1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,000 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 2 00:00:15,539 --> 00:00:17,539 The Mawaddah Association is pleased 3 00:00:17,539 --> 00:00:22,539 to present to you glimpses from the lives of the Companions, 4 00:00:22,539 --> 00:00:25,539 by Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 5 00:00:25,539 --> 00:00:30,170 may Allah have mercy upon him. 6 00:00:30,170 --> 00:00:35,490 Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi, may Allah be pleased with him. 7 00:00:48,479 --> 00:00:52,820 Here we are in Makkah, 8 00:00:52,820 --> 00:00:57,820 three years after the mission of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, began. 9 00:00:57,820 --> 00:01:01,820 And here is the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 10 00:01:02,820 --> 00:01:06,819 to whom Jibril descends with the words of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic. 11 00:01:06,819 --> 00:01:10,819 “So proclaim that which thou art commanded, and withdraw from the idolaters.” (15:94) 12 00:01:10,819 --> 00:01:13,819 The Prophet, peace be upon him, learns 13 00:01:13,819 --> 00:01:18,819 that a new phase of the call to Islam has begun, 14 00:01:18,819 --> 00:01:23,819 and that he must transition from the stage of secrecy to the stage of public proclamation. 15 00:01:23,819 --> 00:01:29,099 The Messenger, peace be upon him, hastened to carry out what he was commanded to do, 16 00:01:29,099 --> 00:01:32,099 and began calling people to Allah openly, 17 00:01:32,099 --> 00:01:36,099 after having spent three years calling them in secret. 18 00:01:36,099 --> 00:01:41,099 He did not leave any of the Arab communities without approaching them, 19 00:01:41,099 --> 00:01:46,099 nor any of their tribes without presenting himself to them, 20 00:01:46,099 --> 00:01:51,099 asking them to shelter and protect him until he could convey the message of his Lord. 21 00:01:51,099 --> 00:01:56,230 The Arab tribes would gather every year for about two months 22 00:01:56,230 --> 00:02:00,230 at the markets of Ukaz, Majannah, and Dhu al-Majaz. 23 00:02:00,230 --> 00:02:05,230 They would buy and sell, recite poetry in the assemblies, 24 00:02:05,230 --> 00:02:09,229 boast of their noble deeds from the pulpits, 25 00:02:09,229 --> 00:02:12,229 and have singing girls play music for them. 26 00:02:12,229 --> 00:02:15,229 They would witness dancing and drink wine, 27 00:02:15,229 --> 00:02:18,229 and when they finished their season, 28 00:02:18,229 --> 00:02:23,229 they would proceed to the sacred places to perform their Hajj rituals. 29 00:02:23,229 --> 00:02:27,300 The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 30 00:02:27,300 --> 00:02:30,300 would seize the opportunity of that great season, 31 00:02:30,300 --> 00:02:34,300 which brought together all the Arab tribes, 32 00:02:34,300 --> 00:02:38,300 and would inquire about the tribes, one by one, 33 00:02:38,300 --> 00:02:42,300 following them to their encampments, one by one, 34 00:02:42,300 --> 00:02:44,300 and presenting his message to them. 35 00:02:44,300 --> 00:02:47,300 He would mention to them how his own people had forsaken him, 36 00:02:47,300 --> 00:02:49,300 and ask them to shelter and support him 37 00:02:49,300 --> 00:02:52,300 so that he might convey the message of his Lord, 38 00:02:52,300 --> 00:02:55,300 promising them Paradise in return. 39 00:02:55,300 --> 00:02:58,460 Some would harm him with their tongues, 40 00:02:58,460 --> 00:03:01,460 mocking and ridiculing him, 41 00:03:01,460 --> 00:03:03,460 while others would harm him with their hands, 42 00:03:03,460 --> 00:03:05,460 throwing stones at him, 43 00:03:05,460 --> 00:03:08,460 or prodding his camel with a stick or the like, 44 00:03:08,460 --> 00:03:10,460 causing it to shy away and stumble. 45 00:03:10,460 --> 00:03:14,460 Others would turn him away with a degree of gentleness, 46 00:03:14,460 --> 00:03:16,580 though they were few. 47 00:03:16,580 --> 00:03:19,580 Despite the rejection he encountered, 48 00:03:19,580 --> 00:03:23,580 he never grew weary, nor did he falter or slacken. 49 00:03:23,580 --> 00:03:26,680 During one of these seasons, 50 00:03:26,680 --> 00:03:29,680 the tribe of Abs had finished their trading, 51 00:03:29,680 --> 00:03:33,680 then hurried to Mina to perform their Hajj, 52 00:03:33,680 --> 00:03:35,680 and encamped at the first Jamrah, 53 00:03:35,680 --> 00:03:38,680 near the Masjid al-Khayf. 54 00:03:38,680 --> 00:03:42,680 The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, approached them, 55 00:03:42,680 --> 00:03:44,680 riding his camel, 56 00:03:44,680 --> 00:03:48,680 with his beloved Zayd ibn Harithah, may Allah be pleased with him, riding behind him. 57 00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:53,680 The Banu Abs had heard of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 58 00:03:53,680 --> 00:03:56,680 but had not yet seen him. 59 00:03:56,680 --> 00:03:59,680 He stood before them and dismounted, 60 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:03,680 and began to bring them glad tidings and warn them of a painful punishment, 61 00:04:03,680 --> 00:04:06,680 explaining to them the virtues of Islam, 62 00:04:06,680 --> 00:04:10,680 and reciting to them whatever he could of the Qur'an. 63 00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:13,680 He mentioned to them how the Quraysh had forsaken him, 64 00:04:13,680 --> 00:04:16,680 and invited them to shelter and support him 65 00:04:16,680 --> 00:04:19,680 so that he might convey the message of his Lord, 66 00:04:19,680 --> 00:04:21,709 promising them Paradise. 67 00:04:21,709 --> 00:04:25,709 Among the people was Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi. 68 00:04:25,709 --> 00:04:28,709 He turned to his people and said, 69 00:04:28,709 --> 00:04:32,709 "Come, O my people, let us shelter this man and support him. 70 00:04:32,709 --> 00:04:38,839 By Allah, I have never heard words more radiant or more just than his." 71 00:04:38,839 --> 00:04:41,839 A man from his tribe turned to him and said, 72 00:04:41,839 --> 00:04:44,839 "Leave this aside, O Maysarah. 73 00:04:44,839 --> 00:04:47,839 By Allah, the man's own people know him better than you do. 74 00:04:47,839 --> 00:04:49,839 If there were any good in him, 75 00:04:49,839 --> 00:04:53,839 they would not have cast him out and left him to offer himself to the tribes, 76 00:04:53,839 --> 00:04:56,839 only to find none who would accept him." 77 00:04:56,839 --> 00:04:59,839 Another interrupted him and said, 78 00:04:59,839 --> 00:05:02,839 "Yes, stay away from him, O Maysarah. 79 00:05:02,839 --> 00:05:05,839 By Allah, no man returns to his people with him 80 00:05:05,839 --> 00:05:10,839 without returning with something worse than what the people of this season return with." 81 00:05:10,839 --> 00:05:12,839 Maysarah replied, 82 00:05:12,839 --> 00:05:14,839 "I swear to you by Allah, 83 00:05:14,839 --> 00:05:18,839 the affair of this man will surely prevail until it reaches every corner. 84 00:05:18,839 --> 00:05:20,839 So listen to my advice, 85 00:05:20,839 --> 00:05:22,839 and shelter him and support him." 86 00:05:22,839 --> 00:05:26,870 The Messenger, peace be upon him, felt hopeful about Maysarah, 87 00:05:26,870 --> 00:05:29,870 approached him, and clung to his words. 88 00:05:29,870 --> 00:05:31,870 Maysarah said to him, 89 00:05:31,870 --> 00:05:36,870 "By Allah, I have never heard words better than yours before today, 90 00:05:36,870 --> 00:05:39,870 nor have I been invited to a cause more just than yours. 91 00:05:39,870 --> 00:05:43,870 But my people oppose me, as you see, 92 00:05:43,870 --> 00:05:46,870 and a man is only as strong as his people." 93 00:05:46,870 --> 00:05:52,970 About twenty years passed since that meeting of the group from Banu Abs 94 00:05:52,970 --> 00:05:54,970 with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 95 00:05:54,970 --> 00:05:57,970 During that time, Allah granted victory to His servant, 96 00:05:57,970 --> 00:05:59,970 strengthened His soldiers, 97 00:05:59,970 --> 00:06:03,970 made the affair of His Prophet, peace be upon him, manifest, 98 00:06:03,970 --> 00:06:06,970 and raised his mention in the East and the West. 99 00:06:06,970 --> 00:06:08,970 Makkah was conquered for him, 100 00:06:08,970 --> 00:06:11,970 and the Quraysh submitted to his rule. 101 00:06:11,970 --> 00:06:14,970 The waves of Arab tribes who had not yet embraced Islam 102 00:06:14,970 --> 00:06:17,970 began to arrive to him from every place, 103 00:06:17,970 --> 00:06:19,970 group after group, 104 00:06:19,970 --> 00:06:21,970 to embrace Islam at his hands 105 00:06:21,970 --> 00:06:24,970 and pledge their allegiance to hear and obey. 106 00:06:24,970 --> 00:06:29,970 Among those who came to him shortly before the Farewell Pilgrimage 107 00:06:29,970 --> 00:06:33,100 was Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi. 108 00:06:33,100 --> 00:06:35,100 When he stood before him 109 00:06:35,100 --> 00:06:37,100 and bore witness to the truth, 110 00:06:37,100 --> 00:06:40,100 he said, "Do you recognize me, O Messenger of Allah?" 111 00:06:40,100 --> 00:06:42,100 He said, "Yes, 112 00:06:42,100 --> 00:06:46,100 you are the one from that encounter near al-Khayf in Mina." 113 00:06:46,100 --> 00:06:48,100 Maysarah said, 114 00:06:48,100 --> 00:06:50,100 "By Allah, O Messenger of Allah, 115 00:06:50,100 --> 00:06:54,100 ever since I left you in that place, 116 00:06:54,100 --> 00:06:56,100 I have been eager to follow you, 117 00:06:56,100 --> 00:07:00,100 but Allah willed only what you see regarding the delay of my Islam. 118 00:07:00,100 --> 00:07:05,100 Most of the men who were with me that day have perished. 119 00:07:06,100 --> 00:07:08,100 Where are they, O Messenger of Allah?" 120 00:07:08,100 --> 00:07:11,100 He, peace be upon him, said, 121 00:07:11,100 --> 00:07:14,100 "Everyone among them who perished while not upon the religion of Islam 122 00:07:14,100 --> 00:07:16,100 is in the Fire." 123 00:07:16,100 --> 00:07:19,100 Maysarah wept and said, 124 00:07:19,100 --> 00:07:24,100 "Praise be to Allah who saved me from the Fire through you, O Messenger of Allah. 125 00:07:24,100 --> 00:07:30,350 Praise be to Allah who saved me from the Fire through you, O Messenger of Allah." 126 00:07:30,350 --> 00:07:36,350 Then, it was not long before the noble Messenger, peace be upon him, joined the Highest Companion. 127 00:07:36,350 --> 00:07:40,350 The Caliphate passed to al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, 128 00:07:40,350 --> 00:07:43,350 and the fire of the apostasy wars ignited. 129 00:07:43,350 --> 00:07:45,350 Most of the Arab tribes began to say, 130 00:07:45,350 --> 00:07:47,350 "We will establish the prayer, 131 00:07:47,350 --> 00:07:50,350 but we will not pay the zakat." 132 00:07:50,350 --> 00:07:52,350 The matter became grave for the Muslims, 133 00:07:52,350 --> 00:07:54,350 their distress intensified, 134 00:07:54,350 --> 00:07:59,350 and they feared for the city of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 135 00:07:59,350 --> 00:08:01,350 that the apostates might attack it, 136 00:08:01,350 --> 00:08:04,350 taking advantage of its lack of soldiers 137 00:08:04,350 --> 00:08:07,350 due to the dispatching of Usamah ibn Zayd. 138 00:08:07,350 --> 00:08:10,350 Some of them spoke to al-Siddiq and said, 139 00:08:10,350 --> 00:08:12,350 "Accept the prayer from them, 140 00:08:12,350 --> 00:08:14,350 and do not compel them to pay the zakat, 141 00:08:14,350 --> 00:08:19,379 and leave them until faith takes root in their hearts, then they will pay it." 142 00:08:19,379 --> 00:08:25,379 Al-Siddiq bristled at this suggestion like a wounded lion and said, 143 00:08:25,379 --> 00:08:29,379 "By Allah, I will never differentiate between the prayer and the zakat. 144 00:08:29,379 --> 00:08:34,379 By the One who sent His Prophet, peace be upon him, with the truth, 145 00:08:34,379 --> 00:08:40,379 if they withheld a tether that they used to pay to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 146 00:08:40,379 --> 00:08:42,379 I would fight them for it." 147 00:08:42,379 --> 00:08:47,480 One day during that destructive, blind fitnah, 148 00:08:47,480 --> 00:08:50,480 Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi set out 149 00:08:50,480 --> 00:08:52,480 from the lands of his people in Najd, 150 00:08:52,480 --> 00:08:55,480 in full view and hearing of the apostates, 151 00:08:55,480 --> 00:08:58,480 with a large group of his people. 152 00:08:58,480 --> 00:09:04,480 They drove before them the zakat of their wealth, from fat sheep to choice camels, 153 00:09:04,480 --> 00:09:07,480 and carried with them various types of produce 154 00:09:07,480 --> 00:09:09,480 upon which zakat is due. 155 00:09:09,480 --> 00:09:12,480 They proceeded toward the land of the Hijaz, 156 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:16,480 ascending the highlands and descending the valleys. 157 00:09:16,480 --> 00:09:19,480 Whenever they climbed an elevation, they would say 'Allahu Akbar', 158 00:09:19,480 --> 00:09:22,480 and whenever they descended into a depression, they would say 'SubhanAllah'. 159 00:09:22,480 --> 00:09:25,610 When Maysarah reached Madinah, 160 00:09:25,610 --> 00:09:29,610 he entered it driving that large herd before him, 161 00:09:29,610 --> 00:09:32,610 which crowded the alleys, 162 00:09:32,610 --> 00:09:36,669 until he made it kneel before the public treasury of the Muslims. 163 00:09:36,669 --> 00:09:39,669 The people of Madinah rejoiced with the greatest joy, 164 00:09:39,669 --> 00:09:43,669 and al-Siddiq received him with delight and said to him, 165 00:09:43,669 --> 00:09:46,669 "May Allah bless you and your people in your wealth, 166 00:09:46,669 --> 00:09:48,669 and reward you with Paradise." 167 00:09:48,669 --> 00:09:51,669 Then he entrusted them to Khalid ibn al-Walid. 168 00:09:51,669 --> 00:09:53,700 From that day on, 169 00:09:53,700 --> 00:09:58,700 the bonds of friendship were strengthened between Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi 170 00:09:58,700 --> 00:10:01,700 and the Sword of Allah, Khalid ibn al-Walid. 171 00:10:01,700 --> 00:10:04,700 Maysarah joined under his banner, 172 00:10:04,700 --> 00:10:07,700 and went forth with him, striving in the way of Allah, 173 00:10:07,700 --> 00:10:12,700 despite the fact that he was an old man, advanced in age. 174 00:10:12,700 --> 00:10:15,799 In the Battle of Fahl in Jordan, 175 00:10:15,799 --> 00:10:17,799 the trial became severe for the Muslims, 176 00:10:17,799 --> 00:10:20,799 and the Romans were about to overcome them. 177 00:10:20,799 --> 00:10:22,799 A knight emerged from the enemy camp, 178 00:10:22,799 --> 00:10:24,799 full of youth, 179 00:10:24,799 --> 00:10:27,799 sturdy of build, and fierce in strength, 180 00:10:27,799 --> 00:10:30,799 and began calling for a challenger to duel him. 181 00:10:30,799 --> 00:10:32,799 The people feared him. 182 00:10:32,799 --> 00:10:36,799 Suddenly, the elderly Maysarah ibn Masruq 183 00:10:36,799 --> 00:10:38,799 rose to challenge him. 184 00:10:38,799 --> 00:10:41,799 Khalid turned him back and said, 185 00:10:41,799 --> 00:10:43,799 "You have no strength for him, 186 00:10:43,799 --> 00:10:45,799 for he is a young man in the prime of his youth, 187 00:10:45,799 --> 00:10:47,799 and you are an old, aged man." 188 00:10:47,799 --> 00:10:50,799 But Maysarah did not listen to his words, 189 00:10:50,799 --> 00:10:53,799 and intended to proceed toward the knight. 190 00:10:53,799 --> 00:10:55,799 Khalid pushed him back to the ranks, 191 00:10:55,799 --> 00:10:57,799 saying, 192 00:10:57,799 --> 00:11:00,799 "Did you not pledge allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 193 00:11:00,799 --> 00:11:02,799 to obey? 194 00:11:02,799 --> 00:11:04,799 So obey, and return to your rank." 195 00:11:04,799 --> 00:11:06,830 At that moment, 196 00:11:06,830 --> 00:11:10,830 a young man from the Muslim youth emerged to face the Roman knight, 197 00:11:10,830 --> 00:11:13,830 and he continued to fight him until he killed him. 198 00:11:13,830 --> 00:11:16,860 It was as if Allah, blessed be His wisdom, 199 00:11:16,860 --> 00:11:19,860 had preserved Maysarah for that day, 200 00:11:19,860 --> 00:11:25,860 He was to be the first Muslim commander to lead an army of 6,000 fighters, 201 00:11:25,860 --> 00:11:29,860 entering the lands of the Byzantines as a warrior in the path of Allah, 202 00:11:29,860 --> 00:11:33,860 and then returning from his expedition supported by the victory of Allah, 203 00:11:33,860 --> 00:11:36,860 bringing back with him such gains in terms of Islam and spoils of war 204 00:11:36,860 --> 00:11:38,860 as to exceed all estimation, 205 00:11:38,860 --> 00:11:41,860 thereby paving the way for the armies of the Muslims 206 00:11:41,860 --> 00:11:44,860 from his era until the time of Mehmed the Conqueror, 207 00:11:44,860 --> 00:11:48,860 who later conquered Constantinople. 208 00:11:48,860 --> 00:12:01,620 Maysarah ibn Masruq was the first Muslim commander to lead an army of 6,000 fighters, 209 00:12:01,620 --> 00:12:04,970 and enter the lands of the Byzantines with them.