Preaching Efforts in Medina
Whatever the case may be, Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was the first missionary sent to Medina. Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair would go along with Hazrat As‘ad (ra) bin Zurarah to preach in the different neighbourhoods of the Ansar. Many people accepted Islam as a result of the preaching of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, among whom are some of the prominent companions such as Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az (ra), Hazrat Ibaad(ra) bin Bishr, Hazrat Muhammad(ra) bin Maslamah, Hazrat Usaid (ra) bin Huzair.
(al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Ishaq, p. 199, Bab Awwal Jumu’ah Uqimat bil Madinah, Dar-Ibn Hizam, Beirut, 2009) (al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 312, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
Whilst mentioning the preaching efforts of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) writes:
“Whilst departing from Mecca, these twelve new Muslim converts requested, ‘Please send an Islamic tutor with us, who can teach us Islam and can preach Islam to our idolatrous brothers as well.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) sent Mus‘ab (ra) bin ‘Umair, a very devout young man from the Abdud-Dar tribe along with them. An Islamic preacher was referred to as a qari or muqri in those days, because the majority of their work was to recite the Holy Quran, as this was the best method of preaching. As such, Mus‘ab (ra) was also renowned by the name muqri in Yathrib.
“When he arrived in Medina, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair stayed at the home of As‘ad (ra) bin Zurarah, who was the first Muslim of Medina, and was a very devout and influential leader. His home was transformed into a preaching centre and Mus‘ab (ra) began to perform his duties with full attention. Since the Muslims of Medina lived a collective life, and Medina was comparatively more peaceful, upon the proposal of As‘ad (ra) bin Zurarah, the Holy Prophet (sa) instructed Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair to begin offering the Jumuah prayer, and in this way, the Muslims began their life as a unified community. The blessings of Allah were such as it was not long before the religion of Islam began to find popularity in every home of Medina. The Aus and the Khazraj began to accept Islam very rapidly.
“In some cases, the entirety of a tribe would accept Islam in one day. Thus, the Banu Abdil-Ashhal tribe also accepted Islam in this manner, and became Muslim at once. This was a very distinct branch of the Ansar tribe known as the Aus, and the chieftain of this tribe was named Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az. Not only was he the chieftain of the Abdul-Ashhal tribe, but he was the leader of the entire Aus tribe as well. When Islam began to find popularity in Medina, Sa‘d bin Mu‘az initially disliked it and endeavoured to stop it (i.e. before accepting Islam, Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az opposed it greatly), but he was closely related to As‘ad (ra) bin Zurarah. Both of them were cousins and As‘ad (ra) had become a Muslim. For this reason, Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az would not approach him personally so as to prevent a dispute. As such, he said to another one of his relatives, Usaid bin al-Hudair, ‘I am somewhat embarrassed to say anything due to As‘ad bin Zurarah, (since he had become a Muslim and was helping in spreading the message) but you go and stop Mus‘ab (instead of stopping As‘ad (ra) bin Zurarah, they decided to stop Mus‘ab (ra) from preaching) and from spreading this irreligiousness. Tell As‘ad as well that this way of life is not right.’ Usaid was from the revered chieftains of the Abdul-Ashhal tribe, and his father had remained the leader of the entire Aus tribe during the Battle of Bu‘ath. After Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az, Usaid bin al-Hudair possessed significant influence within his tribe. Therefore, upon the encouragement of Sa‘d (ra), he went to Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair and As‘ad (ra) bin Zurarah. He addressed Mus‘ab (ra) in a tone of anger, saying, ‘Why do you make our people irreligious? Abstain from this or the outcome shall not be pleasant!’ Before Mus‘ab (ra) could answer, As’ad (ra) softly told Mus‘ab (ra), ‘He is a very powerful chieftain of his tribe, speak to him very gently and lovingly.’
“Therefore, Mus‘ab (ra) addressed him in a very respectful and loving tone, and said, ‘Do not be angry, rather be so kind as to sit and listen to what we have to say with a cool heart, then you may formulate your opinion.’ Usaid (who was of a pious disposition) found this to be a logical proposition and sat down. Mus‘ab (ra) recited the Holy Quran to him and enlightened him of Islamic teachings very benevolently. Usaid (ra) was so moved that he accepted Islam right away, and said, ‘There is such a man behind me that if he converts, our entire tribe will accept Islam. Wait here, I shall send him.’ After this, Usaid (ra) left, and by some excuse, he sent Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az to Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair and As‘ad (ra) bin Zurarah. Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az came and furiously said to As‘ad (ra) bin Zurarah, ‘Look here As’ad. Indeed, you are misusing your family relations and this is not right. If I am silent on this matter, then it is only owing to our family ties, but do not take advantage of this.’ Upon this, in the same manner as before, Mus‘ab (ra) tenderly and lovingly cooled him down and said, ‘Take a seat here and listen to what I have to say. If, then, there is something objectionable, you may reject it.’
“Sa‘d (ra) responded, ‘Alright, this appeal seems to be rational.’ Resting his spear, he took a seat, and in the same manner, Mus‘ab (ra) recited the Holy Quran to him and expounded Islamic principles in his very attractive manner. It was not long before this idol also submitted, (i.e. Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az also accepted Islam.) Therefore, as per the custom, Sa‘d (ra) bathed and recited the Kalima Shahadah [Islamic creed]. After this, Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az and Usaid (ra) bin al-Hudair went to their tribesmen and Sa‘d (ra) enquired of them in a particular Arabian custom, ‘O Bani ‘Abdul-Ashhal, how do you find me?’ They all answered in unison, ‘You are our leader and the son of our leader. We have full trust in you.’ Sa‘d (ra) responded, ‘Then I have nothing to do with you until you believe in Allah and His Messenger (sa).’ After this, Sa‘d (ra) explained the principles of Islam to them, and evening had not yet come, before the entire tribe had converted to Islam. Sa‘d (ra) and Usaid (ra) broke the idols that belonged to their people with their own hands. Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az and Usaid (ra) bin al-Hudair who accepted Islam that day, are counted amongst the most eminent of companions.”
Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) further says:
“And among the Ansar undoubtedly, they possess a magnificent status. In particular, Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az received a position amongst the Ansar as did Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) amongst the Muhajirin of Mecca.
“This young man turned out to be extremely sincere, remarkably loyal, and an exceptionally devoted lover of Islam and the Founder (sa) of Islam. Since he was also the chieftain of his tribe, he was extraordinarily intelligent as well. He acquired such a position in Islam which was not only distinctive, nay, the most distinctive companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) acquired. No doubt, upon his early demise, the words of the Holy Prophet (sa) that, ‘Upon the demise of Sa‘d (ra), even the throne of the Gracious God has come into motion,’ was based on a very deep reality.
“Therefore, in this manner, Islam began to spread throughout the Aus and the Khazraj very rapidly. The Jews would look to this sight in terror. In their hearts they would say, ‘God knows what is about to happen.’”
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 224-227)
Owing to the preaching efforts of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, many people accepted Islam. On the occasion of Hajj, 13 Nabwai, he brought a delegation of 70 Ansar to Mecca. Analysing this from various sources, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) writes in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin:
“The following year, that is, Dhul-Hijjah of 13 Nabawi, on the occasion of Hajj, many hundreds of people from the Aus and the Khazraj came to Mecca. Among them, there were 70 such people who had either become Muslim or now desired to become Muslims, and came to Mecca in order to meet the Holy Prophet (sa).
“Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was also among them. Mus‘ab’s (ra) mother was alive, and although she was an idolatress, loved him very much. When she was informed of his coming, she sent word, ‘First come and meet me, then go elsewhere.’ Mus‘ab (ra) responded, ‘I have not yet met the Holy Prophet (sa), I shall come to you once I have met him.’ Therefore, he presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa) first, and briefed him on key issues, then visited his mother. (On seeing that he had not gone to meet her first) she was very upset. When she saw him, she began to weep and complain. Mus‘ab (ra) said, ‘Mother! I tell you something wonderful which is very beneficial for you, and shall put an end to every disagreement.’ She enquired, ‘What is that?’ Mus‘ab (ra) quietly responded, ‘This, that you forsake idol worship and become a Muslim, and believe in the Holy Prophet (sa).’ She was a firm idolatress, and as soon as she heard this, she began to put up a commotion, saying, ‘I swear by the stars that I shall never enter your religion,’ and signalled her relatives to capture Mus‘ab (ra), but he managed to escape.”
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 227)