Excellence and Virtues of the Second caliph of Islam Sayyiduna Umar Ibn al-Khattab Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

All praise is for Allah who ennobled the ability of those who desire to be his servants. I testify that there is no deity except Allah, the King of the distressed and the happy, I testify that our master Muhammad is his beloved Messenger, who establishes the right path, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and the outstanding leaders.

The excellence and virtues of the second caliph of Islam, Sayyiduna Umar al-Farooq, may Allah be pleased with him, are more than can be counted. Here, I am mentioning the most famous ones. I only wish to bless myself by serving him by this remnant to benefit he who does not know much of his virtues by the ignorance before him. This small collection of Traditions will in sha Allah increase and elevate his rank in our hearts and minds and tell us of his exalted status in the court of Almighty Allah and His beloved Messenger SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam.

1. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) reports the Holy Prophet, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, as saying:

اللهم أعز الإسلام بأبى جهل بن هشام أو بعمر. قال فأصبح فغدا عمر على رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- فأسلم
"O Allah, strengthen Islam with Abu Jahl bin Hisham or Umar bin Khattab." In the morning Umar went to the Holy Prophet, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, and embraced Islam. [Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3683]

2. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) narrates when Sayyiduna Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu accepted Islam, Jibraeel Alaihis Salam descent and said:

يا محمد لقد استبشر أهل السماء بإسلام عمر
"O Muhammad – may Allah send greetings and salutations on him – indeed, the residents of the heavens are rejoicing in Umar`s embracing Islam." [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 103]

3. It is related that Sayyiduna 'Abdullah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said,

ما زلنا أعزة منذ أسلم عمر
"We have become mighty since 'Umar became Muslim." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3481]

4. Sayyiduna Uqbah bin Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Holy Prophet, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, said:

لو كان بعدى نبى لكان عمر بن الخطاب
If there were to be a prophet after me, indeed he would be Umar, son of Khattab. [Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3686]

5. It is related that Sayyiduna Jabir ibn 'Abdullah said that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

رأيتنى دخلت الجنة ، فإذا أنا بالرميصاء امرأة أبى طلحة وسمعت خشفة ، فقلت من هذا فقال هذا بلال . ورأيت قصرا بفنائه جارية ، فقلت لمن هذا فقال لعمر . فأردت أن أدخله فأنظر إليه ، فذكرت غيرتك » . فقال عمر بأمى وأبى يا رسول الله أعليك أغار طرفاه
"I dreamt that I entered the Garden and there was ar-Rumaysa', the wife of Abu Talha. I heard a faint sound and said, 'Who is this?' He said, 'This is Bilal.' I saw a palace with a girl in its courtyard and said, 'Who does this belong to?' They said, ''Umar.' I wanted to enter it and look at it but then I remembered your jealousy.' 'Umar said, 'By my mother and father, Messenger of Allah, would I be jealous on account of you?'" [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3476]

6. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) narrates that one day the Holy Prophet, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, went out and entered the mosque with Abu Bakr and Umar, one on his right hand and the other on his left, holding their hands. Then he said:

هكذا نبعث يوم القيامة"We will be raised thus on the Day of Resurrection." [Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3669]

7. Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) narrates:

قال عمر لأبى بكر يا خير الناس بعد رسول الله. فقال أبو بكر أما إنك إن قلت ذاك فلقد سمعت رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- يقول ما طلعت الشمس على رجل خير من عمر
Umar said to Abu Bakr, "O best of men after Allah`s Messenger, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him!" Abu Bakr replied, "Seeing that you have that, (I would also tell you that) I heard Allah`s Messenger, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, say, "The sun has not risen on a better man than Umar."" [Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3684]

8. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with both the father and the son) narrates that Allah`s Messenger, may Allah send greetings and salutations on him, said,

إن الله جعل الحق على لسان عمر وقلبه"Indeed, Allah has placed truth upon Umar`s tongue and heart." [Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 2682]

9. It is related from Sayyiduna Abu Hamzah that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

بينا أنا نائم شربت - يعنى اللبن - حتى أنظر إلى الرى يجرى فى ظفرى أو فى أظفارى ، ثم ناولت عمر. فقالوا فما أولته قال العلم
"While I was asleep, I dreamt that I drank (milk) until I could feel moisture coming out of my nails and then I gave it to 'Umar ibn al-Khattab." They asked, "How do you interpret it, Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "It means knowledge."[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3478]

10. It is related that Sayyiduna 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar said that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

أريت فى المنام أنى أنزع بدلو بكرة على قليب ، فجاء أبو بكر فنزع ذنوبا أو ذنوبين نزعا ضعيفا ، والله يغفر له ، ثم جاء عمر بن الخطاب فاستحالت غربا ، فلم أر عبقريا يفرى فريه حتى روى الناس وضربوا بعطن"I dreamt that I was at a well drawing water with a young camel's bucket, Abu Bakr came and drew one or two buckets, but there was some weakness in his drawing. May Allah forgive him. Then 'Umar ibn al-Khattab came and it turned into a large bucket in his hand. I have not seen a leader among the people work so well as he did until the people watered their camels."[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3479]

11. It is related that Sayyiduna Sa'id ibn Abi Waqqas said,

استأذن عمر بن الخطاب على رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - ، وعنده نسوة من قريش يكلمنه ويستكثرنه ، عالية أصواتهن على صوته فلما استأذن عمر بن الخطاب قمن فبادرن الحجاب فأذن له رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - فدخل عمر ورسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - يضحك ، فقال عمر أضحك الله سنك يا رسول الله . فقال النبى - صلى الله عليه وسلم - « عجبت من هؤلاء اللاتى كن عندى فلما سمعن صوتك ابتدرن الحجاب » . فقال عمر فأنت أحق أن يهبن يا رسول الله . ثم قال عمر يا عدوات أنفسهن ، أتهبننى ولا تهبن رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - فقلن نعم ، أنت أفظ وأغلظ من رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - . فقال رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - إيها يا ابن الخطاب والذى نفسى بيده ما لقيك الشيطان سالكا فجا قط إلا سلك فجا غير فجك"'Umar asked the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, for permission to enter while there were some women of Quraysh with him who speaking to him and asking him for more, raising their voices above his voice. When 'Umar ibn al-Khattab asked for permission to enter, they rushed to screen themselves. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, gave him permission and 'Umar entered while the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was laughing. 'Umar said, 'May Allah make you laugh, Messenger of Allah.' He said, 'I am amazed at those women who were with me. When they heard your voice, they rushed to screen themselves.' 'Umar said, 'But you, Messenger of Allah, are more entitled to be feared.' Then he said, 'O enemies of your selves! Do you fear me and not fear the Messenger of Allah?' They said, 'Yes, you are harsher and more severe than the Messenger of Allah.' The Messenger of Allah said, 'O Ibn al-Khattab! By the One in whose hand my soul is, whenever Shaytan finds you taking a path, he only takes a path other than your path.'" [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3480]

12. It is related that Sayyiduna Ibn 'Abbas said,

وضع عمر على سريره ، فتكنفه الناس يدعون ويصلون قبل أن يرفع ، وأنا فيهم ، فلم يرعنى إلا رجل آخذ منكبى ، فإذا على فترحم على عمر ، وقال ما خلفت أحدا أحب إلى أن ألقى الله بمثل عمله منك ، وايم الله ، إن كنت لأظن أن يجعلك الله مع صاحبيك ، وحسبت أنى كنت كثيرا أسمع النبى - صلى الله عليه وسلم - يقول ذهبت أنا وأبو بكر وعمر ، ودخلت أنا وأبو بكر وعمر ، وخرجت أنا وأبو بكر وعمر"'Umar ibn al-Khattab who had been placed on his bed, and the people gathered around him to make supplication and pray before he was removed. I was among them. I was startled when a man took hold of my shoulders, and it was 'Ali ibn Abi Talib. He asked for mercy for 'Umar and said, 'You have not left behind anyone I would prefer to encounter with the like of your actions. By Allah, I used to think that Allah would put you with your two companions. I reckoned this as I often heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, "I and Abu Bakr and 'Umar went..." and "I and Abu Bakr and 'Umar entered..." and "I and Abu Bakr and 'Umar left."'" [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3482]

13. It is added that Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra said that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

لقد كان فيمن كان قبلكم من بنى إسرائيل رجال يكلمون من غير أن يكونوا أنبياء ، فإن يكن من أمتى منهم أحد فعمر
"Among the tribe of Israel before you were men who were spoken to without being Prophets. If there are any of them among my community, then it is 'Umar." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3486]

14. It is related that Sayyiduna Abu Sa'id al-Khudri said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say,

بينا أنا نائم رأيت الناس عرضوا على وعليهم قمص ، فمنها ما يبلغ الثدى ، ومنها ما يبلغ دون ذلك ، وعرض على عمر وعليه قميص اجتره . قالوا فما أولته يا رسول الله قال الدين'While I was asleep, I dreamed I saw some people who were shown to me and who were wearing shirts some of which reached to their breasts and some of which were shorter than that. 'Umar ibn al-Khattab was shown to me wearing a shirt that was trailing on the ground.' They asked, 'How do you interpret that, Messenger of Allah?' He answered, 'The Religion.'" [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3488]

15. The son of Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Imam Muhammad bin Hanafiyya Radi Allahu Allahu Ta'ala Anhu narrates:

قلت لأبى أى الناس خير بعد رسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - قال أبو بكر . قلت ثم من قال ثم عمر'I asked my father who was the best of people after the Holy Prophet and he answered "Abu Bakr". I asked him who is the best of people after Abu Bakr and he replied, "Umar"' [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of the Companions, Hadith 3468]

16. Hadrat Abdullah bin Salma Radi Allahu Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reports from Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu Allahu Ta'ala Anhu ,

خیر الناس بعد رسول الله صلی الله تعالی علیه وسلم ابوبكر وخیر الناس بعد ابوبكر عمر'After the Noble Messenger, the best of people is Abu Bakr, then the best of people is Umar' [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 111]

17. Narrated by Sayyiduna Hudhaifa Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, He said: Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said,

اقتدوا باللذين من بعدي أبي بكر و عمر“Follow after me from my companions Abu-Bakr and 'Umar.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 3742]

18. Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said:

لو وضع علم عمر في كفة ميزان و وضع علم الناس في كفة لرجح علم عمر"If the knowledge of 'Umar was put on one side of a scale, and the knowledge of the people on the other side of the scale, 'Umar's knowledge would weigh more." [Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahîhayn‎, Vol. 3, Page 92, Hadith 4497]

19. Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal records a hadith narrated upon the authority of Sayyiduna Qabisah ibn Jaabir who said:

ما رأيت رجلا أعلم بالله ولا أقرأ لكتاب الله ولا أفقه في دين الله من عمرI haven't seen anyone more knowledgeable about the book of Allah and His religion, nor anyone more upholding of the limits imposed by Allah, nor anyone more feared and respected in the breasts of men than 'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab. [Fadail al-Sahaba, Vol. 1, Page 330, Hadith 472]

20. Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah ennoble his face) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

أبوبكر وعمر سيدا كهول أهل الجنة من الأولين والآخرين، ما خلا النبيين والمرسلين
“Abu Bakr and `Umar are the leaders of the mature inhabitants of Paradise, of the first and the last with the exception of the Prophets and the Messengers.” [Jami' al-Ahadith, Hadith 233]

21. Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

أبو بكر وعمر من هذا الدين كمنزلة السمع والبصر من الرأس“Abu Bakr and Umar are to the religion like the station of the hearing and the sight to the head.” [Al-Khattib in Tarikh, Vol. 8, Page 459 from Jabir]

22. Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

أبو بكر وعمر مني بمنزلة هارون من موسى“Abu Bakr and Umar are to me in the station of Haroon from Musa.” [Al-Khattib in Tarikh, Vol. 5, Page 194]

23. Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

عمر مني وأنا من عمر، والحق بعدي مع عمر حيث كان
“I am from Umar and Umar is from me. The truth, after me, is with Umar wherever he is.” [Al-Tabrani in Awsat, Vol. 3, Page 104, Hadith 2629]

24. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) struck the chest of Umar with his hand when he became Muslim and said,

اللهم أخرج ما في صدر عمر من غل وداء، وأبدله إيمانا - ثلاثا“O Allah take out from the heart of Umar rancour and disease in exchange for faith.” (Three times) [Jami' al-Ahadith, Hadith 4812]

25. Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

أتاني جبريل عليه السلام فقال: أقرىء عمر السلام وقل له: إن رضاه حكم، وإن غضبه عزّ
“Jibril, upon him peace, came to me and said, Convey greeting to Umar and say to him his satisfaction is wisdom and his anger might.” [Al-Tabrani in Kabir, Vol. 10, Page 207, Hadith 12302]

26. A freed bondswoman of Sayyidah Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

إن الشيطان لم يلق عمر منذ أسلم إلا خر لوجهه
“Satan has not meet Umar since he became Muslim except murmur in his face.” [Al-Tabarani in Al-Kabir, Vol. 18, Page 42, Hadith 20230]

27. Sayyiduna Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) saw Umar and said,

لا تصيبنكم فتنة ما دام هذا فيكم
“You shall not be afflicted with tribulation as long as he is amongst you.” [Al-Tabarani in Awsat, Vol. 4, Page 478, Hadith 2019]

28. Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al-Khudari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

من أبغض عمر فقد أبغضني، ومن أحب عمر فقد أحبني“Whoever hates Umar hates me. Whoever loves Umar loves me.” [Al-Tabarani in Awsat, Vol. 14, Page 493, Hadith 6915]

29. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said,

إن كان إسلام عمر لفتحاً وهجرته لنصراً، وإمارته رحمة، والله ما استطعنا أن نصلي عند البيت الكعبة ظاهرين“If the Islam of Umar was an opening his migration was a victory and his leadership mercy. I swear by Allah that we were unable to pray at the Ka’aba publically until Umar became Muslim.” [Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahîhayn‎, Vol. 3, Page 90 Hadith 4487]

30. Sayyiduna Ammar ibn Yasir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said,

يا عمار أتاني جبريل آنفاً فقلت: يا جبريل حدثني بفضائل عمر بن الخطاب في السماء فقال: يا محمد لو حدثتك بفضائل عمر منذ ما لبث نوح في قومه ألف سنة إلا خمسين عاما ما نفدت فضائل عمر“O Ammar, Jibril came to me and I asked, “O Jibril narrate to me the virtues of Umar ibn Al-Khattab in the heavens.” He said, “O Muhammad, if I was to narrate the virtues of Umar from the time that Nuh remained with his people, nine hundred and fifty years, I would not exhaust the virtues of Umar.” [Abu Y’alla in Musnad, Vol. 4, Page 173, Hadith 1568]

And Allah is the giver of success; Allah is sufficient for us and a blessed protector. All praise belongs to Allah, the first, the last, the internal, the external and may Allah bless his Messenger, his prophet, our master Muhammad, his family, his companions, his group and his party; O Allah please accept. All praise belongs to Allah master of the universe. 
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خلیفہ سوم ، ذو النورین ، امیر المؤمنین حضرت سیدنا عُثمان الغنی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ

 
 

 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

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5th Safar al-Muzaffar | Umm al-Mo'mineen Hadrat Sayyidah Maimoona bint al-Harith Radi Allah Ta'ala Anha

Umm al-Mo'mineen Hadrat Sayyidah
Maimoona bint al-Harith Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha

Hadrat Umm al-Mo'mineen Sayyidatuna Maimoona Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha was the last wife of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). She was the daughter of Harith bin Huzn and Hind bint Awf. She belonged to the tribe of Banu-Hilala. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) had another wife from the same tribe. The other wife’s name was Sayyidah Zainab Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha, commonly known as Ummul-Masakeen (Mother of the needy and poor). Maimoona was her second adopted name. Her first name Barra was changed by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and the new name Maimoona was given. Her father Harith bin Hazam was one of the respected chief of tribe Banu-Hilala and he had sixteen daughters. One of his daughters namely Umm al-Fadhl was the wife of Hadrat Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, who was the Holy Prophet’s uncle. His another daughter namely Umm-e-Salma was married to Hadrat Hamzah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, another uncle of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Another daughter Lubaba was the mother of Hadrat Khalid bin Walid Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu (A renowned General of Muslims who fought against Iranians and was given the title of ‘Sword of Allah’ by the Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Harith’s some other daughters were later married to Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, the second Caliph and Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, the fourth Caliph. Another daughter Asma was married to Hadrat Jafar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu. Thus most of Hadrat Maimoona’s sisters were married to the pioneering revolutionary leaders of Islam.

Mazar of Hadrat Maimoona Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha in 1901 .
Pilgrims would gather here on their way to perform Hajj and then to Madinah al-Munawwarah.

The Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was about sixty years old at the time of his marriage with Hadrat Maimoona. She lived three years’ married life with the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Prior to her marriage twice. Her first marriage took place with Masood bin Amr. Masood divorced her and then she was married to Abu Rahim bin Abdul Aza. Abu Rahim died in the seventh year of Hijra. After Abu Rahim’s death the Holy Prophet’s Uncle Hadrat Abbas persuaded the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) to marry Sayyidah Maimoona.

Maymuna or Barra as she was then called, yearned to marry the Prophet. She went to her sister, Umm al-Fadhl to talk to her about that and she, in turn, spoke to her husband, Sayyiduna Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu. Hadrat Abbas immediately went to the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) with Maymuna’s offer of marriage to him and her proposal was accepted. When the good news reached her, she was on a camel, and she immediately got off the camel and said,

“The camel and what is on it is for the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).”

They were married in the month of Shawwal in 7 AH just after the Muslims of Madinah al-Munawwarah were permitted to visit Makkah Sharif under the terms of the treaty of Hudaybiyya to perform Umrah. Allah Almighty sent the following ayah about this:

وامراة مومنة ان وهبت نفسها للنبي ان اراد النبي ان يستنكحها خالصة لك من دون المومنين...Any believing woman who dedicates herself to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her, that is only for thee and not for the believers... [Surah al-Ahzab, Verse 50]

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was wearing Ihram (Ihram is the dress for performing Hajj or Umrah comprised of two sheets of cloth, one wrapped around the waist and the other around the shoulder. After putting on Ihram, one can not trim his hair, cut his nails, abuse or have intercourse etc.). In the same condition he sent five hundred Dirhams as Mehr to Hadrat Maimoona and the Nikah ceremony was Performed While on return after Umrah from Makkah Mukarramah to Madina Munawwarah, he stayed at a place called Saraf. This place is ten miles away from Makkah Sharif on way to Madina Munawwarah. At Saraf, the feast of Walima ( The feast, i.e. lunch or dinner offered to friends and guests on the next day of the marriage) was held.

A great event followed the marriage of Hadrat Maimoona’s to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Hadrat Maimoona’s nephew Hadrat Khalid bin Walid embraced Islam. He was a very talented and brave man from the Quraysh tribe. He was also a great warrior and renowned soldier. After her marriage when Hadrat Maimoona went to Madina Munawwarah with the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), Hadrat Khalid bin Walid addressed his tribe and declared, “I can no longer remain in your fold”. Thus a great force in the shape of Hadrat Khalid came to Islam’s side.

The Prophet gave her the name, Maimoona, meaning “blessed”, and Sayyidah Maimoona lived with the Prophet for just over three years, until his death. She was obviously very good natured and got on well with everyone, and no quarrel or disagreement with any of the Prophet’s other wives has been related about her. Hadrat Sayyidah ‘A’isha said about her,

“Among us, she had the most fear of Allah and did the most to maintain ties of kinship.”

It was in her room that the Prophet first began to feel the effects of what became his final illness and asked the permission of his wives to stay in Sayyidah Ayesha’s room while it lasted.

Hadrat Maimoona had a great love for teaching and preaching of Islam. She has narrated forty-six traditions and according to some, seventy-six traditions. People used to come to her for the solution of their various religious problems and she always guided them with intelligent replies to their questions.

She was a kind and very pious lady. During her life, she set many slaves free. Once during the life of the Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam, she set a slave free to enjoy the rights of a free citizen, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) praised her saying,

“Maimoona, Allah will reward you for this act”.

She was also a great scholar of religion. Even her nephew Ibn Abbas who later became a great scholar interpreter and commentator of the Holy Quran, was her pupil.
After the beloved Prophet’s passing away, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Sayyidah Maimoona continued to live in Madina Munawwarah for another forty years, passing away at the age of eighty, in 51 A.H., (may Allah be pleased with her), and according to Ibn Ishaq, She passed away in 63 A.H. being the last of the Prophet’s wives to pass away. She asked to be buried where had married the Prophet at Saraf and her request was carried out.

Hadrat Ibn-e-Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha led her funeral prayers. When her coffin was lifted and was carried towards the grave, Hadrat Ibn Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha said:

“Don’t shake her bed. Be respectful and carry her with ease. She is the wife of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)”.

Qabr of Sayyida Maimoona Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anha
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4th Muharram | Hadrat Sultan Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho

Hadrat Sultan Salah ad-Din Abu al-Afdal
Yusuf Ibn al-Ayyub Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho

Sultan SalāH ad-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb was a Kurdish Muslim who became the Sultan of Egypt and Syria. He led Islamic opposition to the Franks and other European Crusaders in the Levant. At the height of his power, he ruled over Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, Hijaz, and Yemen. He led the Muslims against the Crusaders and eventually recaptured Palestine from the Kingdom of Jerusalem after his victory in the Battle of Hattin. As such, he is a notable figure in Kurdish, Arab, Persian, Turkish and Muslim culture. Hadrat Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi was a strict practitioner of Islam. His chivalrous behavior was noted by Christian chroniclers, especially in the accounts of the siege of Kerak in Moab, and despite being the nemesis of the Crusaders he won the respect of many of them, including Richard the Lionheart; rather than becoming a hated figure in Europe, he became a celebrated example of the principles of chivalry.

Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi was born in the year 532 AH/1137 CE in Tekrit on the West Bank of the Tigris between Mosul and Baghdad, loved dearly by his father, Ayyub. His family was of Kurdish background and ancestry, and had originated from the city of Dvin, in medieval Armenia. His father, Najm ad-Din Ayyub, was banished from Tikrit and in 1139, he and his brother Asad al-Din Shirkuh, moved to Mosul. He later joined the service of Imad ad-Din Zangi who made him commander of his fortress in Baalbek. After the death of Zangi in 1146, his son, Nur ad-Din, became the regent of Aleppo and the leader of the Zengids.

Salahuddin Ayyubi, who now lived in Damascus, was reported to have a particular fondness of the city, but information on his early childhood is scarce. About education, Salahuddin Ayyubi wrote

"Children are brought up in the way in which their elders were brought up."

According to one of his biographers, al-Wahrani, Salahuddin Ayyubi was able to answer questions on Euclid, the Almagest, arithmetic, and law, but this was an academic ideal and it was study of the Qur'an and the "Sciences of Religion" that linked him to his contemporaries. Several sources claim that during his studies he was more interested in religion than joining the military. Another factor which may have affected his interest in religion was that during the First Crusade, Jerusalem was taken in a surprise attack by the Christians. In addition to Islam, Salahuddin Ayyubi had a knowledge of the genealogies, biographies, and histories of the Arabs, as well as the bloodlines of Arabian horses. More significantly, he knew the Hamasah of Abu Tammam by heart.

According to Imad al-Din, Salahuddin Ayyubi had fathered five sons before he left Egypt in 1174. There are no known details about most of the wives and slaves who bore him children. Salahuddin Ayyubi's eldest son, al-Afdal was born in 1170 and Uthman was born in 1172 to Shamsa who accompanied Salahuddin Ayyubi to Syria. Al-Afdal's mother bore Salahuddin Ayyubi another child in 1177. A letter preserved by Qalqashandi records that a twelfth son was born in May 1178, while on Imad al-Din's list, he appears as Salahuddin Ayyubi's seventh son. Mas'ud was born in 1175 and Yaq'ub in 1176, the latter to Shamsa. Nur al-Din's widow, Ismat al-Din Khatun, remarried to Salahuddin Ayyubi in September 1176. Ghazi and Da'ud were born to the same mother in 1173 and 1178, respectively, and the mother of Ishaq who was born in 1174 also gave birth to another son in July 1182.

“No sooner did he assume the overlordship of Egypt the world and its pleasures lost all significance in his eyes”, says ibn Shaddad the Qadi of his army. He renounced the temptations of pleasure and took to a life of sweat and toil, which increased day by day until Allah summoned him to his Mercy. Such are the words of Allah:

“Perhaps you hate a thing while it is good for you and you may love a thing while it is bad for you.”

“When Allah gave me the land of Egypt with so little trouble, I knew that he meant for me the blessed land also, for He Himself implanted the thought in my heart”, said Salahuddin. He soon had the satisfaction of seeing his administration respected and order established in all aspects. He generously spent on the people from the money the Fatimids had been storing up in the palace walls, won the hearts of his people, and brought the faction-ridden country under obedience and his rule. He took great pains to establish the Sunnah more firmly in Egypt with the aid of the 'Ulama.

People came to visit him from every walk of life and flocked to his court from all parts. He never disappointed the hopes of visitors nor allowed them to depart with empty hands. When the crusaders heard that Salahuddin was ruling successfully they were convinced that he would soon overtake them, lay waste their usurped dwellings and wipe away all traces of their rule. This would most probably have happened but Salahuddin had one substantial obstacle - the disunity of the Muslims. They had immense riches and natural strength in the region and spent most of their time fighting each other rather than the real enemy. It took Salahuddin 18 years to get the attention of the Muslims in order to liberate Muslim lands. During that time Muslims were barely holding out in Egypt and Syria. Yet slowly, Salahuddin as example through persuasion, teaching, time and understanding worked to unite the Muslims. Kurds, Turks, Arabs and Egyptians - they were all Muslims and his servants when he called, Lane writes. “In spite of their differences of race, their national jealousies he had kept them together”

When Salahuddin had finally united the hearts in the core lands of Islam, virtually all the blessed lands returned to Muslim hands within five months. By Friday 27th Rajab/2nd October 1187 C.E. the Muslims were knocking on the door of al-Aqsa Masjid. Allah allowed the Muslims to take the city as a celebration on the anniversary of the Me'raj Sharif, the Prophet Ascension into heaven. Truly, this was a sign that this deed was pleasing to Almighty Allah. “It was a victory of victories, recalls ibn Shaddad. “A testimony of faith to a multitude of people, scholars, noblemen, merchants and masses who were brought there by the news of Salahuddins victories and success in the lands of the Mediterranean coast. All the Ulama came to join Salahuddin, both from Egypt and Syria. There was not a single well-known dignitary but he had come. The joyful shouts of “Allahu Akbar” and “La Ilaha Illallah” reached to the skies. After 90 years Friday prayers were again held in Jerusalem. A huge cross that glittered on the Dome of the Rock was thrown down. It was an indescribable event, the joy of the blessings and the victory of Allah were to be witnessed everywhere on that day.

The non-Muslims of Jerusalem asked for mercy and he gave it. Every man, woman and child was allowed to ransom themselves for a paltry price. He kept order in every street and refused to allow the People of the Book to be verbally abused, much less molested. What a far cry from the victorious Christians of 1099 (and the 1980s) who killed, tortured, shot in cold blood and burnt defenseless Muslims in the streets of Al-Aqsa. “Fortunate were the merciless because they obtained mercy at the hands of the Muslim Sultan”, said Lane. Salahuddin said: “Well, when by Allahs help not one crusader is left on this coast, I intend to divide my territories and to change the successors with my last commands, then, having taken leave from them, I will sail on this sea to its lands across the water until there shall not remain on the face of this earth one unbeliever in Allah or I will die in this attempt”

Letter from Sultan Salah ad-Din to the Muslim Ummah

Following is a letter written by Sultan Salah ad-Din Ayyubi when he started his Jihad against the crusaders more than 9 centuries ago:

"We hope in Allah most high, to whom be praise, who leads the hearts of Muslims to calm what torments them and ruins their prosperity.
Where is the sense of honor of Muslims? The pride of Believers? The Zeal of the Faithful?
We shall never cease to be amazed at how the disbelievers for their part have shown trusts, and it is the Muslims who have been lacking in zeal. Not one of them has responded to the call. Not one intervenes to straighten what is distorted; but observe how far the Franks have gone what unity they have achieved. What aims they pursue. What help they have given. What sums of money they have borrowed and spent. What wealth they have collected and distributed and divided amongst them. There is not a King left in their lands or islands, not a lord or a rich man who has not competed with his neighbors to produce more support and rival his peers in strenuous military efforts. In defense of their religion they consider it a small thing to spend life and soul; and they have kept their infidel brothers supplied with arms and champions of war; and all they have done and all their generosity has been purely out of zeal for him they worship in jealous defense of their faith.
The Muslims on the other hand are weak and demoralized; they have become negligent and lazy, the victims of unproductive stupefaction and completely lacking in enthusiasm. If , Allah forbid, Islam should draw rein, obscure her splendor, blunt her sword, there would be no one, east or west, far or near who would blaze the zeal for Allah's religion, or choose to come to the aid of truth against error.
This is the moment to cast off laziness, to summon from far and near all those men who have blood in their veins; but we are confident (he speaks about himself and the small party of believers who began with him and then became a large party); but we are confident, thanks to Allah -Alhamdulillah- in the Help that will come from him and entrust ourselves to him in sincerity of purpose and deepest devotion.
In sha Allah, the disbelievers shall perish and the faithful have a sure deliverance."
— Salahuddin Ayyubi 12 CE

“After I die, you will see these Muslims fall apart in disunity, and you will see the Europeans grow strong. The best thing to do for now is to continue the fight until we drive them from the Coast (of Palestine) or die.”

These are the Ominous words of Sultan Salah ad-Din about our Ummah. Salahuddin Ayyubi stated this after King Richard of England proposed that Salahuddin Ayyubi's brother, Sayf ad-Dîn (popularly known as “Safadin” in the West), should marry his siter Joanna. So admirable was Salahuddin Ayyubi’s character that his worst enemy who had traveled over 2000 miles to eliminate him, ended up offering his own sister to his family. This is the result of Perfect Islâmic “Ikhlâq” and “’Adab”.

Also, Salahuddin Ayyubi stated in regards to the troubles he endured uniting the entire Muslim world under one banner:

“I do not know what will happen to me, if Allâh wills that the enemy should grow strong. They have established a base from which they can retrieve other lands. you will see these Muslim leaders sitting at the tops of their grandiose towers saying, ‘I shall not come down,’ until the Muslim world will be destroyed.”

How did Salahuddin Ayyubi destroy his enemies, drive the Franks from Jerusalem and most of Palestine, and be written of so well by the European historians whose people he defeated? This is how:

“On July 3 Salâh ad-Dîn performed the Friday prayer in the Mosque of al-Aqsa, He was seen prostrating and repeating his prayers over and over again as his tears soaked the prayer mat.”

On February 20, 1193, Salahuddin Ayyubi rode out to meet the Pilgrims returning from the Hajj in Makkah al-Mukarrama. He had longed to perform the Hajj his entire life, but the constant Jihâd did not allow such. That night he fell ill and broke out into a tempestuous fever. On the fourth day of his illness they had him bled, which was a tradition of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon him). Salahuddin Ayyubi would not stop sweating. On the ninth day of his illness he stopped taking liquids. By March 3 on the eleventh day of his illness, Salahuddin Ayyubi had sweat so much that the bed was soaked and the floor stained. The scholars who witnessed this testified to it being a match to the description of a good death in the Sunnah.

On the morning of March 4, 1193, the Imâm Abû Ja’far was reciting from the Qur’ân as Salahuddin Ayyubi’s son al-Afdal, and his friend and administrator al-Fâdil, as well as others looked on. As the Imâm reached following verse of Sûrat at-Tawbah, the Qur’ânic chapter most associated with Jihâd:

حسبي الله لا إله إلا هو عليه توكلت وهو رب العرش العظيم“Allah suffices me; there is no worship except for Him; only Him have I trusted, and He is the Lord Of The Great Throne.”

Hadrat Salahuddin Ayyubi smiled from ear to ear, and breathed his last. Since Salahuddin Ayyubi had given most of his money away for charity when they opened his treasury, they found there was not enough money to pay for his funeral. And so Salahuddin Ayyubi was buried in a magnificent mausoleum in the garden outside the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria.

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20th MuHarram | Hadrat Sayyiduna wa Mawlana Bilal ibn Rabah al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

Sayyid al-Mu’azzineen (Leader of the Mu’azzins)
Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

Sayyid al-Mu’azzineen (Leader of the Mu’azzins), Imam al-Aashiqeen, The great devotee, faithful companion and Mu'azzin of the beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is a famous and exalted Sahabi who accepted Islam in its early days in Makkah al-Mukarramah. When he accepted Islam, the non-believers placed great difficulties upon him which he bore with great forbearance in his youth. His father's name was Rabah and his mother's name was Hamamah.

His birth place is Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and this is why he is known as Habshi (the old name for Abyssinia is Habsh). Born in the late 6th century, the preferred view is that Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was 43 years old at the time of Hijra but it has been suggested by some that he could have been as old as 53.

He was either a slave of a woman in Makkah who had made Umayyah bin Khalaf her agent in the matters of Hadrat Bilaal or Umayya Ibn Khalaf himself when he accepted Islam. The Kaafirs of Makkah persecuted him severely. When Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu came to know about the pain and anguish which he underwent at the hands of the Kuffaar, he bought him and set him free. One of the many emancipated slaves of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was known for his beautiful voice and was given the honour by the Holy Prophet Muhammad SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam of being the first Mu'azzin of Islam. He remained constantly in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. He was at the service of the needs of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Muhaddith Hakim and Hafidh Abu Nu'aym also regarded him as one of the Ashaab of al-Suffah.

After he had accepted Islam, he participated with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam in the battle of Badr and in all other battles. He called the Adhaan and he was the Mu'azzin of Masjid al-Nabawi as long as he remained with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. His greatness and excellence is mentioned in numerous books of Ahadith.

VIRTUE

One day at the time of Fajr, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, 'O Bilaal, Show me one action that you have done after accepting Islam, whose virtue is above all other actions, because I have heard your footsteps in Jannah'. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu explains that I have not done any action whose virtue is more than the others. But it is true, that during the day or night, whenever I made Wudhu, I made it my duty to read some Nafl Salaah, and from amongst the Salaah I read, I verily read Tahiyyatul Wudhu (Salaat after Wudhu)" when beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard this, he said that it was because of this action that he had attained such status.

Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to mention

أبو بكر سيدنا وأعتق سيدنا
Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is our leader who freed our leader Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala.

In 'Hilyat al-Awliyaa', beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam mentions that he is Sayyid al-Mu’azzineen (leader of the Mu’azzins).

ENDURANCE OF DIFFICULTY ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF ISLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was harassed and beaten the day long and during the night. He was tied in chains and lashed. On the next day, he was again made to lie on the hot desert sands which cause even greater injuries to the body of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, who was loved by Allah Ta'ala.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to be beaten by many people. When one would get tired, another would take his place. Sometimes it was Abu Jhal's turn and sometimes Umayyah bin Khalaf and others. Each of them would beat him until they got tired but no mercy was spared for the slave whom they so brutally injured and whose status in Jannah was to surpass that of many Arabs.

In the sweltering heat under the Arabian skies, Hadrat Bilal’s love for Allah shone brighter than the sun itself. So strong was it that he could not conceal it despite the punishment and torture afflicted on him by his cruel master.

There were times when a large boulder would be placed upon his chest as he lay on the scorching sand, his ribs being crushed under the weight. Yet the words ‘Ahad! Ahad! (There is only one Allah!)’ were constantly repeated by Hadrat Bilal, so strong was his faith and love.

His Jewish master would insult him and threaten him to denounce Islam, beat him, whip him and humiliate him on the streets of Makkah, but nothing was able to shake Hadrat Bilal’s heart.

FREEDOM

One day, it so happened that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was passing that way and saw Sayyidina Hadrat Bilal crying out, "Ahad! Ahad!", despite the immense torture he was being subjected to. As he watched, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique’s heart became agitated upon seeing Hadrat Bilal under such persecution, and tears filled his eyes.

He then called Hadrat Bilal towards himself and advised him to utter Allah's name in solitude and not to utter it in the presence of his persecutor, or he would be subjected to further persecution and torture. Hadrat Bilal replied, "O Honoured One! You are the Siddique of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and therefore I accept your advice and will act accordingly."

The following day, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu happened to pass that way, and again he witnessed the same sight.

Hadrat Bilal was once more uttering the cry of "Ahad! Ahad!" while the Jew was torturing him to such an extent that again his body became soaked in blood. Seeing this, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique’s heart was filled with pain and he advised Hadrat Bilal, "Brother, why do you utter 'Ahad' in the presence of this persecutor? Utter it silently and secretly within yourself".

Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu says:

"When Abu Bakr advised him towards silence and secrecy,
Bilal repented again,
But when love overwhelmed, he swallowed the repentance.
It is the message of the troubled heart.
Without You there can be neither peace nor comfort."

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique, on numerous occasions, gave Hadrat Bilal the same advice but on every occasion when he passed that way, he saw the same scene - the Jew persecuting Bilal who was all the time crying, "Ahad! Ahad!”

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu finally went to Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and related the story to him. When Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard the story, he was filled with sorrow and tears flowed from his blessed eyes. He asked, "O Siddique! What is the solution to this problem? How can we save Bilal from this calamity?"

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu replied: "Ya Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, I shall buy Bilal. Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam agreed and said, "Let my share also be therein".

SubhanAllah! How great the fortune of Sayidina Hadrat Bilal, that Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam himself took part in purchasing him.

Hadrat Abu Bakr then approached the Jew while he was again torturing Hadrat Bilal. Hadrat Abu Bakr said to him, "Why are you beating this friend of Allah?" How long will you carry out this practice on this poor person?" Umayyah bin Khalaf retorted that, 'since you have instigated him (by teaching Islam to him) so you free him." Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu answered, "Yes, I will free him. I have a black slave who is even stronger than him and who is in your religion. Will you accept this slave in exchange for him?" Umayyah bin Khalaf accepted the offer. Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu exchanged the slaves and thus bought Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu and freed him before migration. It is also narrated that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique paid the ransom and freed Hadrat Bilal. Besides Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu he bought other slaves who were being beaten and harassed for accepting Islam and freed them also.

After this, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, out of love and joy, embraced Hadrat Bilal and held him to his heart.

Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu says:

"Beloved Mustafa embraced Bilal and held him against his chest. The ecstasy Bilal felt! Who can ever imagine that?"

CONQUEST OF MAKKAH

When the Muslims finally conquered the city of Makkah, its people fled to their houses in fear and bolted the doors and windows. They feared that the Muslims would avenge themselves for the wrong done to them years ago.

The Muslims advanced towards the Holy Kabah and then Hadrat Bilal assured the people that they were safe. He announced out loud, "All those who lay down arms are safe. All those in the house of Abu Sufyan are safe. All those behind closed doors are safe."

BROTHERHOOD

After the migration Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam formed brotherhood between the Sahaaba Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhum Ajma’een which meant that two two brothers should be concerned about each other's difficulty and necessity. In this way all of them became Muslim brothers and they shared in the sorrow and grief of each other. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Bilaal and Hadrat Ubaida bin Haarith (Radi Allahu Anhuma) brothers and a few Historians mention that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Abu Rawahah Khashami Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu the brother of Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu. [Isabah]

PARTICIPATION IN THE BATTLE OF BADR AND THE KILLING OF UMAYYA BIN KHALAF

A year after beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his beloved Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma’een migrated from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah, the battle of Badr took place. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu also participated in this battle with the other Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma’een. The leaders of the Mushrikeen of Makkah (who were the enemies of Islam and the Muslims - who forced the Muslims out of Makkah, who also oppressed Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) were killed in this battle. Specially, Abu Jahl and Umayyah bin Khalaf who severely punished Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu were both killed in this battle.

THE BEGINNING OF ADHAAN AND THE APPOINTMENT OF HADRAT BILAAL RADI ALLAHU TA’ALA ANHU AS MU’AZZIN

In the second year after Hijrah, the announcing of the time of Salaat began and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was appointed Mu’azzin and always remained the Mu’azzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam both in his presence and also during travel.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu stayed with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam In Madinah Munawwarah, he was the Mu’azzin and even while travelling, he went with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and at the time of Salaah he used to give Adhaan. Very seldom beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went somewhere and someone other than Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu called the Adhaan. Whenever beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went to Masjid al-Qubaa, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu would give the Adhaan and when hearing him, the people living around the area knew that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was in the area.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to give the Fajr Adhaan from the roof of the house of a lady from the tribe of Banu Najjaar. Her home was joined to the Masjid. From the time of Sehri he used to sit on the roof waiting for the time of Fajr. When it was time to commence the Adhaan then he should stretch his limbs, and make the following Du'a after which he gave the Adhaan.

اللهم إنى أحمدك وأستعينك على قريش أن يقيموا دينك
'Oh Allah I praise you, and I desire that You become aid to the Quraysh to establish Your Deen'

The woman from whose roof he gave the Adhaan said that there was not a day that he did not mention this Du'a. [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 198, Hadith 519]

TREASURER OF BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was the Muazzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his treasurer. If anyone came to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam with any necessity then he used to ask Hadrat Bilaal to carry out this task who would then make sure to get the necessary item and fulfill the need on behalf of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam

Hadrat Bilal mentioned it to Abdullah Al-Hawzaani that if some Muslims came who did not have anything to wear, then Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam should order me to take a loan and purchase a cloth to clothe the needy.

[Hilyat-ul-Awliyaa]

Whilst doing this once Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu accumulated a heap of dates. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu what is this? Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu answered I have accumulated this for you and your visitors. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, 'Oh Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, spend it and do not fear it becoming less' [Hilyatul Awliyaa]

ENDURANCE OF HUNGER

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was the special companion of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. It is for this reason he also endured difficulties. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said that undoubtedly, the fear he had for Allah was greater than anyone else. On one occasion thirty nights and days passed with him and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu having had only that amount to eat which could be concealed under the armpits (side) of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu.

COMPANIONSHIP WITH BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was always present in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Hadrat Jaabir Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu mentions that at the time of Eid, he was present with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam started the Salaah without the Adhaan and Iqaamat and thereafter gave the Khutbah. Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu stood up and stood side by side with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam while beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam stood up resting on him and after praising Allah, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam delivered a lecture and reminded the people about the commands of Allah and encouraged the people to be obedient to Allah Ta'aala. Thereafter, he took Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu with him and addressed the women and ordered them to fear Allah and advised them and reminded them about the commands of Allah.

At one time Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu presented himself in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam It was morning and beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was having meals. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu to join him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu mentioned to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that he was fasting. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam remarked, 'We are eating our sustenance and the sustenance of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is preserved in Jannah." Then he told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu that the bones of a fasting person make Tasbeeh and the Angels request his forgiveness when something is eaten near him." [Mishkat al-Masabih]

HEARTBREAK & IMMENSE GRIEF

After the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal was overcome with immense grief. This death had completely shattered his heart and in this state, he decided that he could no longer stay in Madinah Sharif. He then gathered his belongings and left for Syria. He had just left the border of Madinah Sharif, when sleep overcame him. He found a tree to sleep under and took some rest there. In his sleep, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam appeared in his dream and said, “Bilal, why did you leave me?” Hadrat Bilal immediately woke up and, without hesitation, made the journey back to Madinah Sharif.

When the people of Madinah saw Hadrat Bilal returning through the city gates, they were overwhelmed with joy. Word spread through the streets that Bilal, the Holy Prophet’s Muazzin had returned. As Hadrat Bilal made his way to the Holy Prophet’s Masjid, requests for him to do the Azan were ringing in his ears. People followed him through the streets, pleading for him to deliver the call to prayer once more. The blessed city had been deprived of his beautiful Azan for too long, and the people craved to hear it one last time.

However, since the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal’s grief had been so immense that he resolved that he would never do the Azan again, and so he refused the pleas of the people. As he advanced towards the blessed Masjid, he saw the two beloved grandsons of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Hassan and Hussain. They too requested for him to do the Azan, and when he looked upon their blessed young faces, his love for them overwhelmed his heart. He knew he could never refuse them anything, and they were, after all, the grandsons of the one whose love had penetrated his heart through and through.

Hadrat Bilal then stood up on the Mimbar, assumed his position as the Muazzin and started to read the Azan. His voice, beautiful as it was, rang through the streets of Madinah Sharif, his pain and heartbreak evident in the painful tune. He read to his heart’s content, and in such a manner that there was not a person in the blessed city whose eyes were not wet with tears.

When Hadrat Bilal reached “Ash-hadu anna Muhammadur Rasulallah”, he broke down and could not continue. His pain and the pain of Madinah’s people was unbearable. Memories of the beautiful days when Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam sat amongst them penetrated their hearts with hurt and agony. The emptiness of their lives and their souls without Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had devastated them and left them broken inside. Even the strongest amongst them who were usually able to suppress the pain could not hold back any longer.

STAY IN SYRIA

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu then came in the presence of Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu and said, 'Oh Khalifah of Rasoolullah, without doubt I have heard from beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that the best action of a Mu'min is Jihaad in the path of Allah and I have intended now to spend my life in Jihaad till I die." Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said, 'Oh Bilaal! I swear by Allah and my right which is deserving to honored (it is for this reason) that during my lifespan you spend it in Madinah al-Munawwara and give Adhaan. Because I have become old and my time is near (death)." Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu then remained in Madinah Munawwarah. [Asad al-Ghabbah]

After Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu became Khalifah, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu came to him and said the same thing again. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu gave the same answer which Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu had given, but Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu respectfully refused to stay any longer. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu granted permission to him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu became a Mujaahid forever and went to Syria. During the Khilaafat of Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu when he went to Syria, then Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu gave Adhaan in his presence. The narrator says that on this day, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu thinking of the days of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam cried to such an extent which we never saw before.

MARRIAGE

While in Syria, Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu got married but it is not known whether he had any children or not. The author of Asad al-Ghabbah states that at the time of death, Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu had no children.

PASSING AWAY OF THE PROPHET’S MU'AZZIN

The great devotee and Muazzin of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, the courageous and beloved Abyssinian by the name of Hadrat Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu passed away in the 20th year after Hijrah in the middle of reading Adhan in Damascus, Syria between the years 638 and 642 (AD) at the age of 60 or 63 and there he is buried near 'Bab as-Sagheer'. When beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam proclaimed Prophethood, he was 30 years old. He spent the remaining 33 years of his life in the assistance of this Deen, persecuted severely for admitting his Islam and despite this, he continued to announce boldly, 'Ahad, the One Allah!'. He participated in the battles and endured both hunger and pain. He was not only a Mu’azzin, but was granted the status of being the leader of the Mu’azzins.

His respected stature during the birth of Islam is a perfect example of the importance of pluralism and racial equality in the foundations of Islam. May Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala be pleased with him forever... Aameen!!

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