Men of Excellence

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Friday Sermon

1 March 2019

Men of Excellence

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After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

Today I will continue with the accounts of the Companionsra who took part in the Battle of Badr. 

The first companion is Hazrat Khaulira bin Abi Khauli. Hazrat Khaulira participated in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa, including the battles of Badr and Uhud. Abu Ma‘shar and Muhammad bin Umar state that Hazrat Khaulira participated in the Battle of Badr along with his son. However, the name of the son has not been recorded. Another historian, Muhammad bin Ishaq states that Hazrat Khaulira participated in the Battle of Badr along with his brother, Malikra bin Abi Khauli. According to another narration, Hazrat Khauli’sra two brothers, Hazrat Hilalra bin Abi Khauli and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Abi Khauli also participated in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Khaulira passed away during the caliphate of Hazrat Umarra. (Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 299, Khauli bin Abi Khauli, Dar-ul-Kutb al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990).

The second companion is Hazrat Rafeyra bin al-Mu‘alla. Hazrat Rafeyra bin Mu‘alla belonged to the Banu Habib branch of the Khazraj tribe. His mother’s name was Idaam bint Auf. The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Rafeyra and Hazrat Safwanra bin Baidhaa. Both of these companions participated in the Battle of Badr. According to some narrations, both of them were martyred during the Battle of Badr, whereas according to a different narration, Hazrat Safwanra bin Baidhaa was not martyred during the Battle of Badr. Musa bin Uqba narrates that both Hazrat Rafeyra as well as his brother Hazrat Hilalra bin Mu’alla participated in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Rafeyra was martyred by Ikrama bin Abu Jahl during the Battle of Badr. (Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 450, Rafey bin al-Mu’alla Dar-ul-Kutb al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990) (Al-Isti’ab, Vol. 2, p. 484-485, Rafey bin al-Mu’alla, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992.

The next companion is Hazrat Zus-Shimalain Humairra bin Abdi Amr. His real name was Umair and his title was Abu Muhammad. Ibn Hisham states that he was commonly referred to as Zus-Shimalain, but this was not his actual name. This was a title given to him because he used to utilise his left hand more. According to another narration, he was able to utilise both of his hands equally. Hence, he was also referred to as Zul-Yadain. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Quza‘ah and he was a confederate of Banu Zuhrah. When Hazrat Umairra migrated to Medina from Mecca, he stayed at Hazrat Sa‘dra bin Khaisama’s house. 

The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between him and Yazidra bin Haris. Both of these companions were martyred during the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Umairra was martyred during this battle by Usama Joshami. He was 30 years of age at the time of his martyrdom. In Tabaqat al-Kubra, the name of the assailant who killed him is recorded as Abu Usama Joshami instead of Usama Joshami.  (Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 124-125, Zul Yadain, Dar-ul-Kutb al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990) (Sirat Ibn Hisham, p. 327, Dar Ibn Hazam, Beirut, 2009) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 217, Zus-Shimalain, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003.

The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Rafeyra bin Yazid. According to one narration, his name has been recorded as Rafeyra bin Zaid. Hazrat Rafeyra bin Yazid belonged to the Banu Zaoora bin Abdil Ash-Hal branch of the Aus tribe of the Ansar. Hazrat Raafi’sra mother, Aqrab bint Mu’az, was the sister of the famous companion, Hazrat Sa‘d bin Mu‘azra. Hazrat Rafeyra had two of the sons, Usaid and Abdur Rahman from Aqrab bint Salamah. Hazrat Rafeyra participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud. According to one narration, he was traveling on the camel of Saeed bin Zaidra on the day of the Battle of Badr. He was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. (Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 337, Rafey bin Yazidra, Dar-ul-Kutb al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990), (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 235,Rafey bin Yazidra, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003).

The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Zakwanra bin Abd-i-Qais. His title was Abu Sabuh. Hazrat Zakwanra belonged to the branch of Banu Zuraiq of the Khazraj tribe from among the Ansar. His title was Abu Sabuh. He participated in the first as well as the second Bai‘at [pledge of initiation] at Aqabah. One of the aspects that stands out in relation to him and is worth mentioning is that he migrated from Medina and went to the Holy Prophetsa in Mecca. The Holy Prophetsa was still in Mecca at that time. He was called an Ansari Muhajir. He migrated to Mecca to be with the Holy Prophetsa and stayed in Mecca for some time. He participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud and attained the status of martyrdom during the battle of Uhud and he was martyred by Abu Hakam bin Akhnas. Hazrat Zakwanra bin Abd-i-Qais is called an Ansari Muhajir. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 210,Zakwanra bin ‘Abd-i-Qais, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003).

Allama Ibn Sa‘d writes in Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra that when the Muslims migrated towards Medina at the time of migration, the Quraish became enraged. They were extremely angry at the young men who had already migrated and left. A group of Ansar pledged initiation to the Holy Prophetsa during the second pledge at Aqabah and following this, they returned to Medina. When the first migrants from Mecca reached Quba, these Ansar went to the Holy Prophetsa in Mecca and migrated to Medina alongside his companions. Therefore, they were known as the Ansari Muhajireen. Hazrat Zakwan bin Abd-i-Qaisra, Hazrat Uqbara bin Wahab, Hazrat Abbasra bin Ubada and Hazrat Ziadra bin Labid were amongst these companions known as the Ansari Muhajireen. Following this, all of the Muslims migrated to Medina, apart from the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Alira as well as those who were caught up in the in the unrest, those who were kept in captivity and those who were ill or weak [also remained in Mecca]. (Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 1, p. 175, Dar-ul-Kutb al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990)

Suhail bin Abi Salih narrates that when the Holy Prophetsa set forth towards Uhud, he pointed into a direction and addressed his companions saying, “Who will go to that particular location?” A companion from Bani Zuraiq, Hazrat Zakwanra bin Abd-i-Qais Abu Sabuh stood up and said, “O Prophetsa of Allah! I will go there.” The Holy Prophetsa enquired as to who he was and Hazrat Zakwanra replied, “I am Zakwan bin ‘Abd-i-Qais.” Following this, the Holy Prophetsa told him to take a seat and the Holy Prophetsa repeated this three times. After this, the Holy Prophetsa said, “You should go to such and such place.” Upon this, Hazrat Zakwanra bin Abd-i-Qais said, “O Prophetsa of Allah! I will most certainly go there!” Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Whoever wishes to see an individual, who will be walking in the verdant gardens of heaven tomorrow should look at this man.” After this, Hazrat Zakwanra went to say farewell to his family. His wives and daughters said to him, “Will you be leaving us?” He took his garment out of their hands and walked a little away from them, and then turning towards them said, “We will now meet on the Day of Judgement.” Following this, he attained the status of martyrdom during the Battle of Uhud. (Marifatul Sahaba Li Abi Naeem, Vol. 2, p. 248, Zakwanra bin Abdi Qais bin Khalid, Hadith no. 2621, Dar-ul-Kutb al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 2002).

On the day of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa enquired of his companions if anyone had any knowledge regarding Zakwanra bin Abd-i-Qais. Hazrat Alira replied, “O Prophetsa of Allah! I saw a horseman chasing Zakwan until he reached close to him and was saying, ‘Only one of us shall survive today.’ And so, he attacked Hazrat Zakwanra who was on foot and martyred him.” Hazrat Alira further said that whilst launching his attack on Hazrat Zakwanra, he was proclaiming, “Look, I am Ibn Ilaaj”. Hazrat Alira says, “I then attacked him and struck my sword on his leg, severing his thigh and dragged him off his horse and killed him.” Hazrat Alira says that he saw that the attacker was Abu al-Hakam bin Akhnas. (Kitab-ul-Maghazi Li Al-Waqadi, Vol. 1, p.245, Baab Ghazwah-e-Uhud, Dar-ul-Kutb al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 2013)

The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Khawatra bin Jubair Ansari. His title was Abu Abdullah as well as Abu Salih. Hazrat Khawat belonged to the tribe of Banu Tha‘labah. Hazrat Khawatra bin Jubair was the brother of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair. Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair was the one who was appointed by the Holy Prophetsa during the battle of Uhud to protect the valley along with fifty archers. Hazrat Khawatra was of moderate height. He passed away in Medina in 40 AH at the age of 74. According to one narration, his age at the time of his demise was 94. He used to dye his hair with henna and indigo leaves. Hazrat Khawatra left for the Battle of Badr along with the Holy Prophetsa, however on the way, he sustained an injury from a sharp corner of a stone and so the Holy Prophetsa sent him back to Medina. Nevertheless, the Holy Prophetsa included him in the spoils of the Battle of Badr. Thus, it was as if he too was counted among those individuals, who participated in the Battle of Badr. He participated alongside the Holy Prophetsa in all battles, including the battles of Uhud and the Ditch. 

Hazrat Khawatra relates: “We once stopped at a place called Marr-e-Zahran along with the Holy Prophetsa.” He continues, “I came out of my tent and saw some women talking. Seeing this, I was intrigued to listen in to their conversation. Hence, I went back, put on a cloak and sat beside them.” He disguised himself and sat down there in order to hear what the women were saying. “In the meanwhile, the Holy Prophetsa came out of his tent. When I saw the Holy Prophetsa, I became startled and immediately stood up and said to the Holy Prophetsa that my camel had run away and that I was searching for it. The Holy Prophetsa carried on walking and I followed him. The Holy Prophetsa gave me the cloak he was wearing and went into an area of bushes to answer the call of nature. Thereafter, he performed the ablution and returned. Drops of water were falling from his beard onto his chest. Following this, the Holy Prophetsa in a light hearted manner asked me, ‘O Abdullah! What did the camel do?’” Since the camel was not lost and the Holy Prophetsa realised that he was merely sitting there in order to listen to the conversation which was not appropriate, “but nevertheless, we set off again. Following this, whenever the Holy Prophetsa met me, he would say Salam to me and ask ‘O Abu ‘Abdullah! What did the camel do?’ When this began to happen and the Holy Prophetsa would continuously say this to me in a light-hearted manner, I began to keep myself discreet in Medina and would no longer go to the mosque and the gatherings of the Holy Prophetsa. After quite some time, I went to the mosque and stood up for prayer. The Holy Prophetsa also came out of his residence and offered two Rak‘as [units] of prayer. I kept prolonging my prayer with the intention that the Holy Prophetsa would return and not say anything. However, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Abu Abdullah! You may prolong the prayer as much as you like, but I will remain here’. Thus, in my heart I said, ‘By God! I will apologise to the Holy Prophetsa and clarify the matter.’ When I completed the prayer, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Abu Abdullah! May peace be upon you. What was the matter concerning the camel that ran away?’ I replied, ‘By Him, Who has sent you with the truth! Since I accepted Islam, that camel has not run away.’ The Holy Prophetsa repeated three times, ‘May Allah have mercy on you’. Following this, the Holy Prophetsa never said anything to me in relation to this.” (Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 362-364, Abdullah bin Jubair, Dar-ul-Kutb al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 290, Khawat bin Jubair, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

In other words, the Holy Prophetsa made him realise that firstly, he should not have concealed the matter from him for he knew what the truth of the matter was. Secondly, it is inappropriate to sit in other people’s gatherings in this manner in order to listen in to their conversations.

Hazrat Khawatra narrates: 

“The Holy Prophetsa visited me once when I was sick. After I had fully recovered, he said, ‘O Khawat, you have been restored to full health. Hence, fulfil your covenant with Allah.’ I submitted, ‘I have not promised Allah anything’. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘There is not a single person who, when suffering from an illness, does not take an oath or vows to do something in return for good health.’” (Indeed, one vows to God Almighty that he will do such and such if granted good health.) “‘Therefore, fulfil your covenant with God Almighty and stay true to the pledge you have made.’” (Mustadrik Ala Al-Sahihain, Vol. 3, p.467, Hadith no. 5750, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

Hence, this is something that we should all greatly ponder over and be mindful of. 

On the occasion of the Battle of the Ditch, the Holy Prophetsa sent a delegation towards Banu Quraizah when he found out about their rebellion and the fact that they had breached the agreement during the battle. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has written about this incident in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets]. He writes: 

“When the Holy Prophetsa received news of this dangerous treachery of the Banu Quraizah. Initially, the Holy Prophetsa dispatched Zubair bin Al-Awamra to obtain intelligence in secret two or three times. Then, after this, the Holy Prophetsa formally sent Sa‘d bin Muazra and Sa‘d bin Ubadahra, who were chieftains of the Aus and Khazraj tribes along with a few other influential companions in the form of a delegation towards the Banu Quraizah; and strictly instructed that if there was troubling news, it should not be publicly disclosed when they returned, rather, secrecy should be maintained so that people were not made apprehensive. When these people reached the dwellings of Banu Quraizah and approached Ka‘b bin Asad, this evil man confronted them in a very arrogant manner. When the two Sa‘ds spoke of the treaty, Ka‘b and the people of his tribe turned wicked and said, ‘Be gone! There is no treaty between Muhammad[sa] and us.’ Upon hearing these words, this delegation of Companions set off. Sa‘d bin Muazra, and Sa‘d bin Ubadahra then presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and informed him of the state of affairs in an appropriate manner.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 584-585)

Hazrat Khawatra bin Jubair’s name is also mentioned amongst the companions who were part of the delegation. (Sirat Ibn Hisham, p. 456, Dar ibn Hazam, 2009) 

According to another narration, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Khawatra towards the Banu Quraizah on his horse, and the name of this horse was Janah. (Mustadrik Ala Al-Sahihain, Vol. 3, p.466, Hadith no. 5747, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

Hazrat Khawatra narrates:

“Once we set out for pilgrimage with Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra bin Jarrah and Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Aufwere part of this delegation. People requested that someone should present the poetry of Zaraarra bin Khitab (the poet from Mecca who had accepted Islam during the victory of Mecca). Hazrat Umarra instructed, ‘Let Abu ‘Abdullahra (i.e. Khawat) present his poetry.’ When I heard this, I presented my poetry until dawn. It was only then that Hazrat Umarra asked me to stop as it was the time of dawn.” (Al-Isabatu Fi Tamyiz Al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 292, Al-Khawat bin Jubair, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 6, p. 10, Zaraarra bin Khitab, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Another companion who will be mentioned today is Hazrat Rabeeara bin Aqsam. His title was Abu Zaid. Hazrat Rabeeara was short, of stocky build and belonged to the Asad bin Khuzaimah tribe. He is counted amongst the Muhajireen Companions [those who migrated from Mecca to Medina]. After migration to Medina, he stayed at the residence of Hazrat Mubashirra bin Abdul Munzir along with a few other companions. 

He was 30 years of age when he participated in the Battle of Badr. Apart from the Battle of Badr, he also participated in the battles of Uhud and the Ditch. He also took part in the Treaty of Hudaibiya and participated in the Battle of Khayber as well, where he was martyred. A Jew named Harith martyred him at a place called Nataa which is a fort in Khayber. He was 37 years old at the time of his martyrdom. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 257, Rabeeara bin Aqsam, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 66, 70, Abdullah bin Jahsh, Rabeeara bin Aqsam, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Another companion who will be mentioned today is Hazrat Rifara bin Amr Al-Juhani. He is also known as Wadiya bin Amr. He participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud. He was a confederate of Banu Najjar, a tribe of the Ansar. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 287, Rifara bin ‘Amr Al-Juhani, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

The next companion is Hazrat Zaidra bin Wadiya. Hazrat Zaidra was from the Ansar tribe of Khazraj. He took part in Bai‘at-e-Aqabah and the battles of Badr and Uhud in which he was martyred (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 377, Zaidra bin Wadiya, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003). His mother was Umme-Zaid bint Harith, and his wife’s name was Zainab bint Sahal with whom he had three children; Sa‘d bin Zaid, Umamah and Umme Khulthum. His son Sa‘d moved to Iraq during the Caliphate of Hazrat Umarra and settled in a village called Aqar Kuf. Aqar Kuf is located near Baghdad, a city of Iraq. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 410, Zaidra bin Wadiya, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Mujam Al-Buldan, Vol. 4, p. 155, Aqar Kuf, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)  

The next companion is Hazrat Ribeera bin Rafey. There are varying opinions regarding the name of his paternal grandfather. According to one narration, his name was Harith, whereas, according to another source, his name was Zaid. Hazrat Ribeera bin Rafey was from the Banu Ajlaan tribe and he took part in the Battle of Badr and Uhud. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 356-357, Ribee bin Wadiyya, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 252 Ribee bin Wadiyya, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

The next companion who shall be mentioned is Hazrat Zaidra bin Muzain. His father’s name was Muzain bin Qais. Hazrat Zaidra has also been mentioned as Yazid bin Al- Muzain. He belonged to the Khazraj tribe. He participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud. During the time of migration to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Zaidra and Hazrat Mistah bin Uthathara. He had a son named Umar and a daughter named Ramlah. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 375, Zaidra bin Muzain, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 407, Yazid bin Al-Muzain, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

The next companion is Hazrat Iyyadhra bin Zuhair. His title was Abu Sa‘d and his mother’s name was Salma bint Amir. He belonged to the Feher tribe. He took part in the second migration to Abyssinia [Ethiopia], and upon his return, he migrated to Medina and resided in the home of Hazrat Kulthumra bin Al-Hidam. He participated in all the battles including Badr, Uhud and the Ditch. He passed away in Medina in 30 AH during the caliphate of Hazrat Uthmanra, and according to one account, he passed away in Syria. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 318-319, Iyyadhra bin Zuhair, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 4, p. 311, Iyyadhra bin Zuhair, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

The next companion is Hazrat Rifa‘ara bin Amr Ansari. His title was Abu Waleed, and he belonged to the tribe of Banu Auf bin Khazraj. His mother’s name was Umme Rifa‘a. He took part in the second pledge of Aqabah along with seventy companions. He participated in the battle of Badr and Uhud in which he was martyred. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 410-411, Rifa’ara bin Amr, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) 

The next companion is Hazrat Ziyaadra bin Amr who was also known as Ibn-e-Bishr and was a confederate of the Ansar. He participated in the Battle of Badr along with his brother Hazrat Dhamrahra. He belonged to the Banu Saida bin Ka‘b tribe. According to another narration, he was the freed slave of Banu Saida bin Ka‘b bin Al-Khazraj.(Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 338, Ziyaadra bin Amr, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Asaba, Vol. 2, p. 483, Ziyaadra bin Amr, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)

The next companion is Hazrat Salimra bin Umair bin Thabith. He was a member of an Ansari tribe called Banu Amr bin Auf. He took part in the first Bai‘at at Aqabah. Hazrat Salim also participated in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa, including the battles of Badr, Uhud and the Ditch. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 337, Salim bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

On the occasion of the Battle of Tabuk, when a group of poor companions who desired to partake in the battle of Tabuk appeared before the Holy Prophetsa, weeping, because they had no means of conveyance, Hazrat Salim was also one of them. These seven companions came to the Holy Prophetsa just as he was about to depart for Tabuk and requested that they be given some means of transport [so that they could participate]. The Holy Prophetsa replied, “At this time, I have nothing with which I can provide for you to mount on.” 

These companions returned with tears in their eyes due to the sheer sorrow of not being able to spend anything in God’s way. 

Ibn-e-Abbasra relates that the verse:

وَ لَا عَلَي الَّذِيۡنَ اِذَا مَاۤ اَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ قُلۡتَ لَاۤ اَجِدُ مَاۤ اَحۡمِلُكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ تَوَلَّوۡا وَّ اَعۡيُنُهُمۡ تَفِيۡضُ مِنَ الدَّمۡعِ حَزَنًا اَلَّا يَجِدُوۡا مَا يُنۡفِقُوۡنَ

“And nor is there any blame upon those who came to you when the announcement of war was made so that you might provide them a mount. So you answered them, ‘I cannot find whereon I can mount you;’ they turned back, their eyes overflowing with tears, out of grief that they could not find what they might spend.” (Surah al-Taubah: 92)

Ibn-e-Abbasra relates that among the people mentioned in this verse is Salimra bin Umair and Tha‘libahra bin Zaid. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 366, Salimra bin ‘Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 387, Salimra bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003). 

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, expounding on this verse, states in his commentary: 

وَ لَا عَلَي الَّذِيۡنَ اِذَا مَاۤ اَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ قُلۡتَ لَاۤ اَجِدُ مَاۤ اَحۡمِلُكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ تَوَلَّوۡا وَّ اَعۡيُنُهُمۡ تَفِيۡضُ مِنَ الدَّمۡعِ حَزَنًا

“In terms of its application, this verse is general, but the particular individuals to which it alludes were seven poor Muslims who came to the Holy Prophetsa and requested that some means of conveyance be arranged for them. The Holy Prophetsa informed them, ‘Unfortunately, I do not have the means to arrange any ride for you.’ The companions were greatly pained, and turned back with tears in their eyes. In further narrations it is mentioned that after this event, Hazrat Usmanra donated three camels, and four other camels were donated by other Muslims. The Holy Prophetsa then distributed one camel to each of the seven companions.” 

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states:

“The Holy Quran has mentioned this event to contrast (the case of) those who were both wealthy and had means of transport, but looked for excuses to not participate.” 

There were some who sought excuses and didn’t join the expedition. However, on the other hand, the passion and zeal of the poor companions was incomparable. Thus, this event illustrated the difference between the two.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further explains:

“This verse also reveals that not all those who remained behind in Medina (during expeditions) were hypocrites. There were also sincere and faithful believers who could not participate because of a lack of means.” (Duroos Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, Tafsir Surah al-Taubah, Verse 92) 

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra goes on to explain under the commentary of this verse: 

“Abu Musa was the chief of this group of Muslims. When he was asked later about what he requested of the Holy Prophetsa, he explained, ‘By God, we did not ask the Holy Prophetsa for camels or even horses – we only asked him that we do not have any shoes to cover our feet. We cannot possibly cover this journey barefoot, (we’ll become badly injured even before the battle and won’t be able to fight.) If we are only given a pair of shoes, we can keep up alongside our brothers, and participate in the battle on foot.’” (Deebcaha Tafsir-ul-Quran, Anwar-ul-Aloom, Vol. 20, p. 361) 

This was the state of their passion and their lack of provisions. Hazrat Salimra bin Umair lived until the time of Hazrat Muawiyahra (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 387, Salimra bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003). 

The next companion is Hazrat Suraqahra bin Ka‘b, he belonged to the Banu Najjaar tribe. His mother’s name was Umairah bint Numan. Hazrat Suraqahra took part in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa including Badr, Uhud and the Ditch. He passed away in the time of Hazrat Muawiyahra, but according to a narration by Kalbi, he was martyred at the battle of Yamamah. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 412, Suaaqahra bin Ka’b, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 371, Suraaqahra bin Ka’b, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Then next companion is Hazrat Saaibra bin Mazoon. He was the brother of Hazrat Usmanra bin Mazoon. He was amongst the very first companions who migrated to Abyssinia, and had the honour of partaking in the battle of Badr (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 399, Saaibra bin Mazoon, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003). When the Holy Prophetsa left for the expedition to Bawaat, according to some narrations, he appointed Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz and according to others, Hazrat Saaibra bin Usman as the Amir to look after the affairs in his absence. Thus, one of the narrations mentions the Hazrat Saaib bin Mazoon’s name. (Al-Sirat Al-Halabiyya, Vol. 2, p. 174, Zikr Maghazia Ghazwa-e-Bawaat, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

Hazrat Saaib also had the honour of being involved in trade with the Holy Prophetsa. Hence, a narration in Sunan Abi Dawood states that Hazrat Saaibra relates, “On one occasion, I presented myself before the Holy Prophetsa, and the companions started offering compliments about me to the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘I know him better than you do.’

I submitted:

صَدَقْتَ بِاَبِيْ اَنْتَ وَاُمِّيْ ۔كُنْتَ شَرِيْكِيْ فَنِعْمَ الشَرِيْكُ۔ كُنْتَ لَا تُدَارِيْ وَلَا تُمَارِيْ

‘May my parents be sacrificed for your sake O Prophet – you have indeed said the truth! You were my partner in business, and what an excellent business partner you were! You never used to oppose nor cause any dispute.’” (Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab-ul-Adab, Hadith no. 4836)

In the book, Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets] this incident has been described in the following manner: 

“Numerous trade caravans would leave Mecca for diverse regions. Towards the south in Yemen and to the north in Syria formal trade had been established. In addition to this, commerce also took place with Bahrain. The Holy Prophetsa travelled to all of these places for the purpose of trade. Every time the Holy Prophetsa would fulfil his obligations with remarkable honesty, trust, elegance and skill. In Mecca also, everyone who dealt with the Holy Prophetsa would frequently praise him. Accordingly, Saaib was a companion of the Holy Prophetsa (whose account is being mentioned). When he accepted Islam, people praised him before the Holy Prophetsa and the Prophetsa said, ‘I am more acquainted with him than you,’ at which Saaib responded, ‘Indeed, O Holy Prophetsa, may my father and mother be an offering! You were once my partner in business, and you were moral and pure in all your dealings.’” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 106)

The next companion is Hazrat Asimra bin Qais. Hazrat Asimra bin Qais belonged to the Ansari tribe of Tha‘labah bin Amr. He took part in both the battle of Badr and of Uhud. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, pp. 112-113, Asimra bin Qais, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003). 

The next companion is Hazrat Tufailra bin Malik bin Khansa. Hazrat Tufailra belonged to the Banu Ubaid bin Adi branch of the Khazraj tribe. Hazrat Tufailra’s mother’s name was Asmaa bint Al Qain.  Hazrat Tufailra took part in the Baiat at Aqabah, the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud. He was married to Idaam bint Kurd from whom he had two sons named Abdullah and Rabee. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 430-431, Tufailra bin Malik, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 79, Tufailra bin Malik bin Khansa, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) 

The next companion is Hazrat Tufailra bin Numan. Hazrat Tufailra belonged to the Ansar tribe of Khazraj. His mother was Khansaa bint Riyaa who was also the paternal aunt of Hazrat Jaabirra bin Abdullah. Hazrat Tufailra also had a daughter named Raubieye. He was present at the Bai‘at at Aqabah as well as the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Tufailra likewise took part in the battle of Uhud and on that day he received a total of thirteen wounds. He was also present in the battle of the Ditch and it was during this battle that he was martyred by Wahshi bin Harb. Later, Wahshi also accepted Islam. Wahshi would say that God had honoured Hazrat Hamzara and Hazrat Tufailra bin Numan with his hands, but did not humiliate him by their hands; meaning he was not killed by them in a state of disbelief. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 431, Tufailra bin Nu’man, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, pp. 79-80, Tufailra bin bin Nu’man, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) 

The next companion is Hazrat Dhahaakra bin Abd Amr. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Dinar bin Najjar. His father’s name was Abd Amr and his mother’s name was Sumairah bint Qais. He and his brother, Numanra bin Abd Amr both took part in the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud. Hazrat Numanra passed away in the battle of Uhud. His third brother – Utbah bin Abd Amr – was martyred in the incident of Bi‘r-e-Maunah. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 394, Dhahaakra bin Abd Amr, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

The next companion is Hazrat Dhahaakra bin Haritha. Hazrat Dhahaakra belonged to the Ansar tribe of Khazraj. His father’s name was Haritha and mother’s name was Hind bint Malik. Hazrat Dhahaakra took part in the Bai‘at of Aqabah along with seventy other companions. He also took part in the battle of Badr. His son’s name was Yazid who was born to his wife, Umaamah bint Muharith. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 433, Dhahaakra bin Haritha, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 46, Dhahaakra bin Haritha, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)  

The next companion is Hazrat Khalladra bin Suweid Ansari. Hazrat Khalladra belonged to the Banu Harith branch of the Khazraj tribe. His mother’s name was Amrah bint Sa‘d. One of his sons – Hazrat Saaibra– was blessed with the companionship of the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Umarra later even appointed him as the governor of Yemen. His second son’s name was Hakam bin Khallad and Lailaa bint Ubaadah was the mother of both sons. Hazrat Khalladra took part in the Bai‘at-e-Aqabah. He also took part in the Battle of Badr, Uhud and the Ditch. In the Battle of Banu Quraizah, a Jewish lady named Bunanah dropped a heavy rock on him inflicting afatal injury on his head which resulted in his martyrdom. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “For Khallaad is a reward equal to two martyrs”. Later, as per the law of equal retribution, the Holy Prophetsa had the woman responsible for the murder executed. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 401-402, Khalladra bin Suweid, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

In Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets] this incident has been mentioned in the following manner: 

“A few Muslims took a seat up against a wall of the fortress and a Jewish lady by the name of Bunanah threw a stone from above. A man named Khalladra was martyred, but the others escaped.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 598)

It is narrated that when the mother of Hazrat Khalladra was informed of his martyrdom, she came wearing her head-covering i.e. she was wearing her niqab. She was told that “Khalladra has been martyred, and you have come wearing the niqab.” Thereupon she said, “Khalladra has been taken from me, but I shall never give up my modesty” i.e. she said she would not lament or wail as was the custom, and the head-covering was modesty which she would uphold. 

Further details of the account of Hazrat Khallad’sra martyrdom have been mentioned. It is said that upon his martyrdom, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “He shall have the reward of two martyrs” as has been mentioned before. However, further a detail mentioned here is that when it was enquired of the Holy Prophetsa as to why he shall have the reward of two martyrs, he stated, “He was killed by the Ahl-e-Kitab [the People of the Book].” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 402, Khalladra bin Suweid, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

The next companion is Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli Ansari. His title was Abu Layla and he belonged to the Banu Salim bin Ghanam bin Auf branch of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. His mother’s name was Jameela bint Ubayy, who was the sister of Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul. He had one daughter named Fushum. He participated in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa including the battles of Badr, Uhud and the Ditch. The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between him and Hazrat Shujaara bin Wahab Al-Asadi. Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli was counted amongst the Kamileen. In the days of ignorance and in the early days of Islam, one who knew how to write Arabic, was an expert in archery and was a good swimmer would be called a Kamil. All three of these qualities were found in Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, p. 320, Ausra bin Khauli, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 409-410, Ausra bin Khauli, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Hazrat Najiah bin A‘jam narrates: 

“At the time of the treaty of Hudaibiyyah, when the complaint was made to the Holy Prophetsa of a lack of water, he called me, took out an arrow from his quiver and handed it over to me. He then requested a bucket of water be brought to him from the well, so I brought it to him. He performed the ablution and after rinsing his mouth he poured the water back into the bucket. At the time, the people were suffering from the severe heat and there was only one well for the Muslims as the idolaters had quickly reached Baldah and taken control of its water storages. The Holy Prophetsa then addressed me saying, ‘Pour the water of this bucket in the well which has dried up and embed the arrow in its water.’ Hence, I proceeded to do so and I swear by the One Who sent him with the truth that I only managed to climb out of that well with great difficulty. In other words, the water began to rise and flow over immediately until it surrounded me on all sides. It was rising just as water boils in a cooking pot to the point where it had reached the top and was level to the brim. The people were collecting the water from the top until even the last man was able to quench his thirst. A group of hypocrites were also present at the well that day, among whom was Abdullah bin Ubayy, who was the maternal uncle of Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli. Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli said to him, ‘O Abul Hubbab, woe unto you, will you not now accept this miracle which you have witnessed for yourself? (Accept the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa). What more do you need?’ He replied, ‘I have witnessed many things like this.’ Thereupon, Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli answered, ‘May Allah cause you to ruin and prove your opinion wrong.’ Abdullah bin Ubayy went to the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Prophetsa said to him, ‘O Abul Hubbab, when have you ever seen something previously as you witnessed today?’ The Holy Prophetsa had heard of this [i.e. Abdullah bin Ubayy’s response] and therefore enquired this from him. He replied, ‘I have never witnessed something like this before.’ The Holy Prophetsa then asked, ‘Why did you then say such a thing?’ i.e. the reply he gave to his nephew. Abdullah bin Ubayy answered, ‘Astaghfirullah [I seek forgiveness from Allah].’ Abdullah bin Ubayy’s son, Abdullah bin Abdillah then said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, pray for his forgiveness’, upon which the Holy Prophetsa prayed for his forgiveness.” (Subul Al-Huda, Vol. 5, p. 41, Baab Ghazwah Al-Hudabiyyah, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1993) (Imtau Al-Asma, Vol. 1, p. 284, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1999).  

Hazrat Alira bin Abdullah bin Abbas narrates that when the Holy Prophetsa decided that he would go to Mecca to perform Umrah [pilgrimage], he sent Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli and Abu Rafeyra to Hazrat Abbasra with a marriage proposal for Hazrat Memoonara. On the course of the journey, they lost their camels. They remained in the valley of Rabigh, which was situated ten miles from Johfah, until the Holy Prophetsa arrived, at which point they found their camels again. They then travelled with the Holy Prophetsa to Mecca and upon arrival, they conveyed the message to Hazrat Abbasra. Hazrat Memoonara had entrusted her matter to Hazrat Abbasra. The Holy Prophetsa went to visit Hazrat Abbasra, who then gave Hazrat Memoonara in marriage to the Holy Prophetsa (Sharah Allama Zarqani, Vol. 4, p. 423, Maimoona Ummul Momineen, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) (Mujam Al-Buldan, Vol. 3, p. 12, Rabigh, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut)  

When the Holy Prophetsa passed away, Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli said to Hazrat Alira bin Abi Talib: “By God! Allow me to assist in the burial arrangements of the Holy Prophetsa.” Upon this, Hazrat Alira granted him permission.

In another narration it states that when the Holy Prophetsa passed away and they were about to perform ghusl[wash the body], the Ansar came and said, “By God, we are related to the Holy Prophetsa from his mother’s side, therefore one of us should also be present (i.e. the Ansar were related to the Holy Prophetsa from his mother’s side). Subsequently, the Ansar were then asked to appoint someone, and they chose Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli. He entered the room and was part of the Ghusl and the burial arrangements. Hazrat Ausra was a very strong man and would carry the water can himself and thus provide the water. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, p. 320, Ausra bin Khauli, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Assaba, Vol. 1, p. 299 Ausra bin Khauli, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)

Hazrat Ibn Abbasra relates that Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Fazl bin Abbasra, his brother Qusam, Shukran, who was the freed slave of the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli stood below in the grave of the Holy Prophetsa in order to place his blessed body into the grave. (Sunan Ibn Maja, Kitab-ul-Janaiz, Baab Wafaatahu Wa Dafanahu, Hadith 1628) 

Hazrat Ausra bin Khauli relates that he once presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Prophetsa said to him, “O Aus! One who adopts humility and meekness for the sake of God Almighty, He in turn elevates his status. And one who is arrogant, God Almighty humiliates him.” (Marifatul Sahaba Li Abi Naeem, Vol. 1, p. 279, Ausra, Hadith 975, Dar-ul-Kutb al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 2002).

This indeed is a very important lesson for us all which we should always be mindful of. Hazrat Aus bin Khauli passed away in Medina during the Khilafat of Hazrat Usmanra (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, p. 321, Ausra bin Khauli, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003). 

May God Almighty continue to elevate the station of these noble Companionsra

(Originally published in Al Fazl International, 22-29 March 2019, pp. 5-9. Translated by The Review of Religions)

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