ZEAL FOR KNOWLEDGE

The Kalimah is the essence of Islam and the basis for all achievements. No good action is acceptable without belief in Kalimah. The Sahabah, therefore, devoted most of their energy, especially in the early days of Islam, to the propagation of the Kalimah and to fighting with the forces that resisted it. Although their engagements left them very little time to drink deep from the ocean of learning with the single-mindedness demanded thereof, yet their zeal even in this direction has left us a legacy in the form of knowledge about the Qur'an and Hadith, which is quite highly creditable and a glaring example. When Sahabah got a little lei-sure from the work that kept them engaged in the beginning of Islam, and also when the number of people in Islam grew considerably, Allah revealed the following verse in the Qur'an

"And the believers should not all go out (in the path of Allah). Of every group of them, a party only should go forth that they (who are left behind) may gain sound knowledge in religion and that they may warn their folk when they come to them, so that they may beware." (IX: 122).

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas (Radhiyallaho anho) says:

"The verses of the Qur'an which were revealed in the beginning of Islam, demanding every Muslim to move out in the path of Allah; for example:

"If you go not forth, He will afflict you with a painful doom; (IX: 39)"

'Go forth, light and heavily armed, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah; (IX: 41).'

These verses were later on superceded by the foregoing verse, which advised only a party from each group to leave their places.

The Sahabah, very few in number as they were, had to assume the responsibilities of Islam in all fields. Allah therefore endowed them with the versatility that was theirs. After the Sahabah, the Islam spread far and wide and the Muslims swelled in number. Again, the later people lacked the versatility of the Sahabah. Allah then caused different people to specialize in different branches of Islamic learning. Mohaddithin were to devote them-selves to the collection and propagation of Hadith. Similarly the Fuqaha (jurists) Soofia (Experts in Zikr), Qurraa (Experts in recitation of Qur'an), Mujahidin (Fighters in the path of Allah), etc, each own group had its own field to take up as a whole-time task. This was very necessary at that time, for otherwise different branches of Islamic learning would not have developed so nicely, as it is difficult for one man to specialize in all the branches. The Prophets (alaihimus salaam), and especially Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) the chief among them, were specially endowed with such a capacity. This will explain why the stories of other eminent personalities, besides the Sahabah have also been narrated in this chapter.

The Story of Saeed bin Jubair and Hajjaj Bin Yusuf.

We see the same spirit even in their successors (the Tabi'ees). I close this chapter with an account of Saeed bin Jubair, who is famous Tabi'ee. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said:

"To utter truth in the face of a tyrant is the best Jihad."

This is a story of Jihad of that type. At that time, Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the notorious blood-shedder was in power. Hajjaj's harshness and tyranny are well known in human history. The rulers in those days, in spite of their shortcomings, never lagged behind in propagating the faith, yet we treat them as the worst among rulers because of the contrast with the just and God-fearing rulers. He was the viceroy of king Abdul Malik bin Marwan for Hijaz and Iraq. The king lived in Damascus and Hajjaj had his headquarters at Koofah. Saeed bin Jubair had fought against Hajjaj on the side of Ibnul Ashath. After the defeat, Saeed (Rahmatullah alaih) ran away and took asylum in Mecca. The Government posted a very stern person as the Governor of Mecca, with instructions to arrest Saeed. The Governor assembled all the people of Mecca and read before them the order of Abdul Malik, which said:

"Any person who gives shelter to Hadhrat Saeed (Rahmatullah alaih) shall meet the same fate as Hadhrat Saeed (Rahmatullahi alaih) himself."

He then announced to the people:

"By Allah, I must kill the person who gives shelter to Hadhrat Saeed (Rahmatullah alaih). His and his neighbours houses shall be razed to the ground."

Hadhrat Saeed (Rahmatullahi alaih) was arrested with great difficulty and sent to Koofah. When he was brought before Hajjaj, the following conversation took place:

Hajjaj: "What is your name?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "My name is Saeed (lit. auspicious)."

Hajjaj: "What is your father's name?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "Jubair (lit. Trimmed)."

Hajjaj: "No, you are in fact Shaqi (lit. wretched) son of Kusair (lit. a broken thing)."

Hadhrat Saeed: "My mother knew my name better than you do."

Hajjaj: "You are wretched and your mother is also wretched."

Hadhrat Saeed: "The Knower of the hidden things is someone else"

Hajjaj: "Look! I am putting you to sword."

Hadhrat Saeed: "Then my mother was right in giving me this name."

Hajjaj: "I shall send you to Hell."

Hadhrat Saeed: "If I knew that you had that power. I would have taken you as my god."

Hajjaj: "What is 'your belief about the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "He was an apostle of Mercy and a Prophet of Allah, sent with the best Guid ance for the whole creation."

Hajjaj: "What do you say about the Khalifas?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "I am not a warder over them. Everybody is responsible for his own actions."

Hajjaj: "Who is the most exalted of the four Khalifahs?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "The one who had been able to please Allah more than the rest."

Hajjaj: "Which of them had been able to please Allah more than the rest?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "This is known only to Him Who knows what is hidden in the bosoms and what the hearts conceal."

Hajjaj: "Is Ali in Paradise or in Hell?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "I can answer only after I visit the two places and meet their dwellers."

Hajjaj: "How shall I fare on the Day of Judgment?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "I am not fit to receive the knowledge of the unseen?"

Hajjaj: "You do not intend to tell me the truth."

Hadhrat Saeed: "But I did not tell a lie either."

Hajjaj: "Why do you never laugh?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "I do not see anything to laugh at; and indeed why should one laugh, who is created from dust, who has to appear on the Day of Judgment, and is always surrounded by tribulations.

Hajjaj: "But I do laugh."

Hadhrat Saeed: "Allah has created us with different temperaments."

Hajjaj: "I am now going to kill you."

Hadhrat Saeed: "The time and mode of my death have already been decreed."

Hajjaj: "Allah has preferred me to you."

Hadhrat Saeed: "Nobody can be proud of his relation with Allah, unless he knows his position; and Allah is the only knower of the unseen."

Hajjaj: "Why should I not be proud of my relation with Allah, when I am with the Amir-ul-Mominin and you are with the rebels."

Hadhrat Saeed: "I am with the other Muslims. I myself shun mischief, but nobody can change the decree of Allah."

Hajjaj: "What do you say about what we collect for Amir-ul-Mominin?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "I do not know what you collect for him."

Hajjaj sent for gold, silver and dresses from the trea-sury and showed these to Saeed.

Hadhrat Saeed: "These are useful, provided you are able to obtain with them the things that may provide you peace on the Day of Consternation (i.e Day of Judgement), when every nursing mother will forget her nursing, and every pregnant one will be delivered of her burden, and when nothing but good will be of any avail."

Hajjaj: "Are our collections not good?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "You have collected them, and you are the best judge."

Hajjaj: "Do you like any of these things for your-self?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "I only like the things which Allah likes."

Hajjaj: "Woe to you!"

Hadhrat Saeed: "Woe is for the person who is deprived of Paradise and is made to enter Hell."

Hajjaj: (Annoyed): "Say how should I kill you?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "As you would like to be killed."

Hajjaj: "Should I forgive you?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "Allah's forgiveness is real. Your aforgiveness is of no value."

Hajjaj: (To the executioner): "Kill this man."

Hadhrat Saeed laughed while he was being taken for execution.

Hajjaj was informed of this. He called him back.

"What made you laugh?"

Hadhrat Saeed: "Your boldness with Allah, and His clemency to you."

Hajjaj: "I am killing a person who has caused dissent among the Muslims. (To the executioner) Kill him in front of me."

Hadhrat Saeed: "Let me say my Salaat of two rakaats."

After finishing Salaat, he faced Qiblah and recited:

"Verily, I have turned my face toward Him Who created the heavens and earth, as one by nature upright, and I am not of the idolaters" (VI: 80).

Hajjaj: "Turn him from our Qiblah and let him face the Qiblah of the Christians, who also caused dissension and dispute among their community."

His face was immediately turned to the other direction.

Hadhrat Saeed:  "And wither-so-ever you turn, there is Allah's countenance" (II: 115), Who is knower of the hidden thoughts.

Hajjaj: "Make him lie on his face. We are only responsible for appearance."

Hadhrat Saeed (Rahmatullahi alaih) was made to lie on his face. Saeed:

"Thereof We created you, and thereunto We return you, and thence We bring you forth a second time." (XX: 55).

Hajjaj: "Kill him"

Hadhrat Saeed: I call you to witness what I recite:

"I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, who is all alone and Who has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is His slave and His Prophet."

He was then beheaded (Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raaj-oon).

After the execution, too much blood came out from Hadhrat Saeed's (Rahmatullahi alaih) body. Hajjaj himself marveled greatly at it. He inquired the reason from his doctors, who said:—

"His tranquility and composure at the time of death had kept his blood in its original form. Generally, people to be executed are so much scared and afraid of death that their blood curdles and does not flow profusely."

There are many such incidents in the annals of the Taabi'een. Hadhrat Imam Abu Hanifa. Hadhrat Imam Malik, Hadhrat Imam Ahmad bin liambal and other divines had to undergo trials and tribulations because of their truthfulness; but they remained steadfast in the righteous path.

Expedition to Moota

Of the epistles that the Prophet (Sallallabo alaihe wa-sallam) despatched to various kings, inviting them to Islam, one was sent to the King of Busra through Hadhrat Harts bin Umair Azdi. When Hadhrat Harts (Radhiyallaho anho) reached Moota, he was killed by Sharjeel Ghassani, one of the governors of Caesar. The murder of the envoy was against all laws of inter-tribal morality. The Prophet (Sallal-litho alaihe wasallam) was naturally very much upset when the news reached him. He collected an army, 3 000-strong, to advance against the enemy. While nominating Hadhrat Zaicl bin Harithah (Ra(fhivallaho anho) to command the army, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said:

"If Zaid is killed, then Ja'far bin Abi Talib will be your Amir and if he is also martyred, then Abdullah bin Rawahah will take the command. If he also dies, then you can select a commander from among yourselves."

A Jew, who was listening to this, said:

"All the three must die. This is exactly how the earlier Prophets used to prophesy."

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) gave Hadhrat Zaid (Radhiyallaha anho) a white flag made by himself. He then accompanied the army for some distance out of Madi-nah and prayed for them saying:

"May Allah bring you back safely and triumphantly. May He gucrd you against all evils."

At that moment, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (Rad-hiyailaho anho), who was a poet too, recited three couplets, which meant:

"I only wish forgiveness of my sins and a sword to cause my blood to gush out like water from a fountain.

Or a spear to pierce me through my liver and my stomach. And when people pass my grave they say:

'May you, who have died for Allah's cause,

Triumph and prosper. You are really triumphant and prosperous."

Sharjeel received the intelligence about this army. He prepared himself to meet them with an army, 100 000-strong. When they proceeded further, they heard the rumour that the Caesar himself was coming with another army of 100 000-men to help Sharjeel. The Sahabah hesitated whether they should face such heavy odds or inform the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) for further instructions. At this Hadhrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (Radhiyal-laho anho) called aloud:

"Friends! what are you bothering about? What are you here for? You are here to be martyred. We have never fought by dint of our strength in arms and numbers. We have always fought on the score of Islam, through which Allah has exalted us. You are sure of one of the two triumphs: Victory or Martyrdom."

Thus exhorted by Hadhrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (Radhiyallaho anho), the Sahabah decided to advance till they faced the Christian army in the battlefield of Moota. Hadhrat Zaid (Radhiyallaho anho) with flag in his hand directed the field operations. A fierce battle raged; Sharjeel's brother was killed in action. Sharjeel himself fled from the field and took shelter in a fort. He sent a message to the Caesar, who immediately despatched for his help and an army, which was 200 000-strong. The Muslims were fighting against very heavy odds. Hadhrat Zaid (Radhiyallaho anho) was killed and the flag was taken over by Hadhrat Ja`far (Radhiyallaho anho). He intentionally disabled his horse to dispel any idea of returning home from the battle-field. He then recited a few couplets, which meant:

"O, people! What a beautiful place is Paradise. And how happy is its approach! How fine and how cool is its water. The Roman's doom is at hand, I must finish them all."

With flag in one hand and sword in the other, he jumped into the enemy lines. ‘The enemy cut his right hand, which held the flag. He at once transferred it to his left. When that was cut off, he held the flag in his teeth and supported it with his bleeding arms. His body was cut into two by somebody from behind and fell dead. He was thirty-three at that time.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) says:

"When we removed him from the battlefield, we counted as many as ninety wounds on his body—all on the front side."

When Hadhrat Ja`far (Radhiyallaho anho) was killed, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (Radhiyallaho anho) was eating a piece of meat in a corner of the battlefield. He had been hungry for three days. On hearing about Hadhrat ja`far's (Radhiyallaho anho) death, he threw away that piece of meat, saying to himself:

"Abdullah! You are busy in eating, while Ja`far has reached Paradise."

He took the flag and began to fight. His finger was severely injured and hung loose. He put the hanging finger under his foot and tore it off from, the hand, and then rushed for-ward. Knowing the Muslims were fighting against very overwhelming odds, and his own weakness, made him pause for a moment. He at once recovered from his despair and said to himself:

"O, Heart! what makes you tarry now? Is it for the love of wife? If so, then I divorce her this very moment. Is it for the slaves? Then I set them all free. Is it for the garden? I give it over in Sadaqah. He then recited a few couplets, which meant: 'O, Abdullah! You have to go down after all; whether you do it willingly or unwillingly. You have had enough of peace. O, you, who are only a drop of dirty fluid! See how the disbelievers are assaulting the Muslims. Why does Paradise not entice you? Even if you are not killed in this battle, remember, you have to die one day."

He then got down from his horse. Meanwhile his cousin brought him a slice of meat, saying, "You have had neither sleep nor food for so many days. Eat this and take a little rest before you fight." He held the slice and was about to eat it when he heard an uproar of the enemy's assault from one direction. He threw away the slice and jumped into the crowd, striking with his sword till he was killed.

The history of the Sahabah is full of episodes, which show that worldly pleasures were most insignificant in their eyes, and their only concern was to get success in the Hereafter.

Hadhrat `Umar's (Radhiyallaho anho) Emigration to Madinah

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) is well known for his valour and heroism by one and all. When the Muslims were very weak in the beginning, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) prayed to Allah to strengthen the Muslims with Hadhrat `Umar's (Radhiyallaho anho) Islam. This prayer was answered by Allah in no time, as we have seen in Chapter I. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Ma'sood (Radhiyallaho anho) says:

"We could not say our Salaat in the Haram till 'Umar had accepted Islam."

Hadhrat Ali (Radhiyallaho anho) says:

"Early emigrants to Madinah left Mecca quietly and secretly, due to the fear of Qureysh. But when Hadhrat `Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) decided to emigrate, he hung his sword from his neck, held his bow in his hand and took a large number of arrows with him. He first went to Haram, performed Tawaf most confidently, said his Salaat most calmly and then went to the different groups of Quereysh, declaring before each of them, "Whoso does not mind his mother lamenting him, his wife becoming a widow and his children being rendered orphans, he may come out of Mecca and face me'. There was none to accept his challenge."

Hadhrat Tmair (Radhiyallaho anho) gives up Eating Dates

In Badr, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was sitting in a tent. He exhorted the Sahabah to fight, saying:

"Rise up and race one with another for a Paradise as wide as are the Heavens and the Earth, prepared for the Muttaqin."

Hadhrat `Umair ibnul Humaam (Radhiyallaho anho) was also listening to this. He exlaimed:

"Bakh! Bakh! (How wonderful)."

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) asked Hadhrat `Umair (Radhiyallaho anho) what he meant by that exclamation.

He said: "I wish to be one of those for whom this Paradise has been prepared."

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said:

"Rest assured, you are one of them."

Hadhrat `Umair (Radhiyallaho anho) then took out a few dates from his bag and began to eat. While he was eating, he suddenly said:

"To wait till the dates finish will be a very long time. I cannot do that."

Saying this, he threw away the dates, and with sword in hand jumped into the battlefield and fought till he was killed.

In fact, these people appreciated the value of Paradise, for their Yaqeen was firm. If we too get that Yaqeen in our hearts, nothing will be too difficult or too much for us. 

Tragedy of Bi'r Ma`oona

In the tragedy of Bi'r Ma'oona, seventy Sahabah were massacred. All of them were Hafiz of Qur'an. Their Jama'at was called the Jama'at of Qi+raa and consisted mostly of Ansaar.

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) loved them very much, for they engaged themselves in Zikr and recitation of the Qur'an during the night, and attended upon the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and his family during the day. A person named Amir bin Malik and known as Abu Bara, telonging to Bani Amir clan of Najd, came to the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and took this Jama'at with him for the Tabligh and the Ta'leem of his clan. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) expressed his apprehensions, saying:

“I fear some harm may come to my Sahabah."

But the person assured him that he was personally respon-sible for their safety. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasal-lam), after much hesitation, agreed to send the Jama'at of seventy Sahabah with him. He also gave them an epistle to `Amir bin Tufail (the head of the clan), inviting him to Islam.

These Sahabah camped at Bi'r Ma'oona. Hadhrat 'Umar bin Umayyah (Radhiyallaho anho) and Hadhrat Munzir bin 'Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) took the camels for grazing and Hadhrat Haraam (Radhiyallaho anho) with two companions went to deliver the Prophet's epistle to 'Amir bin Tufail. On reaching near his place, Hadhrat Haraam (Radhiyallaho anho) said to his companions:

"You both stay here; I shall go alone to him. If I am safe, you may also come after me, but if I am betrayed you may return from here, as the loss of one is better than of three."

'Amir bin Tufail was the nephew of 'Amir bin Malik, who had brought the Jama'at. He was a bitter enemy of Islam and hated the Muslims to the core. When Hadhrat Haraam (Radhiyallaho anho) delivered the Prophet's (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) epistle to him, he did not even care to read it and attacked Hadhrat Haraam (Radhiyallaho anho) with his spear, which pierced through the latter's body. Hadhrat Haraam (Radhiyallaho anho) uttered "By the Lord of the Ka'bah. I have triumphed," and died. The heartless person had no consideration for the guarantee given by his uncle, nor for the accepted tradition all over the world, that nobody would kill the envoy. He then assembled the people of his clan and exhorted them to kill all the Sahabah camping at Bi'r Ma'oona. The people hesitated, in view of the guarantee given by 'Amir bin Malik. He collected a large number of people from the neighbouring tribes and attacked the Muslims. They massacred each one of them, except Hadhrat Ka`b bin Zaid (Radhiyallaho anho), who had some life left in him and the enemy left him as dead. Hadhrat Munzir and Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anhuma), while grazing the camels, noticed vultares hovering in the air. They exclaimed. 'Something foul has happened, and returned to the camp. They saw from some distance that their companions were dead and the murder-ers were standing around their bodies with bloody swords in their hands. They stopped a while to think what they might do. Hadhrat 'Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) said:

"Let us go back to Madinah and inform the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)."

Hadhrat Munzir (Radhiyallaho anho) did not agree. He said:

"The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) will get the information sooner or later. I do not like to miss martyrdom and run away from the place where our companions are lying in their peaceful sleep. Let us go forward and meet them."

They both went and jumped into the thick of battle. Hadhrat Munzir (Radhiyallaho anho) was killed and Hadhrat `Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) was captured. As 'Amir's mother had to set free a slave in connection with some vow that she had made, 'Amir set Hadhrat `Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) free and let him go. 'Amir bin Fuhairah (Radhiyallaho anho), a slave of Abu Bakr (Radhiyallaho anho), was also among those who were killed at Bi'r Ma'oona. Jabbar bin Salmi, who killed him says:

When I thrust my spear through him, he uttered, `By Allah, I have triumphed and to my amazement I saw his body lifted upwards towards the sky. I made enquiries later on as to what was the triumph that 'Amir bin Fuhairah (Radhiyallaho anho) meant when he uttered, `By Allah, I have triumphed.' I was told that it was that of entering into Paradise. This made me embrace Islam.

These are the illustrious' people, of whom Islam is rightly proud. Death had really more attraction for them than wine for their enemies. As they did deeds which were sure to win Allah's pleasure, they felt most triumphant at the time of surrendering their souls.

Hadhrat Wahb bin Qabus (Radhiyallaho anho) gets martyred

Wahb bin Qabus (Radhiyallaho anho) was a shepherd and had been a Muslim for some time. He lived in his village in the desert. He came to Madinah to see the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). He was accompanied by his nephew and his herd of goats, which he had tied with a rope. He learnt that the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was in Uhud. He left his goats and went to Uhud to fight by the side of the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). A group of the enemy was at that time advancing to attack the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). The Prophet announced:

"The person who disperses these people will be my companion in Paradise."

Hadhrat Wahb (Radhiyallaho anho) attacked them fiercely and repulsed all of them. A second and third group of the enemy tried to advance, and each time it was Hadhrat Wahb (Radhiyallaho anho) who fought them and put them to flight single handed. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) gave him good tidings of Paradise. No sooner did he hear this, than he jumped into the enemy lines and fought till he was no more.

Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas (Radhiyallaho anho) says:

"I have never seen a person fighting so bravely and fearlessly as Wahb did. I saw the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) standing beside his dead body, saying, 'O Wahb! You have pleased me. May Allah be pleased with you."

Although the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) himself was wounded in this battle, yet he buried Wahb's body with his own hands. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) used to say:

"I never envied anybody more than Wahb (Radhiyal-laho anho). I wish I could appear before Allah with a record as good as his.

“What is it in the life of Hadhrat Wahb (Radhiyallaho anho) that makes an illustrious and exalted person like Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) to envy him. It is the same spirit of sacrifice for the sake of Allah and His Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) even though Hadhrat `Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) and other Sahabah have better deeds.

Hadhrat Sa`d's (Radhiyallaho anho) epistle to Rustam

In the Iraq expedition, Hadhrat `Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) wanted to lead the army himself. There were, on several days, deliberations separately among the common people and among the chiefs, whether Amir-ul-Mominin should lead the expedition or stay in Madinah to direct the operations and arrange reinforcements from the headquarters. The common people were in favor of the former, and the chiefs in favor of the latter alternative. Somebody mentioned the name of Hadhrat Sa`d bin Abi Waqqaas (Radhiyallaho anho) as a substitute for Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) to command the expedition.

Both the groups agreed, and it was decided that Hadh-rat Sa`d (Radhiyallaho anho) should lead the expedition and Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) should stay behind in Madinah. Hadhrat Sa`d (Radhiyallaho anho) was very brave and considered to be one of the heroes of Arabia. Iraq was a part of the Persian Empire and Yazdjard was the Emperor at that time. He sent for one of his best generals named Rustam and charged him with the task of checking the Muslim advance. Rustarn tried to avoid going to the front, because of the fear of the Muslims, and requested the Emperor again and again to keep him hack, saying:

"I shall make arrangements for the despatch of re-inforcements and shall be of use to your Majesty at the time of counsel."

But the Emperor did not agree, and he had to go to the battlefield.

When Fladhrat Sa'd (Radhiyallaho anho) was ah Jut to leave Madinah, Fladhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) gave him the following instructions:

"O, Sa`d! Let this fact not beguile you that you are one of the trusted companions of the Prophet (Sallallaho wasallam) and that people call you his uncle. Allah does not repel evil with evil, but He repels evil with good. Allah has no relation with His creation. All men, high and low, are equal before Him, for all are His creation and He is their sole Lord. One can win His favours only through devotion to His service. Remember that the Sunnat of the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is the only correct way of doing things. You are going on a very heavy task. This you can discharge only by following the truth. Inculcate good habits in yourself and your companions. Choose fear of Allah as your chief asset, for this will lead you to His obedience and prevent you from His disobedience. Obedience to Allah's command is the lot of those alone who hate this world and love the Hereafter."

Sa`d (Radhiyallaho anho) faced the heavy odds with full confidence in Allah. When both the armies were ready to fight, he sent an epistle to Rustam, which read:

"Rustam! there are people with me to whom death (in the path of Allah) is more attractive than is wine to the people in your army."

Ask the people who are addicted to liquor, how much they love to taste it. The Sahabah loved to meet death in the Path of Allah even more. This was the chief cause of their success.

Hadhrat Mus'ab bin `Umair (Radhiyallaho anho) gets martyred

Hadhrat Mus'ab bin...Umair (Radhiyallaho anho) had been brought up with great love and affection by his well-to-do parents. Before embracing Islam, he lived in luxury and comfort. It is said that he was the most well-dressed youth of Mecca. In fact his parents would buy a dress worth two hundred dirhams for him. He embraced Islam in its early days, without the knowledge of his parents. When, however, they came to know of it, they tied him with a rope and compelled him to stay at home. He got an opportunity to escape and immigrated to Abyssinia. On return from Abyssinia, he emigrated again to Madinah. So a person like him, brought up in luxury and comfort, was now living a life of abstinence and austerity. Once the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was sitting when Mus'ab (Radhiyallaho anho) passed in front of him. He had only one sheet of cloth to clothe his body, and this bore a number of patches, including one of leather. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) with tears in his eyes mentioned Mus'ab's life of luxury before Islam. In the battle of Uhud, Musab (Radhiyallaho anho) held the flag of Islam. When the Muslims on meeting defeat were dispersing in confusion, he held the flag and stood at his post like a rock. An enemy came and cut his hand with a sword, so that the flag might fall and the defeat might be accomplished. He at once took the flag in the other hand. The enemy then cut the other hand also. He held the flag to his bosom with the help of his bleeding arms. The enemy at last pierced his body with an arrow. He fell dead and, with him fell the flag that he had not allowed to fall while he was alive. Another Muslim ran and took over the flag. At the time of his burial, he had only one sheet to cover his body. This sheet was too short for his size. When it was drawn to cover the head, the feet would be exposed, and when it was drawn to cover the feet. the head would become uncovered. The Prophet (Salallaho alaihe wasallam) said:

"Cover his head with the sheet, and his feet with 'Azk-har'leaves."

Such was the end of the youth who was brought up in luxury and comfort. The person who used to wear a dress worth two hundred dirhams does not have sufficient cloth to cover his dead body. Look! With what valour he tried to keep the flag up, and did not allow it to fall till he was dead. This is the miracle of Imaan. Once Imaan gets into a person, it makes him forget everything else, whether wealth, luxury or life itself.

Hadhrat `Amr bin Jamooh's (Radhiyallaho anho) desire for martyrdom

`Amr bin Jamooh (Radhiyallaho anho) was lame. He had four sons. who often remained in the company of the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and took part in the campaigns. In Uhud, Amr (Radhiyallaho anho) desired very much to join the battle. People said to him:

"You are excusable, as you are lame. You need not go to the battle."

He replied:    "How sad! that my sons go to Paradise, and I stay behind."

His wife also wanted him to fight and get martyred, so that she might have the honour of being the widow of a martyr. To exhort him, she said to him:

"I do not believe that people have stopped you from going. It seems that you are yourself afraid to go to the battlefield."

Hearing this, Hadhrat 'Amr (Radhiyallaho anho) equipped himself with arms and, facing Qiblah, prayed to Allah:

“O, Allah! Let me not come back to my family again."

He then went to the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and said:

"I had always wished for martyrdom, but my people have always been stopping me from going into the battle. O. Prophet of Allah! I cannot resist my desire any more. Do permit me to join the battle. I hope to walk in Paradise with my lame foot."

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said to him:

"You have an excuse. There is no harm if you stay behind."

But he still insisted, and at last the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) permitted him to fight. Hadhrat Abu Talha (Radhiyallaho anho) says:

"I saw 'Amr (Radhiyallaho anho) fighting. He walked proudly and said, 'By Allah! I am fond of Paradise'. One of his sons was following him at his heels. The father and the son fought till both of them were killed."

His wife on hearing of the death of her husband and son came with a camel to fetch their bodies. It is said that when the bodies were loaded on the camel, it refused to stand up. When it was made to stand up after great beating, it would not go to Madinah and would turn towards Uhud, again and again. When the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was informed of this, he said:

"The camel is charged to do that. Did 'Amr (Radhiyal-laho anho) say anything at the time of leaving his home?"

His wife informed the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) that he had prayed to Allah, facing Qiblah:

"O, Allah! Let me not come back to my family again."

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said:

"This is why the camel is refusing to go toward his home."

Look at Hadhrat 'Amr's (Radhiyallaho anho) desire to die in the path of Allah. It was their love and devotion for Allah and His Prophet that led the Sahabah to the height of such attainment. Even after death, `Amr (Radhiyallaho anho) wants to remain in the battle-field, and the camel re-fused to take his body back to Madinah.