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. Today, the companion whose accounts I shall narrate first is Hazrat Mu‘awwidh bin Harith (ra). Hazrat Mu‘awwidh (ra) belonged to the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. Hazrat Mu‘awwidh’s (ra) father’s name was Harith bin Rifa‘ah. His mother’s name was ‘Afraa bint ‘Ubaid.
Hazrat Mu‘adh (ra) and Hazrat ‘Auf (ra) were his brothers. All three of these brothers used to be referred to by the name of their father as well as their mother. Hence, all three were also known as Banu ‘Afraa [the sons of Afraa]. It has only been reported by Ibn Ishaq that
Hazrat Mu‘awwidh (ra) was among the 70 Ansar who participated in the Second Pledge at ‘Aqabah. Hazrat Mu‘awwidh (ra) married Umm Yazid bint Qais. The names of his two daughters from this marriage were Hazrat Rubai‘ bint Mu‘awwidh and Hazrat ‘Umairah bint Mu‘awwidh.
Hazrat Mu‘awwidh (ra) had the opportunity to participate in the Battle of Badr alongside his two brothers; Hazrat Mu‘adh and Hazrat ‘Auf. During the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Mu‘adh (ra), Hazrat ‘Auf (ra) and Hazrat Mu‘awwidh (ra), who were referred to as Banu ‘Afraa and their freed slave Abul Hamraa,
Had one camel between them, and they would take turns to ride on it. I presented the following narration once before in relation with Hazrat Mu‘adh (ra) but it is also important that it is mentioned here in relation to Hazrat Mu‘awwidh (ra), hence, I will narrate it here as well. Hazrat Anas (ra) narrates,
“On the day of the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet (saw) said, “‘Who will go to see what became of Abu Jahl?’ “Hazrat Ibn Mas‘ud (ra) went and saw that both sons of ‘Afraa had attacked him with their swords “to such an extent that he was on the brink of death.
” Hazrat Ibn Mas‘ud (ra) went to him and asked, ‘Are you Abu Jahl?’” Hazrat Anas (ra) further narrates, “Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud grabbed hold of Abu Jahl by the beard. “Abu Jahl said, ‘Have you killed a greater man than this?’ “or he said whether his tribe had killed a greater man.”
In relation to this narration found in Bukhari, Hazrat Sayyid Zain-ul-Abideen Waliullah Shah Sahib states in his commentary: “In some narrations, it is mentioned that the two sons of ‘Afraa, Mu‘adh (ra) and Mu‘awwidh (ra), “attacked Abu Jahl to the extent that he was on the brink of death
“and that Hazrat ‘Abdullah (ra) bin Mas‘ud severed his head later on. “Imam Ibn Hajar ‘Asqalani has expressed the possibility “of Mu‘awwidh (ra) bin ‘Afraa having also attacked him [i.e. Abu Jahl] “after Mu‘adh (ra) bin ‘Amr and Mu‘adh (ra) bin ‘Afraa had already done so.”
Whilst relating the incident of Abu Jahl’s killing, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) states: “Sometimes, a person celebrates something and deems it to be useful for him. “However, that same thing becomes the cause of his destruction and downfall. “At the occasion of Badr, when the disbelievers of Mecca arrived at the scene,
“they thought, ‘We will be rid of these Muslims in no time.’ “Abu Jahl said, ‘We will then celebrate and get drunk.’ “He thought to himself that he would not return until he killed all the Muslims. “However, that same Abu Jahl was killed by two young boys from Medina.
“The disbelievers of Mecca used to consider the people of Mecca very contemptible. “Abu Jahl had to experience such humiliation that even his final wish was left unfulfilled. “It was a custom among the Arabs that if a chief was killed in a battle,
“they would cut his neck in a manner that it would be prominent “so that he can be recognised as one of the chiefs. “‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud saw him as he was lying there motionless and injured and said to him, “‘Look what has become of you!’ “He replied: ‘I do not regret anything
“‘but the fact that the children of farmers from Medina have killed me.’ “That is, children of people who plant crops and work as farmers; “such work was considered inferior in the eyes of the Meccans “and they believed that such people from Medina had no knowledge of war and fighting.
“However, these very people killed him and shattered his arrogance. “As a matter of fact, it was not just these people, rather it was their sons, “who were not experienced in the slightest. “‘Abdullah asked Abu Jahl if he had any last wish.
“He replied that he wanted his neck to be cut off slightly longer. “However, ‘Abdullah said that I will not fulfil this request of yours either “and severed his neck close to his chin. “The day he wanted to be a source of happiness for him became a day to mourn
“and he was not even able to digest the alcohol he had consumed.” On the occasion of the battle of Badr, Hazrat Mu’awwidh (ra) was martyred during combat by Abu Musafih. The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra).
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) belonged to the Banu Mu’awiyah branch of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. His father’s name was Ka’b bin Qais and his mother’s name was Suhaila bint Aswad. Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) had two titles; one was Abu Mundhir, as given by the Holy Prophet (saw)
And the second was Abu Tufail, as given by Hazrat ‘Umar (ra) because of his son, Tufail. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) was of moderate height. The colour of his hair and beard was white and he did not colour it in order to conceal his age. He did not dye his beard nor his hair.
Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) participated in the second pledge at Aqabah along with seventy other individuals. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) knew how to read and write even before he accepted Islam and once he became a Muslim, he received the honour of writing the revelation received by the Holy Prophet (saw).
The Holy Prophet (saw) formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Ubayy (ra) and Hazrat Talha bin ‘Ubaidullah (ra). According to another narration, the Holy Prophet (saw) established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Ubayy (ra) and Hazrat Sa’eed bin Zaid (ra). With regards to Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra), it is mentioned that
Allah the Exalted commanded the Holy Prophet (saw) to recite the Qur’an to Ubayy. Furthermore, the Holy Prophet (saw) said that Ubayy is the best Qari [someone who recites the Qur’an, according to the rules of recitation] among his people. It is mentioned about him that
He had great knowledge of the Holy Qur’an due to this very reason. Other narrations about this will be mentioned later. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states: “Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) was among those four individuals “with regards to whom the Holy Prophet (saw) said
“that they are the reciters [of the Holy Qur’an] of this Ummah;” that is, if anyone wishes to learn how to read the Qur’an, they should learn from them. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) further states: “the following fifteen names of scribes are those to whom
“the Holy Prophet (saw) dictated the Holy Qur’an are proven from history. “They are, Zaid bin Thabit, Ubayy bin Ka’b, ‘Abdullah bin Sa’d bin Abi Sarah, “Zubair bin al-‘Awam, Khalid bin Sa’eed bin ‘Aas, “‘Aban bin Sa’eed al-‘Aas, Hanzala bin al-Rabi’ al-Asadi, Mu’ayqib bin Abi Fatima,
“‘Abdullah bin Arqam Zuhri, Sharahbil bin Hasanah, ‘Abdullah bin Rawaha, “Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat ‘Umar, Hazrat ‘Uthman and Hazrat ‘Ali. “When [a portion] of the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet (saw), “he would call one of these individuals and dictate the revelation to him.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states in one instance
That the Holy Prophet (saw) appointed a group of teachers who taught the Holy Qur’an; they [learned and] memorised the entire Holy Qur’an from the Holy Prophet (saw), and taught it to others. There were four esteemed teachers who were responsible for learning the Holy Qur’an from the Holy Prophet (saw)
And teaching it to others, and there were many companions under them who would also teach the Holy Qur’an to others. The names of these four esteemed teachers are Abdullah bin Mas`ud (ra), Salim, the freed salve of Abu Hudaifah (ra), Mu`adh bin Jabal (ra) and Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra).
The first two were Muhajireen [migrants to Madinah] and the latter two were Ansar [natives to Madinah]. With regards to their work, Abdullah bin Mas`ud (ra) was a labourer, Salim (ra) was a freed slave, while Mua`dh bin Jabal (ra) and Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra) were chieftains of Madinah.
Thus, keeping in view every member of society, the Holy Prophet (saw) appointed Qaris from each rank. It is narrated in Hadith [sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw)] that the Holy Prophet (saw) used to say: “Anyone who desires to read the Qur’an should learn from the following four individuals; “Abdullah bin Mas`ud, Salim, Mu`adh bin Jabal and Ubayy bin Ka`b.” These were the four people who either learned the entire Qur’an from the Holy Prophet (saw) or would recite it before him to ensure they did not make any mistakes.
Aside from them, there were also many other companions who learned various portions of the Holy Qur’an directly from the Holy Prophet (saw). Hazrat Anas bin Malik (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (saw) said to Ubayy (ra), ‘Allah has commanded me to recite the chapter: ‘[i.e. Surah al-Bayyinah] to you.’
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) inquired whether God had specifically mentioned his name to which the Holy Prophet (saw) replied ‘yes.’ Upon hearing this, Hazrat Ubayy began to cry. This narration is from Sahih al-Bukhari. There is another narration in which Hazrat Anas bin Malik (ra) relates
That the Holy Prophet (saw) said to Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra), ‘Allah Almighty has commanded me to recite the Qur’an to you.’ Hazrat Ubayy (ra) inquired, ‘Did Allah mention my name to you?’ to which the Holy Prophet (saw) replied, ‘yes.’
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) said, ‘the Lord of this world and the hereafter has mentioned me?’ to which the Holy Prophet (saw) replied, ‘yes.’ Upon this, Hazrat Ubayy’s (ra) eyes filled with tears. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has also explained this incident in his own words, he states:
“It is narrated by Abu Hayya Badri that Surah al-Bayyinah was revealed in its entirety, “i.e. all in one go; “and then Gabriel informed the Holy Prophet (saw) that Allah Almighty had commanded him “to ensure Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra) memorises this chapter. “The Holy Prophet (saw) said to Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra),
“‘Gabriel has informed me “‘that God Almighty has commanded that I should ensure you memorise this chapter.’ “Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra) said, ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah, “‘did God Almighty mention my name?’ The Holy Prophet (saw) replied, ‘yes.’ “Hearing this, Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra) began to cry out of happiness.
“After the demise of the Holy Prophet (saw), “Hazrat Umar Farooq (ra) often recounted this incident. “Once, while standing at the pulpit in Masjid Nabawi [the Prophet’s Mosque], “he said that the greatest Qari was Ubayy. “Once, during his expedition to Syria, whilst in Jabiya – “which is a settlement near Damascus –
“he delivered a sermon in which he said “(ARABIC). “Meaning, whoever has an interest in the Holy Qur’an should visit Ubayy. “Hazrat Anas (ra) narrates that there were four people during the time of the Holy Prophet (saw) “who committed the entire Qur’an to memory,
“all of whom were from the Ansar; Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra), “Hazrat Mu`adh bin Jabal (ra), Hazrat Abu Zaid (ra) and Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (ra).” This narration is from Sahih al-Bukhari. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states that the names of prominent Huffaz [those who have memorized the entire Qur’an]
From the Ansar were Ubadah bin Samit, Mu`adh Majama` bin Harithah, Fuzalah bin Ubaid, Maslamah bin Mukhallad, Abu Darda’, Abu Zaid, Zaid bin Thabit, Ubayy bin Ka`b, Sa`d bin Ubadah and Umm Waraqah. The Holy Prophet (saw) once said that the most benevolent upon my people was Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra).
The most strict with regards to God’s religion was Hazrat Umar (ra), meaning he was very strict in adhering to religious principles. The most modest was Hazrat Uthman (ra), as in he had achieved the greatest levels of modesty. The person with the greatest understanding of what is lawful and unlawful
Was Hazrat Mu`adh bin Jabal. The person with the greatest awareness of his obligations was Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit. The person with the highest knowledge in recitations of the Holy Qur’an was Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka`b. And every Ummah has a trustee; and the trustee of this nation was Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah –
Whose accounts have been narrated previously. The first scribe to write a revelation of the Holy Prophet (saw) after his migration to Madinah was Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra). At the time, it was not common for the scribe’s name to be written at the end of a Qur’anic inscription,
However Hazrat Ubayy (ra) initiated this practice and the other companions also adopted this practice. Meaning, the name of the person who had inscribed the text would not be written, rather the text would simply be written out [without any indication of who transcribed it].
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) began signing his name at the end of an inscription to make it known that it had been written by him, and thus, it became common practice. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) memorized the Holy Qur’an after hearing every single word from the Holy Prophet (saw) himself.
The Holy Prophet (saw) noticed his passion for learning and as a result paid special attention towards his education. The lofty rank and awe of prophethood would make even the most senior companions to abstain from asking [many] questions, however, Hazrat Ubayy (ra) would ask questions without hesitation. He would not ask questions unnecessarily;
He paid due regard to the esteemed rank of prophethood and asked questions in a respectable manner, but he did not hesitate in doing so. Due to Hazrat Ubayy’s (ra) passion, sometimes the Holy Prophet (saw) would initiate the conversation himself without being prompted by a question.
Once, the Holy Prophet (saw) was leading the Fajr [pre-dawn] prayers, during which he forgot to recite a verse in his recitation [of the Holy Qur’an]. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) was not able to join the congregation from the beginning of the prayer, instead he joined in the middle [of the prayer].
Upon completing the prayer the Holy Prophet (saw) inquired if anyone in the congregation had noticed anything [out of place] in his recitation. Everyone remained silent. Then, the Holy Prophet (saw) asked whether Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra) was present. By this time, Hazrat Ubayy (ra) had completed offering his salat. Despite joining the congregation late,
He must have joined by the second rak`at [unit of prayer] to have been able to hear the mistake that was made or notice the verse which had been forgotten. In any case, Ubayy (ra) had completed offering his salat
And informed the Holy Prophet (saw) that he had not recited a such and such verse. He said, ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah, you did not recite such and such verse during your recitation; ‘has it been abrogated or did you simply forget to recite it?’
The Holy Prophet (saw) replied that he had merely forgotten to recite it. Then, the Holy Prophet (saw) said to Ubayy (ra), ‘I knew you would be the only one to pick up on this.’ Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka`b (ra) states that once,
He was in the mosque when a man entered and began offering salat. He recited the Qur’an in such a manner which seemed very unusual to him. Then another man entered the mosque and started reciting [the Holy Qur’an] in a style different from the first person.
When they had all offered their salat, they went to the Holy Prophet (saw). “I said that this person has recited the Holy Qur’an in such a qir’at [reading] “which seems strange to me. “Then another person came who recited it in a different reading to the first person.
“So the Holy Prophet (saw) asked both of them to recite their Qiraat of the Holy Qur’an, “to which they recited. “The Holy Prophet (saw) then declared both their Qiraat to be right “and told them both they had recited correctly.” Upon the reversal of his own opinion, Hazrat Ubayy (ra) says,
“When I had formed an opinion that such and such person recited incorrectly “and the Holy Prophet (saw) corrected my view declaring both readings to be correct, “I became extremely embarrassed “in a manner I had not even experienced in the era of ignorance when I knew little.
“The embarrassment I felt at that point was like none other I had felt in my entire life. “When the Holy Prophet (saw) saw me overcome in this state “and the embarrassment was plain to see on my face, he placed his hand on my chest.
“I was covered in sweat as if I was beholding God Almighty in this state of fear. “Then the Holy Prophet (saw) said to me, “‘O Ubayy, I was instructed that I should recite the Holy Qur’an in one Qiraat.’ “‘I replied by requesting ease for my people.
“‘I was then instructed that I should recite it, i.e. the Holy Qur’an in two Qiraats, “‘to which I again replied asking ease for my people. “‘On the third time he instructed that I should recite it in seven Qiraats. “‘Thus, in response to each one of my requests I was told by the angel
“‘that I have been given the right for a prayer,’ i.e. the angel Gabriel said, “‘In response Allah the Almighty has granted you the right to a prayer “‘for each reading for whatever you ask of Him.’ “‘Then I said (i.e. the Holy Prophet (saw) states)
“‘O Allah, forgive my people, O Allah, forgive my people. “‘And I saved the third prayer for the day “‘in which all of creation will turn to me, even Prophet Abraham (as).'” One can gauge an understanding from Hazrat Ubayy bin Kab’s (ra) mastery over the Qiraats [readings of the Holy Qur’an]
That the Holy Prophet (saw) himself would recite the entire Holy Qur’an to him. Thus, the year in which the Holy Prophet passed away, he recited the Qur’an to Hazrat Ubayy (ra) and stated, “Gabriel has told me that I should recite the Qur’an to Ubayy.”
And so the Holy Prophet (saw) recited the Holy Qur’an to Hazrat Ubayy (ra). Hazrat Ubayy (ra) would teach the Holy Qur’an to an Iranian in the blessed era of the Holy Prophet (saw). When he taught him the verse, The Iranian was not able to properly pronounce the word atheem [sinners] and whenever he would recite the word Atheem, he would recite it as yateem. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) was very concerned as to how could teach him. The Holy Prophet (saw) happened to be passing by
And seeing the concern on the face of Hazrat Ubayy (ra), he stopped. When he heard the discussion he said in Persian, “Try saying it as ta’amun ta’zim” this is with a ‘zaa’.” When he tried reciting it in this manner he very clearly said atheem.
So he repeated ta’zeem and the Iranian replied saying atheem and was able to pronounce it correctly. Thereupon the Holy Prophet (saw) said to Hazrat Ubayy (ra), “Correct his speech according to his own language “so that he may learn to recite the Holy Qur’an correctly,
“and ensure he pronounces the letters fully, God Almighty will reward you for this.” On one occasion, the Holy Prophet (saw) was delivering the Friday Sermon and recited Surah Bara’at. Hazrat Abu Darda (ra) and Hazrat Abu Dharr (ra) did not yet know of this chapter.
So during the sermon they indicated through a gesture to Hazrat Ubayy (ra) in order to ask when this chapter was revealed as they had not yet heard it. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) indicated that they should remain silent. Upon the completion of prayer, when Hazrat Ubayy (ra) stood up to go home,
Both of these noble men asked Hazrat Ubayy (ra) why he had not answered their question. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) replied that their prayer today had become invalidated owing to a vain act. Hearing this, they both went to the Holy Prophet (saw) and related to him what Hazrat Ubayy (ra) had said.
The Holy Prophet (saw) stated that indeed Hazrat Ubayy (ra) had spoken the truth, in other words, they should not have spoken whilst the [Friday] sermon was being delivered. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) bin Ka’b relates, “the Holy Prophet (saw) stated, ‘O Abu Munzir,
“‘do you know which verse in Allah’s book that you have is the greatest of all?’ “I submitted, ‘Allah and His Messenger (saw) know better.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) again asked, ‘O Abu Munzir, ‘do you know which verse in Allah’s book that you have is the greatest of all?’
“I gave the same response, but when the Holy Prophet (saw) asked again, I stated: “[Allah – there is no God but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining.]” [Arabic, Holy Qur’an 2:256] Hazrat Ubayy (ra) states, “The Holy Prophet (saw) placed his hand upon my chest and stated,
“‘By God, O Abu Munzir, may your knowledge be a source of blessing for you.’” In other words, the Holy Prophet (saw) liked his answer. During the blessed lifetime of the Holy Prophet (saw), Hazrat Ubayy (ra) taught the Holy Qur’an to Hazrat Tufail bin Amr Dausi,
Who in return presented him with a bow as a gift. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) took hold of the bow and presented himself before the Holy Prophet (saw). The Holy Prophet (saw) enquired where he got the bow from and Hazrat Ubayy (ra) submitted that it was a gift from one of the students.
The Holy Prophet (saw) instructed him to return it and to refrain from such gifts. Similarly, another student gifted him a piece of cloth and the Holy Prophet (saw) gave the same instruction. Thereafter, Hazrat Ubayy (ra) completely abstained from taking anything in return of teaching the Holy Qur’an.
The people of Syria would learn the Holy Qur’an from Hazrat Ubayy (ra) and would also get the scribes of Medina to produce copies of the Holy Qur’an. In return of their services for transcribing the copies of the Qur’an, they would invite the scribes to eat with them.
However, Hazrat Ubayy (ra) would never accept their invitation. Once, Hazrat Umar (ra) enquired from Hazrat Ubayy (ra) regarding the kind of foods eaten in Syria and he replied that he never ate with them and would always eat his own food. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) participated in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophet (saw)
Including the battle of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. During the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Ubayy (ra) was struck by an arrow which pierced into his median vein, which carries blood to the head, the back of the chest, arms and legs. Subsequently, the Holy Prophet (saw) sent a physician to treat him,
Who then cut the vein and then branded it with his own hand. There is an incident which took place during the Battle of Uhud which although has been previously narrated, but I will briefly mention it again. After the battle, the Holy Prophet (saw) instructed Hazrat Ubayy (ra) bin Ka’b
To go and assess the conditions of those injured. As he went searching, he came across Hazrat Sa’d (ra) bin Rabi who had been fatally wounded and was breathing his last. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) asked him if he wished for him to convey any message to his relatives and loved ones.
Hazrat Sa’d (ra) smiled and replied that he was hoping a Muslim would walk by so that he could pass onto him his message. He then stated, “Place your hand in mine and promise me that you will certainly convey my message.”
His message was, “Convey my greetings of peace [salam] to my fellow Muslim brethren “and tell my people and relatives that the Holy Prophet (saw) is the most excellent trust “which Allah the Almighty has granted to us and we protected this trust with our very lives.
“Now I depart, but I hand over the responsibility of protecting this trust over to you. “Let it not be the case that you show negligence in its protection.” In 9 Hijri, when Zakat had become obligatory, the Holy Prophet (saw) appointed various people to different parts of Arabia for its collection.
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) was appointed to collect the Zakat from the tribes of Banu Bali, Banu Azhar and Banu Sa’d. One day, Hazrat Ubayy (ra) visited a village and one of the villagers brought out all his animals before Hazrat Ubayy (ra)
And stated that he could take any one of them as part of his Zakat. From among the camels, Hazrat Ubayy (ra) selected a two-year old young camel. The individual who was presenting his donation stated that this camel was of no benefit for it could neither produce milk nor be used as a mount.
He recommended a different camel to Hazrat Ubayy (ra) which was much healthier and not too aged. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) replied that this was not possible as he could not go against the teachings of the Holy Prophet (saw).
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) then advised that it was better for them that they both go to Medina, which was not far from there, and present the matter before the Holy Prophet (saw) and whatever the Holy Prophet (saw) instructed; he should do accordingly.
Agreeing with the suggestion of Hazrat Ubayy (ra), they both travelled to Medina with the camel and presented the entire matter before the Holy Prophet (saw). The Holy Prophet (saw) stated that if he wished to donate the bigger camel,
He could do so and it would be accepted [as Zakat] and God Almighty would grant him its reward. Thus, he presented the camel to the Holy Prophet (saw) and left. During the era of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), work began on collating the various manuscripts of the Qur’an [into a standardised copy].
A committee consisting of the companions was formed for this and Hazrat Ubayy (ra) was appointed to supervise it. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) would recite the Holy Qur’an and the companions would write it down. Since this committee comprised of those who were very learned and possessed deep knowledge;
Therefore, occasionally they would have discussion and discourse on certain verses. When the following verse of Sura at-Taubah was being written down: [Then they turn away. Allah has turned away their hearts because they are a people who would not understand. ] [Arabic, Holy Qur’an 9:127]
It was mentioned that this was the final verse to be revealed. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) stated that in fact there were two more verses that the Holy Prophet (saw) taught him, therefore, this was not the last one, rather there were two verses revealed after that.
Hazrat Umar (ra) introduced many beneficial initiatives during his Khilafat, one of which was the formation of a consultative body [Majlis-e-Shura]. The system of Majlis-e-Shura was established during the era of Hazrat Umar (ra). This consultative body was formed of prominent companions from among the Muhajireen and Ansar
And Hazrat Ubayy (ra) bin Ka’b was also its member in representation of the Khazraj tribe. Jabir bin Zubair states that during the era of Hazrat Umar’s (ra) Khilafat, he went to see Hazrat Umar (ra) in relation to some matter.
He states that there was a person who was stood next to Hazrat Umar (ra) who had white hair and was wearing white clothes. This person then stated, “Verily, the means to attain our objective “and the provisions for the hereafter are present in this very world
“and our deeds in this world shall be rewarded in the hereafter.” Jabir states that he asked, “O Leader of the Faithful, who is this person?” Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, “Ubayy (ra) bin Ka’b, the leader of the Muslims.” Abdur Rahman bin Abd Qari narrates that
One night during the month of Ramadan he went with Hazrat Umar (ra) to the mosque and saw that people were scattered in various groups whilst offering their prayers. Some were offering the prayer on their own, whilst others were offering prayers with a small congregation behind them.
Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) stated that he deemed it better that if everyone was brought together as one congregation behind a single Qari [Imam]. Upon making this decision, Hazrat Umar (ra) appointed Hazrat Ubayy (ra) bin Ka’b to lead the congregation. In other words, the Muslims were offering their Nawafil [voluntary] prayers at night.
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) is among those esteemed companions who had heard a large part of the Ahadith [oral traditions] directly from the Holy Prophet (saw). Many companions studied Ahadith from him and in fact majority of his students would be the companions. (Even the companions would listen to the Ahadith from him).
Hazrat Umar (ra) bin Khattab, Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari (ra), Hazrat Ubadah (ra) bin Samit, Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra), Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari, Hazrat Anas (ra) bin Malik, Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (ra), Hazrat Sahl (ra) bin Sa’d and Hazrat Zulman (ra) bin Sard
Were among those who benefited from Hazrat Ubayy’s (ra) knowledge of Ahadith. Hazrat Qais bin Ubadah once came to Medina to meet the companions and states that he did not find any one more eminent than Hazrat Ubayy (ra) bin Ka’b. He states that it was the time for prayer and people had all gathered
And Hazrat Umar (ra) was also present. There was a certain matter for which people needed to be given guidance and so after the completion of the prayer, Hazrat Ubayy (ra) stood up and related sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw) to the people. Their passion and zeal to listen to what he was saying
Was evident from the way they were all attentively listening to him. Hazrat Ubayy’s (ra) extraordinary status had a left deep impact on Qais. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) would also provide guidance from the Holy Qur’an in relation to jurisprudential matters.
Once, a lady came to the Hazrat Umar (ra) and stated that her husband had passed away while she was pregnant and had now given birth. At the time of his demise, she was pregnant but now she had given birth but the period of her Iddat had not been completed yet.
Iddat is a period of four months and ten days which a wife must observe after the demise of her husband. She was still observing this period when she gave birth. Therefore, she asked whether she should still complete the full period of the Iddah or was that enough.
Hazrat Umar (ra) instructed that she should continue to observe the full period of the Iddah which has been prescribed for a widow. She then went to Hazrat Ubayy (ra) and enquired about the matter from him as well. She told him about the matter she had presented before Hazrat Umar (ra)
And also the verdict he had given. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) told her to go to Hazrat Umar (ra) and tell him that Ubayy states that she no longer needed to observe the remaining period of the Iddah. He also told her that if Hazrat Umar (ra) enquired about him,
She should tell him where he was and should come and call for him. The lady went to Hazrat Umar (ra) and so he asked her to call Hazrat Ubayy (ra). Hazrat Ubayy (ra) came and Hazrat Umar (ra) asked how he had come to this verdict.
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) replied that he based it on the Holy Qur’an and then quoted the following verse: Meaning ‘And as for those who are with child, ‘their period shall be until they are delivered of their burden.’ Hazrat Ubayy (ra) then stated that any lady who was pregnant and became widowed would also be counted among them.
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) stated that he had also heard a hadith of the Holy Prophet (saw) regarding this matter as well. Hazrat Umar (ra) then told the lady that she should act in accordance to what Hazrat Ubayy (ra) had said, in other words what he had said was correct.
The house belonging to the Holy Prophet’s (saw) paternal uncle, Hazrat Abbas (ra) was attached to one side of Masjid-e-Nabwi. Hazrat Umar (ra) wanted to extend the area of the mosque and asked Hazrat Abbas (ra) if he would sell his house, so that he could include that area as part of the mosque.
Hazrat Abbas (ra) stated that was not possible. Hazrat Umar (ra) then asked if he could gift it and again Hazrat Abbas (ra) refused to do so as he was would usually do things in his own way. Hazrat Umar (ra) then asked if he himself would then extend the mosque
And this would be a great act for the benefit of the Ummah if he was to extend the mosque and include his house as part of it. Hazrat Abbas (ra) replied that this was also not possible. He did not agree to this either.
Hazrat Umar (ra) said: “You will have to accept one of these three options.” Hazrat Abbas (ra) said: “I agree to none of these options.” Thus, as the matter remained unresolved, both of them appointed Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) as an arbitrator. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) said to Hazrat Umar (ra):
“What right do you have to take something that he is not content on giving?” and then said: “No, you cannot take it from him.” Hazrat Umar (ra) asked Hazrat Ubayy (ra) whether he based his decision on the Holy Qur’an or a Hadith?
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) stated that he based it on a hadith and then stated that when Prophet Soloman (as) constructed [the temple] in Jerusalem, one of the walls that was built on someone else’s land fell down. Prophet Solomon (as) received a revelation stating that
He should seek permission from the owner before constructing on the land. Upon hearing this, Hazrat Umar (ra) fell silent. However, Hazrat Abbas (ra) was loyal and sincere and had pledged allegiance to Khilafat and he was overcome with this passion. Although he initially refused, however he had pious and virtuous disposition.
He had great honour for the faith and respect for Khilafat which he demonstrated. When Hazrat Umar (ra) agreed to the decision and fell silent, Hazrat Abbas (ra) then said to Hazrat Umar (ra): “Very well, I will include my home as part of the mosque.”
On one occasion Hazrat Umar (ra) decided to prohibit people from performing Hajj Tamattau’. There are three types of Hajj, some youths may not be aware of this: Hajj Tamattu’ is where one enters into a state of Ihram [going into a sacred state where one intends to perform either the Umrah or Hajj]
For Umrah before arriving in Mecca. They first perform the Umrah and then come out of the state of ihram. Then on 8th Dhul Hijjah they will enter into a new state of ihram and perform the Hajj. This is known as Hajj Tamattu’. The more commonly known form of Hajj is Hajj Mufrid
And Hajj Qiran is when one performs the Umrah and Hajj in the same state of Ihram. Nonetheless, Hazrat Umar (ra) decided to prohibited people from performing Hajj Tamattau’. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) said: “You have no right to stop people from this.” He subsequently stopped Hazrat Umar (ra) from carrying this out
Saying that it was wrong to stop them. Thus, Hazrat Umar (ra) abandoned his idea. On one occasion Hazrat Umar (ra) decided do prohibit people from wearing cloaks from Heera, which was an area three miles from Kufa towards Najd. The reason was that urine was added in order to dye the cloth
Or perhaps they would add animal urine in order to fade the cloth. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) said: “You are not authorised to sanction this “because the Holy Prophet (saw) himself wore clothes of this colour and worn cloaks from there,
“thus we also wore it during the life of the Holy Prophet (saw) and there were no issues.” Upon hearing this Hazrat Umar (ra) fell silent and said that Hazrat Ubayy (ra) was correct. During the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra),
On one occasion a disagreement arose between Hazrat Umar (ra) and Hazrat Ubayy over an orchard. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) began to weep and said: “Am I to witness all this in your era?” Hazrat Umar (ra) said: “This was not my intention. “You are free to obtain a verdict from any Muslim.
“As there is a disagreement between us, I will not pass the verdict. “You are free to obtain a verdict from anyone else, as I believe that I am in the right.” Hazrat Ubayy (ra) appointed Zaid bin Thabit as the arbitrator to which Hazrat Umar (ra) agreed.
The matter was presented before Hazrat Zaid (ra). Although Hazrat Umar (ra) was the Khalifa of Islam, yet he came before Hazrat Zaid (ra) as one of the two parties. Hazrat Umar (ra) rejected the view held by Hazrat Ubayy (ra).
Hazrat Umar (ra) said: “You seem to have forgotten. Think about it and try to recall.” Hazrat Ubayy (ra) thought about it for a short while and said that he could not recall anything. Hazrat Umar (ra) then gave details about the entire incident saying that such and such took place.
Hazrat Zaid (ra) asked Hazrat Ubayy (ra) what proof he had about his demand. He replied that he did not have any proof. He said: “I do not have any proof at this point, but do not take an oath from Ameer-ul-Mo’mineen.”
He said that he did not have any proof but he should not take an oath from Ameer-ul-Mo’mineen, it is written ‘not take an oath’ however it should be ‘take an oath’. Hazrat Umar (ra) stated: “If it is necessary for me to take an oath then I have no hesitation in taking an oath.”
Nevertheless, a decision was made regarding the matter. Hazrat Uthman bin ‘Affan (ra) appointed 12 people from among the Quraish and Ansar for the collation of the Qur’an, including Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) and Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (ra). During the era [caliphate] of Hazrat Uthman (ra),
Differences in pronunciation and dialect of the Qur’an became widespread throughout the [Islamic] lands. In order to eliminate these differences, Hazrat Uthman (ra) called for the companions who recited in variant readings and heard all of these variants individually. Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra), Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas (ra)
And Hazrat Mu‘adh bin Jabal (ra) all had different dialects. In observing this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) wished to unite all Muslims upon a single mode of recitation of the Qur’an. There were 12 people from among the Quraish and Ansar who were proficient in the Qur’an. Hazrat Uthman (ra) assigned this important task to them
And appointed Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) as the head of this committee. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) would recite the words of the Qur’an and Hazrat Zaid (ra) would write them down. All the various manuscripts of the Qur’an that are present today are in accordance with the reading of Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra).
Utai bin Zamrah states that he said to Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra): “What is the matter with the companions of the Holy Prophet (saw), “we come from far off places “so we can listen to incidents and accounts from you and so we can learn.
“However, when we come to you, you brush us aside as if we have no standing in your eyes.” Upon this Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) said: “‘By God! If I am alive until next Friday, “‘I will reveal something to you,
“‘and I care not whether after listening to, you wish to kill me or let me live.'” The narrator states: “On the following Friday, “I went to Medina and to my surprise, I saw huge crowds of people walking through the streets. “I asked the people what was going on, to which one person said:
“‘Are you not from this city?’ I replied in the negative. “He then said: ‘Today, one of the leaders of the Muslims, Ubayy bin Ka’b has passed away.’” The narrator then said: “By God! I have not witnessed “the manifestation of Gods attribute of Al-Sattar [covering one’s shortcomings]
“as much as I did for him.” i.e. referring to Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra). As he had vowed on oath that he would say something after which he did not know how he would be treated. From what the narrator stated it seems like Allah the Almighty saved Hazrat Ubayy (ra)
From saying something which deep down he did not want to say. Aside from this Allah knows best what is meant by this statement. Nonetheless, after what had happened the narrator said: “I have not witnessed the manifestation of Gods attribute of Al-Sattar as much as for him “(i.e. referring to Ubayy bin Ka’b).”
Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) states in one narration that he completes one reading of the Holy Qur’an in eight nights. Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’bs love for the Holy Prophet (saw) can be gauged from the following incident. In Masjid Nabawi, the Holy Prophet (saw) used to deliver the sermon
Whilst leaning against the trunk of a date-palm tree that was used a pillar. Later a pulpit was constructed and when the Holy Prophet (saw) sat on the pulpit to deliver the Friday sermon, a weeping sound resounded from that trunk which was heard by all those that were in the mosque.
The Holy Prophet (saw) went to that trunk and placing his hand over it, he embraced the trunk. The trunk began to weep profusely, just like an innocent child that needs to be consoled and after a while it became content and the noise coming from it stopped.
Subsequently when [part of the] mosque was demolished for reconstruction, Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) took the trunk home, only because the Holy Prophet (saw) would lean against it. He took the trunk home but later it became withered and was reduced to [wood] dust as termites consumed it.
However, he kept the trunk with him owing to his love for the Holy Prophet (saw). This is a narration of Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal and some parts of it is from Sahih al-Bukhari. From among the companions of the Holy Prophet (saw) there were six arbitrators [Qadhis]:
Hazrat Umar (ra), Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ud (ra), Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (ra), Hazrat Abu Musa Ashari (ra) and Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra). Samurah bin Jundab (ra) was an eminent companion of the Holy Prophet (saw). After reciting the Takbeer [Allahu Akbar at the start of prayer]
He would pause for a while before reciting a portion [of the Qur’an]. After reciting ‘Allahu Akbar’, he would remain silent for a period of time before reciting Surah al-Fatihah. Some people complained because of this. He wrote to Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (ra) for him to shed light on this matter.
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) wrote a concise reply saying: “Your conduct is in line with the Shaira, therefore there is no harm if you pause. “Those who raise allegations against this are in the wrong.” Hazrat Suwaid bin Ghafalah, Zaid bin Shuj’an and Sulaiman bin Rabia once travelled for an expedition.
When they reached Uzaib, they came across a whip on the ground. Uzaib was the Valley of Banu Tamim where water was found. It was situated between Qadsiyya and Mughisiyya at a distance of four miles from Qadisiyya. Nonetheless, Suwaid picked up the whip.
The others said to him to leave it as it could belong to another Muslim. Suwaid said he would certainly not leave it as if it remained there it would be eaten by wolves or consumed [by something else], therefore it was better he made use of it.
A few days’ later, Suwaid left with the intention of performing Hajj. As Medina was on route, he went to see Hazrat Ubayy (ra) and narrated the incident of the whip. Hazrat Ubayy (ra) said: “I was also faced with a similar incident during the life of the Holy Prophet (saw).
“During the time of the Holy Prophet (saw), “I found 100 dinars.” Whether it is 100 dinars or a whip, everything found in this manner has its own value as it is a trust [belonging to someone else]. Let us see what the Holy Prophet (saw) stated in this regard.
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) then continued: “The Holy Prophet (saw) instructed: “‘You ought to continuously make announcements to the people regarding it for one entire year.’ “When that year had passed he said: “‘you ought to remember any markings and the amount of money and wait for one more year.
“If someone comes to collect it and gives the correct identification for it, “you ought to hand it over them, otherwise it will become yours.'” Which means that when one finds something, they ought to wait two years; he ought to continuously announce regarding it for one year
And remember its markings or identifications for one more year. If someone comes to collect it giving the correct identification, it should be given to them. A person was causing a commotion in the mosque stating that he had lost such and such thing. When Hazrat Ubayy (ra) saw this he was displeased.
The person said: “I have not uttered anything vile in the mosque.” Hazrat Ubayy (ra) replied: “Indeed that is true, “however, it is against the etiquettes of a mosque to announce for any worldly object.” There are various narrations with regards to Hazrat Ubayy’s demise.
According to one narration Hazrat Ubayy (ra) passed away in 22 AH during the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar (ra), whereas according to another narration he passed away in 30 AH during the Caliphate of Hazrat Uthman (ra), and this narration seems more accurate because Hazrat Uthman (ra) appointed Hazrat Ubayy (ra)
For the compilation [and standardisation] of the Qur’an. The names of Hazrat Ubayy’s (ra) children were Tufail and Muhammad and their mothers name was Umm Tufail bint Tufail, who belonged to the Daus tribe. It is stated that one of Hazrat Ubayy’s (ra) daughters name was Umm Amr.
This concludes the accounts relating to Hazrat Ubayy (ra). 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.