Zubair bin-ul-Awam (RA) was one of the closest related persons to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He (RA) is one of the most famous and respectable personalities of Islam. He (RA) served his whole life for the betterment and establishment of Islam. He (RA) was one of the favorite companions of Rasool Allah (SAW) who awarded Zubair with the title of Hawari-e-Rasul meaning the disciple of the messenger of Allah.

He (RA) was related to the Holy Prophet (SAW) in many ways. Firstly, he (RA) was the cousin of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as he was the son of Safiyah (RA) the aunt of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Khadijatul Kubra the wife of the Holy Prophet (SAW) was the aunt of Zubair bin-ul-Awam (RA) so the Holy Prophet (SAW) became his uncle. He (RA) was also the brother-in-law of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as the sister of Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was married to him. He (RA) also had ancestral relations with the Holy prophet (SAW). Belonging to a family, which was very close to the Holy Prophet (SAW) it was quite natural that he also accepted and embraced Islam. He (RA) accepted Islam between the age of 12 and 16 years. His father died when Zubair (RA) was still a child. His mother Safiyah (RA) made him a tough and brave man.

The Bravery of Zubair (RA)

Hazrat Zubair (RA) was a brave person since childhood and there are many examples of his immaculate bravery. As Rasool Allah (SAW) declared that, he was the one who raised the first sword against the antagonists in Makah when he was just sixteen. He had deep love and affection for the last prophet and his religious preaching.

Zubair and the Zuberi Clan

The history of Zubairi family is traceable to the time of Last Prophet of Islam. Hazrat Zubair had a large family with 21 children out of 12 were male and 9 of them were female children. Three of his male children became much popular as one became the caliph at Makkah called Abdullah, second son became the governor of Kufa called Musab and the third son became the famous historian of Islam called Urwa. Zubairi clan is present in the Indian Sub continent, Middle East, UK and USA. One of the famous saints in Zubairi clan is called Hazrat Sheikh Samauddin Zuberi from the 14^th century AD.

He (RA) embraced the teachings of Islam at a young age of 17 and was one of the earliest to do it. Sa’d ibn Abī Waqqās (RA) was closely related to the Holy Prophet (SAW) and was his (SAW) cousin. However, Holy Prophet (SAW) considered him his uncle. Holy Prophet (SAW) once said: “Here is my uncle, Sa`d. if anyone has an uncle like him, then he should show me.” [Ibn Hajari, Tarikh, 2:33; Ibn Athir, ibid, 2:291]. Sa’d ibn Abī Waqqās (RA) was one of those sahabas or companion of Rasool Allah who worked tirelessly for the betterment of Islam and he (RA) also took the responsibilities of preacher, ambassador and an adviser to the Holy Prophet (SAW). He (RA) played a vital role in the battles of Persia and Qadsiya in the reign of Hazrat Umar (RA). He (RA) was sent to the battlefield as commander of the army in both these conquests. With his immaculate strength and bravery, he (RA) taught a worthy lesson to the enemies of Islam.

The Memorable Role

Sa’d ibn Abī Waqqās (RA) was a preacher and played a role of advisor to Rasool Allah. He was a traveler and famous warrior. Designated as ambassador he (RA) played a significant role in developing the diplomatic relations with China. At the age of eighty he died and is buried in Madinah. The immaculate and impeccable services by Sa’d ibn Abī Waqqās would always be remembered as he was loyal to the Holy Prophet (SAW). His statesmanship and Governorship of Persia are notable services to Islam.

The Muslim expeditionary force consisted of thirty men. They had with them a guide of the Banu Hilal, who showed them the way, and led them to Turbah valley through unfrequented paths.

When the Muslim force reached the Turbah valley, they found that on hearing the approach of the Muslim force, the Banu Howazin had evacuated the valley and fled elsewhere with their animals and other belongings. The Muslim force stayed in the valley for some days. Scouts were sent in various directions to find some clue of the whereabouts of the Banu Howazin. No clue was found, and as the object of driving away the hostile tribe from the neighbourhood of Mecca had been achieved without firing a shot, the Muslim force decided to return to Madina.

When on the return march, the Muslim force reached ZiAljaza, about six miles from Madina, the Banu Hilal guide said:

As on the expedition against Banu Howazin you have had no booty, and if you want to return to Madina carrying some booty I can guide you against some other tribe Banu Kbusham have been afflicted with famine. I have seen them going that way. If you think of attacking them and getting some booty, I can take you by a path to such a place from where you could launch a surprise attack on them. In spite of famine conditions they have ample wealth with them which you could appropriate.”

Thereupon Umar said:”The Holy Prophet merely sent us against Banu Howazin, and the object was to promote the cause of Islam and not to get booty for ourselves. As the Holy Prophet did not authorise me to attack any other tribe, I am afraid I can not attack any other tribe just for the sake of booty, without the express instructions of the Holy Prophet. “When on return to Madloa, Umar submitted his report to the Holy Prophet, and stated how he had not accepted the advice of the guide to attack Banu Khusham, the Holy Prophet said, “Umar you did well. If you had attacked them, I would have been unhappy.”

Amongst the Lions of Allah was a companion by the name of Abu Dujana Sammak bin Kharsha (r.a.a). He was from the Ansar and accepted Islam early in the Prophet’s (s.a.w) mission. He was recognized for his piety and strength and bravery in Jihad. Wherever we discover his name in the books of Sunnah, he can be identified fighting for the Deen of Allah.

In the course of the battle of Uhud, the second most substantial battle (following the victory of Badr), the Prophet (s.a.w) urged his Companions to fight and spurred them to show stamina and steadfastness in the Jihad. He started out to implant the spirit of boldness and bravery in them. To wage and inflame them and maintain their zeal in the fight, he (s.a.w) drew his sword, held it in his hand and called out to his Sahaba and stated, “Who is prepared to take this sword and fulfill it is right?” Quite a few notable Sahaba set out to take it. Amongst them had been ‘Ali bin Abi Talib, Az-Zubair bin Al-’Awwam and ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab. But it was granted to none of them. Abu Dujana stood and inquired, “O Messenger of Allah, what is its price?” The Prophet (s.a.w) said, “It is to strike the enemy’s faces with it till it breaks!” So Abu Dujana said, “O Messenger of Allah, I will take it for that price.” and he was given the sword.

Abu Dujana was a man of courage who utilized to stand proud and brave in war. He had a red headband that he wore round his head. Whenever he was head-banded everybody knew that he was determined to fight to death. As a result as soon as Abu Dujana took the Prophet’s (s.a.w) sword, he banded his head and began strutting proudly amongst the Mujahideen. Upon seeing this, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) stated, “This is a sort of walking that Allah detests except in such a circumstance (Jihad).” Then the fighting began. In this battle, numerous acts of courage can be noted from several of the Sahaba. Abu Dujana, recognized by the red band worn round his head, came forth, fighting with the sword of the Prophet (s.a.w).

He was determined to pay its value at all costs. He slaughtered all the idolaters that stood on his way splitting and dispersing their ranks. Az-Zubair bin Al-’Awwam stated, “I felt angry and discouraged when the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) refused to give me the sword but instead gave it to Abu Dujana. I said to myself, ‘I am his paternal cousin. I am the cousin of his aunt Safiya. Also, I am from his tribe (Quraish). Besides, I was the first who demanded it and yet he favoured him to me. By Allah, I will watch how he will use it.’ So I followed him and saw him take out his red band and wear it round his head. Seeing him like that, the Ansar said, ‘Abu Dujana has worn the red band of death.’ Then he (Abu Dujana) set out saying loudly (in the form of poetry), ‘I am the 1 whom my intimate friend [the Prophet (s.a.w)] produced covenant with, when we had been below the palm-trees on the mountain side. The covenant was that I would not fight at the rear, but fight at the front heroically with the sword of Allah and His Messenger.’

In the course of this battle no one stood the way of Abu Dujana and remained alive. There was a man among the idolaters whose only objective was to finish off the wounded Muslims. Throughout the fight, Abu Dujana approached that man so I (Az-Zubair bin Al-’Awwam) implored Allah that

they could possibly engage in combat. They did start fighting and exchanged two sword-strokes. The idolater swung at Abu Dujana, but he escaped it and the sword pierced into his (Abu Dujana’s) leather shield. The idolater’s sword now stuck to his shield, Abu Dujana lunged at that Kafir with his sword and killed him. Then into the thick of the battle, he rushed to kill a person who was inciting the enemy to fight the Muslims. Upon this the particular person shrieked and lo! it was a lady. Abu Dujana spared her saying, ‘I respect the Prophet’s (s.a.w) sword too much to use it on a lady.’ The lady was Hind bint ‘Utbah (the wife of Abu Sufyan who was leading the Quraish army against the Muslims, who later became Muslim).” [Ibn Hisham Vol. 2 pg.68-69] Describing the exact same incident, Az-Zubair bin Al-’Awwam stated, “I saw Abu Dujana raising a sword more than the parting of Hind bint ‘Utba’s hair but then he moved it away. I mentioned to myself, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ (i.e. why he didn’t kill her).” [Ibn Hisham Vol. 2 pg. 69]

Just before the battle of Uhud started, the Prophet (s.a.w) had ordered a group of archers to stay on 1 side of a mountain to deliver protection to the rear of the Muslim army. However, when the Muslims started to defeat their enemies, forty of the archers raced down the mountain in order to obtain their share of the war booty. The Quraish employed this chance to circle back and attack the rear of the Muslim army. They even got close adequate to attack to Holy Prophet (s.a.w) himself, injuring him severely. Throughout those awkward moments of the Messenger of Allah’s (s.a.w) life, a group of Muslim heroes gathered about the Prophet (s.a.w) forming a shield to guard him from the Kuffar. Among them was Abu Dujana. He stood just before the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w), shielding him from the arrows with his back. While these assaults on the Prophet’s (s.a.w) life continued, Uthman ibn Abdullah ibn Al-Mugheerah (one of the enemy) approached him and tried to kill him.

But Al-Harith bin As-Simma came to his defense and sliced into Uthman’s leg producing him fall to the ground. Then Al-Harith killed him. But an additional Makkan horseman, referred to as ‘Abdullah bin Jabir, attacked Al-Harith bin As-Simma, and cut deeply into his shoulder with his sword and he (al-Harith) was carried to the camp of the Muslims suffering from really serious wounds. Soon afterwards, Abu Dujana, with his red headband and the Prophet’s (s.a.w) sword, came upon ‘Abdullah bin Jabir and cut his head off with a single stroke. Throughout the confusion induced by the archers’ mistake of abandoning their post, a lot of Sahaba had been martyred. So Quraish began to mutilate their bodies to appease their pride more than their defeat at Badr. Ka’b bin Masaid, “I was one of those Muslims who fought in Uhud and witnessed the

Kuffar’s act of barbarity in mutilating the dead bodies, but I left this sight for the reason that I couldn’t stand it. Then I saw an armed stout mushrik pass by means of the Muslims and say, ‘Gather them up like sheep are gathered and slaughtered!’ Similarly I saw an armed Muslim waiting for him. I walked towards them till I stood behind him (the Muslim). Comparing each of them, I thought to be that the Kafir was superior to the other in arms and size. I kept on watching them when they engaged in man-to-man combat. The Muslim raised his sword up and swung it down challenging on the Kafir, so forcefully that the blade went down his hip and split him in half. When the Muslim unveiled his face, he looked at me and said, “What do you assume of that, Ka’b? I am Abu Dujana.”

After the battle concluded, in the evening of that day (i.e. Saturday, the seventh of Shawwal, 3rd year A.H.), the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) arrived in Madinah. As soon as he reached his home, he handed his sword to his daughter Fatimah and stated, “O daughter, wash the blood off this sword. By Allah, it has been useful to me right now.” ‘Ali bin Abi Talib also handed her his sword and stated, “And wash the blood of this sword too. By Allah, it has been useful to me nowadays.” So the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, “Sahl bin Haneef and Abu Dujana have been as courageous as you are in the Jihad.”

After the death of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w), in the course of the Khalifah of Abu Bakr (r.a.a), Abu Dujana fought till he was Shaheed (martyred) against the army of Musailima al-Kathab [the Liar who claimed Prophethood in the lifetime of the Prophet (s.a.w) and produced war against his Sahaba when Abu Bakr was Khalifah.] To us, his life is a legacy of sacrifice and lessons of bravery and fierceness against Kufr. And to the soldiers of Allah who wear the “red band of death” in our time, he is the epitome of a accurate Mujahid. May perhaps the mercy of Allah be upon Abu Dujana and could He guide our Muslim youth towards the instance he left behind. Ameen

Narrated Anas bin Malik (raa): I was ten years old when Allah’s Apostle (saws) arrived at Medina. My mother and aunts used to urge me to serve the Prophet (saws) regularly, and I served him for ten years.

When the Prophet (saws) died I was twenty years old, and I knew about the order of Al-Hijab (veiling of ladies) more than any other person when it was revealed.

It was revealed for the first time when Allah’s Apostle (saws) had consummated his marriage with Zainab bint Jahsh (raa).

When the day dawned, the Prophet (saws) was a bridegroom and he invited the people to a banquet, so they came, ate, and then all left except a few who remained with the Prophet (saws) for a long time.

The Prophet (saws) got up and went out, and I too went out with him so that those people might leave too.

The Prophet (saws) proceeded and so did I, till he came to the threshold of ‘Aisha’s dwelling place. Then thinking that these people have left by then, he returned and so did I along with him till he entered upon Zainab and behold, they were still sitting and had not gone.

So the Prophet (saws) again went away and I went away along with him. When we reached the threshold of ‘Aisha’s dwelling place, he thought that they had left, and so he returned and I too, returned along with him and found those people had left.

Then the Prophet (saws) drew a curtain between me and him, and the Verses of Al-Hijab 1 were revealed.

Wedlock, Marriage (Nikaah) – Sahih Bukhari: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 95

Al Ahzâb – Surah 33. The Clans, The Coalition

[33:59] “O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

She was a slave along with her daughter Umm Ubays. Her owner was a woman from Banu Abd-al-dar. Both of the mother and daughter embraced Islam during their slavery and had to face immense torture and brutalism by the non Muslims of Makkah. Upon seeing their miserable condition, Abu Bakar talked to her mistress. The mistress replied in an arrogant tone and asked him to pay for her freedom. Abu bakar paid for their freedom according to the price the mistress demanded. So, this way their miseries came to an end by the grace of Allah.

Lubaynah

Lubaynah was another slave girl freed by the notable friend of Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi wasalam known as Abu Bakar R.A. Abu Bakar R.A. had freed many other slave men and women by paying from his own pocket and wealth.

Lubaynah was owned by Umar ibn al-Khattab who had not yet embraced Islam. Another slave girl known as Zinnira accompanied her. Umar threw all of her anger and hatred for Islam on them. His harsh treatment was unbearable by the slave girls. His merciless beatings could not affect the faith of Lubaynah at all. The brave girl refused to renounce her religion in any condition and remained steadfast to her beliefs in One Allah SWT and His Apostle Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.

Sîrîn bint Sham’ûn

Sîrîn bint Sham’ûn, the Egyptian lady and sister of Umm al Momineen Maria Al-Qibtiyya were sent as a gift to Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. Muqawqis, the Sassanid official, wanted to please the Prophet with his gifts. Both of the girls were slaves of Prophet and comprised unique intelligence with beauty. Unlike any ordinary master, Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam, the master of masters treated both of his slave girls with much respect and gave them honor. The Prophet sent Maria Al-QIbtiyya proposal and her sister got married to Hassan ibn Thabit, companion of Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.

The husband and wife returned to Makkah after sometime and did not find the situation much in their favor. Quresh and people of Makkah were leaving no one from their cruel intentions and torturous behavior. Umm Salamah and her husband were among those who were permitted to migrate to Madinah. They both and their son went through a very rough time until they finally reached Madinah and settled there.

Her clan had snatched her away from her husband and son. She was left alone to stay with her clan. It was terrible for her to be forced to leave her family and this separation left her grief stricken. Her clan finally permitted to join her husband and she was set free. She went to Banu Abdulasad in Makkah for the return of her son. After getting her son back, she set forth for her journey towards Madinah.

She reached Madinah and met her husband. Finally, they all reunited and it seemed her sufferings had come to an end. Soon, her husband died and she was left alone again along with her son. Many nobles with marriage proposal approached her but she refused until the time came she had prayed so much for. She received the proposal by the noblest of all men Prophet of Allah Sallalaho Alayhi wasalam and she agreed with all her might and happiness. She died as the most respectable and honorable Umm al-Mu’mineen the mother of all true believers.

Fatimah Bint Muhammad was closely attached to her father. She had deep enduring love for him. Fatimah grew up seeing her father being tortured by Quresh and despite her tender age of less than ten, she always managed to reach on the spot. She was ruthless and unafraid of them and stood by her father steadfast to support him in his quest of spreading words of Allah SWT.

She saw her father facing vicious opposition and defied the harassment against him. She was a brave person and struggled for the sovereignty of Islam since childhood. Khadijah, wife of Prophet and loving mother of Fatimah died when she turned into a young lady. After her mother’s demise the grief stricken Fatima devoted herself to look after her beloved father and soon she was famous with a new nickname “Umm Abi-ha” or  “the mother of her father”.

She was the most beloved daughter of Prophet and she had a very special place in his heart. Rasul Allah said “Whoever pleased Fatimah has indeed pleased God and whoever has caused her to be angry has indeed angered God. Fatimah is a part of me. Whatever pleases her pleases me and whatever angers her angers me.”

She was married to Ali R.A. and was the mother of Hassan R.A. and Hussain R.A.

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid is the first wife of Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. She was 25 years older to him and was that first person ever who embraced Islam. She belonged to a noble clan and was steadfast on the faith of Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim is the great grandfather of Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was beautiful and very pious lady. She was notable for her charity works and her luck in business. She was doing trade and became one of the richest persons in Makkah. She was the daughter of renowned tribal leader and businessperson. One can say she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She married twice and had children from both of the husbands. Her first husband died and the second one lacked compatibility so she divorced.

She used to employ hardworking individuals and Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam was the one she picked this time. Her experienced eyes and insight did not do her wrong and that is how she met the most impressive, honest and intelligent of all men our beloved Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam.  Although, Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam was a young man of 25 years of age when she sent him the proposal of marriage, it was accepted and she became Umm Al Momineen and blessed mother of Fatima and Grandmother of Hassan R.A. and Hussain R.A.

She strived hard and stood side by side her husband. She was brave and never gave up in any kind of situation. She is among the four most respectable women in the history of earth as mentioned by Rasul Allah Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. She was kind and generous, great wife and mother and spent all her life for the sovereignty of Islam.

Safiyya bint Huyayy’s Father was chief of the Jewish tribe known as Banu Nadir, in Madinah. The Banu Nadir tribe was expelled from Madinah and they took refuge in the nearby oasis called Khaybar. She married Kinana ibn al-Rabi at the age of seventeen. She saw a dream, which was a clear sign that she will be a big name and have place in the hearts of Muslims by marrying the Holy Prophet Sallaha Alayhi Wasalam. Her husband upon knowing the prediction of her dream struck her beautiful face in anger, which left a mark forever.

In the aftermath of successful victory of Khaybar, she was among the female captives. She was proposed by the Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam and embraced Islam. They were married and then returned to Medina.

Safiyya bint Huyayy played an important role in the history of Islam and she was an influential political figure. She died during the reign of Ameer Muawiyah and left land, dirhams and goods, which were distributed, according to her will. She was laid to rest in the Jannat al-Baqi. She lived like a queen and proved her knowledge and skills so many times. She helped Caliph Umar R.A. during the times he was in trouble. She bore no child of her own but she dedicated much of her belongings to her beloved nephew, her sister’s son.

She has the honor of giving birth to the son of Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi wasalam. Her son Ibrahim died when he was still a child. Being the father of the child Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho alayhi wasalam remained grief stricken. This was his third male child who could not survive according to the traditionss. There will be no prophet after last Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam. Ibrahim, the child was named after his great grand ancestral Prophet Ibrahim.

Hātib b. Abi Balta’ah, companion of Holy Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam brought Maria al-Qibtiyya from Egypt to Madinah along with her sister Sīrīn. Both of the sisters embraced Islam before they reached their final destination. Another companion of Prophet Sallalaho Alayhi Wasalam proposed her sister, which she accepted. She gave birth to his son. Al Muqwaqis also send many other gifts that included precious garments and a number of animals along with the slave girls. All of those were distributed among the Muslims.

She lived in a mud-brick house along with the Prophet of Islam Sallaho Alayhi Wasalam. She was a beautiful woman and a very pious Muslim. She preferred rags over riches and stick to her faith as a Muslim. She is one of the luckiest wives of Prophet who gave birth to a child after Khadijah R.A.

Umm Sulaym gave birth to Anas ibn Malik when she was in the wedlock of Malik ibn an-Nadr. She dedicated her son Anas ibn Malik to serve the Holy Prophet Sallalaho alayhi wasalam. He is known as one of the best companions of the Prophet Sallalaho alayhi wasalam.

She was the first women from Yathrib who embraced Islam. Her source of inspiration was the refined Musab ibn Umayr, the first ambassador of Islam. When she decided to accept Islam her husband was absent from Yathrib. Upon his return he sensed the changes in her. When he asked the reason, she told him about her conversion. She was now a Muslim and a believer in the Oneness of Allah SWT.

This news did not please him at all. Later on, an enemy of her husband killed him. Zayd ibn Sahl proposed her. She accepted and demanded a unique mahr. She asked him to embrace Islam. She asked him to become a true believer of the Oneness of Allah SWT and give witness that Muhammad Sallalaho alayhi wasalam is the Apostle of Allah SWT.

She refused gold and silver and asked him to ponder over few things. She asked why he worshipped anything that grew from the ground like the trees but not Allah SWT who is the Creator of all that he worshipped. Her dialogues and persuasive way of talking melted the heart of Abu Talhah and he entered the circle of Islam.

No one had heard of such a unique mahr. She demanded something that no woman had ever asked before from a man.

Aishah Bint Abi Bakr was pious, gentle and very loving soul. She was the beloved wife of Prophet who adored her more than anyone else. She always chose Allah SWT and His Prophet Sallalaho alayhi wasalam over worldly possessions and rejected gold or silver. Her faithfulness and devotion is not a secret to any Muslim.

She remained in the service of her husband until the last of his breath. He left this world right in the arms of Aishah Bint Abi Bakr. In her ten years of marriage, she had the chance to learn and acquire real knowledge of Quran and Sunnah. She had photographic memory and written her own script of the Quran.

Aishah Bint Abi Bakr transmitted more than two thousand sayings of Prophet Sallalaho alayhi wasalam. She kept on guiding and teaching the Muslims regarding their faith, Quran, Sunnah, Tibb, Fiqah and Sharyia in Madinnah. “Humayra” was the nickname given to her by her husband meaning “Red-coloured”.

Aishah Bint Abi Bakr was teacher, scholar and social reformist. She was the wife of Prophet and mother of all believing Muslims until the day of resurrection is formed.

Abu Sufyan, her father, tried everything in his might to bring them back, his daughter and her husband, to worship deities and idolatry. But, they were both too headstrong and their faith never moved an inch.

Abu Sufyan remained unhappy and dejected due to his daughter and husband’s acceptance of Islam. Ramlah and her husband were treated harshly and life in Makkah became miserable and unbearable for them. When the first group of Muslims was allowed to migrate to Abyssinia, they were among those who left behind.

Upon finding the news of Muslims, fleeing away to Abyssinia made the chieftains of Makkah including Abu Sufyan very angry. The tribal chiefs tried their best to bring them back but the Abyssinian king Negus also embraced Islam and gave protection to the migrated Muslims. Ramlah Bint Abi Sufyan also known as Umm Habibah and her husband took refuge in Abyssinia. But her problems were not coming to an end yet.

Ubaydallah ibn Jahsh accepted Christianity. It was a terrible blow for Ramlah Bint Abi Sufyan. The brave lady refused to live with a non Muslim and divorced him. She rejected the idea of going to back to her father’s place, a citadel of Kuffar. So, she stayed in Abyssinia for the next ten years alone with her daughter.

She was rewarded in a great way for all her bearings and sufferings. Allah’s Apostle sent her the proposal of marriage. Umm Habibah is one of the Umhatal Momineen and much respected wife of our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho alayhi wasalam.

Asmaa was one of the first seventeen persons who embraced Islam in Makkah. She was given a unique nickname Dhat an-Nitaqayn. She played remarkable role in the history of Islam. She helped and supported her father and Prophet of Allah in the historical Hijra from Makkah to Madinah.

When she migrated from Makkah to Madinah, she was carrying a baby. The baby Abdullah was born before they could enter Madinah at the holy place called Quba. The birth of the Abdullah filled everyone with sheer happiness, as he was the first child born to the muhajareen e Islam.

Asmaa had many noble qualities besides her extraordinary intelligence. She was generous, gifted and had strong faith in Allah SWT. She was brave and never compromised over her devotion towards Allah SWT. She lived like a crownless queen and remained steadfast to her beliefs until she died at the age of hundred.

She lost her eyesight in the last couple of years of her age. She had remarkable wisdom and insight despite her old age. Her son Abdullah died during the fight for the sake of Islam. She told him to fight until the last drop of his blood. Abdullah embraced martyrdom for the noble cause and his mother joined him soon after his demise.

The story of his encounter with Khusraw Parvez began in the sixth year of the hijrah when the Prophet . decided to send some of his Companions with letters to rulers outside the Arabian peninsula inviting them to Islam.

The Prophet .
attached great importance to this initiative. These messengers were going to distant lands with whom there was no agreement or treaty. They did not know the languages of these lands nor anything about the ways and disposition of their rulers. They were to invite these rulers to give up their religion and forsake their power and glory and enter the religion of a people who shortly before were almost their subjects. The mission was undoubtedly hazardous .

To make known his plan, the Prophet .
called his companions together and addressed them. He started by praising God and thanking Him. He then recited the Shahadah and went on:

“I want to send some of you to the rulers of foreign lands but don’t dispute with me as the Israelites disputed with Jesus, the son of Mary.

“O Prophet of God, we shall carry out whatever you wish,” they responded. “Send us wherever you desire.”

The Prophet commissioned six of his Sahabah to carry his letters to Arab and foreign rulers. One of these was Abdullah ibn Hudhafah. He was chosen to take the Prophet’s letter to Khusraw Parvez, the Persian king.

Abdullah got his camel ready and bade farewell to his wife and son. He set out, alone, and traversed mountains and valleys until he reached the land of the Persians.

He sought permission to enter into the king’s presence informing the guards of the letter he was carrying. Khusraw Parvez thereupon ordered his audience chamber to be made ready and summoned his prominent aides. When they had assembled he gave permission for Abdullah to enter.

Abdullah entered and saw the Persian potentate dressed in delicate, flowing robes and wearing a great, neatly arranged turban. On Abdullah was the plain, coarse clothes of the bedouin. His head though was held high and his feet were firm. The honour of Islam burned fiercely in his breast and he power of faith pulsated in his heart.

As soon as Khusraw Parvez saw him approaching he signalled to one of his men to take the letter from his hand.

“No,” said Abdullah. “The Prophet .
commanded me to hand over this letter to you directly and I shall not go against a command of the Messenger of God.”

“Let him come near to me,” Khusraw said to his guards and Abdullah went forward and handed over the letter. Khusraw then called an Arab clerk who originally came from Hira and ordered him to open the letter in his presence and read its contents. He began reading: “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful. From Muhammad, the Messenger of God, to Khusraw the ruler of Persia. Peace on whoever follows the guidance . . .”

Khusraw only heard this much of the letter when the fire of anger burst within him. His face became red and he began to perspire around the neck. He snatched the letter from the clerk’s hand and began tearing it to pieces without knowing what else it contained and shouted, “Does he dare to write to me like this, he who is my slave”? He was angry that the Prophet had not given him precedence in his letter. He then commanded Abdullah to be expelled from his assembly.

Abdullah was taken away, not knowing what would happen to him. Would he be killed or would he be set free? But he did not want to wait to find out. He said, “By God, I don’t care what happens to me after the letter of the Prophet .
has been so badly treated.” He managed to get to his camel and rode off.

When Khusraw’s anger had subsided he commanded that Abdullah be brought before him. But Abdullah was nowhere to be found. They searched for him all the way to the Arabian peninsula but found that he had gone ahead.

Back in Madinah, Abdullah told the Prophet how Khusraw had torn his letter to pieces and the Prophet’s only reply was, “May God tear up his kingdom”.

Meanwhile, Khusraw wrote to Badhan, his deputy in the Yemen, to send two strong men to “that man who has appeared in the Hijaz” with orders to bring him to Persia.

Badhan despatched two of his strongest men to the Prophet .
and gave them a letter to him in which he was ordered to go with the two men to meet Khusraw without delay. Badhan also asked the two men to get whatever information they could on the Prophet and to study his message closely.

The men set out, moving very quickly. At Ta’if they met some Quraysh traders and asked them about Muhammad .
“He is in Yathrib,” they said and they went on to Makkah feeling extremely happy. This was good news for them and they went around telling other Quraysh, “You will be pleased. Khusraw is out to get Muhammad.and you will be rid of his evil.”

The two men meanwhile made straight for Madinah where they met the Prophet.
, handed him the letter of Badhan and said to him, “The king of kings, Khusraw, has written to our ruler Badhan to send his men to get you. We have come to take you with us. If you come willingly, Khusraw has said that it will be good for you and he will spare you any punishment. If you refuse, you will know the power of his punishment. He has power to destroy you and your people.”

The Prophet .
smiled and said to them, “Go back to your mounts today and return tomorrow.”

On the following day, they came to the Prophet .and said to him, “Are you prepared to go with us to meet Khusraw?”

“You shall not meet Khusraw after today,” replied the Prophet .”God has killed him and his son Shirwaih has taken his place on such a night and on such a month.”

The two men stared in the face of the Prophet .They were completely dumbfounded.

“Do you know what you are saying?” they asked. “Shall we write about this to Badhan?”

“Yes,” replied the Prophet ., “and say to him that my religion has informed me about what has happened to the kingdom of Khusraw and that if he should become Muslim, I would appoint him ruler over what he now controls”.

The two men returned to the Yemen and told Badhan what had happened. Badhan said, “If what Muhammad has said is true, then he is a Prophet. If not then we shall see what happens to him.”

Not long afterwards, a letter from Shirwaih came to Badhan in which he said, “I killed Khusraw because of his tyranny against our people. He regarded as lawful the killing of leaders, the capturing of their women and the expropriating of their wealth. When this my letter reaches you, take the allegiance of whoever is with you on my behalf.”

As soon as Badhan had read Shirwaih’s letter, he threw it aside and announced his entry into Islam. The Persians with him in the Yemen also became Muslim.

That’s the story of Abdullah ibn Hudhafah’s meeting with the Persian king. His meeting with the Byzantine emperior took place during the caliphate of Umar ibn alKhattab. It too is an astonishing story.

In the nineteenth year after the Hijrah, Umar despatched an army to fight against the Byzantines. In it was Abdullah ibn Hudhafah. News of the Muslim force reached the Byzantine emperior. He had heard of their sincerity of faith, and their willingness to sacrifice their lives in the way of God and His Prophet .. He gave orders to his men to bring to him any Muslim captive they might take alive.

God willed that Abdullah ibn Hudhafah should fall captive to the Byzantines and he was brought before the Emperor. The Emperor looked at Abdullah for a long time. Suddenly he said, “I shall make a proposal to you.” “What is it?” asked Abdullah.

“I suggest that you become a Christian. If you do this, you will be set free and I shall grant you a safe refuge.”

The prisoner’s reaction was furious: “Death is preferable to me a thousand times to what you ask me to do.”

“I see that you are a bold man. However, if you respond positively to what I propose to you, I will give you a share in my authority and swear you in as my aide.”

The prisoner, shackled in his chains, smiled and said, “By God, if you give me all that you possess and all that the Arabs have in exchange for giving up the religion of Muhammad ., I shall not do so.”

“Then I shall kill you.”

“Do what you want,” answered Abdullah.

The emperor then had him put on a cross and ordered his soldiers to throw spears at him, first near his hands and then near his feet, all the while telling him to accept Christianity or at least give up his religion. This he refused over and over again to do.

The emperor then had him taken down from the wooden cross. He called for a great pot to be brought. This was filled with oil which was then heated under a fierce fire. He then had two other Muslim prisoners brought and had one of them thrown into the boiling oil. The prisoner’s flesh sizzled and soon his bones could be seen. The emperor turned to Abdullah and invited him to Christianity.

This was the most terrible test that Abdullah had had to face up till now. But he remained firm and the emperor gave up trying. He then ordered that Abdullah too be thrown into the pot. As he was being taken away he began to shed tears. The emperor thought that he had at last been broken and had him brought back to him. He once more suggested that Abdullah become a Christian but to his astonishment, Abdullah refused.

“Damn you! Why did you weep then?” shouted the emperor.

“I cried,” said Abdullah, “because I said to myself? ‘You will now be thrown into this pot and your soul will depart’. What I really desired then was to have as many souls as the number of hairs on my body and to have all of them thrown into this pot for the sake of God.”

The tyrant then said, “Will you kiss my head? I will then set you free?” “And all the Muslim prisoners also?” asked Abdullah.

This the emperor agreed to do and Abdullah said to himself, “One of the enemies of God! I shall kiss his head and he shall set me and all other Muslim prisoners free. There can be no blame on me for doing this.” He then went up to the emperor and kissed his forehead. All the Muslim prisoners were released and handed over to Abdullah.

Abdullah ibn Hudhafah eventually came to Umar ibn alKhattab and told him what had happened. Umar was greatly pleased and when he looked at the prisoners he said, “Every Muslim has a duty to kiss the head of Abdullah ibn Khudhafah and I shall start.”

Umar then got up and kissed the head of Abdullah ibn Hudhafah.

“No one has been a better companion to me than Abu Bakr”.

He (s.a.w), also said. “I called people to Islam. Everybody thought over it, at least for a while. But this was not the case with Abu Bakr. The moment I put Islam before him, he accepted it without any hesitation.” SubhanAllah.

Heres a story which I would like to share inshaAllah.

The messge of Islam made the people of Mecca very angry. The idols were their gods. The holy Prophet openly mocked at these gods. He declared they could do neither any good nore harm. Among the chiefs of Mecca was one Abu Jahl. He became the greatest enemy of the holy Prophet. He was always on the lookout to hurt him or even kill him, if he could. Abu Bakr kept an eye on this man, lest he should do a grave harm to Islam.
One day the holy Prophet was saying his prayers in the Kaaba. He was totally lost in the thoughts of Allah. Abu Jahl and some other chiefs of Mecca were sitting in the courtyard of the Kaaba. “I must finish with Muhammad today,” said Abu Jahl. So saying, he took a long piece of cloth. He put it around the holy Prophet’s neck. Then he twisted it hard. He was going to strangle the Messenger of Allah to death. The other chiefs looked on and laughed.
Abu Bakr happened to see this from a distance. He at once ran to the help of the Prophet. He pushed Abu Jahl aside and took off the cloth from around the holy Prophet’s neck. Thereupon Abu Jahl and other enemies of Islam came down upon Abu Bakr. They beat him very much. Indeed, the beating was so severe that Abu Bakr fell down senseless. He was carried home. He could not regain his senses till after several hours. And when he did come to himself, the first question he asked was, “Is the Prophet un-hurt?” Abu Bakr did not care for his own suffering. He was glad that he was able to save the Prophet’s life.

As Siddiq
In the tenth year of his mission, the holy Prophet (s.a.w) had the Miraj of Ascension. One night the angel Gabriel came with the word that Allah the Almighty wanted the holy Prophet to come all the way up to the highest heaven. The holy Prophet undertook the journey.
In the morning, after the ascension had taken place, the holy Prophet talked to people about the Miraj. This drew the jeers of his enemies.
“Look!” the howled out, “what nonsense he talks! Surely, now his followers too will laugh at him. Who is going to believe in such a midsummer night dream?”
The talk was going on when Abu Bakr came up. “Do you know, Abu Bakr, what news your friend has for you in the morning?” said one of the mean. “He says he was on the highest heaven last night, having a talk with Allah, the Almighty. Would you believe it?”
“I would believe anything that the Messenger of Allah says,” replied Abu Bakr
When the holy Prophet learnt of this, he at once said, “Abu Bakr is the `Siddiq’.” `Siddiq’ is a person so sincere of heart that doubts never mar his love. Abu Bakr earned this title because of his faith was too strong to be shaken by anything.

Even before Islam was introduced to Yathrib, Rumaysa was known for her excellent character, the power of her intellect and her independent attitude of mind. She was known by various names including Rumaysa and Ghumaysa, but these were possibly nickna mes. One historian says that her real name was Sahlah but later she was popularly known as Umm Sulaym. Umm Sulaym was first married to Malik ibn an-Nadr and her son by this marriage was the famous Anas ibn Malik, one of the great companions of the Prophet. Umm Sulaym was one of the first women of Yathrib to accept Islam.

She was influenced by the refined, dedicated and persuasive Musab ibn Umayr who was sent out as the first missionary or ambassador of Islam by the noble Prophet. This was after the first pledge of Aqabah. Twelve men of Yathrib had gone to Aqabah on the outskirts of Makkah to pledge loyalty to the Prophet. This was the first major break through for the mission of the Prophet for many years. Umm Sulaym’s decision to accept Islam was made without the knowledge or consent of her husband, Malik ibn an-Nadr. He was absent from Yathrib at the time and when he returned he felt some change had come over his household and asked his wife: “Have you be en rejuvenated?” “No,” she said, “but I (now) believe in this man (meaning the Prophet Muhammad).”

Malik was not pleased especially when his wife went on to announce her acceptance of Islam in public and instruct her son Anas in the teachings and practice of the new faith. She taught him to say la ilaha ilia Allah and Ash hadu anna Muhammada-r Rasulull ah. The young Anas repeated this simple but profound declaration of faith clearly and emphatically. Umm Sulaym’s husband was now furious. He shouted at her: “Don’t corrupt my son.” “I am not corrupting him ,” she replied firmly. Her husband then left the house and it is reported that he was set upon by an enemy of his and was killed.

The news shocked but apparently did not upset Umm Sulaym greatly. She remained devoted to her son Anas and was concerned about his. proper upbringin g. She is even reported to have said that she would not marry again unless Anas approved. When it was known that Umm Sulaym had become a widow, one man, Zayd ibn Sahl, known as Abu Talhah, resolved to become engaged to her before anyone else did.

He was rather confident that Umm Sulaym would not pass him over for another. He was after all a strong and virile person who was quite rich and who possessed an imposing house that was much admired. He was an accomplished horseman and a skilful archer and , moreover, he belonged to the same clan as Umm Sulaym, the Banu Najjar.

Abu Talhah proceeded to Umm Sulaym’s house. On the way he recalled that she had been influenced by the preaching of Musab ibn Umayr and had become a Muslim. “So what?” he said to himself. “Was not her husband who died a firm adherent of the old religion and was he not opposed to Muhammad and his mission?” Abu Talhah reached Umm Sulaym’s house. He asked and was given permission to enter. Her son Anas was present. Abu Talhah explained why he had come and asked for her hand in marriage. “A man like you, Abu Talhah ,” she said, “is not (easily) turned away. But I shall never marry you while you are a kafir, an unbeliever.”

Abu Talhah thought she was trying to put him off and that perhaps she had already preferred someone wealthier and more influential. He said to her: “What is it that really prevents you from accepting me, Umm Sulaym? Is it the yellow and the white metals (gold and silver)?” “Gold and silver?” she asked somewhat taken aback and in a slightly censuring tone. “Yes,” he said. “I swear to you, Abu Talhah, and I swear to God and His Messenger that if you accept Islam, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband, without any gold or silver. I shall consider your acceptance of Islam as my mahr.” Abu Talhah understood well the implications of her words. His mind turned to the idol he had made from wood and on which he lavished great attention in the same way that important men of his tribe venerated and cared for their personal idols. The opportunity was right for Umm Sulaym to stress the futility of such idol worship and she went on: “Don’t you know Abu Talhah, that the god you worship besides Allah grew from the earth?” “That’s true,” he said.

“Don’t you feel stupid while worshipping part of a tree while you use the rest of it for fuel to bake bread or warm yourself? (If you should give up these foolish beliefs and practices) and become a Muslim, Abu Talhah, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband and I would not want from you any sadaqah apart from your acceptance of Islam.” “Who shall instruct me in Islam?” asked Abu Talhah. “I shall,” Umm Sulaym replied. “How?” “Utter the declaration of truth and testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Then go to your house, destroy your idol and throw it away.” Abu Talhah left and reflected deeply on what Umm Sulaym had said. He came back to her beaming with happiness. “I have taken your advice to heart. I declare that there is no god but Allah and I declare that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Umm Sulaym and Abu Talhah were married. Anas, her son, was pleased and the Muslims would say: “We have never yet heard of a mahr that was more valuable and precious than that of Umm Sulaym for she made Islam her mahr.” Umm Sulaym was pleased and delighted with her new husband who placed his unique energies and talents in the service of Islam. He was one of the seventy three men who swore allegiance to the Prophet at the second Pledge of Aqabah. With him, according to on e report, was his wife Umm Sulaym. Two other women, the celebrated Nusaybah bint Kab and Asma bint Amr witnessed Aqabah and took the oath of allegiance to the Prophet.

Abu Talhah was devoted to the Prophet and took enormous delight in simply looking at him and listening to the sweetness of his speech. He participated in all the major military campaigns. He lived a very ascetic life and was known to fast for long periods at a time. It is said that he had a fantastic orchard in Madinah with date palms and grapes and running water. One day while he was performing Salat in the shade of the trees, a beautiful bird with brightly colored plumage flew in front of him. He became engrossed in the scene and forgot how many rakats he had prayed. Two? Three? When he completed the Prayer he went to the Prophet and described how he had been distracted. In the end, he said: “Bear witness, Messenger of Allah, that I hand over this orcha rd as a charity for the sake of Allah, the Exalted.” Abu Talhah and Umm Sulaym had an exemplary Muslim family life, devoted to the Prophet and the service of Muslims and Islam. The Prophet used to visit their home. Sometimes when the time of Prayer came, he would pray on a mat provided by Umm Sulaym. Someti mes also he would have a siesta in their house and, as he slept, she would wipe the perspiration from his forehead. Once when the Prophet awoke from his siesta, he asked: “Umm Sulaym, what are you doing?” “I am taking these (drops of perspiration) as a ba rakah (blessing) which comes from you ,” she replied.

At another time, the Prophet went to their house and Umm Sulaym offered him dates and butterfat but he did not have any of it because he was fasting. Occasionally, she would send her son Anas with bags of dates to his house. It was noticed that the Prophet, peace be on him, had a special compassion for Umm Sulaym and her family and when asked about it, he replied: “Her brother was killed beside me.” Umm Sulaym also had a well-known sister, Umm Haram, the wife of the imposing Ubadah ibn as-Samit. She died at sea during a naval expedition and was buried in Cyprus. Umm Sulaym’s husband, Abu Talhah, also died while he was on a naval expedition during the time of the third Caliph, Uthman, and was buried at sea. Umm Sulaym herself was noted for her great courage and bravery. During the Battle of Uhud, she carried a dagger in the folds of her dress. She gave water to and tended the wounded and she made attempts to defend the Prophet when the tide of battle was tur ning against him. At the Battle of Khandaq, the Prophet saw her carrying a dagger and he asked her what she was doing with it. She said: “It is to fight those who desert.”

“May God grant you satisfaction in that,” replied the Prophet. In the face of adversity, Umm Sulaym displayed a unique calmness and strength. One of her young sons (Umayr) fell sick and died while her husband was away looking after his orchards. She bathe d the child and wrapped him in shrouds. She told others at her home that they should not inform Abu Talhah because she herself wanted to tell him. Umm Sulaym had another son whose name was Abdullah. A few days after she gave birth, she sent Anas with the baby and a bag of dates to the Prophet. The Prophet placed the baby on his lap. He crushed the dates in his mouth and put some in the baby’s mouth. The baby sucked the dates with relish and the Prophet said: “The Ansar are only fond of dates.” Abdullah eventually grew up and had seven children all of whom memorized the Quran. Umm Sulaym was a model Muslim, a model wife and mother. Her belief in God was strong and uncompromising. She was not prepared to endanger her faith and the upbringing of her children for wealth and luxury, however abundant and tempting.

She was devoted to the Prophet and dedicated her son Anas to his service. She took the responsibility of educating her children and she played an active part in public life, sharing with the other Muslims the hardships and the joys of building a community and living for the pleasure of God. 

Source: http://www.yanabi.com

Hazrat Owais Qarni Radhi Allahu Anhu by Syed Hamza Ali Qadri

Bilal ibn Rabah who is commonly known as Hazrat Bilal al-Habshi was among those people who accepted Islam in the early stages. He basically belonged to the area of Habash, nowadays known as Ethiopia. Being a slave of Umayyah ibn Khalaf who was indeed a cruel man, Hazrat Bilal’s life was very difficult.

His heart was pure so when Holy Prophet (PBUH) starts preaching Islam openly, His teachings inspired Bilal (RA) and he accepted Islam. This was a clear proof that Islam actually provides a scenario in which every person could live in equality.

Accepting Islam does not bring pleasures in the life of Hazrat Bilal (RA), on the contrary the situation was worse for him because he was a slave till that time. Umayyah punished him cruelly to divert from the right path. Umayyah used to tie Bilal (RA) with ropes and drag him on the hot surface, put heavy stones on his chest and cover him with cow hide. In spite of all torture, Hazrat Bilal (RA) stood firm on his faith and keep calling “Ahad, Ahad” which meant “There is no God but Allah”.

He migrated to Yasrab (Medina) and was greatly respected under the new regime of Islam. He was selected as the first Moazan (A person who call Azan) of Islam because of his marvelous voice. Bilal (RA) proved as an asset to Islam because he emerged as a good scholar and fought many battles. It is said that he stopped calling Azan after the death of Holy Prophet (PBUH) because of grief. He was the practical example of Islamic teachings without any doubt.

International background. When Islam appeared on the world stage, the then world was dominated by two powers, Byzantium in the east and Persia in the west. There were spells of war as well as peace between these two years. During the sixth century, Justinian (507-565 C.E.) was the emperor of Byzantium, while Anaushirwan (531-579 C.E.) was the emperor of Persia. Both of them were contemporaries and great rulers of all world fame. In Byzantium, Justinian was succeeded by Maurice, and in Persia, Anaushirwan was succeeded by Khusro Perwez (Chosroes II).
Chosroes II was overthrown in a military coup in 590, and he had to seek refuge with Maurice, the Byzantine emperor. With the Byzantine help, Chosroes II was restored to the Persian throne. Maurice regarded Khusro as a son, and during the last decade of the sixth century the two countries forged strong links of friendship. In 602 C.E., there was a revolt against Maurice. Maurice was killed, and Phocas became the emperor.

There was another revolt in 610 C.E. when Heraclius became the Byzantine emperor. After the death of Maurice, the friendship between the two countries was over. In the second decade of the seventh century, Chosroes II invaded the Byzantine territories. Syria and Jerusalem fell to the Persians in 614 C.E. The Persians carried away the Holy Cross from Jerusalem. The Persians next marched to Egypt and annexed it in 616 C.E. For some time, the Byzantines lay low, but by 622 C.E. the Byzantines were strong enough to launch an attack against Persia. In the battle of Issus in 622 C.E., the Persians suffered a defeat. Other battles were fought during 623-625 C.E, which were not conclusive. The decisive battle was fought on the banks of the Tigris near the city of Mosul in 625 C.E.

when Persia surrendered and asked for terms. As a result of this reverse, there was a revolt against Chosroes II in 628 C.E., when he was killed by his own son Sheroyah. Sheroyah who ascended the Persian throne as Kobad II made peace with Heraclius. By the terms of the peace treaty Persia abandoned all the conquests that it had made earlier in the second decade of the seventh century. Sheroyah died within a year. After him there was complete anarchy in the Sassanian empire, and during the next four years, there were a dozen kings including, two women. The Byzantine Empire on the other hand enjoyed a measure of stability under Heraclius.

Arab buffer states. When the two empires of Persia and Byzantium expanded, these came to include territories populated by Arabs. As a matter of policy both the empires found it expedient to set up Arab buffer states at the periphery of their empires. In the sixth century, a Ghassanid Arab state was set up in Syria under Al Harith b Jabala. This state acknowledged the suzerainty of Byzantium. In the Persian Empire a Lakhmid state was set up in Iraq with the capital at Hira. The Lakhmids acknowledged the suzerainty of Persia. The Ghassanids and the Lakhmids were often at war with each other. When Islam appeared on the world stage, the position about these buffer Arab states was changed. In Syria after the death of their king Al Harith b Jabala the Ghassanid State split into fifteen principalities.

In Persia Chosroes II did away with the Lakhmid State, and took over the territory under the direct rule of Persia. The policy of the Holy Prophet was to win over the border Arab tribes to Islam. It was with a view to this end that the campaigns of Muta and Tabuk were undertaken during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet. When Abu Bakr insisted on sending Usama’s expedition to Syria, it was in continuation of the policy laid down by the Holy Prophet. With the disintegration of the Persian rule, there was a power vacuum in the coastal areas of east and south Arabia. Islam succeeded in filling up this vacuum. In Iraq, Islam had yet to make headway.

Campaigns of Abu Bakr. When Abu Bakr became the Caliph in 632 C.E., Islam was threatened with disintegration. Within a year, Abu Bakr was strong enough to attack the Persian Empire on the northeast and the Byzantine Empire in the northwest. These were giant empires with history extending over hundreds of years. They had large resources at their disposal. But yet against the Arab hordes the Persian and the Byzantine forces were not able to take a stand. In Iraq the Muslim forces gave blows after blows to the Persian armies.

In Syria the same story was repeated and the Byzantine forces in spite of the superiority in strength and vastness of resources could not withstand the Muslim forces. The story of the victory of the Muslim armies in Iraq and Syria read very much like a tale of the Arabian Nights, too difficult to believe, but yet an established fact of history. In this respect, Professor Hitti observes as follows in his History of the Arabs: “If someone in the first third of the seventh Christian century had the audacity to prophesy that within a decade some unheralded, unforeseen power from the hitherto barbarians and little known land of Arabia was to make its appearance, hurl itself against the only two powers of the age, fall heir to the one-the Sassanids, and strip the other, the Byzantine of its fairest provinces, he would undoubtedly be declared a lunatic. Yet that was what happened.”

Causes of Muslim success. How the Muslims were able to overpower the gigantic empires of Persia and Byzantium is one of the great mysteries of history. Various western writers have tried to discover in their own way the causes of the astounding success of the Muslims. They have referred to four main causes, namely racial, political, economic and moral.

Racial affinity. Von Kremer has observed as follows in his book The Orient under Caliphs: “Instead of fighting their powerful kinsmen, the people of the frontier towns who were in the play either of the Byzantine or the Persian empire found it much more to their advantage to make common cause with the Arabs. It was thus that a comparatively smaller army which penetrated Syria and Iraq quickly grew like an avalanche, and crushed down all obstacles that stood in its way.”
In his book, The age of Faith, Will Durant has held that the racial factor was an important cause of the success of the Muslims, as both Syria and Iraq contained Arab tribes who had much in common with the Muslims.

In their book, World History, Flenley and Welch have held that the racial affinity of the people made the extension of the Muslim rule easier.
When Abu Bakr undertook campaigns in Iraq and Syria, these campaigns were really not directed against the Byzantine or Persian empires; these were really directed to bring the Arabs living in Iraq and Syria to the fold of Islam. In the wars in Iraq and Syria many Christian Arabs fought against the Muslims, but many of them sided with the Muslims as well. We can thus concede that in the success of the Muslim arms in Iraq and Syria, Arab nationalism played its part.
Political cause. Will Durant has held, in his book The Age of Faith, the political cause of the success of the Muslims was that both Byzantium and Persia exhausted by war and mutual devastation were in a state of decline.

In his book The History of the World H. G. Wells has observed as follows: “It (Islam) prevailed because every where it found politically apathetic people, robbed, oppressed, bullied, uneducated and unorganized and it found selfish and unsound governments out of touch with the people.” In their World History, Flenley and Weleh have also held that the political cause of the success of Muslims was that the Persian and Byzantine empires stood exhausted by mutual wars.

This analysis of the political situation is basically correct, and we can very well hold that when Islam appeared on the scene, these old empires were in the process of decline.

Economic causes. In his book The History of Syria, Professor P. K. Hitti has expressed the following views with regard to the economic causes about the success of the Muslims in Iraq and Syria: viewed in its proper perspective the Islamic expansion was one in a series of migration waves carrying a surplus population from a barren peninsula to a border fertile region with a more abundant life. It was in fact the last stage in the age long process of infitration which had begun with the Babylonians some four thousand years before the Islamic movement.

The Islamic movement, however, did possess one distinctive feature-the religious impulse. Combined with the economic factor this made the movement irresistible and carried it far beyond the confines of any preceding one. Islam admittedly provided a battle cry, a slogan comparable to that provided by democracy as a cohesive agency cementing tribes and heterogeneous masses never united before. But while the desire to spread the new faith or to go to paradise may have been the motivating force in the lives of some of the Bedouin warrior, the desire for the comforts and luxuries of settled life in the fertile Crescent was the driving force in the case of many of them.”

The analysis of Professor Hitti is at the most partially correct. In the context of the events that led to campaigns in Iraq and Syria, there is nothing to show that such campaigns were undertaken because of any economic considerations. As a matter of fact economic considerations were a consequence and not a cause of the wars in Iraq and Syria.

Religious and moral causes. About the religious cause, Will Durant observes as follows in his book The Age of Faith: “The Muslim leaders were passionate disciples of Muhammad; prayed even more than they fought, and in time inspired with a fanaticism that accepted death in a holy war as an open sesame to paradise.”

About the moral factors, Will Durant observes as follows in his aforesaid book: “Christian ethics and monasticism had reduced in the Near East that readiness for war which characterized Arab custom and Muslim teaching The Arab troops were more rigorously disciplined and more ably led; they were used to hardships and could fight on empty stomachs.”

In their World History, Flenley and Welch have observed that new religion Islam provided the necessary unity, leadership and driving force for the Arabian expansion. They also hold that the Arabs were brave and determined fighters, and were more mobile than the Persians or the Byzantines.

Whether Islam was spread through sword. Some western writers have taken pains to build up the thesis that Islam was spread at the point of sword. It is preposterous to hold that the Muslims won in Iraq and Syria because of their military strength. In the matter of military power and material resources the Arabs could never be a match for the empires of Byzantium and Syria with sophisticated military power and great economic resources.

Under these circumstances there was no question of a great power asserting its faith backed by military strength. Islam was on the other hand a revolt against power; a militarily weak people contended against mightier people, and surprisingly enough they won. In the conquered territories the Muslims did not insist on the people becoming Muslims. They were allowed to follow their religion subject to the payment of ‘Jizya’. As such there is absolutely no weight in the argument that Islam was at any stage spread through sword.

Fulfillment of history. Whatever the causes that led to the success of the Muslims when they emerged on the international horizon, so much is certain that the astounding success of the Muslim forces in Iraq and Syria reads very much like a tale from the Arabian Nights.

Truth is said to be stranger then fiction, and it was certainly so in the case of the Muslim conquests of Iraq and Syria. It appears that the Muslims were merely an instrument for the fulfillment of history. Iraq and Syria fell to the Muslims just as a ripe apple would fall to the ground under the law of gravitation. It is an undeniable fact that by overpowering the empires of Persia and Byzantium, Abu Bakr changed the course of history. The story of Abu Bakr is the story of faith that moved mountains.

We were quite fond of him and loved sitting in his company because of his knowledge of Quraysh history and genealogy.” Later, Talhah went to Abu Bakr and asked: “Is it true what they say, that Muhammad ibn Abdullah has appeared as a Prophet and that you follow him.” “Yes,” replied Abu Bakr and went on to tell Talhah about Muhammad and what a good thing it would be if he too followed him. Talhah in turn told Abu Bakr the story of his strange recent encounter with an ascetic in the market-place of Busra in Syria.

The ascetic is said to have told Talhah that someone called “Ahmad” would appear in Makkah about that time and that he would be the last of the Prophets. He also told Talhah, so the story goes, that the Prophet would leave the sacred precincts of Makkah and migrate to a land of black soil, water and palm trees… Abu Bakr was astonished by the story and took Talhah to Muhammad.

The Prophet, peace be on him, explained Islam to Talhah and recited some portions of the Quran to him. Talhah was enthusiastic. He related to the Prophet his conversation with the ascetic of Busra. There and then, Talhah pronounced the Shahadah – that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. He was the fourth person who had been introduced to Islam by Abu Bakr.

The Quraysh were astounded by the young Talhah’s acceptance of Islam. The one who was most dismayed and unhappy was his mother. She had hoped that he would one day be a leader in his community because of his noble character and his outstanding virtues. Some of the Quraysh, anxious and worried, went to Talhah as soon as they could to wean him away from his new religion but found him firm and unshakable as a rock. When they despaired of using gentle persuasion to achieve their aim, they resorted to persecution and violence.

The following story is related by Masud ibn Kharash: “While I was making saiy between as-Safa and al-Marwa, there appeared a crowd of people pushing a young man whose hands were tied behind his back. As they rushed behind him, they rained down blows on his head. In the crowd was an old woman who lashed him repeatedly and shouted abuses at him. I asked: ‘What’s the matter with this young man?’ ‘This is Talhah ibn Ubaydullah.

He gave up his religion and now follows the Banu Hashim man.’ ‘And who is the woman behind him?’ I asked. ‘She is as-Sabah bint al-Hadrami, the young man’s mother,’ they said. The Quraysh did not stop there. Nawfal ibn Khuwaylid, nicknamed the ‘lion of the Quraysh” bound Talhah with a rope and with the same rope he tied up Abu Bakr and then handed them over to the mindless and violent mob of Makkah to be beaten and tortured. The shared experience no doubt drew Talhah and Abu Bakr closer together!

Years passed and events of great significance took place. Talhah grew in stature as he bore the pain and suffering of being tested in the path of God and His Prophet. He gained the unique reputation among Muslims of being called the “living martyr”.

The Prophet, peace be on him, also called him “Talhah the Good” and “Talhah the Generous”. The name of the “living martyr” was earned during the Battle of Uhud. Talhah had missed the Battle of Badr. He and Said ibn Zayd had been sent outside Madinah on a mission by the Prophet and when they returned, the Prophet and his companions were already on the way back from Badr. They were both sad at having missed the opportunity of taking part in the first campaign with the Prophet but were tremendously pleased when he told them they would get the same reward as those who actually fought.

At the Battle of Uhud, when the Muslims fell into disarray at the beginning of hostilities the Prophet became dangerously exposed. There were about eleven men of the Ansar at his side and one Muhajir – Talhah ibn Ubaydullah. The Prophet clambered up the mountain hotly pursued by some mushrikin. The Prophet, peace be on him, shouted: “The one who repulses these people from us will be my companion in Paradise.” “I, O Messenger of god,” shouted Talhah. “No, stick to your position,” replied the Prophet.

A man from the Ansar volunteered and the Prophet agreed. He fought until he was killed. The Prophet went further up the mountain with the mushrikin still in close pursuit. “Isn’t there someone to combat these?” Talhah again volunteered but the Prophet ordered him to maintain his position. Another person immediately came forward, fought and was killed. This happened until all who stood by the Prophet were martyred except Talhah. “Now, yes,” signalled the Prophet and Talhah went into battle. By this time, the Prophet’s teeth had been broken, his forehead had been slashed, his lips had been wounded and blood was streaming down his face. He was drained of energy. Talhah plunged into the enemy and pushed them away from the Prophet.

He turned back to the Prophet and helped him a little further up the mountain and put him to lie on the ground. He then renewed his attack and successfully repulsed the enemy. About this occasion Abu Bakr said: “At that moment, Abu Ubayd ibn al-Jarrah and I were far from the Prophet. When we came close to him to render assistance to him, the Prophet said: ‘Leave me and go to your companion (meaning Talhah).” There was Talhah, bleeding profusely. He had numerous wounds, from sword, spear and arrow. His foot had been cut and he had fallen into a hollow where he lay unconscious.

Thereafter, the Prophet, peace be on him, said: “Whoever is pleased to see a man still walking on earth who had completed his span (of life), let him look at Talhah ibn Ubaydallah.” And, whenever Uhud was recalled, As-Siddiq, may God be pleased with him, would say: “That day, that entire day, belonged to Talhah.” That was the story of how Talhah became to be called the “living martyr”.

There were unnumerabIe incidents which led to him being called “Talhah the Good” and “Talhah the Generous”. Talhah was an astute and successful merchant who travelled widely to the north and south of the Arabian peninsula. It is said that after one of his trips to Hadramawt, he had profits amounting to some seven hundred thousand dirhams.

His nights would be anxious and worried on account of this vast wealth. On one such night, his wife, Umm Kulthum the daughter of Abu Bakr, said to him: “What’s wrong with you, O father of Muhammad? Perhaps I have done something to hurt you.’?” “No ,” replied Talhah. “You are a wonderful wife for a Muslim man. But I have been thinking since last night: How can a man think of his Lord and Sustainer when he goes to sleep with this wealth in his house?” “Why should it bother you so much ,” remarked Umm Kulthum. “What about all the needy ones in your community and all your friends? When you get up in the morning share it out among them.” “God bless you. You are really marvellous, the daughter of a marvellous man,” said Talhah to his wife.

In the morning, Talhah gathered up the money in bags and distributed it among the poor Muhajirin and Ansar. It is related that a man came up to Talhah requesting help and also mentioning some common family connection between them. “This family connection someone has mentioned to me before,” said Talhah who was in fact known for his generosity to all members of his clan. Talhah told the man that he had just sold a piece of land to Uthman ibn Affan for several thousand dirhams. The man could have the money or the land which could be re-purchased from Uthman. The man opted for the money and Talhah gave it all to him.

Talhah was well-known for helping persons who had debt problems, heads of families who experienced hardship, and widows. One of his friends, as-Saib ibn Zayd, said of him: “I accompanied Talhah ibn Ubaydallah on journeys and I stayed with him at home and I have not found anyone who was more generous with money, with clothes and with food than Talhah.” No wonder he was called “Talhah the Good” and “Talhah the Generous”.

The name Talhah is also connected with the first fitnah or civil war among Muslims after the death of the prophet, peace be on him. The seeds of trouble were sown during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan. There were many complaints and accusations against him. Some mischief-makers were not content with accusations only but were determined to finish him off.

In the year 35 AH (656 CE) a group of insurgents stormed Uthman’s house and murdered him while he was reading the Quran. It was one of the most shocking events in the early history of Islam. Ali was persuaded to accept the responsibility of the Caliphate and all Muslims swore allegiance to him, including Talhah and Zubayr ibn al-Awwam. Talhah and Zubayr were deeply shocked by the murder of Uthman.

They were horrified and felt strongly that the murderers should be punished and that justice should be done. But the punishment of the murderers was not an easy task in as much as the crime was not just the work of a few individuals but involved a large number of persons. Talhah and Zubayr sought Ali’s permission to go to Makkah to perform Umrah. They met Aishah the wife of the Prophet. She was greatly shocked when she heard of the assassination of

Uthman. From Makkah, Talhah, Zubayr and Aishah set off for Basrah where large numbers