The Companions of The Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H)
The Companions of The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
Seyithan Arslan
“My companions are like the stars. Whichever one you follow, you’ll be guided.”
Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
The Companions of The Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H)-Book 1
Name Page No
1. Salman-i Farisi
2. Tufeyl Ibn Amr
3. Habbab Ibn Aratt
4. Rabia Ibn Kab
5. Abu Sufyan
6. Bera Ibn Malik
7. Abdullah Ibn Selam
8. Abu Zer
9. Abdullah Ibn Huzafe
10. Amr Ibn Jemuh
Glossary
Salman-i Farisi
Salman grew up in the village of Ceyyan near Isfahan, Iran. His father was the village chief, and his word was law. From the day Salman was born, he was his father’s favorite. With each passing day his father loved Salman more and more. He kept his son at home to protect him from the dangers of the outside world.
Salman and his father were of the Magian religion. They worshipped fire. Because of his zealousness Salman was given the duty of tending the fire. Day and night he kept the fire burning.
Salman’s father had a very large farm. It kept him very busy. One day he was not able to go to the farm so he called Salman. “Son,” he said. “I don’t have time to go to the farm today. You go and take care of the work there for me.”
Salman started out for the farm. On the way he saw a church. He heard the voices of Christians worshipping there. Because he had always been busy tending the fire, Salman had not been able to learn anything about other religions. He was curious, so he entered the church.
Salman watched the Christians carefully. He liked their prayers and the way they worshipped. So he decided to become a Christian. This religion is better than ours, he thought to himself. He stayed in the church until sunset. He asked the others there, “Where is the home of this religion?”
“Syria,” they answered.
Salman left the church and started home. He had not gone to the farm. When he arrived home, his father asked Salman what he had done that day. Salman replied, “Father, I met some
people worshipping in a church today. I liked their religion. I stayed with them all day until the sun went down.”
Afraid of what his son had done, Salman’s father said, “Oh, my son, their religion is no good. Your own religion, the religion of your ancestors, is better.”
“No,” Salman said. “Their religion is better than ours.”
Fearing that his son was going to convert to Christianity, the village chief tied his son’s feet and locked him in the house.
After some time passed, Salman was able to send this message to the Christians:
‘Inform me when a caravan traveling to Syria arrives!’
After a short time passed, news came that a caravan heading towards Syria had arrived. Salman secretly left the house and joined the Christians going to Syria.
When Salman arrived in Syria, he asked who was the most knowledgeable Christian. “Go to the bishop,” they said. “He’s the most knowledgeable.”
When Salman found the bishop, he said, “I want to become a Christian. I want to stay here and serve
you. Also I want to learn from you and worship here.” The bishop accepted the boy’s request. Salman stayed there and began to serve him.
Some time later, Salman understood that the bishop was not an honest man. The bishop encouraged his fellow Christians to give charity to the church so they would be rewarded by God. But after taking their charity, he hid it for himself. He didn’t give anything to the poor. He saved up seven jars full of gold and silver.
Later when the bishop died, the rest of the Christians gathered to bury him. “Your friend
was not a good person,” said Salman. “He would tell you to be charitable in order to be rewarded by God. But then he would hide the money you gave instead of giving it to the needy.”
“How do you know this?” they asked.
Salman told them, “I can show you where he hid the money.”
“Show us then,” they said.
Salman took them to the spot where the bishop had buried their money. The Christians found seven large earthen jars full of gold and silver. “We won’t bury this thief,” they said. Instead they hung him on a cross and threw stones at him.
Shortly afterwards a new bishop was appointed to run the church. He was a very good and devout man. Always thinking of the afterlife, he spent his days and nights in worship. Salman served him for a long time.
When the good old bishop was about to die, Salman asked him what he should do. The dying man told Salman to go to Musul to serve a good Christian man there. Salman did as the bishop suggested and went to Musul. He served several good Christians after that.
The last man he served told him that a prophet would appear in the land of the Arabs.
He said, “The prophet will be from the religion of the prophet Abraham. There will be obvious signs of his prophethood. For example, he will accept gifts, but not charity. Also there will be a sign of prophecy on his back between his shoulder blades.”
Salman decided to go to Arabia after the Christian man died. He asked some traders going to Arabia to take him with them in exchange for a few cows and goats he owned. The traders agreed to the deal. But when the caravan arrived in the Kura Valley (between Medina and Damascus), the traders sold Salman to a Jew.
When the Jew’s nephew came to visit, he bought Salman from his uncle and took him to Medina. Salman recognized Medina as the Christian man had described it. He stayed there and served the Jew.
Around that time Muhammad (peace be upon him) was inviting members of his tribe in Mecca to accept Islam. But Salman didn’t hear about him because he was always busy working for his master.
Then one day the prophet emigrated to Medina. Salman was working in the top of an olive tree, and his
master was sitting under the tree. Suddenly the Jew’s nephew came and said, “May God destroy the tribes of Evs and Hazrec (the two main Arab tribes of Medina)! They are joining together in Kuba to meet Muhammad who claims to be a prophet.”
Salman was very shaken by these words. While climbing down the tree, he almost fell on top of his master.
“What did you say? Please repeat it,” Salman said excitedly. His master got angry and began beating Salman.
“What’s it to you? Get back to work!” shouted the Jew.
That night Salman took some dates and went to see the Prophet in Kuba. Coming before the prophet, he said, “I’ve heard you’re an honest man. I’ve brought some charity for you and your friends.”
The Prophet took the dates and gave them to his companions. He did not eat them himself. Salman returned home and began working again.
When Muhammad (pbuh) arrived in Medina, Salman again took him some dates. “I saw that you don’t eat charity. These dates are a gift to you. Please eat them,” said Salman. The Prophet took the dates and ate them together with his companions.
Salman understood that Muhammad (pbuh) was truly a prophet, and he accepted Islam. The Prophet paid Salman’s price to his Jewish owner and set Salman free.
Whenever anyone asked Salman, “Whose son are you,” he would say, “I am Salman, the son of Islam from the children of Adam.”
We will never forget his efforts in the struggle of the growing Muslim state. We will never forget his success at the Battle of Hendek.
Salman-i Farisi died in the thirty-fifth year after the emigration to Medina, during the caliphate of Osman.
Tufeyl Ibn Amr
Tufeyl Ibn Amr was a leader of the Daws during the Age of Ignorance. He was a well-liked and prominent Arab merchant. His home was always open to the poor and needy. A man of refined feelings, Tufeyl was a clever and talented poet as well.
Tufeyl left his village and went to Mecca. There was a struggle going on at that time between the Prophet Muhammad and the unbelievers among the Qureish tribe. Each side wanted to win over new supporters.
The Prophet (pbuh) was calling people to Islam. His weapons were faith and the truth. The unbelievers were trying their best to turn people away from the Prophet.
Tufeyl had no intention of getting into the fight when he came to Mecca. He wasn’t even thinking about the Qureish or the Prophet. But as soon as the leaders of the Qureish saw Tufeyl, they welcomed him and made him their guest.
“Tufeyl,” said the prominent members of the Qureish tribe, “This man who claims he is a prophet is ruining us. He is dividing our tribe members. We are afraid he will do the same to your tribe. Don’t talk with this man and don’t listen to him. His words are like magic. He’s coming between fathers and sons, brothers, and husbands and wives.”
After listening to their stories, Tufeyl decided not talk or listen to Muhammad (pbuh).
The next morning Tufeyl went to walk around the Ka’ba and ask for good luck from the idols. He put cotton in his ears so he wouldn’t hear Muhammad’s (pbuh) words. When Tufeyl went into the Ka’ba, he saw the Prophet standing and praying in a different way. Muhammad’s (pbuh) appearance affected Tufeyl very much. He moved closer to the Prophet. Tufeyl was moved by Muhammad’s (pbuh) speech.
You poor man, said Tufeyl to himself. You’re an intelligent poet. You can separate the ugly from the beautiful. Why don’t I listen to what this man has to say? If what he says is good and true, I’ll accept it. If it is false, I won’t accept it.
Tufeyl stayed by Muhammad (pbuh) until he left the Ka’ba and went home. Then Tufeyl followed him. When the Prophet entered his house, Tufeyl entered, too. He said, “Hey, Muhammad, your tribesmen are telling me a lot of bad things about you. I even put cotton in my ears so I wouldn’t be able to hear your words. But in spite of that, I heard your words. You speak the truth beautifully. Can you teach me about your religion?”
The Prophet began to teach Tufeyl about Islam. He recited the Ihlas and Felak suras. Tufeyl had never heard more beautiful words than these. He reached out his hand to the Prophet and gave witness that there is only one God and that Muhammad (pbuh) is His
messenger. Tufeyl became a Muslim.
Staying in Mecca for a while, Tufeyl learned more about Islam and memorized parts of the Qur’an. When he decided to return to his people, Tufeyl said, “Messenger of God, I can speak with authority in my tribe. I’m going to invite them to Islam.”
Tufeyl returned to his tribe. As he was getting off his camel, Tufeyl’s father approached. “Father, I must tell you the news. I’m no longer one of you,” said Tufeyl.
His father asked, “Why not, my son?”
“I have become Muslim, and I follow the religion Muhammad (pbuh) teaches,” replied Tufeyl.
“Your religion is my religion,” said his father.
Tufeyl answered, “Then go and wash yourself and clean your clothes. Afterwards come to me and I will teach you what I’ve learned about Islam.”
After his father had washed, he went to Tufeyl and learned about Islam. He became a Muslim. Then Tufeyl’s wife approached. “Don’t come any nearer,” said Tufeyl. “I’m no longer one of you.”
“What in the world do you mean?” asked his wife.
“I’m Muslim now,” said Tufeyl. “I follow the religion that Muhammad (pbuh) teaches.”
His wife replied, “Your religion is my religion.”
Tufeyl told his wife to go and wash in the water near Zussera, a stone idol of the Daws tribe. “Good heavens! Aren’t you afraid of Zussera?” asked his wife.
“Don’t worry,” answered Tufeyl. “I guarantee that dumb stone won’t do anything.”
His wife went and washed in the water near Zussera. After Tufeyl taught her about Islam, she became Muslim, too. Then Tufeyl invited the whole Daws tribe to Islam. Only Abu Hurayra was eager to become a Muslim.
When Tufeyl went to Mecca again, he took Abu Hurayra with him to see the Prophet. “What’s the news?” asked Muhammad (pbuh). “What kind of situation have you left behind?”
“Hearts that cannot see the truth and strong disbelief,” replied Tufeyl. “My people did not accept Islam.”
When he heard that, the Prophet stood up, made wudu and then prayed. Abu Hurayra was afraid that Muhammad (pbuh) was going to curse his tribe and that they would be destroyed.
But the Prophet prayed, “God, turn the Daws tribe to the right path.” He repeated this prayer three times. Then he said to Tufeyl, “Go back to your people and invite them to Islam in a kind and gentle manner.”
Tufeyl did as the Prophet told him. Later after Muhammad (pbuh) emigrated to Medina, Tufeyl took eighty Muslim families with him to Medina. The Prophet was pleased with him. After the Battle of Haybar, they received a portion of the booty.
Tufeyl said, “Messenger of God, in every battle make us the right wing of your army.” He stayed with
the Prophet until the conquest of Mecca. All of the idols were destroyed there.
Then Tufeyl asked permission to go to his tribe and destroy Zulkeffeyn, the chief idol of his people. His tribe believed that if any harm came to this idol, Tufeyl would be punished. The Prophet gave him permission.
Tufeyl went to his tribe and burned the idol in front of their eyes. When nothing happened to him, the whole tribe accepted Islam.
He stayed with the Prophet until the noble messenger of Islam passed away. Then he placed himself at the service of the Caliph, Abu Bekir. During the Riddah wars Tufeyl fought against the Musaylamah.
In the Battle of Yamamah, Tufeyl Ibn Amr fought hard and fell as a martyr of Islam on the battlefield.
Habbab Ibn Aratt
Ummu Enmar was a woman of the Khuza tribe in Mecca. She needed a young slave, so she went to the slave market. She began looking at the faces of the slaves. A young boy caught her attention. He looked healthy and strong, and he had an intelligent face. Ummu Enmar decided to buy him. On the way home she asked him, “What’s your name, little boy?”
“Habbab,” he replied.
“And what’s your father’s name?”
“Al-Aratt.”
“Where are you from?”
“I’m from Necid.”
“Then you’re an Arab,” said Ummu Enmar. “But how did you become a slave?”
Habbab explained that one of the Arab tribes raided their tent. They carried off the animals and took the women and children as slaves. Habbab was among them. He had had several masters before Ummu Enmar bought him.
His new owner placed the young boy with a blacksmith in Mecca to learn how to make swords. Habbab learned quickly. When his wrists were strong enough, Ummu Enmar rented a workshop for him. She bought all the tools and equipment he needed to make swords.
In a short time Habbab became famous in Mecca. He was honest and trustworthy. People raced with one another to buy his swords because they were well-made.
Although Habbab was young, he was as intelligent and knowledgeable as older people. After work when he was alone, he thought about the depraved state of Arabian society. He worried about the people’s low morals and mischief-making. After this night of darkness, there must be a dawn, he thought. He hoped, he would live long enough to see the new light.
Habbab didn’t have to wait long. He heard about Muhammad (pbuh) and the new religion, he was teaching. Habbab went to see the Prophet.
He was very much affected by Muhammad’s (pbuh) light. Giving his hand to the Prophet, Habbab became the sixth Muslim in the world. He gave witness that there is only one God, and that Muhammad (pbuh) was his messenger.
Habbab did not hide the fact that he had accepted Islam. It didn’t take long for this news to reach Ummu Enmar. She became very angry and went to see her brother, Siba. Some young men joined them, and they went all together to the blacksmith shop. Habbab was busy working hard. Siba approached him and said, “We heard some unbelievable news about you.”
“What news?” asked Habbab.
“We heard you left our religion to follow Muhammad,” replied Siba.
Habbab explained, “I didn’t leave my religion. But now I only believe in one God. I reject your idols. I gave witness that Muhammad (pbuh) is the messenger of God.”
As soon as they heard this, Siba and the others began beating Habbab. They kicked him and hit him with iron bars.
Habbab fell down unconscious. Blood was running from his wounds.
The news of what had happened spread quickly. The old people felt bad because Habbab had no family to protect him. It took a lot of courage for a slave to go against the wishes of his master.
The Qureish leaders were badly shaken. They were afraid others would reject the old religion as Habbab had. They were right. Others were encouraged by what Habbab had done. They began to openly say that they had become Muslims.
The Qureish leaders called a meeting near the Ka’ba. They talked about their problem with Muhammad (pbuh). Abu Sufyan, Al-Velid Ibn Mugire and Abu Cehil were there. They agreed that the Prophet was getting stronger every day.
They decided to stop the problem at its roots. Each tribe was to attack any of its members who followed Muhammad (pbuh). They decided to torture the followers until they returned to their old religion or died.
Siba and his tribe had the duty of torturing Habbab. When the noon sun was at its hottest, they dressed Habbab in iron armor. Then they left him in the desert without any water. His skin burned under the hot sun.
When he was in great pain, they asked, “What do you think about Muhammad?”
Habbab replied, “He is the servant and messenger of God. He has brought the religion of truth to save us from this darkness.”
The men beat Habbab and then they asked, “What do you say about Lot and Uzza?”
He answered, “They are deaf and dumb idols. They can’t help us or harm us.” Then Siba and the other men put hot stones on his bare back.
Ummu Enmar tortured Habbab as well. One day she saw the Prophet visiting the shop. Every day after that she went and put hot iron on her slave’s head until he fainted. Habbab prayed for God to punish Ummu Enmar and Siba.
The Prophet gave permission to his companions to go to Medina. Habbab prepared to join them. Before Habbab left, Ummu Enmar got a terrible headache. She tried everything, but the pain wouldn’t go away. Finally her sons heard about a remedy. The only way to stop the headache was to put hot iron on her head. The pain of the hot iron made her forget her headache. Habbab understood that his prayer had been answered.
At Medina, Habbab was at peace at last. He spent most of his time with the Prophet. That made him very happy.
Habbab took part in the battles of Bedir and Uhud. He saw the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza, kill Ummu Enmar’s brother, Siba.
Living a long life, Habbab saw the first four caliphs. Once he visited Caliph Omar. Seating Habbab in a high place, Omar said, “No one other than you and Bilal is worthy to sit here.” Then Omar asked him about the torture. Habbab was shy to talk about it, but Omar insisted. So Habbab took off his shirt and showed his back. Everyone felt very bad about it.
Later Habbab became very rich. He was well-known for his generosity. Habbab put silver coins in a special place in his house. The poor and needy people knew where the money was. Whenever necessary, the poor could come and take some money without asking permission.
One day when some friends visited Habbab, they found him crying. “Why are you crying?” they asked.
Habbab replied, “I’m crying because my friends are dead, but I’m still living. I’m afraid of my
wealth and the next life.”
When Habbab died, Caliph Ali stood at the side of his grave and said, “May God have mercy on Habbab. He struggled all his life on the path of Islam. God never forgets anyone’s good deeds.”
Rabia Ibn-i Kab
Rabia was a young Muslim man. He loved the Prophet very much. One day he said to himself, “Shame on you, Rabia. Why don’t you give all your time to serving Muhammad (pbuh)? Go and suggest this to him. He is enough for you in both worlds.”
Rabia went to the Prophet and told him about his idea. Muhammad (pbuh) accepted it. From then on Rabia was closer to the Prophet than his shadow. He went wherever the Prophet went. Rabia was always at Muhammad’s (pbuh) side.
After the Prophet had prayed the night prayer, Rabia would leave. But one night he thought, “Maybe the Messenger of God might need something during the night.” After that Rabia waited at the door of the Prophet’s house all night long.
Muhammad (pbuh) spent much of the night in prayer. Rabia heard him recite the Fatiha sura
many times. When it became very late, Rabia fell asleep.
Whenever someone did something for the Prophet, he would repay them with something even better. Because Rabia served him well, Muhammad (pbuh) wanted to help him in return.
One day the Prophet said, “Rabia, ask me for something, and I will give it to you.” Rabia asked for
a little time to think about what he wanted. The Prophet agreed.
At that time Rabia was a poor, young man. He did not have a home, a family or wealth. At night he stayed at the masjid. Other homeless people stayed there as well. They were called the ‘guests of Islam’. When other Muslims gave charity to the Prophet, he sent it all to them. When the Prophet received a gift, he accepted part of it. Then he gave the rest to those in the masjid.
At first Rabia thought to ask the Prophet for worldly goods, some money, a wife and children. But he changed his mind quickly. He thought, “Shame on you, Rabia. This world is only passing. God sends you your daily food. Why don’t you ask for something in the next world?”
When he thought this way, Rabia felt at peace with himself. He went to the Prophet and said, “Rasulullah, will you pray to God to make me your companion in Paradise?”
“Who advised you to say that?” asked the Prophet.
“No one,” said Rabia. “At first I was going to ask you for something from this world. But this world won’t last. So I want to be with you in Paradise which will last forever.”
The Prophet remained silent for a long time. Then he asked, “Do you want anything else from me?”
“No,” replied Rabia. “That’s enough for me.”
“Then, in that case, spend a lot of time in worship,” said the Prophet.
Rabia did as Muhammad (pbuh) said. Shortly afterwards the Prophet called Rabia. He asked, “Rabia, don’t you want to get married?”
“I only want to serve you,” said Rabia. “Besides that I don’t have anything to give as mahr to a wife. I don’t have a house either.”
The Prophet kept quiet. But another time he asked Rabia again, “Don’t you want to get married?” This time Rabia gave the same answer as before.
But later he thought to himself, Rabia, the Prophet knows what is best for you in this life and the next. If he asks again, you should accept.
Some time later the Prophet again asked Rabia if he wanted to get married. This time Rabia said, “Yes, Rasulullah, I want to get married. But I am poor and I don’t have a house. Who will marry me?”
The Prophet gave Rabia the name of a family and said, “Go to this family. Tell them I want them to give their daughter to you in marriage.”
Rabia went to the family, but he was shy. He told them the Prophet had sent him to ask for their daughter’s hand in marriage.
“Our daughter?” they asked.
“Yes,” replied Rabia.
They said they were pleased to do what the Prophet asked. Then they married Rabia to their daughter. Rabia went back to Muhammad (pbuh) and
said, “Rasulullah, I’m coming from the best of homes. They treated me very well. They married me to their daughter. But where can I get her mahr?”
The Prophet called Bureyde and told him to gather some gold for the mahr. After he had done so, Rabia took the gold to his in-laws. They were very pleased with the mahr.
Then Rabia asked the Prophet about the wedding feast. Muhammad (pbuh) again called Bureyde. “Gather enough money for a ram,” he said. When the money had been collected, they bought a ram. Then the Prophet told Rabia to ask for some barley from his wife, Aisha. She gave Rabia her last bag of barley for the wedding feast.
The wedding dinner was prepared in a short time. Rabia invited the Prophet, and he attended. After the feast, the Prophet gave Rabia some land near Abu Bekir’s land. So Rabia now had both a wife and property.
One day Rabia and Abu Bekir had a misunderstanding over a palm tree. Rabia said the tree was on his land. But Abu Bekir said it was on his land. At the end of the argument Abu Bekir said a bad word to Rabia. But as soon as he said it, he was sorry. He asked Rabia to say the same thing to him so they would be even. But Rabia refused to say the bad word.
“If you don’t say it, I’ll complain to the Prophet,” said Abu Bekir.And he went to see Muhammad (pbuh). Rabia followed him.
The Prophet asked, “What’s the problem between you two, Rabia?”
Rabia replied, “Rasulullah, he wants me to say the same bad word he said to me. But I don’t want to.”
“You’re right, Rabia,” said the Prophet. “Don’t say it. Say, ‘May God forgive you, Abu Bekir.’”
Rabia looked at Abu Bekir and said, “May God forgive you.”
Abu Bekir looked at Rabia with tears in his eyes. He said, “For my sake, may God reward you with goodness, Rabia Ibn-i Kab.”
Abu Sufyan
Abu Sufyan and Muhammad (pbuh) had many things in common. They were cousins. The Prophet’s father, Abdullah, and Abu Sufyan’s father, Al-Haris, were brothers. The two were the same age, and they looked like each other. They grew up together and even lived in the same family for some time.
Abu Sufyan was Muhammad’s (pbuh) foster brother as well. Halime was their wet-nurse. In their childhood they were very good friends. For these reasons Abu Sufyan should have been one of the first to accept Islam. But he was not. He became a great enemy of the Prophet and Islam.
Abu Sufyan was one of the best fighters and horsemen of the Qureish tribe. He was also one of their important poets. He used his skill with words against the Prophet. He said mean and ugly things about Muhammad (pbuh).
For twenty years Abu Sufyan refused to accept Islam. He did everything in his power to harm the Muslims. Shortly before Mecca was conquered, Abu Sufyan began to worry. He saw that the Muslims were stronger than the pagans. He wondered what would happen to his family and himself.
One day he told his wife and children, “Get ready to leave Mecca. Muhammad is about to come here. The Muslims will kill me.”
“No,” answered his wife. “It’s time for you see that everyone is accepting Islam. It’s time for you to do the same and stop being an enemy of Islam.”
His family had always wanted him to become a Muslim. A short time later Abu Sufyan realized they were right. Finally after twenty long years he accepted Islam. Abu Sufyan decided to go and tell the Prophet immediately .
Calling his servant, he said, “Prepare some camels and a horse.” He took his son Jafar and started towards Ebva, a place between Mecca and Medina. The Prophet and his troops were there.
When he got close to Ebva, Abu Sufyan covered his face. He was afraid. If any of the soldiers recognized Abu Sufyan, they might kill him before he reached the Prophet. He didn’t follow the main road. He knew there would be soldiers on it.
When Abu Sufyan reached Ebva, he saw the Prophet among some soldiers. He uncovered his face and walked towards Muhammad (pbuh). When the Prophet saw Abu Sufyan, he turned his face. Abu Sufyan walked to the side the Prophet’s face was turned. Muhammad (pbuh) turned his face to the other side. Abu Sufyan walked to that side. He did this several times. But it was of no use.
Abu Sufyan thought the Prophet’s companions would be happy to learn he was a Muslim. But
when they saw Muhammad (pbuh) turn his face away
from Abu Sufyan, they did the same.
When Abu Bekir saw him, he turned his face. Omar gave him a cold look and turned his face, too. Omar told one of the Ansar who Abu Sufyan was.
The man from Ansar walked up to Abu Sufyan. He said in a loud voice, “Hey enemy of God. You have acted very badly towards our Prophet and other Muslims. You are famous everywhere as an enemy of Islam.” The others around him looked angrily at Abu Sufyan.
Just then Abu Sufyan saw his uncle, Abbas. He ran to him and said, “Uncle, I thought Muhammad (pbuh) would be happy that I have become Muslim. I am his cousin. Please talk to him.”
“No, I won’t,” said his uncle. “As long as Muhammad (pbuh) turns his face from you, I won’t help you.”
“Then who can I turn to for help?” asked Abu Sufyan.
Abbas replied, “I can do nothing for you.” Hearing this, Abu Sufyan felt desperate and alone. He had no one to turn to. A little later he saw his cousin, Ali. He asked for his help. But he got the same answer.
Abu Sufyan went to see his uncle, Abbas, again. He asked his uncle to at least stop the man of Ansar from calling him names. “Describe that man to me,” said Abbas. Abu Sufyan described him. “That’s Nuayman,” said his uncle. Abbas sent him this message:
“Nuayman, Abu Sufyan is the Prophet’s cousin. He is the son of my brother. Today Muhammad (pbuh) is angry with him. But one day his anger will pass. Stop insulting him.”
After that Nuayman left Abu Sufyan alone.
A short time later the Muslim troops reached Jahfe, about a four-day journey from Mecca.
Abu Sufyan sat at the door of the Prophet’s tent. His son, Jafer stood beside him. When the Prophet passed by, he turned his face again.
After this had happened several times, Abu Sufyan said, “If Muhammad (pbuh) doesn’t look at me, I’m going to take Jafer and wander in the desert until we die of hunger and thirst.”
The Prophet heard about Abu Sufyan’s decision. The next time he saw his cousin, he looked at him. When the Prophet entered Mecca, Abu Sufyan was with him. He never left Muhammad’s (pbuh) side.
Later, the pagan Arabs put together a huge army at the Battle of Heneyn. They wanted to wipe out Islam and all Muslims.
When Abu Sufyan saw them, he thought to himself, “Today I’m going to fight my best for Islam. I’m going to make up for all the bad I did to Muslims in the past. I’m going to do everything possible to please God and His Prophet.”
The Muslims and the pagans fought fiercely. But there were more pagans than Muslims. Some of the
Muslims began to leave the battlefield. The Prophet continued fighting the pagans with all his strength. He stayed in the middle of the battlefield like an immovable mountain. Abbas stood beside the Prophet holding the reins of his mule. Abu Sufyan jumped off his horse and ran to defend the Prophet.
Muhammad (pbuh) saw how bravely Abu Sufyan was defending him. He asked Abbas, “Who is this?”
“He is your brother and cousin, Abu Sufyan,” said Abbas. “Don’t be angry with him anymore, Rasulullah.”
“All right,” said the Prophet. “May God forgive him for all the bad things he has done to me in the past.”
Abu Sufyan felt like he was flying. Muhammad (pbuh) had finally forgiven him! He kissed the Prophet’s foot. “Brother! Keep fighting,” exclaimed Muhammad (pbuh).
The Prophet’s words gave Abu Sufyan great courage. He attacked the pagans like a lion. Other Muslims joined him. They defeated the enemy Arabs at Heneyn.
After the Prophet had forgiven him, Abu Sufyan spent a contented life. Because he was ashamed of his past actions, he never looked the Prophet in the eyes.
He always kept his head bowed when he was with Muhammad (pbuh).
Abu Sufyan was sorry for his past mistakes. He spent all his time reciting and studying the Qur’an.
Once when the Prophet saw Abu Sufyan entering the masjid, he said to his wife Aisha, “Do you know this man?”
Aisha said, “No, Rasulullah, who is he?”
“He’s my cousin, Abu Sufyan,” replied the Prophet. “He’s the first to enter the masjid and the last to leave.”
When Muhammad (pbuh) died, Abu Sufyan was deeply grieved. He recited a beautiful elegy full of sadness and sorrow.
During the caliphate of Omar, Abu Sufyan understood that he was about to die. He dug his own grave. Three days later when Abu Sufyan was dying, he said to his wife and children, “Don’t cry for me. I have not committed any sins since I became Muslim.” Then he passed away.
Omar led the burial prayer. All the Muslims felt a great loss at Abu Sufyan’s death.
Bera Ibn Malik
Bera Ibn Malik didn’t have a very nice appearance. His hair was messy and his clothes were untidy. Also he was very thin. People would take one look at him and not want to look a second time.
Bera, however, was an outstanding fighter in the battles with the pagans. He was so brave and daring that Omar told his governors not to appoint Bera as a commander. He was afraid that less daring men might be harmed if they followed Bera.
After the Prophet’s death, many Arab tribes left Islam. Only the people of Mecca, Medina and Taif remained Muslim. Their faith was very strong.
Abu Bekir was caliph at that time. He mobilized eleven armies from the Muhajirs and the Ansar.
They were sent all over Arabia. Their duty was to bring the stray tribes back to the fold of Islam.
The strongest of the renegades was the Hanife tribe. Musaylamah was their leader. He said, “I am your prophet, not Muhammad (pbuh).”
Musaylamah’s army was large. He had 40,000 soldiers. They defeated the first Muslim army under the command of Ikrime Ibn Abu Jahil.
Then Abu Bekir sent a second army. Its commander was Halid Ibn Velid. Bera was among the front-line forces. The two armies met on the battlefield of Yamamah. Musaylamah’s troops were stronger than the Muslims. The renegades advanced as far as Halid’s
tent. They almost killed his wife.
Halid understood how serious the situation was. He regrouped the Muslims and they began to fight again. There was much destruction and death. The Muslims fought very bravely. Sabit
Ibn Kays was the flag-bearer of the Ansar. He dug a ditch and fought there until death.
Omar’s brother, Zeyd, shouted to the other Muslims, “Fight the enemy with all your might! I will not speak again until Musaylamah is dead or I meet God.” Then Zeyd charged ahead and attacked the enemy. He fought bravely until he became a martyr.
There were many heroes in that battle, but the greatest of all was Bera. The battle grew fiercer and fiercer. Halid shouted to Bera, “For God’s sake, help your brothers, Bera.”
Bera turned to his men. He said, “Hey Ansari brothers, don’t think of going back to Medina. There is no Medina for you from now on. There is only God and Paradise.” Then he attacked the renegades. They began to withdraw and ran into a garden. After that day it was called the Garden of Death because so many people were killed there.
There were high walls around the garden. Musaylamah and thousands of his men entered and closed the garden gates. Then they climbed upon the walls and began shooting arrows down on the Muslims.
Bera told his men, “Put me on a shield. Raise the shield with your spears and throw me into the garden
near the gate. Either I will open the gate for you or I will become a martyr.”
The men did as Bera told them. Because he was so thin it was easy for the men to throw him into the garden. Bera landed in the Garden of Death in the midst of thousands of enemy troops. He killed ten men before he was able to open the gate. He received more than eighty wounds on his body. The Muslims entered the gate and defeated the enemy. More than 20,000 men were killed. Musaylamah was among the dead. Bera was carried to Medina in a litter. Halid stayed by his side for a month until his wounds had healed.
Bera went from battle to battle hoping to become a martyr. He wanted only to see the Prophet in heaven.
At the Battle of Tuster in Iran, the Iranians were in a castle. The Muslims attacked the castle. But they were not able to capture it. The Iranians threw down chains with red hot hooks on them. The hooks caught some of the Muslims. The Iranians pulled up the chains and killed the men on the hooks.
One of the hooks caught Bera’s brother, Enes. Bera climbed the wall and grabbed the chain holding his brother. Bera started to take out the red hot hook from Enes’ body. He succeeded in getting the hook out. But his own hand burned completely, and he fell to the ground.
Bera Ibn Malik got his wish. He became a martyr at the Battle of Tuster.
Abdullah Ibn Selam
Husayn Ibn Selam was a Jewish scholar in Medina. He was respected by all the people of the city. He lived a quiet and peaceful life. But he was very hard-working. Every day he taught and worshipped in the temple. He also spent some time in his orchard looking after his palm trees. In addition, he studied the Tevrat. Husayn wanted to increase his knowledge of religion.
He read in the Tevrat that a prophet would come and complete the messages of earlier prophets. Husayn studied the signs of the last prophet. He prayed that he would live long enough to see him.
When Husayn heard about Muhammad (pbuh), he became very interested. He compared him with the information in the Tevrat. He was convinced that Muhammad (pbuh) was the last
prophet. But he didn’t say anything about him to the Jews.
When the Prophet left Mecca for Medina, he stopped first in Kuba. A man came to Medina and announced that Muhammad (pbuh) was coming. At that moment Husayn was at the top of a palm tree. His aunt, Halide, was sitting under the tree. “Allahu Akbar! God is great!” shouted Husayn.
“You are very happy,” said his aunt. “But why? You are a Jew.”
Husayn replied, “My dear aunt, he is the brother of Musa. The God who sent Musa also sent Muhammad (pbuh).”
Halide was silent for a while. Then she asked, “Will this prophet complete God’s message?”
“Yes,” said Husayn. “Muhammad (pbuh) is the last prophet.” Husayn left his orchard and hurried to meet the Prophet.
When he drew close, he heard the Prophet say, “O people! Spread peace, share your food and pray in the middle of the night when others are sleeping. You will enter Paradise.”
When the Prophet stopped talking, Husayn stepped forward. He said, “There is no god but God and Muhammad (pbuh) is his messenger.” Muhammad (pbuh) asked his name.
Husayn said his name was Husayn Ibn Selam.
“From now on,” said the Prophet, “your name will be Abdullah Ibn Selam.”
Husayn accepted his new name with joy. Then he returned home. He told his family about Islam. They all became Muslim including his aunt, Halide. But he told them to keep their new religion a secret for the time being. They all agreed.
Then he went to see the Prophet again. He asked the Prophet to call the leading Jews to his house to invite them to Islam.
“I’ll stay in another room,” said Abdullah. “Ask them about me before they learn I am Muslim.
Otherwise they will tell you what a terrible person I am.”
The Prophet invited some Jewish leaders to his home. He told them about Islam. Then he invited them to become Muslim. But they only argued with him. He understood they would not accept the Truth. Then Muhammad (pbuh) asked,
“What is the position of Husayn Ibn Selam among you?”
They replied, “He is our leader and a scholar.”
“What if he becomes a Muslim, will you accept Islam, too?” asked the Prophet.
“God forbid. He will never become a Muslim,” they said.
At that moment Abdullah entered the room. He walked up to the Jews gathered there.
“Hey, Jewish brothers,” he said. “Fear God. You know Muhammad (pbuh) is the last prophet. It is written in the Tevrat. I witness that he is the Messenger of God.”
“You are lying,” shouted the Jews. “You are evil and ignorant.” They called Abdullah all kinds of names.
But Abdullah never left Islam. He stayed by the Prophet’s side. He spent his time studying the Qur’an and teaching about Islam in the masjid.
Abdullah Ibn Selam was known among the companions as “one of the people of Paradise.”
Abu Zer
The Veddan valley connects Mecca with the outside world. The Gifar Tribe lived in that valley. They got food and money from Qureish caravans going from Mecca to Syria. If they didn’t get enough, they attacked the caravans.
Abu Zer was a member of the Gifar Tribe. He was a brave and far-sighted person. Other people of his tribe worshipped idols, but Abu Zer believed in one God. He felt the darkness of the pagan beliefs. He was waiting for a new prophet to come.
One day Abu Zer heard about Muhammad (pbuh). He quickly called his brother, Enis. “Go to Mecca and get all the news about this prophet,” said Abu Zer. “Listen to what he says carefully.”
Enis agreed to do what Abu Zer wanted. He went to Mecca and found Muhammad (pbuh).
After listening to his talks, Enis returned to the village. Abu Zer asked his brother about what he had heard. “I saw a man who brings out the best in others. His words have nothing to do with poetry,” said Enis.
“What do others say about him?” asked Abu Zer.
“They say he’s a magician and a poet,” replied Enis.
“I need to look into this matter myself,” said Abu Zer. “Will you take care of my family while I’m gone?”
Enis answered, “Okay, but beware of the Meccans.”
The next day Abu Zer arrived at Mecca. He didn’t ask anyone about the Prophet. He knew the Qureish were very angry with Muhammad (pbuh). That night he went to the masjid. Ali Ibn Abu Talib came and invited him to sleep at his house.
The next day, Abu Zer again went to the masjid. He didn’t tell anyone who he was. That night Ali invited him to sleep at his house again. On the third night, Ali asked Abu Zer, “Why are you in Mecca?”
“I came to see the new prophet,” replied Abu Zer.
“Follow me tomorrow morning,” said Ali. “If I see anything dangerous, I’ll stop on the road. If I don’t stop, keep following me.”
That night Abu Zer couldn’t sleep. He was too excited. The next morning he followed Ali. They went to see the Prophet. “Assalamu alaika, Rasulullah,” said Abu Zer.
“Wa alayka salamullahi ve rahmatuhu ve berakatuhu,” replied the Prophet.
Abu Zer was the first person to greet the Prophet in this way. After that all Muslims greeted each other this way.
Muhammad (pbuh) welcomed Abu Zer and invited him to accept Islam. He recited some of
the Qur’an. Abu Zer declared his faith and became a Muslim. He was one of the first
persons to accept Islam.
Abu Zer stayed for a while with the Prophet. He learned about Islam. He also learned to recite some of the Qur’an. The Prophet told him, “Don’t tell anyone in Mecca that you are a Muslim. I’m afraid they might kill you.”
But Abu Zer replied, “I swear by God who holds my life in His hands, I will not leave Mecca until I’ve shouted to the Qureish that I’m a Muslim.” Muhammad (pbuh) didn’t say anything.
Abu Zer went to the masjid. A number of Qureish were sitting and talking there. He went to the middle of their group and shouted, “Hey, people of Qureish. There is no god but God, and Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger.”
The Qureish became very angry. They jumped up and said, “Grab this man. He doesn’t believe in our religion.” The Qureish began beating Abu Zer. They wanted to kill him. But the Prophet’s
uncle, Abbas, recognized Abu Zer.
Abbas protected Abu Zer from the others. He said, “Shame on you. Are you going to kill someone from the Gifar Tribe? Our caravan routes are in their hands.”
The Qureish stepped back. They didn’t touch Abu Zer. He left and went to see the Prophet. “Didn’t I tell you not to let anyone know you’re Muslim?” asked the Prophet. “Go and tell your people about Islam. Invite them to become Muslims. They will benefit from you, and you will be rewarded for that. When I begin to preach openly about Islam, come to me.”
Abu Zer left Mecca and went back to his people. He told his family about Islam. First his brother, Enis, became Muslim. Then his mother accepted Islam, too. His whole family began to invite others to the new
religion. Many members of the Gifar Tribe accepted Islam because of their efforts.
After the battles of Bedir, Uhud and Hendek, Abu Zer went to Medina to join the Prophet.
Abu Zer asked to personally serve him. Muhammad (pbuh) accepted. He showed Abu Zer special attention. Abu Zer was very happy to be with the Prophet.
After the Prophet’s death, Abu Zer didn’t want to stay in Medina. He went to the Syrian desert during the caliphates of Abu Bekir and Omar.
During the caliphate of Osman, Abu Zer went to Damascus. He saw that Muslims were busy working for their own comfort. This made Abu Zer unhappy. Osman invited him to Medina. He went there, but he saw Muslims there busy with this world as well. When he criticized people for this, they became angry.
Osman invited Abu Zer to go to a small village near Medina. Abu Zer went there. He lived a simple life far away from people. He preferred the next world to this one.
The Prophet said about Abu Zer, “No man truer than Abu Zer walked on this earth under the heavens.”
Abdullah Ibn Huzafe
Huzafe had the chance to meet two non-Muslim world rulers of his time. One was Kisra, the king of Persia. The other was the Byzantine emperor.
In the sixth year of the Hegira, the Prophet decided to send some of his companions to visit foreign rulers. He wanted to send letters to invite the rulers to Islam.
The Prophet knew this was a dangerous job. The Muslims would go to distant lands. They did not know the rulers. Would the rulers accept a new religion?
Muhammad (pbuh) called his companions together. Then he told them his plan. The Prophet began by praising and thanking God. “I want to send some of you to visit rulers of foreign lands,” he said. “But don’t argue with me as the Jews argued with Jesus, the son of Mary.”
“We will do whatever you want. Send us anywhere.” replied the Muslims.
The Prophet chose six of his companions to carry his letters to foreign rulers. One of the six was Huzafe. He was to take the Prophet’s letter to Kisra, the Persian king.
Huzafe’s camel was ready. He said good-bye to his wife and son. Huzafe traveled over mountains and through valleys. Finally he reached the land of the Persians.
He wanted permission to see the king. Huzafe told the guards about the letter he was carrying. Kisra ordered his servants to prepare a room for the meeting. Then he gave permission for Huzafe to enter. Kisra was wearing very beautiful and rich clothing. Huzafe was wearing plain and coarse villagers’ clothing. But his heart was strong with the power of faith.
Huzafe approached Kisra. Kisra ordered his men to stop Huzafe and take the letter. “No,” said Huzafe. “I want to give you the letter myself. This is the Prophet’s order. I will not disobey him.”
“Let him come,” said Kisra to his guards. Huzafe gave the emperor the letter. Kisra called an Arab clerk. He ordered him to open the letter and read it.
The clerk read, “In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful. From Muhammad, the Messenger of God, to Kisra, the emperor of Persia. Peace be upon whoever follows the guidance....”
That was enough for Kisra. He became furious. His face was bright red. He took the letter from the clerk’s hand and began tearing it to pieces. He didn’t want to hear the rest of the letter. The emperor said, “How dare he write to me like this. He is my slave!”
Kisra was angry because the letter began with the Prophet’s name instead of his. He ordered
Huzafe to leave. Huzafe got on his camel. He began the long trip back to Medina.
Later the emperor calmed down. He wanted to see Huzafe again. His guards searched everywhere for him. But Huzafe had already crossed the border. When Huzafe arrived in Medina, he told the Prophet all about what had taken place.
Meanwhile, Kisra wrote to Bazan, his deputy in Yemen. He ordered Bazan to bring the Prophet to Persia. Bazan sent two of his strongest men to get the Prophet. He also sent a letter with the men. He told them to gather whatever information they could about Muhammad (pbuh) and his teachings.
The two men traveled quickly. At Taif they met some Qureish traders. They asked the traders about the Prophet. They learned he was in Medina. Then the two men went to Mecca. They told the Qureish, “You’ll be pleased. We’re going to take Muhammad (pbuh) to Persia.” Of course,
this was good news for the Qureish.
The two men from Yemen went to Medina. They found the Prophet and gave him the letter from Bazan. They told the Prophet, “We’re here to take you with us to Kisra, the king of Persia. If you come willingly, Kisra will be good to you. But if you don’t, you know he can destroy you and your people.”
The Prophet smiled and said to them, “Go back to your tents today and return tomorrow.”
The next day the two men came to the Prophet and said, “Are you ready to come with us to see Kisra?”
“You will never see Kisra again,” said the Prophet. “He was killed and his son, Shireveyh, took his place.”
The two men were puzzled. They looked the Prophet in the face. “Are you sure of what you’re saying?” they asked. “We must inform Bazan of this.”
“I’m sure,” said the Prophet. “Tell Bazan that Islam will soon spread to the Persian kingdom. If Bazan becomes Muslim, I will make him ruler of Yemen.”
The two men left Medina and returned to report to Bazan. They told him what the Prophet had said. “If this is true,” said Bazan, “Muhammad is a prophet. If it is not true, I know what to do.”
A short time later Bazan got a letter from Shireveyh. It read:
“I killed my father, Kisra, because he was an evil man. He killed the leaders of our people. He took their wives and stole their wealth. When you receive this letter, get everyone’s support for me.”
Bazan read the letter and threw it aside. He announced his acceptance of Islam. The Persians with him in the Yemen also became Muslim.
In addition to meeting the Persian king, Huzafe also saw the Byzantine emperor. In the nineteenth year of the Hegira, the caliph Omar sent an army to fight against the Byzantines. Huzafe was in this army.
The Byzantine emperor learned about the Muslim forces. He heard about their strong faith and their willingness to give their lives for God’s sake. He ordered his men to bring any Muslim prisoners to him alive.
The Byzantine soldiers caught Huzafe and took him to the emperor. The emperor looked at Huzafe for a long time. Then he said, “I will make you an offer.”
“What is it?” asked Huzafe.
“If you become a Christian, I’ll set you free and protect you,” replied the emperor.
“Death is a thousand times better,” said Huzafe.
The emperor went on, “I see you’re a smart man. If you accept my offer, I’ll give you power and riches.”
Tied with ropes, Huzafe smiled and said, “I won’t deny my Prophet. Not even if you give me everything you have.”
“Then I will kill you,” said the emperor.
“Go ahead, kill me,” replied Huzafe.
The emperor ordered his men to tie Huzafe on a cross. Then he told the soldiers to throw spears close to his hands and feet. The emperor told Huzafe to give up his religion. But Huzafe refused.
So the Emperor told his soldiers to take Huzafe off the cross. He ordered a big pot to be brought in and filled with boiling oil. Then he had two Muslim prisoners called in. One was thrown into the boiling oil. His flesh separated from the bone.
The emperor again asked Huzafe to become Christian. But Huzafe refused one more time. “Throw him into the boiling oil,” ordered the emperor.
When Huzafe was about to be thrown into the pot, he began to cry. The emperor thought he was sorry. “Have you changed your mind?” asked the emperor.
“No!” replied Huzafe.
The emperor was surprised. “Then why are you crying?”
“Because I have only one life to give for my religion. I want to die many times over for God’s sake,” said Huzafe.
The Byzantine emperor looked at Huzafe in disbelief. He understood that death was not a punishment for Muslims. He asked Huzafe, “If I set you free, will you kiss my head?”
“Will you set the other Muslims free, too?” replied Huzafe.
“Yes,” said the emperor. “I’ll set all the Muslim prisoners free.”
Huzafe kissed the emperor’s head.
Huzafe and the other Muslims returned to Arabia. Huzafe told Omar all about what had happened. Omar was very happy with Huzafe. He was also pleased to see the Muslim prisoners. Omar said, “It is the duty of every Muslim to kiss Abdullah Ibn Huzafe’s head. I am the first to do so.”
Omar got up and kissed Huzafe’s head. The other Muslims followed his example.
Amr Ibn Jemuh
Amr was a prominent man in Medina during the Days of Ignorance. He was one of the leaders of the Salamah Tribe. He was generous and a man of good character.
At that time leaders had idols in their houses. They hoped the idols would bless them. Manat was the name of Amr’s wooden idol. He respected the idol and rubbed nice perfumes on it.
The first rays of Islam’s light began to shine in Medina. Amr was about sixty years old at that time. Musab Ibn Umeyr introduced Islam in Medina. He taught Islam to Amr’s sons, Muavvez, Muaz and Hallad and their friend, Muaz Ibn Jabal. With her sons’ help, Amr’s wife also accepted Islam. However, Amr didn’t know about any of this.
Only a few people in Medina like Amr and his friends did not accept Islam. His wife, Hind, was very sad. Hind loved and respected her husband. She didn’t want to see him die as a pagan. Amr was afraid his sons would leave their ancestors’ religion. He was afraid Musab would teach his sons about Islam. One day he told his wife, “Hind, don’t let our sons talk with Musab Ibn Umeyr.”
“Okay,” she said, “but wouldn’t you like to hear what Muaz has heard about Islam?”
“Oh, no. Did Muaz leave his religion without my knowing about it?” asked Amr.
His wife felt pity for Amr. “No,” she replied. “But he knows some things about the new religion.”
“Tell him to come here,” said Amr.
When Muaz came, his father asked, “What did Musab teach you about Islam?”
Muaz recited the Fatiha:
“In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to God,
The Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds;
Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
Master of the Day of Judgment.
Thee do we worship,
And Thine aid we seek.
Show us the straight way,
The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Your blessings, not of those who have been condemned by You, nor of those who go astray.”
“How perfect and beautiful these words are,” said Amr. “Is everything he says like this?”
“Yes, father,” answered Muaz. “Everyone is accepting Islam. Don’t you want to become a Muslim, too?”
Amr remained silent for a while. Then he said, “I won’t do anything until I’ve spoken with Manat.”
“But, father,” said his son, “Manat can’t speak. It’s only a piece of wood. It can’t think either.”
Amr answered angrily, “I told you that I won’t do anything until I ask Manat.”
Later Amr went to Manat’s place. He stood in front of the idol. Whenever the pagans wanted to speak with an idol, an old woman would stand behind it. Supposedly the idol would speak through the woman.
“Manat,” said Amr, “that man from Mecca doesn’t want us to worship you. I heard beautiful words from him. I want your advice. What should I do?”
Manat didn’t answer. “Maybe you’re angry,” said Amr. “But I didn’t do anything to make you mad. I’ll wait a few days for your answer.”
Amr liked Manat very much. His children knew this. But they wanted to help their father. They wanted to show Amr that Manat was only a piece of wood.
That night Amr’s sons and their friend, Muaz Ibn Jabal, took Manat from its place. They took it to a hole that was used as a toilet by Amr’s tribe. Then they threw Manat into the hole.
The next morning Amr went to see Manat. But the idol was not in its place. “Shame on whoever took Manat,” shouted Amr. “Who has stolen my god? ”No one said anything. Amr looked everywhere for Manat. He was very angry. Finally Amr found Manat in the hole. He took it out, washed it and put perfume on the idol.
“If I find who did this, I will punish him very badly,” said Amr.
The next night the boys did the same thing. The following morning Amr again found Manat in the toilet hole. He washed and perfumed it. He also hung a sword
around Manat’s neck. “Manat,” he said, “I don’t know who’s doing this. Defend yourself with this sword.”
After Amr had gone to bed, the boys took the sword from Manat’s neck. They threw the idol and the sword into the hole.
The next day Amr found Manat again. But this time he was angry with the idol. He left it in the hole. Amr understood that the wooden idol didn’t have any power.
Not long after, Amr accepted Islam. He was very sorry about the days he had lived as a pagan. He gave everything he had for the service of Islam.
Some time later the Uhud battle began. Amr saw his three sons preparing for the fight. He decided to go, too. His sons thought he was too old. But Amr wanted to fight for Islam.
Amr went with his sons to see the Prophet. He said, “Rasulullah, my sons want to keep me at home. They say I am old and weak. But I want to fight.”
“Let him come,” said the Prophet to Amr’s sons. “Maybe he will become a martyr.” So his sons agreed. Amr said good-bye to his wife. Then he prayed, “Lord, give me martyrdom. Don’t send me back to my family without it.”
Amr set out with his three sons and many others from his tribe. He was in the front line during the battle. Amr shouted, “I want Paradise, I want Paradise...” He and his son, Hallad, fought together to
protect the Prophet. They were both killed. Amr Ibn Jemuh and Hallad both became martyrs at the Battle of Uhud.
Glossary:
afterlife: life after death
ancestor: a member of your family who lived a long time ago
Ansar: helpers; the people of Medina who invited the Prophet there
announce: to tell publicly
appearance: the way someone or something looks to other people
appointed: chosen for a position or a job
argument: a disagreement between two or more people
armor: metal or leather clothing worn by soldiers in battles
assalamu alaika: peace be upon you
authority: the power to command or make decisions
beware: used to warn someone to be careful
bishop: a high-ranking clergyman in the Christian church
caliph: a Muslim ruler
charity: help, money or gifts given to the poor
companion: someone you spend a lot of time with and who you see as a friend
conquest: the act of defeating an army or taking control
convert: to change from one religion to another of a place
curse: to call on God to send harm
Days of Ignorance: the time of pre-Islamic paganism
declare one’s faith: say that there is no god but God and that Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger
deny: to refuse to accept as true
depraved: morally bad; evil
desperate: without hope
elegy: a poem of sorrow and praise for the dead
encourage: to give courage, hope or confidence
evil: very bad
flesh: the physical human body
foreign: not from your own country
furious: very angry
generous: willing to share
grieve: to feel deep sadness, especially after the death of someone you love
Hegira: the time of Muhammad’s (pbuh) emigration from Mecca to
Medina; the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
ignorant: not knowing facts or information that you should know
in-law: a relative by marriage
insult: to say or do something to someone that is rude and offensive
intention: an idea or plan to do something
introduce: to take or bring something to a place for the first time
litter: a stretcher for carrying the sick or wounded
magician: someone who can use magic
mahr: the gift given to a Muslim bride by the groom
martyr: one who dies for his country or religion
mischief-make: to deliberately cause trouble or quarrels
Muhajir: those Muslims who migrated from Mecca to Medina
preach: to speak in public on religious matters
prisoner: someone who is kept in a prison or held captive
prominent: important, well-known
punishment: making a person feel pain for something he has done wrong
raid: to make a short sudden attack
Rasulullah: Messenger of God
recognize: to know again
remedy: something cures an illness or pain
renegade: a person who joins an opposing side in war or in politics; a person who leaves their religion
sin: an offence against God or religious laws after the birth
supposedly: what many people say or believe is true, but you disagree
swear: to declare in the name of God
tend: to take care of
Tevrat: the holy book of the Jews
trustworthy: dependable, can be trusted
unconscious of: not realize the effect of what you have said or done unaware of anything
wet-nurse: a woman who nurses another woman’s baby
worship: to show religious devotion
zealous: strongly devoted
wa alaika salamullahi wa rahmatuhu wa barakatuhu: and peace be upon you and His greetings, mercy and blessings