WEBVTT 00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:03.399 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:00:03.399 --> 00:00:08.400 The finest of generations in stature and example, 00:00:08.400 --> 00:00:13.400 following the Messenger in all his endeavors and speech. 00:00:13.400 --> 00:00:15.400 Mawaddah Association 00:00:15.400 --> 00:00:17.399 presents: 00:00:17.399 --> 00:00:21.460 "Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un" 00:00:21.460 --> 00:00:26.530 by Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 00:00:26.530 --> 00:00:31.280 may Allah have mercy upon him. 00:00:31.280 --> 00:00:33.280 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr, 00:00:33.280 --> 00:00:35.570 may Allah have mercy upon him. 00:00:42.700 --> 00:00:45.700 Scarcely had the late afternoon sun gathered its golden threads 00:00:45.700 --> 00:00:47.700 from the Sacred House of Allah, 00:00:47.700 --> 00:00:50.700 signaling the cool breezes 00:00:50.700 --> 00:00:53.700 to drift through its pure courtyards, 00:00:53.700 --> 00:00:56.700 when those performing tawaf around the House began to gather— 00:00:56.700 --> 00:00:59.700 among the remaining Companions of the Messenger of Allah, 00:00:59.700 --> 00:01:01.700 peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:01:01.700 --> 00:01:03.700 and the senior Tabi'un— 00:01:03.700 --> 00:01:07.700 perfuming the air with declarations of Allah's oneness and greatness, 00:01:07.700 --> 00:01:11.890 filling the surroundings with righteous supplications, 00:01:11.890 --> 00:01:14.890 until people began gathering in circle after circle 00:01:14.890 --> 00:01:17.890 around the Venerated Ka'bah, 00:01:17.890 --> 00:01:21.890 resting in the heart of the Sacred Mosque with majesty and awe, 00:01:21.890 --> 00:01:25.890 filling their eyes with its radiant splendor, 00:01:25.890 --> 00:01:27.890 and conversing among themselves. 00:01:27.890 --> 00:01:30.890 “There they pass from hand to hand a cup wherein is neither vanity nor cause of sin.” (52:23) 00:01:30.890 --> 00:01:34.049 Near the Yemeni Corner, 00:01:34.049 --> 00:01:38.049 sat four bright-faced young men 00:01:38.049 --> 00:01:40.049 of noble lineage, 00:01:40.049 --> 00:01:42.049 fragrant in attire, 00:01:42.049 --> 00:01:45.049 as though they were doves of the two Sacred Mosques: 00:01:45.049 --> 00:01:48.049 pure in garments and united in heart. 00:01:48.049 --> 00:01:50.049 They were 'Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, 00:01:50.049 --> 00:01:53.049 his brother Mus'ab ibn al-Zubayr, 00:01:53.049 --> 00:01:56.049 his brother 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr, 00:01:56.049 --> 00:01:59.239 and 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. 00:01:59.239 --> 00:02:03.239 Lighthearted conversation flowed easily among these righteous youths, 00:02:03.239 --> 00:02:06.239 until one of them soon said: 00:02:06.239 --> 00:02:10.400 "Let each of us express his fondest wish to Allah." 00:02:10.400 --> 00:02:15.400 Their imaginations took flight in the vast world of the unseen, 00:02:15.400 --> 00:02:20.460 and their dreams roamed through green gardens of aspiration. 00:02:20.460 --> 00:02:23.460 'Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr said: 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:25.460 "My wish is to rule the Hijaz 00:02:25.460 --> 00:02:27.460 and to attain the Caliphate." 00:02:27.460 --> 00:02:30.590 His brother Mus'ab said: 00:02:30.590 --> 00:02:31.590 "As for me, 00:02:31.590 --> 00:02:34.590 I wish to rule the two Iraqs, 00:02:34.590 --> 00:02:37.590 without anyone disputing my rule over them." 00:02:37.590 --> 00:02:40.620 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan said: 00:02:40.620 --> 00:02:43.620 "If you two are content with that, 00:02:43.620 --> 00:02:47.620 I am not content unless I rule the entire earth 00:02:47.620 --> 00:02:52.620 and attain the Caliphate after Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan." 00:02:52.620 --> 00:02:56.620 But 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr remained silent and said nothing. 00:02:56.620 --> 00:02:59.620 So they turned to him and said: 00:02:59.620 --> 00:03:02.620 "And you, 'Urwah, what do you wish for?" 00:03:02.620 --> 00:03:04.659 He replied: 00:03:04.659 --> 00:03:08.659 "May Allah bless you in what you have wished for regarding your worldly affairs. 00:03:08.659 --> 00:03:10.659 As for me, 00:03:10.659 --> 00:03:14.659 I wish to be a scholar who acts upon his knowledge, 00:03:14.659 --> 00:03:20.659 from whom people learn the Book of their Lord, the Sunnah of their Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), 00:03:20.659 --> 00:03:23.659 and the rulings of their religion; 00:03:23.659 --> 00:03:26.659 and that I attain Allah's pleasure in the Hereafter 00:03:26.659 --> 00:03:30.189 and gain entry into His Paradise." 00:03:30.189 --> 00:03:33.189 Then time took its course, 00:03:33.189 --> 00:03:36.189 and 'Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr 00:03:36.189 --> 00:03:40.189 was pledged allegiance as Caliph following the death of Yazid ibn Mu'awiyah, 00:03:40.189 --> 00:03:43.189 ruling over the Hijaz, Egypt, Yemen, 00:03:43.189 --> 00:03:46.189 Khurasan, and Iraq, 00:03:46.189 --> 00:03:49.189 before he was slain near the Ka'bah not long after. 00:03:50.189 --> 00:03:53.189 Then Mus'ab ibn al-Zubayr 00:03:53.189 --> 00:03:57.189 assumed the governorship of Iraq on behalf of his brother 'Abdullah, 00:03:57.189 --> 00:04:01.189 and he too was killed while holding his post. 00:04:01.189 --> 00:04:04.259 As for 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, 00:04:04.259 --> 00:04:08.259 the Caliphate devolved to him after the death of his father, 00:04:08.259 --> 00:04:13.259 and the Muslims united under his leadership following the killing of 'Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr 00:04:13.259 --> 00:04:16.259 and his brother Mus'ab at the hands of his troops; 00:04:17.259 --> 00:04:21.259 he thus became the greatest monarch on earth in his time. 00:04:21.259 --> 00:04:24.259 What, then, became of 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr? 00:04:24.259 --> 00:04:28.259 Let us begin his story from the very beginning. 00:04:28.259 --> 00:04:32.470 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr was born when only one year 00:04:32.470 --> 00:04:36.470 remained of the Caliphate of al-Faruq 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:04:36.470 --> 00:04:40.470 in one of the most noble households among the Muslims in status 00:04:40.470 --> 00:04:43.470 and highest in prestige. 00:04:43.470 --> 00:04:46.470 His father was al-Zubayr ibn al-'Awwam, 00:04:46.470 --> 00:04:50.470 the disciple of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:04:50.470 --> 00:04:53.470 the first to unsheathe a sword in Islam, 00:04:53.470 --> 00:04:57.470 and one of the ten promised Paradise. 00:04:57.470 --> 00:05:00.470 His mother was Asma' bint Abi Bakr, 00:05:00.470 --> 00:05:03.470 known as "She of the Two Girdles." 00:05:03.470 --> 00:05:07.470 His maternal grandfather was Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, 00:05:07.470 --> 00:05:11.470 the successor of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) 00:05:11.470 --> 00:05:13.470 and his companion in the cave. 00:05:14.470 --> 00:05:19.470 His paternal grandmother was Safiyyah bint 'Abd al-Muttalib, 00:05:19.470 --> 00:05:23.470 the paternal aunt of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). 00:05:23.470 --> 00:05:28.470 His maternal aunt was the Mother of the Believers, 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her; 00:05:28.470 --> 00:05:32.470 he personally descended into her grave when she was buried 00:05:32.470 --> 00:05:35.470 and smoothed the earth over her niche with his own two hands. 00:05:35.470 --> 00:05:39.500 Do you think there is any lineage grander than this, 00:05:39.500 --> 00:05:45.500 or any honor above this honor, save the honor of faith and the dignity of Islam? 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:53.529 In order to fulfill the wish he had expressed to Allah at the Venerated Ka'bah, 00:05:53.529 --> 00:05:56.529 'Urwah devoted himself entirely to the pursuit of knowledge, turning away from all else, 00:05:56.529 --> 00:06:02.529 and seized the opportunity to learn from the remaining Companions of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:06:02.529 --> 00:06:05.529 He began frequenting their homes, 00:06:05.529 --> 00:06:07.529 praying behind them, 00:06:07.529 --> 00:06:12.529 and attending their gatherings, until he narrated from 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, 00:06:12.529 --> 00:06:14.529 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf, 00:06:14.529 --> 00:06:16.529 Zayd ibn Thabit, 00:06:16.529 --> 00:06:18.529 Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, 00:06:18.529 --> 00:06:20.529 Usamah ibn Zayd, 00:06:20.529 --> 00:06:22.529 Sa'id ibn Zayd, 00:06:22.529 --> 00:06:24.529 Abu Hurayrah, 00:06:24.529 --> 00:06:26.529 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas, 00:06:26.529 --> 00:06:28.529 and al-Nu'man ibn Bashir, 00:06:28.529 --> 00:06:31.529 may Allah be pleased with them all. 00:06:31.529 --> 00:06:35.529 He learned extensively from his aunt 'A'ishah, the Mother of the Believers, 00:06:36.529 --> 00:06:40.529 until he became one of the seven jurists of Madinah 00:06:40.529 --> 00:06:44.529 to whom the Muslims turned for guidance in their religion, 00:06:44.529 --> 00:06:47.529 and whose counsel righteous governors sought 00:06:47.529 --> 00:06:52.529 regarding the affairs of the people and the land entrusted to them by Allah, the Mighty and Majestic. 00:06:52.529 --> 00:06:55.529 Among such instances was when 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz 00:06:55.529 --> 00:07:01.529 arrived in Madinah as governor on behalf of al-Walid ibn 'Abd al-Malik; 00:07:01.529 --> 00:07:04.529 the people came and greeted him. 00:07:04.529 --> 00:07:06.529 After performing the Dhuhr prayer, 00:07:06.529 --> 00:07:09.529 he summoned ten of Madinah's jurists, 00:07:09.529 --> 00:07:12.529 foremost among them 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr. 00:07:12.529 --> 00:07:15.529 When they joined him, he welcomed them warmly, 00:07:15.529 --> 00:07:17.529 showed them great hospitality, 00:07:17.529 --> 00:07:20.529 praised Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, 00:07:20.529 --> 00:07:23.529 and extolled Him as He deserves. 00:07:23.529 --> 00:07:24.529 He then said: 00:07:24.529 --> 00:07:28.529 "I have invited you for a matter for which you will be rewarded, 00:07:28.529 --> 00:07:31.529 and in which you will be my helpers upon the truth. 00:07:31.529 --> 00:07:35.560 I do not wish to decide any matter except with your counsel, 00:07:35.560 --> 00:07:38.560 or the counsel of those present among you. 00:07:38.560 --> 00:07:41.560 If you see anyone committing an injustice against another, 00:07:41.560 --> 00:07:44.560 or if you hear of any grievance regarding one of my officials, 00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:48.560 I adjure you by Allah to report it to me." 00:07:48.560 --> 00:07:51.560 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr then prayed for his well-being 00:07:51.560 --> 00:07:55.560 and asked Allah to grant him success and guidance. 00:07:55.560 --> 00:08:00.579 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr combined sacred knowledge with righteous action. 00:08:00.579 --> 00:08:03.579 He frequently fasted during the intense heat of midday 00:08:03.579 --> 00:08:05.579 and stood in prayer during the dark hours of the night, 00:08:05.579 --> 00:08:09.579 his tongue ever moist with the remembrance of Allah Almighty. 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:14.579 In addition, he was a constant companion to the Book of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, 00:08:14.579 --> 00:08:17.579 devoted to its recitation. 00:08:17.579 --> 00:08:22.579 He would read a quarter of the Qur'an every day by looking into the Mus-haf, 00:08:22.579 --> 00:08:26.579 and then stand in prayer at night reciting it from memory. 00:08:27.579 --> 00:08:30.579 He was never known to have abandoned this practice 00:08:30.579 --> 00:08:33.580 from his early youth until the day he died, 00:08:33.580 --> 00:08:37.580 except once due to a grave calamity that befell him, 00:08:37.580 --> 00:08:40.580 news of which will reach you shortly. 00:08:40.580 --> 00:08:44.860 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:47.860 found in prayer the comfort of his soul, 00:08:47.860 --> 00:08:51.899 the delight of his eyes, and his paradise on earth. 00:08:51.899 --> 00:08:54.899 He performed it with utmost perfection, 00:08:54.899 --> 00:08:57.899 fulfilling its rituals with total precision, 00:08:57.899 --> 00:09:00.899 and lengthening it to the utmost degree. 00:09:00.899 --> 00:09:05.929 It is reported that he once saw a man praying hastily; 00:09:05.929 --> 00:09:09.929 when the man finished his prayer, 'Urwah called him over and said: 00:09:09.929 --> 00:09:15.929 "O son of my brother, did you not have any need from your Lord, the Mighty and Majestic? 00:09:15.929 --> 00:09:19.929 By Allah, I ask Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, 00:09:19.929 --> 00:09:25.110 for everything in my prayer, even salt." 00:09:25.110 --> 00:09:28.110 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:09:28.110 --> 00:09:31.110 was generous-handed, openhearted, and munificent. 00:09:31.110 --> 00:09:34.110 Among the recorded instances of his generosity 00:09:34.110 --> 00:09:38.110 was that he owned one of the finest orchards in Madinah, 00:09:38.110 --> 00:09:43.110 with sweet water, abundant shade, and tall date palms. 00:09:43.110 --> 00:09:46.110 He would fence his orchard throughout the year 00:09:46.110 --> 00:09:51.110 to protect its trees from damage by livestock and playful children. 00:09:51.110 --> 00:09:54.110 But when the season for fresh dates arrived, 00:09:54.110 --> 00:09:58.110 and the fruits ripened, sweetened, and became desirable, 00:09:58.110 --> 00:10:02.110 he would breach the wall of his orchard in several places 00:10:02.110 --> 00:10:04.110 to allow people free entry. 00:10:04.110 --> 00:10:08.340 They would come and go as they pleased, 00:10:08.340 --> 00:10:12.340 eating whichever fruits delighted them 00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:16.399 and carrying away whatever they wished. 00:10:16.399 --> 00:10:19.399 Whenever he entered this orchard of his, 00:10:19.399 --> 00:10:22.399 he would repeat the words of the Mighty and Majestic: 00:10:22.399 --> 00:10:29.399 “If only, when thou enteredst thy garden, thou hadst said: That which Allah willeth (will come to pass)! There is no strength save in Allah! Though thou seest me as less than thee in wealth and children,” (18:39) 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:34.779 In a certain year during the Caliphate of al-Walid ibn 'Abd al-Malik, 00:10:34.779 --> 00:10:40.779 Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, willed to test 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr with a trial 00:10:40.779 --> 00:10:46.779 through which none could remain steadfast except those whose hearts were filled with faith and overflowing with certainty. 00:10:46.779 --> 00:10:52.779 The Caliph of the Muslims invited 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr to visit him in Damascus, 00:10:52.779 --> 00:10:56.779 so he accepted the invitation, taking his eldest son along with him. 00:10:56.779 --> 00:11:01.779 When he arrived before the Caliph, the latter welcomed his arrival with the utmost warmth, 00:11:01.779 --> 00:11:07.779 honored his visit with full hospitality, and showed him great reverence. 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:13.809 Then Allah, Glorified be He, willed that events take an unforeseen turn; 00:11:13.809 --> 00:11:17.809 'Urwah's son entered al-Walid's stables 00:11:17.809 --> 00:11:20.809 to look at his noble thoroughbred horses, 00:11:21.809 --> 00:11:26.809 whereupon a beast kicked him a fatal blow that ended his life. 00:11:26.809 --> 00:11:31.809 Scarcely had the grief-stricken father dusted his hands of the earth of his son's grave 00:11:31.809 --> 00:11:35.809 when gangrene struck one of his feet; 00:11:35.809 --> 00:11:41.809 his leg swelled, and the swelling began to spread with alarming speed. 00:11:41.809 --> 00:11:46.809 The Caliph summoned physicians for his guest from all directions, 00:11:46.809 --> 00:11:49.809 urging them to treat him by any means possible. 00:11:49.809 --> 00:11:55.809 However, the physicians unanimously agreed that there was no alternative to amputating 'Urwah's leg 00:11:55.809 --> 00:11:58.809 before the swelling spread throughout his entire body 00:11:58.809 --> 00:12:01.809 and caused his death. 00:12:01.809 --> 00:12:05.809 He had no choice but to submit to the procedure. 00:12:05.809 --> 00:12:09.000 When the surgeon arrived to amputate the leg, 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:13.000 He brought with him his scalpels to cut the flesh, 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:16.000 and his saws to saw the bone. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:18.000 The physician said to 'Urwah, 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:21.000 "I think we should give you a draft of an intoxicant, 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:25.000 so that you will not feel the excruciating pain of the amputation." 00:12:25.000 --> 00:12:27.059 He replied, "Far from it! 00:12:27.059 --> 00:12:32.059 I will not seek help through what is unlawful to attain the well-being I hope for." 00:12:32.059 --> 00:12:33.059 So the physician said to him, 00:12:33.059 --> 00:12:36.059 "Then let us give you an anesthetic." 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:37.059 He replied, 00:12:37.059 --> 00:12:42.059 "I would not like to be deprived of one of my limbs without feeling its pain, 00:12:42.059 --> 00:12:45.059 and anticipating the reward for that with Allah." 00:12:46.190 --> 00:12:49.190 When the surgeon prepared to cut the leg, 00:12:49.190 --> 00:12:53.190 a group of men stepped forward toward 'Urwah. 00:12:53.190 --> 00:12:54.190 He asked, 00:12:54.190 --> 00:12:56.190 "Who are these?" 00:12:56.190 --> 00:12:57.190 He was told, 00:12:57.190 --> 00:13:00.190 "They have been brought to hold you down, 00:13:00.190 --> 00:13:02.190 for the pain may become so intense 00:13:02.190 --> 00:13:06.190 that you might jerk your foot, causing yourself harm." 00:13:06.190 --> 00:13:07.190 He said, 00:13:07.190 --> 00:13:09.190 "Send them back; 00:13:09.190 --> 00:13:11.190 I have no need of them. 00:13:11.190 --> 00:13:15.190 Indeed, I hope to suffice you of that through remembrance and glorification of Allah." 00:13:15.190 --> 00:13:18.320 Then the physician approached him, 00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:20.320 and cut the flesh with the scalpel. 00:13:20.320 --> 00:13:22.320 When he reached the bone, 00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:24.320 he placed the saw upon it 00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:26.320 and began sawing through it, 00:13:26.320 --> 00:13:28.320 while 'Urwah was saying, 00:13:28.320 --> 00:13:31.320 "There is no god but Allah, 00:13:31.320 --> 00:13:33.320 and Allah is the Greatest." 00:13:33.320 --> 00:13:35.320 The surgeon kept on sawing, 00:13:35.320 --> 00:13:38.320 while 'Urwah continued proclaiming Allah's oneness and greatness, 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:41.320 until the leg was completely severed. 00:13:41.320 --> 00:13:44.350 Then oil was boiled in iron ladles, 00:13:44.350 --> 00:13:46.350 and 'Urwah's leg was dipped into it 00:13:46.350 --> 00:13:49.350 to stop the flow of blood 00:13:49.350 --> 00:13:51.350 and cauterize the wound. 00:13:51.350 --> 00:13:54.350 He then fell into a deep, prolonged swoon, 00:13:54.350 --> 00:13:57.350 which prevented him from reciting his daily portion 00:13:57.350 --> 00:14:00.350 of the Book of Allah on that day— 00:14:00.350 --> 00:14:05.350 and that was the only time he missed that noble devotion 00:14:05.350 --> 00:14:07.350 since his early youth. 00:14:07.350 --> 00:14:09.350 When 'Urwah regained consciousness, 00:14:09.350 --> 00:14:11.350 he asked for his severed foot, 00:14:11.350 --> 00:14:13.350 and they handed it to him. 00:14:13.350 --> 00:14:17.350 He began turning it over in his hand, saying, 00:14:17.350 --> 00:14:22.350 "By the One who carried me upon you in the darkness of the night to the mosques, 00:14:22.350 --> 00:14:27.350 He knows that I never walked with you toward anything unlawful." 00:14:27.350 --> 00:14:31.450 Then he recited lines of poetry by Ma'n ibn Aws, 00:14:31.450 --> 00:14:33.450 in which he says: 00:14:33.450 --> 00:14:37.450 "By your life, I never stretched out my hand toward suspicion, 00:14:37.450 --> 00:14:41.450 nor did my feet carry me toward an indecency; 00:14:41.450 --> 00:14:45.450 Nor did my hearing or sight lead me to it, 00:14:45.450 --> 00:14:49.450 nor did my judgment or intellect direct me toward it. 00:14:49.450 --> 00:14:52.450 And I know that no calamity has ever stricken me 00:14:52.450 --> 00:14:58.730 from time, except that it had stricken a young man before me." 00:14:58.730 --> 00:15:01.730 This weighed heavily upon Al-Walid ibn 'Abd al-Malik, 00:15:02.730 --> 00:15:09.730 for 'Urwah had lost his son and lost his leg within a matter of days; 00:15:09.730 --> 00:15:14.730 so he began seeking ways to console him and give him patience over his loss. 00:15:14.730 --> 00:15:19.730 It happened that a group from the tribe of Banu 'Abs stayed at the Caliph's residence, 00:15:19.730 --> 00:15:21.730 among whom was a blind man. 00:15:21.730 --> 00:15:24.730 Al-Walid asked him about the cause of his blindness, 00:15:24.730 --> 00:15:26.730 and he replied: 00:15:26.730 --> 00:15:28.730 "O Commander of the Faithful, 00:15:28.730 --> 00:15:32.730 there was no man in Banu 'Abs who possessed more wealth than I, 00:15:32.730 --> 00:15:35.730 nor more family and children. 00:15:35.730 --> 00:15:40.730 I settled with my wealth and family in the belly of a valley among the dwellings of my tribe, 00:15:40.730 --> 00:15:44.759 when a flash flood struck us, the likes of which we had never seen. 00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:49.759 The flood swept away all my wealth, family, and children, 00:15:49.759 --> 00:15:52.759 leaving me with nothing except a single camel 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:55.759 and a newborn baby. 00:15:55.759 --> 00:15:58.759 The camel was wild and bolted from me, 00:15:58.759 --> 00:16:01.759 so I set the infant on the ground 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:03.759 and ran after the camel. 00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:07.759 I had gone only a short distance when I heard the child's cry; 00:16:07.759 --> 00:16:09.759 I turned around 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:12.759 and saw his head in the mouth of a wolf, which was devouring him. 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:14.759 I rushed toward him, 00:16:14.759 --> 00:16:17.759 but I could not save him, 00:16:17.759 --> 00:16:19.759 for the wolf had already finished him off. 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:21.759 So I went back after the camel, 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:23.759 and as I drew near it, 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:26.759 it kicked me in the face with such force 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:29.759 that it crushed my forehead and destroyed my sight. 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:34.759 Thus, I found myself transformed in a single night 00:16:34.759 --> 00:16:39.860 into a man with no family, no child, no wealth, and no sight." 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:42.860 Al-Walid then said to his chamberlain, 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:46.860 "Take this man to our guest, 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr, 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:48.860 and let him relate his story to him, 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:54.980 so that he may know that among the people are those afflicted with greater trials than his." 00:16:54.980 --> 00:16:58.980 When 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr was carried back to Medina 00:16:58.980 --> 00:17:00.980 and entered upon his family, 00:17:00.980 --> 00:17:02.980 he initiated the conversation by saying to them, 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:04.980 "Let not what you see dismay you. 00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:09.980 Indeed, Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, granted me four sons, 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:11.980 then took one of them 00:17:11.980 --> 00:17:13.980 and left me three; 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:15.980 so to Him belongs all praise. 00:17:15.980 --> 00:17:17.980 And He granted me four limbs, 00:17:17.980 --> 00:17:19.980 then took one of them 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:21.980 and left me three; 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:23.980 so to Him belongs all praise. 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.980 And by Allah, 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:27.980 if Allah took a little from me, 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:30.980 He has surely left me much; 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:32.980 and if He tested me once, 00:17:32.980 --> 00:17:35.980 He has surely granted me well-being many times." 00:17:35.980 --> 00:17:42.900 When the people of Medina learned of the arrival of their leader and scholar, 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr, 00:17:42.900 --> 00:17:46.900 they poured into his house to offer solace and condolences. 00:17:46.900 --> 00:17:48.900 Among the finest consolations offered to him 00:17:48.900 --> 00:17:51.900 were the words of Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ibn Talhah, 00:17:51.900 --> 00:17:53.900 when he said to him: 00:17:53.900 --> 00:17:55.900 "Glad tidings, O Abu 'Abdillah! 00:17:55.900 --> 00:17:58.900 For a part of your body 00:17:58.900 --> 00:18:00.900 and one of your children 00:18:00.900 --> 00:18:02.900 have preceded you to Paradise, 00:18:02.900 --> 00:18:06.900 and the whole shall follow the part, if Allah Almighty wills. 00:18:06.900 --> 00:18:10.900 Allah has preserved for us that part of you of which we stand in dire need— 00:18:10.900 --> 00:18:12.900 and without which we cannot do— 00:18:12.900 --> 00:18:15.900 namely your knowledge, your fiqh, and your counsel. 00:18:15.900 --> 00:18:18.900 May Allah benefit you and us thereby; 00:18:18.900 --> 00:18:20.900 Allah is the Master of your reward, 00:18:20.900 --> 00:18:23.900 and the Guarantor of your gracious reckoning." 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:29.059 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr remained for the Muslims a beacon of guidance, 00:18:29.059 --> 00:18:31.059 a guide to success, 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:34.059 and a caller to goodness throughout his life. 00:18:34.059 --> 00:18:39.059 He gave his utmost attention to the upbringing of his own children in particular, 00:18:39.059 --> 00:18:42.059 and the rest of the Muslim youth in general. 00:18:42.059 --> 00:18:46.059 He never missed an opportunity to guide them without seizing it, 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:50.059 nor did he leave a chance to advise them without benefiting from it. 00:18:50.059 --> 00:18:55.059 Among his habits was his constant encouragement of his sons to seek knowledge, 00:18:55.059 --> 00:18:58.059 as he used to say to them: 00:18:58.059 --> 00:19:03.059 "O my sons, acquire knowledge and give it its due right, 00:19:03.059 --> 00:19:06.059 for if you are today the small ones of a people, 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:10.059 Allah may well make you through knowledge their leaders tomorrow." 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:12.059 Then he would say: 00:19:12.059 --> 00:19:14.059 "What a disgrace! 00:19:14.059 --> 00:19:18.059 Is there anything in the world more hideous than an ignorant old man?" 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:24.119 He also used to urge them to regard charity as a gift offered to Allah, Mighty and Majestic is He, 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:26.119 saying: 00:19:26.119 --> 00:19:30.119 "O my sons, let none of you offer as a gift to his Lord 00:19:30.119 --> 00:19:34.119 that which he would be ashamed to offer as a gift to a noble figure of his tribe; 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:37.119 for Allah Almighty is the Most Noble of the noble, 00:19:37.119 --> 00:19:39.119 the Most Generous of the generous, 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:41.119 and the Most Deserving of having the finest chosen for Him." 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:44.250 He used to grant them insight into people, 00:19:44.250 --> 00:19:47.250 penetrating to their true essence, saying: 00:19:47.250 --> 00:19:49.250 "O my sons, 00:19:49.250 --> 00:19:53.250 if you see a man perform a splendid good deed, 00:19:53.250 --> 00:19:55.250 expect good of him, 00:19:55.250 --> 00:19:58.250 even if he appears to people to be an evil man, 00:19:58.250 --> 00:20:01.279 for that deed has sister-deeds in his character. 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:05.279 And if you see a man perform a terrible evil deed, 00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:06.279 beware of him, 00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:09.279 even if he appears to people to be a good man, 00:20:09.279 --> 00:20:12.279 for that deed also has sister-deeds in his character. 00:20:12.279 --> 00:20:16.279 Know that a good deed points to its sisters, 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:21.279 and an evil deed likewise points to its sisters." 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:24.309 He would advise them to be gentle in demeanor, 00:20:24.309 --> 00:20:27.309 pleasant in speech, and cheerful of countenance, 00:20:27.309 --> 00:20:28.309 saying: 00:20:28.309 --> 00:20:32.309 "O my sons, it is written in wisdom: 00:20:32.309 --> 00:20:34.309 'Let your speech be pleasant 00:20:34.309 --> 00:20:37.309 and your face be cheerful, 00:20:37.309 --> 00:20:41.309 and you will be more beloved to people than one who bestows gifts upon them.'" 00:20:41.309 --> 00:20:45.309 Whenever he saw people inclining toward luxury 00:20:45.309 --> 00:20:47.309 and savoring ease, 00:20:47.309 --> 00:20:52.309 he would remind them of how the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, lived— 00:20:52.309 --> 00:20:55.309 with austerity and hardship. 00:20:55.309 --> 00:21:00.309 Among such instances is what Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir related, saying: 00:21:00.309 --> 00:21:03.309 "'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr met me, 00:21:03.309 --> 00:21:05.309 took me by the hand, and said, 00:21:05.309 --> 00:21:07.309 'O Abu 'Abdillah!' 00:21:07.309 --> 00:21:09.339 I said, 'At your service.' 00:21:09.339 --> 00:21:10.339 He said, 00:21:10.339 --> 00:21:14.339 'I entered upon my mother, 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, 00:21:14.339 --> 00:21:15.339 and she said, 00:21:15.339 --> 00:21:17.339 "O my son!" 00:21:17.339 --> 00:21:19.380 I said, "At your service." 00:21:19.380 --> 00:21:20.380 She said, 00:21:20.380 --> 00:21:24.380 "By Allah, forty nights would pass 00:21:24.380 --> 00:21:28.380 without a fire being lit in the house of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), 00:21:28.380 --> 00:21:31.380 neither for a lamp nor for anything else." 00:21:31.380 --> 00:21:33.380 I asked, "O mother, 00:21:33.380 --> 00:21:35.380 on what did you live?" 00:21:35.380 --> 00:21:36.380 She replied, 00:21:36.380 --> 00:21:38.380 "On the two black items: 00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:41.269 dates and water."'" 00:21:41.269 --> 00:21:42.269 To conclude, 00:21:42.269 --> 00:21:47.269 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr lived seventy-one years, 00:21:47.269 --> 00:21:49.269 brimming with goodness, 00:21:49.269 --> 00:21:51.269 abundant in righteousness, 00:21:51.269 --> 00:21:53.299 and crowned with piety. 00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:56.299 When his appointed time came, 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:58.299 it reached him while he was fasting. 00:21:58.299 --> 00:22:03.299 His family urged him to break his fast, but he refused— 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:04.299 For he refused, 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:10.299 hoping that his breaking of the fast would be with a drink from the River of Kawthar, 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:12.299 in vessels of silver, 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:20.140 served by the hands of the houris with beautiful, wide eyes. 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:24.140 "Whoever would be pleased to look at a man from the people of Paradise, 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:27.809 let him look at 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr." 00:22:27.809 --> 00:22:29.809 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan— 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:45.980 They water our lives like rain clouds, 00:22:45.980 --> 00:22:47.980 so they have not truly died among us, 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:50.980 for their memory continues to rise high. 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:55.980 They departed, leaving a question echoing in the conscience: 00:22:55.980 --> 00:23:00.980 Has any star like them ever ascended into the heavens and shone bright? 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:05.980 They filled life with glorious deeds through their actions, 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:10.650 and through them, our horizons shone with splendour.