1 00:00:00,530 --> 00:00:03,529 Pause, 2 00:00:03,529 --> 00:00:08,529 and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the noble souls. 3 00:00:12,689 --> 00:00:20,109 A new challenge: Who am I? 4 00:00:20,109 --> 00:00:24,109 I am the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 5 00:00:24,109 --> 00:00:28,239 and my mother is Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her. 6 00:00:28,239 --> 00:00:31,239 I was born when my father, peace be upon him, was 7 00:00:31,239 --> 00:00:34,240 thirty-three years old. 8 00:00:34,240 --> 00:00:37,240 I embraced Islam alongside my mother when I was seven years old. 9 00:00:37,240 --> 00:00:40,270 I was blessed with remarkable beauty, 10 00:00:40,270 --> 00:00:43,270 and became known as "the woman of the two migrations," 11 00:00:43,270 --> 00:00:46,270 for I migrated to Abyssinia, 12 00:00:46,270 --> 00:00:49,140 and later to Medina. 13 00:00:49,140 --> 00:00:53,140 Before the advent of Islam, my father, peace be upon him, married me 14 00:00:53,140 --> 00:00:57,299 to his cousin, 'Utbah ibn Abi Lahab. 15 00:00:57,299 --> 00:01:00,299 But when Allah Almighty revealed: 16 00:01:00,299 --> 00:01:04,299 "May the hands of Abu Lahab perish, and may he perish," 17 00:01:04,299 --> 00:01:06,299 his father said to him, 18 00:01:06,299 --> 00:01:09,299 "My head is forbidden to yours, 19 00:01:09,299 --> 00:01:12,299 unless you divorce the daughter of Muhammad!" 20 00:01:12,299 --> 00:01:15,299 So he separated from me before the marriage was consummated— 21 00:01:15,299 --> 00:01:18,299 an honor bestowed by Allah Almighty upon His Messenger, 22 00:01:18,299 --> 00:01:21,420 shielding his daughter from being touched by a polytheist. 23 00:01:21,420 --> 00:01:25,420 Then 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, proposed to me, 24 00:01:25,420 --> 00:01:27,420 and my father gave me to him in marriage 25 00:01:27,420 --> 00:01:29,420 by the command of Allah Almighty. 26 00:01:29,420 --> 00:01:32,420 I migrated with him to Abyssinia 27 00:01:32,420 --> 00:01:34,420 on an arduous journey, 28 00:01:34,420 --> 00:01:37,420 during which I suffered a miscarriage with 'Uthman's child. 29 00:01:37,420 --> 00:01:39,420 Later, I gave birth to a son with him, 30 00:01:39,420 --> 00:01:42,420 whom we named 'Abdullah. 31 00:01:42,420 --> 00:01:44,420 When he reached six years of age, 32 00:01:44,420 --> 00:01:47,420 a rooster pecked his eye, 33 00:01:47,420 --> 00:01:50,420 causing his face to swell, and he fell critically ill 34 00:01:50,420 --> 00:01:52,939 and passed away. 35 00:01:52,939 --> 00:01:54,939 In the second year of the Hijrah, 36 00:01:54,939 --> 00:01:57,939 I was stricken by a severe fever, 37 00:01:57,939 --> 00:02:00,939 just as Allah, Mighty and Majestic, decreed 38 00:02:00,939 --> 00:02:03,000 the Battle of Badr. 39 00:02:03,000 --> 00:02:06,000 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, set out 40 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:07,000 along with the Muslims, 41 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:10,000 but the Prophet, peace be upon him, ordered 42 00:02:10,000 --> 00:02:12,000 my husband 'Uthman 43 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:14,000 to remain by my side 44 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:17,000 to nurse and care for me. 45 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:20,000 The Prophet allotted him a share of the spoils of war, 46 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:24,379 and his reward with Allah was deemed equivalent to that of one who fought in the battle. 47 00:02:24,379 --> 00:02:26,379 No sooner had the bearer of glad tidings arrived in Medina 48 00:02:26,379 --> 00:02:29,379 with news of the Muslim victory at Badr, 49 00:02:29,379 --> 00:02:32,379 than he saw the people of Medina 50 00:02:32,379 --> 00:02:35,379 leveling the earth over my grave; 51 00:02:35,379 --> 00:02:37,379 for my appointed time had arrived, 52 00:02:37,379 --> 00:02:40,639 at the age of twenty-two. 53 00:02:40,639 --> 00:02:43,639 When my father, peace be upon him, returned 54 00:02:43,639 --> 00:02:45,639 from the battle 55 00:02:45,639 --> 00:02:47,639 and learned of my passing, 56 00:02:47,639 --> 00:02:49,639 he went out to Baqi' al-Gharqad, 57 00:02:49,639 --> 00:02:51,639 stood over my grave, 58 00:02:51,639 --> 00:02:54,639 and prayed for Allah's mercy and forgiveness for me. 59 00:02:54,639 --> 00:02:57,090 So, who am I? 60 00:03:12,289 --> 00:03:14,349 The answer: 61 00:03:14,349 --> 00:03:16,349 Ruqayyah, daughter of Muhammad, 62 00:03:16,349 --> 00:03:18,349 may Allah be pleased with her. 63 00:03:28,349 --> 00:03:33,349 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 64 00:03:33,349 --> 00:03:38,349 and through them, the world of mankind flourished in splendor. 65 00:03:38,349 --> 00:03:46,919 Pause and get to know the Companions, 66 00:03:46,919 --> 00:03:49,919 the scholars, and the noble souls. 67 00:03:54,080 --> 00:03:56,080 A new challenge: 68 00:03:56,080 --> 00:03:58,080 Who am I? 69 00:03:58,080 --> 00:04:04,860 I am one of the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 70 00:04:05,860 --> 00:04:07,860 hailing from the people of Ta'if. 71 00:04:07,860 --> 00:04:11,860 I was an enslaved man belonging to al-Harith ibn Kaladah of Thaqif. 72 00:04:11,860 --> 00:04:16,860 I was known as the freedman of the Prophet, peace be upon him. 73 00:04:16,860 --> 00:04:20,629 When the Muslims besieged Ta'if 74 00:04:20,629 --> 00:04:22,629 after the Battle of Hunayn, 75 00:04:22,629 --> 00:04:25,629 I was inside the fortress alongside Thaqif. 76 00:04:25,629 --> 00:04:28,790 As the siege wore on, 77 00:04:28,790 --> 00:04:31,790 the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded 78 00:04:31,790 --> 00:04:33,790 a herald to proclaim: 79 00:04:33,790 --> 00:04:37,790 "Whosoever among the enslaved scales down the fortress and comes out to us 80 00:04:37,790 --> 00:04:39,889 is a free man." 81 00:04:39,889 --> 00:04:42,889 Thereupon, there emerged from within the fortress 82 00:04:42,889 --> 00:04:44,889 twenty-three men, 83 00:04:44,889 --> 00:04:47,889 and I was among those who came out. 84 00:04:47,889 --> 00:04:51,889 I climbed over the wall of the great fortress of Ta'if 85 00:04:51,889 --> 00:04:54,889 and slid down using a round pulley (bakrah) 86 00:04:54,889 --> 00:04:57,889 that people drew water with. 87 00:04:57,889 --> 00:05:01,949 I went to the Prophet, peace be upon him, 88 00:05:01,949 --> 00:05:03,949 embraced Islam before him, 89 00:05:03,949 --> 00:05:06,949 and informed him that I was an enslaved man. 90 00:05:06,949 --> 00:05:07,949 So he freed me, 91 00:05:07,949 --> 00:05:12,949 and gave me the agnomen (kunyah) derived from the tool I had used to descend the fortress. 92 00:05:12,949 --> 00:05:15,949 Thus my kunyah became far more famous than my actual name. 93 00:05:15,949 --> 00:05:21,240 Later, Thaqif pleaded with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 94 00:05:21,240 --> 00:05:24,240 to return me to them as an enslaved servant, 95 00:05:24,240 --> 00:05:27,240 but he replied, "No, 96 00:05:27,240 --> 00:05:30,240 he is a freeman of Allah and a freeman of His Messenger." 97 00:05:30,240 --> 00:05:34,170 I lived among the Muslims as a free man, 98 00:05:34,170 --> 00:05:37,170 a devoted worshiper, scholar, and fighter in the cause of Allah. 99 00:05:37,170 --> 00:05:39,259 When death approached me, 100 00:05:39,259 --> 00:05:43,259 my children offered to summon a physician for me, 101 00:05:43,259 --> 00:05:45,259 but I refused. 102 00:05:45,259 --> 00:05:47,259 And as my final moments came upon me, 103 00:05:47,259 --> 00:05:51,259 I said to them, "Where is your physician now, 104 00:05:51,259 --> 00:05:55,259 to restore my soul, if he speaks the truth?" 105 00:05:55,259 --> 00:05:57,459 So, who am I? 106 00:05:57,459 --> 00:06:02,810 The best of generations in standing and exemplars, 107 00:06:02,810 --> 00:06:08,480 following the Messenger in whatever he pursued or spoke. 108 00:06:08,480 --> 00:06:13,670 They were here, pouring forth rain upon our lives like fertile clouds. 109 00:06:13,670 --> 00:06:18,670 Abu Bakrah Nufay' ibn al-Harith al-Thaqafi, may Allah be pleased with him. 110 00:06:18,670 --> 00:06:23,670 They departed, leaving in the conscience a lingering question: 111 00:06:23,670 --> 00:06:28,670 Has ever a star risen and shone brightly as they did? 112 00:06:28,670 --> 00:06:33,670 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 113 00:06:33,670 --> 00:06:38,670 and through them, the world of mankind flourished in grace. 114 00:06:50,180 --> 00:06:55,180 The best of generations in standing and exemplars. 115 00:06:59,180 --> 00:07:04,350 I am one of the Companions, 116 00:07:04,350 --> 00:07:07,350 a Thaqafi from Ta'if. 117 00:07:07,350 --> 00:07:12,350 I came with my delegation to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in the Year of Delegations, 118 00:07:12,350 --> 00:07:15,350 and I was the youngest among them. 119 00:07:15,350 --> 00:07:19,350 I went ahead to the Prophet, peace be upon him, before they did, 120 00:07:19,350 --> 00:07:23,350 embraced Islam, and he taught me to recite portions of the Qur'an. 121 00:07:23,350 --> 00:07:27,350 I remained closely attached to Ubayy ibn Ka'b, may Allah be pleased with him, 122 00:07:27,350 --> 00:07:30,350 and he used to teach me the recitation of the Qur'an. 123 00:07:30,350 --> 00:07:33,350 When my people prepared to depart, 124 00:07:33,350 --> 00:07:38,350 they said, "O Messenger of Allah, appoint a leader over us." 125 00:07:38,350 --> 00:07:43,350 He appointed me as their leader, saying, "He is prudent and discerning, 126 00:07:43,350 --> 00:07:46,350 and has committed a substantial portion of the Qur'an to heart." 127 00:07:46,350 --> 00:07:50,350 They gladly accepted and said, "We will never replace a leader 128 00:07:50,350 --> 00:07:55,449 appointed over us by the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him." 129 00:07:55,449 --> 00:07:58,449 So I returned with them to Ta'if 130 00:07:58,449 --> 00:08:01,449 as their leader and their imam in prayer. 131 00:08:01,449 --> 00:08:08,149 One day, I complained to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, of a chronic pain 132 00:08:08,149 --> 00:08:11,339 that I had felt in my body ever since I embraced Islam, 133 00:08:11,339 --> 00:08:14,339 which had brought me close to destruction. 134 00:08:14,339 --> 00:08:18,339 The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said to me: 135 00:08:18,339 --> 00:08:22,339 "Place your hand upon the area of your body where you feel pain, 136 00:08:22,339 --> 00:08:25,339 and say, 'In the name of Allah' (Bismillah) three times, 137 00:08:25,339 --> 00:08:27,339 and say seven times: 138 00:08:27,339 --> 00:08:32,340 'I seek refuge in Allah and His power from the evil of what I experience and fear.'" 139 00:08:32,340 --> 00:08:34,340 I did so, 140 00:08:34,340 --> 00:08:36,340 and the pain vanished completely from me. 141 00:08:36,340 --> 00:08:39,950 Later, something began disturbing me during my prayer, 142 00:08:39,950 --> 00:08:42,950 until I no longer knew what I was praying, 143 00:08:42,950 --> 00:08:45,950 and the Qur'an was slipping away from my memory. 144 00:08:45,950 --> 00:08:48,950 When I realized that, 145 00:08:48,950 --> 00:08:52,950 I traveled to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 146 00:08:52,950 --> 00:08:55,950 He asked, "What has brought you?" 147 00:08:55,950 --> 00:08:58,950 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 148 00:08:58,950 --> 00:09:01,950 something has been invading my prayers, 149 00:09:01,950 --> 00:09:04,950 until I no longer know what I am praying, 150 00:09:04,950 --> 00:09:07,950 and the Qur'an slips from my memory." 151 00:09:07,950 --> 00:09:10,950 He said, "That is Satan. 152 00:09:10,950 --> 00:09:12,950 Come close." 153 00:09:12,950 --> 00:09:16,950 I drew near to him and knelt upon the tops of my feet. 154 00:09:16,950 --> 00:09:18,950 He struck my chest with his hand, 155 00:09:18,950 --> 00:09:20,950 spat lightly into my mouth, 156 00:09:20,950 --> 00:09:23,950 and commanded, "Depart, O enemy of Allah!" 157 00:09:23,950 --> 00:09:26,950 He did that three times, 158 00:09:26,950 --> 00:09:28,950 and then said, 159 00:09:28,950 --> 00:09:30,950 "Return to your land." 160 00:09:30,950 --> 00:09:34,950 By Allah, Satan never confused me in my prayer ever again, 161 00:09:34,950 --> 00:09:37,950 nor did I ever forget anything I wished to memorize. 162 00:09:37,950 --> 00:09:43,909 I also played a decisive role in preventing Thaqif from committing apostasy; 163 00:09:43,909 --> 00:09:48,909 for I delivered a sermon to them after the passing of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 164 00:09:48,909 --> 00:09:51,909 and the subsequent apostasy of many Arab tribes. 165 00:09:51,909 --> 00:09:52,909 I said to them: 166 00:09:52,909 --> 00:09:54,909 "O gathering of Thaqif! 167 00:09:54,909 --> 00:09:57,909 You were the last of the people to enter Islam, 168 00:09:57,909 --> 00:10:01,909 so do not be the first of them to apostatize!" 169 00:10:01,909 --> 00:10:03,909 Thus Allah kept them steadfast. 170 00:10:03,909 --> 00:10:07,779 On another occasion, I had dispatched servants of mine to engage in trade. 171 00:10:07,779 --> 00:10:09,779 When they returned, 172 00:10:09,779 --> 00:10:10,779 I asked, 173 00:10:10,779 --> 00:10:12,779 "What have you brought?" 174 00:10:12,779 --> 00:10:13,779 They said, 175 00:10:13,779 --> 00:10:15,779 "We have brought merchandise 176 00:10:15,779 --> 00:10:18,779 in which every dirham yielded tenfold profit." 177 00:10:18,779 --> 00:10:19,840 I asked, 178 00:10:19,840 --> 00:10:22,840 "And what is this trade you have brought 179 00:10:22,840 --> 00:10:25,840 that yields such tremendous profit?" 180 00:10:25,840 --> 00:10:26,840 They said, 181 00:10:26,840 --> 00:10:27,840 "Wine." 182 00:10:27,840 --> 00:10:28,840 I exclaimed, 183 00:10:28,840 --> 00:10:29,840 "Wine?! 184 00:10:29,840 --> 00:10:33,840 When we have been strictly forbidden from drinking it and selling it?!" 185 00:10:33,840 --> 00:10:36,840 So I began opening the mouths of the vessels 186 00:10:36,840 --> 00:10:39,840 and pouring the wine out onto the streets. 187 00:10:39,840 --> 00:10:42,000 So, who am I? 188 00:10:42,000 --> 00:10:48,210 The best of generations in standing and exemplars, 189 00:10:48,210 --> 00:10:52,750 following the Messenger in whatever he pursued, 190 00:10:52,750 --> 00:10:58,210 pouring forth goodness upon our lives like fertile clouds. 191 00:10:58,210 --> 00:10:59,340 The answer: 192 00:10:59,340 --> 00:11:02,340 'Uthman ibn Abi al-'As al-Thaqafi, 193 00:11:02,340 --> 00:11:04,340 may Allah be pleased with him. 194 00:11:04,340 --> 00:11:09,340 They departed, leaving in the conscience a lingering question: 195 00:11:09,340 --> 00:11:14,340 Has ever a star risen and shone brightly as they did? 196 00:11:14,340 --> 00:11:19,340 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 197 00:11:19,340 --> 00:11:24,340 and through them, the world of mankind flourished in grace. 198 00:11:24,340 --> 00:11:31,679 Pause, 199 00:11:31,679 --> 00:11:32,679 Pause, 200 00:11:32,679 --> 00:11:36,679 and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the prominent figures— 201 00:11:36,679 --> 00:11:40,830 the best of generations in deeds and exemplary standing. 202 00:11:40,830 --> 00:11:42,830 A new challenge: 203 00:11:42,830 --> 00:11:48,970 Who am I? 204 00:11:48,970 --> 00:11:50,970 I am one of the Emigrants (Muhajirun), 205 00:11:50,970 --> 00:11:55,970 and one of the senior Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 206 00:11:55,970 --> 00:11:58,000 I embraced Islam early on, 207 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:05,190 and I was the first to greet the Prophet (peace be upon him) with the greeting of Islam. 208 00:12:05,190 --> 00:12:10,190 The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed me to return to my people, 209 00:12:10,190 --> 00:12:13,259 so I called them to Islam, 210 00:12:13,259 --> 00:12:20,259 and I remained among them until the Prophet (peace be upon him) emigrated to Medina. 211 00:12:20,259 --> 00:12:24,419 Then I joined him there, accompanied by my people who had embraced Islam. 212 00:12:24,990 --> 00:12:29,750 I took part alongside him in the Battle of the Trench and subsequent campaigns, 213 00:12:30,230 --> 00:12:34,309 and I was the standard-bearer of my people at the Battle of Hunayn. 214 00:12:35,700 --> 00:12:40,379 When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) marched toward Tabuk, 215 00:12:40,740 --> 00:12:43,100 men began to fall behind. 216 00:12:43,500 --> 00:12:44,700 The people would say, 217 00:12:45,059 --> 00:12:46,419 "O Messenger of Allah, 218 00:12:46,779 --> 00:12:48,379 so-and-so has fallen behind." 219 00:12:48,820 --> 00:12:51,340 And he (peace be upon him) would reply, 220 00:12:51,940 --> 00:12:52,539 "Leave him be. 221 00:12:53,139 --> 00:12:54,740 If there is any good in him, 222 00:12:55,259 --> 00:12:57,220 Allah will cause him to catch up with you; 223 00:12:57,820 --> 00:12:59,500 and if it be otherwise, 224 00:13:00,059 --> 00:13:02,340 Allah has relieved you of him." 225 00:13:03,289 --> 00:13:05,370 While I was traveling with the army, 226 00:13:05,769 --> 00:13:07,370 my camel slowed me down, 227 00:13:07,929 --> 00:13:10,370 causing me to fall behind the caravan. 228 00:13:10,970 --> 00:13:15,610 People began to say about me what they were saying about those who stayed behind. 229 00:13:16,419 --> 00:13:17,379 As for me, 230 00:13:17,820 --> 00:13:20,340 when I was delayed because of the camel, 231 00:13:20,779 --> 00:13:21,779 I dismounted, 232 00:13:22,340 --> 00:13:25,620 took my belongings, hoisted them onto my back, 233 00:13:26,220 --> 00:13:31,139 and set out on foot following the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 234 00:13:31,879 --> 00:13:36,519 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) halted at one of his encampments, 235 00:13:37,240 --> 00:13:40,120 and a Muslim man looked out and said, 236 00:13:40,559 --> 00:13:41,759 "O Messenger of Allah, 237 00:13:42,360 --> 00:13:45,159 there is a man walking along the road." 238 00:13:45,879 --> 00:13:49,080 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 239 00:13:49,799 --> 00:13:50,840 "Be so-and-so!" 240 00:13:51,360 --> 00:13:53,000 naming me by name. 241 00:13:53,820 --> 00:13:55,659 When the people looked closely at me, 242 00:13:56,299 --> 00:13:58,019 they said, "O Messenger of Allah, 243 00:13:58,539 --> 00:14:00,139 by Allah, it is indeed he!" 244 00:14:00,940 --> 00:14:04,299 Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 245 00:14:04,940 --> 00:14:06,059 "May Allah have mercy on him: 246 00:14:06,740 --> 00:14:07,899 he walks alone, 247 00:14:08,460 --> 00:14:09,860 dies alone, 248 00:14:10,419 --> 00:14:11,899 and will be resurrected alone." 249 00:14:13,419 --> 00:14:17,220 And what the Prophet (peace be upon him) foretold came to pass. 250 00:14:18,049 --> 00:14:23,250 For after I took part in the Islamic conquests during the eras of Abu Bakr and 'Umar, 251 00:14:23,889 --> 00:14:28,330 and the early part of the caliphate of 'Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them all), 252 00:14:29,009 --> 00:14:32,570 I asked permission from the Commander of the Believers, 'Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), 253 00:14:33,090 --> 00:14:34,889 to move to al-Rabadhah, 254 00:14:35,490 --> 00:14:36,490 and he granted me permission. 255 00:14:37,129 --> 00:14:39,009 So I lived there in solitude. 256 00:14:39,830 --> 00:14:41,549 When death approached me, 257 00:14:42,190 --> 00:14:44,230 I gave instructions to my wife and my servant boy, 258 00:14:44,629 --> 00:14:45,830 saying to them both: 259 00:14:46,429 --> 00:14:47,710 "When I die, 260 00:14:48,070 --> 00:14:50,190 wash me, shroud me, 261 00:14:50,590 --> 00:14:52,549 and place me by the side of the road. 262 00:14:53,309 --> 00:14:55,629 Then, to the very first caravan that passes by you, 263 00:14:56,029 --> 00:14:57,269 say to them: 264 00:14:57,750 --> 00:14:58,950 'This is so-and-so, 265 00:14:59,269 --> 00:15:03,029 a Companion of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.'" 266 00:15:03,750 --> 00:15:05,350 They did just that. 267 00:15:06,110 --> 00:15:08,509 Soon, a caravan from the people of Kufah arrived, 268 00:15:09,070 --> 00:15:12,429 among whom was 'Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him). 269 00:15:13,149 --> 00:15:15,710 They asked, "Who is this deceased person?" 270 00:15:16,389 --> 00:15:17,509 and the two informed them. 271 00:15:18,299 --> 00:15:21,100 Thereupon Ibn Mas'ud wept 272 00:15:21,659 --> 00:15:22,500 and said, 273 00:15:23,100 --> 00:15:26,659 "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) spoke the truth 274 00:15:27,179 --> 00:15:28,460 when he said of him: 275 00:15:29,019 --> 00:15:30,259 'May Allah have mercy on him: 276 00:15:30,899 --> 00:15:32,100 he walks alone, 277 00:15:32,580 --> 00:15:34,019 dies alone, 278 00:15:34,580 --> 00:15:36,019 and will be resurrected alone.'" 279 00:15:36,980 --> 00:15:39,620 He and those with him prayed over me, 280 00:15:40,179 --> 00:15:41,820 and he laid me in my grave with his own hands. 281 00:15:42,879 --> 00:15:44,039 So, who am I? 282 00:16:01,190 --> 00:16:01,990 The answer: 283 00:16:02,590 --> 00:16:04,309 Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, 284 00:16:04,830 --> 00:16:06,230 may Allah be pleased with him. 285 00:16:16,830 --> 00:16:21,710 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 286 00:16:21,990 --> 00:16:27,149 and through them the world of mankind flourished in grace, 287 00:16:37,549 --> 00:16:42,190 the best of generations in steadfastness and example. 288 00:16:42,190 --> 00:16:44,669 A new challenge: 289 00:16:44,669 --> 00:16:46,190 Who am I? 290 00:16:49,940 --> 00:16:54,419 I am one of the younger Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 291 00:16:55,100 --> 00:16:59,340 and the first child born to the Ansar in Medina after the Hijrah. 292 00:17:00,120 --> 00:17:02,240 My father was also a Companion, 293 00:17:02,799 --> 00:17:08,319 and he was the first among the Ansar to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) 294 00:17:08,599 --> 00:17:09,920 on the Day of Saqifah. 295 00:17:11,180 --> 00:17:15,539 I was born in Medina fourteen months after the Hijrah, 296 00:17:16,099 --> 00:17:20,220 and my mother brought me to the Prophet, peace be upon him. 297 00:17:20,779 --> 00:17:21,980 He performed tahnik on me 298 00:17:22,380 --> 00:17:25,579 and gave her the glad tidings that I would live a praiseworthy life, 299 00:17:25,940 --> 00:17:27,579 be killed as a martyr, 300 00:17:27,900 --> 00:17:29,420 and enter Paradise. 301 00:17:30,730 --> 00:17:35,250 I heard from the Prophet (peace be upon him) the hadith of the ship, 302 00:17:35,690 --> 00:17:37,369 in which he says: 303 00:17:38,000 --> 00:17:42,119 "The likeness of the one who observes Allah's limits and the one who violates them 304 00:17:42,640 --> 00:17:45,559 is like that of a people who drew lots for their places on a ship. 305 00:17:46,160 --> 00:17:50,200 Some of them occupied its upper deck, while others occupied its lower deck. 306 00:17:51,099 --> 00:17:54,859 Whenever those on the lower deck sought water, 307 00:17:55,460 --> 00:17:57,579 they had to pass by those above them. 308 00:17:58,299 --> 00:17:59,099 So they said, 309 00:17:59,740 --> 00:18:02,980 'If only we made a hole in our portion, 310 00:18:03,420 --> 00:18:05,339 we would not harm those above us.' 311 00:18:06,140 --> 00:18:08,380 If they leave them to do what they intend, 312 00:18:08,859 --> 00:18:11,059 they all perish together; 313 00:18:11,819 --> 00:18:13,859 but if they restrain their hands, 314 00:18:14,339 --> 00:18:16,579 they are saved, and all of them are saved together." 315 00:18:18,210 --> 00:18:19,170 One day, 316 00:18:19,650 --> 00:18:22,609 the poet al-A'sha came to me while he was ill, 317 00:18:23,170 --> 00:18:25,289 at a time when I was governor of Homs. 318 00:18:25,890 --> 00:18:26,769 I said to him, 319 00:18:27,289 --> 00:18:28,329 "What brings you here?" 320 00:18:29,069 --> 00:18:29,589 He replied, 321 00:18:30,230 --> 00:18:34,309 "That you might aid me, uphold our kinship, and settle my debt." 322 00:18:35,029 --> 00:18:35,630 I said, 323 00:18:36,190 --> 00:18:38,630 "By Allah, I do not possess what you seek, 324 00:18:39,269 --> 00:18:42,549 but I shall ask the people for something on your behalf." 325 00:18:43,299 --> 00:18:45,539 Then I stood up and ascended the pulpit, 326 00:18:46,099 --> 00:18:48,299 and said, "O people of Homs! 327 00:18:48,940 --> 00:18:51,460 This is your cousin from Iraq, 328 00:18:52,140 --> 00:18:54,299 and he is asking you for some assistance. 329 00:18:54,900 --> 00:18:55,900 What do you say?" 330 00:18:56,700 --> 00:18:57,460 They replied, 331 00:18:58,099 --> 00:18:59,819 "Decide concerning our wealth as you see fit." 332 00:19:00,460 --> 00:19:01,740 But I refused to impose it on them. 333 00:19:02,500 --> 00:19:03,259 So they said, 334 00:19:03,900 --> 00:19:05,980 "We have decided concerning our wealth: 335 00:19:06,579 --> 00:19:08,779 two dinars from every man." 336 00:19:09,619 --> 00:19:12,619 There were twenty thousand men registered in the military register (diwan), 337 00:19:13,420 --> 00:19:15,579 so I disbursed to him from the public treasury (Bayt al-Mal) 338 00:19:15,900 --> 00:19:17,619 forty thousand dinars. 339 00:19:18,599 --> 00:19:20,880 Then, when their stipends were issued, 340 00:19:21,480 --> 00:19:25,720 I deducted two dinars from the stipend of every man among them. 341 00:19:26,690 --> 00:19:27,690 So, who am I? 342 00:19:44,299 --> 00:19:45,059 The answer: 343 00:19:45,819 --> 00:19:47,500 Al-Nu'man Ibn Bashir, 344 00:19:48,059 --> 00:19:49,460 may Allah be pleased with him. 345 00:19:53,460 --> 00:19:54,940 A question: 346 00:19:55,259 --> 00:20:00,299 Is there any like them—stars high and radiant? 347 00:20:00,299 --> 00:20:05,220 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 348 00:20:05,539 --> 00:20:10,700 and through them the world of mankind flourished in grace. 349 00:20:16,430 --> 00:20:17,150 Pause, 350 00:20:18,380 --> 00:20:19,099 pause, 351 00:20:19,420 --> 00:20:23,299 and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the eminent figures. 352 00:20:27,970 --> 00:20:30,369 A new challenge: 353 00:20:30,369 --> 00:20:31,769 Who am I? 354 00:21:04,559 --> 00:21:06,240 He gave me a choice, saying, 355 00:21:06,759 --> 00:21:08,400 "Choose for yourself: 356 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:10,799 if you choose Islam, 357 00:21:11,119 --> 00:21:12,720 I will keep you for myself; 358 00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:15,119 and if you choose Judaism, 359 00:21:15,680 --> 00:21:19,079 I may set you free so that you may rejoin your people." 360 00:21:19,799 --> 00:21:21,599 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 361 00:21:22,039 --> 00:21:23,960 I have longed for Islam 362 00:21:24,440 --> 00:21:27,200 and believed in you before you even called me. 363 00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:30,039 I have no attachment left to Judaism, 364 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:33,359 nor do I have in it a father or a brother. 365 00:21:33,980 --> 00:21:36,660 You have given me the choice between disbelief and Islam; 366 00:21:37,299 --> 00:21:40,819 Allah and His Messenger are dearer to me than emancipation 367 00:21:40,819 --> 00:21:42,779 and returning to my people." 368 00:21:43,539 --> 00:21:47,180 So the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) freed me 369 00:21:47,180 --> 00:21:48,460 and married me, 370 00:21:48,940 --> 00:21:51,099 making my emancipation my bridal gift (mahr). 371 00:21:51,819 --> 00:21:54,180 Then he sent me to Umm Sulaym, 372 00:21:54,660 --> 00:21:57,779 and I stayed with her until my waiting period ('iddah) was completed. 373 00:21:58,299 --> 00:22:02,700 She then prepared me for the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 374 00:22:03,740 --> 00:22:07,819 When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came in to me, 375 00:22:08,339 --> 00:22:10,140 he noticed a greenish bruise by my eye, 376 00:22:10,660 --> 00:22:11,420 and asked, 377 00:22:11,859 --> 00:22:12,700 "What is this?" 378 00:22:13,420 --> 00:22:13,940 I said, 379 00:22:14,500 --> 00:22:16,259 "I saw in a dream 380 00:22:16,660 --> 00:22:19,059 as though the moon approached from Yathrib 381 00:22:19,500 --> 00:22:21,099 and fell into my lap. 382 00:22:21,779 --> 00:22:24,339 When I recounted the dream to my cousin, 383 00:22:24,779 --> 00:22:26,339 he slapped me and said, 384 00:22:26,940 --> 00:22:30,339 'Do you wish to marry the king of Yathrib?' 385 00:22:31,019 --> 00:22:32,859 So this mark is from his slap." 386 00:22:34,180 --> 00:22:37,579 Hafsah felt jealous of me one day and said, 387 00:22:38,339 --> 00:22:40,140 "You are the daughter of a Jew!" 388 00:22:40,920 --> 00:22:46,039 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) entered upon me while I was weeping, 389 00:22:46,680 --> 00:22:49,039 and asked me the reason for my tears. 390 00:22:49,559 --> 00:22:52,359 I told him what Hafsah had said to me, 391 00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:53,720 so he said, 392 00:22:54,240 --> 00:22:55,240 "Say to her: 393 00:22:55,799 --> 00:22:57,519 'Indeed, my father was a prophet, 394 00:22:58,000 --> 00:22:59,839 my uncle was a prophet, 395 00:23:00,279 --> 00:23:02,200 and my husband is a prophet; 396 00:23:02,759 --> 00:23:04,559 so with what do you boast over me?'" 397 00:23:06,019 --> 00:23:10,579 I loved the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, intensely. 398 00:23:11,440 --> 00:23:17,079 When his wives gathered around him during his final illness, 399 00:23:17,720 --> 00:23:18,240 I said, 400 00:23:18,920 --> 00:23:21,200 "By Allah, O Prophet of Allah, 401 00:23:21,680 --> 00:23:24,240 I wish that what has afflicted you was upon me instead." 402 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,640 His wives winked at one another in disapproval, 403 00:23:28,410 --> 00:23:31,490 so the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to them, 404 00:23:32,009 --> 00:23:33,009 "Rinse your mouths." 405 00:23:33,710 --> 00:23:36,750 We asked, "For what reason, O Messenger of Allah?" 406 00:23:37,430 --> 00:23:37,950 He replied, 407 00:23:38,509 --> 00:23:40,549 "Because of your winking at her! 408 00:23:41,309 --> 00:23:43,670 By Allah, she is truly speaking from her heart." 409 00:23:44,769 --> 00:23:45,769 Who am I? 410 00:24:03,039 --> 00:24:03,759 The answer: 411 00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:07,039 Safiyyah bint Huyayy ibn Akhtab, 412 00:24:07,519 --> 00:24:09,160 may Allah be pleased with her. 413 00:24:14,119 --> 00:24:19,279 Did ever a star like them rise high and gleam? 414 00:24:19,279 --> 00:24:24,319 They filled this life with glories through their deeds, 415 00:24:24,319 --> 00:24:29,440 and the world of mankind flourished in grace through them. 416 00:24:35,500 --> 00:24:36,539 Pause, 417 00:24:36,539 --> 00:24:40,619 and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the noble souls, 418 00:24:40,619 --> 00:24:45,180 the best of generations in stances and example. 419 00:24:45,180 --> 00:24:47,660 A new challenge: 420 00:24:47,660 --> 00:24:48,940 Who am I? 421 00:24:52,599 --> 00:24:54,000 I am one of the Companions, 422 00:24:54,480 --> 00:24:55,759 from the Emigrants (Muhajirun), 423 00:24:56,279 --> 00:24:59,559 and one of the very foremost in accepting Islam. 424 00:25:00,349 --> 00:25:04,589 I was older than the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 425 00:25:04,589 --> 00:25:05,789 by ten years, 426 00:25:06,430 --> 00:25:10,990 and I held a lofty status with him. 427 00:25:12,349 --> 00:25:13,869 I migrated to Medina, 428 00:25:14,549 --> 00:25:17,509 and the Prophet appointed me as commander 429 00:25:17,509 --> 00:25:20,509 over sixty mounted men from the Emigrants. 430 00:25:21,029 --> 00:25:22,869 He tied a battle banner for me, 431 00:25:23,549 --> 00:25:26,509 and it was the first banner ever tied in Islam. 432 00:25:27,269 --> 00:25:30,589 We encountered two hundred men of Quraysh, 433 00:25:30,589 --> 00:25:33,349 led by Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, 434 00:25:33,349 --> 00:25:35,109 at the Pass of al-Murrah. 435 00:25:35,789 --> 00:25:37,829 We shot arrows at one another 436 00:25:37,829 --> 00:25:39,910 without engaging in sword combat, 437 00:25:40,630 --> 00:25:44,470 and that was the very first skirmish in Islam. 438 00:25:46,700 --> 00:25:49,420 Then I took part in the Battle of Badr. 439 00:25:49,420 --> 00:25:51,660 At the beginning of the battle, 440 00:25:51,700 --> 00:25:54,140 'Utbah ibn Rabi'ah stepped forward, 441 00:25:54,140 --> 00:25:56,259 followed by his son al-Walid 442 00:25:56,259 --> 00:25:57,539 and his brother Shaybah. 443 00:25:58,210 --> 00:26:00,609 'Utbah called out, saying, 444 00:26:00,609 --> 00:26:01,890 "Who will duel us?" 445 00:26:02,450 --> 00:26:05,250 Some young men of the Ansar stepped forward to face him, 446 00:26:05,849 --> 00:26:07,049 so he asked, 447 00:26:07,049 --> 00:26:08,089 "Who are you?" 448 00:26:08,650 --> 00:26:09,890 They replied, 449 00:26:09,890 --> 00:26:11,289 "We are from the Ansar." 450 00:26:12,049 --> 00:26:13,289 He said, 451 00:26:13,289 --> 00:26:15,970 "We have no business with you; 452 00:26:15,970 --> 00:26:18,450 we only want our own kinsmen." 453 00:26:19,190 --> 00:26:22,430 Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, 454 00:26:22,990 --> 00:26:24,269 "Stand up, O Hamzah! 455 00:26:24,789 --> 00:26:25,950 Stand up, O 'Ali!" 456 00:26:26,430 --> 00:26:28,470 And he pointed to me and said, 457 00:26:28,869 --> 00:26:29,509 "Stand up!" 458 00:26:30,190 --> 00:26:33,150 Hamzah advanced toward 'Utbah and killed him, 459 00:26:33,750 --> 00:26:36,630 and 'Ali advanced toward al-Walid and killed him. 460 00:26:37,309 --> 00:26:38,269 As for me, 461 00:26:38,750 --> 00:26:41,029 I dueled Shaybah ibn Rabi'ah. 462 00:26:41,509 --> 00:26:43,309 We exchanged blows for a while, 463 00:26:43,910 --> 00:26:45,710 then each one of us 464 00:26:45,710 --> 00:26:47,589 struck the other. 465 00:26:48,109 --> 00:26:50,549 Shaybah struck my leg, 466 00:26:50,990 --> 00:26:52,589 and I fell to the ground. 467 00:26:53,420 --> 00:26:57,099 Then Hamzah and 'Ali charged at Shaybah and killed him, 468 00:26:57,740 --> 00:27:01,380 and they carried me to the Muslim camp while my last breath remained. 469 00:27:02,089 --> 00:27:04,130 Later, I passed away at al-Safra', 470 00:27:04,650 --> 00:27:05,970 where I was buried, 471 00:27:06,650 --> 00:27:09,130 during the last ten nights of Ramadan. 472 00:27:09,940 --> 00:27:11,019 Who am I? 473 00:27:31,509 --> 00:27:32,309 The answer: 474 00:27:32,990 --> 00:27:36,509 'Ubaydah ibn al-Harith, may Allah be pleased with him. 475 00:27:37,299 --> 00:27:42,140 They departed, leaving in the conscience a question: 476 00:27:42,460 --> 00:27:47,420 Did ever a star like them rise high and gleam? 477 00:27:47,579 --> 00:27:52,420 They filled this life with glories through their deeds, 478 00:27:52,740 --> 00:27:57,900 and the world of mankind flourished in grace through them. 479 00:28:07,029 --> 00:28:11,950 Pause and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the noble souls, 480 00:28:11,950 --> 00:28:16,609 the best of generations in stances and example. 481 00:28:16,609 --> 00:28:20,569 A new challenge: Who am I? 482 00:28:24,299 --> 00:28:28,180 I am one of the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 483 00:28:28,619 --> 00:28:30,660 from the tribe of Ghatafan. 484 00:28:31,299 --> 00:28:33,019 I was exceptionally sharp-witted, 485 00:28:33,500 --> 00:28:37,019 holding an esteemed standing among both the Arabs and the Jews. 486 00:28:37,700 --> 00:28:40,859 I used to visit the Jews of Banu Qurayzah, 487 00:28:41,380 --> 00:28:43,500 staying with them for days at a time, 488 00:28:43,980 --> 00:28:45,579 drinking of their drinks 489 00:28:46,019 --> 00:28:47,859 and eating of their food; 490 00:28:48,539 --> 00:28:50,660 then they would load me with dates, 491 00:28:51,099 --> 00:28:53,259 and I would return with them to my family. 492 00:28:54,809 --> 00:29:00,170 When the confederates marched to fight the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 493 00:29:00,769 --> 00:29:03,809 I marched with my people while still adhering to my pagan faith. 494 00:29:04,569 --> 00:29:06,849 During our siege of Medina, 495 00:29:07,450 --> 00:29:09,970 Allah cast Islam into my heart, 496 00:29:10,569 --> 00:29:12,769 so I kept it secret from my people 497 00:29:13,329 --> 00:29:18,130 and slipped away until I reached the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 498 00:29:18,809 --> 00:29:20,849 When he saw me, he asked, 499 00:29:21,410 --> 00:29:22,730 "What brings you here?" 500 00:29:23,440 --> 00:29:24,039 I said, 501 00:29:24,480 --> 00:29:26,440 "I have come to you as a Muslim, 502 00:29:27,000 --> 00:29:29,920 and I bear witness that what you brought is the truth. 503 00:29:30,519 --> 00:29:33,279 Command me, O Messenger of Allah, with whatever you wish." 504 00:29:34,130 --> 00:29:36,529 He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, replied, 505 00:29:37,130 --> 00:29:38,849 "You are only a single man, 506 00:29:39,410 --> 00:29:41,690 so sow discord among them on our behalf as much as you can." 507 00:29:42,500 --> 00:29:43,180 I said, 508 00:29:43,619 --> 00:29:45,539 "I shall do so, O Messenger of Allah." 509 00:29:46,480 --> 00:29:49,119 I went to Banu Qurayzah and said, 510 00:29:49,720 --> 00:29:51,079 "Keep my visit secret." 511 00:29:51,720 --> 00:29:52,920 They said, "We will." 512 00:29:53,599 --> 00:29:54,319 I said, 513 00:29:55,000 --> 00:29:56,960 "Indeed, Quraysh and Ghatafan 514 00:29:57,359 --> 00:29:59,880 will ultimately withdraw from Muhammad; 515 00:30:00,519 --> 00:30:03,200 if they find an opportunity, they will seize it, 516 00:30:03,680 --> 00:30:06,079 but if not, they will depart back to their homelands 517 00:30:06,319 --> 00:30:08,519 and leave you alone to face Muhammad. 518 00:30:09,299 --> 00:30:13,500 Do not fight alongside them until you take hostages from them, 519 00:30:14,059 --> 00:30:16,579 for they will not leave while their hostages are in your hands." 520 00:30:17,339 --> 00:30:18,059 They said, 521 00:30:18,539 --> 00:30:21,779 "You have offered sound counsel and sincere advice." 522 00:30:22,690 --> 00:30:24,730 Then I went to Abu Sufyan 523 00:30:25,210 --> 00:30:26,089 and said to him, 524 00:30:26,690 --> 00:30:28,289 "I have come to you with sincere advice, 525 00:30:28,809 --> 00:30:30,089 so keep it confidential." 526 00:30:30,839 --> 00:30:32,400 He said, "I will." 527 00:30:33,079 --> 00:30:33,599 I said, 528 00:30:34,119 --> 00:30:40,119 "Know that Qurayzah have regretted their breach with Muhammad, 529 00:30:40,640 --> 00:30:43,640 and they desire reconciliation and rapprochement with him. 530 00:30:44,380 --> 00:30:46,819 While I was with them, they sent word to him saying, 531 00:30:47,339 --> 00:30:50,220 'We will take from Quraysh and Ghatafan 532 00:30:50,539 --> 00:30:53,059 seventy of their noblemen 533 00:30:53,619 --> 00:30:56,859 and hand them over to you to strike their necks, 534 00:30:57,380 --> 00:31:00,700 and we will stand with you against Quraysh and Ghatafan 535 00:31:01,140 --> 00:31:03,059 until we drive them away from you.' 536 00:31:03,700 --> 00:31:06,819 So if they send word to you asking for hostages, 537 00:31:07,299 --> 00:31:10,900 do not surrender a single man to them, and beware of them." 538 00:31:12,420 --> 00:31:14,700 Then Qurayzah sent word to Quraysh, saying, 539 00:31:15,339 --> 00:31:19,579 "By Allah, we will not go out to fight Muhammad with you 540 00:31:20,140 --> 00:31:24,140 until you give us hostages from among yourselves to remain in our hands, 541 00:31:24,819 --> 00:31:27,500 for we fear that you might abandon the battlefield 542 00:31:27,859 --> 00:31:30,019 and leave us alone to face Muhammad." 543 00:31:30,759 --> 00:31:32,920 Abu Sufyan thought to himself, 544 00:31:33,400 --> 00:31:35,359 "By Allah, that man spoke the truth." 545 00:31:36,150 --> 00:31:37,950 So he sent a reply to them, saying, 546 00:31:38,549 --> 00:31:41,470 "By Allah, we will not give you any hostages; 547 00:31:41,990 --> 00:31:44,710 rather, come out and fight alongside us!" 548 00:31:45,430 --> 00:31:46,630 The Jews said, 549 00:31:47,190 --> 00:31:48,589 "We swear by the Torah 550 00:31:49,109 --> 00:31:52,269 that the report the man gave us is the absolute truth." 551 00:31:53,089 --> 00:31:56,009 Thus, each side lost faith in the support of the other, 552 00:31:56,490 --> 00:31:59,130 and the alliance fractured completely; 553 00:31:59,809 --> 00:32:02,210 their unity broke down and they were divided, 554 00:32:02,769 --> 00:32:05,410 which was the first herald of their defeat. 555 00:32:06,259 --> 00:32:08,500 Then Allah sent against them the fierce wind 556 00:32:08,859 --> 00:32:10,420 and unseen forces from Himself, 557 00:32:11,019 --> 00:32:12,819 bringing about their undoing. 558 00:32:13,690 --> 00:32:14,849 Who am I? 559 00:32:32,670 --> 00:32:33,430 The answer: 560 00:32:34,029 --> 00:32:35,509 Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud, 561 00:32:35,869 --> 00:32:37,150 may Allah be pleased with him. 562 00:32:42,670 --> 00:32:47,710 Did ever a star like them rise high and gleam? 563 00:32:47,829 --> 00:32:52,750 They filled this life with glories through their deeds, 564 00:32:52,950 --> 00:32:58,029 and the world of mankind flourished in grace through them, 565 00:33:10,339 --> 00:33:15,019 the best of generations in stances and example. 566 00:33:22,420 --> 00:33:23,859 I am one of the Companions, 567 00:33:24,339 --> 00:33:25,500 from the Ansar, 568 00:33:26,059 --> 00:33:28,700 and one of the leaders on the night of the Pledge of al-'Aqabah. 569 00:33:29,539 --> 00:33:31,500 I accepted Islam because of a woman: 570 00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:34,960 I went to propose marriage to Umm Sulaym 571 00:33:35,240 --> 00:33:37,000 after the death of her husband, 572 00:33:37,640 --> 00:33:38,440 but she said, 573 00:33:39,079 --> 00:33:40,960 "A man like you is not easily turned away, 574 00:33:41,519 --> 00:33:43,720 but you are an unbeliever. 575 00:33:44,480 --> 00:33:45,400 If you embrace Islam, 576 00:33:45,720 --> 00:33:47,319 I will gladly accept you as a husband, 577 00:33:47,759 --> 00:33:50,279 and I will take your conversion to Islam as my dowry." 578 00:33:50,960 --> 00:33:51,880 So I embraced Islam 579 00:33:52,160 --> 00:33:53,839 and subsequently married her. 580 00:33:54,519 --> 00:33:56,680 The Muslims used to say, 581 00:33:57,240 --> 00:33:59,279 "We have never heard of a dowry 582 00:33:59,720 --> 00:34:02,400 more noble than the dowry of Umm Sulaym, 583 00:34:02,960 --> 00:34:05,559 for she made her dowry Islam itself." 584 00:34:07,059 --> 00:34:08,300 One day, 585 00:34:08,739 --> 00:34:10,059 a young son of ours fell ill. 586 00:34:10,539 --> 00:34:12,739 I went out to attend to some of my errands, 587 00:34:13,139 --> 00:34:14,500 and during my absence the boy passed away. 588 00:34:15,250 --> 00:34:16,489 When I returned, 589 00:34:17,010 --> 00:34:18,849 I asked, "How is the boy doing?" 590 00:34:19,489 --> 00:34:21,690 My wife Umm Sulaym replied, 591 00:34:22,289 --> 00:34:24,329 "He is more at rest than he was before." 592 00:34:25,050 --> 00:34:26,929 She then brought me dinner, 593 00:34:27,449 --> 00:34:28,289 and I ate; 594 00:34:28,730 --> 00:34:30,289 after that, I lay with her. 595 00:34:30,889 --> 00:34:32,130 When I had finished, 596 00:34:32,610 --> 00:34:33,289 she said, 597 00:34:33,929 --> 00:34:35,530 "What would you think if a certain family 598 00:34:36,050 --> 00:34:39,650 borrowed something from another family, 599 00:34:40,289 --> 00:34:41,889 and when the owners asked for their borrowed property back, 600 00:34:42,369 --> 00:34:44,050 they refused to return it?" 601 00:34:44,769 --> 00:34:45,289 I said, 602 00:34:45,769 --> 00:34:47,250 "They have no right to do that." 603 00:34:47,960 --> 00:34:48,719 She then said, 604 00:34:49,400 --> 00:34:53,079 "Indeed, your son was a trust lent to you by Allah Almighty; 605 00:34:53,639 --> 00:34:55,719 He let you enjoy him as long as He willed, 606 00:34:56,239 --> 00:34:58,079 and He took him back when He willed." 607 00:34:58,940 --> 00:35:00,860 This struck me deeply. 608 00:35:01,690 --> 00:35:02,889 In the morning, 609 00:35:03,369 --> 00:35:06,250 I went to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 610 00:35:06,769 --> 00:35:09,969 and told him what my wife, Umm Sulaym, had done. 611 00:35:10,690 --> 00:35:13,050 The Prophet, peace be upon him, asked, 612 00:35:13,690 --> 00:35:15,130 "Did you spend the night together as husband and wife?" 613 00:35:15,929 --> 00:35:16,849 I replied, "Yes." 614 00:35:17,489 --> 00:35:18,250 He said, 615 00:35:18,809 --> 00:35:23,010 "May Allah bless you both in this night of yours." 616 00:35:23,789 --> 00:35:26,190 Consequently, Allah granted me nine sons, 617 00:35:26,710 --> 00:35:29,309 all of whom memorized the Qur'an. 618 00:35:30,780 --> 00:35:32,860 One day, I said to Umm Sulaym, 619 00:35:33,500 --> 00:35:38,420 "I heard the voice of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, sounding frail, 620 00:35:38,940 --> 00:35:40,659 and I recognized the signs of hunger in it; 621 00:35:41,300 --> 00:35:42,940 do you have anything to eat?" 622 00:35:43,579 --> 00:35:44,500 She replied, "Yes," 623 00:35:45,179 --> 00:35:47,539 and brought out some barley loaves, 624 00:35:47,980 --> 00:35:49,380 preparing some bread. 625 00:35:50,179 --> 00:35:53,980 Then I went to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 626 00:35:54,579 --> 00:35:57,659 and found him sitting in the mosque surrounded by people. 627 00:35:58,300 --> 00:36:00,500 I said to him, "O Messenger of Allah, 628 00:36:01,059 --> 00:36:02,739 I have prepared some food for you." 629 00:36:03,500 --> 00:36:07,539 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to those with him, 630 00:36:08,099 --> 00:36:08,820 "Stand up, everyone." 631 00:36:09,539 --> 00:36:12,300 So he set out, and I rushed ahead of them 632 00:36:12,780 --> 00:36:14,579 until I reached Umm Sulaym 633 00:36:15,179 --> 00:36:16,179 and said to her, 634 00:36:16,820 --> 00:36:21,139 "The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has come along with the people, 635 00:36:21,619 --> 00:36:23,940 and we have nothing to feed them all!" 636 00:36:24,659 --> 00:36:25,420 She replied, 637 00:36:26,059 --> 00:36:28,460 "Allah and His Messenger know best." 638 00:36:29,210 --> 00:36:32,489 Then the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, arrived 639 00:36:33,090 --> 00:36:33,809 and said, 640 00:36:34,449 --> 00:36:37,210 "Bring what you have, O Umm Sulaym." 641 00:36:38,010 --> 00:36:39,969 So she brought that bread to him, 642 00:36:40,690 --> 00:36:46,690 and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, supplicated over it whatever Allah willed him to say. 643 00:36:47,449 --> 00:36:48,570 Then he said to me, 644 00:36:49,170 --> 00:36:51,650 "Admit ten men." 645 00:36:52,289 --> 00:36:53,449 I admitted them, 646 00:36:54,010 --> 00:36:57,210 and they ate until they were fully satisfied, and then left. 647 00:36:57,849 --> 00:36:58,769 Then he said, 648 00:36:59,369 --> 00:37:01,489 "Admit another ten." 649 00:37:02,130 --> 00:37:03,329 I admitted them, 650 00:37:03,969 --> 00:37:06,929 and they ate until they were fully satisfied, and then left. 651 00:37:07,570 --> 00:37:08,489 And it continued like this 652 00:37:08,809 --> 00:37:11,090 until all the people had eaten, 653 00:37:11,690 --> 00:37:15,090 and they were seventy or eighty men in total. 654 00:37:16,710 --> 00:37:20,190 After the passing of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 655 00:37:20,670 --> 00:37:23,750 I fasted continuously for twenty-some years, 656 00:37:24,469 --> 00:37:29,269 never breaking my fast except on the day of Eid or during illness, 657 00:37:30,050 --> 00:37:32,130 until death overtook me. 658 00:37:33,119 --> 00:37:34,320 So, who am I? 659 00:37:43,699 --> 00:37:51,789 Abu Talhah al-Ansari, may Allah be pleased with him. 660 00:38:18,030 --> 00:38:23,679 Pause, 661 00:38:24,679 --> 00:38:28,679 and learn about the Companions, the scholars, and the notables. 662 00:38:32,739 --> 00:38:36,739 A new challenge: Who am I? 663 00:38:41,059 --> 00:38:42,059 I am one of the Companions, 664 00:38:43,059 --> 00:38:45,059 a Hudhalite and an ally of Banu Zuhrah. 665 00:38:46,059 --> 00:38:48,130 In my youth in Mecca, 666 00:38:49,130 --> 00:38:51,130 I used to tend the sheep of 'Uqbah Ibn Abi Mu'ayt. 667 00:38:52,130 --> 00:38:55,219 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, passed by me, 668 00:38:56,219 --> 00:38:58,219 accompanied by Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, 669 00:38:59,219 --> 00:39:00,219 and he said, 670 00:39:00,219 --> 00:39:01,219 "O young boy, 671 00:39:01,219 --> 00:39:03,219 do you have any milk?" 672 00:39:04,219 --> 00:39:05,219 I said, "Yes, 673 00:39:05,219 --> 00:39:07,219 but I have been entrusted with them." 674 00:39:08,219 --> 00:39:10,219 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, 675 00:39:11,260 --> 00:39:14,260 "Is there a young ewe that has not yet mated with a ram?" 676 00:39:15,260 --> 00:39:16,260 I said, "Yes," 677 00:39:16,260 --> 00:39:18,260 and brought him a young ewe. 678 00:39:18,260 --> 00:39:20,260 He wiped its udder, 679 00:39:20,260 --> 00:39:22,260 and milk began to flow. 680 00:39:22,260 --> 00:39:24,260 He milked it into a vessel, 681 00:39:24,260 --> 00:39:28,260 drank, gave Abu Bakr to drink, and then gave me to drink. 682 00:39:28,260 --> 00:39:30,260 Then he said to the udder, 683 00:39:30,260 --> 00:39:31,260 "Contract," 684 00:39:31,260 --> 00:39:33,260 and it shrank back. 685 00:39:33,260 --> 00:39:34,260 I said, 686 00:39:34,260 --> 00:39:36,260 "O Messenger of Allah, 687 00:39:36,260 --> 00:39:38,260 teach me some of these words." 688 00:39:39,260 --> 00:39:41,260 He patted my head and said, 689 00:39:41,260 --> 00:39:44,260 "Indeed, you are a boy destined to be taught." 690 00:39:44,260 --> 00:39:46,380 So I embraced Islam then and there, 691 00:39:46,380 --> 00:39:49,380 and was among the very earliest converts, 692 00:39:49,380 --> 00:39:55,380 before the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, entered the house of al-Arqam. 693 00:39:55,380 --> 00:40:00,309 I remained closely attached to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in Mecca, 694 00:40:00,309 --> 00:40:03,309 and was bold in practicing the faith; 695 00:40:03,309 --> 00:40:10,309 I was the first to recite the Qur'an publicly in Mecca after the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 696 00:40:10,309 --> 00:40:16,340 I endured what the earliest Muslims endured of the persecution of Quraysh, 697 00:40:16,340 --> 00:40:19,340 until I migrated to Abyssinia, 698 00:40:19,340 --> 00:40:21,340 and later to Medina. 699 00:40:21,340 --> 00:40:27,570 I also remained constantly by the side of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in Medina: 700 00:40:27,570 --> 00:40:29,570 I used to help him put on his sandals, 701 00:40:29,570 --> 00:40:32,570 walk before him carrying his staff, 702 00:40:32,570 --> 00:40:34,570 and when he reached his gathering, 703 00:40:34,570 --> 00:40:36,570 I would take off his sandals, 704 00:40:36,570 --> 00:40:39,570 tuck them under my arms, 705 00:40:39,570 --> 00:40:41,570 and hand him his staff. 706 00:40:41,570 --> 00:40:45,570 I used to enter his private quarters before him carrying his staff, 707 00:40:45,570 --> 00:40:47,630 and during journeys, 708 00:40:47,630 --> 00:40:52,630 I was the keeper of the secrets of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his bedding, 709 00:40:52,630 --> 00:40:55,630 his tooth-stick, his sandals, and his water for purification. 710 00:40:55,630 --> 00:41:01,789 I was the one who screened the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, when he bathed, 711 00:41:01,789 --> 00:41:03,789 awakened him when he slept, 712 00:41:03,789 --> 00:41:06,789 and kept him company when he walked, 713 00:41:06,789 --> 00:41:13,789 to the point that some of the Companions thought I was of his household, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 714 00:41:13,789 --> 00:41:20,530 I took part in Badr and in all the battles alongside the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 715 00:41:20,530 --> 00:41:23,619 In the blessed Battle of Badr, 716 00:41:23,619 --> 00:41:26,619 the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, 717 00:41:26,619 --> 00:41:29,619 "Who will go and see what became of Abu Jahl?" 718 00:41:29,619 --> 00:41:33,619 I said, "I will, O Messenger of Allah." 719 00:41:33,619 --> 00:41:39,619 Abu Jahl had been one of the fiercest torturers against me in Mecca. 720 00:41:39,619 --> 00:41:42,619 I went to him and found him lying prostrate, 721 00:41:42,619 --> 00:41:46,619 with his last breath remaining after having been struck down by the sons of 'Afra'. 722 00:41:46,619 --> 00:41:49,659 I stood upon his chest and killed him. 723 00:41:49,659 --> 00:41:54,659 Then I came to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and said, 724 00:41:54,659 --> 00:41:56,659 "I have killed Abu Jahl!" 725 00:41:56,659 --> 00:42:01,659 He asked, "By Allah, besides Whom there is no other deity?" 726 00:42:01,659 --> 00:42:04,659 He repeated it three times, 727 00:42:04,659 --> 00:42:07,659 and then said, "Allah is the Greatest! 728 00:42:07,659 --> 00:42:09,659 Come and show him to me." 729 00:42:09,659 --> 00:42:14,659 So we went, and there he lay, struck down and slain. 730 00:42:14,659 --> 00:42:17,659 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, 731 00:42:17,659 --> 00:42:21,659 "This was the Pharaoh of this Ummah." 732 00:42:21,659 --> 00:42:23,940 So, who am I? 733 00:42:23,940 --> 00:42:29,099 The best of generations in their stands and exemplary deeds, 734 00:42:29,099 --> 00:42:34,579 following the Messenger in whatever he pursued or spoke. 735 00:42:34,579 --> 00:42:40,409 They refreshed the barren clouds of our lives. 736 00:42:40,409 --> 00:42:46,409 The answer: 'Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him. 737 00:42:46,409 --> 00:42:51,409 They departed, leaving a question echoing in the conscience: 738 00:42:51,409 --> 00:42:56,409 Has any star ever risen and shone as brilliantly as they did? 739 00:42:56,409 --> 00:43:01,409 They filled life with glories through their righteous deeds, 740 00:43:01,409 --> 00:43:06,409 and the world of mankind flourished through their radiant grace.