1 00:00:00,530 --> 00:00:03,529 Pause 2 00:00:03,529 --> 00:00:08,529 and get to know the Companions, scholars, and prominent figures. 3 00:00:12,720 --> 00:00:20,079 A serious challenge: Who am I? 4 00:00:20,079 --> 00:00:23,079 I am one of the Emigrant Companions (Muhajirun), 5 00:00:23,079 --> 00:00:27,079 the foster brother of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) through nursing, 6 00:00:27,079 --> 00:00:31,109 and the son of his paternal aunt, Barrah bint Abd al-Muttalib. 7 00:00:31,109 --> 00:00:35,109 I was among the very first foremost pioneers in embracing Islam, 8 00:00:35,109 --> 00:00:40,750 and I was the first to emigrate to Abyssinia, and later to Medina. 9 00:00:40,750 --> 00:00:43,750 When I resolved to emigrate to Medina, 10 00:00:43,750 --> 00:00:47,750 I prepared two mounts for myself, my wife, and our nursing infant son, 11 00:00:47,750 --> 00:00:50,750 then set out toward Medina. 12 00:00:50,750 --> 00:00:53,750 But when the men of Banu al-Mughirah saw me, 13 00:00:53,750 --> 00:00:56,750 they confronted me and said: 14 00:00:56,750 --> 00:00:59,750 "As for yourself, you have prevailed over us, 15 00:00:59,750 --> 00:01:02,750 but look at this woman of ours; 16 00:01:02,750 --> 00:01:05,750 why should we let you take her roaming through the land?" 17 00:01:05,750 --> 00:01:08,750 So they snatched the halter of my wife's camel from my hand, 18 00:01:08,750 --> 00:01:11,750 taking her and my son away. 19 00:01:11,750 --> 00:01:16,379 Thus, I emigrated all alone and heart-stricken. 20 00:01:16,379 --> 00:01:21,379 I fought at Badr and Uhud alongside the Prophet (peace be upon him). 21 00:01:21,379 --> 00:01:26,379 In the Battle of Uhud, I suffered a deep, penetrating wound to my upper arm, 22 00:01:26,379 --> 00:01:30,450 which I spent a whole month treating after the battle. 23 00:01:30,450 --> 00:01:33,450 Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) dispatched me 24 00:01:33,450 --> 00:01:36,450 to lead an expedition against Banu Asad, 25 00:01:36,450 --> 00:01:39,450 tying for me a banner and rallying under it 26 00:01:39,450 --> 00:01:42,450 a raiding squad of one hundred and fifty men 27 00:01:42,450 --> 00:01:45,450 drawn from the Emigrants and the Ansar. 28 00:01:45,450 --> 00:01:48,450 We captured herds of their livestock and then returned 29 00:01:48,450 --> 00:01:51,609 to Medina. Soon after, the wound 30 00:01:51,609 --> 00:01:54,609 I had suffered at Uhud reopened, 31 00:01:54,609 --> 00:01:58,379 and I passed away as a result of it. 32 00:01:58,379 --> 00:02:01,379 When death was approaching me, 33 00:02:01,379 --> 00:02:04,379 my wife, Umm Salamah— 34 00:02:04,379 --> 00:02:07,379 Hind bint Abi Umayyah al-Makhzumiyyah—supplicated: 35 00:02:07,379 --> 00:02:10,379 "O Allah, with You alone I seek reward for my calamity; 36 00:02:10,379 --> 00:02:13,379 so reward me for it, 37 00:02:13,379 --> 00:02:16,539 and grant me in exchange someone better than him." 38 00:02:16,539 --> 00:02:19,539 Then she wondered to herself: 39 00:02:19,539 --> 00:02:22,729 "And who could possibly be better than my husband?" 40 00:02:22,729 --> 00:02:25,729 But when her waiting period ended, 41 00:02:26,729 --> 00:02:29,729 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) proposed to her, 42 00:02:29,729 --> 00:02:32,789 and she declined his proposal as well. 43 00:02:32,789 --> 00:02:35,789 Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent for her, 44 00:02:35,789 --> 00:02:38,789 proposing marriage to her, to which she said: 45 00:02:38,789 --> 00:02:41,789 "Welcome to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)!" 46 00:02:41,789 --> 00:02:44,819 So Allah granted her in exchange 47 00:02:44,819 --> 00:02:48,080 someone far better than me. 48 00:02:48,080 --> 00:02:52,710 Who am I? 49 00:03:00,180 --> 00:03:03,919 The answer: 50 00:03:03,919 --> 00:03:07,210 Abu Salamah, 51 00:03:07,210 --> 00:03:10,210 'Abdullah ibn 'Abd al-Asad al-Makhzumi 52 00:03:10,210 --> 00:03:13,210 (may Allah be pleased with him). 53 00:03:30,939 --> 00:03:37,500 Pause 54 00:03:37,500 --> 00:03:41,009 and get to know the Companions, 55 00:03:41,009 --> 00:03:44,009 scholars, and prominent figures. 56 00:03:47,199 --> 00:03:50,199 A serious challenge: 57 00:03:50,199 --> 00:03:56,240 Who am I? 58 00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:59,240 I am a Companion from the Ansar, of the Khazraj tribe, 59 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:02,270 renowned for horsemanship, bravery, 60 00:04:02,270 --> 00:04:06,169 and valor in combat. 61 00:04:06,169 --> 00:04:09,169 My acceptance of Islam was delayed until the Prophet 62 00:04:09,169 --> 00:04:12,169 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) set out for Badr. 63 00:04:12,169 --> 00:04:15,330 Then I thought to myself: 64 00:04:15,330 --> 00:04:18,329 "I would feel utterly ashamed for my people to witness a momentous battle 65 00:04:18,329 --> 00:04:21,620 that I do not witness alongside them." 66 00:04:21,620 --> 00:04:24,620 So I and another man from my tribe caught up with the Prophet (peace be upon him), 67 00:04:24,620 --> 00:04:27,620 though neither of us had embraced Islam yet. 68 00:04:27,620 --> 00:04:30,620 We reached him while he was at Harrah al-Wabarah. 69 00:04:30,620 --> 00:04:33,620 When the people saw me, 70 00:04:34,620 --> 00:04:37,620 knowing full well my daring and resourcefulness, they welcomed my presence. 71 00:04:37,620 --> 00:04:40,620 I said, "O Muhammad, 72 00:04:40,620 --> 00:04:43,620 I have come to follow you and take part in the spoils with you." 73 00:04:43,620 --> 00:04:46,620 But the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked me: 74 00:04:46,620 --> 00:04:49,620 "Do you believe in Allah and His Messenger?" 75 00:04:49,620 --> 00:04:52,620 I answered, "No." 76 00:04:52,620 --> 00:04:55,620 He said, "Then turn back, 77 00:04:55,620 --> 00:04:59,000 for we never seek the aid of a polytheist." 78 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:02,000 I caught up with him again at al-Shajarah, 79 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:06,129 and he said the very same thing. 80 00:05:06,129 --> 00:05:09,129 Then I overtook him at al-Bayda', 81 00:05:09,129 --> 00:05:12,129 and he asked, "Do you believe in Allah and His Messenger?" 82 00:05:12,129 --> 00:05:15,129 I replied, "Yes!" 83 00:05:15,129 --> 00:05:18,129 He said, "Then march along with us." 84 00:05:18,129 --> 00:05:21,129 Thus, I fought at Badr alongside the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). 85 00:05:21,129 --> 00:05:25,600 During the battle, 86 00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:28,600 I encountered a fierce warrior from the polytheists, 87 00:05:28,600 --> 00:05:31,600 formidable in his might. 88 00:05:31,600 --> 00:05:34,600 He struck down at my shoulder, 89 00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:37,629 and I struck him back and killed him. 90 00:05:37,629 --> 00:05:40,660 My side was severed by his blow, 91 00:05:40,660 --> 00:05:43,660 so I came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him); 92 00:05:43,660 --> 00:05:46,660 he applied some saliva to it, 93 00:05:46,660 --> 00:05:49,660 joined it together, and restored it in place, 94 00:05:49,660 --> 00:05:52,660 so my shoulder healed back as it was, 95 00:05:52,660 --> 00:05:55,889 although the scar of the blow remained upon it. 96 00:05:55,889 --> 00:05:58,889 Later on, I married that very man's daughter, 97 00:05:58,889 --> 00:06:01,889 and she used to say to me playfully: 98 00:06:01,889 --> 00:06:04,889 "May I never lose the man who adorned you with this sash!" 99 00:06:04,889 --> 00:06:07,889 meaning the distinct scar across my shoulder 100 00:06:07,889 --> 00:06:10,889 from her father's strike. 101 00:06:10,889 --> 00:06:13,889 And I would reply to her: 102 00:06:13,889 --> 00:06:16,889 "May I never lose the man who hastened your father to the Fire!" 103 00:06:16,889 --> 00:06:21,199 Who am I? 104 00:06:23,959 --> 00:06:27,439 The answer: 105 00:06:27,439 --> 00:06:33,639 Khubayb ibn Isaf al-Ansari 106 00:06:33,639 --> 00:06:38,370 (may Allah be pleased with him). 107 00:06:58,370 --> 00:07:01,370 Pause 108 00:07:01,370 --> 00:07:08,370 and get to know the Companions, scholars, 109 00:07:08,370 --> 00:07:11,370 and prominent figures. 110 00:07:11,370 --> 00:07:14,370 A serious challenge: 111 00:07:14,370 --> 00:07:17,370 Who am I? 112 00:07:17,370 --> 00:07:20,370 I am one of the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), 113 00:07:20,370 --> 00:07:26,569 from the land of Tayy', 114 00:07:26,569 --> 00:07:29,569 and I was a celebrated chieftain of the Pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah). 115 00:07:29,569 --> 00:07:32,600 I was an accomplished horseman 116 00:07:32,600 --> 00:07:35,699 and a first-rate archer, 117 00:07:35,699 --> 00:07:38,699 renowned for chivalry, courage, 118 00:07:38,699 --> 00:07:41,699 and boundless generosity. 119 00:07:41,699 --> 00:07:45,589 Among the stories told of me during the Jahiliyyah before Islam 120 00:07:45,589 --> 00:07:48,589 was that a man from Banu Shayban set out 121 00:07:48,589 --> 00:07:51,589 with his daughters in a year of severe drought; 122 00:07:51,589 --> 00:07:54,589 he left them near al-Hirah, close 123 00:07:54,589 --> 00:07:57,589 to its king, hoping they might receive 124 00:07:57,589 --> 00:08:00,589 something of his bounty, 125 00:08:00,589 --> 00:08:03,689 and swore never to return to them 126 00:08:03,689 --> 00:08:06,689 until he acquired good provision for them 127 00:08:06,689 --> 00:08:09,689 or died trying. 128 00:08:09,689 --> 00:08:12,689 He packed some provisions and walked for seven days, 129 00:08:12,689 --> 00:08:15,689 until he arrived at our massive tent. 130 00:08:15,689 --> 00:08:18,779 He thought to himself: 131 00:08:18,779 --> 00:08:21,779 "I will wait by this tent; 132 00:08:21,779 --> 00:08:24,779 perhaps I may gain something from its owners." 133 00:08:24,879 --> 00:08:27,879 So he sat behind the tent. 134 00:08:27,879 --> 00:08:30,879 As the sun was about to set, 135 00:08:30,879 --> 00:08:33,879 he saw me arriving on horseback, 136 00:08:33,879 --> 00:08:36,909 driving a hundred camels with their stud stallion. 137 00:08:36,909 --> 00:08:39,909 The stallion kneeled down, 138 00:08:39,909 --> 00:08:42,940 and the camels kneeled all around it. 139 00:08:42,940 --> 00:08:45,940 He waited until we ate, drank, and fell asleep; 140 00:08:45,940 --> 00:08:49,039 then the man crept up to the stallion, 141 00:08:49,039 --> 00:08:52,039 untied its hobble, and mounted it. 142 00:08:52,039 --> 00:08:55,070 The stallion bolted off with him, and the camels followed in its wake. 143 00:08:55,070 --> 00:08:58,070 He rode all night through until morning came. 144 00:08:58,070 --> 00:09:01,200 When the day was well advanced, 145 00:09:01,200 --> 00:09:04,200 I overtook him. The man dismounted 146 00:09:04,200 --> 00:09:07,200 from his camel, hobbled it, 147 00:09:07,200 --> 00:09:10,200 and shouted out to me loudly: 148 00:09:10,200 --> 00:09:13,200 "I have left little daughters behind me, 149 00:09:13,200 --> 00:09:16,200 and I swore never to return to them 150 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:19,200 until I acquired good provision for them or died!" 151 00:09:19,200 --> 00:09:22,200 I said to him, "Then you are as good as dead!" 152 00:09:22,200 --> 00:09:25,200 as I shot an arrow from afar right through the camel's hobble, 153 00:09:25,200 --> 00:09:28,330 piercing it cleanly. 154 00:09:28,330 --> 00:09:31,330 When the man witnessed such marksmanship from me, 155 00:09:31,330 --> 00:09:34,360 he surrendered unconditionally. So I took 156 00:09:34,360 --> 00:09:37,360 his sword and his bow, seated him behind me 157 00:09:37,360 --> 00:09:40,519 on my horse, and then told him: 158 00:09:40,519 --> 00:09:43,519 "By Allah, had these camels been mine, 159 00:09:43,519 --> 00:09:46,519 I would have handed them over to you, but they belong 160 00:09:46,519 --> 00:09:49,519 to the chieftain's daughter. So stay with me, 161 00:09:49,519 --> 00:09:52,649 for I am about to launch a raid." 162 00:09:52,649 --> 00:09:55,649 He stayed for a few days; then I launched a raid 163 00:09:55,649 --> 00:09:58,649 against an enemy tribe and captured from them 164 00:09:58,649 --> 00:10:01,649 one hundred camels. I gave every single one of them 165 00:10:01,649 --> 00:10:05,580 to him, and he returned safely to his family. 166 00:10:05,580 --> 00:10:08,580 When I heard of Islam, 167 00:10:08,580 --> 00:10:11,580 I traveled to Medina and found 168 00:10:11,580 --> 00:10:14,580 the Prophet (peace be upon him) delivering a sermon 169 00:10:14,580 --> 00:10:17,580 from the pulpit. I entered the mosque 170 00:10:17,580 --> 00:10:20,580 and pronounced the two testimonies of faith. 171 00:10:20,580 --> 00:10:23,580 He (peace be upon him) asked: 172 00:10:23,580 --> 00:10:26,580 "Who are you?" I replied: 173 00:10:26,580 --> 00:10:29,580 "I am Zayd al-Khayl (Zayd of the Steeds)." 174 00:10:29,580 --> 00:10:32,580 The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: 175 00:10:32,580 --> 00:10:35,580 "Rather, you are Zayd al-Khayr (Zayd of Goodness)! 176 00:10:35,580 --> 00:10:38,639 Praise be to Allah Who brought you 177 00:10:38,639 --> 00:10:41,639 from your plains and your mountains, 178 00:10:41,639 --> 00:10:44,899 and softened your heart to Islam." 179 00:10:44,899 --> 00:10:47,899 Then he (peace be upon him) took me 180 00:10:47,899 --> 00:10:50,899 to his home and offered me 181 00:10:50,899 --> 00:10:54,019 a cushion to recline on, but I felt too shy 182 00:10:54,019 --> 00:10:57,019 to recline before him, so I pushed it back 183 00:10:57,019 --> 00:11:00,019 to him, but he pushed it back to me. 184 00:11:00,019 --> 00:11:03,019 I returned it to him and he returned it 185 00:11:03,019 --> 00:11:06,019 to me three times. 186 00:11:06,019 --> 00:11:09,019 Then he said, "No man has ever been described to me 187 00:11:09,019 --> 00:11:12,019 whom I later saw in person 188 00:11:12,019 --> 00:11:15,019 except that he fell short of his description, save you; for you 189 00:11:15,019 --> 00:11:18,149 are truly above all that was said of you." 190 00:11:18,149 --> 00:11:21,149 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 191 00:11:21,149 --> 00:11:24,149 give me three hundred horsemen, 192 00:11:24,149 --> 00:11:27,149 and I guarantee you that I will raid 193 00:11:27,149 --> 00:11:30,149 the lands of the Byzantines and take spoils from them." 194 00:11:30,149 --> 00:11:33,220 The Prophet (peace be upon him) deeply admired 195 00:11:33,220 --> 00:11:36,220 this high resolve of mine, 196 00:11:36,220 --> 00:11:39,220 and said, "May Allah bless your excellence!" 197 00:11:40,220 --> 00:11:44,080 I stayed in Medina after embracing Islam 198 00:11:44,080 --> 00:11:47,080 for seven days, but then I was afflicted 199 00:11:47,080 --> 00:11:50,139 from fever, so I longed to meet 200 00:11:50,139 --> 00:11:53,139 my people and hoped that Allah would grant them 201 00:11:53,139 --> 00:11:56,240 Islam at my hands. So I set out 202 00:11:56,240 --> 00:11:59,240 toward them, but 203 00:11:59,240 --> 00:12:02,240 my appointed time overtook me, 204 00:12:02,240 --> 00:12:05,240 and my soul departed while I was on the road. 205 00:12:05,240 --> 00:12:13,460 So, who am I? 206 00:12:17,190 --> 00:12:24,029 The answer: 207 00:12:24,029 --> 00:12:27,029 Zayd al-Khayr, 208 00:12:27,029 --> 00:12:30,029 Zayd ibn Muhalhil al-Ta'i, 209 00:12:30,029 --> 00:12:38,500 may Allah be pleased with him. 210 00:12:49,779 --> 00:12:57,299 Pause, 211 00:12:57,299 --> 00:13:00,299 and learn about the Companions, the scholars, 212 00:13:00,299 --> 00:13:03,299 and the eminent figures. 213 00:13:06,299 --> 00:13:09,299 A new challenge: Who am I? 214 00:13:09,299 --> 00:13:16,299 I am one of the senior Companions, 215 00:13:16,299 --> 00:13:19,299 from among the Emigrants (Muhajirun). 216 00:13:19,299 --> 00:13:22,299 I was a nobleman in Mecca before Islam, 217 00:13:22,299 --> 00:13:25,360 severe against the Muslims. 218 00:13:25,360 --> 00:13:28,360 But when I embraced Islam, 219 00:13:28,360 --> 00:13:31,360 Allah strengthened Islam and the Muslims through me, 220 00:13:31,360 --> 00:13:34,360 and endowed me with an awe-inspiring presence 221 00:13:34,360 --> 00:13:37,360 that made Satan flee from the path 222 00:13:37,360 --> 00:13:41,000 along which I walked. 223 00:13:41,000 --> 00:13:44,000 I was the companion of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 224 00:13:44,000 --> 00:13:47,000 throughout his life, his vizier, 225 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:50,000 and his counselor in his private and public affairs; 226 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:53,000 the successor of his successor after his death, 227 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:56,289 and his neighbor in his resting place. 228 00:13:56,289 --> 00:13:59,289 During the era of my caliphate, 229 00:13:59,289 --> 00:14:02,289 the administrative registries were established, 230 00:14:02,289 --> 00:14:05,289 the armies were dispatched, 231 00:14:05,289 --> 00:14:08,289 vast lands were conquered, 232 00:14:08,289 --> 00:14:11,289 and the two greatest empires in the world were defeated: 233 00:14:11,289 --> 00:14:14,320 Persia and Rome. 234 00:14:14,320 --> 00:14:18,340 In my time, the call to prayer resonated across most of the earth. 235 00:14:18,340 --> 00:14:21,340 I was the first to be called 'Commander of the Faithful'. 236 00:14:21,340 --> 00:14:24,340 Yet despite that, 237 00:14:24,340 --> 00:14:27,340 I walked among the people without any guard, 238 00:14:27,340 --> 00:14:30,340 slept in the mosque just as ordinary people slept, 239 00:14:30,340 --> 00:14:33,340 and walked through the marketplace 240 00:14:33,340 --> 00:14:36,340 holding my whip in hand to deter 241 00:14:36,340 --> 00:14:40,240 anyone who cheated the Muslims. 242 00:14:40,240 --> 00:14:43,240 One day, a Zoroastrian slave came to me, 243 00:14:43,240 --> 00:14:46,240 who manufactured millstones for al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah, 244 00:14:46,240 --> 00:14:49,399 may Allah be pleased with him. 245 00:14:49,399 --> 00:14:52,399 Al-Mughirah used to collect from him daily 246 00:14:52,399 --> 00:14:55,399 four dirhams. 247 00:14:55,399 --> 00:14:58,399 He said, "Al-Mughirah has overburdened me, 248 00:14:58,399 --> 00:15:01,399 so speak to him to lighten my burden." 249 00:15:01,399 --> 00:15:04,399 I said to him, "Treat your master well," 250 00:15:04,399 --> 00:15:07,399 while intending to speak to al-Mughirah on his behalf. 251 00:15:07,399 --> 00:15:10,429 But the Zoroastrian slave became enraged 252 00:15:10,429 --> 00:15:13,429 and harbored an intention to kill me. 253 00:15:13,429 --> 00:15:16,429 So he procured a dagger, 254 00:15:16,429 --> 00:15:19,879 sharpened it, and poisoned it. 255 00:15:19,879 --> 00:15:22,879 When I came out for the Fajr prayer, 256 00:15:22,879 --> 00:15:25,879 that wicked slave crept between the rows, 257 00:15:25,879 --> 00:15:28,879 and before I could pronounce the opening takbir, 258 00:15:28,879 --> 00:15:31,879 he came and struck me in my shoulder 259 00:15:31,879 --> 00:15:34,879 and in my flank, 260 00:15:34,879 --> 00:15:37,879 so I fell to the ground. 261 00:15:37,879 --> 00:15:40,879 The Zoroastrian fled, striking anyone in his path, 262 00:15:40,879 --> 00:15:43,879 until he had stabbed thirteen men, 263 00:15:43,879 --> 00:15:46,940 six of whom died. 264 00:15:46,940 --> 00:15:49,940 Then one of the Muslims threw a cloak over him; 265 00:15:49,940 --> 00:15:52,940 when the disbeliever realized he was captured, 266 00:15:52,940 --> 00:15:56,809 he took his own life with his dagger. 267 00:15:56,809 --> 00:15:59,809 As for me, I was carried to my house, 268 00:15:59,809 --> 00:16:02,809 while the sun was close to rising. 269 00:16:02,809 --> 00:16:05,809 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf, may Allah be pleased with him, led 270 00:16:05,809 --> 00:16:08,809 the people in prayer reciting the two shortest surahs. 271 00:16:08,809 --> 00:16:11,809 I too prayed Fajr 272 00:16:11,809 --> 00:16:14,870 while my wound was gushing blood. 273 00:16:14,870 --> 00:16:17,870 Milk was brought to me and I drank it, 274 00:16:17,870 --> 00:16:20,870 but it came out white from my wound. 275 00:16:20,870 --> 00:16:23,970 Thus I knew, and the people knew, that I was dying. 276 00:16:23,970 --> 00:16:26,970 The people began to praise me 277 00:16:26,970 --> 00:16:29,970 and say, 278 00:16:29,970 --> 00:16:33,159 "Glad tidings to you of martyrdom! 279 00:16:33,159 --> 00:16:36,159 You were a companion of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 280 00:16:36,159 --> 00:16:39,289 and you did such and such..." 281 00:16:39,289 --> 00:16:42,289 But I said, "By Allah, I truly wish 282 00:16:42,289 --> 00:16:45,289 that I depart from this world just breaking even, 283 00:16:45,289 --> 00:16:48,860 with nothing against me and nothing for me." So, who am I? 284 00:17:05,279 --> 00:17:08,279 The answer: 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, 285 00:17:08,279 --> 00:17:11,279 may Allah be pleased with him. 286 00:17:11,279 --> 00:17:14,279 They departed, leaving in the conscience 287 00:17:14,279 --> 00:17:17,279 a question: Did ever the like of them 288 00:17:17,279 --> 00:17:20,279 shine and gleam as a heavenly star? 289 00:17:20,279 --> 00:17:23,279 They filled life 290 00:17:23,279 --> 00:17:26,279 with glories through their deeds, 291 00:17:26,279 --> 00:17:29,279 and the world of mankind flourished through them 292 00:17:29,279 --> 00:17:36,220 in splendor. 293 00:17:36,220 --> 00:17:39,730 Pause, 294 00:17:39,730 --> 00:17:42,730 and learn about the Companions, the scholars, 295 00:17:42,730 --> 00:17:45,730 and the eminent figures. 296 00:17:45,730 --> 00:17:48,730 A new challenge: 297 00:17:48,730 --> 00:17:54,799 Who am I? 298 00:17:54,799 --> 00:17:57,799 I am one of the prominent Companions, 299 00:17:57,799 --> 00:18:00,799 one of the paternal uncles of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 300 00:18:00,799 --> 00:18:03,829 and among the Emigrants. 301 00:18:03,829 --> 00:18:06,829 I was a chieftain among the chieftains of Mecca, 302 00:18:06,829 --> 00:18:09,829 raised there alongside my nephew 303 00:18:09,829 --> 00:18:12,829 and foster brother through nursing, 304 00:18:12,829 --> 00:18:16,019 Muhammad, peace be upon him. 305 00:18:16,019 --> 00:18:19,019 I was known for courage and generosity, 306 00:18:19,019 --> 00:18:22,019 and was among the fiercest youths of Quraysh 307 00:18:22,019 --> 00:18:25,019 and the most unyielding in resolve. 308 00:18:26,019 --> 00:18:29,819 Once, I approached carrying my bow, 309 00:18:29,819 --> 00:18:32,819 returning from a hunt, 310 00:18:32,819 --> 00:18:35,819 and passed by a freed-maidservant of 'Abdullah ibn Jud'an. 311 00:18:35,819 --> 00:18:38,819 She said to me, 312 00:18:38,819 --> 00:18:41,819 "O Abu 'Umarah, 313 00:18:41,819 --> 00:18:44,819 if only you had seen what your nephew suffered from Abu Jahl! 314 00:18:44,819 --> 00:18:47,819 He found him right here, insulted and reviled him, 315 00:18:47,819 --> 00:18:50,819 and subjected him to terrible abuse, 316 00:18:50,819 --> 00:18:53,819 then walked away while Muhammad did not utter a word to him." 317 00:18:53,819 --> 00:18:56,819 When I heard that, 318 00:18:56,819 --> 00:18:59,819 protective zeal for my nephew seized me, 319 00:18:59,819 --> 00:19:02,819 and anger overtook me. 320 00:19:02,819 --> 00:19:05,819 I rushed out without stopping to talk to anyone as I usually did. 321 00:19:05,819 --> 00:19:08,819 When I entered the Council House (Dar al-Nadwah), 322 00:19:08,819 --> 00:19:11,819 I saw Abu Jahl sitting among the people. 323 00:19:11,819 --> 00:19:14,819 I strode toward him 324 00:19:14,819 --> 00:19:17,819 until I stood right above his head; 325 00:19:17,819 --> 00:19:20,819 I raised my bow and struck him with it, 326 00:19:21,819 --> 00:19:23,819 then said to him, 327 00:19:23,819 --> 00:19:26,819 "Do you revile him while I follow his religion, 328 00:19:26,819 --> 00:19:29,819 saying what he says? 329 00:19:29,819 --> 00:19:32,819 Retaliate against me if you can!" 330 00:19:32,819 --> 00:19:35,819 Men from Banu Makhzum rose against me, 331 00:19:35,819 --> 00:19:38,819 but Abu Jahl said, "Leave Abu 'Umarah alone, 332 00:19:38,819 --> 00:19:41,819 for by Allah, I reviled 333 00:19:41,819 --> 00:19:44,859 his nephew with vile abuse." 334 00:19:44,859 --> 00:19:47,859 I departed from their gathering 335 00:19:48,859 --> 00:19:51,859 and embraced Islam at that moment, 336 00:19:51,859 --> 00:19:54,859 and through my Islam the strength of the Muslims was fortified. 337 00:19:54,859 --> 00:19:59,970 I migrated to Medina 338 00:19:59,970 --> 00:20:02,970 and took part in Badr alongside the Prophet, peace be upon him. 339 00:20:02,970 --> 00:20:05,970 I killed the very first casualty 340 00:20:05,970 --> 00:20:08,970 among the polytheists in that battle, 341 00:20:08,970 --> 00:20:11,970 which occurred when al-Aswad 342 00:20:11,970 --> 00:20:14,970 ibn 'Abd al-Asad al-Makhzumi stepped forward, 343 00:20:14,970 --> 00:20:17,970 having vowed to Allah that he would drink from our water basin, 344 00:20:17,970 --> 00:20:20,970 destroy it, or die trying. 345 00:20:20,970 --> 00:20:23,970 So I went out to face him, 346 00:20:23,970 --> 00:20:26,970 and when we clashed, I struck him with my sword, 347 00:20:26,970 --> 00:20:29,970 cutting off his foot along with half his shin. 348 00:20:29,970 --> 00:20:32,970 He fell on his back with his leg 349 00:20:32,970 --> 00:20:35,970 spurting blood, then he crawled toward the basin, 350 00:20:35,970 --> 00:20:38,970 intent on fulfilling his oath. 351 00:20:38,970 --> 00:20:41,970 So I struck him again and killed him 352 00:20:41,970 --> 00:20:47,079 before he could reach the basin. 353 00:20:48,079 --> 00:20:51,109 When the duel was called, 354 00:20:51,109 --> 00:20:54,109 the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, commanded me, 355 00:20:54,109 --> 00:20:57,109 along with 'Ubaydah ibn al-Harith 356 00:20:57,109 --> 00:21:00,109 and 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, 357 00:21:00,109 --> 00:21:03,109 to go out against them. 358 00:21:03,109 --> 00:21:06,109 We engaged them in single combat and killed them all, 359 00:21:06,109 --> 00:21:09,109 and that was the first duel in Islam. 360 00:21:09,109 --> 00:21:12,109 Regarding us, Allah's words were revealed: 361 00:21:12,109 --> 00:21:15,109 "These are two adversaries who have disputed regarding their Lord." 362 00:21:16,109 --> 00:21:19,109 Then the general battle began; 363 00:21:19,109 --> 00:21:22,109 I placed an ostrich feather on my chest 364 00:21:22,109 --> 00:21:25,109 and fought the polytheists, 365 00:21:25,109 --> 00:21:28,109 striking down their champions 366 00:21:28,109 --> 00:21:31,109 and driving them from their positions, 367 00:21:31,109 --> 00:21:34,180 until Allah routed them. 368 00:21:34,180 --> 00:21:37,180 After the battle, Umayyah ibn Khalaf asked, 369 00:21:37,180 --> 00:21:40,180 while he was a captive, 370 00:21:40,180 --> 00:21:43,180 "Who was the man wearing the ostrich feather on his chest?" 371 00:21:43,180 --> 00:21:46,299 The Muslims gave me the title 'the Lion of Allah' 372 00:21:46,299 --> 00:21:49,299 and 'the Lion of His Messenger', peace be upon him. 373 00:21:49,299 --> 00:21:53,170 So, who am I? 374 00:22:08,440 --> 00:22:11,440 The answer: Hamzah ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib, 375 00:22:11,440 --> 00:22:14,440 may Allah be pleased with him. 376 00:22:20,440 --> 00:22:23,440 A star that rose and shone brightly; 377 00:22:23,440 --> 00:22:26,440 they filled life with glories 378 00:22:26,440 --> 00:22:29,440 through their deeds, 379 00:22:29,440 --> 00:22:32,440 and the world of mankind flourished through them 380 00:22:32,440 --> 00:22:38,380 in radiant grace; 381 00:22:44,829 --> 00:22:47,829 the best of generations in stances 382 00:22:47,829 --> 00:22:50,829 and exemplary models. 383 00:22:57,160 --> 00:23:00,160 I am one of the younger Companions; 384 00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:03,160 my father was the disciple of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 385 00:23:03,160 --> 00:23:06,160 my mother was 'She of the Two Waistbands', 386 00:23:06,160 --> 00:23:09,160 my maternal aunt was the Mother of the Believers, 387 00:23:09,160 --> 00:23:12,220 and I was the very first newborn 388 00:23:12,220 --> 00:23:15,259 born to the Emigrants in Medina. 389 00:23:15,259 --> 00:23:18,259 At my birth, the Muslims rejoiced 390 00:23:18,259 --> 00:23:21,259 and proclaimed the takbir so loudly that Medina shook 391 00:23:21,259 --> 00:23:25,059 with their cries of 'Allahu Akbar'. 392 00:23:25,059 --> 00:23:28,059 I lived during the lifetime of the Prophet, peace be upon him, 393 00:23:28,059 --> 00:23:31,059 for eight years and four months, 394 00:23:31,059 --> 00:23:34,059 and I used to visit him frequently, 395 00:23:34,059 --> 00:23:37,059 regularly dropping by 396 00:23:37,059 --> 00:23:40,059 the house of my aunt 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her. 397 00:23:40,059 --> 00:23:43,059 I came to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 398 00:23:43,059 --> 00:23:46,059 one day while he was undergoing cupping. 399 00:23:46,059 --> 00:23:49,059 When he had finished, he said to me, 400 00:23:49,059 --> 00:23:52,059 "Take this blood 401 00:23:52,059 --> 00:23:55,059 and pour it away where no one can see you." 402 00:23:55,059 --> 00:23:58,089 When I left his presence, 403 00:23:58,089 --> 00:24:01,089 I drank the blood. When I returned, 404 00:24:01,089 --> 00:24:04,089 he asked, "What did you do with the blood?" 405 00:24:04,089 --> 00:24:07,089 I replied, "I took it to the most hidden 406 00:24:07,089 --> 00:24:10,150 place I could find and put it there." 407 00:24:10,150 --> 00:24:13,150 He said, "Perhaps you drank it?" 408 00:24:13,150 --> 00:24:16,150 I said, "Yes." He said, 409 00:24:16,150 --> 00:24:19,150 "Woe to the people because of you!" 410 00:24:20,150 --> 00:24:25,099 My father instructed me, when I was seven years old, 411 00:24:25,099 --> 00:24:28,099 to pledge allegiance to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 412 00:24:28,099 --> 00:24:31,099 So I came to him, 413 00:24:31,099 --> 00:24:34,099 and when he saw me approaching, 414 00:24:34,099 --> 00:24:37,099 he smiled, peace and blessings be upon him, 415 00:24:37,099 --> 00:24:40,099 and then took my pledge of allegiance. 416 00:24:40,099 --> 00:24:43,099 I did not participate with him in battles due to my young age, 417 00:24:43,099 --> 00:24:46,099 but during the era of the Caliphs after him, 418 00:24:46,099 --> 00:24:49,099 I was the knight of my time. 419 00:24:49,099 --> 00:24:52,099 I had renowned feats 420 00:24:52,099 --> 00:24:55,200 recorded by history, 421 00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:58,200 among which was what occurred during the conquests of Africa, 422 00:24:58,200 --> 00:25:01,200 when the Berber commander attacked us 423 00:25:01,200 --> 00:25:04,200 with one hundred and twenty thousand warriors, 424 00:25:04,200 --> 00:25:07,200 and they surrounded us while we were only twenty thousand, 425 00:25:07,200 --> 00:25:10,200 led by our commander, 'Abdullah Ibn Abi al-Sarh, 426 00:25:10,200 --> 00:25:13,200 may Allah be pleased with him. 427 00:25:13,200 --> 00:25:16,200 The situation became dire for us, 428 00:25:16,200 --> 00:25:19,200 when I spotted the Berber commander 429 00:25:19,200 --> 00:25:22,200 behind his troops on a grey workhorse, 430 00:25:22,200 --> 00:25:25,200 accompanied by two maidservants who shaded 431 00:25:25,200 --> 00:25:28,200 him with peacock feathers, 432 00:25:28,200 --> 00:25:31,259 with open ground separating him from his army. 433 00:25:31,259 --> 00:25:34,259 So I went to the commander, Ibn Abi al-Sarh, 434 00:25:34,259 --> 00:25:37,259 and asked his permission to attack their commander. 435 00:25:37,259 --> 00:25:40,259 He granted me permission 436 00:25:40,259 --> 00:25:43,259 and assigned men to support me. 437 00:25:43,259 --> 00:25:46,259 I said to the rest of the army, 438 00:25:46,259 --> 00:25:49,259 "Hold your battle lines." 439 00:25:49,259 --> 00:25:52,259 Then I surged forward, cutting through the ranks, 440 00:25:52,259 --> 00:25:55,259 and told those with me, "Cover my back." 441 00:25:55,259 --> 00:25:58,259 I breached the lines toward the Berber commander 442 00:25:58,259 --> 00:26:01,259 and emerged before him resolutely, 443 00:26:01,259 --> 00:26:04,259 while neither he nor his companions thought anything 444 00:26:04,259 --> 00:26:07,259 except that I was an emissary sent to him. 445 00:26:07,259 --> 00:26:10,259 When I drew close to him, he realized death had come, 446 00:26:11,259 --> 00:26:14,259 so he sprang onto his horse to flee, 447 00:26:14,259 --> 00:26:17,259 but I caught up with him and struck him with my spear, 448 00:26:17,259 --> 00:26:20,259 and he fell dead. 449 00:26:20,259 --> 00:26:23,259 Then I severed his head, 450 00:26:23,259 --> 00:26:26,259 mounted it on my spear, and proclaimed the takbir. 451 00:26:26,259 --> 00:26:29,259 The Muslims then charged the enemy, 452 00:26:29,259 --> 00:26:32,259 throwing them into disarray, 453 00:26:32,259 --> 00:26:35,259 and Allah granted us victory over them, 454 00:26:35,259 --> 00:26:39,349 so we struck them down as we wished. 455 00:26:39,349 --> 00:26:42,349 Along with my renowned bravery, 456 00:26:42,349 --> 00:26:45,349 I was equally known for knowledge and devotion: 457 00:26:45,349 --> 00:26:48,349 I spent my nights standing in prayer, 458 00:26:48,349 --> 00:26:51,349 my days fasting, and was like a dwelling dove in the mosque. 459 00:26:51,349 --> 00:26:54,420 There was no act of worship 460 00:26:54,420 --> 00:26:57,420 that people found too difficult except that I took it upon myself. 461 00:26:57,420 --> 00:27:00,420 Once, a flood came 462 00:27:00,420 --> 00:27:03,420 and submerged the area around the Ka'bah, 463 00:27:03,420 --> 00:27:06,420 so people halted their circumambulation, 464 00:27:06,420 --> 00:27:09,539 but I circumambulated the House by swimming. 465 00:27:09,539 --> 00:27:14,619 Who am I? 466 00:27:25,099 --> 00:27:28,099 The answer: 'Abdullah Ibn al-Zubayr Ibn al-'Awwam, 467 00:27:28,099 --> 00:27:31,099 may Allah be pleased with them both. 468 00:27:43,200 --> 00:27:46,200 Proud deeds of glory shone through their actions, 469 00:27:46,200 --> 00:27:49,200 and the world of mankind was brightened by them. 470 00:27:49,200 --> 00:27:52,200 Splendidly! 471 00:27:52,200 --> 00:28:00,509 Pause and discover 472 00:28:00,509 --> 00:28:03,509 the Companions, the scholars, and the prominent figures: 473 00:28:03,509 --> 00:28:06,700 the best of generations in character and example. 474 00:28:06,700 --> 00:28:09,700 A new challenge: 475 00:28:09,700 --> 00:28:15,839 Who am I? 476 00:28:15,839 --> 00:28:18,839 I am one of the Companions, from the leaders of the Ansar. 477 00:28:19,839 --> 00:28:22,839 I was one of the delegates on the Night of 'Aqabah, 478 00:28:22,839 --> 00:28:25,839 and the first to pledge allegiance to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 479 00:28:25,839 --> 00:28:28,869 on that night, 480 00:28:28,869 --> 00:28:31,869 when I said to him: 481 00:28:31,869 --> 00:28:34,869 "By Allah, you have our pledge, O Messenger of Allah, 482 00:28:34,869 --> 00:28:37,869 to conceal what you wish us to conceal, 483 00:28:37,869 --> 00:28:40,869 to declare what you wish us to declare, 484 00:28:40,869 --> 00:28:43,869 to sacrifice our very souls, 485 00:28:43,869 --> 00:28:46,869 seeking the pleasure of our Lord with us; 486 00:28:46,869 --> 00:28:49,869 and we are a people of strength and honor. 487 00:28:49,869 --> 00:28:52,869 We were upholding this 488 00:28:52,869 --> 00:28:55,869 even while we were upon what we were upon, worshiping 489 00:28:55,869 --> 00:28:58,869 idols and stones; 490 00:28:58,869 --> 00:29:01,869 so how about us today, 491 00:29:01,869 --> 00:29:04,869 when Allah has granted us insight into what He blinded others to, 492 00:29:04,869 --> 00:29:07,869 and has supported us through you? 493 00:29:07,869 --> 00:29:10,869 Stretch forth your hand." 494 00:29:10,869 --> 00:29:13,869 So he stretched forth his hand, peace and blessings be upon him. 495 00:29:14,869 --> 00:29:18,960 I was the first to pray facing the Ka'bah 496 00:29:18,960 --> 00:29:21,960 before the qiblah was formally decreed toward it, 497 00:29:21,960 --> 00:29:24,960 and my people differed with me. 498 00:29:24,960 --> 00:29:27,960 So we asked the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 499 00:29:27,960 --> 00:29:30,960 about that, 500 00:29:30,960 --> 00:29:33,960 and he said to me, "You were upon a valid qiblah, 501 00:29:33,960 --> 00:29:36,960 had you remained patient upon it." 502 00:29:36,960 --> 00:29:39,960 So I reverted to their qiblah toward Bayt al-Maqdis. 503 00:29:39,960 --> 00:29:43,759 Death approached me 504 00:29:43,759 --> 00:29:46,759 one month before the migration of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 505 00:29:46,759 --> 00:29:49,819 to Madinah, 506 00:29:49,819 --> 00:29:52,819 so I willed one-third of my wealth to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 507 00:29:52,819 --> 00:29:55,819 one-third in the cause of Allah, 508 00:29:55,819 --> 00:29:58,819 and one-third for the heirs. 509 00:29:58,819 --> 00:30:01,950 But the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, returned 510 00:30:01,950 --> 00:30:04,950 the one-third designated for him to the heirs, 511 00:30:04,950 --> 00:30:08,210 and supplicated for good for me. 512 00:30:08,210 --> 00:30:13,700 Who am I? 513 00:30:18,470 --> 00:30:26,430 The answer: 514 00:30:26,430 --> 00:30:29,430 Al-Bara' Ibn Ma'rur, 515 00:30:29,430 --> 00:30:32,750 may Allah be pleased with him. 516 00:30:57,160 --> 00:31:00,670 Pause 517 00:31:00,670 --> 00:31:03,670 and discover the Companions, scholars, and prominent figures. 518 00:31:06,900 --> 00:31:09,900 A new challenge: 519 00:31:09,900 --> 00:31:16,450 Who am I? 520 00:31:16,450 --> 00:31:19,450 I am a Companion of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 521 00:31:19,450 --> 00:31:22,450 and the first muezzin of Islam. 522 00:31:22,450 --> 00:31:25,450 I was born in Makkah 523 00:31:25,450 --> 00:31:28,450 and was an Abyssinian slave belonging to Banu Jumah. 524 00:31:28,450 --> 00:31:31,539 When I heard about Islam, 525 00:31:31,539 --> 00:31:34,539 I embraced it, whereupon my masters seized me 526 00:31:34,539 --> 00:31:37,539 and tortured me, casting me onto the scorching ground 527 00:31:38,539 --> 00:31:41,539 and placing heavy boulders upon my chest 528 00:31:41,539 --> 00:31:44,539 so that I would renounce my religion. 529 00:31:44,539 --> 00:31:47,539 They would hand me over to the boys, 530 00:31:47,539 --> 00:31:50,539 who paraded me through the mountain paths of Makkah, 531 00:31:50,539 --> 00:31:53,539 beating me and saying to me, 532 00:31:53,539 --> 00:31:56,539 "You will remain like this until you die, 533 00:31:56,539 --> 00:32:00,539 or disbelieve in Muhammad and worship al-Lat and al-'Uzza." 534 00:32:00,539 --> 00:32:03,539 Yet while enduring that 535 00:32:03,539 --> 00:32:06,539 severe trial and torment, I would say, 536 00:32:06,539 --> 00:32:09,670 "Ahad! Ahad! [He is One! He is One!]" 537 00:32:09,670 --> 00:32:12,670 Then Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, 538 00:32:12,670 --> 00:32:15,670 may Allah be pleased with him, passed by me one day, 539 00:32:15,670 --> 00:32:18,670 bought me from them, and set me free. 540 00:32:18,670 --> 00:32:21,670 Thus 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, used to say, 541 00:32:21,670 --> 00:32:24,670 "Abu Bakr is our master, 542 00:32:24,670 --> 00:32:28,539 and he freed our master." 543 00:32:28,539 --> 00:32:31,539 I migrated to Madinah 544 00:32:31,539 --> 00:32:34,630 and lived there near the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 545 00:32:34,630 --> 00:32:37,630 When the adhan was ordained, 546 00:32:37,630 --> 00:32:40,630 the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, chose me 547 00:32:40,630 --> 00:32:43,630 to be his first muezzin, 548 00:32:43,630 --> 00:32:47,369 so I called the adhan for him throughout his life. 549 00:32:47,369 --> 00:32:50,369 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, asked me 550 00:32:50,369 --> 00:32:53,369 one day, saying, 551 00:32:53,369 --> 00:32:56,369 "Tell me about the most hopeful deed you have performed in Islam, 552 00:32:56,369 --> 00:32:59,369 for I heard the sound of your footsteps 553 00:32:59,369 --> 00:33:02,400 before me in Paradise." 554 00:33:02,400 --> 00:33:05,400 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 555 00:33:05,400 --> 00:33:08,400 I have not performed any deed more hopeful to me 556 00:33:08,400 --> 00:33:11,400 than that I have never purified myself with full ablution 557 00:33:11,400 --> 00:33:14,400 at any hour of the night or day 558 00:33:14,400 --> 00:33:17,400 except that I prayed with that purification 559 00:33:17,400 --> 00:33:22,190 whatever was decreed for me to pray." 560 00:33:22,190 --> 00:33:25,190 When the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, passed away, 561 00:33:25,190 --> 00:33:28,190 I ceased calling the adhan 562 00:33:28,190 --> 00:33:31,259 and set out for jihad and ribat in the cause of Allah. 563 00:33:31,259 --> 00:33:34,259 Later, I came to Madinah during the caliphate of 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, 564 00:33:34,259 --> 00:33:37,259 and the Muslims requested me 565 00:33:37,259 --> 00:33:40,259 to call the adhan in the Mosque of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 566 00:33:40,259 --> 00:33:43,259 The Commander of the Faithful, 567 00:33:43,259 --> 00:33:46,259 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, 568 00:33:46,259 --> 00:33:49,259 insisted upon that, 569 00:33:49,259 --> 00:33:52,259 so I complied and climbed onto the roof of the mosque to call the adhan. 570 00:33:52,259 --> 00:33:55,259 No sooner had I begun with the takbir, 571 00:33:55,259 --> 00:33:58,259 "Allahu Akbar," 572 00:33:58,259 --> 00:34:01,259 than Madinah shook with weeping, 573 00:34:01,259 --> 00:34:04,319 as if the people were reminded of 574 00:34:04,319 --> 00:34:07,319 their days with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 575 00:34:07,319 --> 00:34:10,480 When I reached 576 00:34:10,480 --> 00:34:13,480 "I bear witness that Muhammad 577 00:34:13,480 --> 00:34:16,480 is the Messenger of Allah," I was overcome 578 00:34:16,480 --> 00:34:19,480 with weeping, 579 00:34:19,480 --> 00:34:22,579 and the sound of people's sobbing rose. 580 00:34:22,579 --> 00:34:25,579 Never was a day seen with more weeping, 581 00:34:25,579 --> 00:34:28,579 after the death of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 582 00:34:28,579 --> 00:34:32,280 than that day. 583 00:34:32,280 --> 00:34:35,280 After that memorable, tearful night, 584 00:34:35,280 --> 00:34:38,280 I packed my belongings and returned to the Levant, 585 00:34:38,280 --> 00:34:41,280 remaining stationed there in ribat 586 00:34:41,280 --> 00:34:44,380 until death came to me. 587 00:34:44,380 --> 00:34:47,380 As I was dying, 588 00:34:47,380 --> 00:34:50,409 my wife cried, "Oh, what grief!" 589 00:34:50,409 --> 00:34:53,409 But I said, "Rather, what joy! 590 00:34:53,409 --> 00:34:56,409 Tomorrow we shall meet our beloved ones: 591 00:34:56,409 --> 00:34:59,500 Muhammad and his Companions." 592 00:34:59,500 --> 00:35:04,360 Who am I? 593 00:35:04,360 --> 00:35:07,940 The best of generations in character and example, 594 00:35:07,940 --> 00:35:14,039 following the Messenger in his striving 595 00:35:14,039 --> 00:35:19,280 or giving them drink. 596 00:35:19,280 --> 00:35:22,380 The answer is Bilal Ibn Rabah, may Allah be pleased with him. 597 00:35:22,380 --> 00:35:25,380 They departed, leaving in the conscience 598 00:35:25,380 --> 00:35:28,380 a searching question: 599 00:35:28,380 --> 00:35:31,380 Is there a star that rose and shone like them? 600 00:35:31,380 --> 00:35:34,380 They filled life 601 00:35:34,380 --> 00:35:37,380 with glories through their deeds, 602 00:35:37,380 --> 00:35:40,380 and through them, the world of mankind flourished 603 00:35:40,380 --> 00:35:48,079 in splendid beauty. 604 00:35:48,079 --> 00:35:51,590 Pause and get to know 605 00:35:51,590 --> 00:35:54,590 the Companions, the scholars, and the foremost: 606 00:35:54,590 --> 00:35:57,780 the best of generations in their stands 607 00:35:57,780 --> 00:36:00,780 and exemplary character. 608 00:36:00,780 --> 00:36:07,210 Who am I? 609 00:36:07,210 --> 00:36:10,210 I am one of the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 610 00:36:10,210 --> 00:36:13,210 I embraced Islam early on 611 00:36:13,210 --> 00:36:16,210 because of an animal that guided me to Islam 612 00:36:16,210 --> 00:36:19,210 and to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 613 00:36:19,210 --> 00:36:22,210 in Medina; so I migrated to him 614 00:36:22,210 --> 00:36:25,210 and accepted Islam before him. 615 00:36:25,210 --> 00:36:28,210 I prayed with him toward both Qiblahs, 616 00:36:28,210 --> 00:36:31,210 and I pledged allegiance to him on the Day of al-Hudaybiyyah beneath the tree. 617 00:36:31,210 --> 00:36:34,940 One day, while I was tending 618 00:36:34,940 --> 00:36:37,940 sheep in al-Harrah, 619 00:36:37,940 --> 00:36:40,940 a wolf suddenly attacked an ewe from the flock 620 00:36:40,940 --> 00:36:43,940 and seized it, so I ran after it 621 00:36:43,940 --> 00:36:46,980 until I rescued the sheep from it. 622 00:36:46,980 --> 00:36:49,980 Thereupon, the wolf sat on its haunches, 623 00:36:49,980 --> 00:36:52,980 spoke to me in human speech, 624 00:36:52,980 --> 00:36:55,980 and said, "Do you not fear Allah? 625 00:36:55,980 --> 00:36:58,980 You come between me and a provision that Allah has driven to me!" 626 00:36:59,980 --> 00:37:02,980 I exclaimed, "How astonishing! 627 00:37:02,980 --> 00:37:05,980 A wolf sitting on its haunches, 628 00:37:05,980 --> 00:37:08,980 speaking in human speech!" 629 00:37:08,980 --> 00:37:11,980 The wolf said, "Shall I not tell you 630 00:37:11,980 --> 00:37:14,980 of something even more astonishing than that? 631 00:37:14,980 --> 00:37:17,980 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 632 00:37:17,980 --> 00:37:20,980 is in Medina between the two lava fields, 633 00:37:20,980 --> 00:37:24,420 informing people of the news of what has passed before." 634 00:37:24,420 --> 00:37:27,420 So when I heard the wolf's words, 635 00:37:27,420 --> 00:37:30,420 I headed straight for Medina, 636 00:37:30,420 --> 00:37:33,420 herding my flock into one of its corners. 637 00:37:33,420 --> 00:37:36,420 Then I entered upon the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 638 00:37:36,420 --> 00:37:39,420 and embraced Islam, 639 00:37:39,420 --> 00:37:42,519 and I related to him the story of the wolf. 640 00:37:42,519 --> 00:37:45,519 So the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, went out 641 00:37:45,519 --> 00:37:48,519 to the people and said to me, 642 00:37:48,519 --> 00:37:51,519 "Stand up and inform them of your news." 643 00:37:51,519 --> 00:37:54,579 So I informed them of what had occurred between me and the wolf, 644 00:37:54,579 --> 00:37:57,579 and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, 645 00:37:57,579 --> 00:38:00,869 "The shepherd has spoken the truth." 646 00:38:00,869 --> 00:38:09,949 So who am I? 647 00:38:09,949 --> 00:38:12,949 They followed the Messenger wherever he strove, 648 00:38:12,949 --> 00:38:20,690 or gave drink. 649 00:38:20,690 --> 00:38:23,690 The answer is Uhban Ibn Aws al-Aslami, 650 00:38:23,690 --> 00:38:26,690 may Allah be pleased with him. 651 00:38:26,690 --> 00:38:29,690 They departed, leaving in the conscience a searching question: 652 00:38:29,690 --> 00:38:32,690 Is there anyone like them, 653 00:38:32,690 --> 00:38:35,690 among those who rose and shone? 654 00:38:35,690 --> 00:38:38,690 They filled life with glories 655 00:38:38,690 --> 00:38:41,690 through their deeds, 656 00:38:41,690 --> 00:38:44,690 and through them, the world of mankind flourished 657 00:38:44,690 --> 00:38:52,809 in splendid beauty. 658 00:38:52,809 --> 00:38:55,809 Pause and get to know the Companions, 659 00:38:55,809 --> 00:38:58,809 the scholars, and the foremost: 660 00:38:58,809 --> 00:39:01,809 the best of generations in their stands 661 00:39:01,809 --> 00:39:04,809 and exemplary character. 662 00:39:04,809 --> 00:39:11,519 Who am I? 663 00:39:11,519 --> 00:39:14,519 I am one of the Companions, from the tribe of Ghifar. 664 00:39:14,519 --> 00:39:17,519 I was a monotheist during the Jahiliyyah, 665 00:39:17,519 --> 00:39:20,519 so I never worshipped idols, 666 00:39:20,519 --> 00:39:23,519 and I was known for courage and valor. 667 00:39:23,519 --> 00:39:26,519 I forbade upon myself wine, intoxication, and divining arrows, 668 00:39:26,519 --> 00:39:29,519 and I possessed a discerning mind 669 00:39:29,519 --> 00:39:33,289 and engaged in deep reflection. 670 00:39:33,289 --> 00:39:36,289 News reached me that a man had emerged in Mecca, 671 00:39:37,320 --> 00:39:40,320 so I said to my brother Unays, 672 00:39:40,320 --> 00:39:43,320 "Go to this man 673 00:39:43,320 --> 00:39:46,320 and bring me news of him." 674 00:39:46,320 --> 00:39:49,320 So he went, met him, and then returned. 675 00:39:49,320 --> 00:39:52,320 I asked, "What news do you have?" 676 00:39:52,320 --> 00:39:55,320 He said, "By Allah, I saw a man 677 00:39:55,320 --> 00:39:58,320 enjoining good and forbidding evil." 678 00:39:58,320 --> 00:40:01,449 I said to him, 679 00:40:01,449 --> 00:40:04,449 "You have not satisfied my curiosity with this report." 680 00:40:05,449 --> 00:40:08,449 I did not know the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 681 00:40:08,449 --> 00:40:11,449 and I disliked asking about him openly. 682 00:40:11,449 --> 00:40:14,449 Then 'Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, passed by me 683 00:40:14,449 --> 00:40:17,449 and said, "It seems the man is a stranger." 684 00:40:17,449 --> 00:40:20,449 I replied, "Yes." 685 00:40:20,449 --> 00:40:23,449 He said, "Then come along to my home." 686 00:40:23,449 --> 00:40:26,449 So I went with him, 687 00:40:26,449 --> 00:40:29,449 while he asked me nothing, nor did I ask him anything. 688 00:40:29,449 --> 00:40:32,449 When morning came, I went out 689 00:40:32,449 --> 00:40:35,449 to ask about him, 690 00:40:35,449 --> 00:40:38,449 but there was no one to tell me anything about him. 691 00:40:38,449 --> 00:40:41,449 Then 'Ali passed by me in the evening 692 00:40:41,449 --> 00:40:44,449 and said, "Has the time not come for the man 693 00:40:44,449 --> 00:40:47,449 to know where his lodging is yet?" 694 00:40:47,449 --> 00:40:50,449 I said, "No." He said, 695 00:40:50,449 --> 00:40:53,449 "Then come with me." 696 00:40:53,449 --> 00:40:56,480 Then he said, "What is your business, 697 00:40:56,480 --> 00:40:59,480 and what brought you to this town?" 698 00:40:59,480 --> 00:41:02,510 I said, "If you promise to keep my secret, I will tell you." He agreed, 699 00:41:02,510 --> 00:41:05,510 so I said to him, 700 00:41:05,510 --> 00:41:08,510 "Word has reached me that here has emerged 701 00:41:08,510 --> 00:41:11,510 a man claiming to be a prophet, 702 00:41:11,510 --> 00:41:14,510 so I wished to meet him." 703 00:41:14,510 --> 00:41:17,510 He said to me, "Indeed, you have found true guidance! 704 00:41:17,510 --> 00:41:20,639 This is my way to him, 705 00:41:20,639 --> 00:41:23,639 so follow me." 706 00:41:23,639 --> 00:41:26,639 So I went with him until we entered upon him. 707 00:41:27,639 --> 00:41:30,639 I spoke to him, 708 00:41:30,639 --> 00:41:33,639 and he presented Islam to me, 709 00:41:33,639 --> 00:41:36,639 so I embraced Islam on the spot. 710 00:41:36,639 --> 00:41:39,639 He said to me, "Keep this matter concealed 711 00:41:39,639 --> 00:41:42,639 and return to your people, 712 00:41:42,639 --> 00:41:45,639 so that Allah may benefit them through you; 713 00:41:45,639 --> 00:41:48,739 and when word reaches you that we have prevailed, then come forward." 714 00:41:48,739 --> 00:41:51,739 So I set out, returning to my people, 715 00:41:51,739 --> 00:41:54,739 until I reached my brother. 716 00:41:55,739 --> 00:41:58,739 I said, "I have embraced Islam and believed." 717 00:41:58,739 --> 00:42:01,800 He replied, "I have no 718 00:42:01,800 --> 00:42:04,800 aversion to your religion; 719 00:42:04,800 --> 00:42:08,059 indeed, I too have embraced Islam alongside you and believed." 720 00:42:08,059 --> 00:42:11,059 Then we came to our mother and informed her 721 00:42:11,059 --> 00:42:14,059 of our news, and she said, 722 00:42:14,059 --> 00:42:17,059 "I have no aversion to the religion of you two; 723 00:42:17,059 --> 00:42:20,059 indeed, I have embraced Islam and believed alongside both of you." 724 00:42:20,059 --> 00:42:23,059 Then I called my tribe, Ghifar, to Islam, 725 00:42:23,059 --> 00:42:26,059 and half of them accepted Islam, 726 00:42:26,059 --> 00:42:29,059 while the rest said, 727 00:42:29,059 --> 00:42:32,860 "When the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, arrives, 728 00:42:32,860 --> 00:42:35,860 we shall embrace Islam." 729 00:42:35,860 --> 00:42:38,860 So when the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, arrived in 730 00:42:38,860 --> 00:42:41,860 Medina, I emigrated to him, 731 00:42:41,860 --> 00:42:44,860 and the remainder of my tribe embraced Islam. 732 00:42:44,860 --> 00:42:47,860 I brought them to the Prophet, peace be upon him, 733 00:42:47,860 --> 00:42:50,860 and the tribe of Aslam came as well, 734 00:42:51,860 --> 00:42:54,860 who were our allies, and said, 735 00:42:54,860 --> 00:42:57,889 "We submit to that which our brothers have submitted to." 736 00:42:57,889 --> 00:43:00,889 Thereupon the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, 737 00:43:00,889 --> 00:43:03,889 "Ghifar—may Allah forgive them; 738 00:43:03,889 --> 00:43:06,889 and Aslam—may Allah grant them peace and safety." 739 00:43:06,889 --> 00:43:11,360 So who am I? 740 00:43:11,360 --> 00:43:16,630 The best of generations in their stands and exemplary character, 741 00:43:16,630 --> 00:43:19,630 following the Messenger wherever he strove, 742 00:43:19,630 --> 00:43:26,699 or gave drink. 743 00:43:26,699 --> 00:43:29,699 Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, 744 00:43:29,699 --> 00:43:32,820 may Allah be pleased with him.