Ashara-e-Mubashara

Narrated Saeed bin Zayd:

Abdur-Rahman bin Al-Akhnas said that when he was in the mosque, a man abused Ali (RA). So Saeed bin Zayd got up and said, "I bear witness to the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) that I heard him say, 'Ten persons will go to Paradise. Abu Bakr will go to Paradise, Umar will go to Paradise, Uthman will go to Paradise, Ali will go to Paradise, Talha will go to Paradise..

Zubair bin Al-Awwam will go to Paradise, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas will go to Paradise, Abdur-Rahman bin Awf will go to Paradise and Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah. If I wish, I can mention the tenth."

The People asked, "Who is he?" so he kept silent. They again asked, "Who is he?"

He replied, "He is Saeed ibn Zayd." He then said, "The company of one man whose face has been covered with dust by the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) is better than the actions of one of you for a whole life time even if he is granted the life-span of Noah." [Abu Dawud]

These Ten Companions are listed below, together with the dates of when they lived and died:

1. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (51 B.H-13 A.H; 573-634 C.E)
2. Umar bin Al-Khattab Al-Farooq (40 B.H-23 A.H; 584-644 C.E)
3. Uthman bin Affan Ghani Dhun-Nurayn (47 B.H- 35 A.H; 577-656 C.E)
4. Ali bin Abi Talib (23 B.H- 40 A.H; 600-661 C.E)
5. Talha bin Ubaidullah (28 B.H-36 A.H; 596-656 C.E)
6. Zubair bin Al-Awwaam (28 B.H-36 A.H; 596-656 C.E)
7. Abdur-Rahman bin Awf (passed away 31 A.H/654 C.E)
8. Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (23 B.H-55 A.H; 600-675 C.E)
9. Saeed ibn Zayd (passed away 51 A.H)
10.Abu Ubaidah Aamir bin Abdullah bin Al-Jarrah.

Source: http://www.sahaba.net

Abu Bakr RA - The First Caliph

..."If I were to take a friend other than my Lord, I would take Abu Bakr as a friend."... (Muslim)

Abu Bakr's Life

Abu Bakr ('The Owner of Camels') was not his real name. He acquired this name later in life because of his great interest in raising camels. His real name was Abdul Ka'aba ('Slave of Ka'aba'), which Muhammad (peace be on him) later changed to Abdullah ('Slave of God'). The Prophet also gave him the title of 'Siddiq' - 'The Testifier to the Truth.'

Abu Bakr was a fairly wealthy merchant, and before he embraced Islam, was a respected citizen of Mecca. He was three years younger than Muhammad (peace be on him) and some natural affinity drew them together from earliest child hood. He remained the closest Companion of the Prophet all through the Prophet's life. When Muhammad first invited his closest friends and relatives to Islam, Abu Bakr was among the earliest to accept it. He also persuaded Uthman and Bilal to accept Islam. In the early days of the Prophet's mission, when the handful of Muslims were subjected to relentless persecution and torture, Abu Bakr bore his full share of hardship. Finally when God's permission came to emigrate from Mecca, he was the one chosen by the Prophet to accompany him on the dangerous journey to Medina. In the numerous battles which took place during the life of the Prophet, Abu Bakr was always by his side. Once, he brought all his belongings to the Prophet, who was raising money for the defense of Medina. The Prophet asked "Abu Bakr, what did you leave for your family?" The reply came: "God and His Prophet."

Even before Islam, Abu Bakr was known to be a man of upright character and amiable and compassionate nature. All through his life he was sensitive to human suffering and kind to the poor and helpless. Even though he was wealthy, he lived very simply and spent his money for charity, for freeing slaves and for the cause of Islam. He often spent part of the night in supplication and prayer. He shared with his family a cheerful and affectionate home life.

Election to the Caliphate

The Prophet's closest Companion, Abu Bakr, was not present when the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) breathed his last in the apartment of his beloved wife of later years, Aisha, Abu Bakr's daughter. When he came to know of the Prophet's passing, Abu Bakr hurried to the house of sorrow.

"How blessed was your life and how beatific is your death,"

he whispered as he kissed the cheek of his beloved friend and master who now was no more.

When Abu Bakr came out of the Prophet's apartment and broke the news, disbelief and dismay gripped the community of Muslims in Medina. Muhammad (peace be on him) had been the leader, the guide and the bearer of Divine revelation through whom they had been brought from idolatry and barbarism into the way of God. How could he die? Even Umar, one of the bravest and strongest of the Prophet's Companions, lost his composure and drew his sword and threatened to kill anyone who said that the Prophet was dead. Abu Bakr gently pushed him aside, ascended the steps of the lectern in the mosque and addressed the people, saying

"O people, verily whoever worshipped Muhammad, behold! Muhammad is indeed dead. But whoever worships God, behold! God is alive and will never die."

And then he concluded with a verse from the Qur'an:

"And Muhammad is but a Messenger. Many Messengers have gone before him; if then he dies or is killed, will you turn back upon your heels?" [3:144]

On hearing these words, the people were consoled. Despondency gave place to confidence and tranquility. This critical moment had passed. But the Muslim community was now faced with an extremely serious problem: that of choosing a leader. After some discussion among the Companions of the Prophet who had assembled in order to select a leader, it became apparent that no one was better suited for this responsibility than Abu Bakr. A portion of the speech the First Caliph gave after his election has already been quoted in the introduction.

Abu-Bakr's Caliphate

Such, then, was the man upon whom the burden of leadership fell at the most sensitive period in the history of the Muslims.

As the news of the Prophet's death spread, a number of tribes rebelled and refused to pay Zakat (poor-due), saying that this was due only to the Prophet (peace be on him). At the same time a number of impostors claimed that the prophethood had passed to them after Muhammad and they raised the standard of revolt. To add to all this, two powerful empires, the Eastern Roman and the Persian, also threatened the new-born Islamic state at Medina.

Under these circumstances, many Companions of the Prophet, including Umar, advised Abu Bakr to make concessions to the Zakat evaders, at least for a time. The new Caliph disagreed. He insisted that the Divine Law cannot be divided, that there is no distinction between the obligations of Zakat and Salat (prayer), and that any compromise with the injunctions of God would eventually erode the foundations of Islam. Umar and others were quick to realize their error of judgment. The revolting tribes attacked Medina but the Muslims were prepared. Abu Bakr himself led the charge, forcing them to retreat. He then made a relentless war on the false claimants to prophethood, most of whom submitted and again professed lslam.

The threat from the Roman Empire had actually arisen earlier, during the Prophet's lifetime. The Prophet had organized an army under the command of Usama, the son of a freed slave. The army had not gone far when the Prophet had fallen ill so they stopped. After the death of the Prophet the question was raised whether the army should be sent again or should remain for the defence of Medina. Again Abu Bakr showed a firm determination. He said, "I shall send Usama's army on its way as ordered by the Prophet, even if I am left alone."

The final instructions he gave to Usama prescribed a code of conduct in war which remains unsurpassed to this day. Part of his instructions to the Muslim army were:

"Do not be deserters, nor be guilty of disobedience. Do not kill an old man, a woman or a child. Do not injure date palms and do not cut down fruit trees. Do not slaughter any sheep or cows or camels except for food. You will encounter persons who spend their lives in monasteries. Leave them alone and do not molest them."

Khalid bin Waleed had been chosen by the Prophet (peace be on him) on several occasions to lead Muslim armies. A man of supreme courage and a born leader, his military genius came to full flower during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr. Throughout Abu Bakr's reign Khalid led his troops from one victory to another against the attacking Romans.

Another contribution of Abu Bakr to the cause of Islam was the collection and compilation of the verses of the Qur'an.

Abu Bakr died on 21 Jamadi-al Akhir, 13 A.H. (23 August 634 A.C.), at the age of sixty-three, and was buried by the side of the Holy Prophet (peace be on him). His caliphate had been of a mere twenty-seven months duration. In this brief span, however, Abu Bakr had managed, by the Grace of God, to strengthen and consolidate his community and the state, and to secure the Muslims against the perils which had threatened their existence.

Source: Fisabilillah Publications + The Deen Forum

Umar Ibn Al Khattab RA - The 2nd Caliph
..."God has placed truth upon Umar's tongue and heart"... (Abu Dawud, book 19, 2955)"

Umar's Life

During his last illness Abu Bakr had conferred with his people, particularly the more eminent among them. After this meeting they chose Umar as his successor. Umar was born into a respected Quraish family thirteen years after the birth of Muhammad (peace be on him). Umar's family was known for its extensive knowledge of genealogy. When he grew up, Umar was proficient in this branch of knowledge as well as in swordsmanship, wrestling and the art of speaking. He also learned to read and write while still a child, a very rare thing in Mecca at that time. Umar earned his living as a merchant. His trade took him to many foreign lands and he met all kinds of people. This experience gave him an insight into the affairs and problems of men. Umar's personality was dynamic, self-assertive, frank and straight forward. He always spoke whatever was in his mind even if it displeased others.

Umar was twenty-seven when the Prophet (peace be on him) proclaimed his mission. The ideas Muhammad was preaching enraged him as much as they did the other notables of Mecca. He was just as bitter against anyone accepting Islam as others among the Quraish. When his slave-girl accepted Islam he beat her until he himself was exhausted and told her, "I have stopped because I am tired, not out of pity for you." The story of his embracing Islam is an interesting one. One day, full of anger against the Prophet, he drew his sword and set out to kill him. A friend met him on the way. When Umar told him what he planned to do, his friend informed him that Umar's own sister, Fatima, and her husband had also accepted Islam. Umar went straight to his sister's house where he found her reading from pages of the Qur'an. He fell upon her and beat her mercilessly. Bruised and bleeding, she told her brother, "Umar, you can do what you like, but you cannot turn our hearts away from Islam." These words produced a strange effect upon Umar. What was this faith that made even weak women so strong of heart? He asked his sister to show him what she had been reading; he was at once moved to the core by the words of the Qur'an and immediately grasped their truth. He went straight to the house where the Prophet was staying and vowed allegiance to him.

Umar made no secret of his acceptance of Islam. He gathered the Muslims and offered prayers at the Ka'aba. This boldness and devotion of an influential citizen of Mecca raised the morale of the small community of Muslims. Nonetheless Umar was also subjected to privations, and when permission for emigration to Medina came, he also left Mecca. The soundness of Umar's judgment, his devotion to the Prophet (peace be on him), his outspokenness and uprightness won for him a trust and confidence from the Prophet which was second only to that given to Abu Bakr. The Prophet gave him the title 'Farooq' which means the 'Separator of Truth from False hood.' During the Caliphate of Abu Bakr, Umar was his closest assistant and adviser. When Abu Bakr died, all the people of Medina swore allegiance to Umar, and on 23 Jamadi-al-Akhir, 13 A.H., he was proclaimed Caliph.

Umar's Caliphate

After taking charge of his office, Umar spoke to the Muslims of Medina:

"...O people, you have some rights on me which you can always claim. One of your rights is that if anyone of you comes to me with a claim, he should leave satisfied. Another of your rights is that you can demand that I take nothing unjustly from the revenues of the State. You can also demand that... I fortify your frontiers and do not put you into danger. It is also your right that if you go to battle I should look after your families as a father would while you are away. "O people, remain conscious of God, forgive me my faults and help me in my task. Assist me in enforcing what is good and forbidding what is evil. Advise me regarding the obligations that have been imposed upon me by God..."

The most notable feature of Umar's caliphate was the vast expansion of Islam. Apart from Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine and Iran also came under the protection of the Islamic government. But the greatness of Umar himself lies in the quality of his rule. He gave a practical meaning to the Qur'anic injunction:

"O you who believe, stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it concerns rich or poor, for God can best protect both." [4:135]

Once a woman brought a claim against the Caliph Umar. When Umar appeared on trial before the judge, the judge stood up as a sign of respect toward him. Umar reprimanded him, saying, "This is the first act of injustice you did to this woman!"

He insisted that his appointed governors live simple lives, keep no guard at their doors and be accessible to the people at all times, and he himself set the example for them. Many times foreign envoys and messengers sent to him by his generals found him resting under a palm tree or praying in the mosque among the people, and it was difficult for them to distinguish which man was the Caliph. He spent many a watchful night going about the streets of Medina to see whether anyone needed help or assistance. The general social and moral tone of the Muslim society at that time is well-illustrated by the words of an Egyptian who was sent to spy on the Muslims during their Egyptian campaign. He reported:

"I have seen a people, every one of whom loves death more than he loves life. They cultivate humility rather than pride. None is given to material ambitions. Their mode of living is simple... Their commander is their equal. They make no distinction between superior and inferior, between master and slave. When the time of prayer approaches, none remains behind..."

Umar gave his government an administrative structure. Departments of treasury, army and public revenues were established. Regular salaries were set up for soldiers. A popuation census was held. Elaborate land surveys were conducted to assess equitable taxes. New cities were founded. The areas which came under his rule were divided into provinces and governors were appointed. New roads were laid, canals were lug and wayside hotels were built. Provision was made for he support of the poor and the needy from public funds. He defined, by precept and by example, the rights and privileges of non-Muslims, an example of which is the following contract with the Christians of Jerusalem:

"This is the protection which the servant of God, Umar, the Ruler of the Believers has granted to the people of Eiliya [Jerusalem]. The protection is for their lives and properties, their churches and crosses, their sick and healthy and for all their coreligionists. Their churches shall not be used for habitation, nor shall they be demolished, nor shall any injury be done to them or to their compounds, or to their crosses, nor shall their properties be injured in any way. There shall be no compulsion for these people in the matter of religion, nor shall any of them suffer any injury on account of religion... Whatever is written herein is under the covenant of God and the responsibility of His Messenger, of the Caliphs and of the believers, and shall hold good as long as they pay Jizya [the tax for their defense] imposed on them."

Those non-Muslims who took part in defense together with the Muslims were exempted from paying Jizya, and when the Muslims had to retreat from a city whose non-Muslim citizens had paid this tax for their defense, the tax was returned to the non-Muslims. The old, the poor and the disabled of Muslims and non-Muslims alike were provided for from the public treasury and from the Zakat funds.

Umar's Death

In 23 A.H., when Umar returned to Medina from Hajj;, he raised his hands and prayed,

"O God! I am advanced in years, my bones are weary, my powers are declining, and the people for whom I am responsible have spread far and wide. Summon me back to Thyself, my lord!" Some time later, when Umar went to the mosque to lead a prayer, a Magian named Abu Lulu Feroze, who had a grudge against Umar on a personal matter, attacked him with a dagger and stabbed him several times. Umar reeled and fell to the ground. When he learned that the assassin was a Magian, he said, "Thank God he is not a Muslim."

Umar died in the first week of Muharram, 24 A.H., and was buried by the side of the Holy Prophet (peace be on him).

http://www.fisabilillah.org/personalities.asp

Uthman Ibn Affan


Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Affaan al-Qurashi (Radhiallaahu Anhu) was an illustrious Sahaabi of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam). He was born in Makkah 47 years before the Hijrah. Of noble lineage, wealthy and extremely handsome, he accepted Islam at the hands of Abu Bakr (Radhiallaahu Anhu) shortly after the Nubuwwah (Prophethood) of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam). He was thus among those people regarding whom Allah declares: 'Allah was pleased with them and they with Him.' He was also honoured with being a scribe of Wahy (revelation) for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) for some time. He was the third Khalifah of Islam and one of the distinguished Asharah Mubashsharah whom Nabi Muhammad (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) informed would enter Jannah. He was one of the chief counsellors and sincere confidants of the previous two khalifas, Abu Bakr and Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu). ZUN NURAYN How intimate was Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) with Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) can be gauged from the fact that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) gave two of his daughters, Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthoom (Radhiyallahu anhumaa) in marriage to him at different times. He was therefore called the possessor of the Two Lights (Zun Nurayn). After both these daughters passed away, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said that if he had had any more daughters, he would have given them also in marriage to Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu). A special virtue of Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) is that Nabi (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) gave both his daughters to him in marriage without him making a request.These marriages and this statement are a testimony to the great love and trust that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) had for Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu). They also speak volumes of the many distinguishing characteristics of Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) due to which Allah Taala chose him to become the son-in-law of His most beloved Nabi (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam). Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) had seventeen children; nine sons and eight daughters.

HIJRAH AND SACRIFICE

At the height of Muslim persecution by the Quraish, he migrated twice from Makkah to Abysinnia. He participated in all the battles with Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) except Badr, when he had to stay behind to tend to his sick wife Ruqayyah (Radhiallaahu Anhu), the daughter of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam). After this battle, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) allotted to him a share from the booty equal to that of the Sahaabah who had participated in the battle. He was also among the illustrious group of Sahaabah (Radhiallaahu Anhu) that participated in the battle of Uhud and whose forgiveness Allah announces in the Quraan.

PIETY AND WORSHIP Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu)

would remain in Salaat all night long, finishing the whole of the Quraan in one rakat. Very often he would fast continuously for days on end. He was fasting even on the day when he was martyred. Whenever Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) visited a grave, he would weep so much that his beard would become wet with tears. Someone asked him, How is it that mention of Jannah and Jahannam does not make you weep so much as you do when you come across a grave He replied, The grave is the first of the many stages of the Aakhirah (Hereafter). For him who is successful or safe during this stage, the later stages will also be easy, while for a person who is not exempted in this stage, the later stages will be even more difficult. Then he quotes Rasulullah (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) as having said, I have not come across any sight more terrifying than that of the grave.

PERSONAL LIFE

In his book, 'Islam and the Earliest Muslims', Moulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi writes: History bears witness to the fact that purity of Imaan (faith) and immense simplicity dominated the life of the third Khalifah, Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu). He entertained the guests with sumptuous meals, but himself took bread with vinegar. He mostly attended to his necessities himself and never woke up any servant in the night. The night is theirs,' he used to say if he was asked to get assistance from them. Hasan Basri (RA) once saw Khalifah Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) taking rest in the masjid at noon, and when he stood up the marks left by the pebbles were visible on his body.Those present wondered at the austere ways of the Khalifah. So concerned was he about he welfare of the people that he often enquired about the market rates of different commodities even after ascending the pulpit of the Masjid. Malik bin Shaddaad relates that he saw Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) on the pulpit one Friday wearing a coarse woollen sheet of Adan, hardly costing four or five dirhams. The generosity of Uthmaan knew no bounds. It is recorded that he had a habit of setting free a slave every Friday.

FAIRNESS

Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) had a slave whom he once pulled by the ear. After he had been elected as Khalifah, he asked the slave to avenge himself and insisted that the slave exact retribution. He even remarked on the occasion, Satisfy yourself, take your vengeance in this world so that nothing remains for the Aakhirah (Hereafter).'

MODESTY

Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) was an extremely modest man. Once Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) was resting on the ground in the house of Aaisha (Radiyallahu anha) when his shin became exposed. Abu Bakr (Radhiallaahu Anhu) asked for permission and entered the house. Then Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu) asked for permission and entered the house. Thereafter Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) sought permission to enter. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) permitted him to enter and covered his shin (properly). After they had all gone, Aaisha (Radiyallahu anha) asked Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) the reason for covering his shin. He replied, Why should I not be shy of the person of whom the Malaaikah (Angels) are shy.?(Mishkaat p.560)

PERPETUAL REWARD

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) has said, He who introduces a good sunnah (custom) in Islam earns the reward of it and of all who perform it after him, without diminishing their own rewards in the slightest....(Sahih Muslim) In the context of the above Hadith, it is not difficult to imagine the great rank of Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) who completed the gathering of the Quraan begun by Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiallaahu Anhu),by checking, collating and ordering it to be gathered into a single volume and sending it to all parts of the Muslim world. When innumerable Muslims have recited, studied and practised upon this single volume for the last fourteen hundred years, and the share of Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) is being renewed each time a Quraan is being opened, Allah alone knows the magnitude of the reward stored for Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) stored for him in the Hereafter. He also related 146 Ahadith from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam).

BAY?ATUR RIDWAAN

At Hudaybiyah, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) appointed him as his representative / ambassador to the Quraish. When the rumour went round that Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) had been killed by the the Quraish, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) took the pledge (Bayatur Ridwaan) of the Sahaabah that they would fight till the end. On this occasion, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) lifted his own right hand and said, This is the hand of Uthmaan, and then placed it into his left hand saying that he was making the pledge on behalf of Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu). Imagine! When Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) regards his blessed hand to be the hand of Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu), and then takes the pledge on his behalf, it is proof from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) himself of the great level of Imaan of Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) and his special status/rank. Regarding the Sahaabah that pledged allegiance at Hudaybiyah, Allah Taala Himself declares, 'Certainly Allah was pleased with the believers when the pledged allegiance to you (O Muhammad) under the Tree.' In Sahih Bukhaari and Sahih Muslim, it is mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) addressing the Sahaabah (Radhiallaahu Anhu) at Hudaybiyah said, You are the best people on earth.' It is also related by Umm Bishr (Radhiallaahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said, Not one of the people that swore allegiance under the Tree (at Hudaybiyah) will ever enter the Fire (of Jahannam).' (Sahih Muslim). These glad tidings of Allah and His Rasul (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) are testimony to the fact that every one of these Sahaabah were to die with Imaan and upon practised such pious deeds which were pleasing to Allah, the pleasure of Allah would obviously include this.

AS KHALIFAH

After the martyrdom of Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu) in 23 A.H. he was elected the khalifah and remained in office for 12 years. During his tenure, many lands like Armenia, Caucasia, Khurasan, Kirman, Sijistan, Cyprus, Constantinople and much of North Africa were added to the dominions of Islam. As soon as these countries conquered, effective measures were set in place for the development of their material resources. Water-courses were dug, roads made, fruit trees planted, and security given to trade by the establishment of a regular police organisation. In 26 A.H. he had the grand square of the Kabah Shareef enlarged and in 29 A.H.the Musjid of Nabi (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) in Madinah Shareef was also enlarged and beautified at his own expense. He also issued orders to build new masjids in the conquered lands and extend the existing ones.

MARTYRDOM

Moulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi writes: Nothing can illustrate the sincerity and austerity of Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) more than the events leading to his martyrdom. While the insurgents had beseiged him in Madinah, he calmly bade the people of Madinah to go back to their homes since he did not want to fight or allow the blood of any Muslim to be shed for him. He died reciting the Quraan at the hands of the rebels but did not succumb to their demand of retiring from the khilaafah, a trust committed to his care by the Muslims. He stood fast to his post till his last breath for he deemed it a sacred office entrusted to him in accordance with the prediction of Nabi (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam). When Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu Anhu) was martyred, he was 82 years old. This great son-in-law of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) and an illustrious star from the galaxy of the Sahaabah (Radhiallaahu Anhu) lies buried in Jannatul Baqee in Madinah. Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiallaahu Anhu) relates that Rasululah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said, O Uthmaan! Allah will make you don a mantle (of khilaafah). When they ask you to remove it, do not do so (for them). (Mishkaat p.562) Once Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Give glad tidings of Jannah to him i.e. Uthmaan. And then he will undergo a great trial.' (Bukhari vol. 2 pg. 1052). From all those Ahaadith, it is clear that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) knew beforehand of the impending Fitna and that while being the Khalifah, Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiallaahu anhu) would be martyred on the right path. Yet, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) advised him to remain steadfast and exercise patience against his enemies.

Hadhrat Ali RA - Yet to come

Talhah ibn Ubaydullah RA

Talhah ibn Ubaydullah gained the unique reputation among Muslims of being called the "living martyr". The name was earned during the Battle of Uhud. Talhah had missed the Battle of Badr. He and Said ibn Zayd had been sent outside Madinah on a mission by the Prophet and when they returned, the Prophet and his companions were already on the way back from Badr. They were both sad at having missed the opportunity of taking part in the first campaign with the Prophet but were tremendously pleased when he told them they would get the same reward as those who actually fought. At the Battle of Uhud, when the Muslims fell into disarray at the beginning of hostilities the Prophet became dangerously exposed. There were about eleven men of the Ansar at his side and one Muhajir - Talhah ibn Ubaydullah. The Prophet clambered up the mountain hotly pursued by some mushrikin. The Prophet, peace be on him, shouted:..

"The one who repulses these people from us will be my companion in Paradise." "I, O Messenger of god," shouted Talhah. "No, stick to your position," replied the Prophet. A man from the Ansar volunteered and the Prophet agreed. He fought until he was killed. The Prophet went further up the mountain with the mushrikin still in close pursuit. "Isn't there someone to combat these?" Talhah again volunteered but the Prophet ordered him to maintain his position. Another person immediately came forward, fought and was killed. This happened until all who stood by the Prophet were martyred except Talhah. "Now, yes," signalled the Prophet and Talhah went into battle. By this time, the Prophet's teeth had been broken, his forehead had been slashed, his lips had been wounded and blood was streaming down his face. He was drained of energy. Talhah plunged into the enemy and pushed them away from the Prophet. He turned back to the Prophet and helped him a little further up the mountain and put him to lie on the ground. He then renewed his attack and successfully repulsed the enemy. About this occasion Abu Bakr said: "At that moment, Abu Ubayd ibn al-Jarrah and I were far from the Prophet. When we came close to him to render assistance to him, the Prophet said: 'Leave me and go to your companion (meaning Talhah)." There was Talhah, bleeding profusely. He had numerous wounds, from sword, spear and arrow. His foot had been cut and he had fallen into a hollow where he lay unconscious. Thereafter, the Prophet, peace be on him, said: "Whoever is pleased to see a man still walking on earth who had completed his span (of life), let him look at Talhah ibn Ubaydullah." And, whenever Uhud was recalled, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, may God be pleased with him, would say: "That day, that entire day, belonged to Talhah." That was the story of how Talhah became to be called the "living martyr". There were innumerable incidents which led to him being called "Talhah the Good" and "Talhah the Generous".

Zubair ibn Awwam RA

It is almost impossible to mention Talâh Ibn Ubaidullah Radi-Allahu 'anhu without mentioning Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu, too, and almost impossible to mention Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu without mentioning Talâh Ibn Ubaidullah Radi-Allahu 'anhu as well.

When the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam was fraternizing with his Companions in Makkah before the Hijrah to Madînah, he fraternized with Talâh Ibn Ubaidullah Radi-Allahu 'anhu and Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu.

The Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam often talked about them together, for example in his statement "Talâh Ibn Ubaidullah Radi-Allahu 'anhu and Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu are my neighbours in Paradise."

Both of them were linked to the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam through relationship and descent. As for Talâh Ibn Ubaidullah Radi-Allahu 'anhu he is linked to the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam through Murah lbn Ka'b. Radi-Allahu 'anhu. Al-Zubair's Radi-Allahu 'anhu lineage is linked to the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam through Qusay Ibn Kulab. In addition to that, his mother Safîyah is the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam paternal aunt.

Talâh Ibn Ubaidullah Radi-Allahu 'anhu and Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu resembled each other tremendously in their fates. The similarity between them was enormous in terms of their upbringing, their wealth, their generosity, their religious solidarity, and their magnificent bravery. Both of them were early converts to Islâm. Both of them were among the ten to whom Paradise was promised by the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam and among the six whom `Umar bin Al- Khattab Radi-Allahu 'anhu entrusted with the duty of choosing the next Khalifah following him. Even their destiny was one of complete similarity. In fact was one destiny.

As mentioned, Al-Zubair's Radi-Allahu 'anhu embracement of Islâm was an early one. Indeed he was one of the first seven who quickened their steps towards Islâm and played a role with the blessed early converts at Dar Al-Arqam. At that time he was 15 years old; that is how he was endowed with guidance, light, and all the good while still a youth.

He was a horseman and a bold warrior from childhood, to the extent that historians mention that the first sword lifted in Islâm was Al-Zubair's Radi-Allahu 'anhu sword.

In the very early days of Islâm, while the Muslims were still few in number, hiding in Dar Al-Arqam, a rumour spread that the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam had been killed. Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu had hardly heard that when he unsheathed his sword and hurried through the streets of Makkah although still so young.

First he went to learn the truth of what had been said, determined that if it were true, he would cut the whole of the Quraish into pieces until they killed him.

On the high hills of Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam met him and asked, "What's the matter?" Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu told him the news. The Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam prayed for him and asked Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala to bestow mercy and all good upon him, and victory upon his sword.

Despite Al-Zubair's Radi-Allahu 'anhu nobility among his clan, he had to carry the burden of the Quraish's persecution and torment. It was his uncle who was in charge of his torture. He wrapped him in a mat, set it on fire to let him suffocate, and called to him while he was under the pressure of severe torture, "Disbelieve in Muhammad's Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam Lord and I will ward off this torture."

Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu, who was at that time no more than a growing youth, replied in a horrible challenging way, "No! By Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, I won't return to polytheism ever again."

Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu emigrated to Abyssinia twice, in the first and second migrations. Then he returned to take part in the battles with the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam. No raid or battle ever missed him.

Plentiful were the stabs which his body had to receive and preserve even after his wounds had been healed. They were like medals telling of Al-Zubair's Radi-Allahu 'anhu heroism and glory.

Let us listen to one of his companions, who once saw and described these medals, which crowded each other over his body: While accompanying Az- Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu in one of his journeys, I saw his body spotted with sword scars. His chest was like hollow eyes due to the variety of stabs and wounds. I said to him, "I've seen on your body what I've never seen before." He replied, "By Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, I haven't received one of them except while I was with the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam and in the cause of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala."

During the Battle of Uhud, after the army of the Quraish had retreated towards Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam assigned him together with Abû Bakr As Siddîq Radi-Allahu 'anhu to follow the Quraish's army and to chase them so they would realize how strong the Muslim party was and would not think of reattaching Madînah and continuing the fight. Abû Bakr As Siddîq Radi-Allahu 'anhu and Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu led 70 Muslims. Although they were chasing a victorious army, the military skill used by Abû Bakr As Siddîq Radi-Allahu 'anhu and Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu, made the Quraish think that they had overestimated the Tosses of the Muslim party. They thought that the powerful front row, whose strength Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu and Abû Bakr As Siddîq Radi-Allahu 'anhu successfully demonstrated, was nothing other than the advance guard of the Prophet Muhammad's Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam army, which seemed to approach in order to launch a horrible pursuit. The Quraish hastened away and quickened their pace towards Makkah.

On the Day of Al-Yarmûk, Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu was an army in himself. When he saw most of the warriors under his command moving backwards when they saw the huge advancing Roman "mountains", he cried, "Allâhu Akbar!" With a sharp striking sword he burst alone into those advancing "mountains", then he retreated, then penetrated the same horrible rows with his sword in his right hand, never tripping nor slipping.

May Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala be pleased with him who was so much in love with martyrdom, full of enthusiasm for dying in the cause of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. He said, "Talâh Ibn Ubaidullah Radi-Allahu 'anhu gives his sons names of the Prophet Muhammad's Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam and he knows there is no Prophet Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam after Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam. But I give my sons the names of martyrs, and may they die as martyrs!"

In this way he named one son `Abdullâh Radi-Allahu 'anhu as a good omen, after the martyr Companion `Abdullâh lbn Jahsh Radi-Allahu 'anhu; another he named Al-Mundhir Radi-Allahu 'anhu after the martyr Companion Al-Mundhir Radi-Allahu 'anhu, `Amr Radi-Allahu 'anhu; another he named Urwa Radi-Allahu 'anhu after the martyr Companion `Urwa Ibn `Amr Radi-Allahu 'anhu; another he called Hamza Radi-Allahu 'anhu after the martyr Companion Hamza Ibn 'Abd Al Muttalib Radi-Allahu 'anhu; another he called Jafar Radi-Allahu 'anhu after the martyr Companion Jafar Ibn Abi Tâlib Radi-Allahu 'anhu; another he called Musab Radi-Allahu 'anhu after the martyr Companion Musab Ibn Umayr Radi-Allahu 'anhu and another he called Khalid Radi-Allahu 'anhu after the martyr Companion Khalid lbn Said Radi-Allahu 'anhu.

In this way he chose for his sons the names of martyrs, hoping that they would all die martyrs.

It is mentioned in his biography that he never held a governorship, nor the task of collecting taxes or tribute, but only the task of fighting in the cause of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.

His merit as a warrior can be seen in his total self-reliance and his complete self-confidence.

Even if 100,000 warriors were to join him in combat, you would still see him fighting as if standing alone on the battlefield, and as if the responsibility of fighting and for victory rested on him alone.

His merit as a warrior is represented in his firmness and the strength of his nerves.

He saw his uncle Hamza Radi-Allahu 'anhu on the Day of Uhud: the polytheists had cut his corpse into pieces in a dreadful way. He stood in front of him like a high firm rooted mountain, gritting his teeth while holding his sword tightly, having nothing in mind except a horrible revenge. Soon, however, a divine revelation prohibited the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam and the Muslims from even the slightest thought of such a thing.

When the Banî Quraidha siege lasted a long period without their surrender, the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam sent him with Ali bin Abi Tâlib Radi-Allahu 'anhu. There in front of the insurmountable fortress he stood and repeated several times, "By Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala We will taste what Hamza Radi-Allahu 'anhu tasted or we will open their fortress." Then they two alone threw themselves into the fortress.

With admirable strong nerves, they were able to terrify the besieged inside it and to open its gates.

On the Day of Hunain he could see Mâlik lbn `Awf, leader the of Banî Hawâzin and of the polytheist army, after his defeat in Hunain standing in the midst of some of his companions and the remnants of his defeated army. He burst alone into their midst and single handily scattered them and pushed them away from the place of ambush from which they kept an eye on the Muslim leaders who were returning from the battlefield.

His share of the Prophet Muhammad's Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam love and appreciation was great.

The Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam was so proud of him that he said, "Every Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam has a disciple, and my disciple is Al-Zubair Ibn Al-A'wwam Radi-Allahu 'anhu." He was not only his cousin and the husband of Asmâ Bint Abû Bakr As Siddîq Radi-Allahu 'anha but, moreover, he was the powerful, loyal, brave, bold, generous, and bountiful, who gave away and devoted his life and money for Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, Lord of all the worlds.

His characteristics were noble, his good qualities great. His bravery and generosity were always parallel to each other. He managed a successful trade, and his fortune was enormous; however, he spent all of that in the cause of Islâm until he died in debt. His trust in Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala was the reason behind his generosity, bravery, and redemption.

Even when he generously gave up his soul, he asked his son to pay his debt. "If you're unable to pay it, then seek my Master's help." `Abdullâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala asked him, "Which master do you mean?" He answered, "Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. He is the best Guardian, the best Helper." `Abdullâh Radi-Allahu 'anhu said afterwards, "By Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala I never fell into trouble because of his debt. I only said, `O Master of Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu, pay his debt,' so He did."

On the Day of Al-Jamal, and in the same way previously mentioned about Talâh Ibn Ubaidullah Radi-Allahu 'anhu, was Al-Zubair's Radi-Allahu 'anhu end and fate. After he saw it right to refrain from fighting, a group of those who had been keen to see the flames of civil strife continuously raging and never extinguished followed him. A treacherous murderer stabbed him while he was praying and standing between the hands of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.

The murderer went to Imam Ali bin Abi Tâlib Radi-Allahu 'anhu, thinking that he would be announcing to him good news when telling him about his attack upon Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu and when putting into his hands the sword which he had stolen from him after committing his crime. When Ali bin Abi Tâlib Radi-Allahu 'anhu knew that Al-Zubair's Radi-Allahu 'anhu murderer was standing at his door asking permission to enter, he shouted ordering that he be expelled and said, "Announce Hell to the murderer of Safîyah's son!" When they showed him Al- Zubair's Radi-Allahu 'anhu sword, Imam `Ali bin Abi Tâlib Radi-Allahu 'anhu kissed it and then cried painfully saying, "A sword whose owner had so long wiped the Prophet Muhammad's Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam grief."

Is there a better, more wonderful and eloquent salute to be directed to Al-Zubair Radi-Allahu 'anhu at the end of our talk than the words of Imam Ali bin Abi Tâlib Radi-Allahu 'anhu?

AbdurRahmaan bin Awf RA

He was one of the first eight persons to accept Islam. He was one of the ten persons (al-asharatu-l mubashshirin) who were assured of entering Paradise. He was one of the six persons chosen by Umar to form the council of shura to choose the Khalifah after his death.

His name in Jahiliyyah days was Abu Amr. But when he accepted Islam the noble Prophet called him Abdur-Rahman - the servant of the Beneficent God.

Abdur-Rahman became a Muslim before the Prophet entered the house of al-Arqam. In fact it is said that he accepted Islam only two days after Abu Bakr as-Siddiq did so.

Abdur-Rahman did not escape the punishment which the early Muslims suffered at the hands of the Quraysh. He bore this punishment with steadfastness as they did. He remained firm as they did. And when they were compelled to leave Makkah for Abyssinia because of the continuous and unbearable persecution, Abdur-Rahman also went. He returned to Makkah when it was rumored that conditions for the Muslims had improved but, when these rumors proved to be false, he left again for Abyssinia on a second hijrah. From Makkah once again he made the hijrah to Madinah.

Soon after arriving in Madinah, the Prophet in his unique manner began pairing off the Muhajirin and the Ansar. This established a firm bond of brotherhood and was meant to strengthen social cohesion and ease the destitution of the Muhajirin. Abdur-Rahman was linked by the Prophet with Sad ibn ar-Rabi'ah. Sad in the spirit of generosity and magnanimity with which the Ansar greeted the Muhajirin, said to Abdur-Rahman:
"My brother! Among the people of Madinah I have the most wealth. I have two orchards and I have two wives. See which of the two orchards you like and I shall vacate it for you and which of my two wives is pleasing to you and I will divorce her for you."

Abdur-Rahman must have been embarrassed and said in reply: "May God bless you in your family and your wealth. But just show me where the suq is.."

Abdur-Rahman went to the market-place and began trading with whatever little resources he had. He bought and sold and his profits grew rapidly. Soon he was sufficiently well off and was able to get married. He went to the noble Prophet with the scent of perfume lingering over him.

"Mahyarn, O Abdur-Rahman!" exclaimed the Prophet - "mahyam" being a word of Yemeni origin which indicates pleasant surprise.

"I have got married," replied Abdur-Rahman. "And what did you give your wife as mahr?" "The weight of a nuwat in gold."

"You must have a walimah (wedding feast) even if it is with a single sheep. And may Allah bless you in your wealth," said the Prophet with obvious pleasure and encouragement.

Thereafter Abdur-Rahman grew so accustomed to business success that he said if he lifted a stone he expected to find gold or silver under it!
Abdur-Rahman distinguished himself in both the battles of Badr and Uhud. At Uhud he remained firm throughout and suffered more than twenty wounds some of them deep and severe. Even so, his physical jihad was matched by his jihad with his wealth.

Once the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, was preparing to despatch an expeditionary force. He summoned his companions and said:
"Contribute sadaqah for I want to despatch an expedition." Abdur-Rahman went to his house and quickly returned. "O Messenger of God," he said, "I have four thousand (dinars). I give two thousand as a qard to my Lord and two thousand I leave for my family."

When the Prophet decided to send an expedition to distant Tabuk - this was the last ghazwah of his life that he mounted - his need for finance and material was not greater than his need for men for the Byzantine forces were a numerous and well-equipped foe. That year in Madinah was one of drought and hardship. The journey to Tabuk was long, more that a thousand kilometers. Provisions were in short supply. Transport was at a premium so much so that a group of Muslims came to the Prophet pleading to go with him but he had to turn them away because he could find no transport for them.

These men were sad and dejected and came to be known as the Bakka'in or the Weepers and the army itself was called the Army of Hardship ('Usrah). Thereupon the Prophet called upon his companions to give generously for the war effort in the path of God and assured them they would be rewarded. The Muslims' response to the Prophet's call was immediate and generous. In the fore front of those who responded was Abdur-Rahman ibn Awl. He donated two hundred awqiyyah of gold whereupon Umar ibn al-Khattab said to the Prophet:
"I have (now) seen Abdur-Rahman committing a wrong. He has not left anything for his family."

"Have you left anything for your family, Abdur-Rahman?" asked the Prophet.

"Yes," replied Abdur-Rahman. "I have left for them more than what I give and better." "How much?" enquired the Prophet.

"What God and His Messenger have promised of sustenance, goodness and reward," replied Abdur-Rahman.

The Muslim army eventually left for Tabuk. There Abdur-Rahman was blessed with an honor which was not conferred on anyone till then. The time of Salat came and the Prophet, peace be on him, was not there at the time. The Muslims chose Abdur-Rahman as their imam. The first rakat of the Salat was almost completed when the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, joined the worshippers and performed the Salat behind Abdur-Rahman ibn Awl. Could there be a greater honor conferred on anyone than to have been the imam of the most honored of God's creation, the imam of the Prophets, the imam of Muhammad, the Messenger of God!

When the Prophet, peace be on him, passed away, Abdur-Rahman took on the responsibility of looking after the needs of his family, the Ummahaat al-Muminin. He would go with them wherever they wanted to and he even performed Hajj with them to ensure that all their needs were met. This is a sign of the trust and confidence which he enjoyed on the part of the Prophet's family.

Abdur-Rahman's support for the Muslims and the Prophet's wives in particular was well-known. Once he sold a piece of land for forty thousand dinars and he distributed the entire amount among the Banu Zahrah (the relatives of the Prophet's mother Aminah), the poor among the Muslims and the Prophet's wives. When Aishah, may God be pleased with her, received some of this money she asked:
"Who has sent this money?" and was told it was Abdur-Rahman, whereupon she said:
"The Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: No one will feel compassion towards you after I die except the sabirin (those who are patient and resolute)."

The prayer of the noble Prophet that Allah should bestow barakah on the wealth of Abdur-Rahman appeared to be with Abdur-Rahman throughout his life. He became the richest man among the companions of the Prophet. His business transactions invariably met with success and his wealth continued to grow. His trading caravans to and from Madinah grew larger and larger bringing to the people of Madinah wheat, flour, butter, cloths, utensils, perfume and whatever else was needed and exporting whatever surplus produce they had.

One day, a loud rumbling sound was heard coming from beyond the boundaries of Madinah normally a calm and peaceful city. The rumbling sound gradually increased in volume. In addition, clouds of dust and sand were stirred up and blown in the wind. The people of Madinah soon realized that a mighty caravan was entering the city. They stood in amazement as seven hundred camels laden with goods moved into the city and crowded the streets. There was much shouting and excitement as people called to one another to come out and witness the sight and see what goods and sustenance the camel caravan had brought.

Aishah, may God be pleased with her, heard the commotion and asked: "What is this that's happening in Madinah?" and she was told: "It is the caravan of Abdur-Rahman ibn Awl which has come from Syria bearing his merchandise." "A caravan making all this commotion?" she asked in disbelief." "Yes, O Umm al-Muminin. There are seven hundred camels."
Aishah shook her head and gazed in the distance as if she was trying to recall some scene or utterance of the past and then she said:
"I have heard the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, say: I have seen Abdur-Rahman ibn Awl entering Paradise creeping."

Why creeping? Why should he not enter Paradise leaping and at a quick pace with the early companions of the Prophet?
Some friends of his related to Abdur-Rahman the hadith which Aishah had mentioned. He remembered that he had heard the hadith more than once from the Prophet and he hurried to the house of Aishah and said to her: "Yaa Ammah! Have you heard that from the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace?" "Yes," she replied.

"You have reminded me of a hadith which I have never forgotten," he is also reported to have said. He was so over-joyed and added:
"If I could I would certainly like to enter Paradise standing. I swear to you, yaa Ammah, that this entire caravan with all its merchandise, I will giver sabilillah."

And so he did. In a great festival of charity and righteousness, he distributed all that the massive caravan had brought to the people of Madinah and surrounding areas.

This is just one incident which showed what type of man Abdur-Rahman was. He earned much wealth but he never remained attached to it for its own sake and he did not allow it to corrupt him.

Abdur-Rahman's generosity did not stop there. He continued giving with both his hands, secretly and openly. Some of the figures mentioned are truly astounding: forty thousand dirhams of silver, forty thousand dinars of gold, two hundred awqiyyah of gold, five hundred horses to mujahidin setting out in the path of God and one thousand five hundred camels to another group of mujahidin, four hundred dinars of gold to the survivors of Badr and a large legacy to the Ummahaat al Muminin and the catalogue goes on. On account of this fabulous generosity, Aishah said:
"May God give him to drink from the water of Salsabil (a spring in Paradise)." All this wealth did not corrupt Abdur-Rahman and did not change him. When he was among his workers and assistants, people could not distinguish him from them. One day food was brought to him with which to end a fast. He looked at the food and said:
"Musab ibn Umayr has been killed. He was better than me. We did not find anything of his to shroud him with except what covered his head but left his legs uncovered. . Then God endowed us with the (bounties of) the world... I really fear that our reward has been bestowed on us early (in this world)." He began to cry and sob and could not eat.

May Abdur-Rahman ibn Awl be granted felicity among "those who spend their substance in the cause of God and follow up not their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury. For them their reward is with their Lord, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve". (The Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, 2: 262).

Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas RA

He came from a rich and noble family. He was short and well bulit and had a very heavy crop of hair. His name was Sad ibn Abi Waqqas.

One morning the genial Abu Bakr came up and spoke softly to him. He explained that Muhammad ibn Abdullah the son of his late cousin Aminah bint Wahb had been given Revelations and sent with the religion of guidance and truth . Abu Bakr then took him to Muhammad in one of the valleys of Makkah. It was late afternoon by this time and the Prophet had just prayed Salat al-Asr. Sad was excited and overwhelmed and responded readily to the invitation to truth and the religion of One God. The fact that he was one of the first persons to accept Islam was something that pleased him greatly.

The Prophet, peace be on him, was also greatly pleased when Sad became a Muslim. He saw in him signs of excellence. The fact that he was still in his youth promised great things to come. It was as if this glowing crescent would become a shining full moon before long. Perhaps other young people of Makkah would follow his example, including some of his relations. For Sad ibn Abi Waqqas was in fact a maternal uncle of the Prophet since he belonged to the Bani Zuhrah, the clan of Aminah bint Wahb, the mother of the Prophet, peace be upon him. For this reason he is sometimes referred to as Sad of Zuhrah, to distinguish him from several others whose first name was Sad.

The Prophet is reported to have been pleased with his family relationship to Sad. Once as he was sitting with his companions, he saw Sad approaching and he said to them: "This is my maternal uncle. Let a man see his maternal uncle!"

While the Prophet was delighted with Sad's acceptance of Islam, others including and especially his mother were not. Sad relates: "When my mother heard the news of my Islam, she flew into a rage. She came up to me and said:

"O Sad! What is this religion that you have embraced which has taken you away from the religion of your mother and father...? By God, either you forsake your new religion or I would not eat or drink until I die. Your heart would be broken with grief for m e and remorse would consume you on account of the deed which you have done and people would censure you forever more.'

'Don't do (such a thing), my mother,' I said, 'for I would not give up my religion for anything.'

However, she went on with her threat... For days she neither ate nor drank. She became emaciated and weak. Hour after hour, I went to her asking whether I should bring her some food or something to drink but she persistently refused, insisting that she wo uld neither eat nor drink until she died or I abandoned my religion. I said to her:

'Yaa Ummaah! In spite of my strong love for you, my love for God and His Messenger is indeed stronger. By God, if you had a thousand souls and one soul after another were to depart, I would not abandon this my religion for anything.' When she saw that I w as determined she relented unwillingly and ate and drank."

It was concerning Sad's relationship with his mother and her attempt to force him to recant his faith that the words of the Quran were revealed: "And we enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In pain upon pain did his mother bear him and his weaning took two years. So show gratitude to Me and to your parents. To Me is the final destiny.

"But if they strive to make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, obey them not. Yet bear them company in this life with justice and consideration and follow the way of those who turn to Me. In the end, the return of you all i s to Me and I shall tell you (the truth and meaning of) all that you used to do." (Surah Luqman, 31: 14-15).

In these early days of Islam, the Muslims were careful not to arouse the sensibilities of the Quraysh. They would often go out together in groups to the glens outside Makkah where they could pray together without being seen. But one day a number of idolat ers came upon them while they were praying and rudely interrupted them with ridicule. The Muslims felt they could not suffer these indignities passively and they came to blows with the idolaters. Sad ibn Abi Waqqas struck one of the disbelievers with the jawbone of a camel and wounded him. This was the first blood shed in the conflict between Islam and kufr - a conflict that was later to escalate and test the patience and courage of the Muslims.

After the incident, however, the Prophet enjoined his companions to be patient and forbearing for this was the command of God: "And bear with patience what they say and avoid them with noble dignity. And leave Me alone to deal with those who give the lie to the Truth, those who enjoy the blessings of life (without any thought of God) and bear with them for a little while." (The Quran, Surah al Muzzammil, 71: 1O).

More than a decade later when permission was given for the Muslims to fight. Sad ibn Abi Waqqas was to play a distinguished role in many of the engagements that took place both during the time of the Prophet and after. He fought at Badr together with his young brother Umayr who had cried to be allowed to accompany the Muslim army for he was only in his early teens. Sad returned to Madinah alone for Umayr was one of the fourteen Muslim martyrs who fell in the battle.

At the Battle of Uhud, Sad was specially chosen as one of the best archers together with Zayd, Saib the son of Uthman ibn Mazun and others. Sad was one of those who fought vigorously in defence of the Prophet after some Muslims had deserted their positi ons. To urge him on, the Prophet, peace be on him, said: "Irmi Sad...Fidaaka Abi wa Ummi " Shoot, Sad ...may my mother and father be your ransom."

Of this occasion, Ali ibn Abi Talib said that he had not yet heard the Prophet, peace be on him, promising such a ransom to anyone except Sad. Sad is also known as the first companion to have shot an arrow in defence of Islam. And the Prophet once prayed for him:

"O Lord, direct his shooting and respond to his prayer." Sad was one of the companions of the Prophet who was blessed with great wealth. Just as he was known for his bravery, so he was known for his generosity. During the Farewell Pilgrimage with the Prop het, he fell ill. The Prophet came to visit him and Sad said:

"O Messenger of God. I have wealth and I only have one daughter to inherit from me. Shall I give two thirds of my wealth as sadaqah?"

"No," replied the Prophet.

"Then, (shall I give) a half?" asked Sad and the Prophet again said 'no'.

"Then, (shall I give) a third?' asked Sad.

"Yes," said the Prophet. "The third is much. Indeed to leave your heirs well-off' is better than that you should leave them dependent on and to beg from people. If you spend anything seeking to gain thereby the pleasure of God, you will be rewarded for it even if it is a morsel which you place in your wife's mouth."

Sad did not remain the father of just one child but was blessed thereafter with many children.

He lived until he was almost eighty years old. He was blessed with much influence and wealth but as the time of death approached in the year 54 AH, he asked his son to open a box in which he had kept a course woolen jubbah and said: "Shroud me in this, for in this (jubbah) I met the Mushrikin on the day of Badr and in it I desire to meet God Almighty."

Saeed bin Zayd RA

Said was not yet twenty when he embraced Islam. His young and steadfast wife Fatimah, daughter of al-Khattab and sister of Umar, also accepted Islam early. Evidently both Said and Fatimah managed to conceal their acceptance of Islam from the Quraysh and e specially from Fatimah's family for some time. She had cause to fear not only her father but her brother Umar who was brought up to venerate the Kabah and to cherish the unity of the Quraysh and their religion.

Umar was a headstrong young man of great determination. He saw Islam as a threat to the Quraysh and became most violent and unrestrained in his attacks on Muslims. He finally decided that the only way to put an end to the trouble was to eliminate the man who was its cause. Goaded on by blind fury he took up his sword and headed for the Prophet's house. On his way he came face to face with a secret believer in the Prophet who seeing Umar's grim expression asked him where he was going. "I am going to kill M uhammad..."

There was no mistaking his bitterness and murderous resolve. The believer sought to dissuade him from his intent but Umar was deaf to any arguments. He then thought of diverting Umar in order to at least warn the Prophet of his intentions.

"O Umar," he said, "Why not first go back to the people of your own house and set them to rights?"

"What people of my house?" asked Umar.

"Your sister Fatimah and your brother-in-law Said. They have both forsaken your religion and are followers of Muhammad in his religion..."

Umar turned and made straight for his sister's house. There he called out to her angrily as he approached. Khabbab ibn al-Aratt who often came to recite the Quran to Said and Fatimah was with them then. When they heard Umar's voice, Khabbab hid in a corne r of the house and Fatimah concealed the manuscript. But 'Umar had heard the sound of their reading and when he came in, he said to them: "What is this haynamah (gibbering) I heard?"

They tried to assure him that it was only normal conversation that he had heard but he insisted: "Hear it I did," he said, "and it is possible that you have both become renegades."

"Have you not considered whether the Truth is not to be found in your religion?" said Said to Umar trying to reason with him. Instead, Umar set upon his brother-in-law hitting and kicking him as hard as he could and when Fatimah went to the defence of her husband, Umar struck her a blow on her face which drew blood.

"O Umar," said Fatimah, and she was angry. "What if the Truth is not in your religion! I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God."

Fatimah's wound was bleeding, and when Umar saw the blood he was sorry for what he had done. A change came over him and he said to his sister:

"Give me that script which you have that I may read it." Like them Umar could read, but when he asked for the script, Fatimah said to him:

"You are impure and only the pure may touch it. Go and wash yourself or make ablutions."

Thereupon Umar went and washed himself, and she gave him the page on which was written the opening verses of Surah Ta-Ha. He began to read it and when he reached the verse, 'Verily, I alone am God, there no deity but me. So, worship Me alone, and be const ant in Prayer so as to remember Me, 'he said: "Show me where Muhammad is."

Umar then made his way to the house of al-Arqam and declared his acceptance of Islam and the Prophet and all his companions rejoiced.

Said and his wife Fatimah were thus the immediate cause which led to the conversion of the strong and determined Umar and this added substantially to the power and prestige of the emerging faith.

Said ibn Zayd was totally devoted to the Prophet and the service of Islam. He witnessed all the major campaigns and encounters in which the Prophet engaged with the exception of Badr. Before Badr, he and Talhah were sent by the Prophet as scouts to Hawra on the Red Sea coast due west of Madinah to bring him news of a Quraysh caravan returning from Syria. When Talhah and Said returned to Madinah the Prophet had already set out for Badr with the first Muslim army of just over three hundred men.

After the passing away of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, Said continued to play a major role in the Muslim community. He was one of those whom Abu Bakr consulted on his succession and his name is often linked with such companions as U thman, Abu Ubaydah and Sad ibn Abi Waqqas in the campaigns that were waged. He was known for his courage and heroism, a glimpse of which we can get from his account of the Battle of Yarmuk. He said:

"For the Battle of Yarmuk, we were twenty four thousand or thereabout. Against us, the Byzantines mobilized one hundred and twenty thousand men. They advanced towards us with a heavy and thunderous movement as if mountains were being moved. Bishops and p riests strode before them bearing crosses and chanting litanies which were repeated by the soldiers behind them.

When the Muslims saw them mobilized thus, they became worried by their vast numbers and something of anxiety and fear entered theft hearts. Thereupon,

Abu Ubaydah stood before the Muslims and urged them to fight. "Worshippers of God" he said, "help God and God will help you and make your feet firm."

"Worshippers of God, be patient and steadfast for indeed patience and steadfastness (sabr) is a salvation from unbelief, a means of attaining the pleasure of God and a defence against ignominy and disgrace."

"Draw out your spears and protect yourselves with your shields. Don't utter anything among yourselves but the remembrance of God Almighty until I give you the command, if God wills."

"Thereupon a man emerged from the ranks of the Muslims and said: "I have resolved to die this very hour. Have you a message to send to the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace?"

"Yes" replied Abu Ubaydah, "convey salaam to him from me and from the Muslims and say to him: O Messenger of God, we have found true what our Lord has promised us."

"As soon as I heard the man speak and saw him unsheathe his sword and go out to meet the enemy, I threw myself on the ground and crept on all fours and with my spear I felled the first enemy horseman racing towards us. Then I fell upon the enemy and God r emoved from my heart all traces of fear. The Muslims engaged the advancing Byzantines and continued fighting until they were blessed with victory."

Said was ranked by the Prophet as one of the outstanding members of his generation. He was among ten of the companions whom the Prophet visited one day and promised Paradise. These were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Abdur-Rahman ibn Awl, Abu Ubaydah , Talhah, az-Zubayr, Sad of Zuhrah, and Said the son of Zayd the Hanif. The books of the Prophet's sayings have recorded his great praises of the Promised Ten (al-'asharatu-l mubashshirun) and indeed of others whom on other occasions he also gave good tid ings of Paradise.

Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin al Jarrah

The image of dignity and grace, a handsome, pleasant, well spoken man with a tall, slim physique and bright sharp eyes. These were the physical good looks of a man whom the Prophet said: ‘Every Ummah (nation) has a trustee: the trustee of my Ummah (nation) is Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah.’

By character and nature, he was very humble and modest. Amongst his friends, he was gentle and soft as silk. When it came to war, he was as hard as iron. During the battle of Uhud, he lost his two front teeth. It was within this battle that two of the iron links of the Prophet ’s helmet pierced his blessed head. Hazrat Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah pulled them out with his teeth. His integrity and honesty was unparalleled even amongst the companions of the Holy Prophet .

His real name was Amir ibn Abdullah bin Al-Jarrah, but he became famous as Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar says that amongst the tribe of the Quraish there were three people in whom manners and modesty excelled all others. They also had the gift of eloquent and gentle speech. If people looked at them, they wished to keep on looking at them. In his opinion, the three people were:

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique
Hazrat Uthman ibn Affaan
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn Al Jarrah
Hazrat Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was amongst those very first distinguished companions who had accepted Islam. He passed every trial and tribulation with flying colours. The difficult situations created by the Quraish were met with courage and patience. During these times of hardship, he and the other companions of the Holy Prophet remained steadfast.
He sincerely and honestly recognized the authenticity and truth of the Prophet as the Messenger of Allah Taa’la. He never gave any signs of despair.

One of the greatest tests faced was at the battle of Badr, it was so critical that it is beyond human comprehension. Hazrat Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah advanced into the midst of the battle field, tearing his way in. This made the people run here and there, helter skelter. Everytime he advanced towards a person on horse back, they made way for him, but there was one man among them who would stand in front of him and challenge him, and try to attack him. When Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah realised that this person was his father, he was stunned and shocked. Hazrat Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was forced to attack him and he was removed from the face of this earth. Anything was possible for such people in Islam, nothing could stop them from believing in one Allah and his beloved Messenger Muhammed .

Towards the latter part of his life, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah took residence in Syria. Within this time a fatal disease of plague spread in the city as it had never before. People were affected by it rapidly. When Hazrat Umar Farooq came to know of this, he sent a letter with a messenger to Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah .

He wrote in the letter that he had some important business with him, and he wanted him to make preparations and immediately set out for Madinah Munawwarah to meet him. He was not to delay. If the letter reached him in the morning, then he was to leave by night and if it reached him by night then he had to set out before morning.

When Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah read the letter, he sorrowfully said that he knew what the important business was. Hazrat Umar wanted to keep alive a man who was not born to live in this world forever. He then wrote a reply to the leader of the Muslims, Hazrat Umar , after greeting him, he said that he knew what work he had for him and that the Muslims were facing severe problems, he could not leave them alone in this state, unless it was Allah Taa’las will as He is the one who decides on their fate.

He appealed to Hazrat Umar to consider him helpless to obey his commands in this matter and requested him to give him permission to stay with the Muslims.

When Hazrat Umar received this letter and read it, his eyes brimmed with tears, the companions sitting around him were shocked to see this and asked him if there was some tragic news, if the commander of the Muslims, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah had passed away. He answered:

“No, but death is very near him.”

Hazrat Umar 's statement turned out to be true and correct. A few days later, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was struck by the plague.

In Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah ’s last days, he made the following statement to the Muslims:

“Today, I am giving you some advice. If you accept it, you will find peace and security to be your companions:

Establish ‘Salaah’, be regular in your prayer
Fast during the month of Ramadhan
Give sacrifices and be charitable often
Perform the Hajj
Perform the Umrah
Encourage and instruct each other to do good actions
Wish your rulers well and be loyal to them
Never deceive your rulers
Be careful that you perform your duties and not be lost in worldly pursuits
Listen carefully to what I have to say next: ‘Even if a man gets to live a thousand years, one day he will be in the same position in which you see me today, no one can escape death.’
“My greetings of peace to all of you. May there be countless blessings of Allah the merciful on you all.”

He then turned to Hazrat Muaz bin Jabal and said,

“Lead the men well in prayers, May Allah protect you!”

With these humble words on his lips, he became the beloved of Allah Taa’la.

“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”

Muaz ibn Jabal stood up and told the people with quivering lips and a trembling voice:

“Brothers in Islam, you are sunk in grief today for a man who was more good hearted than any of us. He had a pure heart free from malice and envy. He was a man who loved the hereafter and was a well-wisher of each one of us.”

He was a man whom was given the title ‘Aminul Ummah’, the trustee of this nation and during his lifetime on this earth given the glad tidings that he would go to paradise by the Prophet . He was a very blessed man, indeed!

Let us all pray for him and his position in paradise be ever exalted.

May Allah Taa’la shower blessings on him and our Prophet . Ameen

PLUS a biiiiigggg JazakAllah for the help i recieved when searching for bios *Thumbs Up*

Amethyst wrote:

Narrated Saeed bin Zayd:

Abdur-Rahman bin Al-Akhnas said that when he was in the mosque, a man abused Ali (RA). So Saeed bin Zayd got up and said, "I bear witness to the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) that I heard him say, 'Ten persons will go to Paradise. Abu Bakr will go to Paradise, Umar will go to Paradise, Uthman will go to Paradise, Ali will go to Paradise, Talha will go to Paradise..

Zubair bin Al-Awwam will go to Paradise, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas will go to Paradise, Abdur-Rahman bin Awf will go to Paradise and Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah. If I wish, I can mention the tenth."

The People asked, "Who is he?" so he kept silent. They again asked, "Who is he?"

He replied, "He is Saeed ibn Zayd." He then said, "The company of one man whose face has been covered with dust by the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) is better than the actions of one of you for a whole life time even if he is granted the life-span of Noah." [Abu Dawud]

These Ten Companions are listed below, together with the dates of when they lived and died:

1. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (51 B.H-13 A.H; 573-634 C.E)
2. Umar bin Al-Khattab Al-Farooq (40 B.H-23 A.H; 584-644 C.E)
3. Uthman bin Affan Ghani Dhun-Nurayn (47 B.H- 35 A.H; 577-656 C.E)
4. Ali bin Abi Talib (23 B.H- 40 A.H; 600-661 C.E)
5. Talha bin Ubaidullah (28 B.H-36 A.H; 596-656 C.E)
6. Zubair bin Al-Awwaam (28 B.H-36 A.H; 596-656 C.E)
7. Abdur-Rahman bin Awf (passed away 31 A.H/654 C.E)
8. Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (23 B.H-55 A.H; 600-675 C.E)
9. Saeed ibn Zayd (passed away 51 A.H)
10.Abu Ubaidah Aamir bin Abdullah bin Al-Jarrah.

Source: http://www.sahaba.net

yeah i read this just last night on another site, was suprised to see Sa'ad bin Abi Waqqas same age as Ali Bin ABi Talib Radhi ALlah 'anhum

and Talha and Zbair born same day, died same day!

top thread

-Fady- wrote:

yeah i read this just last night on another site, was suprised to see Sa'ad bin Abi Waqqas same age as Ali Bin ABi Talib Radhi ALlah 'anhum

and Talha and Zbair born same day, died same day!

oh yeahhhh, didnt notice that! thats cool!

Admin wrote:

top thread

wa iyyaak and was waiting for your help to find a reliable source for the bio of Hadhrat Ali RA

safiyyah wrote:

agree sahaba.net is also a TOP site mashaAllah

wa iyyaaki and yep, youre right!

~BUMP~

Can someone please find me a credible bio of Hadhrat Ali RA which i could add on to this, please?