Hazrat Muadh ibn Jabal R.A.

Muadh ibn Jabal was a remarkable young man who grew up in Yathrib, now known as Medina, during a transformative period in the Arabian Peninsula. Known for his striking appearance—black eyes and curly hair—Muadh possessed an equally impressive intellect that distinguished him among his peers. His journey into Islam began when he met Musab ibn Umayr, the missionary sent by the Prophet Muhammad to Yathrib before the Hijrah. Muadh was deeply moved by Musab's message and embraced Islam.

In the year before the Hijrah, Muadh was among the seventy-two Yathribites who traveled to Makkah. There, they met the Prophet Muhammad at his home and later in the valley of Mina at Aqabah. It was at this historic gathering that the second Aqabah Pledge took place, where the new Muslims of Yathrib vowed to support and defend the Prophet at all costs. Muadh was one of the enthusiastic participants who pledged his allegiance to the Prophet, a moment that marked the beginning of his deep and unwavering commitment to Islam.

Upon returning to Madinah, Muadh and a few other young Muslims took it upon themselves to remove idols from the houses of the polytheists in Yathrib. This bold campaign had a significant impact, leading to the conversion of prominent figures like Amr ibn al-Jumuh. Muadh's actions demonstrated his zeal for the new faith and his desire to rid his community of pagan practices.

When the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Madinah, Muadh ibn Jabal made it a point to stay close to him, absorbing as much knowledge as he could. He studied the Quran and the laws of Islam diligently, becoming one of the most knowledgeable companions. His expertise in Islamic jurisprudence earned him great respect among his peers. The Prophet himself acknowledged Muadh's profound understanding, remarking, "The most knowledgeable of my ummah in matters of Halal and haram is Muadh ibn Jabal."

One of Muadh's most significant contributions was his participation in the compilation of the Quran during the Prophet's lifetime. This monumental task was undertaken by only a select few companions, underscoring Muadh's deep knowledge and trustworthiness. Whenever Muadh was present, his companions would regard him with awe and respect, acknowledging his unparalleled expertise in Islamic law.

After the liberation of Makkah, the Prophet recognized the need for new converts to be educated in Islam's teachings. He appointed Attab ibn Usay as his deputy in Makkah and tasked Muadh with teaching the people the Quran and Islamic principles. Muadh remained in Makkah for some time, ensuring that the new Muslims were well-versed in their faith.

Later, when messengers from Yemen informed the Prophet of their conversion to Islam, they requested teachers to guide them. The Prophet appointed a group of missionaries, with Muadh ibn Jabal as their leader. Before sending them off, the Prophet tested Muadh's understanding of judgment in Islamic law. Muadh's responses—first referring to the Quran, then the Sunnah, and finally exercising his own judgment—pleased the Prophet, who praised God for guiding Muadh to such wisdom.

As Muadh set out for Yemen, the Prophet personally bade him farewell, walking alongside him. The Prophet's poignant words, hinting that Muadh might not see him again, deeply moved him. His premonition proved accurate, as the Prophet passed away before Muadh's return. This news undoubtedly left Muadh heartbroken upon his return to Madinah, where he no longer found the beloved Prophet.

During Umar's caliphate, Muadh was assigned to the Banu Kilab to manage their stipends and distribute alms. Despite his important duties, Muadh returned home empty-handed, much to his wife's surprise. She questioned why he didn't bring any gifts, as other commissioners did. Muadh's response was a clever way to avoid further questions, but it eventually led to a conversation with Umar, who reassured Muadh and even rewarded him.

As the governor of Syria, Yazid ibn Abi Sufyan, requested more teachers, Umar summoned five companions who had compiled the Quran. Among them was Muadh ibn Jabal. They decided that Muadh, along with Ubadah ibn as-Samit and Abu ad-Dardaa, would go to Syria. Muadh was to go to Palestine, Abu ad-Dardaa to Damascus, and Ubadah to Homs.

In Palestine, Muadh contracted an infectious disease. As he lay on his deathbed, he welcomed death with a sense of calm and acceptance. He turned towards the Kaaba and expressed his readiness to meet his Lord. His final moments were a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to Islam.

Muadh ibn Jabal's life was one of profound devotion and service to Islam. From his early days in Yathrib, through his close association with the Prophet, to his final moments in Palestine, Muadh's journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deep commitment to spreading the message of Islam. His legacy as a scholar, teacher, and missionary continues to inspire Muslims around the world.