The Revolutionary Condition of the Companions from Disbelief to Belief

Whilst mentioning the previous condition of the Companions and the revolutionary transformation that took place in them after accepting Islam, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) has mentioned Hazrat Umar (ra) as one example thereof. I have mentioned this previously, but I shall mention it once more in relation to this. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) writes:

“Observe how they became the Companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) and attained such lofty ranks. They achieved this by striving to their utmost; otherwise, they were the same people who previously were sworn enemies of the Holy Prophet (sa) and would hurl abuse at him. Hazrat Umar (ra), who became the second caliph after the Holy Prophet (sa), was such a staunch opponent of the Holy Prophet (sa) in the early days that he even left his home in order to kill him. He met someone on the way who asked where he was heading, to which he responded, ‘I am going to kill Muhammad [sa].’ The man then said, ‘First go and kill your sister and brother-in-law who have become Muslims, then kill Muhammad[sa].’

“After hearing this, he became enraged and made his way towards his sister’s home. As he approached he saw the door closed. Someone was reciting the Holy Quran and his sister and brother-in-law were listening to it. At the time, the commandment regarding the veil had not yet been revealed”, which is why the companion was sat inside. “Hazrat Umar (ra) knocked on the door and demanded for it be opened. Having heard his voice, those inside the house became frightened that he may kill them. They, therefore, did not open the door. Hazrat Umar (ra) then said, ‘If you do not open the door I will break it down.’ They then hid the Muslim who was reciting the Holy Quran and the brother-in-law also hid, leaving only his sister to go and open the door.

“Hazrat Umar (ra) asked, ‘What were you doing? Who is the person who was reciting something?’ In fear of him, she tried to change the subject. Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘Whoever was reciting should recite to me also.’ His sister answered, ‘You will dishonour it, so we shall not recite it to you even if you kill us.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘I swear that I shall not dishonour it’”, i.e. he would not disrespect the Holy Quran.

“Thereupon, the Holy Quran was recited to him and upon hearing it, Hazrat Umar (ra) began to weep and ran to the Holy Prophet (sa) with the sword in hand. Seeing him, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Umar, what is the matter? How long will this go on?’ Hearing this Hazrat Umar (ra) wept and said, ‘I set out in order to kill you, but I myself have been stricken.’”

This was the summary of the lengthy incident which has previously been mentioned.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further states:

“This was the previous state of the Companions after which they completely transformed. There were companions who would drink wine and fight amongst themselves”, i.e. referring to some of the other companions, “and they possessed all kinds of weaknesses. Yet when they accepted the Holy Prophet (sa), and strove their utmost for their faith, they not only reached a lofty status, they also became the means through which others were able to attain a high rank. They were not born as companions, for they were like everybody else, yet it was their actions and the determination which transformed them into becoming the Companions of the Holy Prophet (sa). If we do the same today, we can also become like the companions.”

(Auraton ka Deen se Waqif hona Zururi hai, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, pp. 38-39)