Monthly Archives: July 2006

The Grave

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The Grave.

The sincere seeker spends their entire life preparing for death, as they realize that it is merely a bridge, that by crossing it will lead them closer to the Generous One, Al-Muhyi, the Giver of Life and Al-Mumit, the Taker of Life.

Standing transfixed, peering through the massive fence of Jannatul Baqi, touches so deep in the heart. Thousands upon thousands of the most Illustrious Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum, and thousands more respected scholars and pious people gracing this revered ground. At certain times of the day the light appears unwordly, dramatically highlighting the simple rough stones marking the graves which seemed bleached by the centuries of searing heat. Pigeons tirelessly flutter; the sound of their flight to and from the Green Dome creating a muffled tone in an eerie acoustic concerto. The swish of the sweepers’ brooms brushing the excess seed thrown for the birds, into mounds adds to the reverie. The ambience is surreal, pushing one to unusual depths of contemplation. The Sakeenah so tangible, a deafening hush pervades the space.

 

Then He causes him to die, then assigns to him a grave.
(80:21)

Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!
(4:78)

Every soul shall taste death in the end; to Us shall you be brought back. (29:57)

Say: "The death from which you flee will truly overtake you: then you will be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you (the truth of) the things that you did!" (62:8)

When the Angel of Death takes away the soul of a person, the Angel asks Allah Ta’ala, ‘Shall I place it with the souls of the mu’mineen believers or with those of the non-believers?’ Insha’Allah we occupy ourselves with this concern, contemplating what command will be given to Malakul Maut when the time for our soul to be extracted is suddenly upon us. Our other concern is whether we are prepared for the trial in the Qabr.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to seek refuge in Allah Ta’ala from five things; cowardliness, niggardliness, the evils of old age, evil thoughts, and punishment in the grave. And another narration states that Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to invoke Allah Ta’ala: "Allahumma ini a’udhu bika min ‘adhabi-l-Qabr, wa min ‘adhabi-nnar, wa min fitnati-l-mahya wa-lmamat, wa min fitnati-l-masih ad-dajjal." (O Allah! I seek refuge with you from the punishment in the grave and from the punishment in the Hell fire and from the afflictions of life and death, and the afflictions of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal.)

The Best of Mankind SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, the most loved by Allah Ta’ala from His entire creation used to seek refuge from the grave! May we be aware, awake, diligent, obedient, knowing, repentant, remorseful, prepared!

One day when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam went out from the prayer he saw the people looking as if they were grinning he said, "If you were to keep much in the remembrance of death, which is the cutter-off of pleasures, it would distract you from what I see. Keep much in the remembrance of death which is the cutter-off of pleasure, for a day does not come to the grave without it saying, ‘I am the house of exile, I am the house of solitude, I am the house of dust, I am the house of worms.’ When a believer dies the grave says to him, ‘Welcome and greeting; you are indeed the dearest to me of those who walk upon me. I have been given charge of you today and you have come to me and you will see how I shall treat you.’ It will then expand for him as far as the eye can see and a door to Paradise will be opened for him. But when the disbeliever is buried the grave says to him, `No welcome and no greeting to you; you are the most hateful to me of those who walk upon me. I have been given charge of you today and you have come to me and you will see how I shall treat you.’ Abu Sa’id told that Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam indicated it by interlacing his fingers, demonstrating how the ribs would be squeezed so forcefully they would interlace in a like manner. The earth will be told to press him and continue to press till his ribs are clasped together and he will not be relieved of the torment till Allah Ta’ala resurrects him from his resting-place.
Then he said, "Seventy dragons will be put in charge of him of such a nature that if one of them were to breathe on the earth it would produce no crops as long as the world lasted, and they will bite and scratch him till he is brought to the reckoning." He also reported Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam as saying. "The grave is one of the gardens of Paradise, or one of the pits of Hell."

 

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar from his father RadhiAllahu anhuma: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "The deceased is tortured in his grave for the wailing done over him."

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet passed by a woman who was weeping beside a grave. He told her to fear Allah and be patient. She said to him, "Go away, for you have not been afflicted with a calamity like mine." And she did not recognize him. Then she was informed that he was the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. So she went to the house of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and there she did not find any guard, so she approached him and said, "I did not recognize you." He said, "Verily, patience is at the first stroke of a calamity." 

The deceased hears the sound of the footsteps as the people retreat from the burial. He is now left only with his deeds. His wealth and family depart, and at that moment he is asked: O so and so! Who is your Lord, what is your religion, and who is your Prophet? He will reply: My Lord is Allah. My religion is Islam. My Prophet is Muhammad the Messenger of Allah. Who made you aware of this? He will reply: I read Allah’s Book, believed in it, and considered it true; which is verified by Allah’s words:

Allah will keep firm those who believe with a Word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter. (14.27)

After the Angels question the believer in the grave and he answers correctly a voice cries out from Heaven that the slave of Allah Ta’ala has spoken the truth, and he will be supplied with delights from Jannah, and clothing from Jannah and a door will open for him as a window into the Jannah, with it’s fragrance and scent filling his grave, and it is expanded as far as the eye can see. Some narrations say it measures seventy cubits by seventy cubits, and the space is illuminated for them.  A man with a handsome face, fine clothing and pleasantly perfumed comes to the inhabitant giving them the glad tidings from Allah Ta’ala, of everlasting joy in Gardens Divine. They are told that this is the day you were promised. The deceased asks who they are and are told that this is your righteous good deeds. A door to Jahannam is briefly opened and they are told that this would have been your place had you disobeyed Allah Ta’ala. When they see what is in Jannah, they will say, "O Lord, hasten on the hour." They are told be calm and at ease, and to sleep like a newly wed bride.
When a bride sleeps none other than her beloved awakens her. Similarly, the believer sleeping in their grave will be awakened by none other than his True Beloved, Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Judgement. When the newly wed bride awakens she sees the face of her husband. And when the sincere seeker awakens, Insha’Allah they will behold Allah Ta’ala smiling upon them.

The disbeliever will be subject to the same interrogation, the spirit will be restored to his body, Munkar and Nakeer will arrive, tell him to sit up and pummel him with the same demands. Alas, they do not know. Alas, they do not know. Alas, they do not know. Then a crier will call from Heaven: He has lied, so spread a bed for him from Hell, clothe him from Hell, and open for him a door into Hell. Then some of its heat and pestilential wind will come to him, and his grave will be compressed, so that his ribs will be crushed together. One version adds: One who is blind and dumb will then be placed in charge of him, having a sledge-hammer such that if a mountain were struck with it, it would become dust. He will give him a blow with it which will be heard by everything between the east and the west except by men and jinn, and he will become dust. Then his spirit will be restored to him and the action repeated until the Day of Resurrection. Ya Allah Ya Lateef! Save us all from Your punishment.

It is stated that every one will experience the initial squeezing in the grave, even children. Sa’d RadhiAllahu anhu, for whom the Throne of Allah shook due to reverence, and the doors of Heaven were opened for him with seventy thousand angels participating in his funeral prayer, even his grave was compressed and later on it was expanded for him.

Whenever the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam became free from burying the dead, he used to stay to those present: Seek forgiveness for your brother, and beg steadfastness for him, for he will be questioned now. And he would implore, "O Allah, so and so, son of so and so is in Your protection so guard him from the trial in the grave and in Your nearer presence, so guard him from the trial in the grave and the punishment in Hell. You are faithful and worthy of praise. O Allah, forgive him and show him mercy. You are the Forgiving and the Merciful One."

 

In ‘La’aali Masnoo’ah it is reported from the riwaayat of Bazzaar, which is not considered concocted, "When a man dies and his relatives are busy in the funeral rites, there stands an extremely handsome man by his head. When the dead body is shrouded, the man slips in between the shroud and the chest of the dead person. When after the burial, the people return home, the two interrogating Angels, Munkar and Nakeer, having black faces and blue eyes come into the grave and try to separate this handsome man so they can question the deceased in privacy about his faith. But the handsome man says that the deceased is his companion and friend and that he will not leave him alone, that he will not leave him until he gets him admitted into Jannah. He explains to the deceased that he is the Qur’an that he used to read sometimes in a loud voice and sometimes in a soft voice, and that after the interrogation you will have no grief, as he will arrange from al-Mala’ul A’laa, the Angels in Jannah, to bring a silk bed filled with musk. May Allah Ta’ala make us diligent with our recitation and bless us with such a favour. Ameen.

Ibn Abbaas RadhiAllahu anhu said once Jibreel alaihis Salam, came to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam who was looking very worried and sad. Jibreel alaihis Salam asked him why he was so despondent, even though Allah Ta’ala knows whatever is hidden in the hearts. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied to Jibreel alaihis Salam and said that he was worried about his Ummah and how they will be on the Day of Judgement. Jibreel alaihis Salam, further asked, is it about the Muslims or the non-Muslims, to which the Prophet answered, the Muslims. Jibreel alaihis Salam then took Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to a graveyard where the people of Banu Salama were buried and he struck one grave with his wing and said, "Stand up by the orders of Allah." An extremely handsome man stood up from that grave, reciting,

Jibreel alaihis Salam told him to return to his place which he did. Then he struck another grave with his wing, and out of this grave came an extremely ugly person with a black face and worried eyes, he was saying, "Alas there is nothing but sorrow, shame and horror!" Jibreel alaihis Salam told him to go back to his place, and then explained to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, "The people will rise up on the Day of Resurrection in the same state that they were at the time of their death."

According to one Hadith, a person who is steadfast in reciting Laa ilaha  illa Allah daily they will be raised up with their face shining like a full moon, and Abu Darda RadhiAllahu anhu said that those tongues that remain busy with the Dhikr of Allah Ta’ala will enter Jannah rejoicing! May we be from this group. Ameen.
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: Once the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, while passing through one of the graveyards of Madinah or Makkah heard the voices of two persons who were being tortured in their graves. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin (to avoid)." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then added, "Yes! They are being tortured for a major sin. Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other used to go about with calumnies to make enmity between friends. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked for a green leaf of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces and put one on each grave. On being asked why he had done this he replied, "I hope that their torture might be lessened, till these get dried." 

Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "He who dies of a stomach illness dies as a martyr, or he will be guarded from the trial in the grave, and will have his provision brought him morning and evening from Paradise." And everyone who dies his book of deeds is shut, except one who is protecting the boarders while in Allah Ta’ala’s path, for his deeds will be made to go on increasing till the Day of Resurrection, and he will be safe from the trial in the grave. Also included in this group of  ongoing deeds is continuous charity, knowledge which benefits others, and the Du’a of a pious son.

Two noble traditions from our Esteemed Habibullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam convey the advice he desired us to take heed of; Work for your world in proportion to your stay in the world and work for your Hereafter in proportion to your stay in the Hereafter, and O Allah, let me live as a poor man, let me die as a poor man and raise me to life in the Hereafter among the poor.

Narrated Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu: The angel of death was sent to Musa alaihis Salam and when he went to him, Musa alaihis Salam slapped him severely, spoiling one of his eyes. The angel went back to his Lord, and said, "You sent me to a slave who does not want to die." Allah restored his eye and said, "Go back and tell Musa alaihis Salam to place his hand over the back of an ox, for he will be allowed to live for a number of years equal to the number of hairs coming under his hand." So the angel came to him and told him the same. Then Musa alaihis Salam asked, "O my Lord! What will be then?" He said, "Death will be then." He said, "Let it be now." He asked Allah Ta’ala that He bring him near the Sacred Land at a distance of a stone’s throw. Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Were I there I would show you the grave of Musa alaihis Salam by the way near the red sand hill."

After passing away Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Rahmatullahi alaihi, was asked what happened after he passed away and he was in the grave. He said that when the Angels asked him who was his Lord, he replied, "I am surprised that you have descended so far from the Sidrah al Muntahah and have not forgotten Allah, should it be that I have descended a mere few feet that I should forget everything?" There after Allah Ta’ala opened His gates of Mercy and his grave was transformed into a garden!

 

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

al baidaa

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Al Baidaa.

Al Baidaa was a desert area approximately nine kilometers south west from Masjid Nabawi, near Abyar Ali, Dhatul Jaish and Meeqat, (yellow dot).

 

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam camped here after the expedition of Bani al Mustaliq. It is also where the verse of tayammum was revealed, and according to another Hadith the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, speaking of future events, said an entire army from Shams on their way to Ka’abah, in their attempt to kill Mahdi, will be swallowed up by the earth at this place.

The incident surrounding the revelation of tayammum is another fascinating chapter in the voluminous books of life in and around Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. SubhanAllah, Allah Ta’ala, the Most Wise and Most Encompassing Planner!

Aishah RadhiAllahu anha had borrowed a necklace from her sister Asmaa RadhiAllahu anha and was wearing it at the time she was accompanying the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam on one of their journeys back from Al-Baidaa to Madinah. The necklace broke and was lost. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam made his camel kneel down and dismounted and laid his head on the lap of Aishah and slept. People began to search for the necklace but to no avail. Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu came to Aishah RadhiAllahu anha and poked her saying, "You have detained the people because of a necklace." She remained motionless because of the position of Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam on her lap although Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu had hurt her with the slap. When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam woke up and it was the time for the morning prayer, there was no water to be found at this place and by this time their supplies had run dry. Water was sought, but in vain so they prayed without ablution, then the verse permitting tayammum was revealed.

O you who believe! do not go near prayer when you are intoxicated until you know (well) what you say, nor when you are under an obligation to perform a bath– unless (you are) travelling on the road– until you have washed yourselves; and if you are sick, or on a journey, or one of you come from the privy or you have touched the women, and you cannot find water, betake yourselves to pure earth, then wipe your faces and your hands; surely Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving. (4:43)

O you who believe! when you rise up to prayer, wash your faces and your hands as far as the elbows, and wipe your heads and your feet to the ankles; and if you are under an obligation to perform a total ablution, then wash (yourselves) and if you are sick or on a journey, or one of you come from the privy, or you have touched the women, and you cannot find water, betake yourselves to pure earth and wipe your faces and your hands therewith, Allah does not desire to put on you any difficulty, but He wishes to purify you and that He may complete His favor on you, so that you may be grateful. (5.6)

Aishah RadhiAllahu anha added, "We roused the camel I had been on where we found the necklace under it."
Usaid bin Hudair RadhiAllahu anhu said to Aishah RadhiAllahu anha, "May Allah reward you. By Allah, whenever anything happened which you did not like, Allah brought good for you and for the Muslims in that."

(I have included the above two references to tayammum as both appear in differing Ahadith regarding this revelation, although the majority I read favour it was the Al-Ma’ida verse revealed at this time. And Allah the Almighty knows best.)  

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me:

  • Allah made me victorious by awe, by His frightening my enemies for a distance of one month’s journey.
  • The entire earth has been made for me and my followers a place for worship and a means to perform Tayammum, therefore anyone of my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due.
  • The booty has been made Halal for me; it was not lawful for anyone else before me.
  • I have been given the right of intercession on the Day of Resurrection.
  • Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind.

Abu Dharr RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Pure soil will purify a Mu’min even if he does not find water for ten years. When he does find water he should use it." (Tirmidhi)

While mentioning Usaid bin Hudair RadhiAllahu anhu, I couldn’t resist the following.
AbdurRahman ibn Abu Layla RadhiAllahu anhu, quoting Aishah RadhiAllahu anha, that Usaid bin Hudair RadhiAllahu anhu an Ansar, said that while he was given to jesting and was talking to the people and making them laugh, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam poked him under the ribs with a stick. He said: Let me take retaliation. He said: Take retaliation. He said: You are wearing a shirt but I am not. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then raised his shirt and the man embraced him and began to kiss his side. Then he said: This is what I wanted, Apostle of Allah!

Aishah RadhiAllahu anha said that Usaid bin Hudair RadhiAllahu anhu related that while he was reciting Surat Al-Baqara at night, and his horse was tied beside him, the horse was suddenly startled and troubled. When he stopped reciting, the horse became quiet, and when he started again, the horse was startled again. Then he stopped reciting and the horse became quiet too. He started reciting again and the horse was startled and troubled once again. Then he stopped reciting as his son, Yahya was beside the horse and he was afraid that the horse might trample on him. When he took the boy away and looked towards the sky, he could not see it. The next morning he informed the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam who said, "Recite, O Ibn Hudair! Recite, O Ibn Hudair!" Ibn Hudair RadhiAllahu anhu replied, "O Allah’s Apostle! My son, Yahya was near the horse and I was afraid that it might trample on him, so I looked towards the sky, and went to him. When I looked at the sky, I saw something like a cloud containing what looked like lamps, so I went away in order not to see it." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Do you know what that was?" Ibn Hudair RadhiAllahu anhu replied, "No." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Those were Angels who came near to you for your voice and if you had kept on reciting till dawn, they would have remained there till morning when people would have seen them as they would not have disappeared."

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O Majestic Moon 2

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O Majestic Moon

Shyly appearing in your silvery sequined Rajabi shawl.

Lingering in a sky silent to our earthly ears,

but resplendent in the symphony of orbs and

Angels.

Constant in your numinous incantations of the Sovereign Lord.

SubhanAllah SubhanAllah SubhanAllah.

O Chanting Moon

Divulge the secret of this

Enduring glorification.

 

A misty gossamer veil

Conceals your delight of announcing this

Month of Almighty Allah.

 

The void is splintered

into a myriad of tiny sparks of light

by the clink of a key you drop

on mirror marble

of my heart.

Inviting.

Enticing me to unlock the accumulated sediment.

Repent, atone

prepare.

 

O Felicitous Moon,

By His permission

you exude the fragrance of Heaven.

An intoxicating mix of Sidr and Musk,

Seeping earthward.

Mingling with the perfumed pearls ascending from Al Habib Al Mustafa

SallAllahu alaihi wasallam

as his melodious response to your heralding this blessed month

is carried on a scented zephyr

to The Throne of Divinity.

"O Allah, bestow Your grace upon us in Rajab and Sha’ban, and allow us to live into Ramadhan."

 

O Dignified Moon,

Your delicate wispy crescent,

emitting a shimmering aura of

PEACE, HOPE, STABILITY,

beholds the expectation of pilgrims

amassing around the slender minarets.

Sentinels extending skyward,

as do the outstretched hands,

Cupped,

waiting

to catch

Allah’s unlimited bounties.

Ameen, Ameen, Ameen,

To every prayer recited every second every where.

Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.

 

O Compassionate Moon,

As I glance at you

wiping your countenance

with a passing cloud,

A splash of tear falls on my cheek.

Falling falling falling

From your sobbing

as a shooting star.

Mingling with the copious weeping

Of the bereft Ummah.

May our lamenting

Be answered

Cultivating golden bursts of

Unity.

 

O Virtuous Moon,

A suspended ship

Sailing the vast oceans of the sky,

smuggling our awe and wonder.

While captives in your graceful embrace

we ponder the Greatness of Our Creator.

Release your clasp as

I am ready to forsake my all.

Surrendering

To the Owner of your Rajab cycle.

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

khandaq

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 The Trench, Khandaq.

When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild, and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harbouring doubts about Allah. There the believers were tried and shaken with violent shaking.  (33:10-11)

O those who believe, remember Allah’s favour to you, when the forces (of infidels) came upon you, and We sent upon them a wind, and the forces (of angels) you did not see. And Allah is watchful of what you do. (33:9)

Such powerful, universal Words from our Lord, The Almighty!

This decisive battle and all that it signified at the time for the Muslims in Madinah, reveals relevant lessons for the turmoil prevalent in so many places today. May Allah Ta’ala guide the Ummah the same way He guided the valiant Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum through the exemplary actions of the Prophet SallAllau alaihi wasallam. May we learn from the admirable qualities of obedience, submission and surrender to the Commands of Allah Ta’ala for the solution to the trials Allah Ta’ala has deemed to test us with now. The first words the Prophet SallAllau alaihi wasallam uttered upon hearing of the impending battle were:

Allah is enough for us, He is the best protector. (3:173)

May our hearts echo these words, reverberating into our deeds and actions. Ameen.

Hope and optimism never left the actions of our Honourable Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam throughout this grueling ordeal. Days, some narrations say weeks, of digging the trench in extreme weather conditions and with the barest of equipment, most digging with bare hands and carrying the dirt on their backs. The Prophet SallAllau alaihi wasallam was aware of their emotional fragility, injecting the arduous task with determination and zeal. They worked side by side, reciting verses of poetry and verses from the Qur’an.

"O Allah, were it not for you,
We would not have been guided,
Nor would we have given charity, nor prayed.
So bestow on us calmness,
And when we meet the enemy,
Then make our feet firm, for indeed,
The enemy has revolted against us;
Yet if they want to afflict us
We oppose their affliction".

Allahumma lawlaa Anta mahtadaynaa
Wa laa tasaddaqnaa walaa sallaynaa
Fa anzilan sakeenatan ‘alaynaa
Wa thabbitil aqdaama in laaqaynaa
Innal a’daa‘a qad baghaw ‘alaynaa
Idhaa araadu fitnatan abaynaa

The Prophet SallAllau alaihi wasallam used to raise his voice emphasizing the final phrase, "Abayna! Abayna! (We oppose their affliction.)

And would constantly be making this Du’a:

O Allah there is no welfare except that of the Hereafter; Shower Your Grace on the Ansars and the Muhajirs.

The Muslims numbered 3,000, with a paltry 36 horses! Compared to an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 of the enemy. The strategies adopted by Rasulullah SallAllau alaihi wasallam denote his masterly leadership tactics, employing the unique idea of a ditch from Salman Farsi RadhiAllahu anhu, along with constant consulting with his Companions RadhiAllahu anhum. The site for the trench was demarcated by the Prophet SallAllau alaihi wasallam. He allotted ten yards of trench to be dug by each party of ten persons, reports outlining that the Muhajiroun were assigned the northern section finishing towards Mount Uhud, while the section nearer mount Sal’a was entrusted to the more numerous Ansar. It is said that the ditch was about three and a half miles long and some ten yards wide and five yards deep.

 

This is an approximation of the position and length of the trench. The mauve dot represents the command centre for the operation. Masjid Nabawi in the middle at the bottom.

Aishah RadhiAllahu anha, narrated that Rasulullah SallAllau alaihi wasallam while striking at the invincible rock he recited:

The words of your Lord are complete in their truth and justice. Nothing can change His words, He is the All hearing, the All Knowing. (6:115)

A pertinent reminder that the recitation of this verse is a tested prescription for the resolution of something difficult.

The trial of the siege, lasting more than three weeks, tested their resolve even more. The Tafseer in Ma’ariful Qur’an elucidates the details.

I share the following events, highlighting the role of women at the time. A previous post dealt with the wife of Jabir ibn Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu, while the story of the daughter of Basheer ibn S’ad RadhiAllahu anhu tells of another of the miracles Allah Ta’ala aided His faithful with.

Amrah bint Raa’hah RadhiAllahu anha, the wife of Basheer, sent her young daughter with a handful of dates, which she folded in her garment, to give to her father and her uncle, Abdullah ibn Rawaahah for their meal. While she was looking for them she passed by Rasulullah SallAllau alaihi wasallam who beckoned her to go to him. He inquired what she had, and when she said a few dates he asked for them. She put them in the Prophet SallAllau alaihi wasallam ’s hands, saying that they did not even fill his hands. He then asked for a sheet to be spread out and the dates to be scattered over it, then he called for the people of the trenches to come and partake of a meal. Everyone arrived and began eating from the dates, which continued to increase in number. After all had eaten to their fill, the dates were still falling over the edges of the sheet!

The Prophet SallAllau alaihi wasallam saw Umm Sulaym RadhiAllahu anha carrying a dagger and he asked her what she was doing with it. She said: "It is to fight those who desert." This along with the courageous story of Saffiyah RadhiAllahu anha, the aunt of the Prophet SallAllau alaihi wasallam are clear evidence that women contributed in this campaign.

There were some light moments amidst the fervour. The youth allowed to participate were enthusiastic and competed with each other. Zaid ibn Thabit RadhiAllahu anhu was a teenager at the time, who became tired after the incessant work, one day, fell asleep. The mirthful ‘Umarah ibn Hazm RadhiAllahu anhu noticed this and took his clothes and tools and hid them as a joke. Naturally when Zaid RadhiAllahu anhu woke he was terrified. When the Prophet SallAllau alaihi wasallam heard of this trick he chided Zaid RadhiAllahu anhu by naming him "Sleepy" (Abu Ruqad, the sleepy one) and mildly rebuked ‘Umarah RadhiAllahu anhu.

Once the announcement of victory had been made it is said that many of the Companions being so exhausted sleep in the streets of Madinah on their way home! No sooner had Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam returned home, put down his arms and had taken a bath when Jibreel Alaihis Salam, whose head was covered with dust, came to him saying, "You have put down your arms! By Allah, I have not put down my arms yet." Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Where to go now?" Jibreel Alaihis Salam said, "This way," pointing towards the tribe of Bani Qurayzah. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam without hesitation gathered the Sahabah once again and immediately went out towards them. SubhanAllah!

 

1. Masjid Fath (also known as Al-Ahzab and Al-Ala) The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s tent was pitched at this high point of the mountain, and this is where he supplicated Allah Ta’ala for victory for three days.

From amongst the Du’a was:

"O Allah, Revealer of the Book, swift in taking account, put the confederates to rout. O Lord, defeat them and shake them."

On the third day after Zuhr Jibreel was sent to him with the glad tidings of victory. 

2. Masjid Salman Al-Farsi

3. Masjid  Ali ibn Abu Talib

4. Masjid Umar ibn Al-Khattab

5. Masjid Sa’d

6. Masjid Abu Bakr As-Siddiq 

7. The new Masjid, as yet not complete, see photo below.

 

An old aerial view of how the Masaajid were. Some are now demolished, supposedly being incorporated in the new one below.

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

The Shepherd

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The Shepherd.

 

A mere ten minute drive from Haram will bring you to the peripheral nomadic farmers. Their temporary "homes" constructed of all sorts of recycled materials, including packing cases, cardboard, frayed pieces of canvas and discarded fabrics. The shelters for their animals mimic their homes! Such a rugged lifestyle at the foot of rugged rock mountains, a rugged awesome beauty of sorts. The weather beaten, gnarled features of these farmers and their families blend with the harsh terrain. An ambience of transience pervades these clusters of animal husbandry. Perpetual lessons of this mortal life sculpt the essence of their being. SubhanAllah, how I sometimes envy how their lot will be on the Day of Qiyamah when they will be required to render their account; maybe seconds to describe their possessions and the simplicity of their existence. Allahu ‘Alum. Their endurance in the intense summer heat is beyond my comprehension! Water has to be carted in and stored in metal tanks, solar heated! Wood and dung for cooking. A natural sparkling star-studded ceiling in the bathroom! Such conditions reflect how for centuries people survived in and around Madinah, and all over the Kingdom. The presence of the lonely shepherd attending his, and sometimes her, flock is quite common, astride a camel or a donkey amidst hundreds of sheep or goats or camels.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said that all of Allah Ta’ala’s prophets shepherded sheep at some stage during their mission.  His Companions RadhiAllahu anhu asked him, "Did you do the same?" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied, "Yes, I used to shepherd the sheep of the people of Makkah for some Qirats." 

Working as a shepherd allowed the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to work in peace and quiet, to enjoy the beauty of the desert, and to contemplate the wonders and magnificence of Allah Ta’ala’s creation. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam through his experience of being a shepherd learnt and developed many wonderful qualities which assisted him in leading the Ummah. A shepherd is busy taking care of his flock from sunrise till sunset. A life of ease, comfort and luxury are unknown to the shepherd. Long days in the intense heat with the most basic of course food, requires maximum patience, an attribute necessary for a good leader. The very nature of herding a flock requires humbleness. Serving, supervising, guarding and sleeping in close proximity to the animals are the daily duties, contributing to ridding oneself of pride and arrogance. The desert harbours an array of natural enemies to the flock, with various wild predatory animals to be aware of and face, so bravery is another characteristic instilled in the shepherd. Mercy and compassion for all the creation of Allah Ta’ala is paramount, along with the honourable satisfaction of earning a lawful income. And thus is the legacy of all prophets seen in these humble settings.

Allah Ta’ala says in one Hadith Qudsi, Your Lord delights at a shepherd who, on the peak of a mountain crag, gives the call to prayer and prays. Then Allah Almighty says: Look at this servant of Mine, he gives the call to prayer and performs the prayers; he is in awe of Me. I have forgiven My servant and have admitted him to Paradise.

SubhanAllahu, such a blessing!

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Verily Shaytan is the wolf of a man just as the wolf is the enemy of a flock. He seizes the solitary sheep going astray from the flock or going aside from the flock. So avoid the branching paths; it is essential for you to remain along with the community.

And another narration he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said:  If there are three men in a village or in the desert among whom prayer is not offered in congregation, the devil has got the mastery over them. So observe prayer in congregation, for the wolf only eats only the straggling animal.

Profound messages in these few lines, may we all ponder on such wisdom.

 

Wahab bin Qabus RadhiAllahu anhu was a shepherd who lived in a village near Madinah. To think that maybe some of these places were once home to the Sahabah shepherds jolts the heart! One day he came to Madinah to see the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He was accompanied by his nephew, and his herd of goats. In Madina, Wahab came to know that the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had left for Uhud where he was fighting against the Quraysh. He left his nephew and his goats at Madina, and himself proceeded to Uhud. When he reached Uhud, the battle was at its thickest. A group of the Quraysh was at the time advancing to attack the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. It was a critical situation, and turning to his Companions RadhiAllahu anhum the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "He who disperses these people will be my companion in the Paradise." Hearing the call, Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu rushed at the advancing Quraysh. Some were killed and the rest scattered. The Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam watched Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu overpower the Quraysh group single handed. When Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu after the flight of the Quraysh came to the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, he was given the tidings of Paradise. Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu was intoxicated with pleasure at these tidings. As soon as he heard this, he took his sword, and rushed to the enemy line. Killing right and left he penetrated deep into the enemy line. He was surrounded by the enemy on all sides. He received many wounds but he went on playing havoc in the ranks of the enemy. The blood flowed profusely from his wounds, and then he fell dead on the battle-field. When the battle was over, and the Muslims collected the dead bodies of all the martyrs, the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam stood by his dead body and said: "O Wahab, you have pleased me. May Allah be pleased with you." Although the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was himself wounded, he led the funeral prayer of Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu, and put him in the grave with his own hands. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu who was present said that in the battle of Uhud none surpassed Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu in bravery. Thereafter Umar RadhiAllahu anhu used to say often: "I never envied anybody more than Wahab. I wish I could appear before Allah with a record as good as his."

Narrated Unais bin ‘Amr RadhiAllahu anhu: Ahban bin Aus said, "I was amongst my sheep. Suddenly a wolf caught a sheep and I shouted at it. The wolf sat on its tail and addressed me, saying, ‘Who will look after the sheep when you will be busy and not able to look after it? Do you forbid me the provision which Allah has provided me?’ Ahban added, "I clapped my hands and said, ‘By Allah, I have never seen anything more curious and wonderful than this!’ On that the wolf said, ‘There is something more curious and wonderful than this; that is, Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is over there amongst palm trees, inviting people to Allah ‘ " Unais bin ‘Amr RadhiAllahu anhu further said, "Then Ahban went to Allah’s Apostle and informed him what happened and embraced Islam."

And finally a slightly related moral.
Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "There were two women with whom there were their two sons. A wolf came and took away the son of one of them. That lady said to her companion, ‘The wolf has taken your son.’ The other said, ‘But it has taken your son.’ So both of them sought the judgment of the Prophet Daoud alaihis Salam who judged that the boy should be given to the older lady. Then both of them went to the Prophet Sulaiman alaihis Salam, son of Daoud alaihis Salam and informed him of the case. Sulaiman alaihis Salam said, ‘Give me a knife so that I may cut the child into two portions and give one half to each of you.’ The younger lady said, ‘Do not do so; may Allah bless you! He is her child.’ On that, he gave the child to the younger lady." Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu remarked after he heard Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam tell this story, "By Allah! I had never heard the word "Sakkin" as meaning knife, except on that day, for we used to call it ‘Mudya.’ "

 

"All of you are shepherds, and each one is responsible for his flock. A leader of the people is a shepherd and responsible for them. A man is like a shepherd over his family, and he is responsible for his flock. A woman is like a shepherd over her husband’s house and children, and she is responsible for them. And a slave is a guardian of his master’s property and is responsible for it. So all of you are guardians and are responsible for your charges."

Such a moving Hadith.

 

O Allah, make us all responsible shepherds. Ameen.

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

Ya Rabb

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Ya Rabb Al Qaadir,

You commanded

WRITE,

and the Pen wrote

until it became dry.

Etched in Al Lauh al Mahfooz

Is the infinitesimal;

a black ant

on a black rock

in the blackest of nights.

Decreed. Seen. Heard,

by You.

Ya Rabb Al Khabir.

The enormously monumental;

One colossal sun flare

from two million every five minutes

combusting like ten million hydrogen bombs,

and capable of blasting a satellite

93 millions miles away!

Decreed. Seen. Heard,

by You.

Ya Rabb Al Qadeer.

The Pen wrote.

The Ink dried.

Poverty,war,humiliation,murder,destruction,oppression,injustice,

disasters,insincerity,betrayal,anger,hurt,pain,retaliation,hate,death,

decay,disease,denial,rebellion,arrogance,ignorance,tyranny,hypocrisy.

Stones, arrows, bombs, bullets, missiles, fly.

Agitated tongues

Debate

Justify

Argue

Criticize

Slander

Scream and yell

Obcenities.

Decreed. Seen. Heard,

by You.

Ya Rabb Al Khaafid.

Astaghfirullah.

 

Allah, the Omnipotent.

His decrees engraved and chronicled.

The Pen Wrote.

His decrees enforced by His decisions.

His judgements decree the fate,

Every fate is governed by an appointed time.

Every appointed time is pre determined.

Furthermore,

Allah obliterates or preserves whatever He likes.

Al Lauh Al Mahfooz is His alone.

The Pen wrote.

The Ink is dry.

 

Ya Rabb Ar Rahman.

Horrors shake the heedless.

Shake us.

Violently shake us.

Turn us upside down,

inside out, 

Until the Abaser becomes the Exalter,

The Crusher becomes the Gentle Subtle One.

Opposites within each other. 

Make our striving to You facilitating

The hearts to see the fine delicate mist of

Quietude

Within the worldly turbulence of chaos.

Let us see the Hand that lowers

Become the Hand that Raises.

Immerse us in the shining glare of

faith, sincerity, justice, compassion, generosity, wisdom, truth, peace, harmony.

Where jubilant tongues

constantly praise,

in the knowledge that

You created us for Yourself.

Decreed. Seen. Heard.

By You. 

Ya Rabb Al Muqtadir,

Alhumdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen.

The Pen wrote

The Ink dried.

 

 

O Allah, Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the great Throne, our Lord and the Lord of all things. I seek forgiveness from You from my sins and I seek Your mercy.  

O Allah, I invoke Your perfect words, from which no person, good or bad, can escape, for protection against any evil that may descend from the sky, or ascends up to it; and any evil that is scattered on the earth or springs from it, and from the mischief of every calamity befalling upon the Ummah of Your Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

O Allah, be a Caretaker for me against the mischief of all Your creation, whose control is in Your Hands. Your protection is indeed strong and Your Name is full of blessings.

O Allah, You are the First and nothing precedes You, and You are the Last and nothing will remain after You, You are the Obvious and nothing is above You, You are the Latent and nothing is beyond You.

O Allah, You are mightier than Your entire creation, You are mightier than what I fear. Your praise is high; the one who seeks protection in You, always remains honoured.

O Allah, I seek protection from severe trials, unfortunate disasters, undue feeling of frustration over Your Decrees, over the mischief of things which I do, and the things which I do not do. I seek your protection from the mischief of the things I know, and the things which I do not know.

O Allah, I seek Your protection from my being deprived of Your Grace and peace, and all circumstances which are likely to provoke Your wrath.

O Allah, I seek Your protection from oppressing others or being oppressed by others.

O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mikaeel, Israfeel and Lord of Ibrahim, Ismail and Ishaaq, grant me safety and do not let anyone of Your creation whom I cannot fight have the better of me.

O Allah, unite out hearts and set aright our mutual affairs, guide us to the path of peace, liberate us from the darkness by Your Light, save us from obscene practices whether hidden or open, bless us in our ears, eyes, hearts, spouses and children and accept our repentance; verily You are Oft-returning, Merciful; and grant us that we may be grateful to You and full of praise for You and Your bounty and that we may welcome it and be pleased to fulfill Your bounty for us.

O Allah, I beg of You all good things which had been asked for by Your Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and seek Your protection from all things which Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had asked protection from You.

O Allah, through the intermediary of that right which Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam enjoys by You, remove from the creation all calamities which has befallen them. And do not set over them such a person who has no mercy for them. Because at present such a calamity has befallen on them that none except You are able to remove it.

O Allah, remove our difficulties, O Most Benevolent, O Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

Ameen Ameen Ameen.

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

Umar ibn al Khattab

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Stellar Sahabah, Umar ibn Khattab RadhiAllahu anhu.

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was a true ascetic. He withheld and limited his reliance on the transient comforts. He preferred hardships over convenience, and uncompromisingly sought the everlasting solace of the Hereafter. His words of wisdom are a truthful mirror of a true believer who has submitted and dedicated his body, mind and soul to the privilege of serving his Lord. When Umar RadhiAllahu anhu embraced Islam, the spirit of the believers was uplifted, and he brought about a new clarity and determination to defend the divine revealed message of Allah Ta’ala. From that day on the perfidy of the unbelievers was heavily shaken, the weight of their numbers no longer influenced the balance of power, and their ignoble plots were openly challenged. May this legacy live on in the hearts of the entire Ummah. May we regain such strength as personified in this Wise Caliph, as to shake all oppressors. May his actions that once filled the Madinah air with such noble and honourable qualities, influence our contemporary lives, giving truth and justice the same impact they had through Umar RadhiAllahu anhu and his contribution to the glory of Islam.

The Prophet said SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, “None of you believes until he loves me more than he loves his children, his parents, and all people.” He also said: “None of you believes until he loves me more than he loves himself.”

One day Omar RadhiAllahu anhu went for a walk with the Prophet of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam took Omar’s hand, and Omar RadhiAllahu anhu said, “By Allah, I love you O Prophet of Allah”.  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than your children, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than your family, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than your money, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than yourself, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “No, O Prophet of Allah.”  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, “O Omar, your faith will never be complete until you love me more than yourself.”

So Omar RadhiAllahu anhu went away and stayed alone for a while, then he came back and stood in the middle of the mosque saying loudly, “O Prophet of Allah, now I love you more than myself.”  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then replied, “Now, O Omar.  Now, O Omar.” (Meaning that now Omar’s faith is complete.)  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu was later asked how he could make himself love the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam more than himself in such a short time.  He replied, “I went out and asked myself whom I needed more, myself or the Prophet of Allah?  I found that I needed the Prophet more.  I will not intercede for myself on the Day of Judgment, but the Prophet of Allah will.  My deeds will not place me in the highest of levels, but my love for the Prophet will.  I did not take myself from the darkness to light, but the Prophet of Allah did.  Hence, the love of the Prophet fell in my heart more than my love for myself.” SubhanAllah.

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu one night went in disguise with his companion Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu to check the condition of the people on the outskirts of Madinah. They strolled from one quarter to another. At last they came to a tribe where very poor people lived. While passing by a small hut, the Caliph overheard voices from inside. A mother was telling her daughter that the amount fetched by her that day on account of the sale of milk was very little. She told her that when she was young, and used to sell milk, she always mixed water with milk, and that led to considerable profit. She advised her daughter to do the same.
The girl said, “You diluted milk, when you were not a Muslim. Now that we are Muslims, we cannot dilute milk.” The mother said that Islam did not stand in  the way of her diluting the milk. The daughter said, “Have you forgotten the Caliph’s order? He wants that the milk should not be diluted” The mother said, “But the Caliph has forgotten us. We’re so poor, what else should we do but dilute milk in order to survive?” The daughter said “Such living would not be lawful, and as a Muslim I would not do anything which is against the orders of the Caliph, and whereby other Muslims are deceived.”
The mother said, “But there is neither the Caliph nor any of his officers here to see what we do. Daughter you are still a child. Go to bed now and tomorrow I will myself mix the milk with water for you.”
The girl refused to fall in with the plan of her mother. She said, “The Caliph may or may not be here, but his order is order, and it must be obeyed. My conscience is my Caliph. You may escape the notice of the Caliph and his officers, but how can we escape the notice of Allah and our own conscience?” Thereupon the mother remained quiet. The lamp was extinguished and the mother and the daughter went to sleep.
The next day, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu sent a man to purchase milk from the girl. The milk was undiluted. The girl had kept her resolve. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu turned to Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu and said, “The girl has kept her resolve in spite of the demands of her mother. She deserves a reward. What reward should I give her?”
“She should be paid some money” said Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu. Umar said, “Such a girl would become a great mother. Her integrity is not to be weighed with a few coins; it is to be measured in the scale of national values. I shall offer her the highest award in my gift, and which shall also be in the highest interest of the nation.”
The Caliph summoned the daughter and the mother to his court. The mother trembled as she stood before the mighty ruler. But the girl faced Umar RadhiAllahu anhu with a calm repose. She was beautiful, and there was an impressive dignity about her.
Then before the gathering, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu related how he had overheard the mother and the daughter, and how in spite of the pleads of the mother the daughter had kept he resolve.
Someone suggested that the mother should be taken to task. The Caliph said that ordinarily he would have punished the mother, but he had forgiven her for the sake of her daughter. Turning to the girl Umar RadhiAllahu anhu said, “Islam needs daughters like you, and as a Caliph of Islam I wish to reward you by owning you as a daughter”.
The Caliph called his sons, and addressing them said “Here is a gem of a girl who would make a great mother. I desire that one of you should take this girl as wife. I know of no better bride than this girl of sterling character. In matters of wedlock, it should be the character, and not the stature in life that should count.”
Abdullah and Abdur Rahman RadhiAllahu anhuma the elder sons of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu were already married. Asim RadhiAllahu anhu the third son was unmarried, so he offered to marry the girl. Thereupon with the consent of the milkmaid and her mother Asim RadhiAllahu anhu was married to the girl, and the milkmaid became the daughter-in-law of the Caliph.
From this union was born a daughter Umm Asim, who became in due course the mother of Umar bin Abdul Aziz, who later became a Caliph.
While other Caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty lived in luxury, Umar bin Abdul Aziz upheld standards of austerity and simplicity following in the footsteps of Umar the second Caliph of Islam. It is said that if ever there was a noble Caliph after the ‘Rightly Guided Caliphs’, such a man was Umar bin Abdul Aziz. He inherited the noble qualities of the milkmaid who married the Caliph’s son, and those of Umar Farooq RadhiAllahu anhu who had the eye to discern the noble and honest qualities in a poor girl.

Another incident when Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was anonymously traveling around the environs of Madinah, dressed in his usual old and tattered clothes he came upon a young shepherd tending his flock. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu requested that he milk one of the sheep so he could satisfy his thirst. He offered the young boy money for the milk.
The shepherd said he would willingly give him a drink, but the sheep were not his, they were entrusted to him by the owner and he did not have the owner’s permission to offer any milk to any body.
Umar RadhiAllahu anhu being the wise guardian of his people took the opportunity to test this young boy suggesting that he sell him one of the sheep so he could milk it and then slaughter it later if necessary, while the shepherd profits from the money Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was prepared to pay him. He offered the shepherd an explanation for the missing sheep suggesting he tell the owner that a wolf had eaten one of the flock, that nobody would know the truth. The young shepherd exclaimed, “What about Allah?” Such love and fear and strength of Yaqeen!

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu once was wearing a new shirt, which he considered had sleeves that were too long. He called upon his son Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu to trim the sleeves with a blade, instructing him to place his forefingers across the edge of his knuckles, cutting the excess length. Ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu cut the sleeves accordingly, but remarked that it looked untidy with the fabric unraveling. He offered to hem the sleeves, but Umar RadhiAllahu anhu insisted they remain like that as he had seen Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam wear sleeves like that. Abdullah ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu reported that his father RadhiAllahu anhu kept on wearing that shirt, even though threads dangled from the sleeves and the hem.

Many narrations tell that Umar’s RadhiAllahu anhu dress had as many as twelve patches on it, with some of the patches sewn on the top of others!

Hafsa RadhiAllahu anha, his daughter, and one of the blessed wives of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam one day said to him, “O Commander of the Faithful, There is no harm if you wear a better dress than this, and eat more wholesome food, because Allah Ta’ala has provided you amply.” He replied, “Don’t you remember what Allah’s Messenger and Abu Bakr used to suffer?” he started to mention them until she wept. He continued, “By Allah, if I can share with them some of the hardships in the world, perhaps I could share with them some of their comfort in the Hereafter.”

Salim ibn Abdullah narrated that Umar RadhiAllahu anhu said, “By Allah, we do not care much for the pleasures of this world. We ask for the most inferior of goats to be prepared for food when we are hungry, and we ask for wheat husk and oats’ pith to be grounded for our bread, and we prefer raisins for our vinegar. We want to save our pleasures and comfort for the Hereafter, for we have heard Allah Almighty say:

You have wallowed in your satisfaction during your life in the world and sought comfort therein. (46:20)

Another time, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was walking along with some of the Companions RadhiAllahu anhum when they passed a rubbish dump. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu stood there for a moment pondering, which disturbed the Companions RadhiAllahu anhum. When he noticed that they were offended by the stench, he commented, “This is the world you care so much about to hoard, and this is the outcome of what you trust the most and rely upon your needs!”

During the drought year, Hijrah 18, known as the “Year of the Ashes” Umar RadhiAllahu anhu vowed not to eat meat, butter and other delicious meals until the calamity lifted. Once when he was extremely hungry, and his stomach was rumbling he was seen to tap on his stomach with his finger saying, “It does not matter if you rumble or not. You will only receive oil when life returns to normal.”

One day he saw a fat camel for sale in the market. Upon inquiry he was told that it belonged to Abdullah, his son. So he went to him and asked how the camel became so fat. Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu explained that after he originally purchased it was so thin so he put it in the government grazing ground where it became healthy, so he thought he would sell it for a good profit. Umar reprimanded him saying that seeing it became fat while in the governments ground that he could only retain a very small amount of the money from the sale and the bulk of it was to be deposited in the Baitul Maal!

Another story relays that once a supply of ambergris and musk reached Madinah from Bahrain, and he needed to find someone who knew how to weigh and measure the scents into containers. Atika bint Zaid RadhiAllahu anha, his wife offered to do that. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu told her, “I would not ask you to do this job because while performing this work if some scent sticks to your hands, I am afraid that some may rub onto your clothing, meaning I may be receiving more than my share than others in the community.”

Some of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu ’s words of piety and wisdom;

“Patience is the healthiest ingredient of our life.”

“You must know that greed means poverty, despair means wealth. When a man gives up hope in having something, he means that he no longer needs it, and hence, abundance connotes absence of need.”

“My heart was mellowed in Allah to the degree that it became softer than butter, and it was steeled in Allah to the degree that it became harder than rock.”

“I would have loved to have already met my Lord had it not been for three blessings in this world. That is: One, to prostrate my forehead on the ground before Him. Two, to sit in gatherings that favour the good word, which is like opting for the better dates on a platter and three, for the opportunity to fight in His cause, to proclaim His Word, and to establish His religion on earth.”

“Wintertime is an auspicious time for worshippers.”

“Weigh your actions before they are weighed, and reckon yourselves before you are reckoned, this will make it easier for you tomorrow. Adorn yourselves for the grand exhibition:

On the day, you will be displayed for judgement, and all your secrets will be brought to light. (69:18)”

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu knew of his martyrdom, as he was foretold by Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He was once heard to say in prostration, “Lord, Thy will be done, I pray that Thou will not let my murder be at the hands of a servant who prostrated himself even once before Thee, so that his prostration will not be in his favour on the Day of Judgement.” He died from the wound he suffered from a poisonous dagger of a traitorous Magian.

Peace be on you, Amir of the believers, Umar ibn Khattab, whom the Messenger of Allah said about him, “He is the lamp of the People in Paradise,” and “Never the sun rises onto anyone better than Umar.”
Peace be on you, who administered justice, and said what was right. Peace be on you, who was the father of the weak and destitute, the widows and orphans. We beseech Allah Ta’ala to bestow on to you, the best reward for what you have done for the nation of the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.