OF THE SMiZBAH @g#% (Vol-3) combat because when a person steps forward (and is martyred) the first drop of his blood that causes his sins to fall off just as the leaves of a tree fall off.

'~WO damsels from the wide-eyed damsels of Jannah then descend to wipe the dust off his face. 'I am yours,' he says. 'No,' they reply, 'We are yours.' He will then be clothed in a hundred garments (so fine that) if they (all hundred of them) are placed between these two fingers (the index and middle fingers), they will fit comfortably. They are not woven like the garments of man, but are the clothes of Jannah. Your names are recorded by Allaah together with details of your character traits, your qualities, the secret discussions you engage in and the gatherings you attend. Then on the Day of Qiyaamah, it will be said to some people, '0 person!

Here is your light (by which you will be led to Jannah).' It will also be said to others, '0 person! There is no light for you.' Jahannam has a shore just as the ocean has a shore. This shore is however infested with insects, snakes as long as palm trees and scorpions as large as mules. When the people of Jahannam will plead for the punishment to be lightened, they will be told to go to the shore. When they go there, the insects will start biting their lips, faces and other parts of the body, because of which they will then plead to be delivered from there back to the fire of Jahannam. They will also be made to suffer from an itch so sever that they hill scratch at it so much that their bones will eventually become exposed.

' 0 person!' it will be said to one of them, 'Does this cause you pain?' When he replies that it certainly does, he will be told, This is because of the pain that you caused to the ~u'mineen."'(') The Lecture of Hadhrat Umayr bin Sa'd %Gwj Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Suwayd reports that a Sahabi by the name of Hadhrat Umayr bin Sa'd !&G$%j was the governor of Hims and would say from the pulpit, "Listen well! Islaam has a fortified wall and a reinforced door. The wall of Islaam is justice and its door is the truth. (The adherents to) Islaam will be vanquished only when this wall is demolished and when the door is torn apart. Islaam will remain strong as long as the (Muslim) rulers remain firm. The firfnness of the rulers is not in their killing by the sword nor by their striking with the whip, but by passing judgement according to the truth and by adhering to justice." (2) The Lecture of Hadhrat Sa'd bin Ubayd Qaari S G W the father of Hadhrat Umayr !&3$&j Hadhrat Sa'd bin Ubayd !iW#&j once addressed the people saying, "We shall be meeting the enemy tomorrow and will be martyred.

You should therefore not wash off any blood from us, shroud us, in anything other than the clothes we will be wearing." (3) (1) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.294). ibn Mubaarak in his Zuhd, Ibn Mandah and Bayhaqi have all reported a similar narration in detail, as quoted in Isaabah (Vo1.3 Pg.658). (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.375). (3) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.458). THE LIVES OF THE S m A H @gb&j' (Vol-3) 5 03 A Lecture of Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal !&GW Hadhrat Salamah bin Sabarah reports that it was in Shaam that Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal W , W addressed them saying, 'You are the Mu'mineen and the people of Jannah. By Allaah! I truly feel that Allaah will admit into Jannah every person you take prisoner from Rome and Persia.

This is because whenever they do any service for you, you say, 'You have done well! May Allaah have mercy on you!' or You have done well! May Allaah bless you!"' He then recited the verse: He (Allaah) accepts (the du'aas an2l sincere Ibaadah) of those who have Imaan and who do righteous deeds, and He increases (theirrewards) for them out of His favour. (Surah Shura, verse 26)(l) A Lecture of Hadhrat Abu Dardaa !&Gw Hadhrat Howshab Fazaari reports that he heard Hadhrat Abu Dardaa WNiG6 deliver a lecture from the pulpit saying, "I fear the day when my Rabb 3,@3G will summon me saying, '0 Uwaymir!' When I respond by saying, 'I am at Your service, 0 my Rabb!', Allaah shall ask, 'How did you practise on your knowledge?' Then every verse in Allaah's Book containing a command and every verse containing an admonition shall claim their rights. The verses containing commands testify that I did not carry out the command and every verse cbntaining an admonition will testify that I did not take heed to the admonition it contained How will I then be left alone?" (2) \ \ ( I ) Ibn Jareer and Ibn Abi Haatim, as quoted in the Taheerof Ibn Katheer (Vo1.4 Pg.115). (2) Ibn Asaakir, a s quoted in Kanzul Ummaa/(Vol.7 Pg.78). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH Mgw (Vol-3)