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The Du‘aa of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
Written by user2Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). He was initially a slave, but Hazrat Ummu Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) purchased him and set him free.
Sa’eed bin Jumhaan reports that Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said:
I was the slave of Hazrat Ummu Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). One day, she addressed me saying, “I set you free on the condition that you remain in the service of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) so long as you live.” I responded saying, “Even if you did not stipulate this as a condition, I will never leave the side of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) so long as I am alive.” Hazrat Ummu Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) thereafter granted me my freedom. (Sunan Abu Dawood #3932)
“Safeenah” in Arabic means “ship”. This was not the name of this Sahaabi, rather his name was Mahraan. Allaamah Nawawi (rahimahullah) has mentioned that there are various views regarding his name, but the most famous view of the Muhadditheen is that his name was Mahraan. The name Safeenah was given to this Sahaabi by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). (Sharhuz Zurqaani 4/528)
Receiving the Name Safeenah
On one occasion, Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was traveling with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum). During the journey, Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) saw a Sahaabi who was struggling to carry his luggage and equipment. Seeing him in difficulty, Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately offered to assist him carry some of his luggage.
After a little while, Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) saw another Sahaabi who was struggling with his luggage and assisted him as well. In this manner, Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) began assisting many Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to carry their luggage. Some of the Sahaabah gave him their swords, while others gave him their shields, spears or other similar equipment to carry. Eventually, out of his eagerness to be of benefit to others and assist them, Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was carrying a large amount of luggage.
When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saw the large amount of luggage that he was carrying, and the manner in which he was assisting others, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was extremely pleased with him and addressed him saying, “You are Safeenah (the ship that carries a large load).” (Musnad Ahmed #21922 and Musnad Ishaaq 4/163)
In reality, it was only through the blessing of the du‘aa which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) made for him that he was able to carry this large load. In the narration of Musnad Ahmed, it is reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “Spread out your shawl.” He thus spread out his shawl and then placed the luggage he was carrying in his shawl. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then said to him, “Now carry the luggage, for you are Safeenah.””
Through the miracle of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was able to carry the luggage of all the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) without feeling any burden or experiencing any difficulty. He says, “On that day, if I had to carry an entire camel’s load, or even the load of two, three, four, five, six or even seven camels, I would not have found it to be heavy, except that some of the goods would fall (due to the luggage on the top being uneven).” (Musnad Ahmed #21928, Dalaa’il-un-Nubuwwah 6/47 and Mustadrak Haakim #6548)
His Deep Love and Devotion for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)
Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) possessed such deep love and devotion for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that he wished to remain with him until the end of his life. Similarly, he wished that people do not call him by his original name, but call him by the name Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had given him.
It is reported that when any person would ask Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) regarding his original name, he would say, “I do not wish to tell you my original name. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) gave me the name Safeenah, so I do not wish to be called by any other name.” (Usdul Ghaabah 2/503 and Isaabah 3/111)
The Lion Assisting Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
It is reported that on one occasion, Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was traveling with the Muslim army in the land of Rome when he was either taken prisoner or was separated from the army and got lost. Thereafter, he set out in search of the army, and while traveling, he suddenly encountered a lion. On seeing the lion, Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) addressed it and said, “O lion! I am the freed slave of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I was separated from the army and am searching for them!”
The lion then came forward, wagging its tail, until it stood next to Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). As he walked, it accompanied him and began to protect him. Whenever the lion heard a sound, it went towards it (to ensure that it was not some danger or threat). Thereafter, it would return to the side of Hazrat Safeenah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
In this manner, the lion continued to accompany and protect him until he reached the army. On reaching the army, the lion left him and departed. (Musannaf Abd-ur-Razaaq #21468)
The Amazing Scenes Witnessed During the Journey of Mi’raaj – Part One
Written by user2While Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was traveling on the buraaq, he passed by an old woman. The old woman called out to him, but Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) said, “Continue traveling, and do not pay any attention to her.” As they continued, they passed by an old man, and he also called out to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However, Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) once again said, “Continue traveling.”
Hazrat Shaddaad bin Aws (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
While traveling (on the buraaq from Makkah Mukarramah), we passed by a land which contained many date palms. As we came to this land, Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) said to me, “Dismount from the buraaq and perform some nafl salaah here.” I thus dismounted and performed some nafl salaah.
After Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) and Hazrat Meekaa’eel (‘alaihis salaam) washed the blessed heart of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) with Zam-Zam and placed the seal of prophethood between his blessed shoulders, the Buraaq was brought.
The Buraaq is a heavenly animal which is slightly smaller than a mule in size, but slightly bigger than a donkey. It is white in color and moves extremely swiftly. Such is its speed that in a single step, it travels as far as the eye can see.
Allah Ta‘ala says in the Qur’aan Majeed:
سُبۡحٰنَ الَّذِیۡۤ اَسۡرٰی بِعَبۡدِہٖ لَیۡلًا مِّنَ الۡمَسۡجِدِ الۡحَرَامِ اِلَی الۡمَسۡجِدِ الۡاَقۡصَا الَّذِیۡ بٰرَکۡنَا حَوۡلَہٗ لِنُرِیَہٗ مِنۡ اٰیٰتِنَا ؕ اِنَّہٗ ہُوَ السَّمِیۡعُ الۡبَصِیۡرُ ﴿۱﴾
Glory be to He who had taken His (special) servant in (a short portion of) the night from Masjid-ul-Haraam to Masjid-ul-Aqsa whose precincts We had blessed, in order that we may show him some of Our signs (some of which are mentioned in Surah Najm, such as journeying to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, seeing Jannah and Jahannam and other divine phenomena). Certainly, He (Allah Ta‘ala) is All-Hearing, All-Seeing (and He will show the marvels of His power to whomsoever He wishes, and that special servant will behold it due to Allah Ta‘ala showing it to him, and he will hear it due to Allah Ta‘ala allowing him to hear it).” (Surah Israa v. 1)
In the terminology of the Ulama, the journey from Musjid-ul-Haraam to Musjid-ul-Aqsa is known as the Israa, and the journey from Musjid-ul-Aqsa to the Sidrat-ul-Muntaha is known as the Mi’raaj. At times, the entire journey, from the beginning to the end, is referred to collectively as the Israa and Mi’raaj.
After Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) returned from Taa’if, Allah Ta‘ala took him from Musjid-ul-Haraam to Musjid-ul-Aqsa, and from Musjid-ul-Aqsa to the seven heavens. Allah Ta‘ala took Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) on this journey with both his body and soul, in a wakeful state, and this entire journey occurred in a single night. This is referred to as the “Israa and Mi’raaj”.
Insha Allah, the details of the Israa and Mi’raaj will be discussed in the chapter relating to the divine miracles of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
There is a difference of opinion among the Ulama of seerah regarding the date when the Israa and Mi’raaj transpired. From all the various views, the most famous view is that the Israa and Mi’raaj occurred on the twenty-seventh of Rajab.
The Islam of Hazrat Tufail bin ‘Amr (radhiyallahu 'anhu) - Part Four
Written by user2After Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) made du‘aa for the hidaayat (guidance) of the Dows clan, Hazrat Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) continued to invite them to Islam with gentleness, as advised by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Eventually, by the year 7AH, approximately seventy to eighty households of the Dows clan had embraced Islam, and that year, Hazrat Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) brought all of them to Madinah Munawwarah to meet Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
The Islam of Hazrat Tufail bin ‘Amr (radhiyallahu 'anhu) - Part Three
Written by user2After accepting Islam, Hazrat Tufail bin ‘Amr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “O Nabi of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I am the leader and chief of my people. It is my intention that on returning to my people, I will invite them to Islam. Please make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala that He will bless me with a special sign that will help and assist me in inviting them to Islam.”
The Islam of Hazrat Tufail bin ‘Amr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) – Part Two
Written by user2(Continuing the incident of Hazrat Tufail bin ‘Amr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) accepting Islam)
Hazrat Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentions:
Thereafter, I went to the Haram one day, and coincidentally, I saw Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) standing before the Ka’bah, engaged in performing salaah. I then went close to him and stood near him. Though I did not wish to hear the words he was reciting, Allah Ta‘ala wished for me to hear some of His divine speech (i.e. the Qur’aan Majeed), and hence his words involuntarily entered my ears. On listening to them, I found them to be extremely excellent and filled with goodness.
The Islam of Hazrat Tufail bin Amr Dowsi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
Written by user2During the period after Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) returned from Taa’if, Hazrat Tufail bin ‘Amr Dowsi came to Makkah Mukarramah. At this time, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was engaged in inviting people to Islam.
Hazrat Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a person of noble lineage. Furthermore, he was a renowned poet, he was extremely wise and intelligent, and he would show great hospitality towards his guests. He was also an ally of the Quraish.
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On returning from Taa’if, as Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) came close to Makkah Mukarramah, Hazrat Zaid bin Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked him, “How will you enter Makkah when the people of Makkah have exiled you from the city?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “O Zaid! Allah Ta‘ala will definitely bring about some solution from this predicament. Allah Ta‘ala Himself is the Protector and Supporter of His deen, and He will certainly grant His Nabi dominance over all the people.”
On the return journey from Taa’if, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) stopped in a place named Nakhlah and spent a few days there.
During these days, while Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was engaged in performing salaah in the night, a group of seven jinn from Naseebeen passed by. While passing, they stopped, listened to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) reciting the Qur’aan Majeed, and then departed.
The Journey to Taa’if to Propagate Islam – Part Four
Written by user2Hazrat Aa’ishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) reports:
I once asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Did you ever encounter a day that was more difficult than the day of Uhud?”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “All the trials I suffered from your people were severe and difficult. However, the most difficult day that I endured was the day when I presented myself before the son of ‘Abd Yaaleel (at Taa’if). He did not accept my message, and I departed from there in a state of extreme grief and sorrow.
The Journey to Taa’if to Propagate Islam – Part Three
Written by user2‘Utbah bin Rabee‘ah and Shaibah bin Rabee‘ah had hearts that were harder than stone (as they were staunch enemies of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Islam). However, when they saw Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) seated beneath the tree in their orchard, in a state of helplessness and having suffered oppression, then even their hearts became soft, and they were overcome by feelings of kinship to their relative and person of their clan, the Quraish.