After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said that he would highlight incidents from the life of the companion, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarah (ra).
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarah (ra)
His name was Amir bin Abdullah, and his father’s name was Abdullah bin Jarah. His mother’s name was Umaimah bint Ghanam. He was from the Banu Harith bin Fihr family of the Quraish tribe.
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) was the ninth person to accept Islam and among those given glad tidings of paradise.
The Amin of the Muslim Ummah
His Holiness (aba) presented a narration in which the Holy Prophet (sa) said that every nation has an Amin (trustee) and the Amin of his nation was Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra).
His Holiness (aba) presented another narration in which Hazrat Aishah (ra) was asked which of the companions were dearest to the Holy Prophet (sa). She replied saying Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), then Hazrat Umar (ra) and thirdly Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra).
Opposition From his Father
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) participated in all battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa). On the day of the Battle of Badr, he was fighting alongside the Muslims, while his own father was fighting on the Makkan side. His father was targeting him throughout the battle due to his belief in the unity of God, but Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) did his best to evade him. Thus, his devotion to the unity of God overcame him, and eventually he overcame and killed his father in battle.
Tending to the Injuries of the Holy Prophet (sa)
His Holiness (aba) related that during the battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet (sa) was struck with rocks which broke his front teeth. The rocks struck him with such force, that the hooks of his armour became lodged in his face. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) narrates that when the Holy Prophet (sa) was struck, he ran towards the Holy Prophet (sa). At the same time, he saw another person running towards the Holy Prophet (sa) with such speed that it seemed as if he was flying. Upon reaching the Holy Prophet (sa), Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) realised that this person was Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra). Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) took hold of one of the hooks stuck in the blessed face of the Holy Prophet (sa) with his teeth and pulled it. He had to pull so hard, that when the first hook came out, he fell back and one of his teeth broke. Then when he pulled the second hook out, another one of his teeth broke. His Holiness (aba) commented that this was how deep those hooks had lodged themselves in the blessed face of the Holy Prophet (sa).
Expedition of Dhul-Qassah
His Holiness (aba) narrated an incident of an expedition of companions led by Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamah (ra) which consisted of ten companions to Dhul-Qassah. Though they had not set out for war, they were encountered by the disbelievers, and all except Muhammad bin Maslamah (ra) were martyred. When the Holy Prophet (sa) learned of this, he called upon one of his senior companions, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra), to lead forty companions for retribution of this grave act committed against the companions. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) was successful in this expedition as the people of Dhul-Qassah surrendered and he returned to Madinah with spoils.
Expedition of Dhat-us-Salasil
His Holiness (aba) related the incidents of another expedition known as Dhat-us-Salasil (that of chains). It was known as this because it is narrated that the Muslims chained themselves together so that they may fight in unified ranks and no one would retreat. This took place in Banu Qudah, which was at a distance from Madinah which took ten days to reach. The Holy Prophet (sa) received word that the opponents greatly outnumbered the Muslims. Thus, the Holy Prophet (sa) sent 200 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra). Upon reaching there, the question arose as to who would lead the entire army, as the initial convoy was being led by Hazrat ‘Amr bin al-‘Aas (ra). Though Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) was much senior in rank, he conceded command of the army to Hazrat ‘Amr bin al-‘Aas (ra). When they returned to Madinah, and the Holy Prophet (sa) learned of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah’s (ra) great display of obedience, he prayed, ‘May God have mercy on Abu Ubaidah’ on account of his obedience.
Expedition of Seef al-Bahr
His Holiness (aba) related the incidents of another expedition called Seef al-Bahr under the command of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) with the purpose of establishing a fortress to ensure the protection of a caravan of the Quraish as this was during the era of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. During this expedition, the companions were stricken with great hunger and at a certain point only found leaves to eat. Then they came across what is described as a whale, which was already dead and had ended up on shore. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) instructed that though it was already dead, it’s meat should be used as sustenance. Upon returning to Madinah, when this was mentioned to the Holy Prophet (sa), he said that they were right in using the whale meat, as God had seen their condition and sent them sustenance. The Holy Prophet (sa) further said that if there was any remaining meat, it should also be presented to him.
A Prophecy Fulfilled
His Holiness (aba) related another incident of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) was sent to Bahrain to collect Jizyah (tax). When he returned, the Holy Prophet (sa) saw the companions smiling. The Holy Prophet (sa) said that he feared less for his companions to fall into poverty, and more that they would be bestowed with wealth and become greedy as a result. His Holiness (aba) commented that this is exactly what we see today as the condition of the Muslims world. Thus, we should always beware of this, lest we forget our faith as a result.
Esteemed Rank of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra)
His Holiness (aba) related that Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) was suggested by Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) to be the first Khalifa, before he himself was unanimously chosen. This showed the esteemed rank which Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) had.
His Holiness (aba) highlighted further expeditions and conquests led by Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) after the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa).
His Holiness (aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) in the future.
Prayer for Ahmadis in Pakistan
In the end, His Holiness (aba) urged everyone to particularly pray for Ahmadis in Pakistan, as opposition is on the rise once again. His Holiness (aba) said that if these clerics do not cease in their ways, then their destruction is certain. Those who should be upholding justice have done nothing of the sort, and seem to be afraid and conforming to what the clerics want. In any case, Ahmadis have always endured hardships and will continue to do so. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may the Ahmadis remain safe from the evils of such people and be freed from this oppression and opposition.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions
Add Comment