WEBVTT 00:00:00.530 --> 00:00:03.529 Pause, 00:00:03.529 --> 00:00:08.529 and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the noble souls. 00:00:12.689 --> 00:00:20.109 A new challenge: Who am I? 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, 00:00:24.109 --> 00:00:28.239 and my mother is Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her. 00:00:28.239 --> 00:00:31.239 I was born when my father, peace be upon him, was 00:00:31.239 --> 00:00:34.240 thirty-three years old. 00:00:34.240 --> 00:00:37.240 I embraced Islam alongside my mother when I was seven years old. 00:00:37.240 --> 00:00:40.270 I was blessed with remarkable beauty, 00:00:40.270 --> 00:00:43.270 and became known as "the woman of the two migrations," 00:00:43.270 --> 00:00:46.270 for I migrated to Abyssinia, 00:00:46.270 --> 00:00:49.140 and later to Medina. 00:00:49.140 --> 00:00:53.140 Before the advent of Islam, my father, peace be upon him, married me 00:00:53.140 --> 00:00:57.299 to his cousin, 'Utbah ibn Abi Lahab. 00:00:57.299 --> 00:01:00.299 But when Allah Almighty revealed: 00:01:00.299 --> 00:01:04.299 "May the hands of Abu Lahab perish, and may he perish," 00:01:04.299 --> 00:01:06.299 his father said to him, 00:01:06.299 --> 00:01:09.299 "My head is forbidden to yours, 00:01:09.299 --> 00:01:12.299 unless you divorce the daughter of Muhammad!" 00:01:12.299 --> 00:01:15.299 So he separated from me before the marriage was consummated— 00:01:15.299 --> 00:01:18.299 an honor bestowed by Allah Almighty upon His Messenger, 00:01:18.299 --> 00:01:21.420 shielding his daughter from being touched by a polytheist. 00:01:21.420 --> 00:01:25.420 Then 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, proposed to me, 00:01:25.420 --> 00:01:27.420 and my father gave me to him in marriage 00:01:27.420 --> 00:01:29.420 by the command of Allah Almighty. 00:01:29.420 --> 00:01:32.420 I migrated with him to Abyssinia 00:01:32.420 --> 00:01:34.420 on an arduous journey, 00:01:34.420 --> 00:01:37.420 during which I suffered a miscarriage with 'Uthman's child. 00:01:37.420 --> 00:01:39.420 Later, I gave birth to a son with him, 00:01:39.420 --> 00:01:42.420 whom we named 'Abdullah. 00:01:42.420 --> 00:01:44.420 When he reached six years of age, 00:01:44.420 --> 00:01:47.420 a rooster pecked his eye, 00:01:47.420 --> 00:01:50.420 causing his face to swell, and he fell critically ill 00:01:50.420 --> 00:01:52.939 and passed away. 00:01:52.939 --> 00:01:54.939 In the second year of the Hijrah, 00:01:54.939 --> 00:01:57.939 I was stricken by a severe fever, 00:01:57.939 --> 00:02:00.939 just as Allah, Mighty and Majestic, decreed 00:02:00.939 --> 00:02:03.000 the Battle of Badr. 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:06.000 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, set out 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:07.000 along with the Muslims, 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:10.000 but the Prophet, peace be upon him, ordered 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:12.000 my husband 'Uthman 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:14.000 to remain by my side 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:17.000 to nurse and care for me. 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:20.000 The Prophet allotted him a share of the spoils of war, 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. 00:02:24.379 --> 00:02:26.379 No sooner had the bearer of glad tidings arrived in Medina 00:02:26.379 --> 00:02:29.379 with news of the Muslim victory at Badr, 00:02:29.379 --> 00:02:32.379 than he saw the people of Medina 00:02:32.379 --> 00:02:35.379 leveling the earth over my grave; 00:02:35.379 --> 00:02:37.379 for my appointed time had arrived, 00:02:37.379 --> 00:02:40.639 at the age of twenty-two. 00:02:40.639 --> 00:02:43.639 When my father, peace be upon him, returned 00:02:43.639 --> 00:02:45.639 from the battle 00:02:45.639 --> 00:02:47.639 and learned of my passing, 00:02:47.639 --> 00:02:49.639 he went out to Baqi' al-Gharqad, 00:02:49.639 --> 00:02:51.639 stood over my grave, 00:02:51.639 --> 00:02:54.639 and prayed for Allah's mercy and forgiveness for me. 00:02:54.639 --> 00:02:57.090 So, who am I? 00:03:12.289 --> 00:03:14.349 The answer: 00:03:14.349 --> 00:03:16.349 Ruqayyah, daughter of Muhammad, 00:03:16.349 --> 00:03:18.349 may Allah be pleased with her. 00:03:28.349 --> 00:03:33.349 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 00:03:33.349 --> 00:03:38.349 and through them, the world of mankind flourished in splendor. 00:03:38.349 --> 00:03:46.919 Pause and get to know the Companions, 00:03:46.919 --> 00:03:49.919 the scholars, and the noble souls. 00:03:54.080 --> 00:03:56.080 A new challenge: 00:03:56.080 --> 00:03:58.080 Who am I? 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, 00:04:05.860 --> 00:04:07.860 hailing from the people of Ta'if. 00:04:07.860 --> 00:04:11.860 I was an enslaved man belonging to al-Harith ibn Kaladah of Thaqif. 00:04:11.860 --> 00:04:16.860 I was known as the freedman of the Prophet, peace be upon him. 00:04:16.860 --> 00:04:20.629 When the Muslims besieged Ta'if 00:04:20.629 --> 00:04:22.629 after the Battle of Hunayn, 00:04:22.629 --> 00:04:25.629 I was inside the fortress alongside Thaqif. 00:04:25.629 --> 00:04:28.790 As the siege wore on, 00:04:28.790 --> 00:04:31.790 the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded 00:04:31.790 --> 00:04:33.790 a herald to proclaim: 00:04:33.790 --> 00:04:37.790 "Whosoever among the enslaved scales down the fortress and comes out to us 00:04:37.790 --> 00:04:39.889 is a free man." 00:04:39.889 --> 00:04:42.889 Thereupon, there emerged from within the fortress 00:04:42.889 --> 00:04:44.889 twenty-three men, 00:04:44.889 --> 00:04:47.889 and I was among those who came out. 00:04:47.889 --> 00:04:51.889 I climbed over the wall of the great fortress of Ta'if 00:04:51.889 --> 00:04:54.889 and slid down using a round pulley (bakrah) 00:04:54.889 --> 00:04:57.889 that people drew water with. 00:04:57.889 --> 00:05:01.949 I went to the Prophet, peace be upon him, 00:05:01.949 --> 00:05:03.949 embraced Islam before him, 00:05:03.949 --> 00:05:06.949 and informed him that I was an enslaved man. 00:05:06.949 --> 00:05:07.949 So he freed me, 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. 00:05:12.949 --> 00:05:15.949 Thus my kunyah became far more famous than my actual name. 00:05:15.949 --> 00:05:21.240 Later, Thaqif pleaded with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:05:21.240 --> 00:05:24.240 to return me to them as an enslaved servant, 00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:27.240 but he replied, "No, 00:05:27.240 --> 00:05:30.240 he is a freeman of Allah and a freeman of His Messenger." 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:34.170 I lived among the Muslims as a free man, 00:05:34.170 --> 00:05:37.170 a devoted worshiper, scholar, and fighter in the cause of Allah. 00:05:37.170 --> 00:05:39.259 When death approached me, 00:05:39.259 --> 00:05:43.259 my children offered to summon a physician for me, 00:05:43.259 --> 00:05:45.259 but I refused. 00:05:45.259 --> 00:05:47.259 And as my final moments came upon me, 00:05:47.259 --> 00:05:51.259 I said to them, "Where is your physician now, 00:05:51.259 --> 00:05:55.259 to restore my soul, if he speaks the truth?" 00:05:55.259 --> 00:05:57.459 So, who am I? 00:05:57.459 --> 00:06:02.810 The best of generations in standing and exemplars, 00:06:02.810 --> 00:06:08.480 following the Messenger in whatever he pursued or spoke. 00:06:08.480 --> 00:06:13.670 They were here, pouring forth rain upon our lives like fertile clouds. 00:06:13.670 --> 00:06:18.670 Abu Bakrah Nufay' ibn al-Harith al-Thaqafi, may Allah be pleased with him. 00:06:18.670 --> 00:06:23.670 They departed, leaving in the conscience a lingering question: 00:06:23.670 --> 00:06:28.670 Has ever a star risen and shone brightly as they did? 00:06:28.670 --> 00:06:33.670 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 00:06:33.670 --> 00:06:38.670 and through them, the world of mankind flourished in grace. 00:06:50.180 --> 00:06:55.180 The best of generations in standing and exemplars. 00:06:59.180 --> 00:07:04.350 I am one of the Companions, 00:07:04.350 --> 00:07:07.350 a Thaqafi from Ta'if. 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, 00:07:12.350 --> 00:07:15.350 and I was the youngest among them. 00:07:15.350 --> 00:07:19.350 I went ahead to the Prophet, peace be upon him, before they did, 00:07:19.350 --> 00:07:23.350 embraced Islam, and he taught me to recite portions of the Qur'an. 00:07:23.350 --> 00:07:27.350 I remained closely attached to Ubayy ibn Ka'b, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:07:27.350 --> 00:07:30.350 and he used to teach me the recitation of the Qur'an. 00:07:30.350 --> 00:07:33.350 When my people prepared to depart, 00:07:33.350 --> 00:07:38.350 they said, "O Messenger of Allah, appoint a leader over us." 00:07:38.350 --> 00:07:43.350 He appointed me as their leader, saying, "He is prudent and discerning, 00:07:43.350 --> 00:07:46.350 and has committed a substantial portion of the Qur'an to heart." 00:07:46.350 --> 00:07:50.350 They gladly accepted and said, "We will never replace a leader 00:07:50.350 --> 00:07:55.449 appointed over us by the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him." 00:07:55.449 --> 00:07:58.449 So I returned with them to Ta'if 00:07:58.449 --> 00:08:01.449 as their leader and their imam in prayer. 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 00:08:08.149 --> 00:08:11.339 that I had felt in my body ever since I embraced Islam, 00:08:11.339 --> 00:08:14.339 which had brought me close to destruction. 00:08:14.339 --> 00:08:18.339 The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said to me: 00:08:18.339 --> 00:08:22.339 "Place your hand upon the area of your body where you feel pain, 00:08:22.339 --> 00:08:25.339 and say, 'In the name of Allah' (Bismillah) three times, 00:08:25.339 --> 00:08:27.339 and say seven times: 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.'" 00:08:32.340 --> 00:08:34.340 I did so, 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:36.340 and the pain vanished completely from me. 00:08:36.340 --> 00:08:39.950 Later, something began disturbing me during my prayer, 00:08:39.950 --> 00:08:42.950 until I no longer knew what I was praying, 00:08:42.950 --> 00:08:45.950 and the Qur'an was slipping away from my memory. 00:08:45.950 --> 00:08:48.950 When I realized that, 00:08:48.950 --> 00:08:52.950 I traveled to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 00:08:52.950 --> 00:08:55.950 He asked, "What has brought you?" 00:08:55.950 --> 00:08:58.950 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 00:08:58.950 --> 00:09:01.950 something has been invading my prayers, 00:09:01.950 --> 00:09:04.950 until I no longer know what I am praying, 00:09:04.950 --> 00:09:07.950 and the Qur'an slips from my memory." 00:09:07.950 --> 00:09:10.950 He said, "That is Satan. 00:09:10.950 --> 00:09:12.950 Come close." 00:09:12.950 --> 00:09:16.950 I drew near to him and knelt upon the tops of my feet. 00:09:16.950 --> 00:09:18.950 He struck my chest with his hand, 00:09:18.950 --> 00:09:20.950 spat lightly into my mouth, 00:09:20.950 --> 00:09:23.950 and commanded, "Depart, O enemy of Allah!" 00:09:23.950 --> 00:09:26.950 He did that three times, 00:09:26.950 --> 00:09:28.950 and then said, 00:09:28.950 --> 00:09:30.950 "Return to your land." 00:09:30.950 --> 00:09:34.950 By Allah, Satan never confused me in my prayer ever again, 00:09:34.950 --> 00:09:37.950 nor did I ever forget anything I wished to memorize. 00:09:37.950 --> 00:09:43.909 I also played a decisive role in preventing Thaqif from committing apostasy; 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, 00:09:48.909 --> 00:09:51.909 and the subsequent apostasy of many Arab tribes. 00:09:51.909 --> 00:09:52.909 I said to them: 00:09:52.909 --> 00:09:54.909 "O gathering of Thaqif! 00:09:54.909 --> 00:09:57.909 You were the last of the people to enter Islam, 00:09:57.909 --> 00:10:01.909 so do not be the first of them to apostatize!" 00:10:01.909 --> 00:10:03.909 Thus Allah kept them steadfast. 00:10:03.909 --> 00:10:07.779 On another occasion, I had dispatched servants of mine to engage in trade. 00:10:07.779 --> 00:10:09.779 When they returned, 00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:10.779 I asked, 00:10:10.779 --> 00:10:12.779 "What have you brought?" 00:10:12.779 --> 00:10:13.779 They said, 00:10:13.779 --> 00:10:15.779 "We have brought merchandise 00:10:15.779 --> 00:10:18.779 in which every dirham yielded tenfold profit." 00:10:18.779 --> 00:10:19.840 I asked, 00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:22.840 "And what is this trade you have brought 00:10:22.840 --> 00:10:25.840 that yields such tremendous profit?" 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:26.840 They said, 00:10:26.840 --> 00:10:27.840 "Wine." 00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:28.840 I exclaimed, 00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:29.840 "Wine?! 00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:33.840 When we have been strictly forbidden from drinking it and selling it?!" 00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:36.840 So I began opening the mouths of the vessels 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:39.840 and pouring the wine out onto the streets. 00:10:39.840 --> 00:10:42.000 So, who am I? 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:48.210 The best of generations in standing and exemplars, 00:10:48.210 --> 00:10:52.750 following the Messenger in whatever he pursued, 00:10:52.750 --> 00:10:58.210 pouring forth goodness upon our lives like fertile clouds. 00:10:58.210 --> 00:10:59.340 The answer: 00:10:59.340 --> 00:11:02.340 'Uthman ibn Abi al-'As al-Thaqafi, 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:04.340 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:11:04.340 --> 00:11:09.340 They departed, leaving in the conscience a lingering question: 00:11:09.340 --> 00:11:14.340 Has ever a star risen and shone brightly as they did? 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:19.340 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 00:11:19.340 --> 00:11:24.340 and through them, the world of mankind flourished in grace. 00:11:24.340 --> 00:11:31.679 Pause, 00:11:31.679 --> 00:11:32.679 Pause, 00:11:32.679 --> 00:11:36.679 and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the prominent figures— 00:11:36.679 --> 00:11:40.830 the best of generations in deeds and exemplary standing. 00:11:40.830 --> 00:11:42.830 A new challenge: 00:11:42.830 --> 00:11:48.970 Who am I? 00:11:48.970 --> 00:11:50.970 I am one of the Emigrants (Muhajirun), 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. 00:11:55.970 --> 00:11:58.000 I embraced Islam early on, 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. 00:12:05.190 --> 00:12:10.190 The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed me to return to my people, 00:12:10.190 --> 00:12:13.259 so I called them to Islam, 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:20.259 and I remained among them until the Prophet (peace be upon him) emigrated to Medina. 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:24.419 Then I joined him there, accompanied by my people who had embraced Islam. 00:12:24.990 --> 00:12:29.750 I took part alongside him in the Battle of the Trench and subsequent campaigns, 00:12:30.230 --> 00:12:34.309 and I was the standard-bearer of my people at the Battle of Hunayn. 00:12:35.700 --> 00:12:40.379 When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) marched toward Tabuk, 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:43.100 men began to fall behind. 00:12:43.500 --> 00:12:44.700 The people would say, 00:12:45.059 --> 00:12:46.419 "O Messenger of Allah, 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:48.379 so-and-so has fallen behind." 00:12:48.820 --> 00:12:51.340 And he (peace be upon him) would reply, 00:12:51.940 --> 00:12:52.539 "Leave him be. 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:54.740 If there is any good in him, 00:12:55.259 --> 00:12:57.220 Allah will cause him to catch up with you; 00:12:57.820 --> 00:12:59.500 and if it be otherwise, 00:13:00.059 --> 00:13:02.340 Allah has relieved you of him." 00:13:03.289 --> 00:13:05.370 While I was traveling with the army, 00:13:05.769 --> 00:13:07.370 my camel slowed me down, 00:13:07.929 --> 00:13:10.370 causing me to fall behind the caravan. 00:13:10.970 --> 00:13:15.610 People began to say about me what they were saying about those who stayed behind. 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:17.379 As for me, 00:13:17.820 --> 00:13:20.340 when I was delayed because of the camel, 00:13:20.779 --> 00:13:21.779 I dismounted, 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:25.620 took my belongings, hoisted them onto my back, 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:31.139 and set out on foot following the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 00:13:31.879 --> 00:13:36.519 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) halted at one of his encampments, 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:40.120 and a Muslim man looked out and said, 00:13:40.559 --> 00:13:41.759 "O Messenger of Allah, 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:45.159 there is a man walking along the road." 00:13:45.879 --> 00:13:49.080 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:50.840 "Be so-and-so!" 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:53.000 naming me by name. 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:55.659 When the people looked closely at me, 00:13:56.299 --> 00:13:58.019 they said, "O Messenger of Allah, 00:13:58.539 --> 00:14:00.139 by Allah, it is indeed he!" 00:14:00.940 --> 00:14:04.299 Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:06.059 "May Allah have mercy on him: 00:14:06.740 --> 00:14:07.899 he walks alone, 00:14:08.460 --> 00:14:09.860 dies alone, 00:14:10.419 --> 00:14:11.899 and will be resurrected alone." 00:14:13.419 --> 00:14:17.220 And what the Prophet (peace be upon him) foretold came to pass. 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, 00:14:23.889 --> 00:14:28.330 and the early part of the caliphate of 'Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them all), 00:14:29.009 --> 00:14:32.570 I asked permission from the Commander of the Believers, 'Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), 00:14:33.090 --> 00:14:34.889 to move to al-Rabadhah, 00:14:35.490 --> 00:14:36.490 and he granted me permission. 00:14:37.129 --> 00:14:39.009 So I lived there in solitude. 00:14:39.830 --> 00:14:41.549 When death approached me, 00:14:42.190 --> 00:14:44.230 I gave instructions to my wife and my servant boy, 00:14:44.629 --> 00:14:45.830 saying to them both: 00:14:46.429 --> 00:14:47.710 "When I die, 00:14:48.070 --> 00:14:50.190 wash me, shroud me, 00:14:50.590 --> 00:14:52.549 and place me by the side of the road. 00:14:53.309 --> 00:14:55.629 Then, to the very first caravan that passes by you, 00:14:56.029 --> 00:14:57.269 say to them: 00:14:57.750 --> 00:14:58.950 'This is so-and-so, 00:14:59.269 --> 00:15:03.029 a Companion of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.'" 00:15:03.750 --> 00:15:05.350 They did just that. 00:15:06.110 --> 00:15:08.509 Soon, a caravan from the people of Kufah arrived, 00:15:09.070 --> 00:15:12.429 among whom was 'Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him). 00:15:13.149 --> 00:15:15.710 They asked, "Who is this deceased person?" 00:15:16.389 --> 00:15:17.509 and the two informed them. 00:15:18.299 --> 00:15:21.100 Thereupon Ibn Mas'ud wept 00:15:21.659 --> 00:15:22.500 and said, 00:15:23.100 --> 00:15:26.659 "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) spoke the truth 00:15:27.179 --> 00:15:28.460 when he said of him: 00:15:29.019 --> 00:15:30.259 'May Allah have mercy on him: 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:32.100 he walks alone, 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:34.019 dies alone, 00:15:34.580 --> 00:15:36.019 and will be resurrected alone.'" 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:39.620 He and those with him prayed over me, 00:15:40.179 --> 00:15:41.820 and he laid me in my grave with his own hands. 00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:44.039 So, who am I? 00:16:01.190 --> 00:16:01.990 The answer: 00:16:02.590 --> 00:16:04.309 Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, 00:16:04.830 --> 00:16:06.230 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:16:16.830 --> 00:16:21.710 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 00:16:21.990 --> 00:16:27.149 and through them the world of mankind flourished in grace, 00:16:37.549 --> 00:16:42.190 the best of generations in steadfastness and example. 00:16:42.190 --> 00:16:44.669 A new challenge: 00:16:44.669 --> 00:16:46.190 Who am I? 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, 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:59.340 and the first child born to the Ansar in Medina after the Hijrah. 00:17:00.120 --> 00:17:02.240 My father was also a Companion, 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) 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:09.920 on the Day of Saqifah. 00:17:11.180 --> 00:17:15.539 I was born in Medina fourteen months after the Hijrah, 00:17:16.099 --> 00:17:20.220 and my mother brought me to the Prophet, peace be upon him. 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:21.980 He performed tahnik on me 00:17:22.380 --> 00:17:25.579 and gave her the glad tidings that I would live a praiseworthy life, 00:17:25.940 --> 00:17:27.579 be killed as a martyr, 00:17:27.900 --> 00:17:29.420 and enter Paradise. 00:17:30.730 --> 00:17:35.250 I heard from the Prophet (peace be upon him) the hadith of the ship, 00:17:35.690 --> 00:17:37.369 in which he says: 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:42.119 "The likeness of the one who observes Allah's limits and the one who violates them 00:17:42.640 --> 00:17:45.559 is like that of a people who drew lots for their places on a ship. 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:50.200 Some of them occupied its upper deck, while others occupied its lower deck. 00:17:51.099 --> 00:17:54.859 Whenever those on the lower deck sought water, 00:17:55.460 --> 00:17:57.579 they had to pass by those above them. 00:17:58.299 --> 00:17:59.099 So they said, 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:02.980 'If only we made a hole in our portion, 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:05.339 we would not harm those above us.' 00:18:06.140 --> 00:18:08.380 If they leave them to do what they intend, 00:18:08.859 --> 00:18:11.059 they all perish together; 00:18:11.819 --> 00:18:13.859 but if they restrain their hands, 00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:16.579 they are saved, and all of them are saved together." 00:18:18.210 --> 00:18:19.170 One day, 00:18:19.650 --> 00:18:22.609 the poet al-A'sha came to me while he was ill, 00:18:23.170 --> 00:18:25.289 at a time when I was governor of Homs. 00:18:25.890 --> 00:18:26.769 I said to him, 00:18:27.289 --> 00:18:28.329 "What brings you here?" 00:18:29.069 --> 00:18:29.589 He replied, 00:18:30.230 --> 00:18:34.309 "That you might aid me, uphold our kinship, and settle my debt." 00:18:35.029 --> 00:18:35.630 I said, 00:18:36.190 --> 00:18:38.630 "By Allah, I do not possess what you seek, 00:18:39.269 --> 00:18:42.549 but I shall ask the people for something on your behalf." 00:18:43.299 --> 00:18:45.539 Then I stood up and ascended the pulpit, 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:48.299 and said, "O people of Homs! 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:51.460 This is your cousin from Iraq, 00:18:52.140 --> 00:18:54.299 and he is asking you for some assistance. 00:18:54.900 --> 00:18:55.900 What do you say?" 00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:57.460 They replied, 00:18:58.099 --> 00:18:59.819 "Decide concerning our wealth as you see fit." 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:01.740 But I refused to impose it on them. 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:03.259 So they said, 00:19:03.900 --> 00:19:05.980 "We have decided concerning our wealth: 00:19:06.579 --> 00:19:08.779 two dinars from every man." 00:19:09.619 --> 00:19:12.619 There were twenty thousand men registered in the military register (diwan), 00:19:13.420 --> 00:19:15.579 so I disbursed to him from the public treasury (Bayt al-Mal) 00:19:15.900 --> 00:19:17.619 forty thousand dinars. 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:20.880 Then, when their stipends were issued, 00:19:21.480 --> 00:19:25.720 I deducted two dinars from the stipend of every man among them. 00:19:26.690 --> 00:19:27.690 So, who am I? 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:45.059 The answer: 00:19:45.819 --> 00:19:47.500 Al-Nu'man Ibn Bashir, 00:19:48.059 --> 00:19:49.460 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:54.940 A question: 00:19:55.259 --> 00:20:00.299 Is there any like them—stars high and radiant? 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:05.220 They filled life with glories through their deeds, 00:20:05.539 --> 00:20:10.700 and through them the world of mankind flourished in grace. 00:20:16.430 --> 00:20:17.150 Pause, 00:20:18.380 --> 00:20:19.099 pause, 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:23.299 and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the eminent figures. 00:20:27.970 --> 00:20:30.369 A new challenge: 00:20:30.369 --> 00:20:31.769 Who am I? 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:06.240 He gave me a choice, saying, 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:08.400 "Choose for yourself: 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:10.799 if you choose Islam, 00:21:11.119 --> 00:21:12.720 I will keep you for myself; 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:15.119 and if you choose Judaism, 00:21:15.680 --> 00:21:19.079 I may set you free so that you may rejoin your people." 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:21.599 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:23.960 I have longed for Islam 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:27.200 and believed in you before you even called me. 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:30.039 I have no attachment left to Judaism, 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:33.359 nor do I have in it a father or a brother. 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:36.660 You have given me the choice between disbelief and Islam; 00:21:37.299 --> 00:21:40.819 Allah and His Messenger are dearer to me than emancipation 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:42.779 and returning to my people." 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:47.180 So the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) freed me 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:48.460 and married me, 00:21:48.940 --> 00:21:51.099 making my emancipation my bridal gift (mahr). 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:54.180 Then he sent me to Umm Sulaym, 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:57.779 and I stayed with her until my waiting period ('iddah) was completed. 00:21:58.299 --> 00:22:02.700 She then prepared me for the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:07.819 When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came in to me, 00:22:08.339 --> 00:22:10.140 he noticed a greenish bruise by my eye, 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:11.420 and asked, 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:12.700 "What is this?" 00:22:13.420 --> 00:22:13.940 I said, 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:16.259 "I saw in a dream 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:19.059 as though the moon approached from Yathrib 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:21.099 and fell into my lap. 00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:24.339 When I recounted the dream to my cousin, 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:26.339 he slapped me and said, 00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:30.339 'Do you wish to marry the king of Yathrib?' 00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:32.859 So this mark is from his slap." 00:22:34.180 --> 00:22:37.579 Hafsah felt jealous of me one day and said, 00:22:38.339 --> 00:22:40.140 "You are the daughter of a Jew!" 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:46.039 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) entered upon me while I was weeping, 00:22:46.680 --> 00:22:49.039 and asked me the reason for my tears. 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:52.359 I told him what Hafsah had said to me, 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:53.720 so he said, 00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:55.240 "Say to her: 00:22:55.799 --> 00:22:57.519 'Indeed, my father was a prophet, 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.839 my uncle was a prophet, 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:02.200 and my husband is a prophet; 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:04.559 so with what do you boast over me?'" 00:23:06.019 --> 00:23:10.579 I loved the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, intensely. 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:17.079 When his wives gathered around him during his final illness, 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:18.240 I said, 00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:21.200 "By Allah, O Prophet of Allah, 00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:24.240 I wish that what has afflicted you was upon me instead." 00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:27.640 His wives winked at one another in disapproval, 00:23:28.410 --> 00:23:31.490 so the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to them, 00:23:32.009 --> 00:23:33.009 "Rinse your mouths." 00:23:33.710 --> 00:23:36.750 We asked, "For what reason, O Messenger of Allah?" 00:23:37.430 --> 00:23:37.950 He replied, 00:23:38.509 --> 00:23:40.549 "Because of your winking at her! 00:23:41.309 --> 00:23:43.670 By Allah, she is truly speaking from her heart." 00:23:44.769 --> 00:23:45.769 Who am I? 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:03.759 The answer: 00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:07.039 Safiyyah bint Huyayy ibn Akhtab, 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:09.160 may Allah be pleased with her. 00:24:14.119 --> 00:24:19.279 Did ever a star like them rise high and gleam? 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:24.319 They filled this life with glories through their deeds, 00:24:24.319 --> 00:24:29.440 and the world of mankind flourished in grace through them. 00:24:35.500 --> 00:24:36.539 Pause, 00:24:36.539 --> 00:24:40.619 and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the noble souls, 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:45.180 the best of generations in stances and example. 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:47.660 A new challenge: 00:24:47.660 --> 00:24:48.940 Who am I? 00:24:52.599 --> 00:24:54.000 I am one of the Companions, 00:24:54.480 --> 00:24:55.759 from the Emigrants (Muhajirun), 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:59.559 and one of the very foremost in accepting Islam. 00:25:00.349 --> 00:25:04.589 I was older than the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:25:04.589 --> 00:25:05.789 by ten years, 00:25:06.430 --> 00:25:10.990 and I held a lofty status with him. 00:25:12.349 --> 00:25:13.869 I migrated to Medina, 00:25:14.549 --> 00:25:17.509 and the Prophet appointed me as commander 00:25:17.509 --> 00:25:20.509 over sixty mounted men from the Emigrants. 00:25:21.029 --> 00:25:22.869 He tied a battle banner for me, 00:25:23.549 --> 00:25:26.509 and it was the first banner ever tied in Islam. 00:25:27.269 --> 00:25:30.589 We encountered two hundred men of Quraysh, 00:25:30.589 --> 00:25:33.349 led by Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, 00:25:33.349 --> 00:25:35.109 at the Pass of al-Murrah. 00:25:35.789 --> 00:25:37.829 We shot arrows at one another 00:25:37.829 --> 00:25:39.910 without engaging in sword combat, 00:25:40.630 --> 00:25:44.470 and that was the very first skirmish in Islam. 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:49.420 Then I took part in the Battle of Badr. 00:25:49.420 --> 00:25:51.660 At the beginning of the battle, 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:54.140 'Utbah ibn Rabi'ah stepped forward, 00:25:54.140 --> 00:25:56.259 followed by his son al-Walid 00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:57.539 and his brother Shaybah. 00:25:58.210 --> 00:26:00.609 'Utbah called out, saying, 00:26:00.609 --> 00:26:01.890 "Who will duel us?" 00:26:02.450 --> 00:26:05.250 Some young men of the Ansar stepped forward to face him, 00:26:05.849 --> 00:26:07.049 so he asked, 00:26:07.049 --> 00:26:08.089 "Who are you?" 00:26:08.650 --> 00:26:09.890 They replied, 00:26:09.890 --> 00:26:11.289 "We are from the Ansar." 00:26:12.049 --> 00:26:13.289 He said, 00:26:13.289 --> 00:26:15.970 "We have no business with you; 00:26:15.970 --> 00:26:18.450 we only want our own kinsmen." 00:26:19.190 --> 00:26:22.430 Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, 00:26:22.990 --> 00:26:24.269 "Stand up, O Hamzah! 00:26:24.789 --> 00:26:25.950 Stand up, O 'Ali!" 00:26:26.430 --> 00:26:28.470 And he pointed to me and said, 00:26:28.869 --> 00:26:29.509 "Stand up!" 00:26:30.190 --> 00:26:33.150 Hamzah advanced toward 'Utbah and killed him, 00:26:33.750 --> 00:26:36.630 and 'Ali advanced toward al-Walid and killed him. 00:26:37.309 --> 00:26:38.269 As for me, 00:26:38.750 --> 00:26:41.029 I dueled Shaybah ibn Rabi'ah. 00:26:41.509 --> 00:26:43.309 We exchanged blows for a while, 00:26:43.910 --> 00:26:45.710 then each one of us 00:26:45.710 --> 00:26:47.589 struck the other. 00:26:48.109 --> 00:26:50.549 Shaybah struck my leg, 00:26:50.990 --> 00:26:52.589 and I fell to the ground. 00:26:53.420 --> 00:26:57.099 Then Hamzah and 'Ali charged at Shaybah and killed him, 00:26:57.740 --> 00:27:01.380 and they carried me to the Muslim camp while my last breath remained. 00:27:02.089 --> 00:27:04.130 Later, I passed away at al-Safra', 00:27:04.650 --> 00:27:05.970 where I was buried, 00:27:06.650 --> 00:27:09.130 during the last ten nights of Ramadan. 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:11.019 Who am I? 00:27:31.509 --> 00:27:32.309 The answer: 00:27:32.990 --> 00:27:36.509 'Ubaydah ibn al-Harith, may Allah be pleased with him. 00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:42.140 They departed, leaving in the conscience a question: 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:47.420 Did ever a star like them rise high and gleam? 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:52.420 They filled this life with glories through their deeds, 00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:57.900 and the world of mankind flourished in grace through them. 00:28:07.029 --> 00:28:11.950 Pause and get to know the Companions, the scholars, and the noble souls, 00:28:11.950 --> 00:28:16.609 the best of generations in stances and example. 00:28:16.609 --> 00:28:20.569 A new challenge: Who am I? 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, 00:28:28.619 --> 00:28:30.660 from the tribe of Ghatafan. 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:33.019 I was exceptionally sharp-witted, 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:37.019 holding an esteemed standing among both the Arabs and the Jews. 00:28:37.700 --> 00:28:40.859 I used to visit the Jews of Banu Qurayzah, 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:43.500 staying with them for days at a time, 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:45.579 drinking of their drinks 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:47.859 and eating of their food; 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:50.660 then they would load me with dates, 00:28:51.099 --> 00:28:53.259 and I would return with them to my family. 00:28:54.809 --> 00:29:00.170 When the confederates marched to fight the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, 00:29:00.769 --> 00:29:03.809 I marched with my people while still adhering to my pagan faith. 00:29:04.569 --> 00:29:06.849 During our siege of Medina, 00:29:07.450 --> 00:29:09.970 Allah cast Islam into my heart, 00:29:10.569 --> 00:29:12.769 so I kept it secret from my people 00:29:13.329 --> 00:29:18.130 and slipped away until I reached the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. 00:29:18.809 --> 00:29:20.849 When he saw me, he asked, 00:29:21.410 --> 00:29:22.730 "What brings you here?" 00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:24.039 I said, 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:26.440 "I have come to you as a Muslim, 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:29.920 and I bear witness that what you brought is the truth. 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:33.279 Command me, O Messenger of Allah, with whatever you wish." 00:29:34.130 --> 00:29:36.529 He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, replied, 00:29:37.130 --> 00:29:38.849 "You are only a single man, 00:29:39.410 --> 00:29:41.690 so sow discord among them on our behalf as much as you can." 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:43.180 I said, 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:45.539 "I shall do so, O Messenger of Allah." 00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:49.119 I went to Banu Qurayzah and said, 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:51.079 "Keep my visit secret." 00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:52.920 They said, "We will." 00:29:53.599 --> 00:29:54.319 I said, 00:29:55.000 --> 00:29:56.960 "Indeed, Quraysh and Ghatafan 00:29:57.359 --> 00:29:59.880 will ultimately withdraw from Muhammad; 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:03.200 if they find an opportunity, they will seize it, 00:30:03.680 --> 00:30:06.079 but if not, they will depart back to their homelands 00:30:06.319 --> 00:30:08.519 and leave you alone to face Muhammad. 00:30:09.299 --> 00:30:13.500 Do not fight alongside them until you take hostages from them, 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:16.579 for they will not leave while their hostages are in your hands." 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:18.059 They said, 00:30:18.539 --> 00:30:21.779 "You have offered sound counsel and sincere advice." 00:30:22.690 --> 00:30:24.730 Then I went to Abu Sufyan 00:30:25.210 --> 00:30:26.089 and said to him, 00:30:26.690 --> 00:30:28.289 "I have come to you with sincere advice, 00:30:28.809 --> 00:30:30.089 so keep it confidential." 00:30:30.839 --> 00:30:32.400 He said, "I will." 00:30:33.079 --> 00:30:33.599 I said, 00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:40.119 "Know that Qurayzah have regretted their breach with Muhammad, 00:30:40.640 --> 00:30:43.640 and they desire reconciliation and rapprochement with him. 00:30:44.380 --> 00:30:46.819 While I was with them, they sent word to him saying, 00:30:47.339 --> 00:30:50.220 'We will take from Quraysh and Ghatafan 00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:53.059 seventy of their noblemen 00:30:53.619 --> 00:30:56.859 and hand them over to you to strike their necks, 00:30:57.380 --> 00:31:00.700 and we will stand with you against Quraysh and Ghatafan 00:31:01.140 --> 00:31:03.059 until we drive them away from you.' 00:31:03.700 --> 00:31:06.819 So if they send word to you asking for hostages, 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:10.900 do not surrender a single man to them, and beware of them." 00:31:12.420 --> 00:31:14.700 Then Qurayzah sent word to Quraysh, saying, 00:31:15.339 --> 00:31:19.579 "By Allah, we will not go out to fight Muhammad with you 00:31:20.140 --> 00:31:24.140 until you give us hostages from among yourselves to remain in our hands, 00:31:24.819 --> 00:31:27.500 for we fear that you might abandon the battlefield 00:31:27.859 --> 00:31:30.019 and leave us alone to face Muhammad." 00:31:30.759 --> 00:31:32.920 Abu Sufyan thought to himself, 00:31:33.400 --> 00:31:35.359 "By Allah, that man spoke the truth." 00:31:36.150 --> 00:31:37.950 So he sent a reply to them, saying, 00:31:38.549 --> 00:31:41.470 "By Allah, we will not give you any hostages; 00:31:41.990 --> 00:31:44.710 rather, come out and fight alongside us!" 00:31:45.430 --> 00:31:46.630 The Jews said, 00:31:47.190 --> 00:31:48.589 "We swear by the Torah 00:31:49.109 --> 00:31:52.269 that the report the man gave us is the absolute truth." 00:31:53.089 --> 00:31:56.009 Thus, each side lost faith in the support of the other, 00:31:56.490 --> 00:31:59.130 and the alliance fractured completely; 00:31:59.809 --> 00:32:02.210 their unity broke down and they were divided, 00:32:02.769 --> 00:32:05.410 which was the first herald of their defeat. 00:32:06.259 --> 00:32:08.500 Then Allah sent against them the fierce wind 00:32:08.859 --> 00:32:10.420 and unseen forces from Himself, 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:12.819 bringing about their undoing. 00:32:13.690 --> 00:32:14.849 Who am I? 00:32:32.670 --> 00:32:33.430 The answer: 00:32:34.029 --> 00:32:35.509 Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud, 00:32:35.869 --> 00:32:37.150 may Allah be pleased with him. 00:32:42.670 --> 00:32:47.710 Did ever a star like them rise high and gleam? 00:32:47.829 --> 00:32:52.750 They filled this life with glories through their deeds, 00:32:52.950 --> 00:32:58.029 and the world of mankind flourished in grace through them, 00:33:10.339 --> 00:33:15.019 the best of generations in stances and example. 00:33:22.420 --> 00:33:23.859 I am one of the Companions, 00:33:24.339 --> 00:33:25.500 from the Ansar, 00:33:26.059 --> 00:33:28.700 and one of the leaders on the night of the Pledge of al-'Aqabah. 00:33:29.539 --> 00:33:31.500 I accepted Islam because of a woman: 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:34.960 I went to propose marriage to Umm Sulaym 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:37.000 after the death of her husband, 00:33:37.640 --> 00:33:38.440 but she said, 00:33:39.079 --> 00:33:40.960 "A man like you is not easily turned away, 00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:43.720 but you are an unbeliever. 00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:45.400 If you embrace Islam, 00:33:45.720 --> 00:33:47.319 I will gladly accept you as a husband, 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:50.279 and I will take your conversion to Islam as my dowry." 00:33:50.960 --> 00:33:51.880 So I embraced Islam 00:33:52.160 --> 00:33:53.839 and subsequently married her. 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:56.680 The Muslims used to say, 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:59.279 "We have never heard of a dowry 00:33:59.720 --> 00:34:02.400 more noble than the dowry of Umm Sulaym, 00:34:02.960 --> 00:34:05.559 for she made her dowry Islam itself." 00:34:07.059 --> 00:34:08.300 One day, 00:34:08.739 --> 00:34:10.059 a young son of ours fell ill. 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:12.739 I went out to attend to some of my errands, 00:34:13.139 --> 00:34:14.500 and during my absence the boy passed away. 00:34:15.250 --> 00:34:16.489 When I returned, 00:34:17.010 --> 00:34:18.849 I asked, "How is the boy doing?" 00:34:19.489 --> 00:34:21.690 My wife Umm Sulaym replied, 00:34:22.289 --> 00:34:24.329 "He is more at rest than he was before." 00:34:25.050 --> 00:34:26.929 She then brought me dinner, 00:34:27.449 --> 00:34:28.289 and I ate; 00:34:28.730 --> 00:34:30.289 after that, I lay with her. 00:34:30.889 --> 00:34:32.130 When I had finished, 00:34:32.610 --> 00:34:33.289 she said, 00:34:33.929 --> 00:34:35.530 "What would you think if a certain family 00:34:36.050 --> 00:34:39.650 borrowed something from another family, 00:34:40.289 --> 00:34:41.889 and when the owners asked for their borrowed property back, 00:34:42.369 --> 00:34:44.050 they refused to return it?" 00:34:44.769 --> 00:34:45.289 I said, 00:34:45.769 --> 00:34:47.250 "They have no right to do that." 00:34:47.960 --> 00:34:48.719 She then said, 00:34:49.400 --> 00:34:53.079 "Indeed, your son was a trust lent to you by Allah Almighty; 00:34:53.639 --> 00:34:55.719 He let you enjoy him as long as He willed, 00:34:56.239 --> 00:34:58.079 and He took him back when He willed." 00:34:58.940 --> 00:35:00.860 This struck me deeply. 00:35:01.690 --> 00:35:02.889 In the morning, 00:35:03.369 --> 00:35:06.250 I went to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:35:06.769 --> 00:35:09.969 and told him what my wife, Umm Sulaym, had done. 00:35:10.690 --> 00:35:13.050 The Prophet, peace be upon him, asked, 00:35:13.690 --> 00:35:15.130 "Did you spend the night together as husband and wife?" 00:35:15.929 --> 00:35:16.849 I replied, "Yes." 00:35:17.489 --> 00:35:18.250 He said, 00:35:18.809 --> 00:35:23.010 "May Allah bless you both in this night of yours." 00:35:23.789 --> 00:35:26.190 Consequently, Allah granted me nine sons, 00:35:26.710 --> 00:35:29.309 all of whom memorized the Qur'an. 00:35:30.780 --> 00:35:32.860 One day, I said to Umm Sulaym, 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, 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:40.659 and I recognized the signs of hunger in it; 00:35:41.300 --> 00:35:42.940 do you have anything to eat?" 00:35:43.579 --> 00:35:44.500 She replied, "Yes," 00:35:45.179 --> 00:35:47.539 and brought out some barley loaves, 00:35:47.980 --> 00:35:49.380 preparing some bread. 00:35:50.179 --> 00:35:53.980 Then I went to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:35:54.579 --> 00:35:57.659 and found him sitting in the mosque surrounded by people. 00:35:58.300 --> 00:36:00.500 I said to him, "O Messenger of Allah, 00:36:01.059 --> 00:36:02.739 I have prepared some food for you." 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, 00:36:08.099 --> 00:36:08.820 "Stand up, everyone." 00:36:09.539 --> 00:36:12.300 So he set out, and I rushed ahead of them 00:36:12.780 --> 00:36:14.579 until I reached Umm Sulaym 00:36:15.179 --> 00:36:16.179 and said to her, 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, 00:36:21.619 --> 00:36:23.940 and we have nothing to feed them all!" 00:36:24.659 --> 00:36:25.420 She replied, 00:36:26.059 --> 00:36:28.460 "Allah and His Messenger know best." 00:36:29.210 --> 00:36:32.489 Then the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, arrived 00:36:33.090 --> 00:36:33.809 and said, 00:36:34.449 --> 00:36:37.210 "Bring what you have, O Umm Sulaym." 00:36:38.010 --> 00:36:39.969 So she brought that bread to him, 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. 00:36:47.449 --> 00:36:48.570 Then he said to me, 00:36:49.170 --> 00:36:51.650 "Admit ten men." 00:36:52.289 --> 00:36:53.449 I admitted them, 00:36:54.010 --> 00:36:57.210 and they ate until they were fully satisfied, and then left. 00:36:57.849 --> 00:36:58.769 Then he said, 00:36:59.369 --> 00:37:01.489 "Admit another ten." 00:37:02.130 --> 00:37:03.329 I admitted them, 00:37:03.969 --> 00:37:06.929 and they ate until they were fully satisfied, and then left. 00:37:07.570 --> 00:37:08.489 And it continued like this 00:37:08.809 --> 00:37:11.090 until all the people had eaten, 00:37:11.690 --> 00:37:15.090 and they were seventy or eighty men in total. 00:37:16.710 --> 00:37:20.190 After the passing of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:37:20.670 --> 00:37:23.750 I fasted continuously for twenty-some years, 00:37:24.469 --> 00:37:29.269 never breaking my fast except on the day of Eid or during illness, 00:37:30.050 --> 00:37:32.130 until death overtook me. 00:37:33.119 --> 00:37:34.320 So, who am I? 00:37:43.699 --> 00:37:51.789 Abu Talhah al-Ansari, may Allah be pleased with him. 00:38:18.030 --> 00:38:23.679 Pause, 00:38:24.679 --> 00:38:28.679 and learn about the Companions, the scholars, and the notables. 00:38:32.739 --> 00:38:36.739 A new challenge: Who am I? 00:38:41.059 --> 00:38:42.059 I am one of the Companions, 00:38:43.059 --> 00:38:45.059 a Hudhalite and an ally of Banu Zuhrah. 00:38:46.059 --> 00:38:48.130 In my youth in Mecca, 00:38:49.130 --> 00:38:51.130 I used to tend the sheep of 'Uqbah Ibn Abi Mu'ayt. 00:38:52.130 --> 00:38:55.219 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, passed by me, 00:38:56.219 --> 00:38:58.219 accompanied by Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:38:59.219 --> 00:39:00.219 and he said, 00:39:00.219 --> 00:39:01.219 "O young boy, 00:39:01.219 --> 00:39:03.219 do you have any milk?" 00:39:04.219 --> 00:39:05.219 I said, "Yes, 00:39:05.219 --> 00:39:07.219 but I have been entrusted with them." 00:39:08.219 --> 00:39:10.219 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, 00:39:11.260 --> 00:39:14.260 "Is there a young ewe that has not yet mated with a ram?" 00:39:15.260 --> 00:39:16.260 I said, "Yes," 00:39:16.260 --> 00:39:18.260 and brought him a young ewe. 00:39:18.260 --> 00:39:20.260 He wiped its udder, 00:39:20.260 --> 00:39:22.260 and milk began to flow. 00:39:22.260 --> 00:39:24.260 He milked it into a vessel, 00:39:24.260 --> 00:39:28.260 drank, gave Abu Bakr to drink, and then gave me to drink. 00:39:28.260 --> 00:39:30.260 Then he said to the udder, 00:39:30.260 --> 00:39:31.260 "Contract," 00:39:31.260 --> 00:39:33.260 and it shrank back. 00:39:33.260 --> 00:39:34.260 I said, 00:39:34.260 --> 00:39:36.260 "O Messenger of Allah, 00:39:36.260 --> 00:39:38.260 teach me some of these words." 00:39:39.260 --> 00:39:41.260 He patted my head and said, 00:39:41.260 --> 00:39:44.260 "Indeed, you are a boy destined to be taught." 00:39:44.260 --> 00:39:46.380 So I embraced Islam then and there, 00:39:46.380 --> 00:39:49.380 and was among the very earliest converts, 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. 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, 00:40:00.309 --> 00:40:03.309 and was bold in practicing the faith; 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. 00:40:10.309 --> 00:40:16.340 I endured what the earliest Muslims endured of the persecution of Quraysh, 00:40:16.340 --> 00:40:19.340 until I migrated to Abyssinia, 00:40:19.340 --> 00:40:21.340 and later to Medina. 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: 00:40:27.570 --> 00:40:29.570 I used to help him put on his sandals, 00:40:29.570 --> 00:40:32.570 walk before him carrying his staff, 00:40:32.570 --> 00:40:34.570 and when he reached his gathering, 00:40:34.570 --> 00:40:36.570 I would take off his sandals, 00:40:36.570 --> 00:40:39.570 tuck them under my arms, 00:40:39.570 --> 00:40:41.570 and hand him his staff. 00:40:41.570 --> 00:40:45.570 I used to enter his private quarters before him carrying his staff, 00:40:45.570 --> 00:40:47.630 and during journeys, 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, 00:40:52.630 --> 00:40:55.630 his tooth-stick, his sandals, and his water for purification. 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, 00:41:01.789 --> 00:41:03.789 awakened him when he slept, 00:41:03.789 --> 00:41:06.789 and kept him company when he walked, 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. 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. 00:41:20.530 --> 00:41:23.619 In the blessed Battle of Badr, 00:41:23.619 --> 00:41:26.619 the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, 00:41:26.619 --> 00:41:29.619 "Who will go and see what became of Abu Jahl?" 00:41:29.619 --> 00:41:33.619 I said, "I will, O Messenger of Allah." 00:41:33.619 --> 00:41:39.619 Abu Jahl had been one of the fiercest torturers against me in Mecca. 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:42.619 I went to him and found him lying prostrate, 00:41:42.619 --> 00:41:46.619 with his last breath remaining after having been struck down by the sons of 'Afra'. 00:41:46.619 --> 00:41:49.659 I stood upon his chest and killed him. 00:41:49.659 --> 00:41:54.659 Then I came to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and said, 00:41:54.659 --> 00:41:56.659 "I have killed Abu Jahl!" 00:41:56.659 --> 00:42:01.659 He asked, "By Allah, besides Whom there is no other deity?" 00:42:01.659 --> 00:42:04.659 He repeated it three times, 00:42:04.659 --> 00:42:07.659 and then said, "Allah is the Greatest! 00:42:07.659 --> 00:42:09.659 Come and show him to me." 00:42:09.659 --> 00:42:14.659 So we went, and there he lay, struck down and slain. 00:42:14.659 --> 00:42:17.659 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, 00:42:17.659 --> 00:42:21.659 "This was the Pharaoh of this Ummah." 00:42:21.659 --> 00:42:23.940 So, who am I? 00:42:23.940 --> 00:42:29.099 The best of generations in their stands and exemplary deeds, 00:42:29.099 --> 00:42:34.579 following the Messenger in whatever he pursued or spoke. 00:42:34.579 --> 00:42:40.409 They refreshed the barren clouds of our lives. 00:42:40.409 --> 00:42:46.409 The answer: 'Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him. 00:42:46.409 --> 00:42:51.409 They departed, leaving a question echoing in the conscience: 00:42:51.409 --> 00:42:56.409 Has any star ever risen and shone as brilliantly as they did? 00:42:56.409 --> 00:43:01.409 They filled life with glories through their righteous deeds, 00:43:01.409 --> 00:43:06.409 and the world of mankind flourished through their radiant grace.