Qabeelah Falaah

� ِح�يِم الَّر� ِن� ِح�َم�ٰـ الَّر� �ٰـِه� الَّل � ِم �ْس� ِب

Indeed all praise is due to Allah (swt).We praise him, we seek His help, we seek His forgiveness and we

seek refuge with Him from the evil of our souls and the evil of our actions. Whomsoever Allah (swt)

guides, none can misguide and whomsoever Allah (swt) leaves to stray, none can guide. I bear witness

that there is none worthy of worship save Allah (swt), the One who has no partner, and I bear witness

that Muhammad (saw) is His servant and Messenger. The best speech is the speech of Allah and the best

guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (saw). The worst of all matters are those newly introduced in

the religion. Every newly introduced matter is an innovation and every innovation is going astray. All

going astray leads to Hellfire.

We ask Allah (swt) that he make this action sincerely for Him, as all good contained in these notes is

from Him, and we ask Allah (swt) to forgive us for any errors as they are all from us.

Please use these notes to complement your personal notes and not to supplement them

Jazakum Allahu Khairan,

Scribe Team

Table of ContentsIntro.............................................................................................................................................................4

What are the reasons for their greatness?..............................................................................................4

Chapter 1: THE BEST HUMANS AFTER THE PROPHETS................................................................................5

Definition of the Sahabah........................................................................................................................5

Status and Rights of the Sahabah............................................................................................................7

The Ranks of the Sahabah.....................................................................................................................10

Ahl’l Bayt ( The Prophet’s SAW family)..................................................................................................12

Our Position towards the Sahabah........................................................................................................14

Our Position Ahl’l Sunnah wal-Jama’ah regarding the fitnah................................................................14

Prohibition of Insulting the Sahabah.....................................................................................................15

Chapter 2: AHL’L – BAYT............................................................................................................................16

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (radiyAllahu ‘anha) – The Ultimate Wife/Spouse...........................................16

Sawdah Bint Zam’ah (radiyAllahu ‘anha) – Essence of Cordiality..........................................................17

Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) – Striving to Improve One’s character..........................................18

Jafar ibn Abi Talib (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) – Relationship with People of the Book....................................19

Chapter 3: LEGACY OF GIANTS..................................................................................................................20

Chapter 5 – Stepping Up From A Zero To A Hero......................................................................................28

Nu’aym ibn Mas’ud (radiyAllahu ‘anhudiyAllahu ‘anhu) – Opposite Gender Temptations/Music........29

Hamzah Ibn’ ‘Abd’l-Muttalib radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Idle Life/Hesitation Before Reversion to Islam.........30

‘Umar ibn al khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Toughness/Violence.............................................................31

Mus’ab Ibn ‘Umayr radiyAllahu ‘anhu–Luxury.......................................................................................32

Bilal ibn Rabah radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Slavery...........................................................................................33

Umm sulaym bint malhan radiyAllahu ‘anhuA......................................................................................35

Did You Know…......................................................................................................................................37

Chapter 6 – Heroes but Still Human......................................................................................................37

Intro

What are the reasons for their greatness?

1. They were selected by Allah swt, as was done by the disciplines of Jesus AS, as is shown in Surat’l Maidah ayah 111:

“And [remember] when I inspired to the disciples, "Believe in Me and in My messenger Jesus." They said, "We have believed, so bear witness that indeed we are Muslims [in submission to Allah]."

2. They lived a unique life and had unique experiences:

They saw the Prophet SAW directly with their eyes

They dealt directly with him SAW

Their level of emaan was higher as the Quran was documenting their lives

3. The unseen was made a live show for them by the Prophet SAW: When the Prophet SAW invited Kisra, the ruler of Persia, to Islam he rejected

the offer and sent two of his own messengers to tell the Muslims to submit to him. Our Prophet SAW first invited these two messengers to accept Islam. Then he left them, saying that he would inform them of his decision the next day. At that time, he told the messengers what Allah SWT had revealed to him: "Allah will send many tribulations to Khosrow by means of his son Shireveyh, who will kill him in such-and-such a month, on such-and-such a night, at such-and-such an hour." When the Persian messengers returned home they discovered that the Prophet SAW had predicted Kisra’s death exactly. 

They saw Jibreel as a man

4. They were given the good news of Jannah while they were still alive This was not exclusive to the ten promised Jannah who were:

1. Abu Bakr as-Siddiq radiyAllahu ‘anhu2. Umar ibn al-Khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu3. Uthman ibn Affan radiyAllahu ‘anhu

4. Ali ibn abi Talib radiyAllahu ‘anhu5. AbdurRahman ibn Awf radiyAllahu ‘anhu 6. az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam radiyAllahu ‘anhu7. Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah radiyAllahu ‘anhu8. Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydillah radiyAllahu ‘anhu9. Said ibn abi-Waqas radiyAllahu ‘anhu10. Zaid ibn Said radiyAllahu ‘anhu

Bilal ibn Rabah radiyAllahu ‘anhu was promised Jannah in the following hadith:

Narrated Abu Huraira: At the time of the Fajr prayer the Prophet asked Bilal, "Tell me of the best deed you did after embracing Islam, for I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise." Bilal replied, "I did not do anything worth mentioning except that whenever I performed ablution during the day or night, I prayed after that ablution as much as was written for me."1

Khadijah was given salaam from Allah SWT and Jibreel and promised Jannah

Chapter 1: THE BEST HUMANS AFTER THE PROPHETS

Definition of the Sahabah

Linguistic Definition

Sahabi comes from the root word of Sahiba which means to a company. Sahabi therefore means companion.

Technical Definition

By default a Sahabi is a companion of the Messenger of Allah SAW whether male or female.

Who is a Sahabi?

1. Whoever met or saw the Prophet sallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam Duration? – Does not matter, whether they met the Prophet SAW for second

or knew him for decades. Age? - Does not matter, as long as the child could distinguish between right

and wrong.

1 Sahih Bukhari Volume 21, Hadith No, 250

Blind? – They did not literally have to see the Prophet SAW Excludes Mukhadramun (witnessed Jahilliyah and Islam without physically

meeting the Prophet SAW)

2. While believing in him Meeting the Prophet SAW after his prophethood Excludes any Kafir who met him and then accepted Islam afterwards and did

not see him again

3. Died as a Muslim Even if there was a period of Riddah (apostasy) in between

Excludes the Murtaddun (apostates). After the death of the Prophet SAW there were Sahabi’s that during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr radiyAllahu ‘anhu that stopped paying zakat, which took them out the fold of Islam.

Q: Is Isa AS a companion?

A: Yes because he fits all of the categories.

How Companionship can be proven?

1. Al-Tawatur – something repeated constantly

2. Al-Shuhrah – fame

3. Mentioned in Hadith – asked the question or in the narration that is authentic

4. Statement of a Tabi’i

Tabi’i = someone that came after the Prophet SAW death and met a Sahabi

e.g. Imam Malik

Tabi’I’l-Tabi’un = someone that met a Tabi’i

5. Statement of the Sahabi himself

When did the First Generation (Qarn) End?

Qarn is defined as:1. The generation of the Prophet SAW.

Al-Qarn was mentioned in the famous hadith in which the Prophet SAW said, “The best of the people are those of my generation (Qarn)…”

2. Ibn Tayymiyah’s definition

Al-Qarn refers to the time period when the majority of a given generation lived.

3. In Arabic Al-Qarn equals a 100 years. Or a horn

The generation of the Sahabah ended with Ali ibn abi Talib in 41 A.H. (661 CE).

The generation of Tabi’un ended with Abdullah ibn Zubayr in 73A.H. (692 CE).

The generation of Tabi’I’l-Tabi’un ended with the Omayyid dynasty in 220 A.H. (835

CE).

Status and Rights of the Sahabah

Jannah is yearning for Them

“Indeed Jannah looks forward to three: Ali, Ammar and Salman.” Note – this hadith is weak as classified by Ibn Hibban and al-Albani.

The three referred to in this hadith are Ali ibn abi Talib, Ammar ibn Yasir and Salman al-Farsi.

Ali ibn abi Talib the son in law of the Prophet SAW and cousin accepted Islam at the age of ten.

Ammar ibn Yasir and his family were amongst the first to revert to Islam and as such they suffered and were tortured by the idolatrous Meccans. To ease their pain the Prophet SAW would continuously say to them, “Patience oh family of Yassir, for you are destined for Paradise.”2 Ammar was the son the first female martyr in addition his father and brother died as shaheeds.

Salman al-Farsi radiyAllahu ‘anhu came from a highly respected Zoroastrian family from a town near Ispahan. One day while passing by a church, he was attracted by the voices of men praying. Drawn by their worship, he ventured in and found it better than the religion of his upbringing. On learning that the religion originated in Syria, he left home, against his father's wishes, went to Syria and associated himself with a succession of Christian anchorites. He came to know from them the coming of the last Prophet SAW and the signs accompanying his advent. He then traveled to Hijaz where he was seized, sold into slavery, and taken to Madinah, where he eventually met the Prophet SAW. When he found in the Prophet SAW the fulfillment of all the signs of which he had been informed by his Christian teachers, he took his Shahada. Being a slave prevented Salman radiyAllahu ‘anhu from being at the

2 Sahih al-Tirmidhi, v5, p233

battles of Badr and Uhud. The Prophet SAW helped him gain his release from slavery by planting with his own hand three hundred palm trees and giving him a large piece of gold. Once a free man Salman radiyAllahu ‘anhu took part in every subsequent battle with the Prophet SAW.

Truthful in Their Covenants

In Surat’l al-Ahzab ayah 23 Allah SWT says:

“Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death], and among them is he who awaits [his chance]. And they did not alter [the terms of their commitment] by any alteration”

1. When Anas ibn Nadhir, the uncle of Anas ibn Malik,missed the battle of Badr and said, “ If Allah SWT extends my life I shall fight in the next battle.” During the Battle of Uhud Anas watched Sahabis put down their swords and retreat from battle after hearing that the Prophet SAW was killed. Anas scolded those that fled and kept his covenant with Allah SWT and died as a shaheed.

Allah SWT is pleased with Them

In Surat’l Bayyinnah ayah 8 Allah SWT says:

“Their reward with Allah will be gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them and they with Him. That is for whoever has feared his Lord.”

Allah SWT was pleased with them when they were pleased with Him azza wa jal, as they were thankful for the bounties he had bestowed upon them. Being grateful to Allah azza wa jal shows that you are content with your deen. Note that being grateful is not just an action of the tongue but it is an action of the limbs and of the heart as well.

Imam Shafi’i rahimullah said, “Pleasing Allah SWT is not pleasing the people and pleasing the people is not pleasing Allah.”

They were described in Previous Books

In Surat’l al-Fath ayah 29 Allah SWT says:“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are severe against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.”

Note that “…severe against the disbelievers…” does not mean aggress against them as Allah SWT says in Surat`l Mumtahanah ayah 8:

“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”

Sacrificing their Homes and WealthThe Muhajirun are those that after13 years of persecution and torture in Makkah left everything that they had and their families and followed the Prophet SAW to Madinah. AbdurRahman ibn Awf radiyAllahu ‘anhu the wealthiest man in Makkah was amongst them and arrived in Madinah with nothing. When the Prophet SAW paired the Muhajirun with the ansar (the people of Madinah) AbdurRahman was linked with Sad ibn ar-Rabi'ah radiyAllahu ‘anhu. Sad in the spirit of generosity and magnanimity with which the Ansar greeted the Muhajirun, said to AbdurRahman: 

"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." To which he replied: "May God bless you in your family and your wealth. But just show me where the suq (market) is…" 

The Messenger of Allah SAW is ordered to keep their FriendshipIn Surat’l Kahf ayah 28 Allah SWT says:

“And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.”

Components of the Best NationThe three conditions in order to have the best Ummah are described in Surat’l Ali ‘Imran ayah 10.

1. Enjoing al-Ma’rauf (i.e. Tawheed and all that Islam has made halal)

2. Forbidding al-Munkar (Polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has made haram)

3. Increasing belief in Allah SWT

Unshakable Imam (faith)During the Battle of Ahzab the Jews and others created coalitions against the Muslims. To which the Sahabah replied, “Allah SWT is sufficient for us…” as described in Surat’l Ali ‘Imran ayahs 172-174:

“Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them.

For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward - Those to whom hypocrites said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs." So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.”

The Ranks of the Sahabah1. People of Badr-Badr in Arabic means full moon

1. In Surat’l al-Anfal ayah 12 when Allah SWT says, “…Verily I am with you, so keep firm those who have believed…” in this ayah He SWT is referring to those that fought in the battle of Badr.

2. Jibril asked the Prophet SAW, “What do you consider those that witnessed Badr amongst you?” He said, “The best of us.” Jibril replied, “We also consider the best of those who participated in Badr.”

3. The Prophet SAW said, “Allah SWT said to the people of Badr, “Do what you wish, I have forgiven you.”

2. People of the Tree (Bayah of Ridwan)-Bayah in Arabic means pledge

In the 6 A.H. the Prophet SAW and 1400 hundred Sahabis made the journey from Madinah to Makkah with the intention of performing Umrah. The Quraish forbid the Muslims from entering Makkah so the Prophet SAW appointed to ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan, who belonged to one of the most powerful families in Makkah, as the suitable envoy. ‘Uthman went to Abu Sufyan and other chiefs and told them that the Muslims had come only to visit and perform Umrah, and that they had no intention to fight. But the Quraish were adamant and not prepared to grant them the permission to visit Al-Ka‘bah. They, however, offered ‘Uthman the permission to perform Umrah, if he so desired in his individual capacity, but ‘Uthman declined the offer saying: "How is it possible that I avail myself of this opportunity, when the Prophet SAW is denied of it?"

The Muslims anxiously waited for the arrival of ‘Uthman with mingled feelings of fear and anxiety. But his arrival was considerably delayed and a foul play was suspected on the part of Quraish. The Muslims were greatly worried and took a solemn pledge at the hand of the Prophet SAW that they would sacrifice their lives to avenge the death of their Companion and stand firmly behind Prophet Muhammad SAW under all conditions. This pledge goes by the name of Bay‘at Ar-Ridwan (a covenant of fealty). The first men to take a pledge were Abu Sinan Al-Asadi and Salamah bin Al-Akwa‘, who gave a solemn promise to die in the cause of Truth three times, at the front of the army, in the middle and in the rear. The Prophet SAW caught his left hand on behalf of ‘Uthman. This pledge was sworn under a tree, with ‘Umar holding the Prophet’s hand and Ma‘qil bin Yasar holding a branch of the tree up, which is why those 1400 Sahabah are known as the people of the tree.

The Prophet SAW said, “No one who gave me the Pledge of Allegiance (bayah) under the tree will enter hellfire.”

Q: Can you name some of the Sahabah who took part in the Bayah of Ridwan?

A: Ali ibn abi Talib radiyAllahu ‘anhu, Umar ibn al-Khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu, Talhah ibn

‘Ubaydillah radiyAllahu ‘anhu and Abu Bakr radiyAllahu ‘anhu to name a few.

3. al-Muhajirun

4. al-Ansar

Ahl’l Bayt ( The Prophet’s SAW family)

Linguistic Definition – Family of the householdTechnical Definition – Family of the Prophet SAW

Ahl’l Bayt consists of:

1. They are Ali ibn ali Talib, Aqil ibn abi Talib (brother of Ali), Jafar ibn abi Talib (brother of Ali), al-Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib (uncle of the Prophet SAW) and their children from Banu Hasim and Banu Muttalib.

The Prophet SAW said, `Banu HJasim and Banu`l Muttalib are one.`He then interlocked his fingers together.

Note there are some deviant sects that believe that Ahl`l Bayt only includes Ali, Fatimah and al-Husayn and al-Hassan, which is incorrect.

2. The Prophet`s wives are part of Ahl`l Bayt which is proven in Surat`l al-Ahzab ayahs 28-33 in which Allah SWT commands the Prophet SAW to say to his wives the following.“………And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.”

The Wives of the Prophet and His Children

1. The Prophet’s SAW wives are also his wives in Jannah. In Surat’l Ghafir ayah 8 Allah SWT says:

“Our Lord, and admit them to gardens of perpetual residence which You have promised them and whoever was righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their offspring. Indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”

This ayah means that if a rightoues spouse is on a higher level in Jannah they can request their spouse to be brought up to their level.

2. The 11 agreed upon wives of the Prophet SAW are:1. Khadijah bintu Khuwalid radiya Allahu anha

Khadijah was the most beloved to the Prophet SAW, once the Prophet mentioned Khadija near Aisha, Aisha responded: "She was not but an

old lady, and Allah replaced her with a better one for you." He replied: "Indeed Allah did not grant me better than her; she accepted me when people rejected me, she believed in me when people doubted me, she shared her wealth with me when people deprived me, and Allah granted me children only through her."

2. Sawdah bintu Zam’ah radiya Allahu anha The Prophet SAW married Sawdah two years after the death of

Khadijah, at the time Sawdah a recent widower was in her about 70 eyars old.

Sawdah died in 22A.H. Those that want to tarnish Islam always sat the Prophet SAW was a

man of lust, but his first wife was 15 years his senior and his second wife was in her 70s.

3. Aisha bintu Abi Bakr radiya Allahu anha The daughter of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq radiyAllahu ‘anhu Died on the 17th of Ramdan in 58 A.H. The Prophet SAW married Aisha when she was 9 years old which was

the cultural norm for a girl to marry young once she reached puberty. Also, Aisha was engaged prior to marrying the prophet SAW.

Aisha was also the only one amongst the mothers of the believers that was a virgin at the time of marriage.

4. Hafsa bintu Umar radiya Allahu anha5. Zainab bintu Khuzaymah radiya Allahu anha6. Umm Salam bintu Abi Umayyah radiya Allahu anha7. Zainab bintu Jahsh radiya Allahu anha8. Juwairiyaah bintu Al-Harith radiya Allahu anha9. Umm Habibah bintu Abi Sufyan radiya Allahu anha10. Safiyyah bintu Huyay radiya Allahu anha11. Maymunah bintu Al-Harith radiya Allahu anha

3. The Prophet SAW children are:1. al-Qasim2. Abdullah (who was also known as al-Tayyib and al-Tahir)3. Ibrahim4. Zaynab

Was the oldest and married Abu al-Aas ibn al-Rabee5. Ruqayyah

The first wife of Uthman ibn Affan who died during the Battle of Badr6. Umm Kulthum

The second wife of Uthman ibn Affan

7. Fatimah The youngest of the Prophet SAW children The wife of Ali ibn abi Talib Fatimah only lived for six months after the death of the Prophet SAW

Note that all of the Prophet’s SAW children are from Khadijah radiyAllahu ‘anhu except for Ibrahim, who mother was Mariyah the Coptic.

Our Position towards the Sahabah

The Methodology of Ahl’l Sunnah wal-Jama’ah with regards to the Sahabah

1. Loving them is a sign of Imam (faith)

2. Asking Allah azza wa jal to forgive them and to be pleased with them, praising them, and mentioning their merits.

3. They are the best of all people after the Prophets

4. Studying their lives, narrating their Biograhies, and following their way.

5. They are all trustworthy (Udul) An example of this is the number of authentic hadith narrated by them, since

a condition for a hadtih to be authentic the character of the speaker is scrutinized. If their speaker was known to be untrustworthy the hadith would automatically become weak.

6. They are not infalliable

Our Position Ahl’l Sunnah wal-Jama’ah regarding the fitnah1. To refrain from mentioning what occurred between them in a negative way.

The Prophet SAW said, “If my companions are mentioned, then refrain: and if the stars are mentioned, then refrain: and if the Qadar of Allah is mentioned; then refrain.”

2. All narrations reported regarding these events fall into the following categories:a. Fabricated narrations that have no basisb. Narrations based on the true events but contain much exaggeration and false

detailsc. Authentic narrations

3. Our Position toward these authentic narrations: With regards to the actions themselves With regards to those who performed the actions

i. They may be correct and eran two rewards, or they may be mistaken in their judgment and earn one reward and Allah’s forgiveness. This is for a person who is qualified and does his own ijtihaad

ii. They would admit that they were mistaken and would repent fro it. No one should be criticized for a sin he/she repented from.

iii. Although they may have erred, they have many good deeds and can be forgiven through different avenues.

4. We cannot compare between the amount of god they have done for Islam and the few mistakes hat they made.

Many of the Tabi’un used to say regarding the fighting that occurred between the Sahabah: “Allah has saved our hands from it, so we should save our tongues from it too.”

Prohibition of Insulting the SahabahThe Prophet SAW said, “Do not curse my companions. Do not curse my companions. I swear by the One in whose Hand is my soul, if any one of you were to spend in charity an amount of gold equivalent to the mountain of Uhud it would not be equal to a handful, or even a half, given as charity by one of them.”

1. Sabb’l Sahabah means using inappropriate language regarding them, insulting them, cursing them, or saying anything which discredits them or casts doubt upon their trustworthiness.

2. If one believes it is lawful to curse them, this is KufrThe Prophet SAW said, “Whoever curses my companions then curse the curse of Allah, His angels and the believers will be upon him.”

3. If one curses the Sahabah in general or majority of them, or claims that they are misguided or Kuffar; this is Kufr

4. If one curses a well-known Sahabi, such as one of the four Khulafa’ or Ahl’l Bayt, or claims that he/she is misguided or Kuffar; this is Kufr

5. If one accuses one of the Prophet’s SAW wives of adultery, or indecency, or Kufr; this is Kufr.

6. If one insults one of the Sahabah or says bad words about him/her without saying something to cast doubt upon their Islam or rightness, he has not committed Kufr but has committed a sin and should be chastised.

Note this includes making statements such as “he was a miser”, He was a coward”, “He was not a good leader”, etc.

Chapter 2: AHL’L – BAYT

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (radiyAllahu ‘anha) – The Ultimate Wife/SpouseMasterful at the Art of Capturing the Heart

Khadijah’s Challenges

Balancing business and family

Raising children whose hearts are attached to Allah SWT

Husband spends time away in seclusion and travelling

Disbelievers vehemently opposed her husband , causing him pain and injury,

needing comfort and support at home

Our Challenges

Balancing career and home life

Raising children whose hearts are attached to Allah SWT

Husband spends time away in seclusion and travelling

Husbands face struggles and opposition at work, needing comfort and support at

home

Capturing the hearts if our husbands, enticing them to look forward to coming

home, not elsewhere for what they desire.

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Khadijah?

Spouses should be a solid support for each other, making the home a safe sanctuary for each other.

We can balance all responsibilities in life if we make a conscious effort to analyze or organize and put in a full effort.

We should always try out best to never speak harshly to each other in marriage

Sisters, we should not begrudge our husbands the seclusion thy may need to recharge themselves, or be upset with them if they travel frequently for work.

Welcome your spouse (both husbands and wives) with a compassionate smile and truthful reassuring words of comfort.

Sawdah Bint Zam’ah (radiyAllahu ‘anha) – Essence of CordialitySuperglue of the Prophet SAW Household

Sawdah radiyAllahu ‘anhu embraced Islam in Makkah and then immigrated to Abysinnia (Ethiopia). All of her family was not Muslims at the time and then her husband passed away. When the Prophet SAW was given the choice between Sawdah radiyAllahu ‘anhu (a widower with children) and Aisha radiyAllahu ‘anhu (who was a young virgin) he chose Sawdah. The Prophet SAW married her to teach us:

To give more than to take from marriage

To set an example for us which is to take care of our divorced and widow

To have her take care of his own children.

Sawdah radiyAllahu ‘anhu was teaching Aisha radiyAllahu ‘anhu how to be a wife and take care of the Prophet SAW. When she grew older and was becoming ill Sawdah gave up her night to Aisha radiyAllahu ‘anhu so she could remain in the company of the Prophet SAW and be with him Jannah.

Sawdah’s Challenges

After her husband’s death she had no one to take care of her

Using her humour to cheer the Prophet SAW up

Acting as a mother figure to her step daughters Fatimah and Umma Kulthium

Her desire to be raised up among, the wives of the Prophet SAW when Prophet SAW

almost divorced her.

Our Challenges

A lot of divorced or widowed women are being neglected in the society today with

no one to take care of them

Spouse trying to cheer up the other if they’re going through a hard time in their life

Animosity between a step-mother and a step daughter

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Sawdah?

We don’t always have to marry for getting something but sometimes to also giving

something. i.e. to help and support someone.

It doesn’t always have to end up with a divorced, there has to be an alternative

solution, go find it.

Always yearn for the akhirah even if it means considerable sacrifice in the dunya.

Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) – Striving to Improve One’s characterShadowing the perfect character

Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin of the Prophet SAW, he was the son in law of the Prophet SAW because he married Fatimah. He was also the father of al-Husayn and al-Hassan (masters of the young people in Jannah).

When the Muslims were opening Khabar, the Prophet SAW said that he would give the banner to a person who loves Allah SWT and the Prophet SAW, and that Allah SWT and the Prophet SAW love him. So after fajr prayer Umar radiyAllahu ‘anhu was standing in the Prophet’s SAW view in order to be chosen. When the Prophet SAW did not find the Sahabi he was looking for – then he asked, “Where was Ali?” To which they said, “Ali was sick at home because he couldn’t see out of one of his eyes.” The Prophet SAW asked for Ali to be brought and blew in his hands placed his hand on Ali’s eye and healed it. At that point all the Sahabah knew that Ali radiyAllahu ‘anhu was the man that was loved by Allah SWT and the Prophet SAW.

Ali’s Challenges

To unite and stabilize the ummah

When he accepted Islam it must be hard for him to fit in with his friends

Living in poverty of the dunya

Played an integral part in the Hijrah

Strove to keep his intention pure

Dealing with people who were idolizing him.

Our Challenges

There’s a lot of disunity amongst the Muslims today, we must unite

It’s hard to maintain our Islamic identity in the Western society

Living in poverty of the din

We struggle with our intentions every second of our life

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Ali?

Entrust the youth in our communities because they will carry the banner of Islam tomorrow

Fight with yourself to always keep your intentions pure

In matters of fitnah when the situation is unclear then always play a neutral role

Always keep your word and fulfill your trust even in dealings with non-Muslims.

Jafar ibn Abi Talib (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) – Relationship with People of the BookDistinction by Charming Dialogue

Jafar radiyAllahu ‘anhu was hailed to be the best in Manners from the Sahabah who migrated, and was chosen by them to be their spokesperson. Beautiful speech can sway the hearts of whomsoever Allah chooses.

Jafar’s Challenges

Presenting his and his companions case in Najashi’s court

Giving da’wah to the King

Living as a minority in non-Muslim land, maintaining Islam image and practice.

Our Challenges

We get opportunities to give da’wah every day to our neighbors and colleagues but

we fail to do it

Balancing our identity as Muslims and Westerners.

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Jafar?

Don’t be hasty in your judgments, always listen to both sides of the story

Your da’wah should always start with the most important principle of Islam,

monotheism, before other topics

Be positive and inclusive in your da’wah.

Chapter 3: LEGACY OF GIANTS

This chapter is a glimpse of what the Sahabah left behind them as a legacy. They understood the reality of this worldly life and made it a safe passage to the eternal life in Jannah.

What is the legacy you will leave behind?

Am I going to leave behind knowledge?

Am I going to leave behind righteous children that will make duaa for me?

Am I going to leave behind a contribution to a charity that will contribute to me after

my death?

Or a car by mortgage, children that do not worship Allah swt, etc

What is the legacy that you will leave behind that will benefit the people and you?

The prophet pbuh said ‘[when the son of Adam (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) passes away, his records of deeds will be blocked except for 3 things, and one of the three things are righteous children. This is knowledge that leads you to Allah swt, this is knowledge that will benefit you in this life and the eternal one.

Education – Aisha Bint Abi Bakr (radiyAllahu ‘anhuA)

What knowledge are we teaching our kids now?

o Aisha radiyAllahu ‘anhu lived 47 years after the prophet pbuh’s death, she was spreading knowledge during this time.

Education of our children is not only school’s responsibility

Supplement school learning with life lessons

o Ie. make a slogan a week with your children, ie. charity, honesty etc.

Strive to reach Umar’s radiyAllahu ‘anhuA level of humility

o Umar radiyAllahu ‘anhu left a debt of 80 thousand dirham. Whenever he met someone poor he would say “Your debt is mine”, so he collected the debts of the Muslims around him.

o Umar ibn al-khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu supplicated to Allah swt: “O Allah I am harsh so make me lenient, I am weak so strengthen me, and I am miserly, so make me generous”. Imagine if he is seeking this, what about us?

Supporting Educational Institutions and Scholars – Uthman inb ‘Affan radiyAllahu

‘anhu

Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiyAllahu ‘anhu would encourage the Sahabah to disperse throughout the land and spread religious knowledge by bestowing generous stipends.

Do we value the efforts and intentions of the scholars and learned people in our community who strive to educate our fellow Muslim, young and old?

Do we show them our support by donating to their missions in money, time and resources?

Some Muslim countries, to some extent, continue to support their institutions and scholars, but how can we support and strengthen our institutions and scholars in lands that do not have such an infrastructure.

There are three types of people:

1. People who make things happen

2. People who watch things happening

3. People who hear about things that happened

Step up and ask for your rights, be patient and claim your rights because no one else will get them for you.

Da’wah – Abu Bakr al-Saddiq radiyAllahu ‘anhu

“Would it be right to be ruthless in days of ignorance and weak in Islam?”

Where is our passion, conviction and initiative to further our own knowledge so that

we, in turn, can make dawah to others and help them to increase theirs, inshallah?

Are we complacent within our own communities, allowing misguided or corrupt

leaders to lead us into innovations?

Perpetually increase our own knowledge

Require proof of authenticity

Protect authentic information

Respectfully correct fellow Muslims, providing proof to them

Gently ask non-Muslims questions that will challenge their beliefs

If the woman is educated the entire home is educated.

Abu Bakr radiyAllahu ‘anhu’s time when people stopped giving Zaka, he said “a yankhuso el deen wa ana hay?” Do we say this? And when Omar radiyAllahu ‘anhu said to him are you going to attack them for this and Abu Bakr’s response is in our book (p.53) “Would it be right to be ruthless in days of ignorance and weak in Islam?”

Salehoon=righteous

Muslehoom=righteous BUT they act and react in a merciful and wise way; and they enjoin

in good and forbid evil).

In Surat’l Yusuf ayah 108 Allah SWT says, obligating us to make dawah

“Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah ; and I am not of those who associate others with Him."

Three main reasons why people hate people who are telling the truth:

1. Personal gains (MONEY)

2. Arrogance – people don’t accept the truth because of arrogance

3. Ignorance - the prophet pbuh recited surah Hamem to the man who was yelling at

him and he let him finish with a smile. After he was done yelling the prophet pbuh

asked “a farekht ya aba waleed” and then asked if he can speak like he has without

being interrupted.

We Are Dignified by Islam – Umar ibn al-Khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu

“Indeed Allah has dignified us by Islam. So we shall not search for dignity in anything other than it.”

Where do you look, other than Islam, for dignity?

Status through job, wealth, or beauty does not give us dignity

Adopting attitude and behavior of Sahabah gives us dignity

Umar radiyAllahu ‘anhu was guiding the camel while the maid road it when he came to take the keys of Jerusalem, his clothes had 17 stitches. Subhan Allah.

Umar radiyAllahu ‘anhu said, “IF WE SEEK DIGNITY AND GLORY OTHER THAN THROUGH ISLAM, WE WILL BE NOTHING.”

Walk the Talk – Live Islam! – Umar Ibn Al-Khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu

Do we taste the sweetness of faith?

Do we live Islam because we feel its intrinsic accord with our pure nature?

Do we surrender ourselves to Allah swt and stay within the boundaries of Islam,

both inwardly and outwardly?

Is our dawah only the verbal sort that falls on deaf ears?

Curb you tongue – use the best of words both during anger and peace.

Be kind and generous to non-Muslims – they are not sub-human

Be patient, always

Represent Islam in you appearance.

Military Hospitals – Rufaydah Bint Sa’ad radiyAllahu ‘anhu

She was the first professional nurse in Islamic history who participated in the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq and Khaybar, as well as others.

Do mothers today teach their daughters their duty for the ummah?

Rufaydah’s father was a doctor and he passed that knowledge to her.

Migration – Umm Salamah (Hind Bint Hudayfah) radiyAllahu ‘anhu

Tormented by the estrangement from her loved ones, she would return daily to that place, remaining there weeping until the sun went down.

Do we have our priorities straight? Is Islam, Allah swt and His Messenger SAW, always our number one priority?

Be brave! Make hijrah to whatever land Islam takes you

Umm Salamah and her husband accepted Islam, her husband was one of the ones who migrated out of Mecca and after that when she was to follow her husband they captured her son and did not want her to go. She wanted to migrate to her son and at the same time she did not want to leave her son so she had to wait 3 months. At the end, they let her go with her son.

Surah 49 Al Hujurat, ayah 14 – this is the criteria of who is the best in the sight of Allah SWT:

The desert Arabs say, "We believe." Say, "Ye have no faith; but ye (only)say, 'We have submitted our wills to Allah,' For not yet has Faith entered your hearts. But if ye obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not belittle aught of your deeds: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

Note the most honorable of you to Allah is the one who fears Allah most.

Courage- Talha Ibn Ubaydullah radiyAllahu ‘anhu

“…when later convinced of his error, he courageously changed his mind and withdrew.”

Are we conscious of our promises and oaths we make everyday, 17 times a day – Iyyaka Na’’budu wa Iyyaka Nasta’in

Talha was one of the greatest sahaba, one of the 10 promised jannah. He was a very handsome man. Remember in the battle of uhud when the prophet’s helmet was stuck to his cheeks and then he used his own teeth to pull it off. The prophet pbuh said to Talha that he was more handsome now than before. Talha also acted like a shield when the kufar were around him.

Our Prophet SAW used to say, whoever wants to see a shaheed walking on earth, then look at Talha.

State Departments and organization – Umar Ibn Al Khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu

1. The first to introduce public ministry and payroll registry of the officials and soldiers.2. The first to establish the record keeping (minutes) of messengers sent to governors

and heads of states.

3. The first to appoint police forces to keep civil order and discipline the miscreants

Do we have accountability and transparency in our affairs, be it at the individual,

family, local masjid, or national level, even as an ummah?

Are we disciplined in our lives, our family, and our society?

Do we overlook the unbecoming conduct of our children?

Do not be a complacent parent

Again, walk to talk! Be the adult you want your child to become.

Correct ourselves, this will correct our family which will correct the ummah.

Umar radiyAllahu ‘anhu has placed many rules and organizational elements in his

society, ie. police security, he used to stay up and watch the neighborhood while

people slept so he can keep it safe.

Be a Pioneer –Umar ibn al-Khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu

… the first to make the lunar year the official calendar for the Muslims…

Where are the muslims today? What is the impact of the billions of Muslims on this planet? Will you stand up and make a change in your community? Youth centres – lunge atmosphere, authentic books, and lots of coffee! Support networks for elderly immigrants – activities that build friendships,

conversations clubs with their age groups, help the isolated elderly muslims enjoy life Islamic psychologists, combine since of psychology with brilliant teachings of Islam New Muslims mom’s groups – rides to doctors, babysit to give mom a nap, cook meals Islamic women’s shelter – with focus on healing families, not tearing them a part Be creative and bold Best three who can make dawah are: a doctor, a teacher and a sheikh because when

they stand in front of people, people trust them, they have creditability. Dr. Reda’s professor said to him “The monster is very weak, and the monster is not as

big as you think. When you get close to him, you will see that he is very tiny and very weak inside.”

Loyalty to our Friends – Abu Bakr al-Saddiq radiyAllahu ‘anhu

… They were able to be themselves with one another and they bought out the best in one another…

What kind of friends do we surround ourselves with?

Are we concerned about whom our children or spouse befriend?

Take time to test people before trusting implicitly

Gently modify your children’s model from fictitious media personalities

Inspire your children’s to want to learn about sahadah

Teach them to analyze/ criticize what they learn in media and society around them

Use Islamic teaching as ‘ruler’ with which to measure.

Umar radiyAllahu ‘anhu said is he your friend? And the man said yes, and then Omar

radiyAllahu ‘anhu said “did you travel with him and he said no, and then he asked

did you deal with him in matters of money and he said no” after that he said he is

not your friend. Therefore, check your friends well… WELL.

Leadership – Abu Bakr al-Saddiq radiyAllahu ‘anhu

“Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger SAW. If I disobey them I have no right to be obeyed.”

Do we step up to shoulder responsibilities for our communities, fulfilling their needso Be it religious needs to worldly?

Do we only fight for the leadership titles and chairs without being worthy of them, aiming for status and fame, remaining heedless to responsibility involved?

Do we hand together and demand justice and authenticity without our community today, against a tyrannical leader, or an ignorant and self-serving leader?

Take leadership role Be an example for whole community

Education and Upbringing of Children – Umar ibn al-Khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu

…care of camels, wrestling, horsemanship, oration and genealogy, reading and writing, and time management…

Why is it that our children do not out grow their childhood until they are in their 20’s and 30’s

Train your children to be successful and productive leaders of community Give them chores, require significant effort, reprimand for laziness or refusal Teach children money and time management from early age Teach children skills they will need in adulthood

Consider the type of husband/wife you would like your child to become and make action plan to train them for that

Do not procrastinate or waste time – you can relax doing something beneficial Show Allah swt you mean it when you say, ‘Alhamdulillah for free time’

The Prophet SAW said to a man while he was advising him: "Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." 

Shyness – Uthman ibn Affan radiyAllahu ‘anhu

Shyness beautifies its beholder, be it make or female.

Have our youths become so shameless now that they are proud to hangout in pubs, with girls/boy friends?

Modify thoughts, speech and actions – do not allow people to question your dignity/integrity or spread slander

Consider how you are representing Islam to non Muslims They won’t buy the cow if he can get the milk for free’, respect yourselves

Uthman Ibn Affan radiyAllahu ‘anhu was well known for his shyness. When he went to visit the prophet pbuh, and the prophet pbuh was sitting at home with Aisha radiyAllahu ‘anhu and Abu bakr radiyAllahu ‘anhu came in and Umar after that and part of his leg was showing and he the prophet pbuh did not cover his leg but when Uthman radiyAllahu ‘anhu came in, the prophet pbuh covered his leg and when they asked why, he replied “How can I not feel shy of a man that he angels feel shy towards?”.

Modesty – Ali ibn Abi Talib radiyAllahu ‘anhu

Ali radiyAllahu ‘anhu would work with his hands even if it meant that it only brought him enough dry dates which would sustain him.

Be proud of honest living and righteous earnings Curb your desires Remember that your not gaining respect by trying to ‘fit in’ with university,

crowds, respect the Muslim in you Do not fight the fitrah

Note - Modesty is not only a piece of cloth but a mind set.

Generosity – Abd’l Rahman ibn Awf radiyAllahu ‘anhu

“…Jibil came to me and said, ‘Order Ibn Awf to entertain guests, feed the needy, give the one who asks, and spend first for those he supports. If he does so, he will be purified.’”

There are many organizations and Islamic agencies with their own agendas –but is there real solidarity and trust Islamic brotherhood? Or is our division shadowed by slogans of tribalism, nationality, or ethnic pride?

Be impartial –give where there is a need

Create Islamic organizations/associations without personal agenda

Successful Businessman – Uthman ibn Affan, Rahman ibn Awf, al Zubayr ibn al-Awwam radiyAllahu ‘anhu

Al Zubayr radiyAllahu ‘anhu said, “I never bought a defective commodity and did not search for profit, but Allah blesses whatever He wills.”

Note greed does not increase your wealth

Good Manners and Etiquette - Abu’Ubaydah Ibn Al-Jarrah radiyAllahu ‘anhu

“Take note. How many people clean their garments yet stain their religion? And how many people dignify themselves yet disgrace their religion? Wipe out evil deeds by performing good ones. For if anyone commits an evil deed larger than the distance between heaven and earth, the one good deed might overpower his evil one.”

Focus on detail – refine ourselves

Be mindful of offense to others, don’t remember the goods that you have done but

be mindful of the harm that you have done to others.

Take note of what offends ourselves and be careful not to do it to others.

Chapter 5 – Stepping Up From A Zero To A HeroThe Human Side of the Sahabah

Nu’aym ibn Mas’ud (radiyAllahu ‘anhudiyAllahu ‘anhu) – Opposite Gender Temptations/MusicFrom Perpetual Pleasure Seeker to Seeking the Pleasure of Allah

He was a man from tribe of khatafan and his main two concerns were for women and music. He lived in a place between Makkah and Madinah, whenver he wanted pleasure he would go to either Makkah or madinah; the more money he spent the more pleasure he got but he was never satisfied.

When Nu’aym discovered that the people of Madinah, the Quraish and his people wanted to come together to fight the Muslims, Nu’aym started to question himself and his life? Why were they attacking Mohammed pbuh and his followers? Was he doing something evil, etc? After thinking about all these issues, he decided to be a hero instead of a Zero.

He became Muslim and went to the Prophet pbuh who told him to not tell anyone that he was a Muslim. He went to Banu Khuraytha and then told them that they have a covenant with his own people and that if Mohammed pbuh was to win the battle that he would destroy them. Then he told them to tell Banu Khuraytha that what would happen if they lost the war with the Muslims and since there is no guaranteed he was not going to do it.

After his own tribe, he went to the Quraish and made them worried and have doubts amongst themselves. When they were divided, at night Allah SWT sent the winds which destroyed them.

Nuaym’s Challenges

love of opposite gender

love of music

questioning life and his actions against the prophet pbuh

severing tribal ties and alliance

Our Challenges

Using women as advertising commodity

music is one of the most popular means of entertainment today

Love of same gender

Questioning our purpose in life and acting upon it

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Nuaym?

Don’t just blindly follow people, try to always question your decisions

One man can make a difference

Allah SWT used his soldiers to ‘protect the Muslims’.

Keeping good company is essential to being a good person.

When seeking guidance, if we’re sincere then Allah swt will surely guide us to the right path.

Hamzah Ibn’ ‘Abd’l-Muttalib radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Idle Life/Hesitation Before Reversion to IslamFrom friend of the Elite to Friend of Islam

Although Hamzah was Muhammed’s uncles, the two were very close in age and more like brothers and friends than extended relatives. As their futures rolled on, they drifted along their own unique paths; one towards idleness, leisure and the pursuit of status, the other toward seclusion, meditation, and later, prophet hood.

The prophet pbuh was in the Kabah and then Abu Jahl (Amr ibn Hisham was his real name, and his other title was Aba al Hakam) came and started to curse and insult him. Meanwhile Hamza was hunting and someone ran into him and said ‘you’re hunting and leading your idle life while your nephew is being harassed. Then Hamza asked who was harassing him and then he ran to Makkah and pushed Abu Jahl and told him fight me. Then Hamza told Abu Jahl unconsciously “Are you going to attack my nephew while I am on his path?”

Hamzah then went home and reflected upon what he said; then he asked for Allah’s guidance and accepted Islam.

Hamzah’s Challenges

Enjoying company of the Quraysh elite

Enjoyed having life free of major conflict or struggle

Hesitating to revert to Islam due to requirements of denouncing religion of forefathers and way of life he was accustomed to

Struggled with inner conflict that comes with decision to revert

Our Challenges

Want to ‘fit in’ with popular crowd or western society

Don’t want to have to defend or explain our religious beliefs to non-Muslims

Fear of denouncing our parents’ or grandparents’ beliefs (for non-Muslims considering reversion)

Inner conflict and doubts about what is right and true.

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Hamzah?

When in doubt, ask Allah SWT with sincere heart, to guide us to the straight path, and he will insha’allah

Islam changes and alters a person, helping them become a better person

Analyze our societal beliefs, questions intelligence / motive involved and compare to wisdom of Islam

Pressure of tradition can be overwhelming, but true inner peace comes from obeying Allah SWT (submitting).

‘Umar ibn al khattab radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Toughness/ViolenceFrom Firecracker to Fierce Defender of Islam

Before his reversion to Islam Umar radiyAllahu ‘anhu hatred was so great that he one day resolved to kill the Prophet and thus relieve the Quraysh of its burden, restore its ravaged unity, and re-establish respect for the gods that Muhammad had castigated. On the road to Darul Arqam he was met by a passerby who stopped him, and informed him that his own sister and her husband had become Muslims, and advised him to put his own house in order before undertaking any other projects. Umar was furious to hear that his sister and her husband had become Muslims. He immediately changed his direction from Arqam's house to her house to investigate the allegation.

Umar exploded in wrath and struck his sister in her face. The blow caused her mouth to bleed. He was going to strike again but the sight of blood made him pause. He suddenly appeared to relent, and then in a changed tone asked her to show him what she was reading. She sensed a change in him but said: "You are an unclean, and I cannot allow you to touch the Quran

Umar immediately went away, washed himself, returned to his sister's home, read the text of Qur'an, and then went to the house of Arqam where he formally accepted Islam.

Umar’s Challenges

Fearing personality

Before Islam sought to have influence through violence rather than intelligent means

Our Challenges

Difficulty controlling anger

Youth join gangs trying to gain power/prove strength

Some husbands think they need to be taught to gain wife’s respect

Some husbands try to beat their wives to gain submission

Influence is powerful (more) when gained through self-control

Do you believe that there is a creator that created you?

Do you think he created you for a purpose?

Who can give you a good life?

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Umar?

Man was tough guy and abuser

Use your strength and conviction in positive way

Words of allah in quran, can provoke an immense reaction

Mus’ab Ibn ‘Umayr radiyAllahu ‘anhu–LuxuryFrom Affluent Complacency to Embassador of Allah

When he was young he used to hear about the prophet pbuh’s message, and therefore he went to listen to what was he saying. Then once he heard what the prophet pbuh was teaching he fell in love and embraced Islam.

His mother was very rich and once she heard that he had embraced Islam she was not happy and she told him that if he did not leave Islam she would disown him and therefore she locked him in the house. Then he escaped and went to the prophet pbuh.

Mus’ab’s tribe and family denied him and the prophet pbuh saw him and he looked so different and the prophet pbuh had tears in his eyes. And when he was killed in battle of badr and the prophet pbuh wanted to cover his body they didn’t have enough cloth to cover his body because if they covered his face his legs would show and the vice versa. And then the prophet pbuh made dua: “Oh Allah, I am pleased with Mus’ab. I pray that you are pleased with Mus’ab. Please make him a martyr.”

Musab’s Challenges

Defying powerful mother

Shackled and disowned by mother

To urge mother to accept Islam

To endure pity of others

Maintain patience with tests of poverty after such affluences

Our Challenges

Displaying Islam in our appearance regardless of negative response from others

Defying societal pressures regarding fashion and material possessions

Avoiding usury - not owning a house or carrying balance on credit card

Dinging courage to make da’wah to family members

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Musab?

Mus’ab sacrificed the world and its comforts for Allah swt

Focus on how great his sacrifice was and the reward that comes from that

Obey the Creator, not the creation

Those most beloved to us may at times be the biggest challenges for us

Resist the temptation to ‘buy in’ to the whims of fashion

We do not need a big, beautiful house – this will give us temporary pleasure

Being involved in usury is like waging war against Allah swt

Bilal ibn Rabah radiyAllahu ‘anhu – SlaveryFrom Menial to Magnificent Mu’adhdin

“By Allah, if you had refused to sell him (Belal) except for one hundred ounces (of gold), I

would have paid it!”

There is a place called ‘al batha’ where Bilal was dragged and tortured in the heat of

Makkah, and the only thing he would say was “ahadun Ahad”.

After the death of the prophet pbuh, on that day – Bilal was making the adan when he got to

‘ashadu ana muhammed rasoul allah’ he couldn’t continue and he fell down into the

ground. Then he said that he would never make the adan again and everyone was crying…

after that he moved from Madinah to Syria. Then one night Bilal saw the prophet pbuh in

his dream and he saw him saying “ahajartuna ya bilal” and then as soon as he got up, he

packed up and went to Madinah. Upon his arrival to Madinah he noticed that the assigned

muadhdhin was late so he gave the adan. Everyone in Madinah woke up for fajr and

thought the prophet pbuh had returned, because they heard Bilal’s voice again and they

were all crying.

On his death bed, Bilal said: “Do not cry. Tonight I am leaving you but tomorrow I will be

with the Prophet pbuh.”

Bilal’s Challenges

To maintain patience with life of slavery

Endured constant torture

Endured public humiliation

Our Challenges

To maintain patience with those who have rights over us

Slavery to our desires – monetary, materialistic, physical

Slavery to a bad habit, fame, fake beauty

Media’s propaganda against Islam, people’s response to that

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Bilal?

Islam promotes equality regardless of social class, job, colour, race or gender; all

Muslims are equal in the eyes of Allah swt. We are only distinguished by our deeds

Intentions should be to please Allah first, and then our actions will be blessed

inshaAllah

Do not be one of the mutaffiffin, fulfill the rights of those around you with patience

and without distain, for we all want our due rights

Keep in mind that material and physical pleasures will be waiting, for us to enjoy

them eternally in jannah, in sha’allah, if we are patient in this life, stay away from

haram and strive for purity and piety, we do not need them here.

We are stronger than we think, we are and we can endure or overcome far more

than we gave ourselves credit for. So fight against your desires for bad habits

Allah swt will not test us with more than we can endure

Allah swt blessed Bilal with a legacy

Umm sulaym bint malhan radiyAllahu ‘anhuAFrom Ignorance to Epitome of resilience

‘A Muslim man can acquire no benefit after Islam greater than a Muslim wife who makes him

happy when he looks at her, obeys him when he directs her, and protects him when he is away

from her in herself and his property.’

The mother of Anas ibn malik, her husband was Malik ibn Nadr, and she lost her husband

after he served the prophet pbuh 10 years. Upon hearing that Umm Sulaym was widowed

Abu Talhah asked for her hand in marriage. “A man like you, Abu Talhah ,” she said, “is not

(easily) turned away. But I shall never marry you while you are a kafir, an unbeliever.” She

then went on to say “I swear to you, Abu Talhah, and I swear to God and His Messenger

that if you accept Islam, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband, without any gold or

silver. I shall consider your acceptance of Islam as my mahr.”

Abu Talhah left and reflected deeply on what Umm Sulaym had said. He came back to her

beaming with happiness. “I have taken your advice to heart. I declare that there is no god

but Allah and I declare that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

Umm Sulaym and Abu Talhah were married. Anas, her son, was pleased and the Muslims

would say: “We have never yet heard of a mahr that was more valuable and precious

than that of Umm Sulaym for she made Islam her mahr.”

When Umm Sukaym’s son died she bathed and shroud his body and told her neighbours

not to tell her husband. When he returned after a long day at work, he asked her how the

boy was. She said: ‘He is quiet and calm’. Then she served him dinner and gave him a very

pleasant night. In the morning, she said to him: ‘Have you heard of those people who

borrowed something from their neighbors and used it for their purposes. When the owners

claimed it, they found it hard to give it up.’ He said: ‘That is unfair’. She said: ‘Your son was

lent to you by God. Now He has claimed him back.’ Abu Talhah reported this to the Prophet.

He commended Umm Sulaym and prayed for the couple: ‘May God give you all the blessings

of your night’. After that night Allah swt blessed them with 10 children who all memorized

the Qur’an.

Umm Sulaym’s Challenges

Death of her husband

Death of her child and being patient and wise in not telling her husband the sad

news

Refusing to marry abu talha unless he becomes a Muslim.

Our Challenges

Being patient and content with the death of a loved one

Marriage today is mostly based on monetary and physical attributes of a person,

rather than the deen.

Lessons – What can we derive from the Story of Umm Sulaym?

Be content with the Qadr of allah for the reward of the patient is without bounds

Never compromise the din when looking for a prospect in marriage because

everything else will wither away but the din will always stay with you.

Did You Know…

The blissful days with the prophet SAW came to an end and Madinah wept over the death

of the dearest man ever to walk the Earth. Bilal radiyAllahu ‘anhu was asked to make

Adhan before the burial of the Prophet. He started the call: “Allahu Akbar…”, but when he

came to the name of the prophet SAW, he was sobbing so heavily, he could not continue. He

said: “By Allah I will not say the Adhan anymore.” He asked the khalifah, Abu Bakr

radiyAllahu ‘anhu to allow him to go to al-Sham to fight in the Way of Allah, where he spent

the rest of his life.

He made adhan only twice since then. The first was when ‘Umar came to al-Sham. The

second was after he beheld the Prophet in his dream, saying to him: “Oh Bilal! How is it that

you never visit me?” He set out for Madinah and upon his arrifval, Hasan and Husayn

requested him to call out the Adhan. He could not refuse them, for they were very dear to

him. As soon as he began, the people of Madinah cried openly with anguish at the memory

of the Prophet SAW’s time. Even the women came out of their houses weeping. He left

Madinah and passed away a few days afterwards in Damascus.

Chapter 6 – Heroes but Still Human

It is imperative to study the live of the Sahabah, sins and all, to gain a realistic impression of

who they truly were, thus enhancing their human qualities and making them realistic role

models that we can,a nd should, try to emulate, inshaAllah. But we must always keep in

mind that they are the best people after all of the prophets, and give them the respect they

deserve.

Abu Dharr radiyAllahu ‘anhu - Racism/Nationalism.

None of us has the right to judge someone’s superiority or worth other than Allah, and He

informed us of this through the example of the Prophet SAW

Once abu dharr, who was a poet and who was a white man and was the leader of

his people, was talking to Bilal radiyAllahu ‘anhu and they had an argument and

therefore Bilal asked him again. And then he said “don’t you understand the son

of a black women?” and then Bilal radiyAllahu ‘anhu did not say anything and

then Bilal went to the Prophet pbuh to complain. He then said Bilal ‘he made fun

of me with the blackness of my mother’ and then he said call him… when he

talked to Abu dharr the prophet pbuh said have you done this? And then the

prophet pbuh said to him, that abu dharr still had ignorance in him. Then abu

dharr went to Bilal’s house and placed his face on the ground and said to step on

his face – then bilal went down to the ground and brought him up and said that

he only wanted to remind him that he did not choose the color of his mother and

that he could never step on the face of a man who prostrates to Allah swt and

that they are brothers.

GEMS:

Racism is not tolerated within Islam and Allah SWT only judges us based on our

deeds and intentions; we should look at a person’s piety rather than their colour,

cast or tribe.

Forgiveness should be given readily and completely

Harbouring ill-feelings is never beneficial

Importance of controlling anger and guarding the tongue

We should treat others how we expect to be treated

Abu Dharr was ashamed to be associated with characteristics that were pre-

Islamic

Highlighting a person’s mistakes is better done privately.

Khalid Ibn al-Walid radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Mistreatment of Fellow Muslims

The Prophet SAW raised his hands and cried: “Oh Allah! I am innocent of what Khalid has

done; O Allah! I am innocent of what Khalid has done!”

Once the prophet pbuh sent Khalid to present Islam to a tribe and when Khalid

radiyAllahu ‘anhu went to that tribe –they reacted towards him repulsively

because he did not speak the same dialect as him and therefore he killed them.

Then the prophet pbuh made duaa that he is free from what Khalid has done

because he never told him to do that.

‘wa ma nasr ela men 3end illah’ – this is in the Qur’an because some of the

Muslims start to think that al nasr was coming only because of Khalid. Omar

radiyAllahu ‘anhu told Khalid after a battle that he was coming down from being

the commander of the army of the muslims. And when Khalid passed away he

wrote in his will that he wanted his sword and horse to be given to Omar

radiyAllahu ‘anhu.

GEMS:

Human life is sacred

If we commit an injustice uponanyone we should compensate them fairly

according to Islam

people of greater knowledge are more deserving of our respect

Arguments over insignificant issues should be avoided

We should be hasty when seeking forgiveness.

Aisha Bint Abu Bakr radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Jealousy

“… One day, he spoke of her and I grew very jealous and told him, “Was she not an old lady

whom Allah has replaced for you with a better woman?” He got angry and said, “No, by Allah!

Allah did not replace her with any better woman…”

Aisha Bint Abu Bakr radiyAllahu ‘anhu - And Not Disputing with the Messenger SAW

“You (women) are like the women who tried to entice Yusuf into immorality…”

Reference: Safi-ur-Rahman al Mmubarakpuri, Ar-Raheeq al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar)

On the night of Aisha, um salamah sent a dish of food and Aisha slapped it out of

her hands. When the maid came with the food, the prophet pbuh saw the dish

broken on the ground and he took it and presented the good part of the food to

the sahabah and said “your mother is jealous’.

There was another time when she referred to one of the other prophet’s wife

who was more beautiful and she said to stay away from her and she signaled

with her hand “the short one”. After that the prophet pbuh said she has said

something really bad.

One time she was upset at the prophet pbuh and then she asked if she wanted

her judge as abu Bakr – and she said yes and then the prophet pbuh asked her

“would she like to talk first or he” and she said her… and then she said “this man

who claims to be a prophet…” and then abu bakr slapped her and she went

hiding behind the prophet pbuh.

GEMS: Jealousy is common between co-wives and may stem from insecurity

The prophet pbuh had immense love for khadijah radiyAllahu ‘anhu

The role of the wife is to believe in her husband and support him with whatever she

has, to bear his children and educate them according to Islam

o if a women prays 5 times a day, obeys her husband and fasts Ramadan – she

can enter from any of the 8 doors in jannah.

A good wife tries her best to avoid upsetting her husband.

Hatib ibn Abi Balta’ah radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Revealing Military Secrets

“…I swear by Allah that I have not done this act as apostate, forsaking Islam.”

Reference: Ar-Raheeq al Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar) – Biography of the Noble Prophet

SAW. Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri. Dar-us-salam Publication. Riyadh-Saudi ArAbua

(1996). Chapter: The Conquest of Mecca.

he was one of the people who the prophet bpuh told him from where he was

going and gave the letter ot a lady and then Hatib went and got her to give him

the letter because he said that they would strip her naked until they take the

letter. After wards they the muslims captured him and asked why he did that

although omar ra said let me cut off this kafers head. And they found out that he

had a family in mekkah that no one would protect. And then the surah came

down, and then the prophet pbuh went and told him not to because allah swt

called him muminoon

GEMS:

Allah swt informed the prophet pbuh that Hatib’s actions and the breach of the

covenant before it took place

The role of military tactics

It is a husband’s duty to protect his wife and children

The label of hypocrite cannot be brandished freely

Their status of those who fought in the Battle of Badr

Uthman Ibn Maz’um radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Encroaching Upon the Rights of Others (his

wife)

“You will be wealthy, but you are today far better in your piety and devoutness than you will

when you are wealthy.”

Uthman radiyAllahu ‘anhu was one of the best of the sahabah

One day he was sitting with the sahabah and the prophet bpuh said that there

will come a day that they would be dressed in different clothes in the same day

and he asked them if they liked that and then he said they would have this in

Jannah. Then Uthman decided to stop having intimacy with his wife and then the

prophet pbuh told him that “our body has a right on us, Allah has a right on us

and that our husband has rights on us”.

GEMS:

Both men and women have the right to be satisfied sexually within marriage

We should not desire wealth as it may not necessarily be good for our deen

Islam is a moderate religion, and encourages us to take the middle way

Extremism is not encouraged

Unnamed companions – Mockery of Others

The Prophet SAW said: “Are you laughing at Ibn Mas’ud’s legs? On Allah’s scales of justice they

are heavier than than the mountain of Uhud.”

Reference: http://www.thewaytotruth.org/stories/colorandrace.html. Chapter 12: ‘Abd

Allah ibn Mas’ud – the First Reciter of Qur’an

Abduallah ibn masood used to imitate the prophet pbuh even when he was short

and was trying to get through a low space because the prophet pbuh was tall and

was bending. Subhan allah

He had a beautiful voice and Dr.Reda would love to hear him reciting in jannah.

GEMS:

We should not make fun of people’s bodies

If we have nothing good to say about people we should not say anything

Appearance is superficial; Allah SWT sees us according to the state of our heart

We should not judge people according to their looks but their hearts which we

cannot see.

Ma’iz radiyAllahu ‘anhu and the Ghamidiyyah woman radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Stories of

Adultery

Prevention is better than cure

Both committed adultery but it was Ma’iz was the first one who did it.

The prophet pbuh turned away from him three times and he did not turn away

from him and repeated to the prophet pbuh to be judged even though he knew

that would get stoned to death. Then after he was dead by stoning and then two

people said ‘why would anyone do this to themselves to die like a monkey’ and

then the prophet was so upset to hear their comment and he told them to go eat

the dead meat of the donkey because that is what they did by talking of him that

way and told him that allah has accepted Ma’iz’a repentance and that he is in

jannah.

GEMS:

Importance of repentence and seeking forgiveness regardless of the worldly

consequences

Conditions for capital punishment

Demonstrates the severity of the act of adultery

Purifying ourselves after all sins regardless of the severity

Once a person has accepted the appropriate punishment, we should not hold this

against them

Abdullah ibn Jahsh radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Killing During the Sacred Months

In Suratl’l Baqarah 217, Allah SWT says,

 They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month (1st, 7th, 11th, 12th). Say: "Fighting

therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path

of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members."

Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they

turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you Turn back from their faith and die

in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the Hereafter; they will be

companions of the Fire and will abide therein.

Abu Mahjan al-Thaqafi radiyAllahu ‘anhu – Drinking Alcohol (punished twice)

“Fear your sins more than you fear the enemy as your sins are more dangerous to you then

your enemy. We Muslims are only victorious over our enemy because their sins outnumber

ours, not for any other reason. If our sins were equal to those of our enemy, then they would

defeat us due to their superior numbers and resources.”

Battle of al Khadaseya was going on but he was caught and was just watching the

battle and did not fight. He was crying because he was only watching the battle

and he was not fighting like everyone else. Then he asked the wife of Saad to give

him his sword to go fight and after he was done fighting – he would come back.

Then Saad saw him fighting and said “if I did not die by horse by my hand and

did not tie saad, I would think that was him because he faught 3 nights getting

out by saad’s wife and then going back when he was done fighting. Then saad

said ‘would alcohol stop you from jannah and then he said no and changed his

life.

40 archers radiyAllahu ‘anhu (the mountain of archers)- Not Following Commands of

Prophet Muhammad SAW

“…The archers on the mountainside committed a fatal mistake that turned the whole

situation upside down… it had almost brought about the death of the Prophet SAW…”

The battle of uhud and the prophet pbuh told them that even if they saw birds

eating off their bodies to not leave their place but then after those Muslims on

the mountain thought that they had won, then these two men saw them and they

were not Muslims at the time and the non muslims were surrounded and

defeated.

Mistah ibn Thathah, Hamnah bint Jahsh, Hassan ibn Thabit radiyAllahu ‘anhu –

Slander

The Incident of the IFK: Slander

“…By Allah, I know that you have heard this story that people are saying and it has become

fixed in yourself and you have believed it. If I were to sya to you that I am innocent, you

would not believe me. If I were to confess something to you – and Allah knows that I am

innocent – you would believe me…”

In Suratl’l Nur ayahs 11-12 Allah SWT says:

“Those who brought forward the lie are a body among yourselves: think it not to be an evil to

you; On the contrary it is good for you: to every man among them (will come the punishment)

of the sin that he earned, and to him who took on himself the lead among them, will be a

penalty grievous.”

“Why did not the believers - men and women - when ye heard of the affair,- put the best

construction on it in their own minds and say, "This (charge) is an obvious lie" ?”

Always keep in mind these words of Allah SWT:

In Suratl’l Zumar ayahs 53-54 Allah SWT says:

53. Say: "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of

Allah. for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

54. "Turn ye to our Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (Will), before the Penalty comes on

you: after that ye shall not be helped.

In Suratl’l Nisa ayah 48 Allah SWT says:

48. Allah forgiveth not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgiveth anything

else, to whom He pleaseth; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin Most heinous indeed.

In Suratl’l Furqan ayahs 68-70 Allah SWT says:

68. Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life as Allah has made

sacred except for just cause, nor commit fornication; - and any that does this (not only) meets

punishment.

69. (But) the Penalty on the Day of Judgment will be doubled to him, and he will dwell therein

in ignominy,-

70. Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of

such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful,

Ali ibn Abi Talib – Using Strength for Matters of Good

“Whoever will read their biographies with understanding and insight, and will come to know

the reqards bestowed by Allah upon them, he will certainly realize that these are the best

among humans after the Prophets. Neither there has been anyone like them nor will there be.”