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Pause and identify this Companion, scholar, and prominent figure.

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A new challenge: who am I?

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I am one of the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

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I am a veteran poet who lived through both the Jahiliyyah and Islam.

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I was among those who abandoned idols and forbade wine even before the advent of Islam.

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I went thirty years without composing poetry, then suddenly excelled at it, and it began to flow from my tongue.

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I came to the Prophet, peace be upon him, with my people during the Year of Delegations in the ninth year after the Hijrah.

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I embraced Islam and recited a poem in his presence praising him, which the Prophet, peace be upon him, found pleasing.

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Among its lines were: "I followed the Messenger of Allah when he brought guidance, reciting a Book as luminous as the galaxy."

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"I strove in jihad until I and those with me felt no hardship, even when the stars set."

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"I remain steadfast in piety and am content with its deeds, and I was wary of the terrifying Fire."

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"Our glory and our ancestors have reached the heavens, and we hope for even more beyond that."

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The Prophet, peace be upon him, asked, "Beyond what, O Abu Layla?"

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I replied, "To Paradise, O Messenger of Allah," and he, peace be upon him, said, "Yes, if Allah wills."

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Then I continued, saying: "There is no good in forbearance if it lacks the resolve to protect its purity from being sullied."

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"And there is no good in ignorance if it lacks a wise man who, when he undertakes a matter, brings it to a successful conclusion."

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The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "May Allah preserve your teeth, may Allah preserve your teeth," repeating it twice.

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I lived a long life, reaching over 120 years of age.

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My teeth never fell out, thanks to the blessing of the Prophet's supplication; so, who am I?
