Our sahaba RA

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Sa’eed bin Jubayr narrates: Ibn Abbas ra died while in At-Ta’if. I witnessed his funeral and then a bird came that I had never seen before.

The bird entered the burial site and we looked and waited to see if it would come out, but we didn’t see it come out of the hole. When Ibn Abbas ra was laid in the ground, we heard this verse being recited at the edge of his grave but we didn’t know who recited it:

يا أيتها النفس المطمئنة ارجعي إلى ربك راضية مرضية فادخلي في عبادي وادخلي جنتي

O satisfied soul, return to your Lord content and with pleasure. Enter among My servants. Enter among My garden.

(al-Mustadrak alaa al-Saheehayn #6312)

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Umm Aban bint Utbah ra rejected proposal from not just one man, but from three men from among Ashrah Mubasharah

Her insight into the men and their personalities is discerning.

She journeyed to Syria and witnessed its opening to Islam with her brother Abu Hashim and her husband Aban ibn Sa’id. She was widowed on the day of the Battle of Ajnadayn. It is said that they were together no more than two nights before she was widowed. Another version says her husband who was killed was Yazid ibn Abu Sufyan.

When she was widowed, ‘Umar ra proposed to her and she rejected him. She was asked “Why?” She said, “When he enters, he enters sternly and when he leaves, he leaves sternly. He is preoccupied by his Hereafter from his worldly affairs, as if he were staring his Lord in the eye.” Another version has it, “He enters frowning and he leaves frowning. His doors are closed and his giving is little.”

Then Zubayr ibn al-Awwam ra proposed to her and she rejected him. She was asked, “Why?” She said, “A wife gets nothing from him but chores and work to secure his needs. And he says, ‘I did this’ and, ‘I did that’, and ‘I am this’, and ‘I am that’.”

Then ‘Ali ra proposed to her and she rejected him. She was asked, “Why?” And she said, “Women have no luck when they are with him … ”

Then Talhah ra proposed to her and she said, “Marry me, truly.” People said, “How is this?” She said, “I truly know his moral character. When he enters, he enters laughing and when he leaves he leaves smiling. When he is asked, he gives. When I withdraw, he inquires; when I work, he thanks; and when I do wrong, he forgives.”

‘Ali ra was visiting them in their home and he said (to her husband), “Abu Muhammad, may I speak to Umm Aban?” He said, “Speak to her.” ‘Ali said, “As-salamu alayki, oh woman who is dear to herself.” She said, “Alayk as-salam.” He said, “The Leader of the Believers, Chief of the Muslims, proposed to you and you rejected him.”

“That is so.”
“And I proposed to you and I am from the Prophetn s.a.w and you rejected me.”
“That is so.”

In another version, ‘Ali added, “You refused all those whom you refused, and married this son of the daughter of Al-Hadrami.” She said “Decree and destiny.” ‘Ali ra replied, “You know, you married the one of us who was most beautiful of face, the one with the best hand, and the one with the most goodness toward his family.”‪
(abridged from A’lam an-Nisa by ‘Umar Kahhala, vol. 1, p. 21

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The Shiah claim that Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) hated Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) due to them usurping the Khilaafah from him. This claim is false and baseless as it is authentically proven that Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) loved Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) and regarded them most worthy for the Khilaafah. In fact, it is reported that Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was not pleased with any person becoming the Khalifah after the demise of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) besides Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

عن الحسن البصري عن علي بن أبي طالب قال قدم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أبا بكر فصلى بالناس وإني لشاهد غير غائب وإني لصحيح غير مريض ولو شاء أن يقدمني لقدمني فرضينا لدنيانا من رضيه الله ورسوله لديننا

أسد الغابة 3/328

Hazrat Hasan Basri (rahimahullah) reports that Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) appointed Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to lead the people in salaah (during his final illness). At that time, I was present, not absent, and I was healthy and well, not sick. If Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had wished to appoint me to lead the people in salaah, he could have done so (but he did not appoint me and appointed Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)). We are thus happy for that person to lead us in our dunya (in becoming our Khalifah) whom Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) were happy with to lead us in our deen (by leading us in salaah).”

Similarly, it is reported that Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) did not regard anyone more worthy and entitled for the post of khilaafat after the demise of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) than Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

عن سيار أبي الحكم أن أبا بكر لما ثقل أطلع رأسه إلى الناس من كوة فقال يا أيها الناس إني قد عهدت عهدا أفترضون به فقام الناس فقالوا قد رضينا فقام علي فقال لا نرضى إلا أن يكون عمر بن الخطاب فكان عمر

مصنف ابن أبي شيبة 17/71

When Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had fallen ill and was nearing his end, he addressed the people from his window saying, “I am about to appoint a khalifah (who will take charge of your affairs after my demise). Will you be pleased with the person whom I appoint as khalifah over you?” The people responded, “We will be pleased with whomsoever you appoint as khalifah over us.” Thereafter, Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) stood up and said, “We will not be pleased with anyone besides Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).” ​Thereafter, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was appointed as khalifah.

From the above narrations, it becomes abundantly clear that Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) loved Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and regarded them to be most worthy for the Khilaafah in their respective eras.

[MazharShafiq]

The best people are those living in my generation, and then those who will follow them, and then those who will follow the latter…”-Sahih Bukhāri

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[azc]

Rabi Ibn Amer رضي الله ﺗﻌﺎﻟﯽٰ عنه explains the mission of Islam to the Persian King, Rustum:

At the head of the Persian army Rustam marched against Qadisiyya and encamped on the east bank of the Ateeq. The Muslim forces lay entrenched at Qadisiyya on the west bank of the Ateeq.

Rustam the Commander-in-Chief of the Persian forces sent a message to the Muslim Commander Saad bin Abi Waqqaas رضي الله ﺗﻌﺎﻟﯽٰ عنه asking him to send an emissary for talks. Saad deputed Rabi bin Amir as the envoy.

Rabi crossed the bridge and made for the camp of Rustam. Rabi appeared before Rustam wearing a coat of shining mail over which was wrapped a coarse woollen cloak. Around his head was a veil held by thongs of a camel's girth. His sword hung at his side in a sheath of coarse cloth. In his right hand he carried his spear. Rabi mounted on a shaggy horse arrived at the edge of the carpet at which Rustam and his couriers were seated.

The Persians wanted Rabi to lay aside his arms. Rabi said, "I have not come to you to lay down my weapons. You invited me, and I have come, if you do not wish me to come the way I like, I shall return."

Rustam asked his men to let the Muslim come the way he wished.
When Rustum, the king of persia asked the Muslims, why had they come to Persia?

Rabiah Ibn 'Amir said “Allah Azza wa jal has sent us to deliver you from worshiping the creation to worshiping the Creator of the creation and to deliver you from the constriction of this world to the vastness of this world and the hereafter and from the oppression of the religions to the justice of Islam. Allah Azza wa jal has sent us to save you from worshiping each other.”

Rabi said that their mission was to spread Islam. He said, "If you accept Islam we are brothers and there is peace between us; if you refuse we fight you and leave things to God."
"What do you expect in return", asked Rustam.
Rabi said, "Victory if we survive, and Paradise if we die fighting in the way of Allah".
Rustam said that he should be allowed some time to think over the matter further.
Rabi said that according to a tradition of the Holy Prophet he could give him a time of three days.
"Are you their chief", asked Rustam.
Rabi said, "No, but the Muslims are like one body, and the lowest is equal to the highest."

(Hadrat Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman, Ali (ra) 4 Vol. Set byProfessor Masud-ul-Hasan,Islamic Publications, Lahore, Pakistan)

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Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says:

Three nights before embracing Islam, I had a dream in which I saw that I was engulfed in extreme darkness. On account of the darkness, I was unable to see anything. Suddenly, a moon appeared and I began to follow it. I then saw that Hazrat Zaid bin Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had preceded me in reaching this light.

On awakening, since I had learnt of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) claiming nubuwwah (prophethood), I went to him and enquired, “What are you actually inviting towards?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “I invite you towards the oneness of Allah Ta‘ala and I invite you to attest that I am the messenger of Allah Ta‘ala.” I immediately accepted Islam saying, “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship besides Allah Ta‘ala and that Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is Allah’s messenger.”

(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/162-163)

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Hazrat Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates:

Once, I travelled to Busraa for the purpose of trade. One day, I was in the market place of Busraa when I heard a monk calling out from his monastery, “Find out if there is anyone among these traders who is a resident of the Haram of Makkah Mukarramah.” I responded, “I am a resident of the Haram of Makkah Mukarramah.”

The monk asked, “Has Ahmed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) appeared yet?” I asked the monk for further clarification saying, “Who?” The monk replied, “The son of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdil Muttalib. This is the month in which he will appear. He will appear in the Haram of Makah Mukarramah and migrate to a rocky land (a mountainous area) that has abundant date palms. He is the last of the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) and the final Nabi. Do not delay in following him.”

The conversation with the monk had a profound effect on my heart. I immediately returned to Makkah Mukarramah and asked the people whether anything new had transpired in my absence. They replied, “Yes, Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the trustworthy, has claimed prophethood, and the son of Abu Quhaafah (Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)) has joined him.”

Without delay, I went to Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) who took me to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). On arriving in the blessed presence of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), I embraced Islam and also gave him a detailed account of what had transpired between the monk and myself at Busraa.

(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/162)

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One of the greatest privileges and favours which ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) enjoyed from Allah Ta‘ala was that he was raised in the care of none other than Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). The circumstances which led to him entering the care of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) are as follows:

Before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was blessed with prophethood, there was a period during which the Quraish and the other people of Makkah Mukarramah suffered a severe drought. In this difficult period, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) noticed that his uncle, Abu Taalib, had many dependents, and due to the drought, it was difficult for him to provide for them all. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) thus went to his other uncle, ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), who was very wealthy, and said, “O ‘Abbaas, my uncle! Your brother, Abu Taalib, has many dependents, and as you can see, people have been afflicted by the drought. Let us approach him and offer to lessen his burden by each of us taking one of his dependents into our care.”

‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) agreed and they proceeded to Abu Taalib. When they came to him, they said, “We wish to lighten your burden of providing for your dependents until the drought subsides.” Abu Taalib replied, “Leave ‘Aqeel with me. You may then take any of my other children into your care.”

As a result, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) took ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) into his care, while ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) took Ja’far (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) into his care. ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was thus blessed to remain in the care of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) until Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was blessed with prophethood. ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then accepted Islam when he was only ten years of age.

(Seerah Ibnu Hishaam vol. 1, pg. 246)

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During the time of Amirul Muminin; Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu’anhu) a fire/volcano erupted in Madinah Munawwarah.

Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu’anhu) told Sayyiduna Tamim (radiyallahu’anhu)

Go and stop it.

Sayyiduna Tamim Dari (radiyallahu’anhu) went towards it and merely indicated like one who is pushing something with his upper robe in his bare hands and the fire returned to its place or the lava returned into the volcano.

(Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Abu Dawud, Hadith: 395, Dalailun Nubuwwah of Bayhaqi, vol.6 pg.80, Dalailun Nubuwwah of Abu Nu’aym, Hadith: 533-534. Also see Al-Isabah, number: 837 & 8434)

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Sayyiduna Haarithah bin Nu’maan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was an eminent Ansaari Sahaabi of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) who had fought in the Battle of Badr. From all the virtues of this Sahaabi, it was the love, respect and selflessness with which he served his mother, Ja’dah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), that stood out the most.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once mentioned to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), “I entered Jannah (in a dream) and heard the sound of someone reciting the Quraan Majeed. I asked, ‘Who is this (reciting the Quraan Majeed)?’ They (the angels) replied, ‘Haarithah bin Nu’maan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).’” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then remarked to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), “That rank is acquired through obedience and service to parents! That rank is acquired through obedience and service to parents!”

The extent to which Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) went to see to his mother’s comfort can gauged by the fact that he would feed his mother by placing the food in her mouth with his own hand. Furthermore, if his mother gave him an instruction, but he failed to hear what she had said, then he would not inconvenience her by asking her to repeat what she had said. Rather, he would later on turn to those who had heard her instruction and ask them what she had said.

It was this quality, of serving his mother with complete love, respect and consideration, that earned this Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) the rank where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) himself heard him reciting the Quraan in Jannah.

(Usdul Ghaabah vol. 1, pg. 407, Majma‘uz Zawaaid #15713, At Tabsirah libnil Jowzi vol. 1, pg. 191)

[MazharShafiq]

In one Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has said:
Allah Ta’aala has chosen me (as His final messenger) and chose for my companionship-my Sahaabah.

Hadhrat Abdullah ibnu Mas’ood (Radiyallahu Anhu) states:

Allah Ta’aala assessed the hearts of all mankind and found the heart of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) to best and selected him for prophethood. Thereafter Allah Ta’aala assessed the hearts of the creation after assessing the heart of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and found that the hearts of the-Sahabah-to be the best of the hearts of the creation.(Musnad Ahmad Vol.6 Pg. 379, #3600)
======================

If one has to study the history of Islam then one will undoubtedly reach this conclusion that it was the nation of Sahaabah that Allah Ta’aala had divinely selected to establish the Deen of Islam in the world. The pillars and the structures of Islam all rest upon the efforts of the Sahaabah. When it came to the preservation of the Quran it was none other than the Sahaabah that were selected for this noble task. When it came to the preservation of the Ahaadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and passing it on to the Taabi’een then again it was the illustrious Sahaabah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) (May Allah Ta’aala be pleased with them). They were responsible for spreading the word, action and spirit of the entire deen of Islam to the Ummah. Hence one can safely say that the Sahaabah are the foundation and basis of this entire Deen of Islam. Minus the Sahaabah, the authenticity and reliability of the Quran and Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) will be lost. Hence we understand that the Sahaabah played the greatest and most pivotal role in securing and preserving Deen.

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Hadhrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that a man came to Rasulullaah :saws: saying, "O Rasulullaah :saws: ! I am a man with a black skin, an ugly face and without any wealth. Will I enter Jannah if I fight those people (the Kuffaar army)?" "Certainly" replied Rasulullaah :saws: . The man then advanced and fought until he was martyred. When Rasulullaah :saws: came by his corpse, Rasulullaah :saws: said, "Allaah :swt1: has beautified your face, made you fragrant and increased your wealth." (Addressing the Sahabah رضي الله عنهم) Rasulullaah :saws: then said, "I have seen his two wives from the wide-eyed damsels of Jannah pulling at his coat, disputing with each other about who will enter between his skin and his coat."

(Hayatus Sahabah Vol-1)

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Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri رضي الله عنه narrates that Rasulullaah :saws: said, "Whenever a Mu'min is hurt on his body, Allaah :swt1: uses it as a means to annul some of his sins." Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b رضي الله عنه then prayed, "O Allaah! I beseech You to allow a fever to inflict the body of Ubay bin Ka'b :ra: until the day he meets you (until I die). However, it should not prevent him from salaah, fasting, Hajj, Umrah or Jihaad in Your path." A fever then overcame him where he stood and did not leave him until he passed away. Even while suffering the fever, he was always present for salaah, observed his fasts, performed Hajj and Umrah and participated in military expeditions.

Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri رضي الله عنه narrates that a person came to Rasulullaah :saws: and asked, "Tell me what we receive in exchange for these illnesses that keep afflicting us?" Rasulullaah :saws: replied, "They annul sins." He Ubay رضي الله عنه asked, "Even if it is something mild?" Rasulullaah :saws: said, "Even if it be a prick of a thorn or something milder." It was then that Hadhrat Ubay رضي الله عنه prayed to Allaah :swt1: that fever should never leave him until his death but should not prevent him from Hajj, Umrah, Jihaad in the path of Allaah :swt1: or salaah in congregation. Whenever someone touched him, the heat of the fever could be felt. This continued until the day he passed away.

(Hayatus Sahabah Vol-1)

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Hadhrat Ibn Seereen reports that Hadhrat Abu Mihjin Thaqafi رضي الله عنه was always being lashed for drinking wine. Eventually, when his drinking became too much, he was jailed and kept in fetters. When he saw the Muslims fighting the Battle of Qaadisiyyah, it appeared to him that the Mushrikeen were causing great harm to the Muslims. He therefore sent a message through the slave girl to the wife of (the Muslim commander) Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas رضي الله عنه saying, "Abu Mihjin says that if you set him free, give him a horse and weapons, he will be the first to return to you (after the battle) if he is not martyred."

He then recited the following couplets (which meant):

"It is enough to make me grieve that a horse is carrying spears to the fight
While I am left in fetters in the jailhouse
When I stand up, my shackles restrain me
All avenues to martyrdom have been closed to me as the caller (to Jihaad) makes me deaf"

When the slave girl passed the message on to Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه's wife, she had his shackles removed, gave him a horse that was at home and some weapons. He then spurred the horse on until he reached the Muslim army. He killed every Mushrik soldier he met, breaking the man's back. When he saw this, Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه was astonished and asked, 'Who is that horseman?" It was not long thereafter that Allaah had the enemy defeated. Hadhrat Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه then returned, gave the weapons back and secured his legs to the shackles as they had been.

When Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه returned, his wife or slave girl asked, "How was the battle?" Informing them of the battle, Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه replied, "We were being defeated until Allaah sent a rider on a black and white horse. Had I not left Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه here in shackles, I would have thought that certain features of the man were that of Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه." The lady then said, "By Allaah! That was Abu Mihjin!" She then narrated the story to Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه. Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه called for Hadhrat Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه, removed his shackles and said, "I swear by Allaah that I shall never again have you lashed for drinking wine." Hadhrat Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه then said, "And I swear by Allaah that I shall never drink it again. I had been repeatedly drinking because of the lashings that you were giving me." He then never drank wine ever again.

Another lengthy narration from Muhammad bin Sa'd states that after joining the Muslim army, every flank that Hadhrat Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه attacked was defeated by the permission of Allaah. The Muslims gaped, "He must be an angel!" As Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه watched, he observed, "The horse's leap is that of (my horse) Balqaa and the man's style is that of Abu Mihjin. However, Abu Mihjin is in prison." When the enemy was defeated, Hadhrat Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه returned secured his feet back in the shackles.

When the daughter of Hasfah informed Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه about what had happened with Hadhrat Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه, Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه said, "I swear by Allaah that I shall never again penalise the person through whom Allaah has granted honour to the Muslims." When Hadhrat Sa'd رضي الله عنه had set him free, Hadhrat Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه said, "I always continued drinking when I was being punished because I would then be cleansed from the sin. Now that you have decided not to punish me, I swear by Allaah that I shall never drink wine ever again."

In a narration of Hadhrat Sayf, other couplets are reported. The narration also states that Hadhrat Abu Mihjin رضي الله عنه fought extremely well and that he shouted "Allaahu Akbar" each time he attacked. No enemy soldier could stand before him as he massacred them. Although the Muslims were unable to recognise him, they marveled at his performance.

(Hayatus Sahabah Vol-1)

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Hadhrat ummu Salama :ra: reports that two men from the Ansaar brought to Rasulullaah :saws: their dispute concerning some inheritance for which they could produce no evidence nor any witnesses. Rasulullaah :saws: said to them, "You are bringing your dispute to me when I can pass judgement only by my estimation in matters concerning which no revelation has come to me. Therefore, if I decide in the favour of someone because of his stronger case, thereby severing any right of his brother, he should not accept it. In that case, I would be apportioning for him a part of Jahannam. On the Day of Qiyaamah he will come with it as a yoke around his neck."

The two men started weeping and each one of them said, "O Rasulullaah :saws: ! hand over my right to him." Rasulullaah :saws: said, "Since you want it that way, go and ponder about the right, divide it between yourselves and draw lots (to decide who should have which share). Each one of you should then permit his share for the other (so that none stands responsible for taking the right of the other)."

(Hayatus Sahabah Vol-2)

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Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed رضي الله عنه reports that a Bedouin once came to Rasulullaah :saws: to demand payment of a debt Rasulullaah :saws: owed to him. He behaved very harshly with Rasulullaah :saws: saying, "I shall continue plaguing you until you pay the debt!" The companions of Rasulullaah :saws: admonished the man saying, "Shame on you! Do you know with whom you are talking?!" The man said, "I am only asking for my right." Rasulullaah :saws: said to them, "Why are you not defending the one who has a right?"

Rasulullaah :saws: then sent for Hadhrat Khowla bint Qais :ra: and asked her, "Borrow me some dates if you have any and I shall pay you back when I receive some dates." She said, "Most certainly! May my parents be sacrificed for you, O Rasulullaah :saws: !" She then borrowed the dates to Rasulullaah :saws: , with which he paid the Bedouin off together with something extra. The man then said, ''You have given me full payment, may Allaah :swt1: give you in full." Rasulullaah :saws: then said, "They are the best of people (who support those with a right). There is no good in a nation whose weak people cannot claim their right without hesitation."

The Narration of Hadhrat Khowla bint Qais :ra: in this Regard
Hadhrat Khowla bint Qais who was the wife of Hadhrat Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib رضي الله عنه narrates, "Rasulullaah :saws: owed a wasaq of dates to a man from the Banu Saa'idah tribe. When the man came to claim repayment, Rasulullaah :saws: instructed someone from the Ansaar to pay it. When the Ansaari paid the man in dates which were of an inferior quality, he refused to accept it. The Ansaari said, "Are you refusing Rasulullaah :saws: ?" The man said, "Yes. Who is more worthy of exercising justice than Rasulullaah :saws: ?" Rasulullaah 's :saws: eyes welled with tears as he said, "He is right. Who is more worthy of exercising justice than me? May Allaah not bless a nation whose weak ones cannot claim their rights from their powerful ones and cannot demand them either." Rasulullaah :saws: then said, "O Khowla! Count and settle his debt because when a creditor is satisfied when he leaves his debtor, all creatures on earth and fish in the oceans pray for him (the debtor). However, when a debtor delays in paying when he has the means to pay, Allaah :swt1: records a sin in his records for every day and night that passes (without him paying)."

(Hayatus Sahabah Vol-2)

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Once Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was seated with the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) when he said: “A man from the people of Jannah will appear before you now.” Just then a man from the Ansaar came with his beard dripping of his left-over wudhu water. The same happen for three days consecutively.

When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) left, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) followed this Ansaari man and said to him: “I had an argument with my father and vowed not to go home for three days. Will you allow me to spend these three days at your place?” The man agreed to this. ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu‘anhu) says that he spent those three nights with him (trying to ascertain what act of worship earned him this
glad tiding) but he did not find him carrying out any extra acts of worship apart from the fact that he only heard him speaking good. After the three nights passed, ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said to him: “O servant of Allah! I did not have any problem with my father. Rather the only reason for me spending these nights with you was to discover your special act of worship which has earned you the glad tiding I heard from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However, I haven’t seen you do any extra actions. Now please tell me what has taken you to such a position?” The man replied: “I don’t do anything other than what you have seen.” When ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) left, he called him back and said: “The only thing extra is that I do not harbour any ill-feelings in my heart for any believer and I am not jealous of anyone for the good that Allah Ta‘ala blesses him with.” ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “This is the reason for you reaching this position and this is the thing that we are unable to do.”

(Musnad Ahmad #12697)

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After the Battle of Badr was fought, Hazrat ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was among those taken prisoner by the Muslims. He was captured by an Ansaari Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) during the battle. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had consulted the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) as to whether they should be released on ransom or be killed. A few Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were of the opinion that they should be killed while the majority of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) felt that they should be released in exchange of some ransom. Eventually, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) decided that they should be released in exchange of ransom.

Prior to this decision, the Ansaar intended to execute Hazrat Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) among the other prisoners. The news of their intention reached Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and it affected him to the point where he expressed, “I was unable to sleep last night due to worrying about my uncle, ‘Abbaas.” When Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) heard this, he asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “Should I go to the Ansaar and speak to them to hand ‘Abbaas over to me?”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) granted permission to Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), and he thus approached the Ansaar (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and requested them to release Hazrat ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Initially, they did not know that the request was on behalf of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and so refused to release him. When they refused, Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked them, “If releasing him will be a means of you acquiring the pleasure of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), will you then do so?” They immediately responded, “If it will please Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), then we will wholeheartedly release him and you may take him immediately!”

Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then told them that he was sent by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was unable to sleep the night on account of seeing his uncle in difficulty and distress. Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then took Hazrat ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) from the Ansaar, and as he proceeded with him, he pleaded with him saying, “O ‘Abbaas! Please accept Islam! If you accept Islam, your accepting Islam will be more beloved to me than even my own father, Khattaab, accepting Islam. The reason for your accepting Islam pleasing me more than my own father, Khattaab, accepting Islam, is that this will greatly please Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).” Shortly thereafter, Hazrat ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) accepted Islam.

(Al-Bidaayah-wan-Nihaayah 3/319)

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At some point in his life, Sayyiduna Haarithah bin Nu’maan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) lost his sight. After losing his sight, he placed a basket filled with dates and other similar items near his musalla, and also had a string tied between his musalla and the door of his home.

When any beggar would knock on the door of Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), he would take some dates from the basket and then use the string to find his way to the door of his home where the beggar awaited him. In this manner, he would ensure that he personally gave the beggar something from his own hand.

When his family would see him undertaking so much of difficulty to give the sadaqah to the beggar, they would pity him and say, “We will give the charity to the beggar on your behalf!” However, he would insist on personally giving the sadaqah to the beggar and would say, “I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mention, ‘Giving something to a beggar with your own hand (is an action that) saves from an evil death’.”

(Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #4683)

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‘Isa bin ‘Umailah (rahimahullah) narrates from a person who had seen Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) that whenever Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would milk his goats, he would first give his neighbors and guests the milk to drink and would only himself drink thereafter.

(Siyar A‘laam min Nubalaa’ 3/399)

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Imaam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) narrates:

When Hazrat Yazid bin Abi Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was governor over Shaam, the people engaged in Jihaad and acquired booty and were victorious. Among the spoils of war was a beautiful slave girl who fell into the share of one of the Muslims. Shortly after, Hazrat Yazid bin Abi Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the commander of the army, had taken this slave girl for himself from the soldier in whose share she had fallen. Hazrat Abu Zar Ghifaari (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was in Shaam at that time and this soldier went to him and sought his assistance in recovering his slave girl from Hazrat Yazid bin Abi Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thus went to Hazrat Yazid bin Abi Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) with the man and thrice instructed Hazrat Yazid bin Abi Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to return the slave girl to him. Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter said, “Alas! By Allah! If you take the slave girl from this soldier unjustly then know that I have heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, ‘The first person to change my blessed Sunnah will be a man from Banu Umayyah.’” Saying this, Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) turned and began to walk away. Hazrat Yazid bin Abi Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) quickly followed him and asked, “I beg you in the name of Allah! Tell me, do you think that I will be the person who is referred to in this hadith?” Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “No.” after which Hazrat Yazid bin Abi Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) returned the slave girl to the man.

After narrating the above incident, Imaam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) mentioned, “Hazrat Yazid bin Abi Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), was the leader of the armies of Shaam in the era of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) referred to a person from Banu Umayyah changing his blessed Sunnah, Hazrat Yazid bin Abi Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is not intended (as he was a Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and led an upright life conforming to the Sunnah). However, Imaam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) further explains that there was another person from the Banu Umayyah who shared the same name. He was Yazid bin Mu‘aawiyah, the son of Hazrat Mu‘aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and it seems that he was the one referred to in the Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Yazid, the son of Hazrat Mu‘aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), was responsible for the great damage which befell Islam during the rule of the Banu Umayyah.

(Dalaa’il-un-Nubuwwah 6/410)

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When the Shi‘ah speak of the relationship between Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), they paint a picture of enmity and claim that Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) hated Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). However, from the incident below, we will realize that these allegations are completely false as Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) actually had immense respect and love for Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

Hazrat ‘Urwah bin Zubair (rahimahullah) reports that on one occasion, a person began to revile and speak ill of Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) in the presence of Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). As soon as Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) heard what this person was saying, he rose in defense of Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thus gestured towards the blessed grave of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and addressed the person saying, “Do you know who the occupant of this grave is? It is Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the son of ‘Abdullah who is the son of ‘Abdul Muttalib, and Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is the son of Abu Taalib who is the son of ‘Abdul Muttalib. Hence, when Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is the cousin of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), you should not speak anything but good regarding him, for if you anger him then you will cause pain to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in his grave.”

(Fadhaa’il-us-Sahaabah lil-Imaam Ahmed #1089)
http://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=13156

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on the authority of the well‐known historian, Ibn Kathir that Rabee bin Aamir (RA) was once sent by Hazrat Saad (RA) as his envoy to the court of Rustam, the commander‐in‐chief of Iran.

Rustam received him in a grand durbar hall which was decorated with magnificent carpets. The Commander in‐Chief, wearing a crown and robes which sparkled with gems, sat on a throne. Rabee, in contrast, was very poorly attired. He was almost in rags and carried a shield that was too small for him. His horse, too, was of a common breed, on which he rode straight towards Rustam, the pony trampling the costly carpets under its hoofs. On getting closer to the throne, he dismounted, tied the reins of the horse to a bolster and started walk up to Rustam, still wearing his helmet and arms. The officers of the court remonstrated against it, saying that he should, at least, take off the helmet before going in the presence of the Commander‐in‐Chief. But Rabee retorted, “I have come not of my own accord but at your request. If you do not want me, I will go back”.

Rustam, thereupon, intervened and told his officers to let him come as he liked. Rabee proceeded, leaning upon his lance and piercing the carpets with it at each step.

People enquired about the object of his visit and he said,“we have been sent by Allah :swt1: to deliver whom He pleases from the over lordship of His slaves (i.e. men) to His own over lordship, and from the narrow confines of this world to the boundlessness of the next and from the oppression of other religions to the fairness and justice of Islam”

[Al-Bidaya Wan-Nihaya,Vol III, p.9]

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Hz al-Hasan ibn Ali, :ra: , gave all his money to the needy twice, seeking only the pleasure of Allah :swt1: , and then on three other occasions, he gave half his money to the needy.

He would even give a single shoe if someone needed it and would just retain the other, and he would give a single sandal (if someone’s sandal broke) and retain the other.

When he (Hz Al-Hasan) approached the door of the Masjid, he would say:

‘O Lord! Your guest is at Your gate. O Generous One! The transgressor has come to You. Forgive me my ugly deeds with Your Generosity. O Generous One!’

When he remembered death he wept.

When he thought of the grave he wept.

When he thought of the Resurrection and Day of Judgment he gasped so deeply and painfully that he fainted because of it.

When he recited the Qur’an and came across a verse addressing the faithful by these words:

‘O you who believe…,’ he said: ‘Here I am, my Lord, here I am…’

(Related by Imam Abu Nuaym Al-Asbahani in his Hilyatul Awliyah and Imam ibn Sa’d in his Tabaqat al-Kubra)

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Haarithah bin Nu’maan [radhiyallahu ‘anhu]

On the occasion when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) performed hijrah to Madeenah Munawwarah, he sent for his family in Makkah Mukarramah so that they could also perform hijrah and join him in Madeenah Munawwarah.

In due course, the family members of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), as well as Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Zaid bin Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), arrived from Makkah Mukarramah. On their arrival, it was Haarithah bin Nu’maan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) who had the privilege of hosting them in his home.

Further, many of the houses in the close vicinity of the musjid belonged to Haarithah bin Nu’maan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). This Sahaabi had a heart of such generosity that one-by-one, he gave all his houses to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to use as residences for his blessed family.

Similarly, when ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) were married, they were initially staying in a house that was at a slight distance from the homes of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) wanted Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) to live closer to him and thus advised them to look for a house that was nearer. Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) suggested to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that he ask Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) for his house. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) has moved from his house so many times for our sake that I feel shy to suggest to him that he move once again.”

As soon as Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) learnt of what had transpired, he moved out of his home and then presented himself before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and said, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I have learnt that you want Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) to move from where she is so that she can live closer to you. These are my houses, and from all the houses of the Banu Najjaar clan, they are the closest to you. I together with my wealth belong solely to Allah and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! By Allah! The wealth that you take from me is more beloved to me than the wealth that you leave for me!” Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) remarked, “You are true in what you say. May Allah Ta‘ala shower His blessings upon you.”

Accordingly, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) accepted the house from Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) moved into it.

(Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 1, pg. 237, vol. 3, pg. 488 and vol. 8, pg. 166)

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Hazrat Sa‘eed bin Abi Sa‘eed Al-Maqburi (rahimahullah) narrates the following incident:

On one occasion, we were present with Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) when Hazrat Hasan bin ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came to us and greeted us with salaam. When the group heard him make salaam, they replied, after which Hazrat Hasan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) departed. However, Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was engaged in some work at that time due to which he was unaware that Hazrat Hasan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had come and made salaam.

When someone brought it to his attention that Hazrat Hasan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had come to the gathering, made salaam and thereafter left, he felt remorseful that he was unaware of Hazrat Hasan’s (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) presence and did not reply to his salaam. He immediately left the gathering and went to look for Hazrat Hasan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) in order to reply to his salaam. When he found Hazrat Hasan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), he replied to his salaam saying, “Wa ‘alaika ya Sayyidi (and may salaam be upon you, O my leader).”

A person later on asked Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “Why did you address Hazrat Hasan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) with the title ‘Sayyidi’ (my leader)?” Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “The reason for me addressing him with this title is that I was once present with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) when I heard him referring to Hazrat Hasan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) saying that he is the Sayyid (leader) of this ummah.”

(Majma’uz Zawaa’id #15049 and Mustadrak Haakim #4792)

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Hazrat Haarithah bin Nu’maan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a wealthy Sahaabi of the Ansaar who lived in Madinah Munawwarah. Allah Ta‘ala had blessed him with such generosity and love for the Ahl-e-Bayt that his heart could be aptly described as a heart of gold. Whenever Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) married, Hazrat Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) gifted one of his houses to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for his wife to live in.

When Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) married Hazrat Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), they were initially residing at a slight distance from the house of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). It was the desire of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that his beloved daughter, Hazrat Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), live close to him.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once addressed Hazrat Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) saying, “O Faatimah! I desire to look for a house which is near my house so that you can relocate and live close to me.” Hazrat Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) replied, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Why do you not request Hazrat Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to give us one of his houses that are close to you?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “I feel shy to request Hazrat Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) for a house for you as he has gifted many of his houses to me at the time of my nikaah to my wives.”

As soon as Hazrat Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) learnt of what had transpired, he came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and said, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I have learnt that you desire for Hazrat Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) to live close to you. Therefore, I have come to present all my houses to you so that you may choose whichever house you wish for your daughter. O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I and my wealth belong entirely to Allah and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Therefore, you may choose whichever house you wish! O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! By Allah! The wealth that you take from me is more pleasing to me than the wealth that you leave!”

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was extremely pleased with this Sahaabi and accepted his gift. On that occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) bore testimony to the true love that Hazrat Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had in his heart for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Ahl-e-Bayt and said, “You are certainly true in your statement of love, and may Allah Ta‘ala shower His special blessings upon you.”

(Tabaqaat ibnu Sa’d vol. 3 pg. 372 and vol. 8 pg. 19)
http://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=13246

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speaking about the companions :ra: and successors

Hz Hasan Basari :rh: said:

''I met some people who would not rejoice at the splendor of life when it came to them, nor dedicate their attention to any part of it that went away from them. This life was as worthless in their eyes as dust. One of them lived for fifty or sixty years during which he only owned the clothes that he wore, did not have a barrier between his body and the floor when he slept, and did not ask his family to cook a dish of food for him. When night came, they would be standing and then laying their foreheads on the floor (in Sujud [prostration]), with tears running down their cheeks.They begged their Lord to free their necks (from the Fire). Whenever they performed a good deed, they appreciated Allah :swt: for it and sked Him in supplication to accept it. Whenever they committed an error, they felt sad and begged Allah :swt: to forgive it for them, may Allah’s :swt: mercy and pleasure be on them. By Allah! They were not saved from the repercussions and evil consequences of sins, except through Allah’s :swt: forgiveness.

(Al-Ihya, vol.4, p.239)

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‘Umaarah bin Hazm (rahimahullah) narrates the following incident from Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka’b (radhiyallahu ‘anhu):

On one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) sent me to collect the zakaat that was due on the people’s wealth. While collecting zakaat from the people, I passed by a Sahaabi who also needed to discharge his zakaat. Accordingly, this Sahaabi gathered all his camels and presented them to me so that I could calculate the zakaat due on the camels. After examining the camels, I determined that his zakaat on the camels amounted to a single one-year old she-camel.

I thus said to him, “You need to discharge a single one-year old she-camel as this is the zakaat due on your camels.” Hearing this, the man replied, “A one-year old she camel neither gives milk, nor can it be used as a conveyance (hence, there is very little benefit in it). Instead of a one-year old she camel, here is a young, strong, large and fat she camel. Take this camel.” I replied, “I cannot take that which I was not instructed to take. However, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is nearby. If you wish to go to him and present to him what you presented to me, you may do so. If Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) accepts your offer (to give a better camel in zakaat), I will take the camel from you, but if he does not accept your offer, I will not take the camel.”

The man replied, “I will do as you suggest.” He thus accompanied me to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), bringing with him the superior camel that he wished to give in zakaat. When we came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he addressed him saying, “O Nabi of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Your messenger came to me to collect the zakaat due on my wealth. By the oath of Allah! Neither Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) nor the messenger of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) have ever collected the zakaat due on my wealth before (i.e. this is the first time that I am fortunate enough to discharge zakaat on my animals). I thus gathered all my animals for your messenger who claimed that I only have to discharge a single one-year old she camel. However, such a camel neither provides milk nor can it be used as a conveyance. I presented him with a large, strong camel and asked him to take it, but he refused. Here is the camel, I have brought it to you, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Please accept it from me.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “It is only a single one-year old she camel that is compulsory upon you. However, if you wish to voluntarily give a better camel, Allah Ta‘ala will reward you for it and we will accept it from you.” The man said, “Here it is, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), so accept it from me!” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) thus accepted it from him, gave the instruction for the camel to be taken from him, and made special du‘aa for this Sahaabi to be blessed with barakah in his wealth.

Many years later, during the period of the rule of Mu‘aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), ‘Umaarah bin Hazm (rahimahullah) was sent to this very same Sahaabi to collect his zakaat. At this time, the zakaat due on the camels of this Sahaabi was 30 three-year old camels, as he now owned 1500 camels in total! (This was on account of the special du‘aa for barakah that Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam] had made for him.)

(Sunan Abi Dawood #1583 and Musnad Ahmad #21280)

[MazharShafiq]

Once Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was seated with the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) when he said: “A man from the people of Jannah will appear before you now.” Just then a man from the Ansaar came with his beard dripping of his left-over wudhu water. The same happen for three days consecutively.

When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) left, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) followed this Ansaari man and said to him: “I had an argument with my father and vowed not to go home for three days. Will you allow me to spend these three days at your place?” The man agreed to this. ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu‘anhu) says that he spent those three nights with him (trying to ascertain what act of worship earned him this

glad tiding) but he did not find him carrying out any extra acts of worship apart from the fact that he only heard him speaking good. After the three nights passed, ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said to him: “O servant of Allah! I did not have any problem with my father. Rather the only reason for me spending these nights with you was to discover your special act of worship which has earned you the glad tiding I heard from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However, I haven’t seen you do any extra actions. Now please tell me what has taken you to such a position?” The man replied: “I don’t do anything other than what you have seen.” When ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) left, he called him back and said: “The only thing extra is that I do not harbour any ill-feelings in my heart for any believer and I am not jealous of anyone for the good that Allah Ta‘ala blesses him with.” ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “This is the reason for you reaching this position and this is the thing that we are unable to do.”

(Musnad Ahmad #12697)

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The battle of Badr is the greatest battle in Islam. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) who participated in this battle are the most fortunate and are regarded among the greatest of Sahaabah.

Huzaifah bin Yamaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) had a burning desire to participate in this battle, but was unable to do so. Explaining the reason for this, he mentioned the following:

Prior to the battle of Badr, I left Makkah Mukarramah (to perform hijrah to Madeenah Munawwarah) with my father, Husail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). On the way, we were captured by the Quraish. They wished to kill us and addressed us saying, “You are going to join Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to fight against us!” (To save our lives,) we replied, “We are only going to Madeenah Munawwarah.”

Accordingly, the Quraish released us and allowed us to proceed, but made us promise, in the name of Allah Ta‘ala, that after going to Madeenah Munawwarah, we would not fight with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) against the Quraish.

When we met Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and recounted our incident to him, we informed him about the promise we had made to the Quraish. We then said to him, “If you wish, we will fight with you.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “We will uphold the promise made to them, and we will seek the assistance of Allah Ta‘ala against them.”

(Saheeh Muslim #4639 and Mustadrak Haakim #5621)

[azc]

During the Battle of Uhud, one of the painful tragedies suffered by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was the martyrdom of his beloved uncle, Sayyiduna Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). The person responsible for killing Sayyiduna Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was none other than Sayyiduna Wahshi bin Harb (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). At that time, he was not a Muslim, but Allah Ta‘ala later on blessed him to accept Islam and become a Sahaabi. The incident of his accepting Islam is as follows:

After Allah Ta‘ala blessed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) with the conquest of Makkah Mukarramah, the heart of Sayyiduna Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) became filled with fear. Being responsible for the death of Sayyiduna Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), he feared that the Muslims would seize him and kill him in retaliation, and hence he fled for his life. He would remain in hiding throughout the day and travel throughout the night in an effort to distance himself from the lands of the Muslims. Eventually, Sayyiduna Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reached the Himyar tribe and settled down in their area.

After some time, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) sent a messenger to Sayyiduna Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), inviting him to accept Islam. Sayyiduna Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “O Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! How can you invite me (towards Islam) whereas you claim (i.e. the Quraan Majeed mentions) the following regarding the one who commits murder, engages in shirk or indulges in zina:

يَلْقَ أَثَامًا ﴿٦٨﴾ يُضَـٰعَفْ لَهُ ٱلْعَذَابُ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ وَيَخْلُدْ فِيهِۦ مُهَانًا

He (who commits these sins) will meet a punishment. The punishment will be doubled for him on the Day of Qiyaamah and he will remain therein humiliated.
I have committed these sins, so do you find any chance for me (gaining forgiveness)?” On that occasion, the following verse of the Quraan Majeed was revealed:

إِلَّا مَن تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا فَأُولَـٰئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّـهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ وَكَانَ اللَّـهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

Unless he repents, brings imaan, and carries out righteous deeds, for Allah Ta‘ala will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah Ta‘ala is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

(On hearing this verse,) Sayyiduna Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) remarked, “O Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! This condition (of repenting, bringing imaan and remaining steadfast on righteous deeds without falling into sin) is difficult. Perhaps I will not manage to fulfil this condition completely?”

Allah Ta‘ala then revealed the following verse:

إِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ

Indeed, Allah Ta‘ala does not forgive that partners be ascribed to Him, but He forgives all other sins for whomsoever He wishes.
(Hearing this verse,) Sayyiduna Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded, “O Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I see that in this verse, Allah Ta‘ala mentions that He will forgive the sins of those whom He wishes. However, I don’t know whether Allah Ta‘ala will wish to forgive me or not. Is there anything else that you can tell me (that will give me hope in the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala)?”

Thereupon, Allah Ta‘ala revealed the following verse of the Quraan Majeed:

يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّـهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

“O My servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala. Allah Ta‘ala forgives all sins, for He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Sayyiduna Wahshi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) exclaimed, “Yes! This verse (has given me hope)!” Saying this, he accepted Islam.

The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) then enquired from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Does this (promise of forgiveness) apply to us as well?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “This applies to all the Muslims.”

(Tabraani - Majma‘uz Zawaaid #11363 and Ad-Durrul Manthoor vol. 5, pg. 620)