After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta’wwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated: Today, I shall again speak on some of those Companions, who participated in the Battle of Badr. The first one them is Hazrat Amir Bin Rabi’ah. His family was a confederate of Khattab, the father of Hazrat Umar, who had adopted Hazrat Amir. That is the reason, why he used to be known as Amir Bin Khattab. However, when the Holy Qur’an commanded all to refer to their actual forefathers, he was, from then on, referred to as Amir Bin Rabi’ah instead of Amir bin Khattab, i.e. by the name of his actual father Rabi’ah, as per the patrilineal relationship. Therefore, one should always act in accordance with the Qur’anic injunctions and adopted children should be informed of their biological parentage except in the case of children, where authorities stipulate that the adopted children should not be informed about their parents. After this clarification, I will now proceed further to speak on (the companion).
Hazrat Amir accepted Islam right at the outset. Hazrat Amir migrated to Abyssinia along with his wife Laila Bint Hathmah. Later, he returned to Mecca and from there, he migrated to Medina along with his wife. The wife of Hazrat Amir Bin Rabi’ah has the honour of being the first woman to have emigrated to Medina. He participated in Badr and all other battles along with the Holy Prophet (sa). He passed away in the 32nd year of Hijra.
Hazrat Amir Bin Rabi’ah narrated that the Holy Prophet (sa) said to him that, “when one of you witnesses a funeral procession and does not join it, he should keep standing until the procession has passed or the (coffin) is laid down”.
Abdullah Bin Amir narrates from his father, Hazrat Amir, prayed that God saves him from taking part in the dissension against Hazrat Usman. Hazrat Amir Bin Rabi’ah got up and offered the salat and then supplicated in this regard. After this, he fell ill and never left his home after that until his funeral procession left his home. This is how God Almighty saved him from that evil.
Hazrat Amir Bin Amr narrated that, “I was with the Holy Prophet (sa) during a tawaf while a shoelace of the Holy Prophet (sa)’s shoe broke. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Give it to me so that I may repair it!’ The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, ‘this is preferential treatment and I do not like to be given preferential treatment.’” This is the extent to which the Holy Prophet (sa) was particularly mindful regarding doing his work himself. The Holy Prophet (sa) formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat ‘Amir and Hazrat Yazid bin Munzir. Hazrat ‘Amir bin Rabi’ah passed away a few days following the martyrdom of Hazrat Usman.
The second Companion is Hazrat Haraam bin Milhan. Hazrat Haraam bin Milhan belonged to the Ansari tribe of Banu Adi bin Najaar. His father’s name was Malik bin Khalid and his mother’s name was Malika bint Malik. His sister, Hazrat Umme Sulaim, was the wife of Hazrat Abu Talha Ansari and the mother of Hazrat Anas bin Malik. His other sister was Hazrat Umme Haraam and was the wife of Hazrat Abaada bin Saamit. Hazrat Haraam bin Milhan was the maternal uncle of Hazrat Anas and took part in the Battle of Badr and Uhad. He was martyred on the day of Bire Mauna. Hazrat Anas bin Malik relates that a few people came before the Holy Prophet (sa) and requested for some people to be sent to them who would teach them about the Holy Quran and the practise of the Holy Prophet (sa). The Holy Prophet (sa) sent 70 Companions with them who were proficient in the recitation of the Holy QuranThese group of people would recite the Holy Quran and give its lectures in the evening and learn from one another. During the day they would bring water to the mosque and collect wood from the jungle and would sell it. They would then spend their earnings on buying grain for the Ahle-Sufaa and for the poor.
A few months ago, I related the incident at Baire Mauna with reference to Hazrat Haraam bin Milhan and have mentioned this on a few other occasions as well. However, I shall present some narratios from Bukhari which have not been mentioned previously.
Hazrat Anas bin Malik relates that on the day of Bire Mauna when Hazrat Haraam bin Milhan was struck by an arrow, he placed some of his blood on his hand and sprinkled it on his face and head and said, “By the Lord of the Ka’bah, I have attained my objective.” Then there is a reference from the Seerat of Ibn-e-Hasham regarding Jabaar bin Salma Amr bin Tufail who was present at the time and later converted to Islam. He states: “I accepted Islam because (of the following incident). Once I stabbed someone between the shoulders with a spear. I saw that the sharp end of the arrow had pierced through his chest but I heard that person say, ‘I swear by the Lord of Ka’bah, I have attained my objective.’ I thought what type of success is this? Have I not martyred him?” Jabaar states: “Later on I enquired about the meaning of this man’s words and came to know that it implied attaining martyrdom and I said to myself, indeed that person attained success in the sight of God.”
We find that two or three other companions who used similar words. These people believed that attaining the pleasure of God Almighty was their main objective. Attaining worldly accomplishments was never their true ambition. It was because of this intention that God Almighty declared that He was pleased with them.
At the time of Bire Mauna when the Companions were getting martyred, they prayed to God Almighty: “O Allah! Please inform the Prophet (sa) about our condition that we have joined you and we are pleased with You and You are pleased with us.” Hazrat Anas narrates: “Hazrat Gabriel (as) came to the Holy Prophet (sa) and informed the Holy Prophet (sa) that his Companions (ra) have been martyred and God is pleased with them.”
At this cold-blooded murder of 70 learned Muslims, any level of grief suffered by the Holy Prophet (sa) would not have been enough. But at the time, the Holy Prophet (sa) did not employ any military action. However, he prayed in the following words: ‘O Our Master! Have mercy upon us and hold back the hands of the enemies of Islam who are ruthlessly and stone-heartedly spilling the blood of innocent Muslims with the intention that Your religion may be expunged.’”
Even in this day and age the only way to stop the hands of the enemy is through prayers. There is a dire need to implore the help of God Almighty. It is only God Almighty Who can provide the means to seize these people. May He also provide means to create ease for us.
Hazrat Sa’ad bin Khaulah was one of the Companions and according to some people he was the freed slave of ibn Abi Ruham bin Abdul Uzzah Aamri. He accepted Islam and is now considered amongst the early companions. He was amongst the second group of people who migrated to Ethiopia. Hazrat Sa’ad bin Khaulah stayed with Hazrat Kulthum bin Hazm during his migration from Mecca to Medina. Ibn-e-Ishaaq Musa ‘Uqbah has included him amongst those who participated in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Sa’ad bin Khaulah was twenty-five years old when he participated in the Battle of Badr. He also took part in the Battle of Uhud, Khandaq and the treaty of Hudaibiya. He passed away before Hajjatul Wada.
Hazrat Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan Ansari, 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 Ashahan. 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.
According to some narrations, after accepting Islam when Hazrat Asad bin Zararah had returned from Mecca to Medina with six other men, he preached to Hazrat Abul-Haitham about Islam. Since Hazrat Abul-Haitham was searching for true faith from the very beginning, he immediately accepted Islam. Afterwards at the time of when Bait-e-‘Aqbah Ula took place, he travelled to Mecca with the delegation of twelve people and took the Oath of Allegiance at the hand of the Holy Prophet (sa). This Bai‘at served as a foundation stone for Islām in Medina. 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. The Holy Prophet (sa) established the bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Usman bin Maz’oon and Hazrat Abul-Haitham after migrating from Mecca.
Once Hazrat Jabir bin ‘Abdullah states, “Hazrat Abul-Haitham bin Al-Tahiyaan prepared food for the Holy Prophet (sa) and invited his Companions. When everyone 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.’” Such are the high morals that are essential for every Muslim to adopt.
Once the Holy Prophet (sa) asked Hazrat Abul Haitham “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 came to the Holy Prophet (sa). The Messenger of Allah (sa) said to choose out of the two which he preferred. Hazrat Abul Haitham 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 worships and remembers God and he possesses piety. The Holy Prophet (sa) further stated “take good care of him”. Hazrat Abul Haitham returned home to his wife and informed her of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) advice. She then said that 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. Hence, Hazrat Abul Haitham set the servant free. This was the eminence of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Abul Haitham accompanied the Holy Prophet (sa) in the Battles of Badr, Uhud, the Ditch and all other battles of his.
There is also a narration of his regarding the greeting of Assalamualaikum (peace be upon you). Hazrat Abul Haitham relates that the Holy Prophet (sa) said “He who says Assalamualaikum will earn the merit of ten good acts, and the one who says Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullah will earn the reward of twenty and the one who says Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuhu will earn the reward of thirty”.
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 on 20AH or 21AH. It is also said that he died fighting on the side of Hazrat Ali (ra) in the Battle of Safeen in 28AH.
So these were the Companions who set the examples for us and made us aware of so many matters. May Allah Almighty continue to elevate them in status.
After the Friday Prayers, I shall lead two funeral prayers in absentia. The first is of Sahibzada Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib, son of Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Basheer Ahmad Sahib, who passed away on 14th August at the age of 94. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. He had a heart operation in America in 2000. He then had a stroke which kept him more or less bedridden. He was born in Qadian on 18th July 1924 to Hazrat Mirza Basheer Ahmad Sahib and Hazrat Sarwar Sultana Begum Sahiba, daughter of Hazrat Ghulam Hasan Sahib Peshawari. Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib dedicated his life to the service of faith on 7th May 1944 and continued his studies. In 1949 he joined Jami’atul-Mubashireen and passed out of it in July 1954. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) pronounced his Nikah on 28th December 1950, which was the third day of the Jalsa Salana, to Sahibzadi Qudsiyah Begum Sahiba, daughter of Hazrat Nawab Abdullah Khan Sahib and Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Sahiba. Their eldest daughter is Nusrat Jahan Sahiba who is the wife of Mirza Naseer Ahmad Tariq, grandson of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib. They also have a son, Mirza Mahmood Ahmad, then another daughter named Durre Sameen, who is the daughter-in-law of Mir Mahmood Ahmad Sahib. Then there is another son named Mirza Ghulam Qadir Sahib Shaheed who was married to Amatun Nasir Sahiba, daughter of Syed Mir Daud Sahib. The fifth child, a daughter named Faiza Sahiba who is married to Syed Mudassar Ahmad Sahib, who is also a life-devotee.
In July 1954 Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib obtained the Shahid degree and was first posted in Ta’leemul Islam College Rabwah on 20th September 1954. On 4th November 1956, under the auspices of Tahrik-e-Jadid he was sent to Kumasi, Ghana to serve as a school Principal. He returned to Pakistan on 24th December 1963. Then in April 1964 he was re-appointed in Ta’leemul Islam College. On 3rd July 1975 he was appointed as Naib Nazim Nazir Ta’leem. In 1976 when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) toured America and other European countries, Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib accompanied him as his Private Secretary. In 1978 he was appointed as the Naib Nazir A’ala and in 1984 he retired. His daughter in law, Amatul Nasir, the widow of the martyr Ghulam Qadir, writes: “He was a very loving and honourable person. He had great love for children and was a sincere individual with a generous heart.” She further writes: “He demonstrated great patience and steadfastness at the martyrdom of his son, Mirza Ghulam Qadir Shaheed.” She further says that after the martyrdom, Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib and his wife both took special care for the children. May Allah shower His mercy and forgiveness on him. May He enable his children to continue his pious endeavours and keep them firmly attached to the institution Khilafat and the Community.
The second funeral prayer is of Mrs Sayyidah Naseem Akhtar Sahiba, who was the wife of Muhammad Yusuf Sahib of Aaniba Nooria, Sheikupura district. She passed away on 27th July 2018; to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. She was the granddaughter of Hazrat Wali Muhammad Sahib – who was a Companion of the Promised Messiah (as) – and daughter of Qazi Deen Muhammad Sahib. She was regular in observing fasts and her prayers, as well as the Tahajjud (pre-dawn voluntary) prayers. She would care for the poor and deal kindly towards her neighbours. She had a balanced temperament and was a very sincere woman. She would recite the Holy Quran and also read the translation. One of her sons is a Missionary currently serving in Mali (West Africa). The deceased was a Moosia (part of the institution of Al-Wasiyyat). Her sons; Nasir Ahmad Sahib is a missionary serving in Mali and Ansar Mahmood Sahib is a missionary serving in Pakistan. Her son in Mali was not able to attend her funeral prayer. May Allah the Almighty grant him patience and steadfastness and elevate the status of the deceased and also enable her virtues to continue in her progeny.