Friday Sermon

22 June 2018

Men of Excellence

After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa stated:

Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra was an early and devout companion of the Holy Prophet^sa. His father, Hazrat Yasir^ra, was of Qahtanidescent and originally from Yemen. He came to Mecca, along with his two brothers, Haris and Malik, in search of their brother. Haris and Malik returned to Yemen, while Hazrat Yasir^ra took up residence in Mecca and was an associate of Abu Huzaifah Makhzumi. Abu Huzaifah married him to his bondswoman, Hazrat Sumaiyyah. Hazrat Ammar^ra was born out of that wedlock. Hazrat Ammar^ra and Hazrat Yasir^ra stayed with Abu Huzaifah until his demise. 

Hazrat Yasir^ra, Hazrat Sumaiyyah^ra, Hazrat Ammar^ra and his brother Hazrat Abdullah bin Yasir^ra embraced Islam upon its advent. Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra narrates, “I met with Hazrat Sohaib Bin Sinaan at the gate of Dar-e-Arqam. The Holy Prophet^sa was in Dar-e-Arqam at the time. I asked Sohaib, ‘What is your purpose of coming here?’ and he replied, ‘What is your purpose?’ I replied, ‘I wish to go to the Holy Prophet^sa and listen to his words.’ Sohaib said, ‘I have the same intention.’” Hazrat Ammar further narrates, “We presented ourselves before the Holy Prophet^sa. He informed us about Islam and we accepted it. We stayed there until night and then departed Dar-e-Arqam in secret.” Thirty people had preceded them in accepting Islam prior to Hazrat Ammar^ra and Hazrat Sohaib^ra. (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 186-187, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

It is narrated in a Hadith [tradition of the Holy Prophet^sa] of Sahih Bukhari that Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra said, “I saw the Holy Prophet^sa at a time when his companions included only five slaves, two women and Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique^ra with him.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Munaqib, Hadith 3857)

Whilst mentioning about the Companions^ra, Hazrat Musleh Maud^ra stated, “God Almighty enabled some members of the most noble of the households of Mecca to serve [Islam]. Likewise, many from among the poor also rendered extraordinary services for Islam. Hence, you can see that Hazrat Ali^ra, Hazrat Hamza^ra, Hazrat Umar^ra and Hazrat Usman^ra were from among the most noble of households. On the other hand, Hazrat Zaid^ra, Bilal^ra, Samrah^ra, Khubab^ra, Sohaib^ra, Aamir^ra, Ammar^ra and Abu Fukaihah^ra were considered to be from more humble backgrounds. In other words, people from noble households as well as less renowned households were chosen to become the servants of the Holy Quran.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, p. 176)

At another occasion, he stated, “Hazrat Sumaiyyah^ra was a bondwoman. Abu Jahl used to persecute her severely so that she may abandon her faith. However, when her firm faith in Islam remained unshaken and he was unable to deter her from her faith, Abu Jahl one day became enraged and pierced her in her groin region as a result of which she was martyred. Hazart Ammar^ra, son of Sumaiyyah^ra, also used to be placed on hot sand and persecuted severely.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, p. 443)

Urwah bin Zubair narrates and it is recorded in history, “Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra was among those weak people of Mecca, who used to be persecuted so that they may revert from their faith.” 

Muhammad bin Umar states that those weak and helpless individuals who have been mentioned in the Holy Quran were those who had no other family in Mecca and neither anyone to protect them and they did not possess any power. The Quraish would severely persecute them in the intense scorching heat in the middle of the day, so that they may abandon their faith. (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 187, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Similarly, Umar bin Al-Hakam says, “Such cruelties were inflicted upon Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra, Hazrat Sohaib^ra and Hazrat Abu Fuqaiha^ra that they were coerced to utter such words, which they did not believe to be true.” However, the enemies tortured them and compelled them to utter such words. (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 188, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Similarly, in the narrations we find that Muhammad bin Ka‘b Qurazi relates, “A person told me that he saw Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra wearing a single garment, similar to the form of trousers. He said that he saw bruises and scars on Ammar’s back. He asked him what those were. Upon this, Hazrat Ammar^ra said, ‘These are the signs of the torture of the Quraish of Mecca, which they would inflict upon me under the scorching sun at the middle of the day.’” 

Amr bin Maimoon narrates that the idolaters burnt Hazrat Ammar^ra with fire. When the Holy Prophet^sa passed by Hazrat Ammar^ra, he put his hand on his head and said:

يٰنَارُ كُوْنِيْ بَرْدًا وَّ سَلٰمًا عَليٰٓ عَمَّار كَمَا كُنْتِ عَليٰٓ اِبْرَاهِيْم

That is, “O fire! Be cold and become a means of safety for Ammar as you were for Abraham!” (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 188, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Then, we find in a narration that Hazrat Usman^ra bin Affan relates, “The Holy Prophet^sa and I were passing through the valley of Mecca. The Holy Prophet^sa was holding my hand. We reached Abu Ammar^ra, Ammar^ra and his mother while they were being tortured. Hazrat Yasir^ra enquired, ‘Will we always be treated in this manner?’ The Holy Prophet^sa said to Hazrat Yasir^ra, ‘Be patient!’ He also offered the prayer, ‘O Allah! Forgive Yasir and his family. And indeed You have done so.’” (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 188, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

In other words, God Almighty had informed the Holy Prophet^sa that they had been forgiven as a result of the difficult and severe circumstances they were enduring.

In another narration we find that the Holy Prophet^sa passed by the family of Ammar^ra while they were being persecuted. The Holy Prophet^sa said, “O family of Ammar! Rejoice, as you have most certainly been promised paradise.” (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 188, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

In another narration the same incident is mentioned but it states that the Holy Prophet^sa passed by the family of Yasir. (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 4, p. 1589, Yasir bin Ammar, Darul Jaleel, Beirut).  

Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud^ra relates, “In the very beginning, there were seven people who professed their belief in Islam; the Holy Prophet^sa, Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra, Hazrat Ammar^ra and his mother Hazrat Sumaiyyah^ra, Hazrat Sohaib^ra, Hazrat Bilal^ra and Hazrat Miqdad^ra. God Almighty had made provisions for the protection of the Holy Prophet^sa through his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, and Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra was afforded protection through his tribe.” 

It is possible that the numbers mentioned in the traditions are incorrect as it has previously been mentioned that thirty people had already entered the fold of Islam at the time Hazrat Ammar^ra became a Muslim. Nevertheless, he relates that these were the [seven] people who were at the forefront, and thus were inflicted with many cruelties. He further relates, “Hazrat Abu Bakr was protected through his tribe. Whilst the others were captured by the idolaters. They would shackle them in steel chains and leave them burning under the sun. They were coerced into following the demands of the idolaters with the exception of Bilal. Bilal had devoted himself for the sake of God. He used to be tortured due to his background. The people of Quraish would hand him over to the children, who would then drag him through the streets of Mecca. However, he would continuously utter the words Ahad, Ahad [Allah is One, Allah is One].” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 2, p. 76, Abdullah bin Masud, Hadith 3832, Aalam-ul-Kutub, Beirut, 1998)

The idolaters would torture Hazrat Ammar^ra by sinking his head into water. They would immerse his head into water and beat him as well as inflicting other forms of torture. This is a similar kind of torture that is inflicted even today to one’s enemy or by certain governments to those who are under accusation of committing a crime. However, Hazrat Ammar^ra was tortured far greater. In another narration we find that the Holy Prophet^sa met Hazrat Ammar^ra, who was crying at the time. The Holy Prophet^sa wiped away the tears from the eyes of Hazrat Ammar^ra and said, “The disbelievers captured you and used to sink your head in water, as a result of which you uttered such and such words to them. If they ask you again, you should utter the same words to them.” (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 188, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

The details of this can be found in Seerat Khatam-un-Nabiyeen [The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets]. In accordance with the narrations, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^ra states, 

“Ammar^ra, his father Yasir^ra and mother Sumaiyyah^ra, were severely tortured by Bani Makhzum, to whom Sumaiyyah was once enslaved. The accounts of this torture are truly harrowing. On one occasion, when these devotees of Islam were being victimised by physical torment, the Holy Prophet^sa happened to also walk by. The Holy Prophet^sa looked towards them and compassionately said: 

صَبْرًا اٰلَ يَاسِر فَاِنَّ مَوْعِدَ كُمُ الْجَنَّة

‘Be steadfast, O family of Yasir! For Allah has prepared paradise for you in recompense for these very hardships.’ 

“Ultimately, Yasir^ra met his demise by this torture, and as for the elderly Sumaiyyah^ra, the cruel Abu Jahl struck a spear into her thigh so mercilessly that piercing her body it reached her private area, and this innocent lady gave her life tossing in pain at that very place. Now, only Ammar^ra was left. He was also subjected to extreme torture and anguish, and it was said to him, ‘Until you deny Muhammad, we shall continue torturing you.’ In extreme frustration, Ammar^ra said certain inappropriate words, upon which the Quraish released him. However, quickly thereafter, Ammar^ra presented himself before the Holy Prophet^sa and began to weep bitterly. The Holy Prophet^sa asked, ‘Why Ammar, what is the matter?’ He responded, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have been ruined! These tyrants gave me so much grief that I uttered some inappropriate words about you.’ The Holy Prophet^sa responded, ‘How do you find your heart?’ He responded, ‘O Messenger of Allah, my heart is still a believer and is satiated in the love of Allah and His messenger.’ The Holy Prophet^sa said, ‘Then all is well. May Allah forgive your mistake.’” (Seerat Khatam-un-Nabiyeen, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^ra, p. 141)

In one of his books, Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, the Promised Messiah^as has quoted some extracts from the biography of the Holy Prophet^sa, written by a Hindu, Parkash Devji. The Promised Messiah^as advised his Jamaat to buy this book and read it as it was written by a non-Muslim. (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 255)

Following this, the Promised Messiah^as said that he was going to include some of the passages of the Brahamu Sahib to give an overview of the book. The Promised Messiah^as wrote [quoting from the book of Parkash Devji], “The Holy Prophet^sa endured the cruelties that were inflicted upon him however he could, but it was unbearable for him to see his companions suffering.” 

The Holy Prophet^sa was able to endure the cruelties that were inflicted upon him. However, the sufferings of his companions caused him great pain and “…he would become restless. Severe cruelties were inflicted upon these poor believers. They would capture these poor people, take them into the jungle, take off their clothes, lay them down on the burning sand and place rocks on their chests. Their tongues would hang from out of their mouths as a result of the suffering in the burning heat and being subdued by the weight. Many lost their lives due to this torture. One person among these victims was Ammar, who demonstrated great courage and patience in the face of these cruelties. In fact, one should say Hazrat Ammar.” 

The Promised Messiah^as further states, “He was tied, laid down on the rugged floor, rocks were placed on his chest and he was instructed to insult the Holy Prophet^sa. They treated his elderly father in the same manner and his poor wife, whose name was Sumaiyyah, was unable to bear this torture. She uttered a humble prayer as a result of which the clothes of this innocent and faithful lady, whose husband and son were tortured before her eyes, were removed and she was tortured in an utmost shameless manner, that even to describe it one feels ashamed. In the end, this faithful lady suffered severely as a result of this torture and passed away.” (Swanih Umri Hazrat Muhammad, quoted in Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazai, Vol.23, p. 258). 

This is the passage quoted by the Promised Messiah^as from the book of this Hindu as an overview of the book he penned about the life of the Holy Prophet^sa and his Companions.

Sufiyan relates a narration from his father that Hazrat Ammar^ra was the first person who dedicated the space in his house to be used as a mosque for worship. (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 189, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra stayed in the house of Hazrat Mubashar bin Abdul Munzir^ra when he migrated to Medina. The Holy Prophet^sa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Huzaifah bin Al-Yeman^ra and Hazrat Ammar^ra. The Holy Prophet^sa also granted Hazrat Ammar^ra a piece of land for his residence. (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 189-190, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Ata bin Abi Rabah states that Abu Salma and Umme Salma migrated and Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra also went with them as he had an alliance with them. Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir was Hazrat Umme Salma’s foster brother [suckled by same person]. (Al-Mustadrak Ala Al-Sahihain, Vol. 3, p. 471, Hadith 5720, Dar-ul-Haramain Li Al-Taba’ati Wa Al-Nashre Wa Al-Tauzi, 1997 & Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 8, p. 591, Umme Salma Zauj-ul-Nabi, Hadith 2706, Alam-ul-Kutub, Beirut, 1998)

Ikrama narrates: “Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas^ra said to him [Ikrima] and Ali bin Abdullah, his own son, ‘Go to Abu Sa‘eed Khudhri and listen to what he says.’ We went to meet him and saw that he was watering his orchard with his brother. When they saw us they sat down on the ground with their legs crossed [in a comfortable manner] and then said, ‘During the construction of the Prophet’s mosque, we would carry each brick separately and Ammar bin Yasir would bring two bricks at a time. The Holy Prophet^sa walked past him and removed the dust off of Hazrat Ammar^ra’s head and said, ‘What a pity! The rebellious group will kill him. Ammar will call them towards God and they will call him towards fire.’” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Jihad Wa Al-Sair, Hadith 2812)

Thus, Hazrat Ammar^ra would always pray to God Almighty to protect him from all forms of evil. (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 194, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Abdullah bin Abi Huzail narrates, “When the Messenger of God^sa was constructing his mosque, everyone was carrying the bricks and stones. The Holy Prophet^sa and Hazrat Ammar^ra were also doing the same. Hazrat Ammar^ra was reciting the following couplet: 

نَحْنُ الْمُسْلِمُوْنَ نَبْتَنِي الْمَسَاجِدَا

That is, ‘We are Muslims who build Mosques.’ The Holy Prophet^sa would also repeat those words with him. Prior to this, Hazrat Ammar^ra had been ill and therefore some people said that Ammar^ra would surely die that day because he was working in a state while recovering from illness and weakness. Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophet^sa dropped the bricks from Hazrat Ammar’s hand and instructed him to rest.” (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 190, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Even in a state of severe weakness, the Companions^ra did not want to be deprived from offering their services.  

Hazrat Umme Salma^ra narrates, “The Holy Prophet^sa stated, ‘Ammar will be killed by a rebellious group.’” (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 191, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra was with the Holy Prophet^sa during the battle of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq and all other battles. He also took part in Bait-e-Rizwan, which was the covenant taken at the time of the treaty of Hudaibiya when the Holy Prophet^sa sent Hazrat Usman^ra to Mecca as an ambassador. (Usdul Ghaaba, Vol. 4, p. 124, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Kutub-ul-Ilmiyyah, 1996, Beirut)

The disbelievers of Mecca did not let Hazrat Usman^ra enter and false news of his martyrdom became widespread amongst Muslims at the time. Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophet^sa gathered all the Muslims under an acacia tree. Whilst addressing everyone the Holy Prophet^sa stated, “I wish to take an oath from all of you this day that everyone will be ready to offer their lives and no one will turn their backs and will not leave this place.” It is narrated that the companions were falling over each other in eagerness to take this oath [at the hand of the Holy Prophet^sa]. When this oath was taking place, the Holy Prophet^sa placed his left hand upon his right hand and stated, “This is the hand of Usman because if he was here he would not remain behind.” (Seerat Khatam-un-Nabiyeen, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^ra, p. 761-762)

Later, the news regard Hazrat Usman^ra turned out to be false and he returned. However, at the time, the Muslims pledged to offer their lives that they would avenge the initially reported martyrdom or the killing of Hazrat Usman^ra by the disbelievers who was sent as an ambassador. 

Hazrat Hakam bin Utaibah narrates, “It was between sunrise and midafternoon when the Holy Prophet^sa arrived in Medina. Hazrat Ammar^ra said, ‘We should create a place of shade for the Holy Prophet^sa where he can sit and take rest and also offer his prayers.’ Hazrat Ammar^ra then gathered some rocks and set the foundation of Masjid Quba. This was the very first mosque constructed and Hazrat Ammar^ra was the one who did this.” (Usdul Ghaaba, Vol. 4, p. 126, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Kutub-ul-Ilmiyyah, 1996, Beirut)

Hazrat Ibn Umar says, “I saw Hazrat Ammar^ra in the battle of Yamama. He was standing on a high mound and was calling upon the Muslims. He was a very brave man. He said, ‘O Muslims! Are you running away from paradise? I am Ammar bin Yasir, come towards me.’” Hazrat Ibn Umar further states, “I was watching him and noticed that one of his ears was cut deeply and was dangling. Despite all of this, Hazrat Ammar was engrossed in the battle.” (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 192, Ammar bin Yasir, Da-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

In reference to the same injured ear, Tariq bin Shahab states, “Someone from the Banu Tamim tribe taunted Ammar^ra about his mutilated ear. Hazrat Ammar^ra responded by saying, ‘You have insulted my finest ear.’” (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 192, Ammar bin Yasir, Da-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

That is, you are mocking me for the ear that was sacrificed in a battle for the sake of God Almighty; this ear of mine is my best ear. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid^ra narrates, “Hazrat Ammar^ra and I had a conversation during which I adopted a rather stern tone. Hazrat Ammar^ra went to the Holy Prophet^sa to complain about me. I also reached there athe time he was complaining to the Holy Prophet^sa about me. I treated him rather harshly there as well. The Holy Prophet^sa sat there silently and did not utter a single word. Hazrat Ammar^ra began crying and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah^sa, do you not see Khalid’s condition?’ The Holy Prophet^sa raised his head and said, ‘Whoever possesses enmity towards Ammar, then God will become such a person’s enemy and whoever holds a grudge against Ammar, then God will hold a grudge against such a person.’” Hazrat Khalid bin Walid^ra said, “There was nothing dearer to me at that moment apart from finding a way to please Hazrat Ammar^ra.” Hazrat Khalid^ra further says, “I met Hazrat Ammar and apologised to him and he became happy with me.” (Usdul Ghaaba, Vol. 4, p. 125, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Kutub-ul-Ilmiyyah, 1996, Beirut)

The details of this have been recorded in one place where Ashtar narrates that he heard Hazrat Khalid^ra bin Waleed saying, “The Holy Prophet^sa sent me as part of an expedition for a battle. With me was also Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra. During this expedition we reached a group of people among whom one household was speaking about Islam. Hazrat Ammar^ra said that those particular people were those who believed in the Oneness of God, but I did not pay any great attention to this and treated them in the same manner as I did everyone else. Hazrat Ammar^ra kept warning me that when he would meet the Holy Prophet^sa he would mention this to him. Later, Hazrat Ammar^ra went to the Holy Prophet^sa and mentioned everything, but when he saw that the Holy Prophet^sa was not supporting him, i.e. he remained silent, Hazrat Ammar^ra returned with tears in his eyes.” Khalid^ra bin Waleed says, “The Holy Prophet^sa called me and said, ‘O Khalid, do not reproach Ammar because whosoever reproaches him God Almighty will in return hold him accountable. And whosoever holds any malice in his heart against Ammar and deems him to be ignorant, will himself be considered as an ignorant one in the sight of God.’” (Al-Mustadrak Ala Al-Sahihain, Vol. 2, p. 477, Hadith 5737, Dar-ul-Haramain Li Al-Taba’ati Wa Al-Nashre Wa Al-Tauzi, 1997)

Hazrat Ali^ra relates, “I was sat with the Holy Prophet^sa when Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra asked to come forward. The Holy Prophet^sa allowed him to do so and said, ‘Welcome O pure and chaste one!’” (Sunan Ibn Maaja, Kitaab Fi Fazail Ashaab-ul-Rasool – Fazl Ammar bin Yasir, Hadith 146)

Thus, this was the honour that the Holy Prophet^sa conferred upon him. 

Hazrat Aisha^ra relates that the Holy Prophet^sa said whenever Ammar^ra had to decide between two matters, he would always adopt the wiser option. (Sunan Ibn Maaja, Kitaab Fi Fazail Ashaab-ul-Rasool – Fazl Ammar bin Yasir, Hadith 148)

Hazrat Amr bin Sharhabeel narrates that the Holy Prophet^sa said that faith was running through the veins of Ammar bin Yasir^ra. (Sunan Al-Nisai, Kitab-ul-Imaan, Hadith 5010)

This means that he was completely immersed in faith. Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra is counted among those whom God Almighty had safeguarded against Satan. 

Ibrahim relates from Alaqamah that he said, “I went to Syria and the people there said that Hazrat Abu Dardaa^ra used to say, ‘Was that person from amongst you whom God Almighty had protected against Satan, as mentioned by the Holy Prophet^sa himself?’” (He said this in reference to Hazrat Ammar^ra.) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabu Badil Khalq, Hadith 3287) 

When the Holy Prophet^sa was making preparations for the conquest of Mecca, he did not disclose this. And even though the Companions^ra were preparing for it, however it was not widely known that Mecca was about to be invaded. During this time, a companion who had fought in the Battle of Badr by the name of Hatib^ra bin Baltah handed a secret letter out of his naivety and simplicity to a lady who had come from Mecca to send back to Mecca. He had mentioned all of the preparations for the invasion of Mecca in the letter. The lady took the letter and went on her way. God Almighty informed the Holy Prophet^sa of this, so he sent Hazrat Ali^ra and three other people, among whom was Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra, to pursue that woman and intercept the letter. 

Whilst describing this incident, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^ra states, “A woman named Sarah who was a resident of Mecca, and had been brought up by the Bani Hashim family, had come to the Holy Prophet^sa in Medina when he was preparing to leave for the conquest of Mecca. The Holy Prophet^sa asked her if she had accepted Islam and escaped from Mecca. She replied, ‘No, I have not come as a Muslim, but because I am in need. I have been brought up by your family, therefore I have come to you to seek financial support.’ The Holy Prophet^sa asked of the people and they gave some clothes and money etc. after which the lady returned to her hometown. When she was about to depart, Hatib^ra, a Companion who had fought in the Battle of Badr, gave her ten Dirhams and said he wished to give her a letter which she must hand to the people of Mecca. She agreed to do so and took the letter. In this letter, Hatib wrote to the people of Mecca that the Holy Prophet^sa had decided to conquer Mecca, so they should be careful. That lady was yet to leave Medina when the Holy Prophet^sa was informed through Divine revelation that she had taken the letter. Hence, the Holy Prophet^sa immediately sent Hazrat Ali^ra and Hazrat Ammar^ra with a group to pursue her and to get hold of the letter, and if she refused to hand it over then she should be punished. Thus, this delegation caught up with her on route. She refused and swore that she did not have a letter with her, to which Hazrat Ali^ra drew his sword saying, ‘We have not been lied to, through Divine revelation we have been informed that you surely have the letter with you.’ Out of fear of the sword, she took out the letter from her hair. When they took the letter back, they realised it was written by Hatib^ra, and subsequently he was summoned. The Holy Prophet^sa asked him why he did such a thing. He replied, ‘By God, ever since I accepted Islam I have not disbelieved. The only thing is that there is no one to defend or protect my tribe in Mecca and the only benefit I could get from writing this letter was that I did not want the infidels to harm my tribe.’ Hazrat Umar^ra wished to kill Hatib^ra but the Holy Prophet^sa forbade him from doing so and said, ‘God Almighty has expressed His pleasure with the people who took part in the Battle of Badr and said that whatever happens, He will forgive them.’” (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan, Vol. 4, pp. 528-529)

Thus, this error of his was out of naivety and not to cause harm to the Muslims.

Hazrat Umar^ra once appointed Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra as the governor of Kufa and sent the following instructions to the people of Kufa, “I have now sent Ammar bin Yasir^ra as the Ameer and ibn Mas‘ud as the teacher and minister. I have also assigned to ibn Mas‘ud to oversee the Baitul Maal [the treasury]. The two of them are among the honoured Companions of the Holy Prophet^sa who participated in the Battle of Badr. Therefore, obey them, follow their orders and comply with everything they say. I have given preference to Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud^ra over myself. I have sent Usman bin Hunaif and appointed him to oversee in Al-Sawad” (An area in Iraq which has been named Sawad due to its fertile land and verdure.) (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 193, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Then, after some complaint from the people of Kufa, Hazrat Umar^ra removed Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra from that office. Hazrat Umar^ra later asked him, “Did it displease you when I removed you from that office?” Hazrat Ammar^ra replied, “Since you have asked, it was unpleasant for me even at the time when you appointed me in that office, however it was out of obedience I accepted it. It was also unpleasant for me when I was removed.” (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 194, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar-ul-Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

Indeed, it did not please him but he remained silent and showed complete obedience even when being removed. He only expressed what was in his heart when Hazrat Umar^ra himself enquired from him. 

When the mischievous hypocrites and rebels caused a revolt in Medina against Hazrat Usman^ra, unfortunately out of his naivety Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra was also misled and deceived by them, although he did not physically support them in any way. 

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^ra says, “There were only three residents of Medina who supported the rebels; one was Muhammad bin Abi Bakr, who was the son of Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra. Historians are of the view that since people showed him respect due to his father, he began to think that he held a position of rank as well. Other than this [factor], neither did he hold any worldly precedence, nor did he benefit from the company of the Holy Prophet^sa and nor did he gain special religious education afterwards. He was born in the days of Hajjatul-wida [the last Hajj performed by the Holy Prophet^sa] and was still a suckling baby at the time when the Holy Prophet^sa passed away. He was only four when Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra passed away and was unable to benefit from the upbringing of this exemplary man.

“The second person was Muhammad bin Abi Huzaifah. He was not from among the Companions either. His father had been martyred in the battle of Yamamah and Hazrat Usman^ra had taken his upbringing upon himself. He had nurtured him from childhood. When Hazrat Usman^ra became Khalifa, he asked him for a post but Hazrat Usman^ra refused. He then asked for permission to go out and take up some form of work. Hazrat Usman^ra granted him permission, so he went to Egypt. Upon reaching there, he joined the supporters of Abdullah bin Saba and began inciting people against Hazrat Usman^ra. When the rebels of Egypt attacked Medina, he came along with them. However, after having come some distance, he returned, and was not present in Medina at the time of this conflict.

“The third person was Ammar bin Yasir^ra, who was one of the Companions. The reason he fell to deception was because he was not very informed in the field of politics. When Hazrat Usman^ra sent him to Egypt so that he could return with a report on the administration of its governor, Abdullah bin Saba welcomed him and turned him against the governor of Egypt. Moreover, since the governor had bitterly opposed the Holy Prophet^sa in his days of disbelief and had accepted Islam after the victory of Mecca, Ammar bin Yasir^ra was quickly ensnared by them”, meaning that since the Governor was once a hostile enemy of the Holy Prophet^sa and due to his own love for the Holy Prophet^sa, he became influenced by those who were conspiring against Hazrat Usman^ra and his governor. Ammar bin Yasir^ra thought that since he [i.e. the governor] was opposed to Islam previously, his heart may not have accepted Islam fully and for this reason he was acting in the manner that he was. 

“Nevertheless, after creating suspicion against the governor, Abdullah bin Saba slowly made him suspicious of Hazrat Usman^ra as well. However, Ammar bin Yasir^ra did not practically participate in the rebellion. Although he was present in Medina when it was attacked, apart from sitting quietly at home and not taking part in opposing the rebels, practically, he did not take any part in the rebellion. (Thus, his only weakness was that he did not actively oppose the rebels that attacked Medina.) However, he was completely innocent of the crimes committed by the rebels.”

In the Khilafat of Hazrat Ali^ra, Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra fought alongside Hazrat Ali^ra in the Battle of Siffin and in the Battle of Jamal. Abu Abdur Rahman Al-Salami narrates: “In the Battle of Siffin, we fought alongside Hazrat Ali^ra. I saw that wherever Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra would go, the Companions of the Holy Prophet^sa would follow him, as if he was a flag for them.”

Abdullah bin Salama says, “I saw Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir in the Battle of Siffin…” This is the battle that took place between Hazrat Ali^ra and Amir Muawiya, the governor of Syria at the time. Abdullah bin Salama states, “[In the battle of Siffin] Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra had aged, yet he had a tall stature and a wheat-like complexion. Hazrat Ammar had a spear in his hand but his hand was shaking. Hazrat Ammar^ra said, ‘By Him in Whose hand is my life! I have fought with this spear in three battles alongside the Holy Prophet^sa and this is the fourth. By Him in Whose hand is my life! Even if these people beat us and make us retreat to the date tree of Hajar, even then I will believe that we are on the right path and these people are in the wrong.’”

Abu Al-Bakhtri relates that on the occasion of the Battle of Siffin, Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra said, “Bring me milk to drink because the Holy Prophet^sa had told me that the last drink I have in this world will be milk.” Thus, milk was brought and Hazrat Ammar^ra drank it and then went forth to fight until he was martyred. In another narration it states that when milk was brought before Hazrat Ammar^ra, he laughed and said, “The Holy Prophet^sa stated that the last drink I have would be milk.” And so he was happy at the fact that he was being martyred in such a state. On the occasion of the Battle of Siffin, Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra said, “Paradise lies under the lustre of the sword and the thirsty shall reach the spring. Today, I shall meet my loved ones and today, I shall meet the Holy Prophet^sa and his Companions^ra.” 

Abdul Rehman bin Abzi relates from his father that while travelling towards Siffin, at the edge of the River Euphrates, Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra said, “O Allah! If I knew that by throwing myself off of this mountain was the most desirable act in Your sight then I would I have done so. If I knew that You would be most pleased with me lighting a great fire and throwing myself into it then I would have done so. O Allah! If I knew that that You would be pleased with me leaping into water and drowning myself, then I would have done exactly that. I am only taking part in this battle in order to attain Your pleasure. I desire that You do not cause me to fail and I only seek to attain Your pleasure.” 

Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra was martyred by Abu Waadya Mazni. He threw a spear at him as a result of which he fell and another person then attacked Hazrat Ammar^ra and severed his head. Both of them then went to Muawiya arguing, each one claiming to have killed him. Hazrat Amr bin Al-Aas^ra was a companion and at the time took the side of Muawiya due to certain misunderstandings; nonetheless he was with Muawiya and his piety can be gauged from what he said at the time. Hazrat Amr bin Al-Aas^ra said, “I swear by God that you both are arguing over fire.” In other words, they had martyred Hazrat Ammar^ra and both who were claiming to be the one who had martyred him were in actuality arguing over the hell-fire. When Hazrat Muawiya heard Hazrat Amr bin Al-Aas^ra say this and the other two men had also retuned, he said to Hazrat Amr bin Al-Aas^ra, “I have never witnessed before what you have just said now. People have sacrificed their lives for us and yet you are saying to them that they are arguing over fire?” Hazrat Amr^ra replied, “I swear by God this is precisely the case. I swear by God that you also knew him and I wish that I had died twenty years earlier and not witnessed such a time where we are fighting with one another.”  

Hazrat Ammar^ra passed away during the era of Hazrat Ali’s^ra Khilafat during the Battle of Siffinn in Safar 37 Hijri at the age of 94. The age of 91 and 93 are also reported according to some estimates. Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra was buried in Siffin. 

Yahya bin Aabis relates that at the time when Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra was martyred, he said to bury him in the same clothes as he would be worthy of admiration. 

Hazrat Ali^ra buried him in the same clothes. Abu Ishaaq states that Hazrat Ali^ra led the funeral prayer of Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra and Hashim^ra bin Atba, and kept Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra closer to him and Hashim^ra was placed in front of Hazrat Ammar^ra. He then recited the Takbeerat over both of them 5, 6 or 7 times in a row. 

These were the Companions^ra who fought for the truth and sacrificed their lives for it. May God Almighty elevate their stations. There are a few more accounts and narrations regarding Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^ra and I will insha-Allah mention these in the future. 

(Translated by the Review of Religions)