1 00:00:00,430 --> 00:00:03,430 In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. 2 00:00:03,430 --> 00:00:08,429 The best of generations in stances and exemplary conduct, 3 00:00:08,429 --> 00:00:13,429 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 4 00:00:13,429 --> 00:00:15,429 Mawaddah Association 5 00:00:15,429 --> 00:00:17,429 Presents: 6 00:00:17,429 --> 00:00:21,429 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un, 7 00:00:21,429 --> 00:00:25,879 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 8 00:00:25,879 --> 00:00:27,879 May Allah have mercy on him. 9 00:00:27,879 --> 00:00:32,570 Rabi'ah al-Ra'y, 10 00:00:33,570 --> 00:00:35,890 May Allah have mercy on him. 11 00:00:41,890 --> 00:00:45,890 Here we are in the fifty-first year of the Hijrah, 12 00:00:45,890 --> 00:00:51,890 And here are the Muslim battalions journeying through the vast expanses of the earth, east and west, 13 00:00:51,890 --> 00:00:54,890 Carrying to humanity the edifying creed, 14 00:00:54,890 --> 00:00:58,890 Extending toward it a reforming, compassionate hand, 15 00:00:58,890 --> 00:01:04,890 And spreading throughout its lands the divine law that liberates mankind from the servitude of mankind, 16 00:01:04,890 --> 00:01:08,890 Directing all allegiance to Allah alone, without partner. 17 00:01:08,890 --> 00:01:10,920 And here is the venerable Companion, 18 00:01:10,920 --> 00:01:13,920 Al-Rabi' ibn Ziyad al-Harithi, 19 00:01:13,920 --> 00:01:15,920 The governor of Khurasan, 20 00:01:15,920 --> 00:01:17,920 The conqueror of Sijistan, 21 00:01:17,920 --> 00:01:19,920 And the triumphant commander, 22 00:01:19,920 --> 00:01:23,920 Advancing at the head of his army, campaigning in the path of Allah, 23 00:01:23,920 --> 00:01:26,920 Accompanied by his valiant youth, Farrukh. 24 00:01:26,920 --> 00:01:32,920 For after Allah had blessed him with the conquest of Sijistan and other territories, he resolved 25 00:01:32,920 --> 00:01:35,920 To crown his eventful life 26 00:01:35,920 --> 00:01:37,920 By crossing the Jaxartes River (Sayhun), 27 00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:41,920 And raising the banners of monotheism over the peaks of those realms 28 00:01:41,920 --> 00:01:45,920 Known as Transoxiana. 29 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:52,459 Al-Rabi' ibn Ziyad made full preparations for the fateful battle, 30 00:01:52,459 --> 00:01:55,459 Readied all necessary provisions, 31 00:01:55,459 --> 00:02:00,459 And strictly dictated both its time and place to the enemies of Allah. 32 00:02:00,459 --> 00:02:02,459 When the fighting broke out, 33 00:02:02,459 --> 00:02:06,459 Al-Rabi' and his valiant soldiers acquitted themselves with an excellence 34 00:02:06,459 --> 00:02:11,460 That history still recalls with moist praise 35 00:02:11,460 --> 00:02:13,460 And deep veneration. 36 00:02:13,460 --> 00:02:15,460 In the arenas of combat, his youth Farrukh displayed 37 00:02:15,460 --> 00:02:20,460 Such forms of valor and acts of daring 38 00:02:20,460 --> 00:02:24,460 As increased Al-Rabi's admiration, veneration, 39 00:02:24,460 --> 00:02:26,460 And esteem for his noble qualities. 40 00:02:26,460 --> 00:02:30,520 The battle concluded in a decisive victory for the Muslims; 41 00:02:30,520 --> 00:02:33,520 They shook the ground beneath their enemy's feet, 42 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:37,520 Tore through their ranks, and scattered their hosts. 43 00:02:37,520 --> 00:02:43,520 Then he crossed the river that had long separated them from sweeping across the lands of the Turks, 44 00:02:43,520 --> 00:02:46,520 Preventing their advance toward the land of China, 45 00:02:46,520 --> 00:02:49,520 And deep into the Kingdom of Sogdia. 46 00:02:49,520 --> 00:02:53,520 Sogdia was a region located in Central Asia. 47 00:02:53,520 --> 00:02:56,520 No sooner had the great commander crossed the river 48 00:02:56,520 --> 00:03:00,520 And set foot firmly upon the opposite bank, 49 00:03:00,520 --> 00:03:04,520 Than he and his soldiers hastened to perform ablution from its water, 50 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:06,520 Completing their ablution thoroughly. 51 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:08,520 He faced the Qiblah, 52 00:03:08,520 --> 00:03:12,520 And they prayed two rak'ahs in gratitude to Allah, the Granter of victory. 53 00:03:12,520 --> 00:03:17,580 Then the great commander rewarded his youth Farrukh for his exceptional valor, 54 00:03:17,580 --> 00:03:19,580 Manumitting him from bondage, 55 00:03:20,580 --> 00:03:24,580 Allotting him his share of the vast and abundant spoils of war, 56 00:03:24,580 --> 00:03:28,580 And giving him a generous extra portion of his own accord. 57 00:03:28,580 --> 00:03:32,650 Life did not long continue after that radiant, glorious day 58 00:03:32,650 --> 00:03:35,650 For Al-Rabi' ibn Ziyad al-Harithi; 59 00:03:35,650 --> 00:03:42,650 His appointed term arrived just two years after fulfilling his great dream, 60 00:03:42,650 --> 00:03:46,650 And he departed to his Lord, well-pleased and pleasing to Him. 61 00:03:46,650 --> 00:03:50,840 As for the brave and valiant young man, Farrukh, 62 00:03:50,840 --> 00:03:53,840 He returned to Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, 63 00:03:53,840 --> 00:03:56,840 Bearing with him his substantial share of the spoils, 64 00:03:56,840 --> 00:04:01,840 And the lavish gift bestowed upon him by his great commander. 65 00:04:01,840 --> 00:04:05,840 Above all, he carried his precious freedom, 66 00:04:05,840 --> 00:04:09,840 And his rich memories of magnificent heroism, 67 00:04:09,840 --> 00:04:14,659 Crowned with the dust of battlefields. 68 00:04:14,659 --> 00:04:19,660 When Farrukh arrived in the city of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 69 00:04:19,660 --> 00:04:22,660 He was a young man in the prime of his youth, 70 00:04:22,660 --> 00:04:24,660 Brimming with vitality, 71 00:04:24,660 --> 00:04:27,660 Full of vigor and chivalry, 72 00:04:27,660 --> 00:04:30,660 Approaching thirty years of age. 73 00:04:30,660 --> 00:04:36,660 Farrukh resolved to acquire a home of his own wherein he could settle, 74 00:04:36,660 --> 00:04:38,660 And a wife in whom he could find tranquility. 75 00:04:38,660 --> 00:04:42,660 So he purchased a house in an average neighborhood of the city, 76 00:04:42,660 --> 00:04:45,660 And chose a woman of sound intellect, 77 00:04:45,660 --> 00:04:48,660 Complete virtue, and steadfast religious commitment, 78 00:04:48,660 --> 00:04:50,660 Close to him in age, 79 00:04:50,660 --> 00:04:52,660 And he married her. 80 00:04:52,660 --> 00:04:56,660 Farrukh lived happily in the home with which Allah had blessed him, 81 00:04:56,660 --> 00:05:03,660 And found in his wife's companionship a delightful life, affectionate treatment, and radiant joy 82 00:05:03,660 --> 00:05:06,660 Far exceeding what he had ever hoped or anticipated. 83 00:05:06,660 --> 00:05:08,819 Yet that well-established home, 84 00:05:08,819 --> 00:05:11,819 Despite all the comforts it afforded, 85 00:05:11,819 --> 00:05:14,819 And that righteous wife, 86 00:05:14,819 --> 00:05:19,819 Despite all the noble characteristics and illustrious virtues Allah had endowed her with, 87 00:05:19,819 --> 00:05:25,819 Could not overpower the faithful knight's yearning to plunge into battles, 88 00:05:25,819 --> 00:05:29,819 His longing to hear the clash of blades upon blades, 89 00:05:29,819 --> 00:05:33,819 And his passion for resuming jihad in the path of Allah. 90 00:05:33,819 --> 00:05:39,819 Whenever news echoed throughout the city of victories won by Muslim armies 91 00:05:39,819 --> 00:05:42,819 Campaigning in the path of Allah, 92 00:05:42,819 --> 00:05:45,819 His yearning for jihad was rekindled, 93 00:05:45,819 --> 00:05:48,819 And his longing for martyrdom intensified. 94 00:05:48,819 --> 00:05:53,300 One Friday, 95 00:05:53,300 --> 00:05:57,300 Farrukh heard the preacher in the Prophet's Mosque 96 00:05:57,300 --> 00:06:03,300 Announcing glad tidings to the Muslims of the Muslim armies' victories on multiple fronts, 97 00:06:03,300 --> 00:06:06,300 Urging people to engage in jihad in the path of Allah, 98 00:06:06,300 --> 00:06:10,300 And encouraging them toward martyrdom to bring honor to His religion 99 00:06:10,300 --> 00:06:13,300 And seek His pleasure. 100 00:06:13,300 --> 00:06:15,300 He returned home, 101 00:06:15,300 --> 00:06:20,300 Having firmly resolved to join one of the banners of the Muslims 102 00:06:20,300 --> 00:06:23,300 Deployed beneath every star. 103 00:06:23,300 --> 00:06:26,300 He made this resolve known to his wife, 104 00:06:26,300 --> 00:06:28,300 And she said to him: 105 00:06:28,300 --> 00:06:30,300 "O Abu Abd al-Rahman, 106 00:06:30,300 --> 00:06:36,300 To whom do you leave me, and this child I carry in my womb? 107 00:06:36,300 --> 00:06:39,300 You are a stranger to this city, 108 00:06:39,300 --> 00:06:42,300 Having neither family nor kinfolk here." 109 00:06:42,300 --> 00:06:44,360 He said: 110 00:06:44,360 --> 00:06:47,360 "I leave you in the care of Allah and His Messenger. 111 00:06:47,360 --> 00:06:50,360 Moreover, I have left behind thirty thousand dinars for you, 112 00:06:50,360 --> 00:06:53,360 Which I gathered from the spoils of war. 113 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:56,360 Safeguard them and invest them profitably, 114 00:06:56,360 --> 00:07:00,360 And spend from them on yourself and your child honorably, 115 00:07:00,360 --> 00:07:04,360 Until I return to you safely with spoils, 116 00:07:04,360 --> 00:07:08,360 Or Allah grants me the martyrdom I long for." 117 00:07:08,360 --> 00:07:12,579 Then he bade her farewell and set out for his destination. 118 00:07:12,579 --> 00:07:18,579 A few months after her husband's departure, the dignified lady gave birth, 119 00:07:18,579 --> 00:07:21,579 And it was a boy of radiant countenance, 120 00:07:21,579 --> 00:07:23,579 Charming features, 121 00:07:23,579 --> 00:07:25,579 And striking appearance. 122 00:07:25,579 --> 00:07:27,579 She rejoiced over him with immense joy, 123 00:07:27,579 --> 00:07:30,579 Which almost made her forget the parting from his father, 124 00:07:30,579 --> 00:07:35,250 And she named him Rabi'ah. 125 00:07:35,250 --> 00:07:40,250 Marks of noble distinction appeared upon the young boy from his earliest childhood, 126 00:07:40,250 --> 00:07:45,250 And signs of intelligence manifested in his deeds and words. 127 00:07:45,250 --> 00:07:48,250 So his mother entrusted him to teachers, 128 00:07:48,250 --> 00:07:51,250 Instructing them to educate him well, 129 00:07:51,250 --> 00:07:53,250 And summoned tutors for him, 130 00:07:53,250 --> 00:07:56,250 Urging them to discipline and cultivate him thoroughly. 131 00:07:56,250 --> 00:08:01,250 Before long, he had mastered writing and reading; 132 00:08:01,250 --> 00:08:04,250 Then he memorized the Book of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, 133 00:08:04,250 --> 00:08:07,250 Reciting it fresh and moist, 134 00:08:07,250 --> 00:08:13,250 Just as it had been revealed unto the heart of Muhammad, blessings and peace of Allah be upon him. 135 00:08:13,250 --> 00:08:19,310 He learned whatever hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was made easy for him, 136 00:08:19,310 --> 00:08:21,310 And memorized of the speech of the Arabs 137 00:08:21,310 --> 00:08:24,310 Whatever was befitting for one of his stature to retain, 138 00:08:24,310 --> 00:08:28,310 Acquiring proper understanding of religious matters as required. 139 00:08:28,310 --> 00:08:32,309 Rabi'ah's mother generously lavished money and gifts 140 00:08:32,309 --> 00:08:36,309 Upon her son's teachers and tutors; 141 00:08:36,309 --> 00:08:39,309 Whenever she saw him increase in knowledge, 142 00:08:39,309 --> 00:08:42,309 She increased their reward and honor. 143 00:08:42,309 --> 00:08:45,309 She constantly awaited the return of his absent father, 144 00:08:45,309 --> 00:08:50,309 Striving to make the boy a source of joy and pride for both of them. 145 00:08:50,309 --> 00:08:53,309 But Farrukh's absence grew long, 146 00:08:53,309 --> 00:08:56,309 And conflicting reports circulated concerning him: 147 00:08:56,309 --> 00:09:01,309 Some said he had fallen captive into enemy hands, 148 00:09:01,309 --> 00:09:07,309 Others said he was still free and actively pursuing jihad, 149 00:09:07,309 --> 00:09:11,309 While a third group, returning from the fields of combat, said 150 00:09:11,309 --> 00:09:15,309 That he had attained the martyrdom he so desired. 151 00:09:15,309 --> 00:09:21,309 This last report seemed most probable to Rabi'ah's mother due to the cessation of all news from him, 152 00:09:21,309 --> 00:09:25,309 And she grieved over him with a sorrow that weighed heavily upon her, 153 00:09:25,309 --> 00:09:28,309 Before seeking her solace and reward with Allah. 154 00:09:28,309 --> 00:09:35,750 By that time, Rabi'ah had grown into adolescence, approaching manhood. 155 00:09:35,750 --> 00:09:38,750 Well-wishers said to his mother: 156 00:09:38,750 --> 00:09:40,750 "Here is Rabi'ah; 157 00:09:40,750 --> 00:09:46,750 He has attained all the reading and writing a youth like him should master, 158 00:09:46,750 --> 00:09:48,750 And surpassed his peers, 159 00:09:48,750 --> 00:09:51,750 Having memorized the Qur'an and narrated hadith. 160 00:09:51,750 --> 00:09:54,940 If only you would choose a trade for him, 161 00:09:54,940 --> 00:09:57,940 He would quickly master it 162 00:09:57,940 --> 00:10:02,980 And spend upon you and himself from its earnings." 163 00:10:02,980 --> 00:10:03,980 She replied: 164 00:10:03,980 --> 00:10:10,039 "I ask Allah to choose for him what holds righteousness for his worldly life and the Hereafter. 165 00:10:10,039 --> 00:10:13,039 Rabi'ah has chosen knowledge for himself, 166 00:10:13,039 --> 00:10:17,039 And has resolved to live as a student and a teacher 167 00:10:17,039 --> 00:10:21,350 For as long as life may last." 168 00:10:21,350 --> 00:10:27,350 Rabi'ah proceeded along the path he had charted for himself, never faltering nor falling short. 169 00:10:27,350 --> 00:10:32,350 He turned eagerly toward the circles of knowledge that filled the Prophet's Mosque, 170 00:10:32,350 --> 00:10:36,350 Just as the thirsty rush toward sweet springs of water. 171 00:10:36,350 --> 00:10:40,350 He attached himself to the remaining noble Companions, 172 00:10:40,350 --> 00:10:43,350 Foremost among them Anas ibn Malik, 173 00:10:43,350 --> 00:10:47,350 The servant of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him; 174 00:10:47,350 --> 00:10:50,350 And he learned from the first generation of the Tabi'un, 175 00:10:50,350 --> 00:10:54,350 At their head Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab, 176 00:10:54,350 --> 00:10:58,350 Makhul al-Shami, and Salamah ibn Dinar. 177 00:10:58,350 --> 00:11:04,350 He joined the toil of his nights to the toil of his days until exhaustion wore him down. 178 00:11:04,350 --> 00:11:09,350 Whenever someone spoke to him about that and urged him to be gentle with himself, 179 00:11:09,350 --> 00:11:10,350 He said: 180 00:11:10,350 --> 00:11:13,350 "We heard our teachers say: 181 00:11:13,350 --> 00:11:16,350 'Knowledge will never give you a part of itself 182 00:11:16,350 --> 00:11:20,350 Until you give it your entire self.'" 183 00:11:20,350 --> 00:11:24,350 Before long, his renown spread, 184 00:11:24,350 --> 00:11:27,350 His star rose, his companions grew numerous, 185 00:11:27,350 --> 00:11:31,350 His students became devoted to him, and his people recognized him as their leader. 186 00:11:31,350 --> 00:11:36,350 The Madinan scholar's life progressed peacefully and serenely: 187 00:11:36,350 --> 00:11:41,350 One part of his day spent at home with his family and brothers, 188 00:11:41,350 --> 00:11:45,350 And another in the Mosque of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 189 00:11:45,350 --> 00:11:48,350 Attending assemblies and study circles of sacred knowledge. 190 00:11:48,350 --> 00:11:51,379 His life continued in this steady course, 191 00:11:51,379 --> 00:11:55,379 Until something completely unexpected took place. 192 00:11:55,379 --> 00:12:04,799 "I have never seen anyone with a greater retention of the Sunnah than Rabi'ah." 193 00:12:04,799 --> 00:12:07,179 — Ibn al-Majishun. 194 00:12:22,200 --> 00:12:26,200 They departed, leaving in the conscience a lingering question: 195 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:31,200 Has a star ever risen and shone as brightly as they did? 196 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:36,200 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 197 00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:40,200 And our lands flourished through them.