WEBVTT 00:00:00.430 --> 00:00:03.430 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:00:03.430 --> 00:00:08.429 The best of generations in terms of stances and examples. 00:00:08.429 --> 00:00:13.429 They followed the Messenger when he strove or spoke. 00:00:13.429 --> 00:00:15.429 The Association of Love 00:00:15.429 --> 00:00:17.429 Presents 00:00:17.429 --> 00:00:21.500 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:25.910 By Dr. Abdur Rahman Ra'fat Al-Basha 00:00:25.910 --> 00:00:27.910 May Allah have mercy on him. 00:00:27.910 --> 00:00:31.160 Al-Najashi 00:00:31.160 --> 00:00:33.159 Ashamah ibn Abjar 00:00:33.159 --> 00:00:35.159 May Allah have mercy on him. 00:00:43.929 --> 00:00:47.929 This Tabi'i taught us when the Tabi'un are mentioned. 00:00:47.929 --> 00:00:50.929 A Companion when the Companions are counted. 00:00:50.929 --> 00:00:53.929 He corresponded with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:00:53.929 --> 00:00:56.929 And the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, corresponded with him. 00:00:56.929 --> 00:00:59.929 And when he joined the Highest Companion. 00:00:59.929 --> 00:01:02.929 The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, prayed for him. 00:01:02.929 --> 00:01:04.930 The funeral prayer in absentia. 00:01:04.930 --> 00:01:07.930 Even though he did not pray the funeral prayer in absentia for anyone else. 00:01:07.930 --> 00:01:10.930 He is Ashamah ibn Abjar, 00:01:10.930 --> 00:01:12.930 Known as Al-Najashi. 00:01:12.930 --> 00:01:16.930 So let us spend these blessed moments 00:01:16.930 --> 00:01:20.930 with this unique scholar from the scholars of the Muslims. 00:01:20.930 --> 00:01:25.620 Ashamah's father was the king of the Abyssinians, 00:01:25.620 --> 00:01:28.620 and he had no other son besides him. 00:01:28.620 --> 00:01:31.620 So some of the leaders of Abyssinia said to each other, 00:01:31.620 --> 00:01:35.620 "Our king has no son other than this boy, 00:01:35.620 --> 00:01:39.620 and this will weaken him while he is alive, 00:01:39.620 --> 00:01:42.620 and will lead to the demise of his kingdom if he dies, 00:01:42.620 --> 00:01:45.620 and will lead us to an outcome that is not to be praised." 00:01:45.620 --> 00:01:49.620 "So it would be best if we killed him and made his brother king." 00:01:49.620 --> 00:01:53.620 For he has 12 sons who will support him during his life 00:01:53.620 --> 00:01:56.620 and succeed him after his death. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:01:59.689 And the devils kept whispering to them, 00:01:59.689 --> 00:02:02.689 and instilling in their minds their own fears, 00:02:02.689 --> 00:02:06.689 until they killed their king and pledged allegiance to his brother after him. 00:02:06.689 --> 00:02:11.219 Ashamah grew up under the care of his uncle, 00:02:11.219 --> 00:02:15.219 and his buds began to open, revealing a brilliant intellect, 00:02:15.219 --> 00:02:18.219 remarkable resolve, and radiant eloquence, 00:02:18.219 --> 00:02:21.219 and a unique personality. 00:02:21.219 --> 00:02:24.219 Until he filled his uncle's heart with admiration for him, 00:02:24.219 --> 00:02:28.219 and preference for his merits and favoring him over his own sons. 00:02:28.219 --> 00:02:32.219 Then Satan whispered again to the lords of the Abyssinians, 00:02:32.219 --> 00:02:35.219 and some of them said to each other, 00:02:35.219 --> 00:02:39.219 "By Allah, we fear that the kingdom will pass to this young man. 00:02:39.219 --> 00:02:42.219 And if that happens, 00:02:42.219 --> 00:02:45.219 he will take a terrible revenge on us, 00:02:45.219 --> 00:02:49.219 and kill us all as a reward for killing his father." 00:02:49.219 --> 00:02:52.419 Then they went to the king and said, 00:02:52.419 --> 00:02:55.419 "O King, our souls are not at ease, 00:02:55.419 --> 00:02:58.419 and our hearts are not reassured, 00:02:58.419 --> 00:03:01.419 unless you kill Ashamah, 00:03:01.419 --> 00:03:04.419 or expel him from among us. 00:03:04.419 --> 00:03:07.419 For he has now grown up, 00:03:07.419 --> 00:03:10.419 and we fear that he will take revenge on us for killing his father." 00:03:10.419 --> 00:03:13.419 So the king said to them, 00:03:13.419 --> 00:03:16.419 "What an evil people you are! 00:03:16.419 --> 00:03:19.419 You killed his father yesterday. 00:03:20.419 --> 00:03:23.419 By Allah, I will not do it." 00:03:23.419 --> 00:03:26.419 They said, "Then we will take him 00:03:26.419 --> 00:03:29.419 and cast him out of our land." 00:03:29.419 --> 00:03:32.740 So he yielded to them, though he disliked it and was unable to resist. 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:35.740 Not even a day and a bit had passed since Ashamah's banishment 00:03:35.740 --> 00:03:38.740 when what was not expected happened. 00:03:38.740 --> 00:03:41.740 The horizon became overcast with dark clouds, 00:03:41.740 --> 00:03:44.740 and the sky raged with lightning and thunder. 00:03:44.740 --> 00:03:47.740 Then one of them struck, 00:03:47.740 --> 00:03:50.740 then one of them struck his uncle, who was saddened by his departure, 00:03:50.740 --> 00:03:53.740 and killed him. 00:03:53.740 --> 00:03:56.740 So the Abyssinians rushed to the king's sons 00:03:56.740 --> 00:03:59.740 to entrust the kingdom to one of them. 00:03:59.740 --> 00:04:02.740 But they found no good among them. 00:04:02.740 --> 00:04:05.740 So their distress intensified, 00:04:05.740 --> 00:04:08.740 and the matter became difficult for them. 00:04:08.740 --> 00:04:11.740 What increased their distress and hardship 00:04:11.740 --> 00:04:14.740 was that some of the peoples neighboring Abyssinia 00:04:15.740 --> 00:04:18.740 So some of them said to each other, 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:21.740 "By Allah, no one will establish your affairs 00:04:21.740 --> 00:04:24.740 and protect your kingdom 00:04:24.740 --> 00:04:27.740 except that young man whom you cast out yesterday. 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:30.740 So if you have any need for the affairs of Abyssinia, 00:04:30.740 --> 00:04:33.740 reach him and bring him back." 00:04:33.740 --> 00:04:36.800 Then they went out in search of him, 00:04:36.800 --> 00:04:39.800 and brought him back to his homeland. 00:04:39.800 --> 00:04:42.800 And they placed the crown on his head. 00:04:42.800 --> 00:04:45.800 They called him Al-Najashi. 00:04:45.800 --> 00:04:48.800 So he governed the land with shrewdness and wisdom, 00:04:48.800 --> 00:04:51.800 and relieved the people from turmoil and chaos, 00:04:51.800 --> 00:04:54.800 and filled Abyssinia with justice and goodness, 00:04:54.800 --> 00:04:59.560 after it had been filled with injustice and evil. 00:04:59.560 --> 00:05:02.560 Al-Najashi had barely settled on his throne 00:05:02.560 --> 00:05:05.560 when Allah sent His Prophet Muhammad, 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:08.560 may Allah's prayers and peace be upon him, 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:11.560 with the religion of guidance and truth. 00:05:11.560 --> 00:05:14.560 The guided ones were the first to embrace Islam, 00:05:14.560 --> 00:05:17.560 responding to him one after another. 00:05:17.560 --> 00:05:20.620 So Quraysh rose up, inflicting harm upon them 00:05:20.620 --> 00:05:23.750 and causing them distress. 00:05:23.750 --> 00:05:26.750 When Mecca became too constricted for them, 00:05:26.750 --> 00:05:29.750 and the polytheists inflicted upon them such harm 00:05:29.750 --> 00:05:32.750 as would shake the hardest of rocks, 00:05:32.750 --> 00:05:35.750 the Messenger, may Allah's prayers and peace be upon him, said to them: 00:05:35.750 --> 00:05:38.750 "Indeed, in the land of Abyssinia there is a king 00:05:38.750 --> 00:05:41.750 under whom no one is wronged. 00:05:41.750 --> 00:05:44.750 So migrate to his land and seek his protection, 00:05:44.750 --> 00:05:47.750 until Allah grants you a way out of your affair, 00:05:47.750 --> 00:05:50.750 and provides you with a way out of your hardship." 00:05:50.750 --> 00:05:53.850 The first caravan of emigrants set out 00:05:53.850 --> 00:05:56.850 to the land of Abyssinia. 00:05:56.850 --> 00:05:59.850 They were eighty, men and women. 00:05:59.850 --> 00:06:02.850 So for the first time, they tasted the flavor of security 00:06:02.850 --> 00:06:05.850 and stability, 00:06:06.850 --> 00:06:09.850 without their worship being disturbed 00:06:09.850 --> 00:06:12.850 by any disturber, or the sweetness of their faith 00:06:12.850 --> 00:06:16.040 being marred by any marrer. 00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:19.040 But Quraysh had barely learned of the departure 00:06:19.040 --> 00:06:22.040 of these eighty Muslims 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:25.040 to the land of Abyssinia 00:06:25.040 --> 00:06:28.040 and their settlement there, 00:06:28.040 --> 00:06:31.040 when they rose up to conspire against them, to destroy them 00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:34.040 or to return them to Mecca. 00:06:34.040 --> 00:06:37.040 Among their most intelligent and shrewd men were 00:06:37.040 --> 00:06:40.040 Amr ibn Al-'As 00:06:40.040 --> 00:06:43.040 and Abdullah ibn Abi Rabi'ah. 00:06:43.040 --> 00:06:46.040 And they sent with them abundant gifts for Al-Najashi 00:06:46.040 --> 00:06:49.040 and his bishops, 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:52.199 of what they found appealing from the land of Hijaz. 00:06:52.199 --> 00:06:55.199 When they arrived in Abyssinia, 00:06:55.199 --> 00:06:58.199 they hastened to meet the bishops before they met Al-Najashi, 00:06:58.199 --> 00:07:01.199 and gave to each bishop 00:07:02.199 --> 00:07:05.199 the message: "There have arrived in your land 00:07:05.199 --> 00:07:08.199 some of our foolish youths, 00:07:08.199 --> 00:07:11.199 who have abandoned the religion of their fathers and forefathers, 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:14.199 and have divided the word of their people. 00:07:14.199 --> 00:07:17.199 So when we speak to the king about them, 00:07:17.199 --> 00:07:20.199 advise him to hand them over to us 00:07:20.199 --> 00:07:23.199 without asking them about their religion, 00:07:23.199 --> 00:07:26.199 for the nobles of their people know them best 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:31.089 and are most aware of what they profess." 00:07:31.089 --> 00:07:34.089 Then Ibn Abi Rabi'ah approached Al-Najashi 00:07:34.089 --> 00:07:37.089 and prostrated to him as his people used to prostrate to him. 00:07:37.089 --> 00:07:40.089 Al-Najashi welcomed them with the warmest welcome, 00:07:40.089 --> 00:07:43.089 due to the existing relationship between him and Amr ibn Al-'As. 00:07:43.089 --> 00:07:46.180 He was a friend. 00:07:46.180 --> 00:07:49.180 Then he presented him with the gifts, accompanied 00:07:49.180 --> 00:07:52.180 by greetings from the great men of Mecca, 00:07:52.180 --> 00:07:55.180 led by Abu Sufyan, the chief of Quraysh. 00:07:55.180 --> 00:07:58.180 He found their gifts appealing and was impressed by them. 00:07:58.180 --> 00:08:01.180 Then they spoke to him and said: 00:08:01.180 --> 00:08:04.180 "O King, there have taken refuge in 00:08:04.180 --> 00:08:07.180 your kingdom some of our worst youths, 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:10.180 who have abandoned our religion and have not entered 00:08:10.180 --> 00:08:13.180 into your religion, and have brought a religion 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:16.180 that neither we nor you know. 00:08:16.180 --> 00:08:19.180 And the nobles of our people have sent us 00:08:19.180 --> 00:08:22.180 to ask you to return them to us, 00:08:22.180 --> 00:08:25.180 for they know best what they have innovated in terms of religion." 00:08:26.180 --> 00:08:29.180 Al-Najashi looked at his bishops 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:32.179 and they said, "He speaks the truth, O King. 00:08:32.179 --> 00:08:35.179 For we have not encountered the religion they 00:08:35.179 --> 00:08:38.179 have newly adopted, and their people 00:08:38.179 --> 00:08:41.179 know them better than we do and are more aware of what they have innovated." 00:08:41.179 --> 00:08:44.250 Al-Najashi said, "No, by Allah, 00:08:44.250 --> 00:08:47.250 I will not hand them over to anyone until I hear 00:08:47.250 --> 00:08:50.250 their words and understand their creed. 00:08:50.250 --> 00:08:53.250 If they are upon falsehood, I will hand them over 00:08:53.250 --> 00:08:56.250 to their people, and if they are upon truth, 00:08:56.250 --> 00:08:59.250 I will protect them and treat them well, 00:08:59.250 --> 00:09:02.279 as long as they are in my land." 00:09:02.279 --> 00:09:05.279 Then he added, saying, "By Allah, 00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:08.279 I do not forget Allah's favor upon me, 00:09:08.279 --> 00:09:11.279 for He returned me to my land, 00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:14.279 and protected me from the schemes of those who schemed against me, 00:09:14.279 --> 00:09:19.460 and preserved me from the oppression of those who wronged me." 00:09:19.460 --> 00:09:22.460 Al-Najashi invited the Companions to meet him, 00:09:22.460 --> 00:09:25.460 and they felt apprehensive about that, 00:09:25.460 --> 00:09:28.490 and some of them said to each other, 00:09:28.490 --> 00:09:31.490 "What will you say to him if he asks you about your religion?" 00:09:31.490 --> 00:09:34.490 Then their leaders said, 00:09:34.490 --> 00:09:37.490 "We will say what Allah, the Almighty, said 00:09:37.490 --> 00:09:40.490 in His Book, and we will declare what came to us from 00:09:40.490 --> 00:09:43.490 the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:09:43.490 --> 00:09:46.490 from his Lord." Then they went to him. 00:09:46.490 --> 00:09:49.490 And they found Amr ibn Al-'As with him, 00:09:49.490 --> 00:09:52.490 and they found his bishops sitting 00:09:52.490 --> 00:09:55.490 to his right and to his left, 00:09:55.490 --> 00:09:58.490 and they had donned their caps, 00:09:58.490 --> 00:10:01.490 and spread their books before them. 00:10:01.490 --> 00:10:04.490 So they greeted him with the greeting of Islam, 00:10:04.490 --> 00:10:07.580 and sat where the gathering allowed them. 00:10:07.580 --> 00:10:10.580 Then Amr ibn Al-'As turned to them 00:10:10.580 --> 00:10:13.580 and said, "Why do you not prostrate to the king?" 00:10:13.580 --> 00:10:16.740 They said, "We do not prostrate." 00:10:16.740 --> 00:10:19.740 Al-Najashi nodded his head, 00:10:19.740 --> 00:10:22.740 surprised by what they said, 00:10:22.740 --> 00:10:25.740 and looked at them gently and said, 00:10:25.740 --> 00:10:28.740 "What is this that you have introduced for yourselves 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:31.740 as a religion, and because of which you have abandoned 00:10:31.740 --> 00:10:34.740 your people's religion, and you have not entered into my religion. 00:10:34.740 --> 00:10:37.740 So Ja'far ibn Abi Talib sought his permission. 00:10:37.740 --> 00:10:40.740 And he said, "O King, 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:43.740 we did not innovate a religion for ourselves. 00:10:44.740 --> 00:10:47.740 We were a people of ignorance, 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:50.740 worshipping idols, severing ties of kinship, 00:10:50.740 --> 00:10:53.740 eating carrion, and committing indecencies, 00:10:53.740 --> 00:10:56.740 and treating neighbors poorly. 00:10:56.740 --> 00:10:59.740 And the strong among us would overpower the weak. 00:10:59.740 --> 00:11:02.740 And we remained in that state 00:11:02.740 --> 00:11:05.809 until Allah sent us a messenger from among us, 00:11:05.809 --> 00:11:08.809 whose lineage we knew and whose truthfulness we trusted, 00:11:08.809 --> 00:11:11.809 and whose character we knew. 00:11:11.809 --> 00:11:14.809 Whose lineage we knew and whose truthfulness we trusted, 00:11:14.809 --> 00:11:17.809 and his trustworthiness and chastity. 00:11:17.809 --> 00:11:20.809 So he called us to Allah and commanded us 00:11:20.809 --> 00:11:23.809 to worship Him and to affirm His oneness, 00:11:23.809 --> 00:11:26.809 and he urged us to establish prayer, 00:11:26.809 --> 00:11:29.809 give zakat, and fast Ramadan, 00:11:29.809 --> 00:11:32.809 and to renounce what we used to worship, 00:11:32.809 --> 00:11:35.809 from stones and idols. 00:11:35.809 --> 00:11:38.809 He also commanded us to speak truthfully, 00:11:39.809 --> 00:11:42.809 and he forbade us from committing indecencies, 00:11:42.809 --> 00:11:45.809 speaking falsehood, and consuming the property of the orphan. 00:11:45.809 --> 00:11:48.809 So we believed him and affirmed his message, 00:11:48.809 --> 00:11:51.809 and we followed what he brought. 00:11:51.809 --> 00:11:54.809 And we began to worship Allah alone, with no partner. 00:11:54.809 --> 00:11:57.809 And we forbade what he forbade us, 00:11:57.809 --> 00:12:00.809 and we permitted what he permitted us. 00:12:00.809 --> 00:12:03.809 So our people did nothing but declare war upon us 00:12:03.809 --> 00:12:06.809 and inflict upon us the most severe torment, 00:12:06.809 --> 00:12:09.809 to tempt us away from our religion 00:12:09.809 --> 00:12:12.809 and return us to the worship of idols 00:12:12.809 --> 00:12:15.809 after we had worshipped the One who judges. 00:12:15.809 --> 00:12:18.899 When they oppressed us and wronged us, 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:21.899 and made things difficult for us, 00:12:21.899 --> 00:12:24.899 and stood between us and our religion, 00:12:24.899 --> 00:12:27.899 we desired to seek refuge in your protection 00:12:27.899 --> 00:12:30.899 and reside in your land, 00:12:30.899 --> 00:12:33.899 and we chose you over anyone else." 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:36.899 So the Negus said to him, 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:39.899 "Do you have anything of what your prophet brought 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:42.899 from his Lord?" He said, "Yes." 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:45.899 He said, "Then recite it to me." 00:12:45.899 --> 00:12:48.899 So he recited to him a portion of Surah Maryam. 00:12:48.899 --> 00:12:51.899 And among what he recited was the saying of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic: 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:54.899 “And make mention of Mary in the Scripture, when she had withdrawn from her people to a chamber looking East,” (19:16) 00:12:54.899 --> 00:12:57.899 “And make mention of Mary in the Scripture, when she had withdrawn from her people to a chamber looking East,” (19:16) 00:12:57.899 --> 00:13:00.899 a place to the east. 00:13:00.899 --> 00:13:03.899 I shall set up a screen between them. 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:06.899 So We sent to her 00:13:06.899 --> 00:13:09.899 Our spirit. 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:12.899 “And had chosen seclusion from them. Then We sent unto her Our Spirit and it assumed for her the likeness of a perfect man.” (19:17) 00:13:12.899 --> 00:13:15.899 She said, "Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, 00:13:15.899 --> 00:13:18.899 I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, 00:13:18.899 --> 00:13:21.899 if you are God-fearing. 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:24.899 “He said: I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son.” (19:19) 00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:27.899 “He said: I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son.” (19:19) 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:30.899 She said, "How can I have a boy 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:33.899 when no man has touched me 00:13:33.899 --> 00:13:36.899 “She said: How can I have a son when no mortal hath touched me, neither have I been unchaste?” (19:20) 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:39.899 He said, "Thus," 00:13:39.899 --> 00:13:42.899 "Your Lord has said, 'It is easy for Me, 00:13:42.899 --> 00:13:45.899 and We will make him a sign to the people 00:13:45.899 --> 00:13:48.899 and a mercy from Us. And it is 00:13:48.899 --> 00:13:51.899 a matter [already] decreed." 00:13:51.899 --> 00:13:54.899 a matter [already] decreed. 00:13:54.899 --> 00:13:57.899 Then the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. 00:13:57.899 --> 00:14:00.899 to the trunk of a palm tree. 00:14:00.899 --> 00:14:03.899 She said, "Oh, I wish I had 00:14:03.899 --> 00:14:06.899 died before this 00:14:06.899 --> 00:14:09.899 and been forgotten, completely forgotten." 00:14:09.899 --> 00:14:12.899 Then [the child] called her from below her, 00:14:12.899 --> 00:14:15.899 "Do not grieve; 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:18.899 do not grieve. 00:14:18.899 --> 00:14:21.899 “Then (one) cried unto her from below her, saying: Grieve not! Thy Lord hath placed a rivulet beneath thee,” (19:24) 00:14:22.899 --> 00:14:25.899 The Negus wept until his beard was wet, 00:14:25.899 --> 00:14:28.899 until his beard was wet, 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:31.899 and his bishops wept until 00:14:31.899 --> 00:14:34.899 they soaked their copies of the Qur'an when they heard what was recited to them. 00:14:34.899 --> 00:14:37.899 Then the Negus turned 00:14:37.899 --> 00:14:40.899 to 'Amr ibn al-'As and his companion and said, 00:14:40.899 --> 00:14:43.899 "This that was recited to us, 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:46.899 and what Jesus brought, 00:14:46.899 --> 00:14:50.059 both come from the same source." 00:14:50.059 --> 00:14:53.059 Then he said to them, 00:14:53.059 --> 00:14:56.059 "By Allah, I will never hand them over to you. 00:14:56.059 --> 00:14:59.059 And I will not bear this as long as I live." 00:14:59.059 --> 00:15:02.059 Then he stood up, 00:15:02.059 --> 00:15:06.889 and those with him stood up, and the assembly dispersed. 00:15:06.889 --> 00:15:09.889 'Amr ibn al-'As went out, seething with anger. 00:15:09.889 --> 00:15:12.889 Then he said to his companion, 00:15:12.889 --> 00:15:15.889 "By Allah, I will confront the Negus tomorrow 00:15:15.889 --> 00:15:18.889 and tell him a story about them." 00:15:19.889 --> 00:15:22.889 His companion said to him, 00:15:22.889 --> 00:15:25.889 and he was softer-hearted than him, 00:15:25.889 --> 00:15:28.889 "Do not do that, 'Amr, for they have ties of kinship with us, 00:15:28.889 --> 00:15:31.889 even if they have opposed us." 00:15:31.889 --> 00:15:34.889 He said, "By Allah, I will inform him 00:15:34.889 --> 00:15:37.889 that they said something about Jesus, son of Mary, 00:15:37.889 --> 00:15:40.889 and concealed something, and that they insult him 00:15:40.889 --> 00:15:43.889 and say about him that he is a servant." 00:15:43.889 --> 00:15:47.019 When it was the next day, 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:50.019 'Amr went to the Negus and said, 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:53.019 "O King, they made you hear something yesterday 00:15:53.019 --> 00:15:56.019 and concealed something from you. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:59.019 They say about Jesus, son of Mary, that he is 00:15:59.019 --> 00:16:02.139 a servant." So the Negus summoned them. 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:05.139 And he said, "What do you say about Jesus, son of Mary?" 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:08.139 Ja'far ibn Abi Talib said to him, 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:11.139 "We say about him what the Prophet brought us, 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:14.139 peace be upon him." 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:17.139 He said, "And who is it that brought you?" 00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:20.139 Ja'far said, "He is the servant of Allah, 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:23.139 His messenger, and His word which He cast 00:16:23.139 --> 00:16:26.139 unto Mary, the pure virgin." 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:29.179 The Negus said, "By Allah, 00:16:29.179 --> 00:16:32.179 Jesus did not exceed what you said by the span of a fingernail." 00:16:32.179 --> 00:16:35.299 Then the bishops around him snorted, 00:16:35.299 --> 00:16:38.299 disapproving of his statement. 00:16:38.299 --> 00:16:41.299 He looked at them askance and said, "Even if you snort." 00:16:42.299 --> 00:16:45.299 Then he said to Ja'far and those with him, 00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:48.299 "Go, you are safe in my land. 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:51.299 Whoever harms you, his penalty 00:16:51.299 --> 00:16:54.299 whoever harms you, his penalty. 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:57.299 And I would not wish to be given a mountain of gold 00:16:57.299 --> 00:17:00.299 and harm anyone of you. 00:17:00.299 --> 00:17:03.299 Then he said to his chamberlains, 00:17:03.299 --> 00:17:06.299 "Return their gifts to 'Amr and his companion, 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:09.299 for we have no need of them. 00:17:09.299 --> 00:17:12.299 Bribery, when he returned me to my kingdom, 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:15.299 so that I would accept bribery for it. 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:18.299 And the people did not obey me in my command, 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:23.220 until I obeyed them in his command. 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:26.220 Suppose the bishops were to announce to the people 00:17:26.220 --> 00:17:29.220 that the Negus had abandoned his religion 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:32.220 and replaced it with another religion, 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:35.220 and they began to call them to depose him. 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:38.220 Then the Abyssinians rallied against him. 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:41.220 Ja'far ibn Abi Talib and his companions 00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:44.220 informed him of the matter. 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:47.220 And he prepared ships for them and said to them, 00:17:47.220 --> 00:17:50.220 "Embark upon them and prepare for what will happen. 00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:53.220 If I am defeated, flee wherever you wish. 00:17:53.220 --> 00:17:56.220 If I am victorious, settle as you were." 00:17:56.220 --> 00:17:59.220 Then he brought a piece of gazelle skin 00:17:59.220 --> 00:18:02.220 and wrote on it: 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:05.220 "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:08.220 He is the Seal of His messengers, 00:18:08.220 --> 00:18:11.220 and I bear witness that Jesus is His servant and His messenger, 00:18:11.220 --> 00:18:14.220 and His spirit and His word which He cast unto Mary." 00:18:14.220 --> 00:18:17.220 Then he tied the parchment to his chest 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:20.220 and wore his robe over it, 00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:23.220 and went to meet those who had rebelled against him. 00:18:23.220 --> 00:18:26.420 When he stood before them, 00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:29.420 he called out to them, saying, 00:18:29.420 --> 00:18:32.420 "O assembly of Abyssinians, how have you seen my conduct among you?" 00:18:32.420 --> 00:18:35.420 They said, "The best conduct." 00:18:35.420 --> 00:18:38.420 He said, "And who incited you against me?" 00:18:38.420 --> 00:18:41.420 They said, "You have abandoned our religion 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:44.420 and claimed that Jesus is a servant." 00:18:44.420 --> 00:18:47.420 He said, "What do you say about Jesus?" 00:18:47.420 --> 00:18:50.420 They said, "He is the son of Allah." 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:53.420 So he placed his hand on his robe 00:18:53.420 --> 00:18:56.420 and made it rest upon the parchment and said, 00:18:56.420 --> 00:18:59.420 "And I bear witness that Jesus did not exceed 00:18:59.420 --> 00:19:02.420 this in any way." 00:19:02.420 --> 00:19:05.420 And he meant what he had written on the parchment. 00:19:05.420 --> 00:19:08.420 They were pleased with what he said, 00:19:08.420 --> 00:19:13.369 and dispersed, satisfied and reassured. 00:19:13.369 --> 00:19:16.369 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:19:16.369 --> 00:19:19.369 stood by what had transpired between the Negus and his people, 00:19:19.369 --> 00:19:22.369 and admired his care for the Muslims who 00:19:22.369 --> 00:19:25.369 had migrated to his land 00:19:25.369 --> 00:19:28.369 and found security under his protection, 00:19:28.369 --> 00:19:31.369 and his conviction in the truth of what was in the Qur'an. 00:19:31.369 --> 00:19:34.430 Then prayer began to deepen 00:19:34.430 --> 00:19:37.430 between him and the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:19:37.430 --> 00:19:40.430 and become more firmly established. 00:19:40.430 --> 00:19:43.430 In the first month of the seventh year of Hijrah, 00:19:43.430 --> 00:19:46.430 the noble Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:19:46.430 --> 00:19:49.430 resolved to invite six of the great kings of the earth 00:19:49.430 --> 00:19:52.430 and their rulers 00:19:52.430 --> 00:19:55.430 to enter the religion of Allah. 00:19:55.430 --> 00:19:58.430 A sweet message, urging them to Islam, 00:19:58.430 --> 00:20:01.430 beautifying faith for them, 00:20:01.430 --> 00:20:04.500 and warning them against disbelief and polytheism. 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:07.500 He had prepared for this purpose 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:10.500 six of the best Companions. 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:13.500 Each of them learned the language of the people to whom 00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:16.500 he would be sent. 00:20:16.500 --> 00:20:19.500 Then they departed to carry out this mission 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:22.500 on the same day. 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:25.500 The King of Abyssinia. 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:28.500 'Amr ibn Umayyah entered upon the Negus 00:20:28.500 --> 00:20:31.500 and greeted him with the greeting of Islam. 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:34.500 He was answered with a better greeting, 00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:37.500 and welcomed him most warmly. 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:40.500 When he was seated, 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:43.500 he presented the Negus with the letter that he brought 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:46.500 from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:49.500 He hastened to open it, 00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:53.500 inviting him to Islam, 00:20:53.500 --> 00:20:56.500 and reciting to him some of the Qur'an. 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:59.500 The Negus placed the letter upon his eyes 00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:02.500 in reverence for him and descended from his throne 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:05.500 out of humility for what was revealed in it. 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:08.500 Then he declared his Islam publicly to his assembled companions, 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:11.500 and bore witness to the truth. 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:14.500 He said, "If only I could come 00:21:14.500 --> 00:21:17.500 to Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him." 00:21:18.500 --> 00:21:21.500 Then he wrote to the Prophet, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him, 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:24.529 a gentle letter, 00:21:24.529 --> 00:21:27.529 in which he responded to his call 00:21:27.529 --> 00:21:30.529 and expressed his prior belief 00:21:30.529 --> 00:21:33.529 in his prophethood. 00:21:33.529 --> 00:21:36.529 At that point, Umar ibn Umayyah brought 00:21:36.529 --> 00:21:39.529 another letter from the Messenger, peace be upon him, 00:21:39.529 --> 00:21:42.529 to the Negus, 00:21:42.529 --> 00:21:45.529 inviting him to marry to him 00:21:46.529 --> 00:21:49.619 Umm al-Mu'minin Ramlah, 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:52.619 known as Umm Habibah. 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:55.619 A story sad at its beginning, 00:21:55.619 --> 00:21:58.619 joyous and hopeful at its end. 00:21:58.619 --> 00:22:01.619 So let us briefly touch upon it. 00:22:01.619 --> 00:22:06.480 Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan disbelieved 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:09.480 in the idols of her father, the chief of Quraysh, 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:12.480 and she and her husband, 'Ubayd Allah ibn Jahsh, believed 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:15.480 in Allah alone, without partner, 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:18.480 and affirmed the message of His Prophet Muhammad, 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:21.480 peace be upon him. 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:24.480 Quraysh then subjected them to great hardship in their affair 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:27.480 and inflicted upon them the most severe torment, 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:30.480 until they could no longer bear to remain 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:33.480 in Mecca. 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:36.480 So she was among those who migrated to Allah 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:39.480 for their religion, seeking refuge with the Negus 00:22:39.480 --> 00:22:42.480 because of their faith. 00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:46.480 Until it seemed to Umm Habibah that the days 00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:49.480 had cleared for her after a period of gloom, 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:52.480 for she did not know what fate had stored 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:55.480 for her. 00:22:55.480 --> 00:22:58.480 For Allah, in His wisdom, willed 00:22:58.480 --> 00:23:01.480 to test Umm Habibah 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:04.480 with a harsh trial that would confound the minds. 00:23:04.480 --> 00:23:07.480 This was because her husband, 'Ubayd Allah ibn Jahsh, 00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:10.480 had apostatized from his religion and become Christian, 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:13.480 and began to mock Islam and the Muslims. 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:16.480 Then he became addicted to the taverns of wine, 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:19.480 drinking the mother of all evils, 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:22.480 never satiating himself from it. 00:23:22.480 --> 00:23:25.539 He gave her a choice between two options, the lesser of which was bitter: 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:28.539 either she divorce him, 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:31.799 or she become Christian. 00:23:31.799 --> 00:23:34.799 Umm Habibah found herself facing three choices: 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:37.829 either she comply with her husband, 00:23:38.829 --> 00:23:41.829 thereby incurring the disgrace of this world 00:23:41.829 --> 00:23:44.829 and the punishment of the hereafter, 00:23:44.829 --> 00:23:47.829 or she return to her father's house in Mecca, 00:23:47.829 --> 00:23:50.930 which was still a stronghold of polytheism, 00:23:50.930 --> 00:23:53.930 or she remain in the land of Abyssinia, 00:23:53.930 --> 00:23:56.930 alone and an exile, 00:23:56.930 --> 00:23:59.990 with her young daughter Habibah. 00:23:59.990 --> 00:24:02.990 So she preferred the pleasure of Allah, the Almighty, over all else, 00:24:02.990 --> 00:24:05.990 and resolved to remain in Abyssinia. 00:24:06.990 --> 00:24:10.150 Umm Habibah's ordeal did not last long, 00:24:10.150 --> 00:24:13.150 for her husband met his end 00:24:13.150 --> 00:24:16.150 while drunk and inebriated. 00:24:16.150 --> 00:24:19.150 Then, after she completed her waiting period from him, 00:24:19.150 --> 00:24:22.380 relief came to her. 00:24:22.380 --> 00:24:25.380 One bright morning, in the radiant light, 00:24:25.380 --> 00:24:28.380 fate knocked on her door. 00:24:28.380 --> 00:24:31.380 When she opened it, 00:24:31.380 --> 00:24:34.380 she was surprised by Abreha, a servant of the Negus, 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:37.380 greeting her and saying to her, 00:24:37.380 --> 00:24:40.380 "The king sends you his greetings 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:43.380 and says to you, 'Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, 00:24:43.380 --> 00:24:46.380 has asked for your hand in marriage. 00:24:46.380 --> 00:24:49.380 He has appointed me to conduct the marriage contract for him.' 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:52.380 So appoint someone on your behalf whom you trust in religion, if you wish." 00:24:52.380 --> 00:24:55.380 Umm Habibah was overjoyed and exclaimed, 00:24:55.380 --> 00:24:58.380 "May Allah give you good tidings!" 00:24:58.380 --> 00:25:01.380 "May Allah give you good tidings!" 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:05.380 "I have appointed Khalid ibn Sa'id ibn al-'As on my behalf, 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:08.380 for he is the closest person to me in this land." 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:13.259 And in the palace of the Negus, 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:16.259 the Companions residing in Abyssinia gathered 00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:19.259 to witness the marriage contract of Umm Habibah 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:22.259 to the Messenger, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him. 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:25.259 When the gathering was complete, 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:28.259 the Negus praised Allah and lauded Him, 00:25:28.259 --> 00:25:31.259 then said, "To proceed: 00:25:31.259 --> 00:25:34.259 The Messenger, peace be upon him, 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:37.259 asked me to marry him to Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan. 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:40.259 So I have accepted his request, 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:43.259 and I have given her a dowry on his behalf 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:46.259 of four hundred gold dinars, 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:49.490 according to the Sunnah of Allah and His Messenger." 00:25:49.490 --> 00:25:52.490 Then Khalid ibn Sa'id ibn al-'As stood, 00:25:52.490 --> 00:25:55.490 praised Allah and sought His help, 00:25:55.490 --> 00:25:58.490 and sent blessings and peace upon His Prophet, then said: 00:25:59.490 --> 00:26:02.490 "I have accepted the request of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:26:02.490 --> 00:26:05.490 and married him to my client, 00:26:05.490 --> 00:26:08.490 Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan. 00:26:08.490 --> 00:26:11.490 May Allah bless His Messenger in his wife, 00:26:11.490 --> 00:26:14.490 and congratulations to Ramlah for what Allah has bestowed upon her 00:26:14.490 --> 00:26:19.630 of goodness." 00:26:19.630 --> 00:26:22.630 The Negus prepared two of his ships 00:26:22.630 --> 00:26:25.630 and sent upon them Umm al-Mu'minin, 00:26:25.630 --> 00:26:28.630 Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan, and her daughter Habibah, 00:26:28.630 --> 00:26:31.630 and those of the Messenger's Companions who remained with him, peace be upon him. 00:26:33.630 --> 00:26:36.630 He also sent with them a group of Abyssinians 00:26:36.630 --> 00:26:39.630 who had believed in Allah and His Messenger, 00:26:39.630 --> 00:26:42.630 and longed to meet the Prophet, upon whom be the best 00:26:42.630 --> 00:26:45.630 of prayers and the purest of peace, 00:26:45.630 --> 00:26:48.630 and to behold him and pray behind him. 00:26:48.630 --> 00:26:51.630 And he appointed Ja'far ibn Abi Talib over them all, 00:26:51.630 --> 00:26:54.759 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:57.759 Then he gifted Ramlah, Umm al-Mu'minin, 00:26:57.759 --> 00:27:00.759 along with his other wives, precious perfumes, saffron, 00:27:00.759 --> 00:27:03.759 aloeswood, and ambergris. 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:06.759 He also sent with them some gifts for the Messenger, peace be upon him. 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:09.759 Among what he gifted him 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:12.759 were three staffs from the finest Abyssinian staffs. 00:27:12.759 --> 00:27:15.789 The Messenger, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him, took 00:27:15.789 --> 00:27:18.789 one of them. 00:27:18.789 --> 00:27:21.789 As for the second and third, 00:27:21.789 --> 00:27:24.789 he gifted them to Umar ibn al-Khattab 00:27:24.789 --> 00:27:27.789 and Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with them both. 00:27:27.789 --> 00:27:30.789 Bilal, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:27:30.789 --> 00:27:33.789 used to walk in front of the Prophet, 00:27:33.789 --> 00:27:36.789 peace be upon him, with the staff, 00:27:36.789 --> 00:27:39.789 keeping it for himself, 00:27:39.789 --> 00:27:42.789 and planting it before him when prayer was established, 00:27:42.789 --> 00:27:45.789 in places where there was no 00:27:45.789 --> 00:27:48.789 mosque or structure to indicate the Qiblah, 00:27:48.789 --> 00:27:51.789 and on the Prophet's journeys, peace be upon him, 00:27:51.789 --> 00:27:54.789 and on the two Eids and during the prayer for rain. 00:27:54.789 --> 00:27:58.019 Bilal continued to walk with it 00:27:58.019 --> 00:28:01.019 before Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him. 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:04.019 When the caliphate devolved 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:07.019 to Umar ibn al-Khattab, 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:10.019 and to Uthman ibn Affan after him, 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:13.019 Sa'd al-Qurazi walked with it before them. 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:16.019 Then the caliphs continued this practice 00:28:16.019 --> 00:28:19.079 for a long time. 00:28:19.079 --> 00:28:22.079 The Negus presented the Prophet, peace be upon him, 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:25.079 with an ornament containing a gold ring. 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:28.079 He took it, though he was turning away from it, 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:31.079 then sent it to his daughter Zaynab, Ummamah, 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:34.079 and said to her, 00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:39.380 "Adorn yourself with this, my daughter." 00:28:39.380 --> 00:28:42.380 And shortly before the conquest of Mecca, 00:28:42.380 --> 00:28:45.380 the Negus passed away to his Lord. 00:28:45.380 --> 00:28:48.380 The Messenger, peace be upon him, called out, 00:28:49.380 --> 00:28:52.380 "Your brother Ashamah al-Negus has passed away. 00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:55.380 So pray for him." 00:28:55.380 --> 00:28:58.380 Then he led them in prayer, and they prayed for him, 00:28:58.380 --> 00:29:01.380 the funeral prayer in absentia, even though the Prophet, 00:29:01.380 --> 00:29:04.380 peace be upon him, 00:29:04.380 --> 00:29:07.380 had not prayed for anyone in absentia before the Negus, 00:29:07.380 --> 00:29:10.640 nor after him, may Allah be pleased with 00:29:10.640 --> 00:29:13.640 Ashamah al-Negus and be satisfied with him, 00:29:13.640 --> 00:29:16.640 and make Paradise his abode, 00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:19.640 and the early Muslims from weakness, 00:29:19.640 --> 00:29:22.640 and secure them from fear, 00:29:22.640 --> 00:29:25.640 and in that he sought the pleasure of Allah and His Messenger. 00:29:25.640 --> 00:29:32.029 When the Negus died, 00:29:32.029 --> 00:29:35.029 we used to say that a light still shone upon his grave. 00:29:35.029 --> 00:29:39.180 Aisha, Umm al-Mu'minin, 00:29:39.180 --> 00:29:42.180 may Allah be pleased with her. 00:29:51.339 --> 00:29:54.339 They were here, 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:57.339 watering the clouds of our lives. 00:29:57.339 --> 00:30:00.339 So they passed away among us. 00:30:00.339 --> 00:30:03.339 Their remembrance ascends. 00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:06.339 They departed and left in the heart 00:30:06.339 --> 00:30:09.339 a question: did anyone like them 00:30:09.339 --> 00:30:12.339 rise as a star and shine? 00:30:12.339 --> 00:30:15.339 They filled life 00:30:15.339 --> 00:30:18.339 with pride in their deeds. 00:30:18.339 --> 00:30:21.339 They set a limit to the worldly ego.