After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated:
Today, I shall continue to give an account of the lives of the Badri companions. The name of the first companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Muzahir (ra) bin Rafay. The name of Hazrat Muzahir’s father was Rafay bin ‘Adi. Hazrat Muzahir (ra) belonged to the Banu Harithah bin Harith clan of the Aus tribe of the Ansar. Hazrat Muzahir (ra) participated in the Battle of Uhad as well as all the subsequent battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Muzahir (ra) passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat ‘Umar (ra). Hazrat Muzahir (ra) bin Rafay Harithi was martyred by Jews without any provocation; as results of this cowardly crime, Hazrat ‘Umar (ra) exiled the Jews of Khaibar. The incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Muzahir (ra) occurred in the twentieth year after Hijra.
Then, the name of the next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Malik (ra) bin Qudamah. Hazrat Malik belonged to the family of Banu Ghanam of the Ansar tribe of Aus. Hazrat Malik (ra) participated in the Battle of Badr along with one of his brothers, Hazrat Munzir (ra) bin Qudamah. Hazrat Malik (ra) also participated in the battle of Uhud.
The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Khuraim (ra) bin Fatik. Hazrat Khuraim (ra) bin Fatik belonged to the Banu Asad. Hazrat Khuraim (ra) bin Fatik participated in the battle of Badr along with his brother, Hazrat Sabrah (ra) bin Fatik. According to one narration, Hazrat Khuraim (ra) participated in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Hazrat Khuraim (ra) and his son later went to Kufa and according to one narration, both of them moved to the city of Raqqa, which is a well-known city located to the north of the Euphrates River. Both of them passed away there during the era of governance of Hazrat Amir Mu’awiyah. Hazrat Khuraim (ra) bin Fatik narrates his incident of accepting Islam in the following manner:
“I went in search of my lost camels and while seeking their trail, night had fallen. Eventually, I found them at Abraq-ul-Dha’f, which is the name of the well-known drinking place of Banu Asad bin Khazima, which is situated on the way from Medina to Basra. I found them there, tied them up at the very same place and took some rest, leaning against the leg of one of the camels. (He sat there to spend the night).” He further says:
“This took place towards the early period of the Holy Prophet’s migration. I said in a loud voice that I seek the protection of the chief of this valley. (This was their custom at that time). I seek the protection of the chief of this valley.” Hazrat Khuraim (ra) says that during the period of ignorance [i.e. prior to the advent of Islam], this was a customary practice of the people. All of a sudden, an individual called me whilst I was uttering these words and he said the following couplets: ‘May God have mercy on you. You should seek the protection of Allah, Who sends down that which is unlawful and lawful. Affirm the Oneness of God, and you will have no concerns about the trials from Jinns. Remembrance of Allah Almighty will grant your protection from the Jinns in the surrounding lands and mountains for many miles. Their plots will become unsuccessful, and nothing will remain except for the righteous person and virtuous deeds.’” Hazrat Khuraim (ra) states: “I responded: ‘O one who has proclaimed this! Do you consider this as the truth, or are you misguiding me?’ He replied: ‘He is the Messenger (sa) of Allah! He is a benevolent person who brought Yasin and Hameemaat and other detailed chapters which explain everything. He has clearly distinguished what is forbidden and what is lawful. He commands us to offer prayer and fast. He prevents people from committing evil deeds, the evil which was witnessed amongst the people before us.’” This was the response he got and that was how they learnt about the message of the Unity of God. Hazrat Khuraim (ra) states that he replied, “May Allah have mercy on you! Who are you?” He responded: “I am Malik bin Maalik. The Messenger (sa) of Allah (sa) sent me to watch over the Jinn of the people of Najjad, (i.e. the chiefs of the people of Najjad).’” (This was the conversation that was taking place between them) Hazrat Khuraim (ra) replied, “if there was someone who would look after my camels for me then I would surely visit this Prophet and accept him. Malik bin Maalik replied: “I will take the responsibility of looking after your camels and will ensure they reach your family safely.” Hazrat Khuraim (ra) states “I prepared one of my camels and rode it to Medina and entrusted the rest to him. I arrived at the time of Jumu’ah, and everyone was engaged in offering prayers, so I decided it was better to go inside after they were finished. I rested my camel as I was tired as well. Abu Dhar came outside and informed me that the Holy Prophet (sa) had instructed me to come inside. And so, I went inside. When the Messenger (sa) of Allah saw me, he stated: ‘What happened to the elderly man who had guaranteed the safe delivery of your camels to your house? He has delivered your camels safely to your house.’” Thus, Allah Almighty had shown a vision to the Holy Prophet (sa) and had informed him about the entire incident. Hazrat Khuraim (ra) states: “When I heard this, I stated, ‘May Allah have mercy on him.’ The Prophet of Allah (sa) stated: ‘Yes, may Allah have mercy on him.’” Hazrat Khuraim (ra) states: “I responded to this by saying: ‘I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah’” and in this beautiful manner he accepted Islam and he has related this account himself.
Hazrat Khuraim (ra) bin Fatik had a very elegant personality and very meticulous nature. He was always well-dressed and well maintained. Prior to accepting Islam, he would wear extra-long lower garment and kept long hair. There is a hadith recorded about this in Mustadrak Al-Hakim. Hazrat Khuraim (ra) bin Fatik narrates that once the Holy Prophet (sa) arrived and stated: “O Khuraim! You would have been an excellent person if you did not possess these two traits.” Upon this he stated: “May my mother and father be sacrificed for your sake. What are those two things O Messenger (sa) of Allah?” The Holy Prophet (sa) stated: “Your long hair and allowing you lower garment to drag.”
Hence, Hazrat Khuraim (ra) went and had his hair cut and shortened his lower garment. Therefore, those [men] who are of the opinion that there is no harm in keeping long hair, without reason or cause – one should keep their hair to the length which the Holy Prophet (sa) has stated i.e. to the earlobes, it should not be long like the hair of women. Hazrat Khuraim (ra) also participated in the battles of Syria in the time of Hazrat Umar (ra). Hazrat Qais bin Abu Hazim and Hazrat Aamir Sha’bi relate that Marwan bin Hakam asked Hazrat Aiman bin Khuraim, “Why do you not join us in battle?” He replied, “My father and my uncles participated in the battle of Badr and they strongly admonished me not to fight against anyone who declares that there is no God but Allah.” If we look at the actions of the Muslims nowadays, we will see just how far they have drifted away from the true teachings of Islam.
The next Companion I shall mention is Hazrat Ma’mar (ra) bin Harith. Hazrat Ma’mar (ra) bin Harith belongs to the Banu Jumu’ah tribe of the Quraish. Hazrat Ma’mar (ra) had two brothers – Hatib and Hattab. All three of them had accepted Islam prior to the Holy Prophet (sa) moved to Dar-e-Arqam, and so were ‘the foremost among the believers’. The Holy Prophet (sa) established the bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Ma’mar (ra) and Hazrat Mu’adh bin Afraa. Hazrat Ma’mar (ra) bin Harith participated in the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq and all other battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Ma’mar (ra) bin Harith passed away on 23 A.H. during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra).
The next Companion is Zuhair (ra) bin Raafi’. He was the brother of the previously mentioned Companion Hazrat Muzahir (ra). Hazrat Zuhair (ra) belonged to the Banu Haritha bin Harith branch of the Aus tribe of the Ansar. Hazrat Zuhair (ra) was present during the second Bai’at at Aqabah and participated in all Battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa) including the battles of Badr and Uhud.
The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Amr bin Iyaas (ra). Hazrat Amr was from Yemen, and was the confederate of the Banu Lauzan of the Ansar tribe. Hazrat Amr participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud alongside the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Amr (ra) was the brother of Hazrat Rabi’ bin Iyaas and Hazrat Warqah bin Iyaas (ra). All three brothers had the opportunity of participating in the Battle of Badr.
The next companion is Hazrat Mudlij (ra) bin Amr. The name of Hazrat Mudlij (ra) bin Amr is also recorded as Midlaaj. He belonged to the Banu Hajar branch of the Banu Sulaim tribe and were the confederates of the Banu Kabir bin Ghanam bin Dudaan tribe. Hazrat Mudlij (ra) participated in the battle of Badr alongside two of his brothers, Hazrat Saqaf (ra) bin Amr and Hazrat Malik (ra) bin Amr. Hazrat Mudlij (ra) bin Amr participated in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa) including the battles of Badr and Uhud. He passed away in 50 AH during the rule of Hazrat Amir Mu’awiyyah.
The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Suhail. Hazrat Abdullah was also known by the title Abu Suhail and belonged to the Banu Aamir bin Loi tribe of the Quraish. Ibn-e-Ishaaq has made mention of Hazrat Abdullah bin Suhail in his book on Islamic history in reference to the second migration to Abyssinia. When Hazrat Abdullah bin Suhail returned from Abyssinia, his father detained him and forced him to abandon his faith. Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Suhail expressed his intention to leave Islam. To his father he stated that he would abandon Islam and subsequently, he travelled with the idolaters to the battle of Badr. When the Muslim army encountered the army of the Idolaters of Mecca and both armies were facing each other, Hazrat Abdullah bin Suhail returned to the Muslims and presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa) before the battle commenced. In this way, Hazrat Abdullah participated in the battle of Badr as a Muslim. At the time of the battle he was 27 years old. Due to this action of his, Hazrat Abdullah’s father – Suhail bin Amr – became enraged. After the conquest of Mecca, Suhail bin Amr was given special protection. The Holy Prophet (sa) then said to those around him: “Whosoever of you sees Suhail bin Amr, do not look upon him with disdain. I swear on my life, indeed Suhail bin Amr is an intelligent and noble man. Any person with the characteristics that Suhail possesses will inevitably accept Islam.” Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Suhail narrated the entire incident to his father, who responded by saying: “By God! He [i.e. Muhammad (sa)] was righteous in his youth and even in his old age.” Subsequently, Suhail accepted Islam and after his conversion he would say that God Almighty had bestowed great favours upon his sons through Islam.
The next companion that I will mention is Hazrat Yazid bin Harith (ra), who belonged to the Banu Ahmar bin Haritha clan of the Ansar tribe of the Khazraj. Hazrat Yazid’s fathers name was Harith bin Qais and his mother’s name was Fusham, who belonged to the Qain bin Yusar tribe. Qain was a branch of the Khuzaa’a tribe of Yemen. Hazrat Yazid was also known as Yazid Fusham and Yazid bin Fusham due to his mother. One of the brothers of Hazrat Yazid was Abdullah bin Fusham.
With regards to Hazrat Umair bin Abdi Amr, who was also Zhul-Yadain or ambidextrous. His full name was Umair bin Abdi Amr Khuzaa’i. After migrating to Medina, the Holy Prophet (sa) established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Umair and Hazrat Yazid bin Harith. Both Hazrat Yazid and Hazrat Zhus-Shamaalain had the good fortune of participating in the battle of Badr and both attained martyrdom in this very battle.
The next companion that will be mentioned is Hazrat Umair bin Humaam (ra), who belonged to the Banu Haraam bin Ka’ab tribe, which was a sub-branch of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar called the Banu Salamah. The Holy Prophet (sa) established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Umair bin Humaam and Hazrat Ubaidah bin Harith Muttalbi, upon his migration to Medina. Both of these companions were among those who were martyred during the Battle of Badr. During the Battle of Badr, when the idolaters were approaching, the Holy Prophet (sa) said: “Move forward to attain paradise, the breadth of which spans the heavens and the earth.” The narrator says: “Hazrat Umair bin Humaam asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Did you mention that Paradise spans the breadth of the heavens and the earth?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, “yes”. Upon this, he said, “Bakhe Bakhe [How wonderful that is indeed].” The narrator of this tradition further states that Hazrat Umair (ra) bin Humaam then began to fight against the disbelievers till he was ultimately martyred.
The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Humaid (ra) Ansari. Hazrat Zubair (ra) narrates that one day he had a dispute with one of the Ansar, who had taken part in the battle of Badr, over a small watercourse in an arid region. In order to settle their dispute, they both presented their case to the Holy Prophet (sa) because they both used this watercourse to irrigate their land. The Holy Prophet (sa) said to Hazrat Zubair (ra), “Zubair, you should water your land first (since it was his land) and then leave the water for your neighbour.” i.e. let the water run freely to reach the other companions’ land as well. Upon hearing this decision, the Ansari companion became upset and said, “O Prophet (sa) of Allah! Are you passing this decision in his favour because he is the son of your paternal aunt?” The complexion of the Holy Prophet (sa)’s face became red and he said to Hazrat Zubair (ra), “I gave my initial decision to also grant him some of the water as an act of benevolence but now it is a question of one’s actual right. Therefore, hold back the water till it reaches the ridge and give all the water to your land only.” Thus, the Holy Prophet (sa) granted Hazrat Zubair (ra) what was rightfully his. Initially, the Holy Prophet (sa) gave his decision in which there was some provision for the Ansar companion as well, but when the Holy Prophet (sa) became displeased with this companion, he gave Hazrat Zubair (ra) the full share of what was rightfully his. Urwah states that Hazrat Zubair (ra) used to say, “By God, I believe that the following verse was revealed in relation to this very incident: But no, by thy Lord, they are not believers until they make thee judge in all that is in dispute between them…” I shall also quote the full verse which is as follows: But no, by thy Lord, they are not believers until they make thee judge in all that is in dispute between them and then find not in their hearts any demur concerning that which thou decidest and submit with full submission.
It is mentioned in Al-Asaba, Usdul Ghaba and in the commentary of Sahih Bukhari that the name of the Ansar companion who had a dispute with Hazrat Zubair (ra) was Hazrat Humaid Ansari (ra), who took part in the battle of Badr. However, at times, Satan can secretly influence people but in any case, God Almighty has already proclaimed to grant His forgiveness for those Companions who took part in the battle of Badr.
The next companion is Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Muaz bin Athir. The Holy Prophet (sa) established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Muaz from among the Ansar and Hazrat Umair (ra) bin Abu Waqas, who migrated to Medina from Mecca. Umair bin Abu Waqas was the brother of Hazrat Sa’d bin Abu Waqas. Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Muaz took part in the battle of Badr along with his brother, Hazrat Sa’d (ra). Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Muaz was martyred during the battle of Uhad. Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Muaz was 32 years of age when he was martyred.
The next companion is Hazrat Masud (ra) bin Rabieya bin Amr. Hazrat Masud (ra) bin Rabieya belonged to the Qaara tribe and they were the confederates of the Banu Zuhra tribe. Hazrat Masud (ra) bin Rabieya accepted Islam prior to the Holy Prophet (sa) coming to Dar-e-Arqam. When Hazrat Masud (ra) bin Rabieya migrated to Medina, the Holy Prophet (sa) established a bond of brotherhood with Hazrat Ubaid bin Taiyhaan. Hazrat Masud (ra) bin Rabieya participated in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa), including the battle of Badr, Uhad and Khandaq. Hazrat Masud (ra) passed away in 30AH and was just over 60 years of age.
May God Almighty elevate the rank of the companions and may we also continue their good deeds.
I would now briefly like to mention that from next Friday, InshAllah, Jalsa Salana UK will be starting. Pray that may God Almighty bless this in every respect. Those who have been assigned duties, they should strive to fulfil them with their utmost effort and abilities and they should also pray that may God Almighty enable them to fulfil their duties in the best manner. May God Almighty enable them to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as) in an excellent fashion. This year, the department overseeing transport will have to work even harder and for this they would also need to have proper planning because they will have to transport the guests who are residing in the various Jama’at accommodations to Islamabad for a few days before and after the Jalsa. I instructed the Afsar Jalsa Salana to plan accordingly and I am hopeful that they have begun working on this, so that the guests can also come to Islamabad and offer their prayers. The transport system to Hadiqatul Mahdi is already in place for the Jalsa days.
May God Almighty enable everyone to fulfil their duties in a most exemplary manner.