Al-‘Izzatulillah

If we were to list the attitudes with which they supported the deen and the righteous deeds by means of which they deserved that high status, we would fill volumes. Their whole lives were spent for the sake of Allaah and what book is big enough to contain the lives of hundreds of the Sahaabah who filled the world with goodness and righteousness? Even if there was nothing narrated from Allaah or His Messenger about them, the things that they did such as migrating (hijrah), engaging in jihad, supporting (the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and Islam), expending their lives and their wealth, killing their fathers and sons (in jihad), sincerely following the deen, believing strongly and with certainty, is definitive proof of their good character and sincerity, and shows that they are superior to all those sincere people of good character who come after them, for all time. This is the view of all the scholars, and of the fuqaha’ whose opinion counts. End quote (IslamQA)

The Companions of The Prophet (Peace and Blessings Upon Him)

Stories of the Companions will enlighten your life about the Bravery and Intelligence of the sahaba of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Before battle of Badr, Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم was arranging ranks to launch an attack and was straightening the lines as if he was straightening the lines for the Salah. He was holding an arrow in his hand and he came up to one of the soldiers Sawaad ibn Ghuzaiyyah رضي الله عنه who was protruding a bit from the line. So Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم pushed him back with the arrow in his stomach. Sawaad رضي الله عنه said, “O’ Messenger of Allah, you hurt me! I want to retaliate.” Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم exposed his stomach and said, “Go ahead and retaliate.” Sawaad رضي الله عنه hugged Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم and kissed his stomach. Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم responded, “Why did you do that?” Sawaad رضي الله عنه answered, “O’ Messenger of Allah, you can see what is about to happen. I wanted my last contact with you to be my skin touching yours.” Then Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم made du‘a for Sawaad رضي الله عنه, “May Allah bless you.”

Lessons to be learnt:

1) Humility of Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم: He صلى الله عليه و سلم did not tell other soldiers to take him away and got tortured for what he said like leaders of our times would
2) Justice of Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم when he allowed the companion رضي الله عنه to retaliate
3) Love of Sawaad رضي الله عنه for Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم

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‘Umar (ra) lived by trade before becoming Khalifah. When he was made Khalifah after Abu Bakr (ra), he assembled the people and said to them: “I earned my living through trade. As you people have engaged me as Khalifah, I cannot attend to my business. Now, what about my living?” Different amounts of daily allowance from the Bait-ul-Mal were suggested by different people, but Ali (ra) did not speak..’Umar inquired of him: “Oh Ali what is your suggestion?” He replied: I suggest that you should take such amount as may be on average be sufficient for your family.” ‘Umar accepted his suggestion and a moderate amount was fixed as his daily allowance. Later on, some people including Ali, ‘Uthman, Zubair and Talhah (Radiyallaho ‘anhum) once proposed that ‘Umar’s allowance might be increased, as it was hardly sufficient for him, but nobody dared to suggest that to ‘Umar. People approached Ummul-momineen Hafsah (ra), ‘Umar’s daughter, and requested her to ascertain ‘Umar’s reaction to the suggestion without mentioning their names to him. When Hafsah talked about it to ‘Umar, he became angry and said, “Who are the persons making this suggestion?” Hafsah said, “Let me first know your opinion.” ‘Umar said, “If I knew them, I would smite them on their faces Hafsah! Just tell me what was the Prophet’s best dress in your house?” Hafsah replied, “It was a pair of reddish brown clothes, which the Prophet (pbuh) wore on Friday or while receiving some envoy.” ‘Umar then asked, “What was the best of food that the Prophet (pbuh) ever took at your house?” Hafsah replied, “Simple barley bread was the only food we used to take. One day I anointed a piece of bread with the sediments from an empty butter tin, and he ate it with relish and offered it to others as well.” ‘Umar asked again, “What was the best bedding that the Prophet ever used in your house?” Hafsah again replied, “It was a piece of thick cloth. In the summer it was spread in four layers, and in the winter in two, half he spread underneath and with the other half he covered himself.” ‘Umar said, “Hafsah! Go and tell these people that the Prophet (pbuh) has set a standard by his personal example. I must follow him. My example and that of my other two companions, the Prophet (pbuh) and Abu Bakr (ra) is like that of three men travelling on the same road. The first man started with a provision and reached the goal. The second followed the first and joined him. Now the third is on his way. If he follows their way, he will also join them, otherwise he can never reach them.” Source: From “Fada’il al ‘Amaal by Shaykhul Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya Kaandhlawi.

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Mus’ab ibn ‘Umayr: The iron determination

Although the Muslims enjoyed peace and security in the land of the Negus, they longed to be in Makkah in the company of the noble Prophet. So when a report reached Abyssinia that the conditions of the Muslims in Makkah had improved, Musab was among the first to return to Makkah.
The report was in fact false and Musab once again left for Abyssinia. Whether he was in Makkah or Abyssinia, Musab remained strong in his new faith and his main concern was to make his life worthy of his Creator..

When Musab returned to Makkah again, his mother made a last attempt to gain control of him and threatened to have him tied up again and confined.
Musab swore that if she were to do that, he would kill everyone who helped her. She knew very well that he would carry out this threat for she saw the iron determination he now had.
Separation was inevitable. When the moment came, it was sad for both mother and son but it revealed a strong Persistence in kufr on the part of the mother and an even greater persistence in iman on the part of the son.
As she threw him out of her house and cut him off from all the material comforts she used to lavish on him, she said:

“Go to your own business. I am not prepared to be a mother to you.” Musab went up close to her and said: “Mother, I advise you sincerely. I am concerned about you. Do testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.” “I swear by the shooting stars, I shall not enter your religion even if my opinion is ridiculed and my mind becomes impotent,” she insisted.

Musab thus left her home and the luxury and comforts he used to enjoy.
The elegant, well-dressed youth would henceforth be seen only in the coursest of attire. He now had more important concerns. He was determined to use his talents and energies in acquiring knowledge and in serving God and His Prophet.

One day, several years later, Musab came upon a gathering of Muslims sitting around the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace. They bowed their heads and lowered their gaze when they saw Musab, and some were even moved to tears. This was because his jalbab was old and in tatters and they were immediately taken back to the days before his acceptance of Islam when he was a model of sartorial elegance.

The Prophet looked at Musab, smiled gracefully and said: “I have seen this Musab with his parents in Makkah. They lavished care and attention on him and gave him all comforts. There was no Quraysh youth like him.
Then he left all that seeking the pleasure of God and devoting himself to the service of His Prophet.” The Prophet then went on to say:

“There will come a time when God will grant you victory over Persia and Byzantium. You would have one dress in the morning and another in the evening and you would eat out of one dish in the morning and another in the evening.”

In other words, the Prophet predicted that the Muslims would become rich and powerful and that they would have material goods in plenty.
The companions sitting around asked the Prophet: “O Messenger of Allah, are we in a better situation in these times or would we be better off then?” He replied: “You are rather better off now than you would be then. If you knew of the world what I know you would certainly not be so much concerned with it.”

Source: http://www.streetdawah.com/books/Companions%20of%20the%20Prophet.pdf

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Abu Talhah: Bairuha

Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Abu Talha had the largest number of datepalms from amongst the Ansars of Medina. The dearest of his property to him was Bairuha garden which was facing the (Prophet’s) Mosque. Allah’s Apostle used to enter it and drink of its good fresh water. When the Holy Verse: ‘By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend (in charity) of that which you love.’ (3.92) was revealed, Abu Talha got up and said ..

“O Allah’s Apostle! Allah says: By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend of that which you love,’ and the dearest of my property to me is the Bairuha garden and I want to give it in charity in Allah’s Cause, seeking to be rewarded by Allah for that. So you can spend it, O Allah’s Apostle, where-ever Allah instructs you.’
Allah’s Apostle said, “Good! That is a perishable (or profitable) wealth” (‘Abdullah is in doubt as to which word was used.) He said, “I have heard what you have said but in my opinion you’d better give it to your kith and kin.” On that Abu Talha said, “I will do so, O Allah’s Apostle!” Abu Talha distributed that garden among his kith and kin and cousins.

Volume 7, Book 69, Number 515
Sahih Bukhari

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We are people who drink blood

When Khalid bin Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) reached Yarmook with his army to fight the Romans, he addressed them saying:

?Oh mujahideen! This is a memorable day. It is the day on which our faith will be tested and tried. Today we should avoid every kind of arrogance, pride and not contend for individual glory or egoistic bragging..

Oh mujahideen of Islam! Fight only to gain the Goodwill of Allah Almighty. In the Muslim army today there are many great generals: each of them is worthy and can be entrusted with the permanent command of this army. Today you have assigned me this honor of commanding the Muslim army. So I hope that for the honor and victory of Islam, today we will enter the battlefield of Jihad as one. Allah will be our Supporter and Defender.?

Then both the armies confronted each other at Yarmook. The Roman general, Mahan, scornful addressed his counterpart, Khalid bin Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) and said:

?It looks as if poverty, nakedness and starvation has compelled you to come here. If you wish I am willing to give each of you ten dinars, expensive clothing and good food. You can take these things and leave. Next year too I can send you these things; you do not have to take the trouble to come here. ?

Khalid bin Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) was enraged on hearing these scornful and arrogant words, and answered:

?Mahan listen to me very carefully! You are mistaken about the reason why we are here. We are people who drink the blood of our opponents. We have heard that Roman blood is very delicious, and we have come here to enjoy it?

From Commanders of The Muslim Army By Mahmood Ahmad Ghandanfar

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The story of Jazan

Once Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) was passing by an area in the city of Qufa. There, a group of wrong doing people have gathered to have a party. They were engrossed in drinking wine. A singer called Jazan was entertaining them with songs. Jazan had a very beautiful voice. When Abdullah ibn Mas’ood heard his voice while passing by, he said in amazement, “So beautiful is his voice. How wonderful it would be if he had used that voice to recite the Quran!” After saying this, Abdullah covered his head with a cloth and left that place. When Jazan noticed Abdullah ibn Mas’ood leaving, he asked, “Who is that man and what was he saying?” ..

The people in the gathering told him, “He is Abdullah ibn Mas’ood, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He said that your voice is very beautiful. How wonderful it would be if you had used your voice to recite the Quran!”
Jazan was struck by his comments. He threw away his musical instrument and ran to Abdullah ibn Mas’ood. The two of them embraced each other and shed tears profusely. Abdullah ibn Mas’ood said to him, “Why should I not love the one who loves Allah?” Thereafter, Jazan repented to Allah and stayed in the company of Abdullah ibn Mas’ood to learn the Quran and other teachings of Islam. He learned to such an extent that he became one of the great scholars of his time.

Obtained from the book “Tambihul Ghafileen” by Shaikh Abul Laith Samarkandi.

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The story of Musa and Al-Khadir

Narrated Said bin Jubair:
I said to Ibn Abbas, “Nauf Al-Bukah claims that Moses, the companion of Al-Khadir was not Moses (the prophet) of the children of Israel, but some other Moses.” Ibn ‘Abbas said, “Allah’s enemy (i.e. Nauf) has told a lie. Ubai bin Ka’b told us that the Prophet said, ‘Once Moses stood up and addressed Bani Israel. He was asked who was the most learned man amongst the people. He said, ‘I.’ Allah admonished him as he did not attribute absolute knowledge to Him (Allah). So, Allah said to him, ‘Yes, at the junction of the two seas there is a Slave of Mine who is more learned than you.’ Moses said, ‘O my Lord! How can I meet him?’ Allah said, ‘Take a fish and put it in a large basket and you will find him at the place where you will lose the fish’ ..

Moses took a fish and put it in a basket and proceeded along with his (servant) boy, Yusha ‘bin Nun, till they reached the rock where they laid their heads (i.e. lay down). Moses slept, and the fish, moving out of the basket, fell into the sea. It took its way into the sea (straight) as in a tunnel. Allah stopped the flow of water over the fish and it became like an arch (the Prophet pointed out this arch with his hands). They travelled the rest of the night, and the next day Moses said to his boy (servant), ‘Give us our food, for indeed, we have suffered much fatigue in this journey of ours.’ Moses did not feel tired till he crossed that place which Allah had ordered him to seek after. His boy (servant) said to him, ‘Do you know that when we were sitting near that rock, I forgot the fish, and none but Satan caused me to forget to tell (you) about it, and it took its course into the sea in an amazing way?.’ So there was a path for the fish and that astonished them. Moses said, ‘That was what we were seeking after.’ So, both of them retraced their footsteps till they reached the rock. There they saw a man Lying covered with a garment. Moses greeted him and he replied saying, ‘How do people greet each other in your land?’ Moses said, ‘I am Moses.’ The man asked, ‘Moses of Bani Israel?’ Moses said, ‘Yes, I have come to you so that you may teach me from those things which Allah has taught you.’ He said, ‘O Moses! I have some of the Knowledge of Allah which Allah has taught me, and which you do not know, while you have some of the Knowledge of Allah which Allah has taught you and which I do not know.’ Moses asked, ‘May I follow you?’ He said, ‘But you will not be able to remain patient with me for how can you be patient about things which you will not be able to understand?’ (Moses said, ‘You will find me, if Allah so will, truly patient, and I will not disobey you in aught.’) So, both of them set out walking along the sea-shore, a boat passed by them and they asked the crew of the boat to take them on board. The crew recognized Al-Khadir and so they took them on board without fare. When they were on board the boat, a sparrow came and stood on the edge of the boat and dipped its beak once or twice into the sea. Al-Khadir said to Moses, ‘O Moses! My knowledge and your knowledge have not decreased Allah’s Knowledge except as much as this sparrow has decreased the water of the sea with its beak.’ Then suddenly Al-Khadir took an adze and plucked a plank, and Moses did not notice it till he had plucked a plank with the adze. Moses said to him, ‘What have you done? They took us on board charging us nothing; yet you have intentionally made a hole in their boat so as to drown its passengers. Verily, you have done a dreadful thing.’ Al-Khadir replied, ‘Did I not tell you that you would not be able to remain patient with me?’ Moses replied, ‘Do not blame me for what I have forgotten, and do not be hard upon me for my fault.’ So the first excuse of Moses was that he had forgotten. When they had left the sea, they passed by a boy playing with other boys.
Al-Khadir took hold of the boys head and plucked it with his hand like this. (Sufyan, the sub narrator pointed with his fingertips as if he was plucking some fruit.) Moses said to him, “Have you killed an innocent person who has not killed any person? You have really done a horrible thing.” Al-Khadir said, “Did I not tell you that you could not remain patient with me?’ Moses said “If I ask you about anything after this, don’t accompany me. You have received an excuse from me.’ Then both of them went on till they came to some people of a village, and they asked its inhabitant for wood but they refused to entertain them as guests. Then they saw therein a wall which was just going to collapse (and Al Khadir repaired it just by touching it with his hands). (Sufyan, the sub-narrator, pointed with his hands, illustrating how Al-Khadir passed his hands over the wall upwards.) Moses said, “These are the people whom we have called on, but they neither gave us food, nor entertained us as guests, yet you have repaired their wall. If you had wished, you could have taken wages for it.” Al-Khadir said, “This is the parting between you and me, and I shall tell you the explanation of those things on which you could not remain patient.” The Prophet added, “We wished that Moses could have remained patient by virtue of which Allah might have told us more about their story. (Sufyan the sub-narrator said that the Prophet said, “May Allah bestow His Mercy on Moses! If he had remained patient, we would have been told further about their case.”)

Volume 4, Book 55, Number 613
Sahih Bukhari

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“How wonderful is Paradise as it draws near!…”?????

When the Muslim army reached Mu’tah, a small village situated among hills in Jordan, they discovered that the Byzantines had amassed a hundred thousand men backed up by a massive number of Christian Arabs from the tribes of Lakhm, Judhaam, Qudaah and others. The Muslim army only numbered thirty thousand…

Despite the great odds against them, the Muslim forces engaged the Byzantines in battle. Zayd ibn Haarithah, the beloved companion of the Prophet, was among the first to fall. Ja’far ibn Abee Taalib then assumed command. Mounted on his ruddy-complexioned horse, he penetrated deep into the Byzantine ranks. As he spurred his horse on, he called out:

“How wonderful is Paradise as it draws near!
How pleasant and cool is its drink!
Punishment for the Byzantines is not far away!”

Ja’far continued to fight vigorously but was eventually slain. The third in command, ‘Abdullaah ibn Rawaahah, also fell. Khaalid ibn al-Waleed. the inveterate fighter who had recently accepted Isl?m, was then chosen as the commander. He made a tactical withdrawal, redeployed the Muslims and renewed the attack from several directions. Eventually, the bulk of the Byzantine forces fled in disarray.

The news of the death of his three commanders reached the Prophet in Madeena. The pain and grief he felt was intense. He went to Ja’far’s house and met his wife Asmaa’. She was getting ready to receive her absent husband. She had prepared dough and bathed and clothed the children. Asmaa’ said:

”When the Messenger of God approached us, I saw a veil of sadness shrouding his noble face and I became very apprehensive. But I did not dare ask him about Ja’far for fear that I would hear some unpleasant news. He greeted and asked, “Where are Ja’far’s children?” I called them for him and they came and crowded around him happily, each one wanting to claim him for himself. He leaned over and hugged them while tears flowed from his eyes.

‘O Messenger of God,’ I asked, ‘Why do you cry? Have you heard anything about Ja’far and his two companions?’

‘Yes,’ he replied, ‘Tney have attained martyrdom.’”

The smiles and the laughter vanished from the faces of the little children when they heard their mother crying and wailing. Women came and gathered around Asmaa’.

“O Asmaa’,” said the Prophet, “Don’t say anything objectionable and don’t beat your breast.” He then prayed to God to protect and sustain the family of Ja’far and assured them that he had attained Paradise. The Prophet left Asmaa’s house and went to his daughter Faatimah who was also weeping. To her, he said: “For such as Ja’far, you can (easily) cry yourself to death. Prepare food for Ja’far’s family for today they are beside themselves with grief.”

Source: http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/seerah/0017.htm

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Abu Ayyub Al-AnsariBread, Meat, Busr and Rutab

One day, Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, left his house in the burning heat of the midday sun and went to the mosque. ‘Umar saw him and asked, “Abu Bakr, what has brought you out at this hour?” Abu Bakr said he had left his house because he was terribly hungry and ‘Umar said that he had left his house for the same reason. The Prophet came up to them and asked, “What has brought the two of you out at this hour?” They told him and he said, “By Him in Whose hands is my soul, only hunger has caused me to come out also. But come with me.” ..

They went to the house of Abu Ayyub Al Ansari. His wife opened the door and said, “Welcome to the Prophet and whoever is with him.” “Where is Abu Ayyub?” asked the Prophet. Abu Ayyub, who was working in a nearby palm grove, heard the Prophet’s voice and came hurriedly. “Welcome to the Prophet and whoever is with him,” he said and went on, “O Prophet of Allah, this is not the time that you usually come.” (Abu Ayyub used to keep some food for the Prophet every day. When the Prophet did not come for it by a certain time, Abu Ayyub would give it to his family.) “You are right,” the Prophet agreed. Abu Ayyub went out and cut a cluster of dates in which there were ripe and half-ripe dates. “I did not want you to cut this,” said the Prophet. “Could you not have brought only the ripe dates?” “O Prophet of Allah, please eat from both the ripe dates (rutab) and the half ripe (busr). I shall slaughter an animal for you also.” “If you are going to, then do not kill one that gives milk,” cautioned the Prophet. Abu Ayyub killed a young goat, cooked half and grilled the other half. He also asked his wife to bake, because she baked better, he said. When the food was ready, it was placed before the Prophet and his two companions. The Prophet took a piece of meat and placed it in a loaf and said, “Abu Ayyub, take this to Fatimah. She has not tasted the like of this for days.” When they had eaten and were satisfied, the Prophet said reflectively:
“Bread and meat and busr and rutab!” Tears began to flow from his eyes as he continued:
“This is a bountiful blessing about which you will be asked on the Day of Judgment. If such comes your way, put your hands to it and say, ‘Bismillah’ (In the name of Allah) and when you have finished say, ‘Al hamdu lillah alladhee huwa ashba’na wa an’ama ‘alayna (Praise be to Allah Who has given us enough and Who has bestowed his bounty on us). This is best.” Source: Scanned from “Companions of The Prophet”, Vol. 1, by Abdul Wahid Hamid.

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Abu Bakr Al Seddeeq: Muslims can never be defeated because of small numbers

The need for military operations against Byzantium began to be felt in the life-time of the Holy Prophet. So Abu Bakr was bound to do something about this danger. In the year 13 A.H., he prepared a big army and divided it into four battalions. Each battalion was put under a separate commander. Each of them was to strike at a different point on the Syrian border. Abu Obaida bin Jarrah was to march on Hims, Amr bin al-Aas on Palestine, Yazid bin Abi Sufyan on Damascus and Shurjil bin Hasna on Jordan.
These battalions were to strike at the enemy at once and the same time. The aim was to keep the enemy from hitting with full force on anyone of the battalions..

Before these armies left, Abu Bakr gave the following instructions to their commanders:

1. Always fear Allah. He knows what is in men’s hearts.

2. Be kind to the men under you and treat them well.

3. Directions given should be brief. If too long, they are likely to be forgotten.

4. Improve your conduct first; others will improve when they see your example>

5. Honor the representatives of the enemy.

6. Keep your own arrangement a secret.

7. Be always truthful so you can get good advice.

8. At night when you are free, sit among your men. This will keep you in touch with them.

9. Make good arrangements for the watch and ward of the army.

10. Keep away from untruthful men. Be intimate with truthful and faithful companions.

11. Be sincere to all whom you have dealings.

12. Beward of cowardice and dishonesty.

13. You will come across people who have given up the world and are spending their days in place of worship. Leave such people alone.

The news of the Muslim invasion upset Emperor Heracleus. He was in Jerusalem at that time. He sought the advice of his nobles. He himself was in favor of coming to terms with the Muslims. “It is better to give up half of Syria,” he said, “than lose the whole of it.” To this the nobles did not agree.
So four huge armies were sent by the emperor to fight the Muslims. His own brother was leading one of the armies. Each army was several times more numerous than the Muslim army it had to fight. This made the Muslim commanders give thought to the matter. They met together for mutual counsel. One of them pinpointed the folly of fighting separately. “We will be crushed under the sheer weight of numbers,” he said, “if we fight separately.” The other generals saw the point. They agreed upon a plan to merge the four battalions into a single army. Thus, they thought, the Muslim army would stop looking too small in its own eyes. They informed the Caliph of their decision. He approved of it and sent the following written message:

“Muslims can never be defeated because of small numbers. But if their own sins overwhelm them, they will meet defeat. So let you all keep away from sins of all kinds.”

Take from http://anwary-islam.com/companion/abu_bakr_siddiq.htm

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Abdullah ibn Abbas: Muslims at the door

Abu Nu’aym narrated that Aby Salih said: I have seen a large number of people gathered at the door of Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) until the street was very crowded, and nobody was able to pass by. So I entered upon him (Abdullah ibn Abbas) and informed him of the people gathered on his door. So he told me to prepare what he needs to perform his ablution (wudhu). So he performed his ablution , sat down, and said: Go out and tell them ‘Whoever wants to ask about the Quran and its letters come in’. He said: So I went out and made the announcement, so they entered the house until they filled the house and the room..

So whatever they asked about, Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) answered them, and provided them with that which is more than what they asked for. Then Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Your brothers! (meaning don’t forget your brothers who are waiting outside), so they left. So he told me: Go out and tell them ‘Whoever wants to ask about the Quran’s interpretation come in’.
He said: So I went out and made the announcement, so they entered the house until they filled the house and the room. So whatever they asked about, Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) answered them, and provided them with that which is more than what they asked for. Then Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Your brothers! so they left. So he told me: Go out and tell them ‘Whoever wants to ask about that which is halal and haram come in’.
He said: So I went out and made the announcement, so they entered the house until they filled the house and the room. So whatever they asked about, Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) answered them, and provided them with that which is more than what they asked for. Then Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Your brothers! so they left. So he told me: Go out and tell them ‘Whoever wants to ask about the orders of Allah and that which is related come in’.
He said: So I went out and made the announcement, so they entered the house until they filled the house and the room. So whatever they asked about, Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) answered them, and provided them with that which is more than what they asked for. Then Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Your brothers! so they left. So he told me: Go out and tell them ‘Whoever wants to ask about the Arabic language and literature come in’.
He said: So I went out and made the announcement, so they entered the house until they filled the house and the room. So whatever they asked about, Abdullah ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) answered them, and provided them with that which is more than what they asked for.
Aby Salih said: I have never seen that from anyone else!

Narrated by Abu Nuaim in ‘Alhelya’ 1/320

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Lone Warrior-Khaula Bint Al-Azwan

Khalid Bin Al-Walid had appointed his commandar Dhirar Bin Al-Azwan to attack the Byzantines as part of the war strategy against the Byzantine empire. Dhirar took his orders and engaged the enemy but was captured in the ensueing raids. When Khalid came to pursue the Byzantine army he noticed a lone warrior attacking and killing many of the enemy soldiers and withdrawing. Attacking, killing and withdrawing again. Khalid demanded that the lone warrior make himself known. The warrior obliged and came before Khalid removing the head covering and stated clearly ?I am Khaula sister of Dhirar?…

and from that she began telling Khalid that she was of mind to attack the Byzantines and free her brother. Khalid was very impressed by this display of courage and her skill with the spear so he asked her to join the war against the Byzantines to free Dhirar, she accepted. They ambushed the Byzantine contingent which guarded Dhirar and Khaula fought visciously and killed many men ending the battle with a decisive victory for the Muslims and freedom for her beloved brother, who was also one of the most famous warriors of Islamic history, our beloved Dhirar Bin Al-Azwan The Naked Fighter! He was given this loving nickname because he would throw off his armour and shirt when combating an enemy as a sign of wishing martyrdom and dedication to death in battle.

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The master of horsemen- Abu Musa Al-Ashari

Abu Musa was in command of the Muslim army traversing the lands of the Sasanian Empire. At Isfahan, the people came to him and offered to pay the jizyah (in return for military protection) to make peace and avoid fighting.

However, they were not sincere in their offer and merely wanted an opportunity to..

mount a treacherous attack on the Muslims. Abu Musa however saw through their real intentions and he remained on the alert. Thus when the Isfahanis launched their attack, the Muslim leader was not caught off-guard, He engaged them in battle and before midday of the following day, he had won a decisive victory.

In the major campaigns against the powerful Sasanian Empire Abu Musa’s role was outstanding. In the great Battle of Tustar itself, he distinguished himself as a military commander.

The Persian commander, Hormuzan, had withdrawn his numerous forces to the strongly fortified city of Tustar. The Caliph Umar did not underestimate the strength of the enemy and he mobilized powerful and numerous force to confront Hormuzan. Among the Muslim forces were dedicated veterans like Ammar ibn Yasir, al-Baraa ibn Malik and his brother Anas, Majra’a al-Bakri and Salamah ibn Rajaa. Umar appointed Abu Musa as commander of the army.

So well fortified was Tustar that it was impossible to take it by storm. Several attempts were made to breach the walls but these proved unsuccessful. There followed a long and difficult siege which became even more testing and agonizing for the Muslims when, as we saw in the story of al-Baraa ibn Malik, the Persians began throwing down iron chains from the walls of the fortress at the ends of which were fastened red-hot iron hooks. Muslims were caught by these hooks and were pulled up either dead or in the agony of death.

Abu Musa realized that the increasingly unbearable impasse could only be broken by a resort to stratagem. Fortunately, at this time a Persian defected to the Muslim side and Abu Musa induced him to return behind the walls of the fortified city and use whatever artful means he could to open the city’s gates from within. With the Persian he sent a special force of hand-picked men. They succeeded well in their task, opened the gates and made way for Abu Musa’s army. Within hours the Persians were subdued.
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Meet the Lion with the Red Band—-Abu Dujana
During the battle of Uhud, the second most significant battle (after the victory of Badr), the Prophet (peace be upon him) urged his Companions to fight and spurred them to show stamina and steadfastness in the Jihad. He started to implant the spirit of boldness and bravery in them. To wage and inflame them and maintain their zeal in the fight, he (peace be upon him) drew his sword, held it in his hand and called out to his Sahaba and said, “Who is ready to take this sword and fulfill it’s right?” Many notable Sahaba set out to take it. Amongst them were ‘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 (peace be upon him) said, “It is to strike the enemy’s faces with it until 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 used 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. Therefore as soon as Abu Dujana took the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) sword, he banded his head and started strutting proudly amongst the Mujahideen. Upon seeing this, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “This is a sort of walking that Allah detests except in such a situation (Jihad).“
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During the confusion caused by the archers’ mistake of abandoning their post at the battle of Uhud, many Sahaba were martyred.
So Quraish started to mutilate their bodies to appease their pride over their defeat at Badr. Ka’ab 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 because I couldn’t stand it. Then I saw an armed stout mushrik pass through 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 both of them, I considered that the Kafir was superior to the other in arms and size. I kept on watching them while they engaged in man-to-man combat. The Muslim raised his sword up and swung it down hard 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 think of that, Ka’ab? I am Abu Dujana.”

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Abdullah ibn Masud was not only a reciter of the Quran, a learned man or a fervent worshipper. He was in addition a strong and courageous fighter, one who became deadly serious when the occasion demanded it.

The companions of the Prophet were together one day in Makkah. They were still few in number. weak and oppressed. They said, “The Quraysh have not yet heard the Quran being recited openly and loudly. Who is the man who could recite it for them?’

“I shall recite it for them,” volunteered Abdullah ibn Masud . “We are afraid for you,” they said…

“We only want someone who has a clan who would protect him from their evil . “

“Let me,” Abdullah ibn Masud insisted, “Allah shall protect me and keep me away from their evil.” He then went out to the mosque until he reached Maqam Ibrahim (a few meters from the Kabah). It was dawn and the Quraysh were sitting around the Kabah. Abdullah stopped at the Maqam and began to recite:

“Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Ar-Rahman. Allama-l Quran. Khalaqal insan. Allamahul bayan… (In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful. The Merciful God. He has taught the Quran. He has created man and taught him the clear truth…)”

He went on reciting. The Quraysh looked at him intently and some of them asked: “What is Ibn Umm Abd saying?” “Damn him! He is reciting some of what Muhammad brought!” they realized.

They went up to him and began beating his face as he continued reciting. When he went back to his companions the blood was flowing from his face.

“This is what we feared for you,” they said. “By God,” replied Abdullah, “the enemies of God are not more comfortable than I at this moment. If you wish, I shall go out tomorrow and do the same.” “You have done enough,” they said. “You have made them hear what they dislike.”

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Trip to paradise

Narrated Malik bin Sasaa: The Prophet said, “While I was at the House in a state midway between sleep and wakefulness, (an angel recognized me) as the man lying between two men. A golden tray full of wisdom and belief was brought to me and my body was cut open from the throat to the lower part of the abdomen and then my abdomen was washed with Zam-zam water and (my heart was) filled with wisdom and belief. Al-Buraq, a white animal, smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me and I set out with Gabriel. When I reached the nearest heaven, Gabriel said to the heaven gate-keeper..

‘Open the gate.’ The gatekeeper asked, ‘Who is it?’ He said, ‘Gabriel.’ The gate-keeper,’ Who is accompanying you?’ Gabriel said, ‘Muhammad.’ The gate-keeper said, ‘Has he been called?’ Gabriel said, ‘Yes.’ Then it was said, ‘He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!’ Then I met Adam and greeted him and he said, ‘You are welcomed O son and a Prophet.’ Then we ascended to the second heaven. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel said, ‘Gabriel.’ It was said, ‘Who is with you?’ He said, ‘Muhammad’ It was asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ It was said, ‘He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!” Then I met Jesus and Yahya (John) who said, ‘You are welcomed, O brother and a Prophet.’ Then we ascended to the third heaven. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel said, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘Who is with you? Gabriel said, ‘Muhammad.’ It was asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ ‘Yes,’ said Gabriel. ‘He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!’ (The Prophet added:). There I met Joseph and greeted him, and he replied, ‘You are welcomed, O brother and a Prophet!’ Then we ascended to the 4th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met Idris and greeted him. He said, ‘You are welcomed O brother and Prophet.’ Then we ascended to the 5th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in previous heavens. there I met and greeted Aaron who said, ‘You are welcomed O brother and a Prophet”. Then we ascended to the 6th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Moses who said, ‘You are welcomed O brother and. a Prophet.’ When I proceeded on, he started weeping and on being asked why he was weeping, he said, ‘O Lord! Followers of this youth who was sent after me will enter Paradise in greater number than my followers.’ Then we ascended to the seventh heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Abraham who said, ‘You are welcomed o son and a Prophet.’ Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma’mur (i.e. Allah’s House). I asked Gabriel about it and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma’mur where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).’ Then I was shown Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. a tree in the seventh heaven) and I saw its Nabk fruits which resembled the clay jugs of Hajr (i.e. a town in Arabia), and its leaves were like the ears of elephants, and four rivers originated at its root, two of them were apparent and two were hidden. I asked Gabriel about those rivers and he said, ‘The two hidden rivers are in Paradise, and the apparent ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.’ Then fifty prayers were enjoined on me. I descended till I met Moses who asked me, ‘What have you done?’ I said, ‘Fifty prayers have been enjoined on me.’ He said, ‘I know the people better than you, because I had the hardest experience to bring Bani Israel to obedience. Your followers cannot put up with such obligation. So, return to your Lord and request Him (to reduce the number of prayers.’ I returned and requested Allah (for reduction) and He made it forty. I returned and (met Moses) and had a similar discussion, and then returned again to Allah for reduction and He made it thirty, then twenty, then ten, and then I came to Moses who repeated the same advice. Ultimately Allah reduced it to five. When I came to Moses again, he said, ‘What have you done?’ I said, ‘Allah has made it five only.’ He repeated the same advice but I said that I surrendered (to Allah’s Final Order)’” Allah’s Apostle was addressed by Allah, “I have decreed My Obligation and have reduced the burden on My slaves, and I shall reward a single good deed as if it were ten good deeds.”

Volume 4, Book 54, Number 429 Sahih Bukhari

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Khalid Bin Al-Waleed: A Military Genius
It was two months after Khalid Bin Al-Waleed had embraced the holy religion of Islam that he participated in his first battle, the battle of Mo?ta. The Muslim army was only about 3,000 troops, many of whom were well known sa7aba. They did not anticipate that they were about to face 100,000 Roman troops.
As the battle proceeded, the Muslim army lost the three commanders that had been appointed by the Prophet (pbuh). The Muslims overwhelmingly chose Khalid Bin Al-Waleed as army commander..

Khalid took command and did what was best done in such a situation: safe retreat. His plan showed his tactical military brilliance. First he made the enemy believe that the Muslims were not planning on surrendering, but on attacking. And indeed the Muslim army withstood the opponent till nightfall. During the darkness of the night, Khalid, with his brilliance, swapped the right division of the army with the left, and the left division with the right. And he exchanged the rear battalions of the army with the front and vice versa. He then detached part of the army so that they could raise dust at the back of the Muslim troops and create commotion at sunrise. At the time of sunrise, the Roman soldiers set eyes on new soldiers facing them, and the dust and noise were flooding the Muslim army so they thought the Muslims had been receiving troop re-enforcement. Khalid then started his tactical retreat into the desert. The Romans did not follow the Muslims in their retreat in fear of a trap that was set for them in the barren desert.

That day Khalid Bin Al-Waleed was the last to retreat as he protected the backs of his soldiers and in doing so, he broke 9 swords fending off Roman attackers.

When the Muslim army reached Al-Medina, the people met them with accusations of fleeing the battle against the enemy but the Prophet (pbuh), realizing that this was the best any commander could have done, declared the army as courageous faithful soldiers who retreated to re-group and fight the once enemy again.

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Umar Bin Al Khattab: Umar accepts Islam
Evidently both Said Ibn Zayd and Fatimah, daughter of al-Khattab, managed to conceal their acceptance of Islam from the Quraysh and especially from Fatimah’s family for some time. She had cause to fear not only her father but her brother Umar who was brought up to venerate the Kabah and to cherish the unity of the Quraysh and their religion. Umar was a headstrong young man of great determination. He saw Islam as a threat to the Quraysh and became most violent and unrestrained in his attacks on Muslims. He finally decided that the only way to put an end to the trouble was to eliminate the man who was its cause..

Goaded on by blind fury he took up his sword and headed for the Prophet’s house. On his way he came face to face with a secret believer in the Prophet who seeing Umar’s grim expression asked him where he was going. “I am going to kill Muhammad…”
There was no mistaking his bitterness and murderous resolve. The believer sought to dissuade him from his intent but Umar was deaf to any arguments. He then thought of diverting Umar in order to at least warn the Prophet of his intentions.
“O Umar,” he said, “Why not first go back to the people of your own house and set them to rights?”
“What people of my house?” asked Umar.
“Your sister Fatimah and your brother-in-law Said. They have both forsaken your religion and are followers of Muhammad in his religion…”
Umar turned and made straight for his sister’s house. There he called out to her angrily as he approached. Khabbab ibn al-Aratt who often came to recite the Quran to Said and Fatimah was with them then. When they heard Umar’s voice, Khabbab hid in a corner of the house and Fatimah concealed the manuscript. But ‘Umar had heard the sound of their reading and when he came in, he said to them: “What is this gibbering I heard?”
They tried to assure him that it was only normal conversation that he had heard but he insisted: “Hear it I did,” he said, “and it is possible that you have both become renegades.”
“Have you not considered whether the Truth is not to be found in your religion?” said Said to Umar trying to reason with him. Instead, Umar set upon his brother-in-law hitting and kicking him as hard as he could and when Fatimah went to the defence of her husband, Umar struck her a blow on her face which drew blood.
“O Umar,” said Fatimah angrily. “What if the Truth is not in your religion! I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God.”
Fatimah’s wound was bleeding, and when Umar saw the blood he was sorry for what he had done. A change came over him and he said to his sister:
“Give me that script which you have that I may read it.” Like them Umar could read, but when he asked for the script, Fatimah said to him:
“You are impure and only the pure may touch it. Go and wash yourself or make ablutions.”
Thereupon Umar went and washed himself, and she gave him the page on which was written the opening verses of Surah Ta-Ha. He began to read it and when he reached the verse, ‘Verily, I alone am God, there no deity but me. So, worship Me alone, and be constant in Prayer so as to remember Me,’ he said: “Show me where Muhammad is.”
Umar then made his way to the house of al-Arqam and declared his acceptance of Islam and the Prophet peace be upon him and all his companions rejoiced.
From Alim Online

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Narrated ‘Amr bin Maimun:
I saw ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab a few days before he was stabbed in Medina. He was standing with Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman and ‘Uthman bin Hunaif to whom he said, “What have you done? Do you think that you have imposed more taxation on the land (of As-Swad i.e. ‘Iraq) than it can bear?” They replied, “We have imposed on it what it can bear because of its great yield.” ‘Umar again said, “Check whether you have imposed on the land what it can not bear.” They said, “No, (we haven’t).” ‘Umar added, “If Allah should keep me alive I will let the widows of Iraq need no men to support them after me.” But only four days had elapsed when he was stabbed (to death) ..

The day he was stabbed, I was standing and there was nobody between me and him (i.e. Umar) except Abdullah bin ‘Abbas. Whenever Umar passed between the two rows, he would say, “Stand in straight lines.”
When he saw no defect (in the rows), he would go forward and start the prayer with Takbir. He would recite Surat Yusuf or An-Nahl or the like in the first Rak’a so that the people may have the time to Join the prayer. As soon as he said Takbir, I heard him saying, “The dog has killed or eaten me,” at the time he (i.e. the murderer) stabbed him. A non-Arab infidel proceeded on carrying a double-edged knife and stabbing all the persons he passed by on the right and left (till) he stabbed thirteen persons out of whom seven died. When one of the Muslims saw that, he threw a cloak on him. Realizing that he had been captured, the non-Arab infidel killed himself, ‘Umar held the hand of ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Auf and let him lead the prayer.
Those who were standing by the side of ‘Umar saw what I saw, but the people who were in the other parts of the Mosque did not see anything, but they lost the voice of ‘Umar and they were saying, “Subhan Allah! Subhan Allah! (i.e. Glorified be Allah).” Abdur-Rahman bin Auf led the people a short prayer. When they finished the prayer, ‘Umar said, “O Ibn ‘Abbas! Find out who attacked me.” Ibn ‘Abbas kept on looking here and there for a short time and came to say. “The slave of Al Mughira.” On that ‘Umar said, “The craftsman?” Ibn ‘Abbas said, “Yes.” ‘Umar said, “May Allah curse him. I did not treat him unjustly. All the Praises are for Allah Who has not caused me to die at the hand of a man who claims himself to be a Muslim. No doubt, you and your father (Abbas) used to love to have more non-Arab infidels in Medina.” Al-Abbas had the greatest number of slaves. Ibn ‘Abbas said to ‘Umar. “If you wish, we will do.” He meant, “If you wish we will kill them.” ‘Umar said, “You are mistaken (for you can’t kill them) after they have spoken your language, prayed towards your Qibla, and performed Hajj like yours.”
Then Umar was carried to his house, and we went along with him, and the people were as if they had never suffered a calamity before. Some said, “Do not worry (he will be Alright soon).” Some said, “We are afraid (that he will die).” Then an infusion of dates was brought to him and he drank it but it came out (of the wound) of his belly. Then milk was brought to him and he drank it, and it also came out of his belly. The people realized that he would die. We went to him, and the people came, praising him. A young man came saying, “O chief of the believers! Receive the glad tidings from Allah to you due to your company with Allah’s Apostle and your superiority in Islam which you know. Then you became the ruler (i.e. Caliph) and you ruled with justice and finally you have been martyred.” ‘Umar said, “I wish that all these privileges will counterbalance (my shortcomings) so that I will neither lose nor gain anything.”
When the young man turned back to leave, his clothes seemed to be touching the ground. ‘Umar said, “Call the young man back to me.” (When he came back) ‘Umar said, “O son of my brother! Lift your clothes, for this will keep your clothes clean and save you from the Punishment of your Lord.” ‘Umar further said, “O ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar! See how much I am in debt to others.” When the debt was checked, it amounted to approximately eighty-six thousand. ‘Umar said, “If the property of ‘Umar’s family covers the debt, then pay the debt thereof; otherwise request it from Bani ‘Adi bin Ka’b, and if that too is not sufficient, ask for it from Quraish tribe, and do not ask for it from any one else, and pay this debt on my behalf.”
‘Umar then said (to ‘Abdullah), “Go to ‘Aisha (the mother of the believers) and say: “Umar is paying his salutation to you. But don’t say: ‘The chief of the believers,’ because today I am not the chief of the believers. And say: “Umar bin Al-Khattab asks the permission to be buried with his two companions (i.e. the Prophet, and Abu Bakr).” Abdullah greeted ‘Aisha and asked for the permission for entering, and then entered to her and found her sitting and weeping. He said to her, “‘Umar bin Al-Khattab is paying his salutations to you, and asks the permission to be buried with his two companions.” She said, “I had the idea of having this place for myself, but today I prefer Umar to myself.” When he returned it was said (to ‘Umar), “‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar has come.” ‘Umar said, “Make me sit up.” Somebody supported him against his body and ‘Umar asked (‘Abdullah), “What news do you have?” He said, “O chief of the believers! It is as you wish. She has given the permission.” ‘Umar said, “Praise be to Allah, there was nothing more important to me than this. So when I die, take me, and greet ‘Aisha and say: “Umar bin Al-Khattab asks the permission (to be buried with the Prophet ), and if she gives the permission, bury me there, and if she refuses, then take me to the grave-yard of the Muslims.”
Then Hafsa (the mother of the believers) came with many other women walking with her. When we saw her, we went away. She went in (to ‘Umar) and wept there for sometime. When the men asked for permission to enter, she went into another place, and we heard her weeping inside. The people said (to ‘Umar), “O chief of the believers! Appoint a successor.” Umar said, “I do not find anyone more suitable for the job than the following persons or group whom Allah’s Apostle had been pleased with before he died.” Then ‘Umar mentioned ‘Ali, ‘Uthman, AzZubair, Talha, Sad and ‘Abdur-Rahman (bin Auf) and said, “Abdullah bin ‘Umar will be a witness to you, but he will have no share in the rule. His being a witness will compensate him for not sharing the right of ruling. If Sad becomes the ruler, it will be alright: otherwise, whoever becomes the ruler should seek his help, as I have not dismissed him because of disability or dishonesty.” ‘Umar added, “I recommend that my successor takes care of the early emigrants; to know their rights and protect their honor and sacred things.
I also recommend that he be kind to the Ansar who had lived in Medina before the emigrants and Belief had entered their hearts before them. I recommend that the (ruler) should accept the good of the righteous among them and excuse their wrong-doers, and I recommend that he should do good to all the people of the towns (Al-Ansar), as they are the protectors of Islam and the source of wealth and the source of annoyance to the enemy. I also recommend that nothing be taken from them except from their surplus with their consent. I also recommend that he do good to the ‘Arab bedouin, as they are the origin of the ‘Arabs and the material of Islam. He should take from what is inferior, amongst their properties and distribute that to the poor amongst them. I also recommend him concerning Allah’s and His Apostle’s protectees (i.e. Dhimmis) to fulfill their contracts and to fight for them and not to overburden them with what is beyond their ability.” So when ‘Umar expired, we carried him out and set out walking. ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar greeted (‘Aisha) and said, “‘Umar bin Al-Khattab asks for the permission.” ‘Aisha said, “Bring him in.” He was brought in and buried beside his two companions.

Sahih Bukhari
Volume 5, Book 57, Number 50

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*note most the these stories our taken from www.sahaba.net