Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2020
Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah
I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah Come to Prayer Come to Prayer Come to success Come to success Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest There is none worthy of worship except Allah Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is One and has no partner. and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Servant and Messenger. After this I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path – The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings,
Those who have not incurred displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. From among the accounts in the lives of the Badri companions, the companion who I shall speak about today is Hazrat Zubair bin al-‘Awam (ra). The name of Hazrat Zubair (ra) bin al-‘Awam’s father was ‘Awam bin Khuwailid
While his mother’s name was Safiyah bint ‘Abdil Muttalib who was the paternal aunt of the Holy Prophet (saw). Hazrat Zubair’s (ra) lineage connects with the Holy Prophet (saw) through Qusai bin Kilab. Hazrat Zubair (ra) was the nephew of Hazrat Khadijah (ra), the wife of the Holy Prophet (saw).
Hazrat Zubair (ra) was married to Hazrat Asmaa (ra), the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), while the Holy Prophet (saw) was married to Hazrat Aisha (ra), the other daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). In this way, Hazrat Zubair (ra) was the husband of the Holy Prophet’s (saw) sister in law
[i.e. he was married to his wife’s sister]. Thus, Hazrat Zubair (ra) had these family relations with the Holy Prophet (saw). His title was ‘Abdullah. His mother Hazrat Safiyah had given him the title of Abu Tahir after the title of her brother Zubair bin ‘Abdil Muttalib.
However, Hazrat Zubair (ra) bin Al Awwam, gave himself the title after his son, ‘Abdullah, which later became more famous. Hazrat Zubair (ra) accepted Islam after Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). He was the fourth or the fifth person to accept Islam. Hazrat Zubair (ra) accepted Islam at the age of twelve.
According to some narrations he accepted Islam when he was eight or sixteen years of age. Hazrat Zubair (ra) was among those ten fortunate companions whom the Holy Prophet (saw) gave the glad tiding of Paradise in their lifetime. He is also among the as-Hab ash-Shura, the six men who formed the consultative body
And whom Hazrat ‘Umar (ra) nominated to be chosen as the next Khalifa before his demise. When Hazrat Zubair’s father ‘Awwam passed away, Naufal bin Khuwailid used to look after Hazrat Zubair (ra). Hazrat Safiyah, Hazrat Zubair’s (ra) mother, would hit him or scold him. Hazrat Zubair (ra) was young at that time.
Naufal, i.e. his uncle, would say to Hazrat Safiyah, “Why do you hit and scold your children as if you angry with them.” Upon this, Hazrat Safiyah read the following couplets: Meaning, “Whoever says I am angry with him, he is a liar – “For I beat him so that he may become courageous, “And defeat armies, and return with the spoils of the dead; “I do this so he does not take his wealth and retreat into seclusion,
“So that he may eat dates and bread.” Nevertheless, this was her mind-set and she brought up her child accordingly, so that he becomes courageous. It is not necessary for us to condone this and say that this was a good method.
Nowadays, we see that in general terms, this decreases the trust of the children. Nonetheless, Allah the Exalted protected him from any ill effects of this beating and strictness. A mother’s maternal affection is an established truth, undoubtedly she loved him as well and it was not the case that she only beat him.
Furthermore, events that occurred later demonstrate that indeed, bravery and courage were indeed a part of Hazrat Zubair’s (ra) character. Allah knows best as to the cause of this. Nevertheless, there was no negative impact due to this treatment in his childhood. If anyone tries this here today,
The social services will show up immediately and take the children away. Therefore, mothers should not try and emulate this practice. When Hazrat Zubair (ra) accepted Islam, his paternal uncle would wrap him in a mat and fill it with smoke so that he would renounce Islam and return to disbelief.
However, he used to say that he would never return to disbelief. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has narrated this incident in relation to Hazrat Zubair (ra) in the following manner: “Zubair bin al-‘Awwam (ra), was a very brave youth, “who proved to be a great Muslim general during the Islamic conquests.
“His paternal uncle also tortured him greatly. “He would wrap him up in a mat and fill it with smoke from underneath in order to suffocate him. “He would then say that will you now leave Islam or not? “However, he would tolerate this torture
“and reply that I cannot deny the truth after having found it.” Hisham bin Urwah relates from his father that when Hazrat Zubair (ra) was a child, an individual in Mecca started an altercation with him which developed into a fight, perhaps this individual treated him harshly.
Hazrat Zubair (ra) was young, whereas the other individual was a grown man. Nevertheless, Hazrat Zubair (ra) broke this man’s hand during the fight and injured him severely. Subsequently this individual was mounted on a horse and brought to Hazrat Safiyyah, in order to show the deeds of her son.
Hazrat Safiyyah asked what had happened to him? The people informed her that Hazrat Zubair (ra) had a fight with him, but did not mention who was at fault. Nevertheless, a fight took place. Upon this, Hazrat Safiyyah recited some verses in relation to the bravery of her son and said Meaning: “How did you perceive Zubair? Did you consider him to be similar to cheese or a date “that you would be able to devour him easily and do to him as you please? “Nay, you must have experienced that he was like a swift attacking eagle.”
Hazrat Zubair (ra) participated in both migrations to Abyssinia. When Hazrat Zubair (ra) migrated to Medina, he stayed with Hazrat Munzir bin Muhammad. Hazrat Asmaa (ra), the wife of Hazrat Zubair bin Al Awwam, relates: “When I set off and migrated from Mecca, I was expecting.”
She further says “I stayed in Quba, where ‘Abdullah bin Zubair was born. “I then brought him to the Holy Prophet (saw). “He placed him in his lap and asked for a date to be brought and chewed it. “The Holy Prophet (saw) first placed his saliva in the mouth of the child
(the first thing that entered the stomach of the child was the blessed saliva of the Holy Prophet (saw)) “He then chewed the date and placed it in his mouth and prayed for him to be blessed. “This was the first child to be born in Islam.” We learn from the narration of Sahih Muslim
That the Holy Prophet (saw) named Hazrat Asmaa’s (ra) son Abdullah. When he was seven or eight years of age, he came to take the oath of allegiance at the hands of the Holy Prophet (saw), and he was instructed to do so by his father, Hazrat Zubair (ra).
The Holy Prophet (saw) smiled as he saw him approaching, and thereafter accepted the bai’at of Hazrat Abdullah (ra). When the Holy Prophet (saw) established the bonds of brotherhood in Mecca between the Muhajirin, he established a bond between Hazrat Zubair (ra) and Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ud (ra).
After the migration to Medina, the bond of brotherhood with the Ansar was established between Hazrat Zubair (ra) and Hazrat Salmaa bin Salaamah (ra). Hazrat Zubair (ra) named his children after martyrs, so that perhaps they too would be awarded martyrdom by Allah the Almighty; Abdullah was named after Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahsh (ra);
Mundhir was named after Hazrat Mundhir bin Amr (ra); Urwah was named after Hazrat Urwah bin Mas’ud (ra); Hamzah was named after Hazrat Hamzah (ra) bin Abdil Muttalib; Ja’far was named after Hazrat Ja’far bin Abi Talib (ra); Mus’ab was named after Hazrat Mus’ab bin Umair (ra);
Ubaidah was named after Hazrat Ubaidah bin Harith (ra); Khalid was named after Hazrat Khalid bin Sa’eed (ra); Amr was named after Hazrat Amr bin Sa’eed (ra). Hazrat Amr bin Sa’eed (ra) was martyred in the battle of Yarmuk. We do not know how accurate this narration is,
Because if Hazrat Abdullah was the first child born in Islam, Allah knows best what was his year of birth, but there is a doubt whether the martyrdom [of Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahsh] had taken place by then or not. Nonetheless, the children were named after these esteemed companions.
Urwah bin Zubair (ra) narrates that Hazrat Zubair (ra) was so tall that whenever he rode [a horse], his feet would touch the ground. Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (ra) relates, ‘I asked my father (Hazrat Zubair (ra)), ‘”Why do I not hear you relate what you have heard from the Holy Prophet (saw)
‘”just as Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ud (ra) and other companions relate many Ahadith?” ‘To this he replied, “Ever since I accepted Islam, ‘”I have not remained away from the company of the Holy Prophet (saw) ‘”but I have heard him (saw) say ‘”that whoever knowingly attributes falsehood to me,
‘”he in turn prepares an abode for himself in hell.”‘ He did not imply that the others were attributing lies to the Holy Prophet (saw), but only that he deemed it better for himself to remain cautious, lest he utter something incorrect – even though it was stated that those who utter falsehood knowingly.
However, he was so careful to avoid even saying something accidentally and consequently becoming among those who incur punishment. This was how cautious he was in this matter. Hazrat Sa’eed bin Musayyib (ra) relates that Hazrat Zubair bin Awwam (ra) was the first to unsheathe his sword in the way of Allah.
Once, Hazrat Zubair (ra) was resting in the valley of Matabikh (the name of a place) when all of a sudden, he heard that Muhammad (saw) had been killed. He left his house immediately whilst wielding his sword. The Holy Prophet (saw) walked past the place where Hazrat Zubair was resting
And when he saw Hazrat Zubair (ra), he said to him, ‘Zubair, stop! What is the matter?’ He said that he heard someone saying that the Holy Prophet (saw) had been martyred. The Holy Prophet (saw) asked, ‘what could you have done even if I had been martyred?’
Hazrat Zubair (ra) replied, ‘I swear by Allah, ‘I had intended to kill every resident of Mecca.’ At that moment, the Holy Prophet (saw) specially prayed for him. It is stated in one narration that the Holy Prophet (saw) prayed for Hazrat Zubair’s (ra) sword as well. Hazrat Sa`eed bin Musayyib (ra) says,
‘I am certain that Allah Almighty will not let this prayer of the Holy Prophet (saw) go in vain.’ Hazrat Zubair (ra) accompanied the Holy Prophet (saw) in the Battles of Badr, Uhud and all subsequent battles. During the Battle of Uhud, he remained steadfast by the side of the Holy Prophet (saw)
And pledged allegiance even if it meant death. On the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca, one of the three flags representing the Muhajireen was carried by Hazrat Zubair (ra). On the day of [the Battle of] Badr, the Holy Prophet (saw) only had two horses with him,
One of which was ridden by Hazrat Zubair (ra). It is related by Hazrat `Urwah (ra) that Hazrat Zubair (ra) had three very deep sword-wounds on his body, in which he [Hazrat `Urwah] was able to put his fingers through. Two of these deep wounds were suffered during the Battle of Badr
And one was suffered during the Battle of Yarmuk. Musa bin Muhammad narrates from his father that Hazrat Zubair bin Awwam (ra) could be recognized by his yellow turban; he was wearing his yellow turban during the Battle of Badr. Upon seeing him, the Holy Prophet (saw) said
That angels had descended in likeness of Hazrat Zubair (ra) – meaning the angels which Allah Almighty had sent for their help were also fighting while wearing similar turbans. Hisham bin `Urwah narrates from his father that Hazrat Zubair (ra) would say that
On the day of the Battle of Badr, he encountered Ubaida bin Sa`eed on the battleground. He was fully clad in armor and only his eyes were visible. He was known by the title of Abu Zaat al-Qarish; he began declaring ‘I am Abu Zaat al-Qarish.’
Upon hearing this, Hazrat Zubair (ra) attacked him with a lance and injured his eye, which resulted in his death. Hisham relates being told that Hazrat Zubair (ra) would say that he had to place his foot on him and pull the lance out with great difficulty,
And when he did, he found that both edges and become twisted – this was the force with which he had struck him. `Urwah said that the Holy Prophet (saw) asked Hazrat Zubair (ra) for that lance which he then presented to him.
When the Holy Prophet (saw) passed away, it came back into the possession of Hazrat Zubair (ra). Then Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) asked for the lance which he then gave to him. After Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) had passed away, Hazrat Umar (ra) asked for the lance, and Hazrat Zubair (ra) gave it to him.
When Hazrat Umar (ra) passed away, it returned into the possession of Hazrat Zubair (ra), after which Hazrat Uthman (ra) asked to take the lance from him and Hazrat Zubair (ra) gave it to him. When Hazrat Uthman (ra) was martyred, the lance was given to the family of Hazrat Ali (ra).
Eventually, it came into the possession of Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (ra) and it remained with him until he was martyred. Hazrat Zubair bin Awwam (ra) relates that on the day of the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet (saw) made reference to both of his own parents for him;
Meaning he said ‘may my mother and father be sacrificed for you.’ It is narrated by Hazrat Zubair (ra) that on the day of the Battle of Uhud, a lady passed by very swiftly. She was close to seeing the bodies of the martyrs,
And the Holy Prophet (saw) did not like for this woman to see the bodies as they had been severely mutilated. Thus, he ordered for her to be stopped. Hazrat Zubair (ra) relates that he suspected it was his mother Hazrat Safiyyah (ra) and so he went running towards her
And met her before she reached the bodies of the martyrs. Upon seeing him, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him back – she was very strong. She said, ‘move aside, I will not speak to you,’
– meaning she did not want to talk to him nor was she going to listen to anything he said. Hazrat Zubair (ra) informed her the Holy Prophet (saw) had firmly instructed that she should not see the bodies of the martyrs.
Upon hearing this and learning that it was a command from the Holy Prophet (saw), she immediately stopped. She took out two pieces of cloth which she had brought with her and said, ‘these are two sheets I have brought for my brother Hamza, ‘as I received news of his martyrdom.
‘Bury him in these sheets.’ In one narration, Hazrat Safiyyah (ra) is related to have said, ‘I am aware that my brother’s body has been mutilated, ‘and this has been endured in the way of Allah. ‘Why should we be displeased with what Hazrat Hamza has endured in the way of Allah?
‘God willing, I will remain patient and seek its reward from Allah.’ Upon hearing this response from his mother, Hazrat Zubair (ra) went to the Holy Prophet (saw) and narrated the entire incident to him. The Holy Prophet (saw) instructed that Hazrat Safiyya (ra) should be allowed to go to see her brother’s body.
Hazrat Safiyyah (ra) proceeded to her brother’s body, and upon seeing it, prayed ‘Surely to Allah belong and to Him shall we return’ and also prayed for his forgiveness. Then the Holy Prophet (saw) ordered for him to be buried.
The narrator further states that when Hazrat Hamza (ra) was about to be wrapped in two sheets, they saw an Ansari companion beside him who had also been martyred. His body had also been mutilated as had been carried out with Hazrat Hamza (ra).
[The narrator says] ‘We felt ashamed that Hazrat Hamza was being buried in two sheets ‘while there was not even a single sheet for the Ansari companion.’ ‘ Thus, we decided to bury Hazrat Hamza in one of the sheets ‘and bury the Ansari companion in the other.
‘We found that one of them was taller than the other; ‘thus we drew lots and whichever sheet was drawn for either of the two, they were buried in it. ‘Even then it was not enough, and the rest of the body had to be covered with grass.’
Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (ra) narrates that during the Battle of the Ditch, the Holy Prophet (saw) asked if there was anyone who would bring him news of the Banu Quraizah. Hazrat Zubair (ra) presented his services for the task. The Holy Prophet (saw) again asked
If there was anyone who could bring him information regarding the Banu Quraizah. Again, Hazrat Zubair (ra) presented himself. The Holy Prophet (saw) asked for a third time, if there was anyone who could bring him information regarding the Banu Quraizah. Hazrat Zubair (ra) said that he was ready for the task.
The Holy Prophet (saw) said, ‘every prophet has a disciple, and Zubair is my disciple.’ Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (ra) once heard someone saying that he was the son of a disciple of the Holy Prophet (saw). Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (ra) said
That this would only be true if he was from the progeny of Hazrat Zubair (ra). When asked if there was anyone other than Hazrat Zubair (ra) who was given the title of being a disciple of the Holy Prophet (saw)? Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) said that to his knowledge there was no one else.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (ra) narrates that on the day of the Battle of the Ditch, he and Umar bin Abi Salma was appointed to guard the women. When he looked up, he saw Hazrat Zubair (ra) riding a horse; he saw him going towards Banu Quraizah two or three times.
When Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (ra) returned he said, ‘O my father, I saw you going here and there.’ He replied, ‘son, did you really see me?’ When he said yes, Hazrat Zubair (ra) said, ‘The Holy Prophet (saw) asked ‘who would go to the Banu Quraizah and bring him information regarding them,
‘and so upon hearing this, I went. ‘When I returned with the report, ‘the Holy Prophet (saw) invoked both his mother and father for me, ‘meaning he said ‘may my mother and my father be sacrificed for you.” During the Battle of Khaibar, when the well-known Jewish leader Marhab
Was killed by Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamah (ra), his brother Yasir came to the battlefield and declared Meaning ‘who will challenge me?’ Hazrat Zubair (ra) stepped forward to challenge him. Hazrat Safiyyah (ra) said to the Holy Prophet (saw), ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah, it seems that my son will be martyred today.’ The Holy Prophet (saw) said, ‘No, rather your son will kill him.’
Hazrat Zubair (ra) stepped forward to challenge Yasir and killed him. Hazrat Zubair (ra) was also among the three people whom the Holy Prophet (saw) sent to inquire about the woman who was delivering a letter of Hazrat Hatib bin Abi Balta` to the disbelievers. Although this incident has been mentioned before,
I will briefly mention it again in this context as well. Hazrat Ali (ra) narrates, “Whilst sending me, “Hazrat Zubair (ra) and Hazrat Miqdad (ra) to a certain location, the Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “‘When you reach Raudh Khaakh, there you will find a woman who has a letter.
“‘Take the letter from her and return.'” Hazrat Ali (ra) further relates, “Subsequently, we set off for Raudh Khaakh (which is the name of an area situated between Mecca and Medina). “Upon reaching there, we indeed found a woman [as mentioned by the Holy Prophet (saw)].
“We instructed her to hand over the letter, however she denied having any letter. “We then warned her that either she should produce the letter “or we would be compelled to use force and remove her clothes [in order to search for it].”
In other words, they would be willing to go to any length in order to search for the letter. “Left with no choice, she took out the letter out “which was concealed in the bun of her hair and handed it over to us. “We took the letter and returned to the Holy Prophet (saw).
“Upon opening the letter, “we found out that the letter was written from Hazrat Hatib (ra) bin Abi Balt’a “in which he had addressed some idolaters of Mecca “and was revealing information about a certain directive the Holy Prophet (saw) had issued. “The Holy Prophet (saw) asked him to explain the matter
“and Hazrat Hatib (ra) submitted, ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah! “‘Please do not make a decision in haste with regards to me. “[The reason I have done this is because] I am not from the Quraish, “but in fact I came and joined them, therefore I wished to do a favour for them.
“‘I did not commit this act owing to disbelief “‘or apostasy, or by giving preference to disbelief having accepted Islam. “‘Instead, I simply did this in order to extend them a favour.’ “Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophet (saw) stated “that Hazrat Balt’a (ra) had indeed spoken the truth.
“At the time, Hazrat Umar (ra) was overcome with extreme anger “and submitted to the Holy Prophet (saw), “‘Grant me permission so that I may sever the head of this hypocrite.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) stated, ‘He has participated in the Battle of Badr.
“‘Do you not know that observing the people of Badr from the heavens, “‘Allah the Almighty has declared that He has already granted them His forgiveness, “‘regardless of what they do?'” When the Holy Prophet (saw) was granted victory over Mecca, Hazrat Zubair (ra) bin Awwam was stood on the right flank of the army,
While Hazrat Miqdad (ra) bin Aswad was appointed to stand on its left flank. When the Holy Prophet (saw) entered the city of Mecca and the people felt assured [against any retribution be carried out against them], Hazrat Zubair (ra) and Hazrat Miqdad (ra) both arrived whilst mounted on their horses.
The Holy Prophet (saw) stood and began to wipe the dust from their faces with his own mantle and then stated, “I have assigned two portions [of the spoil] for the cavaliers “and one for those on foot. “Whosoever gives a share less than this, may Allah grant them less as well.”
Whilst narrating an incident from the life of Hazrat Zubair (ra), Hazrat Khalifatul Maish II (ra) states, “When the Holy Prophet (saw) struck the idol, Hubal with his staff, “and it fell down in fragments, “Hazrat Zubair (ra) looked at Abu Sufyan with a smile and reminded him of Uhud,
“stating, ‘Do you remember the day when Muslims wounded and exhausted stood by “‘and you arrogantly shouted, “Glory to Hubal, Glory to Hubal” “‘and that it was Hubal who gave you victory over the Muslims on the day of Uhud? “‘But today you can see Hubal shattered before you in pieces.’
“Upon this, Abu Sufyan stated, ‘Zubair (ra), let those matters go now “‘for had there been any other god beside the God of Muhammad (saw), “‘it would not have been possible to witness the scenes we are seeing today. “‘Indeed, there is only one God, Who is the God of Muhammad (saw).'”
On the day of the Battle of Hunain, owing to the unexpected attack of arrows from the Banu Hawazin and also given that 2,000 Muslims were part of the Muslim army, who had only recently accepted Islam, consequently a particular moment came in the battle when the Holy Prophet (saw)
Was left on his own in the battlefield. Hazrat Abbas (ra) was holding the reins of the mule which the Holy Prophet (saw) was mounted upon. Malik bin Auf, the commander of the disbelievers was stood in a narrow pass along with some of his men who were mounted on horses.
A cavalry could be seen in the distance and Malik bin Auf enquired from his men as to what they could see. They replied that there were some men who were resting their spears between the ears of their horses. Upon this, Malik bin Auf stated that it was the Banu Sulaim
And they did not pose any threat to them. And so, this cavalry made their way towards the valley. They then saw another cavalry and again Malik enquired what they could see and they replied that there were some men who were holding their spears in their hands.
Upon this, Malik stated that they belonged to the Aus and Khazraj and they also did not pose any threat to them. Similarly, just like the Banu Sulaim, they also passed close to the narrow passage and then made their way towards the settlements. Thereafter, they saw an individual on a mount,
Again Malik enquired from his men as to what they could see and they reported that there was person on a mount, who was tall and was carrying his spear on his shoulder and was wearing a red coloured turban. Upon this, Malik responded, “This is Zubair bin Awwam,
“I swear by Laat [the name of an idol], you will come up against him in battle, “so ready yourself.” As soon as Hazrat Zubair (ra) approached close to the narrow passage and the men mounted upon the horses could see him, Hazrat Zubair (ra) stood resolutely like a rock against them.
He then launched a series of attacks against them with his spear that not a single chieftain among the disbelievers remained in the narrow pass. Urwah relates from his father that during the Battle of Yarmuk, the companions of the Holy Prophet (saw) said to Hazrat Zubair (saw),
“Will you not attack the enemy, so that we may also attack along with you.” Hazrat Zuabir (ra) replied, “If I launch an attack against them, you will be left behind.” The companions replied that this would not be the case, and so, Hazrat Zubair (ra) attacked the enemy with such force
That he penetrated right through the enemy lines. When he turned back and looked, he saw that there was no one else with him. When he tried to return, the enemy grabbed the reins of his horse and inflicted two wounds upon his shoulder
On which there was already a large wound mark which he had sustained during the Battle of Badr. Urwah further relates that as a child he would place his fingers into his wound and play with it. He further states that during the Battle of Yarmuk, Abdullah bin Zubair (ra) was with Hazrat Zubair (ra)
And he was only 10 years of age at the time. Hazrat Zubair (ra) seated him upon his horse and took him along with him and appointed someone to watch over him. After conquest of Syria, Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Aas led the conquest of Egypt.
When Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Aas, the conqueror of Egypt, decided to attack Alexandria, he setup camp to the south of Alexandria along the edge of the River Nile. For this reason that area is known as Fustat. Later it was developed into a city
And the more recently developed part of that city is today known as Cairo. When they besieged the area, Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Aas observing the strong fortification of the fortress and his lack of soldiers in his army, sent a request to Hazrat Umar (ra) to send reinforcements.
Subsequently, Hazrat Umar (ra) sent an army of 10,000 soldiers and four generals. Hazrat Umar (ra) also stated that each general was equivalent to a 1,000 soldiers and Hazrat Zubair (ra) was one of these four general. When Hazrat Zubair (ra) arrived, Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Aas assigned him
To oversee the arrangements of the siege. Hazrat Zubair (ra) mounted on a horse and took an inspection of the fortress and then arranged the armies. He assigned the cavalry and the infantry their respective positions and then ordered the catapults to pelt the fortress with rocks. The siege lasted for seven months
But with neither any conclusive victory nor loss as the outcome. One day, Hazrat Zubair (ra) stated that he shall sacrifice himself for the Muslims and with this drew his sword and climbed the ladder and stood on top of the outer wall of the fortress. A few other companions climbed with him
And all of them raised the slogan of Takbeer [Allah is the greatest], the rest of the army also raised the slogan in such a forceful voice that the floor of the fortress began to reverberate. The Christians thought that perhaps the Muslims had entered into the fortress
And thus fled in a state of utter perplexity. Hazrat Zubair (ra) then came down from the outer wall and opened the door of the fortress and the entire Muslim army marched through. In relation to Hazrat Umar’s (ra) demise and of Hazrat Zubair’s (ra) nomination as part of the electoral committee
And the subsequent election of Khilafat, there is a narration of Bukhari which is as follows: “When Hazrat Umar (ra) was close to his demise, the people said: “‘O Leader of the Faithful! Appoint a successor after you as part of your will.’
Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘I do not find anyone more suitable for the station of Khilafat ‘than the following persons whom the Holy Prophet (saw) had been pleased with ‘before he passed away.’ Then Hazrat Umar (ra) mentioned the names of Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Uthman (ra), Hazrat Zubair (ra),
Hazrat Talha (ra), Hazrat Sa’d (ra) and Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf and said, ‘Abdullah bin Umar (ra) will be a witness to you, ‘but he will not be entitled to the station of Khilafat. Hazrat Umar then said: ‘If Khilafat is granted to Sa’d (ra), then he will be Khalifa;
‘otherwise whoever becomes the Khalifa should continue to seek assistance from Sad (ra) ‘because I have not removed him from his position ‘owing to any incompetence or dishonesty on his part.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) added, ‘I recommend that my successor ‘takes care of the early Muhajireen [those Muslims who migrated to Medina];
‘to know their rights and to protect their honour. ‘I also urge to show kindness to the Ansar, ‘for they allowed faith to enter their homes in Medina even before the arrival of the Muhajireen. ‘I recommend that he should accept the good deeds from among them
‘and whoso is at fault from among them, they ought to be forgiven. ‘I recommend that he should do good to all the people of the towns, ‘as they are the protectors of Islam ‘and the source of wealth and a means of frustrating the enemy.
‘I also recommend that nothing be taken from them except from their surplus with their consent. ‘I also recommend that he do good to the Arab Bedouins, ‘as they are the natives of Arabia and they make up the core following of Islam.
‘He should take that from among their possessions which they are not in need of ‘and distribute it amongst their needy. ‘I also recommend him concerning those people ‘who are under the protection of Allah and His Messenger (saw); ‘to fulfil the covenants that have been established with them
‘and to defend them and not to overburden them with what is beyond their ability.'” When Hazrat Umar (ra) passed away and they completed the burial proceedings, all the six people named by Hazrat Umar (ra) gathered together. Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf stated: “Select any three candidates among you for Khalifat.”
Hazrat Zubair (ra) said, ‘I give my vote to Hazrat Ali (ra).’ Hazrat Talha (ra) said: ‘I give my vote to Hazrat Uthman (ra).’ Hazrat Sa’d (ra) said: ‘I give my vote to Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf.’ Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) then said to Hazrat Uthman (ra) and Hazrt Ali (ra),
‘Whichever of you withdraws their name, ‘we will entrust him with the responsibility [in regards to who will be granted leadership] ‘and Allah and Islam will be their guardian ‘and Allah Almighty will choose the one Who He deems most worthy.’ Upon hearing this, both noble men fell silent.
Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) then said, ‘Will you both leave this matter to me, ‘and I take Allah as my Witness that I will not choose, but the better of you?’ Both of them agreed. “So Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) took the hand of one of them and said,
“‘You are related to Allah’s Messenger (saw) “‘and you hold a lofty status within Islam, which you are aware of. “‘I ask you by Allah to promise that if I select you as our leader will you do justice?
“‘And if I select Uthman (ra) as our leader, will you listen to him and obey him?’ “Then Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) took the other aside and said the same to him. “When Hazrat Abdur Rahman secured this covenant from both of them, he then said, “‘O ‘Uthman (ra)! Extend your hand.’
“‘He [i.e.Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra)] then took the pledge of allegiance followed by Hazrat Ali (ra) “‘and the members within the household also came “and pledged their allegiance to Hazrat Uthman (ra).'” I related the details of this event previously but have narrated the relevant part here as well.
There are further accounts of Hazrat Zubair (ra), which will be narrated in the future, God willing. I will now present some details regarding the funeral prayers I will lead. The first funeral is of respected Mairaj Ahmad Sahib Shaheed, the son of Mahmood Ahmad Sahib, from Dabgri Garden, Peshawar.
The opponents of Ahmadiyyat martyred him by targeting him with gun shots outside his medical store on 12th August at 9pm. “Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.” The details of the incident are as follows: The deceased was leaving to go home from his medical store at 9pm
After finishing his work for the day when unknown assailants fired gun shots and then fled the scene. The deceased was hit with four bullets and as a result died on the spot. At the time of his demise he was approximately 61 years of age.
A few minutes prior to the incident, the deceased’s son, Yasir Ahmad had just left to go home from the medical store. His son was informed about the incident through his father’s mobile phone. When his son arrived at the medical store, his father had already passed away.
Ahmadiyyat entered the family of the Shaheed through his grandfather, respected Ahmad Gul Sahib and his brother Sahib Gul Sahib in 1912. He was also a very famous poet in the Pashtu language. Since the family had associations with Sheikh Muhammadi Peshawar, the family joined the Ghair Mubaieen,
Which are also referred to as the Lahori Jama’at or the Paighamis – they did not do the Bai’at of Khilafat. However, respected Mairaj Sahib, along with his three brothers, took the Bai’at in 1990-91 and entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat and thereafter he continued to face persecution till his martyrdom.
Even his employees were not willing to work with him owing to their religious animosity. Since some time, an extremely intense opposition was being carried out on social media and particularly after the killing of Tahir Naseem, it further increased. Against this backdrop,
Plans were being made in order to start a campaign against Qadianis [Ahmadis] after Eid [ul-Adha] to completely rid the area of Ahmadis. The next area to be targeted was the area where the Shaheed resided. The Shaheed possessed many outstanding qualities. He would regularly offer congregational prayers at home.
He had a bond of great love for Khilafat and would always make a special effort to listen to the sermons on MTA. Aside from his attendance in Jama’at programmes, his hospitality of guests, compassion and helping the poor were among his special qualities. He would give medication to the poor for free
And treated each member of his family with great kindness. He also showed great love towards the families of his brothers and his love for his brothers further increased upon accepting Ahmadiyyat. He had a great passion for propagating the message of Islam. Whenever the Jama’at office bearers would arrive
To take his pledge for the new year of Tehrik-e-Jadid, he would immediately place his hands in his pockets and whatever amount he had, he would pay it towards his Chanda and he did the same this year as well. His son, Yasir migrated to Australia in 2012,
And the Shaheed also moved to Australia in 2013 to be with his son. However, in 2014, he returned to Pakistan with his son and stated that it was his desire to serve the poor people of his area and country
And that the love of his country had compelled him to live in Pakistan again. When I visited Australia, he met me there. He served as Secretary Ziafat for Peshawar Jama’at for a long time. Out of love for their country, Ahmadis are ready to offer any sacrifice necessary,
But these so-called custodians of the country, they do nothing but level allegations and cause harm to Ahmadis. Nonetheless, Ahmadis will continue to perform deeds in line with our character. He served as Secretary Ziafat for Peshawar Jama’at for a long time and until his demise he has the opportunity to serve in this position.
Last Ramadan, he also sat i’tekaf [spending the last ten days of Ramadan in the mosque]. One of his brothers, Farooq Ahmad Sahib passed away in a traffic accident. Another brother of his has a shop nearby. He also receives threats and lives in constant danger.
The deceased martyr is survived by his wife, Respected Rashida Miraj Sahiba, three sons; Yasir who is 27 years old, Musawer Ahmad who is 25 years old and Jazib, who is 14 years old and one daughter, Aisha, who is studying MBBS. Jazib also faces a lot of opposition in school.
May Allah the Almighty protect these children from the evil of the mischievous people. Currently the opposition in Pakistan has increased greatly again. In fact, members of parliament are levelling false accusations against us and are arousing the emotions of the people. The wrongful actions of certain individuals are portrayed in a deceptive manner
And through false propaganda it is asserted that they are Ahmadis, yet these perpetrators of these actions have nothing to do with the Jama’at. Similarly, for mere cheap publicity, these days every ignorant person is able to make a programme on YouTube against the Jama’at
And they think that they are carrying out a deed that would earn them a reward. However, their motives are not pure and in fact they are only seeking cheap publicity. May Allah the Almighty revert the evil of the mischievous ones back onto themselves.
During these days, Ahmadis around the world, and particularly those living in Pakistan ought to offer more supplications. Recite the following profusely: “My Lord everything is in Your servitude. “My Lord protect me therefore and help me and have mercy on me.” “O Allah! We make You our shield against them [i.e. the enemies]
“and we take refuge in You from their evils.” Also recite the Darood Sharif [invoking salutations on the Holy Prophet (saw)] in abundance. May Allah the Almighty keep every Ahmadi safe from the harm of the evil ones. The more their enmity towards us increases, the more we ought to incline towards Allah the Almighty.
Yasir Sahib, the son of the martyr, writes: “By the grace of Allah, my father was a Moosi [part of the institution of Al-Wasiyyat] “and would always offer his Chanda with full sincerity. “Aside from this he would always be concerned on account of others and help them financially.
“My father was very courageous and brave person. “Despite opposition he did not fear anything and always trusted in Allah the Almighty. “He would always say that he did not fear any opposition as Allah the Almighty was with him.” He further says: “He was very simple, humble and a generous person
“who would help others with an open heart. “He had a righteous disposition and would remain engaged in the remembrance of God. “He had a strong bond with Allah the Almighty and had full trust in Him. “It was his habit to offer prayers and the tahajjud prayers regularly.
“He would always be occupied in the recitation of the Holy Qur’an “and would advise his children to do the same. “This year he sat I’tekaf in Ramadan. “He would say that in a dream he saw “that the immoral people and hypocrites suffered a dreadful end
“and would say openly that Allah the Almighty had saved for him in abundance [in the hereafter].” Since he remained for short time in Australia, Ameer Sahib [National President] Australia as well as members of Australia Jama’at have written that he was a very devoted member and an active worker.
He was very sociable, loving, hospitable and humble. He was a brave and courageous Ahmadi. He would speak less and was softly spoken. When he decided to move back to Pakistan, his friends and also his children tried to stop him due to the dangerous situation in Pakistan,
But he said that even if his life is taken for the sake of the Jama’at, there would be no greater honour for him. Subsequently he moved back [to Pakistan]. The Zaeem Ansarullah of Melbourne writes: “Two days prior to his martyrdom, I received a phone call from him
“in which he said that the opposition had increased significantly, “however he was not afraid of anything.” The second funeral is of Adeeb Ahmad Nasir, who was a missionary and the son of Muhammad Nasir Doggar Sahib of Ehdhipur, Narowal [Pakistan].
He passed away on 9th August at the age of 27 years after a brief illness. “Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return” He studied in Jamia Ahmadiyya and graduated in 2017. After graduating he was working in ‘Islah o Irshad Muqami’. He was engaged to be married soon as well.
On 9th August he developed complications relating to typhoid, which worsened into high fever and delirium. During this time, he did not rest and continued to work and also travel. However, after two or three days of this brief illness he passed away as a result of this fever. His father Nasir Doggar Sahib says:
“As parents, our son, who was a life devotee, was a sense of pride for us. “He was a very pious and sincere son; he was regular in his prayers and observing the fasts; “he was a very simple person and was softly spoken; he always had a smile on his face.
(This quality of his was mentioned by his missionary friends or those who were acquainted with him that he always had a smile on his face.) “He had a love and passion to serve the Jama’at and was very popular. “Before he was assigned to serve in the Cheneh Jama’at,
“he worked with a lot of passion and dedication “in the construction of Bai’atul Zikr and the missionaries house. “He saved out of his monthly allowance, (despite being a small allowance), “he gave 30,000 rupees for the construction of the mosque “and would urge for the work to begin.
“We always heard him say, ‘begin the work and Allah the Almighty will grant His blessings.’” His mother, Nasira Sahiba says: “The day Adeeb Ahmad was born was a day of happiness for us “because we had offered him in the way of God Almighty. “After four daughters we were bestowed a son
“and we were overjoyed because he would grow up to become a missionary. “The second day on which we were overjoyed “was when we were called to Jamia and he was handed his Shahid certificate [of graduation]. “He was a very pious and obedient son.”
When he was working in the field, he would phone every day and enquire about his mother’s health. He would ask about her medication and advise her to look after her health. He was a very pious individual. Whenever it was time for the harvest of wheat, as they owned farmland,
He would say to his mother to keep a substantial amount of wheat at home as the poor and needy would often come and through this they would be able to help them. In the Cheneh Jama’at, which is a place in Ehdhipur,
He was staying in one room which did not have all the provisions, etc., but despite this he continued to fulfil his duty with great patience. Javed Langa Sahib, who is the regional missionary of Faisalabad, writes: “The deceased understood the spirit of waqf [devotion] and would live his life accordingly.
“He worked with great diligence and worked hard to ensure the moral training of the Jama’at. “He cooperated fully with the office bearers, especially with regards to Tarbiyyati endeavours, “he would share clips of the Khulafah for the members of the Jama’at to listen to.
“If he would see a shortcoming in anyone, he would advise them in private, “in order to preserve their self-respect. “He would assist everyone, “he had love for Khilafat and was obedient to the Nizam of the Jama’at. “Among his notable qualities were that he was very sociable, well-mannered,
“he had a simple disposition and was humble. “He was very polite and would always remain content with the Will of God.” May Allah the Almighty grant patience and comfort to his parents and also enable them as well as his sisters to bear this loss.
May Allah grant His mercy and forgiveness to the deceased and elevate his status. The next funeral is of respected Hameed Ahmad Sheikh Sahib, who was the son of Sheikh Muhammad Hussain Sahib. He passed away due to a heart attack on 12th August at the age of 85 years.
“Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return” Hameed Sahib was the paternal grandson of Sheikh Nur Ahmad Sahib, who was a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). Hameed Sahib’s father Sheikh Muhammad Hussain Sahib had the opportunity to serve as the Ameer Jama’at Chiniot. After performing the bai’at,
The Promised Messiah (as) advised Hazrat Sheikh Nur Ahmad Sahib (ra) that he ought to send both his sons to Qadian for their education. Accordingly, Respected Hameed Ahmad Sheikh Sahib’s father, Sheikh Muhammad Hussain sahib completed his Matriculation Examinations from Qadian
And had the honour of being in the same class as Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra). Hameed Ahmad Sheikh Sahib’s maternal grandfather was Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Qadir Sahib Ludhianvi (ra) who was among the 313 companions of the Promised Messiah (as). Hameed Sheikh Sahib married the paternal granddaughter of Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmad Sahib of Kapurthala.
Respected Hameed Sheikh Sahib was a chartered architect and completed his studies from London in 1973. His brother was Rasheed Ahmad Sahib of Wimbledon, who used to in charge of the Roti plant. The deceased is survived by two sons and one daughter.
One son of the deceased Abdur Razzaq Sheikh Sahib is the vice-chairman of our IAAAE association. Abdur Razzaq Sheikh Sahib writes: “My father was very loving and a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. “Every member of the family loved him dearly. “He was a pious and sincere member of the Ahmadiyya Jama’at.
“He would never forsake an opportunity to serve the Jama’at in any capacity. “He would write letters to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih and would advise his children to do the same. “He would urge his children to always remain in contact with the local Jama’at “and constantly remind about this.
“He would offer prayers in congregation and would advise his children the same. “He would actively take part in all financial initiatives of the Jama’at. “Two weeks prior to his demise he ensured that all of his arrears were paid.” He stayed in Nigeria as well.
During his stay there he would advise about the refurbishment of the mosques and the land for the mission house, which was in line with his profession. When he left Nigeria, he gave his car to the Jama’at as a gift. When he was in Islamabad, Pakistan, he served as IAAAE chairman.
Nevertheless, he had the opportunity to serve in various capacities. May Allah the Almighty enable his children to carry on his virtuous deeds, may He bestow His Mercy and forgiveness upon the deceased and elevate his status. After the Friday prayers, God willing, I shall lead the funeral prayers of all three members.
All praise is due to Allah We laud Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His protection; we confide in Him, we trust Him alone and we seek protection against the evils and mischief of our souls and from the bad results of our deeds.
Whomsoever He guides on the right path, none can misguide him; and whosoever He declares misled, none can guide him onto the right path. And we bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. We bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
O servants of Allah! May Allah be merciful to you. Verily, Allah commands you to act with justice, to confer benefits upon each other and to do good to others as one does to one’s kindred and forbids evil which pertain to your own selves
And evils which affect others and prohibits revolts against a lawful authority. He warns you against being unmindful. You remember Allah; He too will remember you; call Him and He will make a response to your call. And verily divine remembrance is the highest virtue.