LETTERS OF THE COMPANIONS: ZIYAD, SON OF HARITH SUDA’E BUJAYR, SON OF ZUHAIR KHALID, SON OF WALEED PREACHING OF THE COMPANIONS: KA’B, SON OF UMAIR GHIFARI THE SON OF ABIL AWJA PREACHING DURING THE TIME OF ABU BAKR BEFORE A BATTLE KA’B , SON OF UMAIR GHIFARI THE SON OF ABIL AWAJAA KHALID, SON OF WALEED Hayatus Sahabah by Muhadith Kandahlawi (Kandhelvi) Rendered into current English by Khadeijah Abdullah Darwish (Anne Stephens) Free give away Acquired from Amazon’s Kindle Not for sale or resale by any third party ©2013 - www.Muhammad.com LETTERS OF THE COMPANIONS ZIYAD, SON OF HARITH SUDA’EE Ziyad, son of Harith Suda’ee narrates that he met the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, accepted and pledged allegiance to Islam at his hand. When he heard that the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, had dispatched an army against his people. He said, “O Messenger of Allah, call the army back, I take the responsibility of ensuring that my people accept Islam and remain obedient.” The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, told him to go and call the army back but he was unable to do so because his camel was too slow, so the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, sent someone else who called the army back. Ziyad wrote a letter to his people and they responded by sending a delegation to inform the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, that they had accepted Islam. The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said to Ziyad, “My dear Suda’ee brother, it appears that your people really obey you!” Ziyad replied, “O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, it was Allah who guided them to Islam.” The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, asked, “Can I appoint you as their leader?” Ziyad accepted, and the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, wrote a letter to confirm his appointment. Ziyad then asked the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, to reserve a share of the obligatory charity (zakat) for them, and he agreed and so he wrote another letter telling them the news. Ziyad continues to relate that all this occurred during one of the Messenger of Allah’s journeys and that when he camped at a certain place people came to him complaining about the person who had been appointed to collect the obligatory charity (zakat). They told the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, that because there had been friction between their tribe and his during the Time of Ignorance he was being harsh with them. The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, “Is he really doing this?” And they affirmed it was so. The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, turned to the Companions amongst whom was Ziyad and said, “There is no good for a believer in being appointed as a leader.” Ziyad said that this statement lingered in his heart. Later on another person came to the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, to ask for something. The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said, “A person who begs from people despite possessing sufficient wealth, his begging will earn nothing besides a headache and stomach disease. The individual then asked to be given from the zakat, honey. The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said, “Allah does not sanction the command of a prophet or anyone else regarding the distribution of the obligatory charity (zakat) but He issues the command Himself. Allah has distributed the zakat into eight parts, so if you are among the eight I will give you.” Ziyad said that it then occurred to him that he had asked for zakat even though he had sufficient wealth. The hadith continues to a point where Ziyad says that after the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, had completed the prayer, he approached him with the two letters saying, “O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, absolve me from these two.” The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, asked, “What is the matter?” He replied, “O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, I heard you say that there is no good for a believer in being appointed as a leader and I am a believer who believes in Allah and His Messenger. I also heard you say to the beggar that the person who begs from people despite possessing sufficient wealth, his begging will earn him nothing except a headache and stomach disease. I had asked from you despite having sufficient wealth.” The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said, “That being as it is, you still have the option to either accept it or leave it.” Ziyad replied, “I would rather leave it.” The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said to him, “Show me someone whom I may appoint as your leader.” Ziyad pointed out one of the men who had come with the delegation and the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, appointed him as their leader. THE LETTER OF BUJAYR, SON OF ZUHAIR, SON OF ABI SULMA TO HIS BROTHER KA’B Abdur Rahman, son of Ka’b narrates that Bujayr and Ka’b, the two sons of Zuhair were on a journey. When they reached the spring of Abraqal Azaf, Bujayr said to Ka’b, “Stay here with the animals, I am going to see that person (referring to the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him) and hear what he has to say.” Ka’b stayed behind and Bujayr left to meet the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him. (When Bujayr reached the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, he asked him about Islam and) the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, enlightened him and Bujayr accepted. When Ka’b found about his brother’s conversion he composed a poem: "Will you not convey this message to Bujayr Woe be to another (Abu Bakr) what has he led you to? He has led you to a way in which you will not find your parents neither will you find your brother. Abu Bakr has made you drink from a terrible cup, the slave has made you drink from it time and time again.” When the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, heard of this poem, he said, “Whosoever finds Ka’b should kill him!” Bujayr wrote to Ka’b telling him about the Messenger of Allah’s order. In the letter he also wrote, “Save yourself! However, I do not think you will be able to escape.” Bujayr sent Ka’b another letter that told him that the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, accepts the word of anyone who comes to him and bears witness that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. He advised him to accept Islam and to go to him as soon as the letter reached him. Ka’b accepted Islam and composed a poem in praise of the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, and went to Medina. He settled his mount at the door of the Mosque and entered where he found the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, sitting surrounded by his Companions, just as a tablecloth is placed at the center with people sitting around it. The Companions had grouped around the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, forming several circles. At times, he turned towards one section while addressing them and at other times he turned towards another section. Ka’b said, “I made my mount sit down at the door of the Mosque and recognized the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, by his description. I took a few steps forward and sat by him and declared that I had accepted Islam saying, “I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah. O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, I seek amnesty!” The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, asked, “Who are you?” and he replied, “I am Ka’b, son of Zuhair.” The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said, “Was it you who said ……….” He then turned to Abu Bakr and asked, “What was it that he said, Abu Bakr?” Abu Bakr recited the poem ‘Abu Bakr has made you drink from a terrible cup, the slave has made you drink from it time and time again. Ka’b interjected and said, ‘I did not say it like this, O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him. ”Then how did you say it?” asked the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him. Ka’b altered the verse and said, “I said: ‘Abu Bakr has made you drink from a quenching cup. That trustworthy man has made you drink from it time and time again.’ The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said, “By Allah, he is indeed a trustworthy man.” Moses, son of Aqba said that Ka’b, son of Zuhair recited his poem “Banat Su’ad” to the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, in the Mosque of Medina until he reached the verses: ‘Without doubt, the Messenger of Allah’s sword from which light is derived and a drawn rapier from amongst the words of Maa. He was with some youths of the Koraysh who accepted Islam when one of the said (to the unbelievers ‘ move out of the way!’ At that point the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, gestured to the Companions with his sleeve for them to listen attentively. The narrator said that Bujayr had written to his brother Ka’b to warn him, and to invite him to accept Islam. He also wrote a few verses in the letter to read: 'Who will convey the message to Ka'b? Is he inclined towards that which he wronged and criticized whereas it is most resolute. Come to the One AlIaah and not towards Uzza nor Laat Then you will attain salvation if you do this and will remain safe You will then attain salvation on the Day when none shall escape from the Fire except the pure-hearted Muslim The religion of (our father) Zuhair is nothing but falsehood and the religion of (our grandfather) Abu Sulma is forbidden to me" THE LETTER OF KHALID, SON OF WALEED TO THE PERSIANS Abu Waa’il narrates that Khalid, son of Waleed wrote the following letter to the Persians inviting them to Islam: ‘In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful From Khalid, son of Waleed To Rustay, Mahran and the Persian leadership. Peace be upon those who follow the guidance. We invite you to accept Islam, should you refuse, you may pay the head tax as subjects. If you refuse even this, then I have people with me who love to be killed while fighting in the Path of Allah more than you Persians love wine. Peace be on those who follow the guidance. THE LETTER OF KHALID, SON OF WALEED TO THE PEOPLE OF MADA’IN Sha’bi narrates that a man from the tribe of Banu Buqayla read to him the letter that Khalid, son of Waleed wrote to the people of Mada’in: “From Khalid, son of Waleed To the Persian leadership In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful Peace be upon those who follow the guidance. All praise belongs to Allah who has fragmented your unity, taken away your kingdom and weakened your plans. Take note that whosoever offers our prayer, faces our direction of prayer (Qibla) and eats what we slaughter (in the Name of Allah), he is a Muslim who will enjoy the privileges we have and also bear the responsibilities we bear. After this, I wish to add that when this letter reaches you, you should send securities to me (to ratify our peace agreement) and you may rest assured that I shall give you protection. If it is otherwise, I swear by the Being besides whom there is no other deity that I shall dispatch against you people who love death as you love life.” When the Persians in Mada’in read this letter, they were taken aback. This letter was sent in the year 12 A.H LETTER OF KHALID, SON OF WALEED TO HURMUZ Imam Sha’bi says that Khalid, son of Waleed wrote a letter to Hurmuz before he left with Uzadhiba, the father of Ziyadhiba from Yamamah and at that time Hurmuz was in charge of defending the boarders of Persia. The letter read: From Khalid, son of Waleed To Hurmuz “In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful Accept Islam and you will remain safe, if you chose not to do so, you may subject yourself and your people to our protection in payment of the head tax (jizya). If you do not, you have none but yourself to blame and I shall march with people who love death as much as you people love life.” In another narration it says that when Khalid, son of Waleed conquered one of the two regions of Iraq’s fertile plains, he summoned a person from the people of Hira and sent him with a letter to the Persians who were scattered in different groups in Mada’in and were supportive of each other after the death of (their leader) Ardsher. Upon Ardsher’s death they appointed Bahman Jadhway to be their leader stationed in a place called Budharseer from where he commanded the army’s front line. With Bahman Jadhway was Uzadhiba and several other generals. Khalid, son of Waleed called another person from Saloba and sent two letters with two envoys. One letter was addressed to the high commander, whereas the other was addressed to the subordinate commanders. One of the envoys was from Hira, while the other was a Nabti (from the non-Arab settlers of Iraq). When Khalid asked the envoy from Hira what his name was, the man replied that it was Murra (meaning bitter). Khalid said to him, “Take this letter to the Persians, perhaps Allah will make their lives bitter or they will accept Islam and turn to Allah in repentance.” Khalid then asked the Nabti envoy what his name was and the man replied that it was Hizqel (meaning to destroy). Khalid told him to deliver the letter then supplicated, “O Allah, destroy them.” The son of Jarir says that the letters read: “In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful From Khalid, son of Waleed To the Persian royal family All praise belongs to Allah, who has thrown your establishment into disarray, who has weakened your plans and fragmented your unity. It would have been worse for you if He had not done this. Enter our Religion and we shall leave you and your land, and pass by you and proceed to other people. If you do not do so you will still be subject to our authority and forced to suffer defeat at the hands of people who love death as you love life.’ “In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful From Khalid, son of Waleed To the Persian leaders Accept Islam and you may live in peace, should you refuse, you may pay the head tax (Jizya) as subjects. If you refuse even this, then I will march to you with people who love death more than you people love to drink wine.” THE PREACHING OF KA’B, SON OF UMAIR GHIFARI Zuhri narrates that the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, sent Ka’b, son of Umair Ghifari with a group of fifteen men to Dhat Itlaa a town in Al Shams. At Dhat Itlaa they encountered a very large concentration of people whom they invited to Islam. The people refused and started firing arrows at them. Upon the people’s aggression, the Companions started to fight them fiercely, but all were martyred except one man who was left wounded among the dead. When night fell, he managed to make his way to the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him. The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, was on the verge of sending a battalion after them when news arrived that the people had moved to another place. THE PREACHING OF THE SON OF ABIL AWJAA SULAMI Imam Zuhri narrates that it was in the month of Dhul Hijrah 7 A.H that the Messenger of Allah praise and peace be upon him, returned from performing the postponed Lesser Pilgrimage (Umrah). He then sent the son of Abil Awjaa Sulami on a military expedition with fifty cavalry. However, an enemy spy had forewarned his people and upon receiving the information they prepared a very large army. When the son of Abil Awjaa arrived, the people were already prepared (to fight). Upon seeing them Abil Awjaa invited them to accept Islam, but they started firing arrows at him without even listening. They said, “We have no need for what you are calling us to” and continued to fire arrows for a long time and their reinforcements started to arrive and surround the Companions for all sides. The Companions fought very fiercely until most of them lay martyred. The son of Abil Awjaa was seriously wounded but managed to get back to Medina together with the remaining survivors. They returned on the 1st of Safar, 8 A.H. THE PREACHING OF THE COMPANIONS ON THE BATTLEFIELD DURING THE CALIPHATE OF ABU BAKR THE INSTRUCTION OF ABU BAKR TO HIS COMMANDERS WHO WERE DISPATCHED TO AL SHAMS Sa’eed, son of Musayyab narrates that when Abu Bakr sent armies to Al Shams (conglomerate of several countries known to us today as Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Iraq under the protectorate of Rome, and extended far beyond the Syria we know today), he appointed Yazid, son of Abi Sufyan, Amr, son of Al ‘As and Shurahbel, son of Hasana as commanders. When they were mounted, Abu Bakr walked with them up to Thaniyatul Wada to see them off. The commanders said, “O Caliph of the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, you are walking while we ride!” Abu Bakr replied, “I am taking these steps with the intention of being reward for taking them in the Path of Allah.” Then he advised them saying, “I advise you to be always conscious of Allah. Wage war in the Path of Allah and fight all who reject Allah. Indeed, Allah will assist His Religion. Do not steal from the spoils of war, do not deceive, do not act cowardly, do not spread corruption on the earth and do not disobey your orders. If Allah decrees that you meet the unbelieving enemy invite them to accept one of three options. If they accept any of the options, acknowledge it and refrain from harming them, (first) invite them to accept Islam, if they accept, acknowledge it and refrain from harming them. Thereafter (if they accept Islam) invite them to move from their homes to the home of the Muhajireen (migrants). If they are prepared to do this inform them that they will enjoy the privileges that the Muhajiren enjoy and will be called upon to bear the same responsibilities they bear. If after accepting Islam they prefer their own homes to that of the Muhajiren, inform them that they will assume the status of Muslims in the outlying areas. The injunctions that Allah has enjoined for all Muslims also apply to them, but they will receive no share of the spoils of war unless they participate in the battle. (Secondly) if they refuse to accept Islam then invite them to pay the head tax (Jizya). If they accept, acknowledge it and refrain from harming them. If they refuse entreat Allah for help and fight them if this is what Allah has decreed. (When you are fighting) You should never chop down or burn any date palms, nor destroy any animals or fruit bearing trees. Do not destroy any place of worship or kill their children, elderly people or women. You will also find people who have secluded themselves in monasteries. Leave them to that which they have secluded themselves. You will also find people who have made nests for satan on their head. When Allah decrees that you find these people, cut off their heads.” THE INSTRUCTION OF ABU BAKR TO KHALID, SON OF WALEED WHO WAS SENT TO FIGHT APOSTATES Urwa narrates that when Abu Bakr sent Khalid, son of Waleed to fight against some Arabs who had forsaken Islam and had apostatized, he instructed him to invite them back to Islam and to explain to them their privileges and responsibilities. Abu Bakr eagerly desired that they received guidance so he instructed Khalid that he should acknowledge their acceptance whether they were white or black saying that the only people to fight against were those who chose to disbelieve in Allah. Once a person accepts Islam and displays sincere belief, there is no harm in him because Allah will be his judge. The only people to be fought against are those who apostatized because they chose not to accept Islam. THE PREACHING OF KHALID, SON OF WALEED TO THE PEOPLE OF HIRA Salih, son of Kaysan narrates that when Khalid, son of Waleed arrived in Hira, the nobles of Hira accompanied by Qabesa, son of Ayas, son of Hayya Ta’e to meet him. Qabesa had been appointed as governor of Hira by Caesar after Nu’man, son of Mundhir. Addressing Qabesa and the others, Khalid, son of Waleed said, “I invite you to Allah and and to Islam. If you accept, you will be part of the Muslim nation and will enjoy the privileges Muslims enjoy and will bear the same responsibilities. If you refuse, you will have to pay the head tax (Jizya). If you refuse even this, then bear in mind that I have come with people who are greedier for death than you are for life. We will fight you until Allah decides the matter between us.” Qabesa replied, “We have no need to fight you, we will remain as adherents to our religion and pay you the Jizya. Khalid, son of Waleed then entered into an agrement with them to pay seventy thousand dirhams. Another narration states that Khalid, son of Waleed said to them, “I invite you to Islam and to bear witness that there is no god except the One, Allah and that Muhammad, is the worshiper and Messenger of Allah. I call you to establish the prayer, pay the obligatory charity and to accept all the injunctions binding on the Muslims. In exchange you will enjoy the privileges Muslims enjoy and will bear the same responsibilities that Muslims do.” Hani asked, “If we do not accept this, then what?” Khalid replied, “If you do not accept this you will have to pay the head tax (jizya).” “And if we refuse to do this?” asked Hanni. “Then,” replied Khalid, “if you refuse even this, our people will crush you underfoot and death to these people is more beloved than life is to you.” Hani requested, “Allow us to think over the matter tonight.” Khalid agreed. The next morning Hani returned to Khlaid and said, “We have decided to accept the head tax. Let us now enter into and agreement.” Another narration adds that when the two armies faced each other before the Battle of Yarmok, Abu Ubaydah, son of Jarah and Yazid, son of Abi Sufyan together with Dirar, Son of Azor, Harith, son of Hisam and Abu Jandal, son of Suhayl stepped forward and announced, “We want to meet your leader.” When they were permitted to meet Tadharuk it was agreed to enter into a treaty and after having invited him to Islam the Companions returned. However, the treaty did not materialize (and the battle was fought). A ROMAN COMMANDER’S ACCEPTANCE OF KHALID’S INVITATION TO ISLAM Waqidi reports that during the Battle of Yarmok, Jarja, a high ranking Roman commander came forward and asked to meet Khalid, son of Waleed. Khalid rode out to met him and they drew so close to one another that the necks of their horses met. Jarja said, “O Khalid, I want you to tell me something, so speak truthfully and do no lie because a free man does not lie, and do not deceive me either because a respectable person never deceives someone who trusts him. Has Allah given your Prophet a sword from the heavens which he has given to you by virtue of which you defeat anyone against whom you draw it?” Khalid replied, “No.” Jarja then asked, “Then why are you called the sword of Allah?” Khalid replied, “Allah sent His Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, amongst us who preached to us, however at first we expressed resentment and kept our distances from him. I myself called him a liar and ostracized. Thereafter, Allah seized our hearts and forelocks and guided us through him and we pledged allegiance to him. The time came when he told me, “You are a sword from the swords of Allah whom Allah has drawn against the unbelievers”, then he supplicated to Allah to assist me. That is why I am called the Sword of Allah. Consequently, I am among the sternest of Muslims against the unbelievers.” Jarja asked, “O Khalid, what do you call us to?” Khalid replied, “We call people to bear witness that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the worshipper and Messenger of Allah. We also call to the acceptance of everything the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, has brought from Allah.” Jarja then inquired, “What about those who do not accept this?” Khalid replied, “They have to pay a head tax (Jizya) and in return we will protect them.” Jarja asked again, “What if they do not pay it?” Khalid answered, “Then we declare war against them and fight.” Jarja asked, “What is the status of a person who accepts what you say and enters the fold of your Religion?” Khalid replied, ‘We all share the same status with respect to the injunctions that Allah has made binding on us, regardless of whether we have a high social standing or not, and regardless of whether we accepted Islam at its beginning or later.” Jarja asked, “How can a person be rated equal to you when you accepted Islam before him?” Khalid replied, “We had no option but to accept Islam because our allegiance was pledged while our Prophet was alive and in our midst. The Revelation came from the heavens to him and he would recite the Koran to us and show us miracles. For those who witnessed what he saw and heard, there was no option but to accept Islam and to pledge allegiance to him. As for you people, you have neither witnessed these miraculous events or signs (of his prophethood) that we saw and heard. Therefore, whosoever enters this Religion in sincerity will be better than us.” Jarja said, “I swear by Allah that you have been honest with me and neither did you deceive me”. Khalid confirmed, “By Allah, I have indeed spoken the truth and Allah is witness to the fact that I have responded to your questions to the best of my ability.” Upon this Jarja turned his shield around (an indication that he did not intend to fight) and turned to Khalid and asked, “Teach me about Islam.” Khalid took him to his tent (where he embraced Islam and) poured water from a water-skin over him and led him in two units of prayer. Meanwhile, when Jarja had not returned the Romans thought the Muslims were plotting something and launched an attack against them that caught the Muslims by surprise. Every Muslim regiment was rooted from their position beside the Muhamiya regiment led by Ikrima, son of Abi Jahl and Harith, son of Hisham. The Romans had already penetrated the Muslim camp when Khalid mounted his horse with Jarja following closely behind. The Muslims called to each other and managed to regain their foothold and the Romans were forced to return to their base. Khalid gradually advanced the Muslim army until they fought with their enemy. Khalid and Jarja fought against the Romans from noon until the sun was about to set. (The fighting was so fierce that) the Muslims prayed the Zuhra and Asr prayers with indications. Jarja was mortally wounded in the battle (and passed away the same day). The only full prayer he offered was the one he offered with Khalid – may Allah shower His Mercy upon him. In another narration it states that Khalid, son of Waleed delivered a speech to the Muslims and encouraged them to go to non-Arab countries and leave the land of the Arabs. He also told them, “You have not seen the different kinds of food they have, by Allah, even if Jihad in the Path of Allah and calling people to Islam were not obligatory to us, and all we needed to do was to earn a living, I would still propose that we fight these fertile lands to gain control over it. We would then hand over hunger and hard living conditions to those who are weighed down (at home) and did not fight as you do.” May Allah be pleased with all the Companions.