2-19-2013

Episode 36: The Prophet Recruits Talented Young People

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). This session talks about the early Muslim community. Of note, many of the young converts were from the younger generation.

 

Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam

He was the paternal cousin of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)through his aunt Saffiya. His son was Abdullah ibn Zubair.

 

Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf

His mother was present at the time of the birth of the Prophet(sallallahu alayhi wasallam), as she was a good friend of his mother Amina bint Wahb.

He was a leader of his people, having the metaphorical ‘Midas touch’ as a successful businessman. There is a famous story of him migrating to Madina with nothing, where he was paired with an Ansari brother: he was offered a share in the Ansari’s money and business, but Abd al-Rahman respectfully declined and asked for the marketplace. He started buying and selling and returned with much profit.

Also, known for his piety, Abd al-Rahman was from the ten guaranteed Paradise in a single gathering by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). However, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that he would lag behind because he would be busy giving accountability for the wealth he possessed. On hearing this, he cried and gave away everything in sadaqah.

When Umar ibn al-Khattab passed away, he appointed a council of 6 sahabah to oversee the appointment of the next Khalifah. He instructed that in a draw, the tie-breaker was to ask Abd al- Rahman ibn Awf.

 

Sa’d ibn Abi-Waqqas

He was from the first dozen to accept Islam and very close to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Sa’d was also a cousin of the mother of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Sa’d was very close to his own mother, but she was devastated by his accepting Islam. She vowed to not eat or drink until he renounced the religion. This continued for 4 days, with Sa’d standing by her encouraging to have something to eat or drink, but reluctant to leave the religion. Obedience to parents supersedes Sunnah acts, but he was not allowed to renounce the religion for her sake. His mother finally desisted and took food and drink.

 

At the time f Hajjatul-Wida, Sa’d also went, but became sick, on the verge of death. He asked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as he had one daughter, could he give away 2/3 of his wealth as sadaqah? The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said no. Half? No. One-third? The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said yes to this, but advised it would be better to leave family members well-off and self-sufficient.

 

In the Battle of Uhud, when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was under attack, Sa’d stood in front of him and launched arrows to protect him. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commented, ‘Keep shooting, ya Sa’d, may my mother and father be sacrificed for you.’ The latter part of the statement would usually be said to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) by the companions.

 

Talhah ibn Ubaidullah

A cousin of Abu Bakr, he was an early convert to Islam. He was promised Paradise by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He was married to the sister of Zaynab bint Jahsh, called Halah bint Jahsh. In the Battle of Uhud, he showed bravery by defending the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) remarked that whoever wanted to see a living Shaheed should look at Talhah.

 

Abu Ubaydah Amir ibn al-Jarrah