(Friday Sermon - August 17, 2018 )
Background
His real name was Malik but was widely known by his filial appellation, Abul-Haitham. His mother, Layla bint Ateeq was from the Bali tribe. According to the majority of research scholars, his tribe Aus branches from the Bali tribe which was a confederate of Banu Abdul Ashahal. (Al-Asaba Fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 7, p. 365, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995), (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 341, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990), (Seerat-ul-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 215, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Isha’at, Karachi, 2004)
Aversion to idol worship
Muhammad bin Umar states: “Even during the time of ignorance, Hazrat Abul-Haitham(ra) was weary of idol worshiping and would revile them. Hazrat Asad bin Zararah and Hazrat Abul-Haitham were convinced of the Unity of God. They are from the early Ansars who accepted Islam in Mecca. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 341, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
Bait-e-Aqbah Ula
Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahamd(ra) writes about this in The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets(sa):
“The Holy Prophet(sa) met these people separately in a valley. They informed him as to the state of affairs in Yathrab and this time they all took Bai‘at at his hand. This Bai‘at served as a foundation stone for Islam in Medina. Since Jihad of the sword had not yet been ordained, the Holy Prophet(sa) took Bai‘at only in the words in which he would take Bai‘at from the women after Jihad (by the sword) was obligated. In other words, ‘We shall believe in one God, shall not associate partners with God, shall not steal, shall not commit adultery or fornication, shall abstain from murder, shall not defame anyone, and shall obey you [the Holy Prophet(sa)] in everything good.’ After Bai‘at, the Holy Prophet(sa) said:
‘If you remain true to this pledge in honesty and steadfastness then you shall receive paradise. But if you show weakness then your matter is with Allah the Exalted, for He shall do what He wills.’”
In history, this Bai‘at is renowned as ‘The First Bai‘at at Aqbah’, because the place where this Bai‘at was taken was called ‘Aqbah, which is situated between Mecca and Mina. The literal meaning of ‘Aqbah is an elevated mountainous pass.” (Seerat Khatam-ul-Nabiyyeen, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad, pp. 224-225)
Acceptance of Islam
According to some narrations, after accepting Islam when Hazrat Asad(ra) bin Zararah had returned from Mecca to Medina with six other men, he preached to Hazrat Abul-Haitham(ra) about Islam. Since Hazrat Abul-Haitham(ra) was searching for true faith from the very beginning, he immediately accepted Islam. Afterwards, when Bait-e-Aqbah Ula took place, he travelled to Mecca with the delegation of twelve people and pledged his loyalty and obedience at the hand of the Holy Prophet(sa). (Sirat-ul-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 215, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Isha’at, Karachi, 2004)
Hazrat Abul-Haitham(ra) was among those six companions who were the first people to accept Islam in their own tribe. Having travelled to Mecca they accepted Islam and then returned to Medina to propagate its teachings. In one of the narrations it is mentioned that he was the first Ansari to meet with the Holy Prophet(sa) in Mecca. He was present during the first Bai‘at at Aqbah and all the historians unanimously agree that during the second Bai‘at at Aqbah, when the Holy Prophet(sa) chose twelve nuquba from among the seventy Ansar members, Hazrat Abul-Haitham(ra) was one of the naqeebs. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 341-342, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
Nuquba is the plural of naqeeb and means an individual who is knowledgeable or has greater abilities and as a result of which was made a leader or chief.
It is mentioned in a Hadith [saying of the Prophet(sa)]: “During the Bait-e-Aqbah, Hazrat Abul-Haitham(ra) said to the Holy Prophet(sa), ‘O Messenger of Allah(sa)! We have treaties of mutual cooperation with various tribes. After accepting Islam and by taking the oath of allegiance and becoming solely yours, we shall deal with these treaties according to your instructions.’” At that time, Abul-Haitham(ra) said to the Holy Prophet(sa), “I would like to submit one request at this time: O Messenger of Allah! We are establishing a relation with you. When Allah Almighty helps you and makes you victorious over your nation, please do not leave us and return to them and separate from us.’ When the Holy Prophet(sa) heard this, he smiled and stated: ‘Your blood has now become mine. Now I am one with you and you are one with me. Whoever fights you, shall fight me. Whoever befriends you, shall befriend me.’” (Masnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 427, Hadith. 15891, Alim-ul-Kutub, Beirut, 1998)
Bond of friendship
The Holy Prophet(sa) established the bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Usman bin Maz‘oon and Hazrat Abul-Haitham after migrating from Mecca. (Al-Asaaba Fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 7, p. 365, Ibn Al-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)
Drinking water with the Holy Prophet(sa)
There is a narration from Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah that the Holy Prophet(sa) went to an Ansari along with one of his companions. The Holy Prohpet(sa) asked him if he had any water, or if there was water in the carrier from last night which he could give them otherwise they would just drink it directly, as this person was watering his garden therefore there was flowing water. He replied, “O Messenger of Allah! I have water from last night. Please come in to my hut”. He then took the Holy Prophet(sa) and his companion with him, who was Hazrat Abul-Haitham(ra). He poured water in a cup and put some of the milk from his goat in it. The Holy Prophet(sa) and his companion both drank from it. This narration is from Bukhari. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Ashriba, Hadith. 5613)
Hosting the Holy Prophet(sa) and his companions
Similarly, there is another narration that Hazrat Jabir(ra) bin Abdullah states, “Hazrat Abul-Haitham bin Al-Tahiyaan prepared food for the Holy Prophet(sa) and invited his companions. When everyone had finished eating, the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Return your brother’s favour.’ The companions enquired: ‘O Messenger of Allah(sa)! How should we return his favour?’ The Holy Prophet(sa) said: ‘When a person visits someone’s house and eats and drinks from there, they should pray for them as this is a way to repay them.’” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitab-ul-Atima, Hadith. 3853)
Such are the high morals that are essential for every Muslim to adopt.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah(ra) relates that the Holy Prophet(sa) on one occasion left his house at such a time when people would not often be found outside and nor be meeting one another. He then saw Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra). The Holy Prophet(sa) enquired “What is it that brings you out (from your house)?” He replied, “I have come out to meet you, to see your blessed countenance and to pray for your well-being.” A few moments later Hazrat Umar(ra) arrived. The Holy Prophet(sa) then said “O Umar, what has brought you out [at this time]?” Hazrat Umar(ra) replied, O Prophet(sa) of Allah! I have come out of hunger.” The Holy Prophet(sa) said “I am also a little hungry”, so they all headed to Abul Haitham Ansari’s house, who had many goats and date-trees. The Holy Prophet(sa) did not find Abul Haitham at his home and asked his wife about his whereabouts. She answered that he had gone out to bring them some sweet water. A short while later Abul Haitham arrived carrying a leather bag. He put it down to one side and embraced the Holy Prophet(sa) offering him his life and wealth saying “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you!”
Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) then took all three of them to his garden and lay down a blanket. He hurried to his garden and cut off a whole bunch of dates which had both ripe and unripe dates. The Holy Prophet(sa) then said, “O Abul Haitham, why did you not just pick the ripe dates instead of bringing the whole bunch?” He answered, “O Messenger of Allah, I desired that you choose yourself the dates which you like.” Hence, the Holy Prophet(sa), Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) and Hazrat Umar(ra) finished eating the dates and drinking water. The Holy Prophet(sa) then said “By Allah, these are the same bounties which you will be asked about on the Day of Judgement i.e. cool shade, cold water and fresh dates.”
Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) then stood up to arrange something for the Holy Prophet(sa) to eat. The Holy Prophet(sa) said not to slaughter a lactating goat, so he slaughtered a lamb and brought it to the Holy Prophet(sa) which they all ate. The Holy Prophet(sa) asked “Do you have a servant?” Hazrat Abul Haitham replied, “No”. The Holy Prophet(sa) then said, “The next time we have a prisoner of war, you should come to us”. Thus, when the Holy Prophet(sa) had two prisoners of war, Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) came to the Holy Prophet(sa). The Messenger(sa) of Allah said to choose out of the two which he preferred. Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) replied, “O Messenger of Allah, you choose for me”. The Holy Prophet(sa) said, “Whomsoever gives advice is one who is trustworthy”.
This is something which we should all take note of that whoever grants advice to people is normally trustworthy, so we should try to always give good advice.
He then said, “Take this servant, I have witnessed him worshipping.” The good quality of this servant that he mentioned was that he worshipped and remembered God and possessed piety. The Holy Prophet(sa) further stated “Take good care of him”.
Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) returned home to his wife and informed her of the Holy Prophet’s advice. She then said, “You will not be able to fully render the rights of this piece of advice given by the Holy Prophet(sa)” i.e. to fully take good care of him. Just observe this woman’s level of faith, despite being the sole lady in the house and having no servant, yet she says to her husband that he will only be able to pay the rights owed to him by setting him free. Hence, Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) set the servant free. (Sunan Al-Tirmadhi, Kitab-ul-Zuhd, Hadith. 2369)
This was the eminence of the Companions of the Holy Prophet(sa).
Accompanying the Holy Prophet(sa) and surverying lands
Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) accompanied the Holy Prophet(sa) in the Battles of Badr, Uhud, the Ditch and all other battles of his. At the Battle of Mu‘tah, after Hazrat Abdullah(ra) bin Rawahah had been martyred, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) to Khaibar to assess how many fruits were on the date-trees. After the demise of the Holy Prophet(sa) when Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) desired to send him to assess the number of fruits, he excused himself from doing so. Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) said “You used to go to check the numbers of dates for the Holy Prophet(sa)”. Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) replied “I did used to go and assess the number of dates for the Holy Prophet(sa), but when I would return having made my assessment the Holy Prophet(sa) would pray for me”. Thus, at that moment in time he thought of the blessings of the Holy Prophet’s(sa) prayers and thus was overcome with emotion. Having heard this Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) did not send him. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 342, Abul Haitham, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
This was due to the fact that it was an emotional experience for him, otherwise these people are those who always showed complete obedience and never refused to comply. It cannot be that he would have refused if Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) had however instructed him once again to do so. For Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) to not ask him once again shows that he remembered and understood his emotional ordeal and therefore did not insist.
When Hazrat Umar(ra) expelled the Jews from Khaibar, he sent some people to assess the value of their land. Hazrat Umar(ra) sent Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra), Hazrat Farwah bin Amr(ra) and Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit(ra). They calculated the value of the date trees and lands after which Hazrat Umar(ra) gave the people of Khaibar half the price that was calculated and valued in excess of 50,000 dirhams. (Kitab-ul-Maghzai Li Al-Waqadi, Vol. 2, p. 165, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2004)
Observe how Abul Haitham(ra) this time went to that land, the period of that emotional state had passed, therefore there remained nothing to hold him back from doing so.
A narration of his regarding the greeting of Assalamo-alaikum
There is also a narration of his regarding the greeting of Assalamo-alaikum (peace be upon you). Hazrat Abul Haitham(ra) relates that the Holy Prophet(sa) said “He who says Assalamo-alaikum will earn the merit of ten good acts, and the one who says Assalamo-alaikum wa rahmatullahi will earn the reward of twenty and the one who says Assalamo-alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu will earn the reward of thirty”. (Al-Asaaba Fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 7, p. 366,Abu Al-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)
There are conflicting opinions regarding the time of Abul Haitham’s demise. According to some, he passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar(ra) and others are of the opinion that he passed away in 20 AH or 21 AH. It is also said that he died fighting on the side of Hazrat Ali(ra) in the Battle of Siffin in 37AH. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 342, Abul Haitham, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990), (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 5, p. 13, Abul Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan,Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyah, Beirut)