History (696)
Naming his Sons after Martyrs:
Hazrat Zubair (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) once mentioned:
“Indeed Talhah bin ‘Ubaidillah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) names his sons after the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam), although he knows that that there will be no Nabi after Nabi Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). I name my sons after martyrs so that my sons may perhaps also be blessed with martyrdom.”
Shaqeeq bin Ebrahim mentioned:
I was once in the company of Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) who was on his way to visit a sick person, when another man was coming towards us in the opposite direction. When he saw Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah), he took cover and changed direction. Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) shouted out his name and said, “O so and so! Walk in the direction you were walking in. Don’t change your direction now.” When he realized that Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) had already seen him, he was overcome with shame and stood still. Upon reaching him, Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) asked him the reason for avoiding him. He replied, “I owe you a long overdue amount of ten thousand dirhams which I am unable to pay. I have breached my promise of payment. I was overcome by shame when I saw you coming towards me.”
The Different Narrations Describing the Demise of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) – continued
The second narration describing the demise of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is as follows:
When Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had neared his end, his wife began to cry. “What makes you cry?” he asked her. She replied, “I am crying because there is nobody to help me bury you and I do not have sufficient cloth to enshroud you.” Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded, “Do not cry, for verily I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying to a group of people which included me, “One of you will most definitely pass away in a deserted place. A group of believers will be present by him (at the time of his death).” There is no person from that group except that he has already passed away in a village and a group of believers. I am the one who is passing away in a deserted place. Keep a watch on the road for you will soon see what I mentioned to you regarding the group of believers. Verily, by the oath of Allah, neither do I lie through these words and nor did Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) lie when he mentioned this to me.”
Imaam Ahmed bin Hambal (rahimahullah) never called any of his Asaatizah by their names out of respect for them. Rather, he would refer to them by their titles.
(Aadaabul Muta‘allimeen)
Once, Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) was lying down due to some illness. In the middle of the discussion, someone mentioned the name of Ebrahim bin Tahmaan (rahimahullah). On hearing this name, Imaam Ahmed (rahimahullah) immediately sat up out of respect. He thereafter remarked, “It is inappropriate for the names of the elders to be mentioned whilst we are sitting and relaxing.”
(Aadaabul Muta‘allimeen)
Rabee’ (rahimahullah) mentions:
Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah) used to divide his night into three portions. The first third was for writing, the second third for Salaah and the last third for rest.
Rabee’ (rahimahullah) also said:
In the month of Ramadhaan, Imaam Shaafi‘ee (rahimahullah) used to complete the recitation of the Qur’aan Majeed sixty times. However, it is not possible to calculate how much of it was accomplished in Salaah.
When ‘Abdul Muttalib finally completed paying the ransom for ‘Abdullah’s life, his next concern was to get him married. He sent a marriage proposal on behalf of ‘Abdullah for the hand of Aaminah, the daughter of Wahb bin ‘Abdu Manaaf of the eminently noble Banu Zuhrah tribe. She was, at that time, under the guardianship of her uncle, Wuhaib bin ‘Abdu Manaaf.
‘Abdul Muttalib also sent a marriage proposal for himself, asking for the hand of Haalah, the daughter of Wuhaib bin ‘Abdu Manaaf, Aaminah’s uncle. Both proposals were accepted and both father and son were married in the same session. Hazrat Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the son of ‘Abdul Muttalib, was born from her (Haalah). Hazrat Hamzah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) paternal uncle as well as his milk-brother.
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/44)
The Forefathers of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – Part Eight
Written by user2‘Abdullah
Hafiz ‘Asqalaani (rahimahullah) says that the name of the father of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was ‘Abdullah. He has also mentioned that there is no difference of opinion regarding this fact.
The name ‘Abdullah is one of the names which is most beloved to Allah Ta‘ala, as a Hadith states that two names are most dear to Allah Ta‘ala; ‘Abdullah and ‘Abdur Rahmaan. The reason for this is that the name “Allah” is the Ism-ul-A‘zam (the supreme name of Allah). Hence, on account of the name ‘Abdullah (slave of Allah) being attributed directly to the Ism-ul-A‘zam, it is one of the most beloved names.
It would not be surprising if when ‘Abdullah was born, his father, ‘Abdul Muttalib, was divinely inspired by Allah Ta‘ala to name this blessed son with a name which is most beloved to Allah Ta‘ala.
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/43)
Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu 'anhu) - Part Thirteen
Written by user2The Date of the Demise of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu):
Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) passed away in Rabzah in the year 32 A.H. According some ‘Ulamaa, Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) passed away during Zul Hijjah in the year 31 A.H.
(Siyar A’laam min Nubalaa 3/397, Usdul Ghaabah 4/437)
The Different Narrations Describing the Demise of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu):
There are essentially two narrations which explain the manner in which Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) passed away.
(The qualities in which the Arabs enjoyed supremacy over other nations – continued)
6. Eloquence of Language and Expression:
No other language can parallel the Arabic language in eloquence and expression. In fact, no other language can justifiably claim to possess books specifically compiled on ‘Ilm-ul-Balaaghah (the science of eloquence and expression) and even if some may be found, they have been taken from the Arabic books. Allah Ta‘ala had entrusted them with these outstanding morals, exceptional abilities and excellent skills by instilling them within their very nature and disposition. However, due to their ignorance and foolishness, they were more inclined to focus these Allah-given talents in the wrong direction. However, when these same skills and talents were adorned with divine knowledge and heavenly direction, then the same people whose practices were once worse than that of wild beasts now became superior to even the celestial angels. When these same people, who were blatantly steeped in vicious hostilities and ferocious conflicts, chose to surrender their lives in the path of Allah Ta‘ala, the celestial angels arrived, dressed in white, yellow or black turbans, fighting side by side with them and assisting them against their mutual enemy.
Nonetheless, although the Arabs were immorally corrupt in behaviour and deed, they were relatively decent as far as their morals, disposition and talents were concerned.
It is possible and relatively easy to rectify one’s actions. However, amending one’s innate disposition is almost impossible. It is for this reason that Allah Ta‘ala selected such a family for His prophethood, so that the Prophet who hails from this family would also be a man of upright morals, untarnished nature and immaculate disposition. It is absolutely crucial for a Prophet to be a man of flawless character as this will enable him to rectify others.
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/42)
Respect for the Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)
Written by user2Abu Salamah Khuzaa‘ee (rahimahullah) mentions:
Whenever Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) intended to go and narrate the Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he would first perform wudhu, as a person performs wudhu for salaah. He would also wear his best clothing, wear a topi and comb his beard. When somebody asked him the reason for this, he replied, “I do this to honor the Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).”
(Tahzeebul Kamaal 27/110)
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The Prophecy of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) regarding Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Passing Away Alone
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates:
When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) departed for Tabook, some people began to remain behind in order to abandon the expedition. As this would happen, the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) would inform Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! So and so has remained behind.” On hearing this, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would say, “Leave him. If there is any good in him then he will soon join us. If there is no good in him then Allah Ta‘ala has relieved you of his presence.” This continued until someone eventually called out to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) has remained behind on account of his camel not being able to move.”
(The qualities in which the Arabs enjoyed supremacy over other nations – continued)
2. Valor and Heroism:
The extent of their valor was such that whilst the Romans or Persians reduced the rest of the world to subjugation or slavery, the Arabs, in spite of their modest material possessions, were not intimidated into imperial subjugation. Their spirit of determination was such that the most pitiable destitute among them would not be left overawed whilst conversing with the greatest of emperors.
3. Generosity and selflessness:
They were so big-hearted that they would not hesitate to slaughter a healthy camel in honor of a guest. They were prepared to remain hungry, but it was impossible for them to allow the guest to go hungry.
Imaam Abu Hanifah’s (rahimahullah) Fear of Allah Ta‘ala
Written by user2Yazeed bin Kummait (rahimahullah) narrates the following:
Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) possessed the fear of Allah Ta‘ala to a very high degree. On one occasion, ‘Ali bin Husain, the Mu’azzin, led the Esha Salaah and recited Surah Zilzaal. Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) was also part of the congregation. After the Salaah was over and the people had departed, I looked towards Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) and noticed that he was seated and deep in thought, breathing heavily. Seeing that he was preoccupied, I said to myself, “Let me depart, lest my presence distract him from whatever he is pondering over.” With this thought in mind, I stood and departed. At the time of my departure, the amount of oil remaining in the lamp was very little.
Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu 'anhu) - Part Eleven
Written by user2Glimpses of the Austerity and Asceticism of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu):
Sa‘eed bin ‘Ataa’ bin abi Marwaan (rahimahullah) narrates the following from his father:
I once saw Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) performing Salaah while wearing only a lower garment. I therefore said to him, “O Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)! Do you have no clothing besides this sheet?” Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “If I had another sheet, you would see me wearing it.” I replied, “But a few days did pass in which I saw you wearing two sheets.” To this, Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “O my nephew! I gave those two sheets to someone who was more in need of them than me.” On hearing this, I exclaimed, “By Allah! You are definitely in need of those two sheets!” Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded saying, “O Allah! You forgive!” He then addressed me and said, “Indeed you attach much importance to the dunya! Do you not see me wearing this sheet while I possess another which I wear to the musjid? I possess goats which I milk, camels on which I carry my provisions and we have slaves who serve us and suffice for us by seeing to the preparation of our food. Which favor of Allah can be greater than the favors which we are enjoying?”
(Ibn Sa’d 4/178)