Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah

Then, we find the mention of Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah, who was from among the first Ansari Muslims [Muslim residents of Medina] and who was a very courageous and fearless person. Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah also took part in the battle of Uhud and remained by the side of the Holy Prophet (sa) with great resolve and steadfastness.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8RDX6R0vbfQ?start=756" title="Friday Sermon - 16th March 2018" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Introduction

Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah’s father’s name was Maslamah bin Salamah. His paternal grandfather’s name is recorded as Salamah as well as Khalid. Hazrat Maslamah’s (ra) mother was known as Umm-e-Sahm and her name was Khulaidah bint Abu Ubaidah. Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah belonged to the Aus tribe of the Ansar and was the confederate of the Abd-Ash‘hal tribe.

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Family & Tribe

Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah was known by the titles of Abu Abdillah, Abu Abdir Rahman and Abu Saeed. According to Allamah ibn Hajar, the title of Abu Abdillah is more authentic. According to one narration, he was born 22 years before the Holy Prophet (sa) was appointed to the station of prophethood and was among those people who was named Muhammad in the time of the jahiliyyah era [era prior to the advent of Islam].

*(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 338, Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Al-Isabah Fi Tamyeez Al Sahabah, Vol. 6, p. 28, Muhammadra bin Maslamah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 106, Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)*

The Jews of Medina were anticipating the advent of a prophet, who, according to the prophecy of Moses (as), would be named Muhammad. When the Arabs came to know of this, they began to name their children Muhammad. In the books pertaining to the life and character of the Holy Prophet (sa), the people who were named Muhammad as a good omen numbered between three and fifteen. Allama Suhaili, who has written a commentary on Sirat Ibn Hisham has recorded three individuals with the name Muhammad. Allama Ibn Atheer has recorded six names, whereas Abdul Wahab Sheraani has recorded fifteen names.

For information and [general] knowledge, I will list the fifteen names:

Muhammad bin Sufyan, Muhammad bin Uhayhah, Muhammad bin Humran, Muhammad bin Khuza‘i, Muhammad bin Adi, Muhammad bin Usama, Muhammad bin Barah, Muhammad bin Harith, Muhammad bin Harimaaz, Muhammad bin Khauli, Muhammad bin Yahmadi, Muhammad bin Zaid, Muhammad bin Usaidi, Muhammad Fuqami and Muhammadra bin Maslamah.

*(Muhammadun Rasulullah Walladhina Ma‘ahu, Abdul Hameed Jaudah al-Sahaar, Vol. 2, pp. 111-112, Maktabah Misr) (Al Raud-ul-Anf, Vol. 1, p. 280, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 72, Muhammad (ra) bin Uhayhah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Kashful Ghummah ‘An Jami’il Ummah, al Shi‘rani, Vol. 1, pp. 283-184, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1998) (Al-Isabah Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahabah, Vol. 6, p. 28, Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)*

Background Into His Name

Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah was among the early converts of Islam. He accepted Islam through Hazrat Musab (ra) bin Umair before Hazrat Saad (ra) bin Muaz accepted Islam. 




Acceptance of Islam

Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah was among those companions who killed Kaab bin Ashraf and Abu Rafi Sallaam bin Abu Huqaiq.

Both of these individuals were extremely mischievous and relentless in their efforts to cause harm to Muslims and even sought to launch an attack against the Muslims and the Holy Prophet (sa). Consequently, the Holy Prophet (sa) assigned these companions with the task of killing them.

Assigned to Execute Ka'b bin Ashraf & Abu Rafi'

During various battles, Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah was appointed by the Holy Prophet (sa) to oversee Medina [in his absence]. Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah’s sons, Jafar (ra), Abdullah (ra), Saad (ra), Abdur Rahman (ra) and Umar (ra), are also counted amongst the companions of the Holy Prophet (sa).

![Blessed City of Medina](s3://sahabaapp-storage-dpqdg2r4eoj1c102909-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/public/Image/Pictures/cami-3725372.jpg)




Amir of Medina & Children

Except for the Battle of Tabuk, Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah took part in all the battles, including the Battle of Badr and Uhud. During the Battle of Tabuk, Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah took permission from the Holy Prophet (sa) to remain behind in Medina. 

*(Al-Isabah Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahabah, Vol. 6, pp. 28-29, Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) (Sharh Zurqani, Vol. 6, p. 511, Hadith Bani Nadeer, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996)*

![A map depicting the location of Tabuk on the Arabian Peninsula, Source: Wikipedia](https://sahabaapp-storage-dpqdg2r4eoj1c102909-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/public/Image/Pictures/Tabuk.png)



Excused from the Battle of Tabuk

Execution of Ka'b bin Ashraf

One of his distinctions was that a prophecy of the Holy Prophet (sa) was fulfilled in his person. On one occasion, whilst handing him his sword, the Holy Prophet (sa) said:

“As long as you fight the idolaters, you should continue to fight them with this sword. However, when the time comes when Muslims begin to fight with one another, you should break this sword and stay at home until someone attacks you or death overcomes you.”

He acted in accordance with this guidance and he did so following the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman (ra). He physically destroyed the sword, made another sword from wood and would place it in his sheath. Someone asked him what use that sword was. He replied:

“The wisdom behind this is to maintain a degree of awe. Moreover, I have also complied with the instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa) not to keep a sword made from iron. Furthermore, a wooden sword cannot harm anyone.”

Some Companions used to say that if there was a person who was not affected by the agitation, that is, the agitation that arose within Muslims after the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman, it was Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah. In order to protect himself from the seditious agitation, he went to live in the wilderness and used to say, “Until the sedition is over, I intend to spend my life in the wilderness.” 

*(Al-Tabqat Al-Kubra Li-ibni Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 338-340, Bab Muhammad Bin Maslamah (ra), Darul Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyah, Beirut 1990)*

A Prophecy Fuflilled

We also find many accounts in relation to Hazrat Muhammad (sa) bin Maslamah being extremely judicious and acquiescent. Due to this, the Khulafa [Successors of the Holy Prophet (sa)] trusted him greatly. Hazrat Umar (ra) and Hazrat Uthman (ra) in particular had entrusted him with very important tasks and campaigns. When complaints were received against those who were appointed for various tasks in the administrative affairs, when complaints were received against them from other countries and places, Hazrat Umar (ra) would send Muhammad bin Maslamah to investigate these complaints.

*(Al-Tabqat Al-Kubra Li-ibni Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 47, Bab Dhikr Al-Misriyin Wa Hasr Uthman (ra), Darul Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyah, Beirut 1990) (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 107, Muhammad bin Maslamah (ra), Darul Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyah, Beirut 1996)*

His Noble Characteristics

When the Banu Nazir attempted to deceive the Holy Prophet (sa) and sought to kill him by throwing a millstone on him, God Almighty informed the Holy Prophet (sa) of their plans through divine revelation. The Holy Prophet (sa) immediately stood up as if he had to see to an important matter of his and arrived in Medina. Soon after the Holy Prophet (sa) had left, the companions (ra) also arrived in Medina.

Upon arriving in Medina, they found out that the Holy Prophet (sa) had called for Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) submitted, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah! You stood up and left, however we were completely unaware that you had departed.” The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, “The Jews sought to deceive me, but Allah the Almighty informed me and so I left. Allah the Almighty revealed the following verse [of the Holy Quran]:

  يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوا اذْكُرُوْا نِعْمَةَ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ هَمَّ قَوْمٌ أَنْ يَّبْسُطُوْا إِلَيْكُمْ أأَيْدِيَهُمْ فَكَفَّ أَيْدِيَهُمْ عَنْكُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَعَلَى اللّٰهِ  فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ

“O ye who believe! Remember Allah’s favour upon you when a people intended to stretch out their hands against you, but He withheld their hands from you; and fear Allah. And on Allah should the believers rely.” (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.11)

In any case, the Holy Prophet (sa) sent Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah to the Jews. The account of this incident has been narrated as follows that when Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa), the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, “Go to the Jews of the Banu Nazir and tell them that you have been sent by the Messenger (sa) of Allah to order them to leave your town.” Their punishment to be banished from the city was because they had committed a conspiracy and thus had violated their covenant.  

Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah went to the Jews and said, “I have been sent to you by the Holy Prophet (sa) with a message. However, I shall not share this with you until I have reminded you of something which you would often discuss in your gatherings.”

It was something they used to discuss amongst each other quite a long time ago.

“What is it?” the Jews enquired.

Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah stated, “I swear by the Torah which Allah the Almighty revealed to Moses (as) that I once came to you before the advent of Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (sa) and you were sat with the Torah open before you. During this gathering, you said to me, ‘O Ibn Maslamah! If you wish to eat something, then we shall present you with food and if you desire to become a Jew, then we can make you a Jew.’”

Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah said:

“At the time, I replied to present me with food and that by God, I would never become a Jew. You then presented me with a tray of food and said to me, ‘You will never become a Jew because this is the faith of the Jewish people,’” meaning the Jews said to Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah that he did not want to become a Jew because this was the faith of the Jewish people. “‘You desire the Hanifiyat which you have heard of. However, Abu Amir Rahib, is not the one whom this [prophecy] applies to.’” They had heard that a prophet would appear, but Abu Amir Rahib was not that individual. The Jews then continued. “‘A person shall come to you whose countenance will be cheerful, he will engage in battles and there will be redness in his eyes. They will appear from the direction of Yemen, mounted on camels, clad in cloaks and they will remain content with whatever little they have. Their swords will be resting upon their shoulders, they will speak with wisdom as if you have close relations with them. By God, your land shall now witness violence, killing and mutilation of the dead.’ Upon hearing this, the Jews acknowledged that this is exactly what they had said”, i.e. they acknowledged everything that was recounted to them by Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah. “However, they claimed that he (i.e. the Holy Prophet(sa)) was not that Prophet.’”

Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah then stated, “I am done with my message as I simply wanted to remind you of this.” He then conveyed the message of the Holy Prophet (sa) and stated, “I have been sent by the Holy Prophet (sa) and he has stated that you have broken the treaty which he had established with you as you sought to conspire against him.” Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah then informed the Jews of their conspiracy against the Holy Prophet (sa) and how Amr bin Jahash stood on the roof to throw the stone on the Holy Prophet (sa).

Hearing this, they fell silent and could not say another word. Then Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah said to them, “The Holy Prophet (sa) has ordered you to leave this town. You will be given ten days respite. After this, whosoever is seen around here will be put to death.” The Jews replied, “O Ibn Maslamah, we could never have imagined that we would receive this message from a man belonging to the Aus tribe.” Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah replied, “The hearts [of the people] are inclined to change.” The Jews spent the next few days making their preparations and brought their mounts from Zu-Jadar, which was a grazing ground situated approximately six miles from Medina in the direction of Quba. Their animals would graze in Zu-Jadar and these animals were also the mounts they used for travel. Along with their own mounts, they also borrowed camels from the Banu Ashja‘ tribe and completed preparations for their migration. This reference is found in a book of history. 

*(Subul-ul-Huda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 4, pp. 317-320, Kutub-ul-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1993) (Subul-ul-Huda Wa Al-Rishad [Translation], Vol. 4, p. 754, Zaaviyah Publisher, Lahore, 2013), (Mujam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 2, p. 132)*


Expulsion of Banu Nazir from Medina

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) has written about the attitude and conduct of the Jews, including the treachery of the Banu Qurayza. Although this has been narrated previously with regard to Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir (ra), however owing to its historical importance, I will narrate it here as well.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) writes:

“But they still had the Banu Qurayza to settle with. The Banu Qurayza had dishonoured their pact with the Muslims and this could not be passed over. The Holy Prophet (sa) collected his exhausted force” returning from the Battle of the Ditch “and told them that there was no rest for them yet. Before the sun went down, they must fall upon the Banu Qurayza in their fortifications. Then he sent Hazrat Ali (ra) to the Banu Qurayza to ask them why they had gone back on their solemn word. The Banu Qurayza showed no regret and no inclination to ask for forgiveness. Instead, they insulted Hazrat Ali (ra) and the other Muslim delegates and started hurling vile abuse at the Holy Prophet (sa) and the women of his family. They said they did not care for Muhammad [sa] and had never had any kind of pact with him. When Hazrat Ali (ra) returned to report the reply of the Jews, he found the Holy Prophet (sa) and the Companions advancing towards the Jewish fortifications. The Jews had been abusing the Prophet (sa), his wives and daughters. Fearing lest this should pain the Holy Prophet (sa), Hazrat Ali (ra) suggested there was no need for the Holy Prophet (sa) to take part as the Muslims themselves could deal with the Jews and that he ought to return. The Holy Prophet (ra) understood what Hazrat Ali (ra) was referring to and said, ‘You want me not to hear their abuse, Ali?’ ‘Exactly,’ replied Hazrat Ali (ra).

“‘But why?’ said the Holy Prophet (sa). ‘Moses was of their kith and kin. Yet they inflicted more suffering on him than they have on me.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) continued to advance. The Jews put up their defences and started fighting. Their women also joined them. Some Muslims were sitting at the foot of a wall. A Jewish woman, seeing this, dropped a stone on them, killing one of the Muslims … The siege went on for some days. At the end of this period, the Jews felt they would not be able to hold out for long. Then their chiefs sent word to the Prophet (sa) requesting him to send Abu Lubabah, an Ansari chief of the Aus, a tribe friendly to the Jews. They wanted to consult him about a possible settlement. The Holy Prophet (sa) sent Abu Lubabah to the Jews, who asked him if they should lay down their arms and accept the conditions of the Holy Prophet (sa). Abu Lubabah said they should. But at the same time, he passed a finger over his neck, making the sign of death. The Holy Prophet (sa) had said nothing on this subject to anybody. But Abu Lubabah, fearing that the crime of the Jews (i.e. breaking a covenant) merited nothing but death, and without giving any thought, made this sign, which proved fateful for the Jews. The latter declined Abu Lubabah’s advice and refused to accept the Holy Prophet’s (sa) decision. Had they accepted it, the utmost punishment they would have received was expulsion from Medina.” The Jews did not accept this and had they accepted, the most that they would have suffered was exile. “But as ill-luck would have it, they refused to accept the Holy Prophet’s (sa) verdict. Instead of the Holy Prophet’s (sa), they said, they would accept the verdict of Saad (ra) bin Muaz, chief of their allies, the Aus. They would agree to any punishment proposed by him. A dispute also arose among the Jews. Some of them began to say that their people had really gone back on their agreement with the Muslims. The behaviour of the Muslims, on the other hand, showed that they were true and honest and that their religion also was true. Those who thought in this way joined Islam. Amr bin Saadi, one of the Jewish chiefs, reproved his people and said, ‘You have committed a breach of faith and gone back on your plighted word. The only course now open to you is either to join Islam or give jizyah.’ They said, ‘We will neither join Islam nor give jizyah (the majority thought in this way), for dying is better.’ Amr replied that in that case, he stood absolved and saying this, he left the fort. He was sighted by Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah, commander of a Muslim column, who asked him who he was. On learning of his identity, he told him to depart in peace and himself prayed loudly:

اَللّٰھُمَّ لَا تَحْرِمْنِيْ اِقَالَةَ عَثْرَاتِ الْکِرَامِ

‘O Allah! Do not deprive me from the virtue of concealing the mistakes of the honourable.’

“What he meant was that this Jew had shown remorse and regret over the conduct of his people. It was the moral duty of Muslims, therefore, to forgive men like him. In letting him go, he had done a good thing and he prayed that God should give him the chance to do such good deeds again and again. When the Holy Prophet (sa) got to know of what Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah had done, he did not reprove him for letting go of this Jewish leader, rather he approved of what had been done.” 

*(Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, pp. 162-164)*

Execution of the Banu Qurayzah for their Treachery

Thus, owing to the education and moral training the Muslims had received from the Holy Prophet (sa) , they  always administered justice. When the people of Khayber instigated their mischief, a Jew by the name of Abu Rafey was killed. Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah was also part of the group of companions that were dispatched to kill Abu Rafey. Although he was killed by one person, however, Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah was part of that delegation. Analysing this incident in depth from different historical sources, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) writes:

“The mischief-making and instigation of the Jewish Chieftains resulted in the dangerous conflict of the Battle of Ahzab against the Muslims in 5 AH. Among them, Huyaiy bin Akhtab had already met his end along with the Banu Qurayzah. However, Sallam bin Abil-Huqaiq, whose appellation was Abu Rafey, was still engaged freely in his mischief-making as before, in the region of Khaybar. Rather, the humiliating failure of Ahzab and the terrible end of the Banu Qurayzah had only further increased his animosity. Since the settlement of the tribes of Ghatafan were situated near Khaybar and the Jews of Khaybar were as if neighbours to the tribes of Najd, for this reason, Abu Rafey who was a very affluent and influential merchant, had made it a custom to incite the barbaric and warmongering tribes of Najd against the Muslims. In his animosity towards the Holy Prophet (sa), he was the like of Kaab bin Ashraf. As such, during that era, which we are mentioning now, he had given the Ghatafani people very significant financial aid in order to launch an assault against the Holy Prophet (sa). Furthermore, it is proven by history that the Jews of Khaybar, who were creating disorder in the watch of Abu Rafey, were also behind the threat which emerged against the Muslims by the Banu Saad in the month of Sha‘ban for the defence of which an army was sent from Medina under the leadership of Hazrat Ali (ra).

“However, Abu Rafey did not suffice with this, and his enmity was thirsty for Muslim blood and the person of the Holy Prophet (sa) was a thorn in his eye. Therefore, ultimately the plan which he employed was that in the likeness of the Battle of Ahzab, he once again began to tour the tribes of Najd, including the Ghatafan and other tribes, and began to gather a grand army to destroy the Muslims.

“When the state of affairs reached this extent and the scenes of Ahzab once again began to appear before the eyes of the Muslims, a few Ansar from the Khazraj presented themselves before the Holy Prophet (sa) and said, ‘Now, the solution to this turmoil is nothing but to put an end to the mastermind of this unrest.’ Considering the fact that the elimination of a single mischief-maker and seditious person was more preferable than mass bloodshed throughout the land, the Holy Prophet (sa) granted permission to these companions. He sent four companions from the Khazraj under the leadership of Abdullah (ra) bin Atik Ansari towards Abu Rafey. However, as he sent them, he emphasised, ‘Look here, do not at all kill any women or children.’ Therefore, in the month of Ramadan 6 AH, this party set off and returned after very skilfully completing its mission. In this manner, these clouds of calamity dispersed from the sky of Medina.

“The details of this account as mentioned in Bukhari and is one of the most accurate narrations in relation to this incident. It states:

Bara‘ bin Azib narrates that the Holy Prophet (sa) sent a party of his companions to kill Abu Rafey the Jew, and appointed Abdullah (ra) bin Atik as their leader. The story of Abu Rafey is that he would inflict great grief on the Holy Prophet (sa) and would incite and help people against the Holy Prophet (sa). When Abdullah (ra) bin Atik and his companions reached near the fort of Abu Rafey and the sun had set, Abdullah (ra) bin Atik left his companions behind and proceeded to the gate of the fort. He covered himself with his mantle and sat down as if answering the call of nature. When the gatekeeper approached the entrance of the fort, he called out to Abdullah (ra) bin Atik and said, ‘O ye, enter if you wish, for I am about to close the gate.’ Still covered in his mantle, Abdullah (ra) bin Atik quickly entered the gate and hid to one side of the castle. The gatekeeper closed the gate, hung the key on a nearby peg and left.

“After this, the narration of Abdullah (ra) bin Atik himself begins. He says, ‘First and foremost, I got up and opened the lock in the gate, so that a swift and easy exit was possible if needed. At the time, Abu Rafey was in a room of his, and many people were seated around him in a night assembly talking to each other. When these people dispersed and it became silent, I climbed the stairs to the home of Abu Rafey. I was careful that whenever I came to a door, I would enter it and close it from behind. When I reached the room of Abu Rafey, he had put out the lantern and was preparing to sleep. The room was pitch dark. I called out the name of Abu Rafey to which he responded, ‘Who is there?’ So, I sprung towards the source of the voice and made a single and powerful strike of the sword. However, it was very dark, and due to my perplexity, I missed him. Abu Rafey cried out, upon which I left the room. After some time, I entered the room again and changing my voice, enquired, ‘O Abu Rafey what is this noise?’ He could not recognise my changed voice and said, ‘May your mother forsake you, someone has just attacked me with a sword.’ Upon hearing this voice, I sprung towards him again and struck him with the sword. This time, my strike was on point, but he was still not dead, upon which I attacked him a third time and killed him.

“After this, I quickly opened the doors one by one till I reached outside of the home. However, when I was descending the stairs, there were still a few steps left and I thought I had reached the ground due to which I fell down and broke my leg” and in another narration it is mentioned that the leg was dislocated. “However, I tied it with my turban and dragged myself out, but I said to myself that until I am fully satisfied that Abu Rafey is dead, I shall not leave. Therefore, I hid in a place near the fort. The next morning, I heard the voice of someone from inside the fort saying, Abu Rafey, the merchant of Hijaz, has died. Thereupon, I got up, and slowly but gradually met with my companions. Upon arriving in Medina, we informed the Holy Prophet (sa) of the death of Abu Rafey. Upon listening to the entire account, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Stretch out your broken leg.’ I stretched out my leg and the Holy Prophet (sa) rubbed his blessed hand upon it while praying, and I felt as if I had never had any ailment whatsoever.’

In another narration, it is mentioned that when Abdullah (ra) bin Atik attacked Abu Rafey, his wife began to scream loudly, upon which he became worried that others might be alerted by her noise and clamour. Upon this, he raised his sword to kill her, but then he remembered that the Holy Prophet (sa) had prohibited the killing of women and therefore he refrained from doing this.”

It is further written in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin:

“At this point, we need not enter a discussion on the justification of the killing of Abu Rafey. The bloodthirsty undertakings of Abu Rafey are an open page of history. Furthermore, an elaborate exposition has been written on a similar instance with relevance to Kaab bin Ashraf … During that era, the Muslims were in a very weak state, surrounded by adversity from all directions … It was as if the entire land was uniting to annihilate the Muslims. In these delicate times, Abu Rafey … was inciting the various tribes of Arabia against Islam.” I am mentioning a summary of why the killing was permissible and not relating the entire account. “Also, in the likeness of the Ghazwah [Battle] of Ahzab, he was preparing to unite the barbaric tribes of Arabia to again launch an assault against Medina.

“During that era, there was no government in Arabia whereby justice could be administered. Instead, every tribe was free and independent. Therefore, there was no other option other than to employ a strategy for self-protection.”

*(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), Vol. 3, pp. 79-82)*

In the previous sermon the details regarding this were mentioned in that there was no government in place but in fact, the Holy Prophet (sa) was the leader. In these circumstances, whatever the companions did was absolutely correct and prudent. Moreover, in a state of war, when a nation is passing through life or death, strategies of this kind are completely permissible.

Execution of Abu Rafi'

During the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra), Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamah (ra) was appointed to collect the Zakat from the Juhainah tribe. Whenever a complaint was received by the Khalifa against a collector, Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah would be sent to investigate the matter. Hazrat Umar (ra) trusted Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah greatly and thus would send him for official collections. Hazrat Umar (ra) would also send him to various areas to resolve complex and difficult matters.

When Hazrat Saad (ra) bin Abi Waqas built a fort in Kufa, Hazrat Umar (ra) sent Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah as his representative to investigate. With regard to this incident, the narration is as follows; Hazrat Umar (ra) learnt that Hazrat Saad (ra) bin Abi Waqas had a fort, and constructed a door, which did not allow sound to reach inside. Hence, Hazrat Umar (ra) sent Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah [to investigate]. It was the practice of Hazrat Umar (ra) that whenever he desired to send someone for official work, he would send Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah. Hazrat Umar (ra) instructed Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah that when he reaches Saad’s fort, he ought to burn the door. When he reached Kufa, he went to the door and using flint to light it, he set fire to the door. Hazrat Saad (ra) learnt of this and came outside. Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah then explained to him the reason why he set fire to the door.

*(Al-Isaba fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 28, Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah)*

Trusted greatly by Hazrat Umar (ra)

After the martyrdom of Hazrat Usman (ra), it is said that Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah lived in seclusion and made a sword out of wood. Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah said that this was the instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa) to do so. He also stated that the Holy Prophet (sa) gave him a sword as a gift and told him to use it to fight the idolaters whilst they continue to fight against them. The Holy Prophet (sa) also stated, “When you see that the Muslims begin to kill one another, then climb onto a hill and strike the sword with it” i.e. so that the sword breaks. “Then remain in your home until one of those wrongdoers attacks you as well or until death overtakes you.” Thus, Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah acted according to these instructions and did not take part in the Battle of Jamal nor in the Battle of Siffin.

*(Usdul-Ghaba, Vol. 4, p. 319)*

Zubaiya bin Hussain Tha‘labi relates, “We were sat with Hazrat Huzaifah (ra) when he told us, ‘I know a person who is not affected at all by any mischief’. We asked, ‘Who is this person?’ Hazrat Huzaifah (ra) then said, ‘He is Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah Ansari’. Then, when Hazrat Huzaifah (ra) passed away and the discord became rampant, I departed along with those who were leaving Medina and I reached a place where there was water.” There was water available in that particular place. “Therein I saw a broken tent which was tilting to one side and was swaying owing to the gusts of wind. I asked, ‘Whose tent is this?’ The people told me, ‘This is the tent of Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah’. I went to him and found that he was advanced in age. I said to him, ‘May Allah have mercy on you, in my opinion you are among the best of the Muslims. You have left your town, your home, your family and your neighbours.’ He replied, ‘I have left all of this behind due to my aversion to evil.’”

*(Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 339, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, 1990)*

A Life of Seclusion

The incident of his martyrdom is as follows. Banu ‘Azl and Qaarah pretended to have accepted Islam and requested the Holy Prophet (sa) to send them some teachers in order to provide them with religious education. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) sent them a group of people. There is a difference of opinion found on this matter in the narrations as to whether it was sent in the leadership of Hazrat Marsad, may Allah be pleased with him, or Hazrat ‘Asim, may Allah be pleased with him. These people had barely reached the place of Raji’, when Banu Huzail approached them with bare swords and said that they do not wish to kill them. Rather, they wish to receive a ransom from the people of Mecca and will promise to protect their lives. Upon this, Hazrat Marsad, Khalid and ‘Asim, may Allah be pleased with them, said that they do not trust their promise. Hence, all three gave their lives fighting them.

*(Sira Al-Sahaba, Shah Muin-ul-din Ahmad Nadwi, Vol. 2, pt. 2, p. 555, Dar-ul-Isha’at, Karachi)*

Narration of Martyrdom at the Incident of Raji'

There are differing views with regard to the time of the demise of Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah.  According to the varying accounts, he passed away in Medina in 43, 46 or 47 AH and at the time of his demise, he was 77 years old. Marwan (ra) bin Hakam led his funeral prayer who was the amir of Medina at the time. It is also mentioned in some accounts that he was martyred.

*(Usdul-Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 5, p. 107, Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Istiab, Vol. 3, p. 433, Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2010)*

This concludes the accounts relating to Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah.

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