WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.000 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:00:15.539 --> 00:00:17.539 The Mawaddah Association is pleased 00:00:17.539 --> 00:00:22.539 to present to you glimpses from the lives of the Companions, 00:00:22.539 --> 00:00:25.539 by Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 00:00:25.539 --> 00:00:30.170 may Allah have mercy upon him. 00:00:30.170 --> 00:00:35.490 Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi, may Allah be pleased with him. 00:00:48.479 --> 00:00:52.820 Here we are in Makkah, 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. 00:00:57.820 --> 00:01:01.820 And here is the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:01:02.820 --> 00:01:06.819 to whom Jibril descends with the words of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic. 00:01:06.819 --> 00:01:10.819 “So proclaim that which thou art commanded, and withdraw from the idolaters.” (15:94) 00:01:10.819 --> 00:01:13.819 The Prophet, peace be upon him, learns 00:01:13.819 --> 00:01:18.819 that a new phase of the call to Islam has begun, 00:01:18.819 --> 00:01:23.819 and that he must transition from the stage of secrecy to the stage of public proclamation. 00:01:23.819 --> 00:01:29.099 The Messenger, peace be upon him, hastened to carry out what he was commanded to do, 00:01:29.099 --> 00:01:32.099 and began calling people to Allah openly, 00:01:32.099 --> 00:01:36.099 after having spent three years calling them in secret. 00:01:36.099 --> 00:01:41.099 He did not leave any of the Arab communities without approaching them, 00:01:41.099 --> 00:01:46.099 nor any of their tribes without presenting himself to them, 00:01:46.099 --> 00:01:51.099 asking them to shelter and protect him until he could convey the message of his Lord. 00:01:51.099 --> 00:01:56.230 The Arab tribes would gather every year for about two months 00:01:56.230 --> 00:02:00.230 at the markets of Ukaz, Majannah, and Dhu al-Majaz. 00:02:00.230 --> 00:02:05.230 They would buy and sell, recite poetry in the assemblies, 00:02:05.230 --> 00:02:09.229 boast of their noble deeds from the pulpits, 00:02:09.229 --> 00:02:12.229 and have singing girls play music for them. 00:02:12.229 --> 00:02:15.229 They would witness dancing and drink wine, 00:02:15.229 --> 00:02:18.229 and when they finished their season, 00:02:18.229 --> 00:02:23.229 they would proceed to the sacred places to perform their Hajj rituals. 00:02:23.229 --> 00:02:27.300 The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:02:27.300 --> 00:02:30.300 would seize the opportunity of that great season, 00:02:30.300 --> 00:02:34.300 which brought together all the Arab tribes, 00:02:34.300 --> 00:02:38.300 and would inquire about the tribes, one by one, 00:02:38.300 --> 00:02:42.300 following them to their encampments, one by one, 00:02:42.300 --> 00:02:44.300 and presenting his message to them. 00:02:44.300 --> 00:02:47.300 He would mention to them how his own people had forsaken him, 00:02:47.300 --> 00:02:49.300 and ask them to shelter and support him 00:02:49.300 --> 00:02:52.300 so that he might convey the message of his Lord, 00:02:52.300 --> 00:02:55.300 promising them Paradise in return. 00:02:55.300 --> 00:02:58.460 Some would harm him with their tongues, 00:02:58.460 --> 00:03:01.460 mocking and ridiculing him, 00:03:01.460 --> 00:03:03.460 while others would harm him with their hands, 00:03:03.460 --> 00:03:05.460 throwing stones at him, 00:03:05.460 --> 00:03:08.460 or prodding his camel with a stick or the like, 00:03:08.460 --> 00:03:10.460 causing it to shy away and stumble. 00:03:10.460 --> 00:03:14.460 Others would turn him away with a degree of gentleness, 00:03:14.460 --> 00:03:16.580 though they were few. 00:03:16.580 --> 00:03:19.580 Despite the rejection he encountered, 00:03:19.580 --> 00:03:23.580 he never grew weary, nor did he falter or slacken. 00:03:23.580 --> 00:03:26.680 During one of these seasons, 00:03:26.680 --> 00:03:29.680 the tribe of Abs had finished their trading, 00:03:29.680 --> 00:03:33.680 then hurried to Mina to perform their Hajj, 00:03:33.680 --> 00:03:35.680 and encamped at the first Jamrah, 00:03:35.680 --> 00:03:38.680 near the Masjid al-Khayf. 00:03:38.680 --> 00:03:42.680 The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, approached them, 00:03:42.680 --> 00:03:44.680 riding his camel, 00:03:44.680 --> 00:03:48.680 with his beloved Zayd ibn Harithah, may Allah be pleased with him, riding behind him. 00:03:48.680 --> 00:03:53.680 The Banu Abs had heard of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:03:53.680 --> 00:03:56.680 but had not yet seen him. 00:03:56.680 --> 00:03:59.680 He stood before them and dismounted, 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:03.680 and began to bring them glad tidings and warn them of a painful punishment, 00:04:03.680 --> 00:04:06.680 explaining to them the virtues of Islam, 00:04:06.680 --> 00:04:10.680 and reciting to them whatever he could of the Qur'an. 00:04:10.680 --> 00:04:13.680 He mentioned to them how the Quraysh had forsaken him, 00:04:13.680 --> 00:04:16.680 and invited them to shelter and support him 00:04:16.680 --> 00:04:19.680 so that he might convey the message of his Lord, 00:04:19.680 --> 00:04:21.709 promising them Paradise. 00:04:21.709 --> 00:04:25.709 Among the people was Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi. 00:04:25.709 --> 00:04:28.709 He turned to his people and said, 00:04:28.709 --> 00:04:32.709 "Come, O my people, let us shelter this man and support him. 00:04:32.709 --> 00:04:38.839 By Allah, I have never heard words more radiant or more just than his." 00:04:38.839 --> 00:04:41.839 A man from his tribe turned to him and said, 00:04:41.839 --> 00:04:44.839 "Leave this aside, O Maysarah. 00:04:44.839 --> 00:04:47.839 By Allah, the man's own people know him better than you do. 00:04:47.839 --> 00:04:49.839 If there were any good in him, 00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:53.839 they would not have cast him out and left him to offer himself to the tribes, 00:04:53.839 --> 00:04:56.839 only to find none who would accept him." 00:04:56.839 --> 00:04:59.839 Another interrupted him and said, 00:04:59.839 --> 00:05:02.839 "Yes, stay away from him, O Maysarah. 00:05:02.839 --> 00:05:05.839 By Allah, no man returns to his people with him 00:05:05.839 --> 00:05:10.839 without returning with something worse than what the people of this season return with." 00:05:10.839 --> 00:05:12.839 Maysarah replied, 00:05:12.839 --> 00:05:14.839 "I swear to you by Allah, 00:05:14.839 --> 00:05:18.839 the affair of this man will surely prevail until it reaches every corner. 00:05:18.839 --> 00:05:20.839 So listen to my advice, 00:05:20.839 --> 00:05:22.839 and shelter him and support him." 00:05:22.839 --> 00:05:26.870 The Messenger, peace be upon him, felt hopeful about Maysarah, 00:05:26.870 --> 00:05:29.870 approached him, and clung to his words. 00:05:29.870 --> 00:05:31.870 Maysarah said to him, 00:05:31.870 --> 00:05:36.870 "By Allah, I have never heard words better than yours before today, 00:05:36.870 --> 00:05:39.870 nor have I been invited to a cause more just than yours. 00:05:39.870 --> 00:05:43.870 But my people oppose me, as you see, 00:05:43.870 --> 00:05:46.870 and a man is only as strong as his people." 00:05:46.870 --> 00:05:52.970 About twenty years passed since that meeting of the group from Banu Abs 00:05:52.970 --> 00:05:54.970 with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 00:05:54.970 --> 00:05:57.970 During that time, Allah granted victory to His servant, 00:05:57.970 --> 00:05:59.970 strengthened His soldiers, 00:05:59.970 --> 00:06:03.970 made the affair of His Prophet, peace be upon him, manifest, 00:06:03.970 --> 00:06:06.970 and raised his mention in the East and the West. 00:06:06.970 --> 00:06:08.970 Makkah was conquered for him, 00:06:08.970 --> 00:06:11.970 and the Quraysh submitted to his rule. 00:06:11.970 --> 00:06:14.970 The waves of Arab tribes who had not yet embraced Islam 00:06:14.970 --> 00:06:17.970 began to arrive to him from every place, 00:06:17.970 --> 00:06:19.970 group after group, 00:06:19.970 --> 00:06:21.970 to embrace Islam at his hands 00:06:21.970 --> 00:06:24.970 and pledge their allegiance to hear and obey. 00:06:24.970 --> 00:06:29.970 Among those who came to him shortly before the Farewell Pilgrimage 00:06:29.970 --> 00:06:33.100 was Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi. 00:06:33.100 --> 00:06:35.100 When he stood before him 00:06:35.100 --> 00:06:37.100 and bore witness to the truth, 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:40.100 he said, "Do you recognize me, O Messenger of Allah?" 00:06:40.100 --> 00:06:42.100 He said, "Yes, 00:06:42.100 --> 00:06:46.100 you are the one from that encounter near al-Khayf in Mina." 00:06:46.100 --> 00:06:48.100 Maysarah said, 00:06:48.100 --> 00:06:50.100 "By Allah, O Messenger of Allah, 00:06:50.100 --> 00:06:54.100 ever since I left you in that place, 00:06:54.100 --> 00:06:56.100 I have been eager to follow you, 00:06:56.100 --> 00:07:00.100 but Allah willed only what you see regarding the delay of my Islam. 00:07:00.100 --> 00:07:05.100 Most of the men who were with me that day have perished. 00:07:06.100 --> 00:07:08.100 Where are they, O Messenger of Allah?" 00:07:08.100 --> 00:07:11.100 He, peace be upon him, said, 00:07:11.100 --> 00:07:14.100 "Everyone among them who perished while not upon the religion of Islam 00:07:14.100 --> 00:07:16.100 is in the Fire." 00:07:16.100 --> 00:07:19.100 Maysarah wept and said, 00:07:19.100 --> 00:07:24.100 "Praise be to Allah who saved me from the Fire through you, O Messenger of Allah. 00:07:24.100 --> 00:07:30.350 Praise be to Allah who saved me from the Fire through you, O Messenger of Allah." 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. 00:07:36.350 --> 00:07:40.350 The Caliphate passed to al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:07:40.350 --> 00:07:43.350 and the fire of the apostasy wars ignited. 00:07:43.350 --> 00:07:45.350 Most of the Arab tribes began to say, 00:07:45.350 --> 00:07:47.350 "We will establish the prayer, 00:07:47.350 --> 00:07:50.350 but we will not pay the zakat." 00:07:50.350 --> 00:07:52.350 The matter became grave for the Muslims, 00:07:52.350 --> 00:07:54.350 their distress intensified, 00:07:54.350 --> 00:07:59.350 and they feared for the city of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:07:59.350 --> 00:08:01.350 that the apostates might attack it, 00:08:01.350 --> 00:08:04.350 taking advantage of its lack of soldiers 00:08:04.350 --> 00:08:07.350 due to the dispatching of Usamah ibn Zayd. 00:08:07.350 --> 00:08:10.350 Some of them spoke to al-Siddiq and said, 00:08:10.350 --> 00:08:12.350 "Accept the prayer from them, 00:08:12.350 --> 00:08:14.350 and do not compel them to pay the zakat, 00:08:14.350 --> 00:08:19.379 and leave them until faith takes root in their hearts, then they will pay it." 00:08:19.379 --> 00:08:25.379 Al-Siddiq bristled at this suggestion like a wounded lion and said, 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:29.379 "By Allah, I will never differentiate between the prayer and the zakat. 00:08:29.379 --> 00:08:34.379 By the One who sent His Prophet, peace be upon him, with the truth, 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, 00:08:40.379 --> 00:08:42.379 I would fight them for it." 00:08:42.379 --> 00:08:47.480 One day during that destructive, blind fitnah, 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:50.480 Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi set out 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:52.480 from the lands of his people in Najd, 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:55.480 in full view and hearing of the apostates, 00:08:55.480 --> 00:08:58.480 with a large group of his people. 00:08:58.480 --> 00:09:04.480 They drove before them the zakat of their wealth, from fat sheep to choice camels, 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:07.480 and carried with them various types of produce 00:09:07.480 --> 00:09:09.480 upon which zakat is due. 00:09:09.480 --> 00:09:12.480 They proceeded toward the land of the Hijaz, 00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:16.480 ascending the highlands and descending the valleys. 00:09:16.480 --> 00:09:19.480 Whenever they climbed an elevation, they would say 'Allahu Akbar', 00:09:19.480 --> 00:09:22.480 and whenever they descended into a depression, they would say 'SubhanAllah'. 00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:25.610 When Maysarah reached Madinah, 00:09:25.610 --> 00:09:29.610 he entered it driving that large herd before him, 00:09:29.610 --> 00:09:32.610 which crowded the alleys, 00:09:32.610 --> 00:09:36.669 until he made it kneel before the public treasury of the Muslims. 00:09:36.669 --> 00:09:39.669 The people of Madinah rejoiced with the greatest joy, 00:09:39.669 --> 00:09:43.669 and al-Siddiq received him with delight and said to him, 00:09:43.669 --> 00:09:46.669 "May Allah bless you and your people in your wealth, 00:09:46.669 --> 00:09:48.669 and reward you with Paradise." 00:09:48.669 --> 00:09:51.669 Then he entrusted them to Khalid ibn al-Walid. 00:09:51.669 --> 00:09:53.700 From that day on, 00:09:53.700 --> 00:09:58.700 the bonds of friendship were strengthened between Maysarah ibn Masruq al-Absi 00:09:58.700 --> 00:10:01.700 and the Sword of Allah, Khalid ibn al-Walid. 00:10:01.700 --> 00:10:04.700 Maysarah joined under his banner, 00:10:04.700 --> 00:10:07.700 and went forth with him, striving in the way of Allah, 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:12.700 despite the fact that he was an old man, advanced in age. 00:10:12.700 --> 00:10:15.799 In the Battle of Fahl in Jordan, 00:10:15.799 --> 00:10:17.799 the trial became severe for the Muslims, 00:10:17.799 --> 00:10:20.799 and the Romans were about to overcome them. 00:10:20.799 --> 00:10:22.799 A knight emerged from the enemy camp, 00:10:22.799 --> 00:10:24.799 full of youth, 00:10:24.799 --> 00:10:27.799 sturdy of build, and fierce in strength, 00:10:27.799 --> 00:10:30.799 and began calling for a challenger to duel him. 00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:32.799 The people feared him. 00:10:32.799 --> 00:10:36.799 Suddenly, the elderly Maysarah ibn Masruq 00:10:36.799 --> 00:10:38.799 rose to challenge him. 00:10:38.799 --> 00:10:41.799 Khalid turned him back and said, 00:10:41.799 --> 00:10:43.799 "You have no strength for him, 00:10:43.799 --> 00:10:45.799 for he is a young man in the prime of his youth, 00:10:45.799 --> 00:10:47.799 and you are an old, aged man." 00:10:47.799 --> 00:10:50.799 But Maysarah did not listen to his words, 00:10:50.799 --> 00:10:53.799 and intended to proceed toward the knight. 00:10:53.799 --> 00:10:55.799 Khalid pushed him back to the ranks, 00:10:55.799 --> 00:10:57.799 saying, 00:10:57.799 --> 00:11:00.799 "Did you not pledge allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:11:00.799 --> 00:11:02.799 to obey? 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:04.799 So obey, and return to your rank." 00:11:04.799 --> 00:11:06.830 At that moment, 00:11:06.830 --> 00:11:10.830 a young man from the Muslim youth emerged to face the Roman knight, 00:11:10.830 --> 00:11:13.830 and he continued to fight him until he killed him. 00:11:13.830 --> 00:11:16.860 It was as if Allah, blessed be His wisdom, 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:19.860 had preserved Maysarah for that day, 00:11:19.860 --> 00:11:25.860 He was to be the first Muslim commander to lead an army of 6,000 fighters, 00:11:25.860 --> 00:11:29.860 entering the lands of the Byzantines as a warrior in the path of Allah, 00:11:29.860 --> 00:11:33.860 and then returning from his expedition supported by the victory of Allah, 00:11:33.860 --> 00:11:36.860 bringing back with him such gains in terms of Islam and spoils of war 00:11:36.860 --> 00:11:38.860 as to exceed all estimation, 00:11:38.860 --> 00:11:41.860 thereby paving the way for the armies of the Muslims 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:44.860 from his era until the time of Mehmed the Conqueror, 00:11:44.860 --> 00:11:48.860 who later conquered Constantinople. 00:11:48.860 --> 00:12:01.620 Maysarah ibn Masruq was the first Muslim commander to lead an army of 6,000 fighters, 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:04.970 and enter the lands of the Byzantines with them.