WEBVTT 00:00:00.530 --> 00:00:03.529 Pause 00:00:03.529 --> 00:00:08.529 and get to know the Companions, scholars, and prominent figures. 00:00:12.720 --> 00:00:20.079 A serious challenge: Who am I? 00:00:20.079 --> 00:00:23.079 I am one of the Emigrant Companions (Muhajirun), 00:00:23.079 --> 00:00:27.079 the foster brother of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) through nursing, 00:00:27.079 --> 00:00:31.109 and the son of his paternal aunt, Barrah bint Abd al-Muttalib. 00:00:31.109 --> 00:00:35.109 I was among the very first foremost pioneers in embracing Islam, 00:00:35.109 --> 00:00:40.750 and I was the first to emigrate to Abyssinia, and later to Medina. 00:00:40.750 --> 00:00:43.750 When I resolved to emigrate to Medina, 00:00:43.750 --> 00:00:47.750 I prepared two mounts for myself, my wife, and our nursing infant son, 00:00:47.750 --> 00:00:50.750 then set out toward Medina. 00:00:50.750 --> 00:00:53.750 But when the men of Banu al-Mughirah saw me, 00:00:53.750 --> 00:00:56.750 they confronted me and said: 00:00:56.750 --> 00:00:59.750 "As for yourself, you have prevailed over us, 00:00:59.750 --> 00:01:02.750 but look at this woman of ours; 00:01:02.750 --> 00:01:05.750 why should we let you take her roaming through the land?" 00:01:05.750 --> 00:01:08.750 So they snatched the halter of my wife's camel from my hand, 00:01:08.750 --> 00:01:11.750 taking her and my son away. 00:01:11.750 --> 00:01:16.379 Thus, I emigrated all alone and heart-stricken. 00:01:16.379 --> 00:01:21.379 I fought at Badr and Uhud alongside the Prophet (peace be upon him). 00:01:21.379 --> 00:01:26.379 In the Battle of Uhud, I suffered a deep, penetrating wound to my upper arm, 00:01:26.379 --> 00:01:30.450 which I spent a whole month treating after the battle. 00:01:30.450 --> 00:01:33.450 Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) dispatched me 00:01:33.450 --> 00:01:36.450 to lead an expedition against Banu Asad, 00:01:36.450 --> 00:01:39.450 tying for me a banner and rallying under it 00:01:39.450 --> 00:01:42.450 a raiding squad of one hundred and fifty men 00:01:42.450 --> 00:01:45.450 drawn from the Emigrants and the Ansar. 00:01:45.450 --> 00:01:48.450 We captured herds of their livestock and then returned 00:01:48.450 --> 00:01:51.609 to Medina. Soon after, the wound 00:01:51.609 --> 00:01:54.609 I had suffered at Uhud reopened, 00:01:54.609 --> 00:01:58.379 and I passed away as a result of it. 00:01:58.379 --> 00:02:01.379 When death was approaching me, 00:02:01.379 --> 00:02:04.379 my wife, Umm Salamah— 00:02:04.379 --> 00:02:07.379 Hind bint Abi Umayyah al-Makhzumiyyah—supplicated: 00:02:07.379 --> 00:02:10.379 "O Allah, with You alone I seek reward for my calamity; 00:02:10.379 --> 00:02:13.379 so reward me for it, 00:02:13.379 --> 00:02:16.539 and grant me in exchange someone better than him." 00:02:16.539 --> 00:02:19.539 Then she wondered to herself: 00:02:19.539 --> 00:02:22.729 "And who could possibly be better than my husband?" 00:02:22.729 --> 00:02:25.729 But when her waiting period ended, 00:02:26.729 --> 00:02:29.729 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) proposed to her, 00:02:29.729 --> 00:02:32.789 and she declined his proposal as well. 00:02:32.789 --> 00:02:35.789 Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent for her, 00:02:35.789 --> 00:02:38.789 proposing marriage to her, to which she said: 00:02:38.789 --> 00:02:41.789 "Welcome to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)!" 00:02:41.789 --> 00:02:44.819 So Allah granted her in exchange 00:02:44.819 --> 00:02:48.080 someone far better than me. 00:02:48.080 --> 00:02:52.710 Who am I? 00:03:00.180 --> 00:03:03.919 The answer: 00:03:03.919 --> 00:03:07.210 Abu Salamah, 00:03:07.210 --> 00:03:10.210 'Abdullah ibn 'Abd al-Asad al-Makhzumi 00:03:10.210 --> 00:03:13.210 (may Allah be pleased with him). 00:03:30.939 --> 00:03:37.500 Pause 00:03:37.500 --> 00:03:41.009 and get to know the Companions, 00:03:41.009 --> 00:03:44.009 scholars, and prominent figures. 00:03:47.199 --> 00:03:50.199 A serious challenge: 00:03:50.199 --> 00:03:56.240 Who am I? 00:03:56.240 --> 00:03:59.240 I am a Companion from the Ansar, of the Khazraj tribe, 00:03:59.240 --> 00:04:02.270 renowned for horsemanship, bravery, 00:04:02.270 --> 00:04:06.169 and valor in combat. 00:04:06.169 --> 00:04:09.169 My acceptance of Islam was delayed until the Prophet 00:04:09.169 --> 00:04:12.169 (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) set out for Badr. 00:04:12.169 --> 00:04:15.330 Then I thought to myself: 00:04:15.330 --> 00:04:18.329 "I would feel utterly ashamed for my people to witness a momentous battle 00:04:18.329 --> 00:04:21.620 that I do not witness alongside them." 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), 00:04:24.620 --> 00:04:27.620 though neither of us had embraced Islam yet. 00:04:27.620 --> 00:04:30.620 We reached him while he was at Harrah al-Wabarah. 00:04:30.620 --> 00:04:33.620 When the people saw me, 00:04:34.620 --> 00:04:37.620 knowing full well my daring and resourcefulness, they welcomed my presence. 00:04:37.620 --> 00:04:40.620 I said, "O Muhammad, 00:04:40.620 --> 00:04:43.620 I have come to follow you and take part in the spoils with you." 00:04:43.620 --> 00:04:46.620 But the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked me: 00:04:46.620 --> 00:04:49.620 "Do you believe in Allah and His Messenger?" 00:04:49.620 --> 00:04:52.620 I answered, "No." 00:04:52.620 --> 00:04:55.620 He said, "Then turn back, 00:04:55.620 --> 00:04:59.000 for we never seek the aid of a polytheist." 00:04:59.000 --> 00:05:02.000 I caught up with him again at al-Shajarah, 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:06.129 and he said the very same thing. 00:05:06.129 --> 00:05:09.129 Then I overtook him at al-Bayda', 00:05:09.129 --> 00:05:12.129 and he asked, "Do you believe in Allah and His Messenger?" 00:05:12.129 --> 00:05:15.129 I replied, "Yes!" 00:05:15.129 --> 00:05:18.129 He said, "Then march along with us." 00:05:18.129 --> 00:05:21.129 Thus, I fought at Badr alongside the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). 00:05:21.129 --> 00:05:25.600 During the battle, 00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:28.600 I encountered a fierce warrior from the polytheists, 00:05:28.600 --> 00:05:31.600 formidable in his might. 00:05:31.600 --> 00:05:34.600 He struck down at my shoulder, 00:05:34.600 --> 00:05:37.629 and I struck him back and killed him. 00:05:37.629 --> 00:05:40.660 My side was severed by his blow, 00:05:40.660 --> 00:05:43.660 so I came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him); 00:05:43.660 --> 00:05:46.660 he applied some saliva to it, 00:05:46.660 --> 00:05:49.660 joined it together, and restored it in place, 00:05:49.660 --> 00:05:52.660 so my shoulder healed back as it was, 00:05:52.660 --> 00:05:55.889 although the scar of the blow remained upon it. 00:05:55.889 --> 00:05:58.889 Later on, I married that very man's daughter, 00:05:58.889 --> 00:06:01.889 and she used to say to me playfully: 00:06:01.889 --> 00:06:04.889 "May I never lose the man who adorned you with this sash!" 00:06:04.889 --> 00:06:07.889 meaning the distinct scar across my shoulder 00:06:07.889 --> 00:06:10.889 from her father's strike. 00:06:10.889 --> 00:06:13.889 And I would reply to her: 00:06:13.889 --> 00:06:16.889 "May I never lose the man who hastened your father to the Fire!" 00:06:16.889 --> 00:06:21.199 Who am I? 00:06:23.959 --> 00:06:27.439 The answer: 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:33.639 Khubayb ibn Isaf al-Ansari 00:06:33.639 --> 00:06:38.370 (may Allah be pleased with him). 00:06:58.370 --> 00:07:01.370 Pause 00:07:01.370 --> 00:07:08.370 and get to know the Companions, scholars, 00:07:08.370 --> 00:07:11.370 and prominent figures. 00:07:11.370 --> 00:07:14.370 A serious challenge: 00:07:14.370 --> 00:07:17.370 Who am I? 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), 00:07:20.370 --> 00:07:26.569 from the land of Tayy', 00:07:26.569 --> 00:07:29.569 and I was a celebrated chieftain of the Pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah). 00:07:29.569 --> 00:07:32.600 I was an accomplished horseman 00:07:32.600 --> 00:07:35.699 and a first-rate archer, 00:07:35.699 --> 00:07:38.699 renowned for chivalry, courage, 00:07:38.699 --> 00:07:41.699 and boundless generosity. 00:07:41.699 --> 00:07:45.589 Among the stories told of me during the Jahiliyyah before Islam 00:07:45.589 --> 00:07:48.589 was that a man from Banu Shayban set out 00:07:48.589 --> 00:07:51.589 with his daughters in a year of severe drought; 00:07:51.589 --> 00:07:54.589 he left them near al-Hirah, close 00:07:54.589 --> 00:07:57.589 to its king, hoping they might receive 00:07:57.589 --> 00:08:00.589 something of his bounty, 00:08:00.589 --> 00:08:03.689 and swore never to return to them 00:08:03.689 --> 00:08:06.689 until he acquired good provision for them 00:08:06.689 --> 00:08:09.689 or died trying. 00:08:09.689 --> 00:08:12.689 He packed some provisions and walked for seven days, 00:08:12.689 --> 00:08:15.689 until he arrived at our massive tent. 00:08:15.689 --> 00:08:18.779 He thought to himself: 00:08:18.779 --> 00:08:21.779 "I will wait by this tent; 00:08:21.779 --> 00:08:24.779 perhaps I may gain something from its owners." 00:08:24.879 --> 00:08:27.879 So he sat behind the tent. 00:08:27.879 --> 00:08:30.879 As the sun was about to set, 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:33.879 he saw me arriving on horseback, 00:08:33.879 --> 00:08:36.909 driving a hundred camels with their stud stallion. 00:08:36.909 --> 00:08:39.909 The stallion kneeled down, 00:08:39.909 --> 00:08:42.940 and the camels kneeled all around it. 00:08:42.940 --> 00:08:45.940 He waited until we ate, drank, and fell asleep; 00:08:45.940 --> 00:08:49.039 then the man crept up to the stallion, 00:08:49.039 --> 00:08:52.039 untied its hobble, and mounted it. 00:08:52.039 --> 00:08:55.070 The stallion bolted off with him, and the camels followed in its wake. 00:08:55.070 --> 00:08:58.070 He rode all night through until morning came. 00:08:58.070 --> 00:09:01.200 When the day was well advanced, 00:09:01.200 --> 00:09:04.200 I overtook him. The man dismounted 00:09:04.200 --> 00:09:07.200 from his camel, hobbled it, 00:09:07.200 --> 00:09:10.200 and shouted out to me loudly: 00:09:10.200 --> 00:09:13.200 "I have left little daughters behind me, 00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:16.200 and I swore never to return to them 00:09:16.200 --> 00:09:19.200 until I acquired good provision for them or died!" 00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:22.200 I said to him, "Then you are as good as dead!" 00:09:22.200 --> 00:09:25.200 as I shot an arrow from afar right through the camel's hobble, 00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:28.330 piercing it cleanly. 00:09:28.330 --> 00:09:31.330 When the man witnessed such marksmanship from me, 00:09:31.330 --> 00:09:34.360 he surrendered unconditionally. So I took 00:09:34.360 --> 00:09:37.360 his sword and his bow, seated him behind me 00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:40.519 on my horse, and then told him: 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:43.519 "By Allah, had these camels been mine, 00:09:43.519 --> 00:09:46.519 I would have handed them over to you, but they belong 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:49.519 to the chieftain's daughter. So stay with me, 00:09:49.519 --> 00:09:52.649 for I am about to launch a raid." 00:09:52.649 --> 00:09:55.649 He stayed for a few days; then I launched a raid 00:09:55.649 --> 00:09:58.649 against an enemy tribe and captured from them 00:09:58.649 --> 00:10:01.649 one hundred camels. I gave every single one of them 00:10:01.649 --> 00:10:05.580 to him, and he returned safely to his family. 00:10:05.580 --> 00:10:08.580 When I heard of Islam, 00:10:08.580 --> 00:10:11.580 I traveled to Medina and found 00:10:11.580 --> 00:10:14.580 the Prophet (peace be upon him) delivering a sermon 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:17.580 from the pulpit. I entered the mosque 00:10:17.580 --> 00:10:20.580 and pronounced the two testimonies of faith. 00:10:20.580 --> 00:10:23.580 He (peace be upon him) asked: 00:10:23.580 --> 00:10:26.580 "Who are you?" I replied: 00:10:26.580 --> 00:10:29.580 "I am Zayd al-Khayl (Zayd of the Steeds)." 00:10:29.580 --> 00:10:32.580 The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:35.580 "Rather, you are Zayd al-Khayr (Zayd of Goodness)! 00:10:35.580 --> 00:10:38.639 Praise be to Allah Who brought you 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:41.639 from your plains and your mountains, 00:10:41.639 --> 00:10:44.899 and softened your heart to Islam." 00:10:44.899 --> 00:10:47.899 Then he (peace be upon him) took me 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:50.899 to his home and offered me 00:10:50.899 --> 00:10:54.019 a cushion to recline on, but I felt too shy 00:10:54.019 --> 00:10:57.019 to recline before him, so I pushed it back 00:10:57.019 --> 00:11:00.019 to him, but he pushed it back to me. 00:11:00.019 --> 00:11:03.019 I returned it to him and he returned it 00:11:03.019 --> 00:11:06.019 to me three times. 00:11:06.019 --> 00:11:09.019 Then he said, "No man has ever been described to me 00:11:09.019 --> 00:11:12.019 whom I later saw in person 00:11:12.019 --> 00:11:15.019 except that he fell short of his description, save you; for you 00:11:15.019 --> 00:11:18.149 are truly above all that was said of you." 00:11:18.149 --> 00:11:21.149 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 00:11:21.149 --> 00:11:24.149 give me three hundred horsemen, 00:11:24.149 --> 00:11:27.149 and I guarantee you that I will raid 00:11:27.149 --> 00:11:30.149 the lands of the Byzantines and take spoils from them." 00:11:30.149 --> 00:11:33.220 The Prophet (peace be upon him) deeply admired 00:11:33.220 --> 00:11:36.220 this high resolve of mine, 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:39.220 and said, "May Allah bless your excellence!" 00:11:40.220 --> 00:11:44.080 I stayed in Medina after embracing Islam 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:47.080 for seven days, but then I was afflicted 00:11:47.080 --> 00:11:50.139 from fever, so I longed to meet 00:11:50.139 --> 00:11:53.139 my people and hoped that Allah would grant them 00:11:53.139 --> 00:11:56.240 Islam at my hands. So I set out 00:11:56.240 --> 00:11:59.240 toward them, but 00:11:59.240 --> 00:12:02.240 my appointed time overtook me, 00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:05.240 and my soul departed while I was on the road. 00:12:05.240 --> 00:12:13.460 So, who am I? 00:12:17.190 --> 00:12:24.029 The answer: 00:12:24.029 --> 00:12:27.029 Zayd al-Khayr, 00:12:27.029 --> 00:12:30.029 Zayd ibn Muhalhil al-Ta'i, 00:12:30.029 --> 00:12:38.500 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:12:49.779 --> 00:12:57.299 Pause, 00:12:57.299 --> 00:13:00.299 and learn about the Companions, the scholars, 00:13:00.299 --> 00:13:03.299 and the eminent figures. 00:13:06.299 --> 00:13:09.299 A new challenge: Who am I? 00:13:09.299 --> 00:13:16.299 I am one of the senior Companions, 00:13:16.299 --> 00:13:19.299 from among the Emigrants (Muhajirun). 00:13:19.299 --> 00:13:22.299 I was a nobleman in Mecca before Islam, 00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:25.360 severe against the Muslims. 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:28.360 But when I embraced Islam, 00:13:28.360 --> 00:13:31.360 Allah strengthened Islam and the Muslims through me, 00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:34.360 and endowed me with an awe-inspiring presence 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:37.360 that made Satan flee from the path 00:13:37.360 --> 00:13:41.000 along which I walked. 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:44.000 I was the companion of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:47.000 throughout his life, his vizier, 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:50.000 and his counselor in his private and public affairs; 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:53.000 the successor of his successor after his death, 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:56.289 and his neighbor in his resting place. 00:13:56.289 --> 00:13:59.289 During the era of my caliphate, 00:13:59.289 --> 00:14:02.289 the administrative registries were established, 00:14:02.289 --> 00:14:05.289 the armies were dispatched, 00:14:05.289 --> 00:14:08.289 vast lands were conquered, 00:14:08.289 --> 00:14:11.289 and the two greatest empires in the world were defeated: 00:14:11.289 --> 00:14:14.320 Persia and Rome. 00:14:14.320 --> 00:14:18.340 In my time, the call to prayer resonated across most of the earth. 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:21.340 I was the first to be called 'Commander of the Faithful'. 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:24.340 Yet despite that, 00:14:24.340 --> 00:14:27.340 I walked among the people without any guard, 00:14:27.340 --> 00:14:30.340 slept in the mosque just as ordinary people slept, 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:33.340 and walked through the marketplace 00:14:33.340 --> 00:14:36.340 holding my whip in hand to deter 00:14:36.340 --> 00:14:40.240 anyone who cheated the Muslims. 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:43.240 One day, a Zoroastrian slave came to me, 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:46.240 who manufactured millstones for al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah, 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:49.399 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:14:49.399 --> 00:14:52.399 Al-Mughirah used to collect from him daily 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:55.399 four dirhams. 00:14:55.399 --> 00:14:58.399 He said, "Al-Mughirah has overburdened me, 00:14:58.399 --> 00:15:01.399 so speak to him to lighten my burden." 00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:04.399 I said to him, "Treat your master well," 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:07.399 while intending to speak to al-Mughirah on his behalf. 00:15:07.399 --> 00:15:10.429 But the Zoroastrian slave became enraged 00:15:10.429 --> 00:15:13.429 and harbored an intention to kill me. 00:15:13.429 --> 00:15:16.429 So he procured a dagger, 00:15:16.429 --> 00:15:19.879 sharpened it, and poisoned it. 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:22.879 When I came out for the Fajr prayer, 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:25.879 that wicked slave crept between the rows, 00:15:25.879 --> 00:15:28.879 and before I could pronounce the opening takbir, 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:31.879 he came and struck me in my shoulder 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:34.879 and in my flank, 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:37.879 so I fell to the ground. 00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:40.879 The Zoroastrian fled, striking anyone in his path, 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:43.879 until he had stabbed thirteen men, 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:46.940 six of whom died. 00:15:46.940 --> 00:15:49.940 Then one of the Muslims threw a cloak over him; 00:15:49.940 --> 00:15:52.940 when the disbeliever realized he was captured, 00:15:52.940 --> 00:15:56.809 he took his own life with his dagger. 00:15:56.809 --> 00:15:59.809 As for me, I was carried to my house, 00:15:59.809 --> 00:16:02.809 while the sun was close to rising. 00:16:02.809 --> 00:16:05.809 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf, may Allah be pleased with him, led 00:16:05.809 --> 00:16:08.809 the people in prayer reciting the two shortest surahs. 00:16:08.809 --> 00:16:11.809 I too prayed Fajr 00:16:11.809 --> 00:16:14.870 while my wound was gushing blood. 00:16:14.870 --> 00:16:17.870 Milk was brought to me and I drank it, 00:16:17.870 --> 00:16:20.870 but it came out white from my wound. 00:16:20.870 --> 00:16:23.970 Thus I knew, and the people knew, that I was dying. 00:16:23.970 --> 00:16:26.970 The people began to praise me 00:16:26.970 --> 00:16:29.970 and say, 00:16:29.970 --> 00:16:33.159 "Glad tidings to you of martyrdom! 00:16:33.159 --> 00:16:36.159 You were a companion of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:39.289 and you did such and such..." 00:16:39.289 --> 00:16:42.289 But I said, "By Allah, I truly wish 00:16:42.289 --> 00:16:45.289 that I depart from this world just breaking even, 00:16:45.289 --> 00:16:48.860 with nothing against me and nothing for me." So, who am I? 00:17:05.279 --> 00:17:08.279 The answer: 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:11.279 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:14.279 They departed, leaving in the conscience 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:17.279 a question: Did ever the like of them 00:17:17.279 --> 00:17:20.279 shine and gleam as a heavenly star? 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:23.279 They filled life 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:26.279 with glories through their deeds, 00:17:26.279 --> 00:17:29.279 and the world of mankind flourished through them 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:36.220 in splendor. 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:39.730 Pause, 00:17:39.730 --> 00:17:42.730 and learn about the Companions, the scholars, 00:17:42.730 --> 00:17:45.730 and the eminent figures. 00:17:45.730 --> 00:17:48.730 A new challenge: 00:17:48.730 --> 00:17:54.799 Who am I? 00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:57.799 I am one of the prominent Companions, 00:17:57.799 --> 00:18:00.799 one of the paternal uncles of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:03.829 and among the Emigrants. 00:18:03.829 --> 00:18:06.829 I was a chieftain among the chieftains of Mecca, 00:18:06.829 --> 00:18:09.829 raised there alongside my nephew 00:18:09.829 --> 00:18:12.829 and foster brother through nursing, 00:18:12.829 --> 00:18:16.019 Muhammad, peace be upon him. 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:19.019 I was known for courage and generosity, 00:18:19.019 --> 00:18:22.019 and was among the fiercest youths of Quraysh 00:18:22.019 --> 00:18:25.019 and the most unyielding in resolve. 00:18:26.019 --> 00:18:29.819 Once, I approached carrying my bow, 00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:32.819 returning from a hunt, 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:35.819 and passed by a freed-maidservant of 'Abdullah ibn Jud'an. 00:18:35.819 --> 00:18:38.819 She said to me, 00:18:38.819 --> 00:18:41.819 "O Abu 'Umarah, 00:18:41.819 --> 00:18:44.819 if only you had seen what your nephew suffered from Abu Jahl! 00:18:44.819 --> 00:18:47.819 He found him right here, insulted and reviled him, 00:18:47.819 --> 00:18:50.819 and subjected him to terrible abuse, 00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:53.819 then walked away while Muhammad did not utter a word to him." 00:18:53.819 --> 00:18:56.819 When I heard that, 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:59.819 protective zeal for my nephew seized me, 00:18:59.819 --> 00:19:02.819 and anger overtook me. 00:19:02.819 --> 00:19:05.819 I rushed out without stopping to talk to anyone as I usually did. 00:19:05.819 --> 00:19:08.819 When I entered the Council House (Dar al-Nadwah), 00:19:08.819 --> 00:19:11.819 I saw Abu Jahl sitting among the people. 00:19:11.819 --> 00:19:14.819 I strode toward him 00:19:14.819 --> 00:19:17.819 until I stood right above his head; 00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:20.819 I raised my bow and struck him with it, 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:23.819 then said to him, 00:19:23.819 --> 00:19:26.819 "Do you revile him while I follow his religion, 00:19:26.819 --> 00:19:29.819 saying what he says? 00:19:29.819 --> 00:19:32.819 Retaliate against me if you can!" 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:35.819 Men from Banu Makhzum rose against me, 00:19:35.819 --> 00:19:38.819 but Abu Jahl said, "Leave Abu 'Umarah alone, 00:19:38.819 --> 00:19:41.819 for by Allah, I reviled 00:19:41.819 --> 00:19:44.859 his nephew with vile abuse." 00:19:44.859 --> 00:19:47.859 I departed from their gathering 00:19:48.859 --> 00:19:51.859 and embraced Islam at that moment, 00:19:51.859 --> 00:19:54.859 and through my Islam the strength of the Muslims was fortified. 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:59.970 I migrated to Medina 00:19:59.970 --> 00:20:02.970 and took part in Badr alongside the Prophet, peace be upon him. 00:20:02.970 --> 00:20:05.970 I killed the very first casualty 00:20:05.970 --> 00:20:08.970 among the polytheists in that battle, 00:20:08.970 --> 00:20:11.970 which occurred when al-Aswad 00:20:11.970 --> 00:20:14.970 ibn 'Abd al-Asad al-Makhzumi stepped forward, 00:20:14.970 --> 00:20:17.970 having vowed to Allah that he would drink from our water basin, 00:20:17.970 --> 00:20:20.970 destroy it, or die trying. 00:20:20.970 --> 00:20:23.970 So I went out to face him, 00:20:23.970 --> 00:20:26.970 and when we clashed, I struck him with my sword, 00:20:26.970 --> 00:20:29.970 cutting off his foot along with half his shin. 00:20:29.970 --> 00:20:32.970 He fell on his back with his leg 00:20:32.970 --> 00:20:35.970 spurting blood, then he crawled toward the basin, 00:20:35.970 --> 00:20:38.970 intent on fulfilling his oath. 00:20:38.970 --> 00:20:41.970 So I struck him again and killed him 00:20:41.970 --> 00:20:47.079 before he could reach the basin. 00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:51.109 When the duel was called, 00:20:51.109 --> 00:20:54.109 the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, commanded me, 00:20:54.109 --> 00:20:57.109 along with 'Ubaydah ibn al-Harith 00:20:57.109 --> 00:21:00.109 and 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, 00:21:00.109 --> 00:21:03.109 to go out against them. 00:21:03.109 --> 00:21:06.109 We engaged them in single combat and killed them all, 00:21:06.109 --> 00:21:09.109 and that was the first duel in Islam. 00:21:09.109 --> 00:21:12.109 Regarding us, Allah's words were revealed: 00:21:12.109 --> 00:21:15.109 "These are two adversaries who have disputed regarding their Lord." 00:21:16.109 --> 00:21:19.109 Then the general battle began; 00:21:19.109 --> 00:21:22.109 I placed an ostrich feather on my chest 00:21:22.109 --> 00:21:25.109 and fought the polytheists, 00:21:25.109 --> 00:21:28.109 striking down their champions 00:21:28.109 --> 00:21:31.109 and driving them from their positions, 00:21:31.109 --> 00:21:34.180 until Allah routed them. 00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:37.180 After the battle, Umayyah ibn Khalaf asked, 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:40.180 while he was a captive, 00:21:40.180 --> 00:21:43.180 "Who was the man wearing the ostrich feather on his chest?" 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:46.299 The Muslims gave me the title 'the Lion of Allah' 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:49.299 and 'the Lion of His Messenger', peace be upon him. 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:53.170 So, who am I? 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:11.440 The answer: Hamzah ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib, 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:14.440 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:23.440 A star that rose and shone brightly; 00:22:23.440 --> 00:22:26.440 they filled life with glories 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:29.440 through their deeds, 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:32.440 and the world of mankind flourished through them 00:22:32.440 --> 00:22:38.380 in radiant grace; 00:22:44.829 --> 00:22:47.829 the best of generations in stances 00:22:47.829 --> 00:22:50.829 and exemplary models. 00:22:57.160 --> 00:23:00.160 I am one of the younger Companions; 00:23:00.160 --> 00:23:03.160 my father was the disciple of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:23:03.160 --> 00:23:06.160 my mother was 'She of the Two Waistbands', 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:09.160 my maternal aunt was the Mother of the Believers, 00:23:09.160 --> 00:23:12.220 and I was the very first newborn 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:15.259 born to the Emigrants in Medina. 00:23:15.259 --> 00:23:18.259 At my birth, the Muslims rejoiced 00:23:18.259 --> 00:23:21.259 and proclaimed the takbir so loudly that Medina shook 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:25.059 with their cries of 'Allahu Akbar'. 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:28.059 I lived during the lifetime of the Prophet, peace be upon him, 00:23:28.059 --> 00:23:31.059 for eight years and four months, 00:23:31.059 --> 00:23:34.059 and I used to visit him frequently, 00:23:34.059 --> 00:23:37.059 regularly dropping by 00:23:37.059 --> 00:23:40.059 the house of my aunt 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her. 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:43.059 I came to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:46.059 one day while he was undergoing cupping. 00:23:46.059 --> 00:23:49.059 When he had finished, he said to me, 00:23:49.059 --> 00:23:52.059 "Take this blood 00:23:52.059 --> 00:23:55.059 and pour it away where no one can see you." 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:58.089 When I left his presence, 00:23:58.089 --> 00:24:01.089 I drank the blood. When I returned, 00:24:01.089 --> 00:24:04.089 he asked, "What did you do with the blood?" 00:24:04.089 --> 00:24:07.089 I replied, "I took it to the most hidden 00:24:07.089 --> 00:24:10.150 place I could find and put it there." 00:24:10.150 --> 00:24:13.150 He said, "Perhaps you drank it?" 00:24:13.150 --> 00:24:16.150 I said, "Yes." He said, 00:24:16.150 --> 00:24:19.150 "Woe to the people because of you!" 00:24:20.150 --> 00:24:25.099 My father instructed me, when I was seven years old, 00:24:25.099 --> 00:24:28.099 to pledge allegiance to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:24:28.099 --> 00:24:31.099 So I came to him, 00:24:31.099 --> 00:24:34.099 and when he saw me approaching, 00:24:34.099 --> 00:24:37.099 he smiled, peace and blessings be upon him, 00:24:37.099 --> 00:24:40.099 and then took my pledge of allegiance. 00:24:40.099 --> 00:24:43.099 I did not participate with him in battles due to my young age, 00:24:43.099 --> 00:24:46.099 but during the era of the Caliphs after him, 00:24:46.099 --> 00:24:49.099 I was the knight of my time. 00:24:49.099 --> 00:24:52.099 I had renowned feats 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:55.200 recorded by history, 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:58.200 among which was what occurred during the conquests of Africa, 00:24:58.200 --> 00:25:01.200 when the Berber commander attacked us 00:25:01.200 --> 00:25:04.200 with one hundred and twenty thousand warriors, 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:07.200 and they surrounded us while we were only twenty thousand, 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:10.200 led by our commander, 'Abdullah Ibn Abi al-Sarh, 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:13.200 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:16.200 The situation became dire for us, 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:19.200 when I spotted the Berber commander 00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:22.200 behind his troops on a grey workhorse, 00:25:22.200 --> 00:25:25.200 accompanied by two maidservants who shaded 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:28.200 him with peacock feathers, 00:25:28.200 --> 00:25:31.259 with open ground separating him from his army. 00:25:31.259 --> 00:25:34.259 So I went to the commander, Ibn Abi al-Sarh, 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:37.259 and asked his permission to attack their commander. 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:40.259 He granted me permission 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:43.259 and assigned men to support me. 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:46.259 I said to the rest of the army, 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:49.259 "Hold your battle lines." 00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:52.259 Then I surged forward, cutting through the ranks, 00:25:52.259 --> 00:25:55.259 and told those with me, "Cover my back." 00:25:55.259 --> 00:25:58.259 I breached the lines toward the Berber commander 00:25:58.259 --> 00:26:01.259 and emerged before him resolutely, 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:04.259 while neither he nor his companions thought anything 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:07.259 except that I was an emissary sent to him. 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:10.259 When I drew close to him, he realized death had come, 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:14.259 so he sprang onto his horse to flee, 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:17.259 but I caught up with him and struck him with my spear, 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:20.259 and he fell dead. 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:23.259 Then I severed his head, 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:26.259 mounted it on my spear, and proclaimed the takbir. 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:29.259 The Muslims then charged the enemy, 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:32.259 throwing them into disarray, 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:35.259 and Allah granted us victory over them, 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:39.349 so we struck them down as we wished. 00:26:39.349 --> 00:26:42.349 Along with my renowned bravery, 00:26:42.349 --> 00:26:45.349 I was equally known for knowledge and devotion: 00:26:45.349 --> 00:26:48.349 I spent my nights standing in prayer, 00:26:48.349 --> 00:26:51.349 my days fasting, and was like a dwelling dove in the mosque. 00:26:51.349 --> 00:26:54.420 There was no act of worship 00:26:54.420 --> 00:26:57.420 that people found too difficult except that I took it upon myself. 00:26:57.420 --> 00:27:00.420 Once, a flood came 00:27:00.420 --> 00:27:03.420 and submerged the area around the Ka'bah, 00:27:03.420 --> 00:27:06.420 so people halted their circumambulation, 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:09.539 but I circumambulated the House by swimming. 00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:14.619 Who am I? 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:28.099 The answer: 'Abdullah Ibn al-Zubayr Ibn al-'Awwam, 00:27:28.099 --> 00:27:31.099 may Allah be pleased with them both. 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:46.200 Proud deeds of glory shone through their actions, 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:49.200 and the world of mankind was brightened by them. 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:52.200 Splendidly! 00:27:52.200 --> 00:28:00.509 Pause and discover 00:28:00.509 --> 00:28:03.509 the Companions, the scholars, and the prominent figures: 00:28:03.509 --> 00:28:06.700 the best of generations in character and example. 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:09.700 A new challenge: 00:28:09.700 --> 00:28:15.839 Who am I? 00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:18.839 I am one of the Companions, from the leaders of the Ansar. 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:22.839 I was one of the delegates on the Night of 'Aqabah, 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, 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:28.869 on that night, 00:28:28.869 --> 00:28:31.869 when I said to him: 00:28:31.869 --> 00:28:34.869 "By Allah, you have our pledge, O Messenger of Allah, 00:28:34.869 --> 00:28:37.869 to conceal what you wish us to conceal, 00:28:37.869 --> 00:28:40.869 to declare what you wish us to declare, 00:28:40.869 --> 00:28:43.869 to sacrifice our very souls, 00:28:43.869 --> 00:28:46.869 seeking the pleasure of our Lord with us; 00:28:46.869 --> 00:28:49.869 and we are a people of strength and honor. 00:28:49.869 --> 00:28:52.869 We were upholding this 00:28:52.869 --> 00:28:55.869 even while we were upon what we were upon, worshiping 00:28:55.869 --> 00:28:58.869 idols and stones; 00:28:58.869 --> 00:29:01.869 so how about us today, 00:29:01.869 --> 00:29:04.869 when Allah has granted us insight into what He blinded others to, 00:29:04.869 --> 00:29:07.869 and has supported us through you? 00:29:07.869 --> 00:29:10.869 Stretch forth your hand." 00:29:10.869 --> 00:29:13.869 So he stretched forth his hand, peace and blessings be upon him. 00:29:14.869 --> 00:29:18.960 I was the first to pray facing the Ka'bah 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:21.960 before the qiblah was formally decreed toward it, 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:24.960 and my people differed with me. 00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:27.960 So we asked the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:30.960 about that, 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:33.960 and he said to me, "You were upon a valid qiblah, 00:29:33.960 --> 00:29:36.960 had you remained patient upon it." 00:29:36.960 --> 00:29:39.960 So I reverted to their qiblah toward Bayt al-Maqdis. 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:43.759 Death approached me 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:46.759 one month before the migration of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:49.819 to Madinah, 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, 00:29:52.819 --> 00:29:55.819 one-third in the cause of Allah, 00:29:55.819 --> 00:29:58.819 and one-third for the heirs. 00:29:58.819 --> 00:30:01.950 But the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, returned 00:30:01.950 --> 00:30:04.950 the one-third designated for him to the heirs, 00:30:04.950 --> 00:30:08.210 and supplicated for good for me. 00:30:08.210 --> 00:30:13.700 Who am I? 00:30:18.470 --> 00:30:26.430 The answer: 00:30:26.430 --> 00:30:29.430 Al-Bara' Ibn Ma'rur, 00:30:29.430 --> 00:30:32.750 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:30:57.160 --> 00:31:00.670 Pause 00:31:00.670 --> 00:31:03.670 and discover the Companions, scholars, and prominent figures. 00:31:06.900 --> 00:31:09.900 A new challenge: 00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:16.450 Who am I? 00:31:16.450 --> 00:31:19.450 I am a Companion of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:31:19.450 --> 00:31:22.450 and the first muezzin of Islam. 00:31:22.450 --> 00:31:25.450 I was born in Makkah 00:31:25.450 --> 00:31:28.450 and was an Abyssinian slave belonging to Banu Jumah. 00:31:28.450 --> 00:31:31.539 When I heard about Islam, 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:34.539 I embraced it, whereupon my masters seized me 00:31:34.539 --> 00:31:37.539 and tortured me, casting me onto the scorching ground 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:41.539 and placing heavy boulders upon my chest 00:31:41.539 --> 00:31:44.539 so that I would renounce my religion. 00:31:44.539 --> 00:31:47.539 They would hand me over to the boys, 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:50.539 who paraded me through the mountain paths of Makkah, 00:31:50.539 --> 00:31:53.539 beating me and saying to me, 00:31:53.539 --> 00:31:56.539 "You will remain like this until you die, 00:31:56.539 --> 00:32:00.539 or disbelieve in Muhammad and worship al-Lat and al-'Uzza." 00:32:00.539 --> 00:32:03.539 Yet while enduring that 00:32:03.539 --> 00:32:06.539 severe trial and torment, I would say, 00:32:06.539 --> 00:32:09.670 "Ahad! Ahad! [He is One! He is One!]" 00:32:09.670 --> 00:32:12.670 Then Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, 00:32:12.670 --> 00:32:15.670 may Allah be pleased with him, passed by me one day, 00:32:15.670 --> 00:32:18.670 bought me from them, and set me free. 00:32:18.670 --> 00:32:21.670 Thus 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, used to say, 00:32:21.670 --> 00:32:24.670 "Abu Bakr is our master, 00:32:24.670 --> 00:32:28.539 and he freed our master." 00:32:28.539 --> 00:32:31.539 I migrated to Madinah 00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:34.630 and lived there near the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:32:34.630 --> 00:32:37.630 When the adhan was ordained, 00:32:37.630 --> 00:32:40.630 the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, chose me 00:32:40.630 --> 00:32:43.630 to be his first muezzin, 00:32:43.630 --> 00:32:47.369 so I called the adhan for him throughout his life. 00:32:47.369 --> 00:32:50.369 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, asked me 00:32:50.369 --> 00:32:53.369 one day, saying, 00:32:53.369 --> 00:32:56.369 "Tell me about the most hopeful deed you have performed in Islam, 00:32:56.369 --> 00:32:59.369 for I heard the sound of your footsteps 00:32:59.369 --> 00:33:02.400 before me in Paradise." 00:33:02.400 --> 00:33:05.400 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 00:33:05.400 --> 00:33:08.400 I have not performed any deed more hopeful to me 00:33:08.400 --> 00:33:11.400 than that I have never purified myself with full ablution 00:33:11.400 --> 00:33:14.400 at any hour of the night or day 00:33:14.400 --> 00:33:17.400 except that I prayed with that purification 00:33:17.400 --> 00:33:22.190 whatever was decreed for me to pray." 00:33:22.190 --> 00:33:25.190 When the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, passed away, 00:33:25.190 --> 00:33:28.190 I ceased calling the adhan 00:33:28.190 --> 00:33:31.259 and set out for jihad and ribat in the cause of Allah. 00:33:31.259 --> 00:33:34.259 Later, I came to Madinah during the caliphate of 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:33:34.259 --> 00:33:37.259 and the Muslims requested me 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. 00:33:40.259 --> 00:33:43.259 The Commander of the Faithful, 00:33:43.259 --> 00:33:46.259 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:49.259 insisted upon that, 00:33:49.259 --> 00:33:52.259 so I complied and climbed onto the roof of the mosque to call the adhan. 00:33:52.259 --> 00:33:55.259 No sooner had I begun with the takbir, 00:33:55.259 --> 00:33:58.259 "Allahu Akbar," 00:33:58.259 --> 00:34:01.259 than Madinah shook with weeping, 00:34:01.259 --> 00:34:04.319 as if the people were reminded of 00:34:04.319 --> 00:34:07.319 their days with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:34:07.319 --> 00:34:10.480 When I reached 00:34:10.480 --> 00:34:13.480 "I bear witness that Muhammad 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:16.480 is the Messenger of Allah," I was overcome 00:34:16.480 --> 00:34:19.480 with weeping, 00:34:19.480 --> 00:34:22.579 and the sound of people's sobbing rose. 00:34:22.579 --> 00:34:25.579 Never was a day seen with more weeping, 00:34:25.579 --> 00:34:28.579 after the death of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:34:28.579 --> 00:34:32.280 than that day. 00:34:32.280 --> 00:34:35.280 After that memorable, tearful night, 00:34:35.280 --> 00:34:38.280 I packed my belongings and returned to the Levant, 00:34:38.280 --> 00:34:41.280 remaining stationed there in ribat 00:34:41.280 --> 00:34:44.380 until death came to me. 00:34:44.380 --> 00:34:47.380 As I was dying, 00:34:47.380 --> 00:34:50.409 my wife cried, "Oh, what grief!" 00:34:50.409 --> 00:34:53.409 But I said, "Rather, what joy! 00:34:53.409 --> 00:34:56.409 Tomorrow we shall meet our beloved ones: 00:34:56.409 --> 00:34:59.500 Muhammad and his Companions." 00:34:59.500 --> 00:35:04.360 Who am I? 00:35:04.360 --> 00:35:07.940 The best of generations in character and example, 00:35:07.940 --> 00:35:14.039 following the Messenger in his striving 00:35:14.039 --> 00:35:19.280 or giving them drink. 00:35:19.280 --> 00:35:22.380 The answer is Bilal Ibn Rabah, may Allah be pleased with him. 00:35:22.380 --> 00:35:25.380 They departed, leaving in the conscience 00:35:25.380 --> 00:35:28.380 a searching question: 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:31.380 Is there a star that rose and shone like them? 00:35:31.380 --> 00:35:34.380 They filled life 00:35:34.380 --> 00:35:37.380 with glories through their deeds, 00:35:37.380 --> 00:35:40.380 and through them, the world of mankind flourished 00:35:40.380 --> 00:35:48.079 in splendid beauty. 00:35:48.079 --> 00:35:51.590 Pause and get to know 00:35:51.590 --> 00:35:54.590 the Companions, the scholars, and the foremost: 00:35:54.590 --> 00:35:57.780 the best of generations in their stands 00:35:57.780 --> 00:36:00.780 and exemplary character. 00:36:00.780 --> 00:36:07.210 Who am I? 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. 00:36:10.210 --> 00:36:13.210 I embraced Islam early on 00:36:13.210 --> 00:36:16.210 because of an animal that guided me to Islam 00:36:16.210 --> 00:36:19.210 and to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:36:19.210 --> 00:36:22.210 in Medina; so I migrated to him 00:36:22.210 --> 00:36:25.210 and accepted Islam before him. 00:36:25.210 --> 00:36:28.210 I prayed with him toward both Qiblahs, 00:36:28.210 --> 00:36:31.210 and I pledged allegiance to him on the Day of al-Hudaybiyyah beneath the tree. 00:36:31.210 --> 00:36:34.940 One day, while I was tending 00:36:34.940 --> 00:36:37.940 sheep in al-Harrah, 00:36:37.940 --> 00:36:40.940 a wolf suddenly attacked an ewe from the flock 00:36:40.940 --> 00:36:43.940 and seized it, so I ran after it 00:36:43.940 --> 00:36:46.980 until I rescued the sheep from it. 00:36:46.980 --> 00:36:49.980 Thereupon, the wolf sat on its haunches, 00:36:49.980 --> 00:36:52.980 spoke to me in human speech, 00:36:52.980 --> 00:36:55.980 and said, "Do you not fear Allah? 00:36:55.980 --> 00:36:58.980 You come between me and a provision that Allah has driven to me!" 00:36:59.980 --> 00:37:02.980 I exclaimed, "How astonishing! 00:37:02.980 --> 00:37:05.980 A wolf sitting on its haunches, 00:37:05.980 --> 00:37:08.980 speaking in human speech!" 00:37:08.980 --> 00:37:11.980 The wolf said, "Shall I not tell you 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:14.980 of something even more astonishing than that? 00:37:14.980 --> 00:37:17.980 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:37:17.980 --> 00:37:20.980 is in Medina between the two lava fields, 00:37:20.980 --> 00:37:24.420 informing people of the news of what has passed before." 00:37:24.420 --> 00:37:27.420 So when I heard the wolf's words, 00:37:27.420 --> 00:37:30.420 I headed straight for Medina, 00:37:30.420 --> 00:37:33.420 herding my flock into one of its corners. 00:37:33.420 --> 00:37:36.420 Then I entered upon the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:37:36.420 --> 00:37:39.420 and embraced Islam, 00:37:39.420 --> 00:37:42.519 and I related to him the story of the wolf. 00:37:42.519 --> 00:37:45.519 So the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, went out 00:37:45.519 --> 00:37:48.519 to the people and said to me, 00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:51.519 "Stand up and inform them of your news." 00:37:51.519 --> 00:37:54.579 So I informed them of what had occurred between me and the wolf, 00:37:54.579 --> 00:37:57.579 and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, 00:37:57.579 --> 00:38:00.869 "The shepherd has spoken the truth." 00:38:00.869 --> 00:38:09.949 So who am I? 00:38:09.949 --> 00:38:12.949 They followed the Messenger wherever he strove, 00:38:12.949 --> 00:38:20.690 or gave drink. 00:38:20.690 --> 00:38:23.690 The answer is Uhban Ibn Aws al-Aslami, 00:38:23.690 --> 00:38:26.690 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:38:26.690 --> 00:38:29.690 They departed, leaving in the conscience a searching question: 00:38:29.690 --> 00:38:32.690 Is there anyone like them, 00:38:32.690 --> 00:38:35.690 among those who rose and shone? 00:38:35.690 --> 00:38:38.690 They filled life with glories 00:38:38.690 --> 00:38:41.690 through their deeds, 00:38:41.690 --> 00:38:44.690 and through them, the world of mankind flourished 00:38:44.690 --> 00:38:52.809 in splendid beauty. 00:38:52.809 --> 00:38:55.809 Pause and get to know the Companions, 00:38:55.809 --> 00:38:58.809 the scholars, and the foremost: 00:38:58.809 --> 00:39:01.809 the best of generations in their stands 00:39:01.809 --> 00:39:04.809 and exemplary character. 00:39:04.809 --> 00:39:11.519 Who am I? 00:39:11.519 --> 00:39:14.519 I am one of the Companions, from the tribe of Ghifar. 00:39:14.519 --> 00:39:17.519 I was a monotheist during the Jahiliyyah, 00:39:17.519 --> 00:39:20.519 so I never worshipped idols, 00:39:20.519 --> 00:39:23.519 and I was known for courage and valor. 00:39:23.519 --> 00:39:26.519 I forbade upon myself wine, intoxication, and divining arrows, 00:39:26.519 --> 00:39:29.519 and I possessed a discerning mind 00:39:29.519 --> 00:39:33.289 and engaged in deep reflection. 00:39:33.289 --> 00:39:36.289 News reached me that a man had emerged in Mecca, 00:39:37.320 --> 00:39:40.320 so I said to my brother Unays, 00:39:40.320 --> 00:39:43.320 "Go to this man 00:39:43.320 --> 00:39:46.320 and bring me news of him." 00:39:46.320 --> 00:39:49.320 So he went, met him, and then returned. 00:39:49.320 --> 00:39:52.320 I asked, "What news do you have?" 00:39:52.320 --> 00:39:55.320 He said, "By Allah, I saw a man 00:39:55.320 --> 00:39:58.320 enjoining good and forbidding evil." 00:39:58.320 --> 00:40:01.449 I said to him, 00:40:01.449 --> 00:40:04.449 "You have not satisfied my curiosity with this report." 00:40:05.449 --> 00:40:08.449 I did not know the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:40:08.449 --> 00:40:11.449 and I disliked asking about him openly. 00:40:11.449 --> 00:40:14.449 Then 'Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, passed by me 00:40:14.449 --> 00:40:17.449 and said, "It seems the man is a stranger." 00:40:17.449 --> 00:40:20.449 I replied, "Yes." 00:40:20.449 --> 00:40:23.449 He said, "Then come along to my home." 00:40:23.449 --> 00:40:26.449 So I went with him, 00:40:26.449 --> 00:40:29.449 while he asked me nothing, nor did I ask him anything. 00:40:29.449 --> 00:40:32.449 When morning came, I went out 00:40:32.449 --> 00:40:35.449 to ask about him, 00:40:35.449 --> 00:40:38.449 but there was no one to tell me anything about him. 00:40:38.449 --> 00:40:41.449 Then 'Ali passed by me in the evening 00:40:41.449 --> 00:40:44.449 and said, "Has the time not come for the man 00:40:44.449 --> 00:40:47.449 to know where his lodging is yet?" 00:40:47.449 --> 00:40:50.449 I said, "No." He said, 00:40:50.449 --> 00:40:53.449 "Then come with me." 00:40:53.449 --> 00:40:56.480 Then he said, "What is your business, 00:40:56.480 --> 00:40:59.480 and what brought you to this town?" 00:40:59.480 --> 00:41:02.510 I said, "If you promise to keep my secret, I will tell you." He agreed, 00:41:02.510 --> 00:41:05.510 so I said to him, 00:41:05.510 --> 00:41:08.510 "Word has reached me that here has emerged 00:41:08.510 --> 00:41:11.510 a man claiming to be a prophet, 00:41:11.510 --> 00:41:14.510 so I wished to meet him." 00:41:14.510 --> 00:41:17.510 He said to me, "Indeed, you have found true guidance! 00:41:17.510 --> 00:41:20.639 This is my way to him, 00:41:20.639 --> 00:41:23.639 so follow me." 00:41:23.639 --> 00:41:26.639 So I went with him until we entered upon him. 00:41:27.639 --> 00:41:30.639 I spoke to him, 00:41:30.639 --> 00:41:33.639 and he presented Islam to me, 00:41:33.639 --> 00:41:36.639 so I embraced Islam on the spot. 00:41:36.639 --> 00:41:39.639 He said to me, "Keep this matter concealed 00:41:39.639 --> 00:41:42.639 and return to your people, 00:41:42.639 --> 00:41:45.639 so that Allah may benefit them through you; 00:41:45.639 --> 00:41:48.739 and when word reaches you that we have prevailed, then come forward." 00:41:48.739 --> 00:41:51.739 So I set out, returning to my people, 00:41:51.739 --> 00:41:54.739 until I reached my brother. 00:41:55.739 --> 00:41:58.739 I said, "I have embraced Islam and believed." 00:41:58.739 --> 00:42:01.800 He replied, "I have no 00:42:01.800 --> 00:42:04.800 aversion to your religion; 00:42:04.800 --> 00:42:08.059 indeed, I too have embraced Islam alongside you and believed." 00:42:08.059 --> 00:42:11.059 Then we came to our mother and informed her 00:42:11.059 --> 00:42:14.059 of our news, and she said, 00:42:14.059 --> 00:42:17.059 "I have no aversion to the religion of you two; 00:42:17.059 --> 00:42:20.059 indeed, I have embraced Islam and believed alongside both of you." 00:42:20.059 --> 00:42:23.059 Then I called my tribe, Ghifar, to Islam, 00:42:23.059 --> 00:42:26.059 and half of them accepted Islam, 00:42:26.059 --> 00:42:29.059 while the rest said, 00:42:29.059 --> 00:42:32.860 "When the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, arrives, 00:42:32.860 --> 00:42:35.860 we shall embrace Islam." 00:42:35.860 --> 00:42:38.860 So when the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, arrived in 00:42:38.860 --> 00:42:41.860 Medina, I emigrated to him, 00:42:41.860 --> 00:42:44.860 and the remainder of my tribe embraced Islam. 00:42:44.860 --> 00:42:47.860 I brought them to the Prophet, peace be upon him, 00:42:47.860 --> 00:42:50.860 and the tribe of Aslam came as well, 00:42:51.860 --> 00:42:54.860 who were our allies, and said, 00:42:54.860 --> 00:42:57.889 "We submit to that which our brothers have submitted to." 00:42:57.889 --> 00:43:00.889 Thereupon the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, 00:43:00.889 --> 00:43:03.889 "Ghifar—may Allah forgive them; 00:43:03.889 --> 00:43:06.889 and Aslam—may Allah grant them peace and safety." 00:43:06.889 --> 00:43:11.360 So who am I? 00:43:11.360 --> 00:43:16.630 The best of generations in their stands and exemplary character, 00:43:16.630 --> 00:43:19.630 following the Messenger wherever he strove, 00:43:19.630 --> 00:43:26.699 or gave drink. 00:43:26.699 --> 00:43:29.699 Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, 00:43:29.699 --> 00:43:32.820 may Allah be pleased with him.