Hazrat Mus'ab (ra) bin Umair

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair belonged to the Banu Abd ad-Daar clan of the Quraish tribe. The title of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was Abu Abdullah, and in another narration, it has been reported as Abu Muhammad. Hazrat Mus‘ab’s (ra) father’s name was Umair bin Hashim and his mother’s name was Khannas or Hannas bint Malik who was an affluent lady from Mecca. Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair’s parents loved him dearly.

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair’s mother brought him up giving him many comforts and luxuries, dressing him in the most expensive and finest attire. He used to wear the most excellent fragrance available in Mecca and wore Hadrami shoes which were made in Hadhramaut and were exclusively for the affluent.  Hadhramaut was a vast open plain near the sea, situated to the east of Aden. In any case, he would wear immaculate clothes and use the best fragrance and even his shoes were bought from outside of Mecca.

Hazrat Mus‘ab’s (ra) wife’s name was Hamnah (ra) bint Jahsh, who was the sister of Umm-ul-Momineen Hazrat Zainab (ra) bint Jahsh, the wife of the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) had one daughter with her. The Holy Prophet(sa) used to remember Mus‘ab (ra) and would say, “I have not seen a more handsome individual than Mus‘ab (ra) and one who was brought up afforded by comforts and luxuries.” 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 85-86, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 175, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Siyar as-Sahaba, Vol. 2, Muhajireen part 1, p. 270, 275, Darul Isha’at, Karachi, 2004) (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 7, p. 71, Hamnah bint Jahsh, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Mu‘jamul Buldan, Vol. 2, p. 157, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut)*

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Introduction

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was among the most prominent companions and was also among the first people who accepted Islam. He accepted Islam at the time when the Holy Prophet (sa) used to preach in Dar-e-Arqam. However, he kept it a secret for fear of opposition from his mother and his people. Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) used to meet the Holy Prophet (sa) in secret. Once, Uthman (ra) bin Talha caught him while he was praying and informed his mother and other members of his household and consequently, his parents imprisoned him. He remained imprisoned until his migration to Abyssinia. When he saw an opportunity, he escaped and migrated. After some time, when some of the migrants returned from Abyssinia to Mecca, Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was also among them. When his mother saw his poor state, she decided to give up the opposition and let her son be.



Acceptance of Islam

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair had the honour of migrating twice; he first migrated to Abyssinia and then also to Medina. 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 86, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 175, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)*


Migrations

Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) bin Abi Waqas narrates, “I saw Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair in the time when he was affluent as well as after becoming a Muslim. He endured so many hardships for the sake of Islam that I saw that his skin would deteriorate and come off just as a snake would shed its skin.” 

*(al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Ishaq, p. 230, Man udhiba fillah min al-mu’mineen, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2004) *

They established such standards of sacrifice that one is left astounded.

Once, Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair came to the Holy Prophet (sa) while he was sitting amongst some of his Companions (ra). On that occasion, the clothes of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) were patched with pieces of leather. There was a time when he used to wear clothes of the highest quality, but then after becoming a Muslim, the state of his clothes was such that they would be patched together using pieces of leather.

Witnessing the change in Hazrat Mus‘ab’s (ra) condition, the companions lowered their heads as they were unable to help him. Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) stepped forward and offered his Salam [Islamic greeting of peace]. The Holy Prophet (sa) replied to him and praised him in a most excellent manner. Following this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said:

“All praise belongs to Allah! May worldly people be granted from this world. I have seen Mus‘ab at a time when there was no one more affluent and wealthy in the city of Mecca than him. He was the dearest child of his parents. However, the love of God and His Messenger (sa) has brought him to this state today and he left all of that behind for the sake of God and His pleasure.” 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 86, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)*

Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) bin Abi Waqas relates that the Holy Prophet (sa) looked at Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair and remembering his previous state of affluence, began to cry. The Holy Prophet (sa) remembered his previous condition and the sacrifices he was now making.

Hazrat Ali (ra) relates:

“We were sitting in the mosque in the company of the Holy Prophet (sa) when Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair arrived. He was wearing a cloak patched with pieces of leather. When the Holy Prophet (sa) saw him, he remembered his previous state of affluence and saw the state that he was in now and began to cry. Following this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘What will your condition be when one of you will wake up in the morning in one set of clothes and wear another set of clothes at night?’”

That is, they would become so affluent that they would be able to change the clothes they would wear in the morning to a different set of clothes at night. “Following this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘One plate of food will be placed before you and another will be taken away’”, that is, there would be various courses of meals and various dishes will be served, similar to the custom today. “‘You will cover your homes in clothes similar to how the Ka‘bah is covered,’” i.e. very expensive clothes will be used. This is precisely what is witnessed today and this affluence was granted to the Muslims later on. “The companions (ra) said, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! Will we be much better off at that time in comparison to today and subsequently have more time for worship?’”

The companions (ra) asked that in such affluent circumstances, would they have more time to worship as they would be spared from arduous and laborious work. “Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) replied, ‘This is not the case, rather you are better off today as compared to that time.’” 

*(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abwab Sffatul Qiyamah, Hadith 2476)*

In other words, their condition, level of worship and standards would be much loftier than those who would come after them owing to their wealth and affluence.



Standard of Sacrifice

In regards to the migration to Abyssinia, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) states in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin:

“Therefore, upon the instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa), in the month of Rajab 5 Nabawi, eleven men and four women migrated to Abyssinia.”

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was among them. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) further writes:

“It is very strange that a majority of these pioneer immigrants were those who belonged to powerful tribes of the Quraish, and the weaker were few and far between. This illustrates two things: firstly, even those who belonged to the powerful tribes of the Quraish were not safe from the cruelties of the Quraish. Secondly, weak people such as slaves etc. at that time were in such a grave state of weakness and misery that they were not even able to migrate …  Nonetheless, when the Quraish were informed of this, they were deeply enraged that this ‘prey’ had slipped their hands. Hence, they pursued these immigrants, but when their men reached the coast, the ship had already departed and for this reason, they returned disappointed. Upon reaching Abyssinia, the Muslims found a life of great peace and protection from the cruelties of the Quraish after much difficulty and prayers.” 

*(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 146-147)*

Migration to Abyssinia

At the occasion of the first pledge at Aqabah, 12 individuals came from Medina to take the oath of allegiance at the hand of the Holy Prophet (sa). When they were preparing to return to Medina, the Holy Prophet (sa) also sent Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair with them in order to teach them the Holy Quran and about Islam. He was known in Medina by the titles of qari [Reciter] and muqri, i.e. he became known as ‘The Teacher’. 

*(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, pp. 175-176, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 4, p. 37, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2010) (al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Ishaq, p. 199, Bab irsaal al-Rasul Mus‘ab bin Umair ma‘a wafd al-Aqabah, Dar-Ibn Hizam, Beirut, 2009)*

According to another tradition, the Aus and Khazraj tribes of the Ansar went to the Holy Prophet (sa) and requested for someone to teach them the Holy Quran. The Holy Prophet (sa) therefore sent Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair. 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 1, p. 171, bab Dhikr al- al-Aqabah al-Ula Itha al-Ashara, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)*

Whilst in Medina, Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair stayed at the house of Hazrat As‘ad bin Zurarah (ra). He also carried out the duty of leading the prayers. 

*(al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Ishaq, p. 199, Bab irsaal al-Rasul Mus‘ab bin Umair ma‘a wafd al-Aqabah, Dar-Ibn Hizam, Beirut, 2009)*

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair stayed at the house of Hazrat As‘ad bin Zurarah (ra) for a long period of time but later on, he moved to the house of Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) bin Mu‘az. 

*(Siyar as-Sahaba, Vol. 2, Muhajireen part 1, p. 272, Darul Isha’at, Karachi, 2004)*

Hazrat Bara (ra) bin Aazib relates:

“The very first Muhajir companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) to migrate to Medina were Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair and Hazrat Ibn Umm-e-Maktum (ra). When they arrived in Medina, they began teaching us the Holy Quran. Later, Hazrat, Ammar (ra), Hazrat Bilal (ra) and Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) also came. Then Hazrat Umar (ra) bin Khattab arrived along with a few other companions and eventually the Holy Prophet (sa) arrived.”

He further states, “I have never seen the people of Medina so happy as on the occasion when the Holy Prophet (sa) arrived and the girls and boys were proclaiming, ‘You are the Messenger (sa) of Allah! You have come to us.’” 

*(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Tafsir al-Quran, Bab Surah al-A‘la, Hadith 4941)*

With regard to Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) writes in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin:

“Those who accepted Islam in Dar-e-Arqam are included amongst the pioneers. Among these, the most renowned include Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, who was from the Banu Abdid-Dar. He was very handsome and striking, and was held very dear among his family. This is the same noble young man who was sent as a missionary to Yathrab prior to the migration and through whom Islam spread in Medina.” 

*(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 129)*

It is stated in a book on the life of the Holy Prophet (sa) that Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was the first person to lead the Friday prayers in Medina prior to the migration.

Pledge of Aqabah & Assignmenet as the Missionary to Medina

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair requested permission from the Holy Prophet (sa) before the second pledge at Aqabah to lead the Friday prayers in Medina, and he was duly granted permission. Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair led the first Friday prayers in the house of Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) bin Khaithamah, in which 12 people of Medina participated and on this occasion, he slaughtered a goat.

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was the first person in Islam to lead the Friday prayers in Medina. However, there is another narration in which it is mentioned that Hazrat Abu Umamah As‘ad (ra) bin Zurarah was the first to lead the Friday prayer in Medina. 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 87-88, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 1, p. 171, bab Dhikr al- al-Aqabah al-Ula Itha al-Ashara, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)*

First Person to Lead the Friday Prayer 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)*

Preaching Efforts in Medina

**Narration 1**

Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra), while speaking about Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair being sent as a missionary to Medina and also in regard to the services he rendered, states:

“The Holy Prophet (sa) began to receive revelation which hinted the near possibility of migration from Mecca. Some idea of the place they were to migrate to was also given to him. It was a town of wells and date-groves. Initially, the Holy Prophet (sa) thought of Yamamah as the location of migration, but soon the thought was dismissed. The Holy Prophet (sa) then waited in the assurance that whatever place they were destined to go to would certainly become the cradle of Islam.

“During this time, the annual Hajj drew near and from all parts of Arabia, pilgrims began to arrive in Mecca. As was his practise, the Holy Prophet (sa) went wherever he found a group of people, expounded to them the teaching of the One God and told them to give up excesses of all kinds and prepare for the Kingdom of God. Some listened with interest and then left. Some wished to listen but were sent away by the Meccans. Some who had already made up their minds, stopped to ridicule. The Holy Prophet (sa) was in the valley of Mina when he saw a group of six or seven people, who were the citizens of Medina.

“He found that they belonged to the Khazraj tribe, one in alliance with the Jews. He asked them if they would listen to what he had to say. Since these people had heard of the Holy Prophet (sa) and were interested, they agreed and sat in his company. The Holy Prophet (sa) spent some time telling them that the Kingdom of God was at hand, that idols were going to disappear, that the idea of One God was due to triumph, and piety and purity were once again going to rule. Would they not, in Medina, welcome the Message? The group became much impressed. They accepted the Message and promised, on their return to Medina, to confer with others and report the following year whether Medina would be willing to receive Muslim refugees from Mecca. Subsequently, they returned and conferred with their friends and relations. There were, at the time, two Arab and three Jewish tribes at Medina. The Arab tribes were the Aus and the Khazraj and the Jewish tribes were the Banu Quraizah, the Banu Nazir and the Banu Qaynuqah. The Aus and the Khazraj were at war. The Quraizah and the Nazir were in alliance with the Aus and the Qaynuqah were with the Khazraj. Tired of unending warfare, they were inclined to peace. At last they agreed to acknowledge the Khazraj Chief, Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool, as King of Medina. Since they had alliances with the Jews, the Aus and the Khazraj had heard of prophecies in the Bible. When the Jews would speak of their troubles and affliction, they would also mention that they had heard of the advent of a Prophet ‘like unto Moses.’ This advent was near at hand, the Jews used to say and that it was to mark their return to power and the destruction of their enemies.

“When the people of Medina, who had travelled for the pilgrimage, heard of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) claim, the truth of the claim penetrated their hearts and realised that this was the very Prophet who they had heard about from the Jews. Many young men were impressed by the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) teaching and the prophecies which they had previously heard from the Jews helped them in believing in the Holy Prophet (sa).

“At the next Hajj, twelve men from Medina came to Mecca with the intention to join the Holy Prophet’s (sa) faith. Ten of these belonged to the Khazraj and two to the Aus tribe. They met the Holy Prophet (sa) in the valley of Mina and, holding the Holy Prophet’s (sa) hand, solemnly declared their belief in the Oneness of God and their resolve to abstain from all common evils and immoralities, such as theft, killing their daughters, and from making false accusations against one another. They also resolved to obey the Prophet (sa) in all good things.

“When they returned to Medina, they started telling others of their new faith with even greater zeal. The idols from the houses of Medina were taken out of their homes and thrown on the streets. Those who used to bow before images began to hold their heads high. They resolved to bow to none except the One God. The Jews wondered. Centuries of friendship, exposition and debate had failed to produce the change which Islam had produced in a few days and the message of the One God penetrated into the hearts of the people of Medina.

“The people of Medina would go to the few Muslims in their midst and make enquiries about Islam and ask them to teach them their faith. But the few Muslims could not cope with the large numbers of enquiries, nor did they know enough about its teaching. They decided, therefore, to address a request to the Holy Prophet (sa) to send them someone to teach Islam. The Holy Prophet (sa) agreed to send Mus‘ab (ra), one of the Muslims who had returned from the migration to Abyssinia. Thus, Mus‘ab (ra) was the first missionary of Islam to go out of Mecca.” 

*(Dibacha Tafsir-ul-Quran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 214-216)*

**Narration 2**

At another occasion, whilst speaking on the same subject, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has stated:

“When the people of Medina came to know about Islam, some of them met the Holy Prophet (sa) during the pilgrimage of Hajj and became convinced of his truthfulness. They returned to their people and said to them that the Messenger whose advent the Jews of Medina used to speak of had taken place in Mecca. Hence, their hearts became inclined towards the Holy Prophet (sa) and, at the following Hajj, they sent a delegation to the Holy Prophet (sa). After a brief discussion, this delegation professed their belief and pledged their allegiance to the Holy Prophet (sa).

“Since the Holy Prophet (sa) was facing fierce opposition in Mecca at the time, this meeting took place in a valley away from the sight of the Meccans. As the Bai‘at also took place there, it is referred to as Bai‘at Aqabah.” “Aqabah” means a valley or a mountain that is difficult to manoeuvre through or a difficult mountainous path.

“The Holy Prophet (sa) gave this delegation the duty of organising the believers of Medina and advised them to propagate Islam. He sent one of his young companions, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair to assist them and to teach the faith to the Muslims … Before departing, the delegation also extended an invitation to the Holy Prophet (sa) saying, should he ever need to leave Mecca, he should come to Medina. When these people returned to Medina, Islam spread in Medina within a very short period of time. Hence, the Holy Prophet (sa) sent some more companions to them, including Hazrat Umar (ra) … After that, upon receiving the command to migrate, he himself also went to Medina. Upon his arrival, all the idolaters of Medina accepted Islam within a very short period of time.” 

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 1, pp. 171) (Farhang Sirat, p. 203, Aqabah, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi [2003])

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Preaching Efforts in Medina (II)

After the migration to Medina, the Holy Prophet (sa) established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair and Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (ra). 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 88, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)*


Bond of Brotherhood

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair participated in the Battles of Badr and Uhud. During the Battles of Badr and Uhud, the main flag of the Muhajireen was being carried by Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair. During the Battle of Badr, the main flag of the Muhajireen was given to him by the Holy Prophet (sa). 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 89, Mus’ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut [1990])*

Then, there is another similar narration, which has been recorded in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahamd Sahib (ra) in which it also states that during the Battle of Uhud, the flag of the Muhajireen was held by Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair. It further states:

“The Holy Prophet (sa) began to arrange the Muslim army and appointed separate commanders for the various sections of the army. On this occasion, the Holy Prophet (sa) received news that the flag of the army of the Quraish was in the hands of Talha. Talha was from that dynasty, who under the administration of Qusayy bin Kilab, the paramount ancestor of the Quraish, held the right of standard-bearing in representation of the Quraish during wars. Upon becoming aware of this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘We are more worthy of demonstrating national loyalty,’ and then, the Holy Prophet (sa) took the flag of the Muhajirin from Hazrat Ali (ra) and entrusted it to Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, who was also a member of the very same dynasty to which Talhah belonged to.” 

*(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 488)*


Flag-Bearer at the Battle of Badr & Uhud

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. On the day of Uhud, Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was fighting in front of the Holy Prophet (sa) and was martyred during the battle. He was martyred by Ibn Qami‘ah. 

(al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 383, Ghazwah Uhud, Maqtal Mus‘ab (ra) bin ‘Umair, Dar Ibn Hazm, Beirut [2009])

In the books of history, it is mentioned that the flag-bearer during the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, protected the flag [of Islam] in an excellent manner. Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) was carrying the flag on the day of Uhud, when Ibn Qami‘ah, who was riding a horse, attacked with his sword and struck the right hand of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra), with which he was holding the flag, and severed it. Upon this, Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) started reciting the following verse:

وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ اِلاَّ رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِہِ الرُّسُلُ

[And Muhammad is only a Messenger. Verily, all Messengers have passed away before him] and grasped the flag in his left hand. Ibn Qami‘ah struck the left hand and severed it as well, upon which Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) embraced the flag of Islam with both of his arms and held it to his chest. Following this, Ibn Qami‘ah attacked Hazrat Mus‘ab(ra) with a spear for a third time which pierced his chest. The spear broke and Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) fell to the ground. Upon this, two individuals from [the tribe of] Banu Abd-id-Dar, Suwaibit (ra) bin Sa‘d bin Harmala and Abu Rum (ra) bin Umair, stepped forward. Abu Rum bin Umair grabbed the flag and it remained in his hands until the Muslims returned and entered Medina. 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 89, Mus‘ab (ra) bin ‘Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut [1990])*

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) was 40 years old, or just over 40 at the time of his martyrdom. 

*(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 76, Mus‘ab (ra) bin ‘Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut [2003])*

Mentioning this particular incident, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) states in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin:

“The army of the Quraish had pretty much surrounded them from all four fronts and continued to crush the Muslims moment by moment through repeated attacks. Yet, even after all this, the Muslims probably would have regained themselves shortly thereafter, but the outrage was that a bold warrior from among the Quraish named Abdullah bin Qami‘ah attacked Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, the flag-bearer of the Muslims and severed his right hand with the blow of his sword. Mus‘ab (ra) immediately clutched the flag with his other hand and advanced to confront Ibni Qami‘ah, but in his second blow, the other hand was severed as well. Upon this, Mus‘ab (ra) joined both of his severed hands together in an endeavour to keep the Islamic flag from falling and held it to his chest, upon which Ibni Qami‘ah struck him a third time, and this time Mus‘ab (ra) was martyred and fell to the ground. As far as the flag was concerned, another Muslim immediately advanced and took hold of it, but since the size and figure of Mus‘ab (ra) resembled the Holy Prophet (sa), Ibni Qami‘ah thought that he had slain the Holy Prophet (sa). It is also probable that this scheme of his was merely guided by motives of mischief and deceit. In any case, when Mus‘ab (ra) was martyred and fell, Ibni Qami‘ah exclaimed that he had slain Muhammad [sa]. At this news, the Muslims lost whatever composure was left in them and their force was scattered completely.” 

*(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 493)*

This was also a major reason the Muslims lost their composure during the Battle of Uhud. Nevertheless, they regrouped later. When the Holy Prophet (sa) approached the body of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra), it was turned face down. The Holy Prophet (sa) stood beside it and recited the following verse:

مِنَ الۡمُؤۡمِنِیۡنَ رِجَالٌ صَدَقُوۡا مَا عَاہَدُوا اللّٰہَ عَلَیۡہِ ۚ فَمِنۡہُمۡ مَّنۡ قَضٰی نَحۡبَہٗ وَمِنۡہُمۡ مَّنۡ یَّنۡتَظِرُ ۫ۖ وَمَا بَدَّلُوۡا تَبۡدِیۡلًا

That is, “Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with Allah. There are some of them who have fulfilled their vow, and some who still wait, and they have not changed their condition in the least.” [Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.24]

Following this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said,

اِنَّ رَسُولَ اللہِ یَشْھَدُ اَنَّکُم اشُّھَدَاءُ عِنْدَ اللہِ یَومَ القیامَۃِ

That is, “the Messenger (sa) of Allah bears witness that even on the Day of Judgement they will be counted as martyrs in the sight of Allah.”

Then, the Holy Prophet (sa) addressed the companions and said, “You should visit him and send your salutations upon him. By Him, in Whose hand lies my life, he will respond to the salutations of everyone who will send salutations upon him until the Day of Judgment.” Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra)’s brothers, Hazrat Abu Rum (ra) bin Umair, Hazrat Suwaibit (ra) bin Sa‘d and Hazrat Aamir (ra) bin Rabi‘ah lowered him into the grave. 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 89, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut [1990])*

In Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) mentions this in the following manner:

“One honourable man from among the martyrs of Uhud was Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair. He was the first Muhajir who was sent to Medina as a missionary of Islam. In the era of the Jahiliyyah, among the young men of Mecca, Mus‘ab (ra) was considered to be the most well-dressed and elegant, and lived in great comfort and luxury. After accepting Islam, his condition was transformed completely. In fact, there is a narration that on one occasion, the Holy Prophet (sa) saw him dressed in a cloth which was covered with numerous patches. At this, the Holy Prophet (sa) was reminded of his earlier life, and the eyes of the Holy Prophet (sa) began to glisten with tears. When Mus‘ab (ra) was martyred at Uhud, he did not even have enough cloth by which his body could be fully covered. If his feet were covered, his head would become exposed, and if his head was covered, his feet would become bare. As such, according to the instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa), his head was covered with cloth and his feet were covered with grass.” 

*(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 501)*

There is a narration of Sahih al-Bukhari which states:

“Food was brought before Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf to break the fast which he was observing at the time. Upon this he said, ‘Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was martyred and he was better than me, but only one sheet was available to shroud him [at the time of his burial]. It was so small that when his head was covered; his feet remained uncovered and if his feet were covered, his head remained uncovered.’ The narrator states that he believes Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf also said, ‘Hamza (ra) was martyred and he was better than me.’ Thereafter he continued, ‘Then the bounties of this world were bestowed upon us generously’ or perhaps he said, ‘We were granted that which was destined for us and I am afraid that the reward of our good deeds may have been bestowed to us in this world.’ Thereupon, he began to cry and left the food untouched.” 

*(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jana’iz, Bab idha lam yujad illa thaub wahid, Hadith 1375)*

He became emotional owing to his fear of God Almighty and the treatment he would receive from God in the Hereafter, for if they had been granted bounties in this world, then he thought that perhaps they may not receive anything in the next life.

Hazrat Khubbab (ra) bin Art narrates, “We migrated with the Messenger (sa) of Allah seeking the pleasure of Allah and expecting our reward from Him. Some of us died without partaking anything from their reward. Among them was Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, and there are those among us whose fruits of their deeds have ripened and they are enjoying its delight. Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was martyred in the Battle of Uhud, and there was only one cloth available for us to cover him in. When we covered his head with it, his feet were exposed and when we covered his feet with it, his head was uncovered. So the Holy Prophet (sa) told us to cover his head and to put some idhkhir (i.e., lemon grass) over his feet.” 

*(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jana‘iz, Bab idha lam yajid kaffuna illa ma yuwari ra‘sahu, Hadith 1376)*


Martyrdom

There is also a narration of Tirmidhi in which Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) narrates, “The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Every prophet has been granted seven noble companions.’ The narrator states that perhaps the word used was ‘guardians’ instead of ‘companions’. However, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘I have been granted 14 such individuals’. So we asked who these individuals were and the Holy Prophet (sa) stated that it was me and my two sons, [Hassan (ra) and Hussain (ra)], Jafar (ra), Hamza (ra), Abu Bakr (ra), Umar (ra), Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Bilal (ra), Salman (ra), Miqdad (ra), Abu Dhar (ra), Ammar (ra) and Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (ra).” 

*(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abwab Manaqib, Hadith 3785)*

Hazrat Aamir bin Rabi‘ah (ra) relates that his father would often mention, “From the time Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair accepted Islam to the Battle of Uhud, he remained my close friend and companion. He was alongside us in both migrations to Abyssinia. He was my companion during the migration. I have never seen someone as well-mannered as him, nor did he engage in a dispute with anyone.” 

*(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 87, Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)*

Noble Traits & High Status

When the Holy Prophet (sa) returned to Medina after the Battle of Uhud, he met Hazrat Hamnah bint Jahsh (ra), the wife of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair. The people had informed her that her brother Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahsh (ra) had been martyred. She replied by saying Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji‘un [To Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return] and prayed for him to be granted forgiveness. Then they informed her of the martyrdom of her maternal uncle, Hazrat Hamza (ra), to which she again replied Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji‘un, and prayed for his forgiveness. Thereafter, the people informed her that her husband, Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, had also been martyred, upon which she began to weep and became anxious. The Holy Prophet (sa) then said, “A husband holds a special status in the eyes of his wife.” 

*(al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 396, Ghazwah Uhud, Dar Ibn Hazm, Beirut, 2009)*

There is another tradition in which Hazrat Hamnah bint Jahsh (ra) is mentioned. It stated that when she was told that her brother was martyred she replied, “May Allah have mercy on him” and said Inna lillahi wa Inna ilaihi raji‘un. The people then said that her husband had also been martyred, to which she said, “Woe be unto me!”. The Holy Prophet (sa) then said, “A relationship between a wife and her husband is like no other.” 

*(Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitabul Jana’iz, Ma Ja’a fil Bukaa, Hadith 1590)*

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) has mentioned this incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair and the emotions of his wife, in his own words. He states:

“The male and female companions who had more than one close relative [martyred], would be told gradually to avoid being overwhelmed with the sudden news. When Hazrat Hamnah bint Jahsh (ra), sister of Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahsh (ra) came to the Holy Prophet (sa), he told her, ‘O Hamnah, be patient and seek the reward of God Almighty.’ She replied, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah, what should I seek the reward for?’ He said, ‘For your uncle Hamza.’ Hazrat Hamnah (ra) then replied, ‘Inna lillahi wa Inna ilaihi raji‘un’ (may Allah have mercy on him and grant him forgiveness through this martyrdom).’ Thereafter, the Holy Prophet (sa) repeated, ‘O Hamnah, be patient and seek the reward of God Almighty.’ She replied, ‘What should I seek the reward for?’ He said, ‘For your brother Abdullah.’ Hazrat Hamnah (ra) then replied, ‘Inna lillahi wa Inna ilaihi raji‘un (may Allah have mercy on him and grant him forgiveness by means of this martyrdom). The Holy Prophet (sa) once again repeated, ‘O Hamnah, be patient and seek the reward of God Almighty.’ She replied, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah, what should I seek the reward for?’ He said, ‘For Mus‘ab bin Umair’, to which she said, ‘Woe be unto me!’ After hearing this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Indeed, the husband has a right over his wife that no one else possesses, however why did you utter such words?’ Hazrat Hamnah (ra) answered, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! It occurred to me that his children have become orphans, which worried me, and it was in this state that I uttered these words.’ Having listened to this, the Holy Prophet (sa) prayed for the children of Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair, saying, ‘O Allah, be their Guardian and Protector, treat them with kindness and affection and take good care of them.’” 

*(Khutbaat-e-Tahir, Qabl az Khilafat, p. 363)*

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