1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:03,399 In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. 2 00:00:03,399 --> 00:00:08,400 The best of generations in stances and exemplary conduct, 3 00:00:08,400 --> 00:00:13,400 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 4 00:00:13,400 --> 00:00:15,400 Mawaddah Association 5 00:00:15,400 --> 00:00:17,399 Presents: 6 00:00:17,399 --> 00:00:21,500 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un, 7 00:00:21,500 --> 00:00:26,530 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 8 00:00:26,530 --> 00:00:28,530 May Allah have mercy on him. 9 00:00:30,329 --> 00:00:33,259 Raja' ibn Haywah, 10 00:00:33,259 --> 00:00:35,539 May Allah have mercy on him. 11 00:00:43,280 --> 00:00:45,280 In the generation of the Tabi'un, 12 00:00:45,280 --> 00:00:48,280 There were three men whose contemporaries knew 13 00:00:48,280 --> 00:00:50,280 None like them, 14 00:00:50,280 --> 00:00:52,280 Nor did they see any peer to match them. 15 00:00:52,280 --> 00:00:55,280 It was as though they had met by appointment, 16 00:00:55,280 --> 00:00:58,280 Exhorting one another to truth and patience, 17 00:00:58,280 --> 00:01:00,280 Pledging themselves to goodness and piety, 18 00:01:00,280 --> 00:01:03,280 Dedicating their lives to God-consciousness and knowledge, 19 00:01:03,280 --> 00:01:09,310 And devoting themselves to the service of Allah, His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), 20 00:01:09,310 --> 00:01:12,310 And the believers, both common and elite. 21 00:01:12,310 --> 00:01:16,310 They were: Muhammad ibn Sirin in Iraq, 22 00:01:16,310 --> 00:01:21,310 Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr in the Hijaz, 23 00:01:21,310 --> 00:01:24,310 And Raja' ibn Haywah in the Levant. 24 00:01:24,310 --> 00:01:28,409 So come, let us spend these blessed moments 25 00:01:28,409 --> 00:01:32,409 In the company of the third of these righteous, noble souls: 26 00:01:32,409 --> 00:01:35,560 Raja' ibn Haywah. 27 00:01:35,560 --> 00:01:39,560 Raja' ibn Haywah was born in Baysan in the land of Palestine, 28 00:01:39,560 --> 00:01:44,560 His birth taking place towards the end of the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan, 29 00:01:44,560 --> 00:01:46,560 Or thereabouts. 30 00:01:46,560 --> 00:01:50,560 He belonged to the Arab tribe of Kindah. 31 00:01:50,560 --> 00:01:54,560 Thus, Raja' was Palestinian by homeland, 32 00:01:54,560 --> 00:01:56,560 Arab by lineage, 33 00:01:56,560 --> 00:01:58,560 And Kindi by tribe. 34 00:01:58,560 --> 00:02:03,560 The Kindi youth grew up in obedience to Allah from his early years, 35 00:02:03,560 --> 00:02:07,560 So Allah loved him and made him beloved to His creation. 36 00:02:07,560 --> 00:02:11,560 He turned to seeking knowledge from his tenderest youth; 37 00:02:11,560 --> 00:02:15,560 Knowledge found his heart tender, fresh, and unencumbered, 38 00:02:15,560 --> 00:02:18,560 So it took firm root within it and settled there. 39 00:02:18,560 --> 00:02:22,560 His greatest concern became drinking deeply from the Book of Allah 40 00:02:22,560 --> 00:02:27,560 And drawing provisions from the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). 41 00:02:27,560 --> 00:02:30,560 Thus his intellect was illuminated by the light of the Qur'an, 42 00:02:30,560 --> 00:02:34,560 His insight was enlightened by the guidance of prophethood, 43 00:02:34,560 --> 00:02:37,560 And his breast was filled with exhortation and wisdom; 44 00:02:37,560 --> 00:02:42,560 And whoever is granted wisdom has certainly been granted much good. 45 00:02:42,560 --> 00:02:48,560 He was privileged to learn from a large number of the eminent Companions, 46 00:02:48,560 --> 00:02:51,560 Such as Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, 47 00:02:51,560 --> 00:02:54,560 Abu al-Darda', Abu Umamah, 48 00:02:54,560 --> 00:02:56,560 'Ubadah ibn al-Samit, 49 00:02:56,560 --> 00:02:58,560 Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, 50 00:02:58,560 --> 00:03:01,560 Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'As, 51 00:03:01,560 --> 00:03:03,560 Al-Nawwas ibn Sam'an, 52 00:03:03,560 --> 00:03:07,560 And others, may Allah be pleased with them all. 53 00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:12,560 They were beacons of guidance and torches of understanding for him. 54 00:03:12,560 --> 00:03:15,560 This fortunate youth set for himself a personal constitution, 55 00:03:15,560 --> 00:03:20,560 Adhering to it and repeating it throughout his life, 56 00:03:20,560 --> 00:03:22,560 As he used to say: 57 00:03:22,560 --> 00:03:25,560 "How excellent is Islam when adorned with faith! 58 00:03:25,560 --> 00:03:28,560 How excellent is faith when adorned with piety! 59 00:03:28,560 --> 00:03:31,560 How excellent is piety when adorned with knowledge! 60 00:03:31,560 --> 00:03:34,560 How excellent is knowledge when adorned with action! 61 00:03:34,560 --> 00:03:38,560 And how excellent is action when adorned with gentleness!" 62 00:03:38,560 --> 00:03:45,740 Raja' ibn Haywah served as minister and adviser to a succession of Umayyad caliphs, 63 00:03:45,740 --> 00:03:48,740 Beginning with Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan 64 00:03:48,740 --> 00:03:51,740 And ending with Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. 65 00:03:51,740 --> 00:03:54,740 However, his bond with Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik 66 00:03:54,740 --> 00:03:56,740 And Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz 67 00:03:56,740 --> 00:04:00,740 Surpassed his ties with the caliphs who preceded them. 68 00:04:00,740 --> 00:04:03,740 What endeared him to the hearts of the Umayyad caliphs was 69 00:04:03,740 --> 00:04:05,740 The soundness of his judgment, 70 00:04:05,740 --> 00:04:07,740 The truthfulness of his speech, 71 00:04:07,740 --> 00:04:09,740 The sincerity of his intention, 72 00:04:09,740 --> 00:04:12,740 And his wisdom in managing affairs. 73 00:04:12,740 --> 00:04:14,740 All of that was crowned 74 00:04:14,740 --> 00:04:18,740 By his detachment from the worldly goods in their hands, 75 00:04:18,740 --> 00:04:22,740 Over which competitors so fiercely competed. 76 00:04:22,740 --> 00:04:25,740 His association with the Umayyad caliphs 77 00:04:25,740 --> 00:04:28,740 Was among Allah's immense mercies upon them 78 00:04:28,740 --> 00:04:30,740 And a tremendous blessing bestowed upon them. 79 00:04:30,740 --> 00:04:33,740 For he called them to goodness, 80 00:04:33,740 --> 00:04:35,740 Guided them to its paths, 81 00:04:35,740 --> 00:04:37,740 Dissuaded them from evil, 82 00:04:37,740 --> 00:04:39,740 Shut its doors before them, 83 00:04:39,740 --> 00:04:41,740 Showed them the truth, 84 00:04:41,740 --> 00:04:43,740 Made following it appealing to them, 85 00:04:43,740 --> 00:04:45,740 Gave them insight into falsehood, 86 00:04:45,740 --> 00:04:47,740 And made engaging in it abhorrent to them. 87 00:04:47,740 --> 00:04:51,740 Thus he offered sincere counsel for Allah, His Messenger (peace be upon him), 88 00:04:51,740 --> 00:04:55,740 The leaders of the Muslims, and their common folk. 89 00:04:55,740 --> 00:04:58,839 An incident once occurred with Raja' 90 00:04:58,839 --> 00:05:02,839 That illuminated his path in interacting with the caliphs 91 00:05:02,839 --> 00:05:05,839 And clearly defined his mission with them. 92 00:05:05,839 --> 00:05:07,839 He narrated it himself, saying: 93 00:05:07,839 --> 00:05:11,839 "I was standing beside Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik 94 00:05:11,839 --> 00:05:13,839 Amidst a crowd of people, 95 00:05:13,839 --> 00:05:17,839 When I noticed a man making his way toward us through the throng. 96 00:05:17,839 --> 00:05:20,839 He had a handsome countenance and a majestic presence. 97 00:05:20,839 --> 00:05:23,839 He continued parting the ranks, 98 00:05:23,839 --> 00:05:26,839 And I had no doubt he was heading for the Caliph, 99 00:05:26,839 --> 00:05:30,839 Until he drew level with me and stood by my side. 100 00:05:30,839 --> 00:05:32,839 Then he greeted me and said: 101 00:05:32,839 --> 00:05:34,839 'O Raja', 102 00:05:34,839 --> 00:05:37,839 You have been tested with this man'— 103 00:05:37,839 --> 00:05:39,839 And he pointed to the Caliph— 104 00:05:39,839 --> 00:05:42,839 'And in closeness to him lies abundant good, 105 00:05:42,839 --> 00:05:44,839 Or abundant evil. 106 00:05:44,839 --> 00:05:48,839 So make your closeness to him a source of good for yourself, for him, and for the people. 107 00:05:48,839 --> 00:05:50,839 And know, O Raja', 108 00:05:50,839 --> 00:05:54,839 That whoever holds a position of influence with a ruler 109 00:05:54,839 --> 00:05:57,839 And conveys to him the need of a weak person 110 00:05:57,839 --> 00:05:59,839 Who is unable to convey it himself, 111 00:05:59,839 --> 00:06:02,839 Shall meet Allah, Exalted and Glorious, on the Day he meets Him 112 00:06:02,839 --> 00:06:05,839 With his feet made firm for the Reckoning. 113 00:06:05,839 --> 00:06:07,839 And remember, O Raja', 114 00:06:07,839 --> 00:06:10,839 That whoever attends to the need of his fellow Muslim, 115 00:06:10,839 --> 00:06:13,839 Allah will attend to his need. 116 00:06:13,839 --> 00:06:15,839 And know, O Raja', 117 00:06:15,839 --> 00:06:19,839 That among the deeds most beloved to Allah, Exalted and Glorious, 118 00:06:19,839 --> 00:06:24,060 Is bringing joy to the heart of a Muslim.' 119 00:06:24,060 --> 00:06:27,060 While I was pondering his words 120 00:06:27,060 --> 00:06:29,060 And eagerly hoping he would say more, 121 00:06:29,060 --> 00:06:32,060 The Caliph called out, saying: 122 00:06:32,060 --> 00:06:34,060 'Where is Raja' ibn Haywah?' 123 00:06:34,060 --> 00:06:37,060 So I turned toward him and said: 124 00:06:37,060 --> 00:06:40,060 'Here I am, O Commander of the Faithful.' 125 00:06:40,060 --> 00:06:42,060 He asked me about something, 126 00:06:42,060 --> 00:06:44,060 And no sooner had I finished answering him 127 00:06:44,060 --> 00:06:46,060 Than I turned back to my companion, 128 00:06:46,060 --> 00:06:47,060 But I could not find him. 129 00:06:47,060 --> 00:06:50,060 I searched the place thoroughly for him, 130 00:06:50,060 --> 00:06:54,060 Yet I found no trace of him among the people." 131 00:06:54,060 --> 00:06:58,660 Raja' ibn Haywah had, 132 00:06:58,660 --> 00:07:00,660 With the Umayyad caliphs, 133 00:07:00,660 --> 00:07:02,660 Noble and resolute stances 134 00:07:02,660 --> 00:07:04,660 That history continues to preserve 135 00:07:04,660 --> 00:07:06,660 In its brightest pages, 136 00:07:06,660 --> 00:07:08,660 And which later generations transmit from the salaf (early generations). 137 00:07:08,660 --> 00:07:11,660 Among these was that one day, 138 00:07:11,660 --> 00:07:14,660 He was in the gathering of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, 139 00:07:14,660 --> 00:07:17,660 When a man was mentioned to the Caliph as harboring ill will 140 00:07:17,660 --> 00:07:19,660 Toward the Umayyads, 141 00:07:19,660 --> 00:07:21,660 And it was said to him: 142 00:07:21,660 --> 00:07:23,660 "He supports Ibn al-Zubayr 143 00:07:23,660 --> 00:07:25,660 And champions his cause." 144 00:07:25,660 --> 00:07:27,660 The informant recounted deeds of his 145 00:07:27,660 --> 00:07:30,660 And words that aroused the Caliph's fury, 146 00:07:30,660 --> 00:07:32,660 So he said: 147 00:07:32,660 --> 00:07:34,660 "By Allah, if Allah gives me power over him, 148 00:07:34,660 --> 00:07:36,660 I will surely do such-and-such to him, 149 00:07:36,660 --> 00:07:39,660 And I will certainly put the sword to his neck!" 150 00:07:39,660 --> 00:07:41,759 Not long afterward, 151 00:07:41,759 --> 00:07:43,759 Allah enabled him to capture the man, 152 00:07:44,759 --> 00:07:46,759 And he was brought before him under guard. 153 00:07:46,759 --> 00:07:49,759 When the Caliph's eyes fell upon him, 154 00:07:49,759 --> 00:07:51,759 He nearly burst with rage 155 00:07:51,759 --> 00:07:54,759 And resolved to carry out his threat against him. 156 00:07:54,759 --> 00:07:57,759 Thereupon Raja' ibn Haywah stood up before him 157 00:07:57,759 --> 00:07:58,759 And said: 158 00:07:58,759 --> 00:08:00,759 "O Commander of the Faithful, 159 00:08:00,759 --> 00:08:02,759 Indeed, Allah, Exalted and Glorious, 160 00:08:02,759 --> 00:08:05,759 Has granted you what you love in the form of victory and power; 161 00:08:05,759 --> 00:08:09,759 So grant Allah what He loves in the form of pardon." 162 00:08:09,759 --> 00:08:11,759 The Caliph's soul was calmed, 163 00:08:12,759 --> 00:08:14,759 His anger subsided, 164 00:08:14,759 --> 00:08:16,759 And he pardoned the man, 165 00:08:16,759 --> 00:08:19,759 Released him, and treated him generously. 166 00:08:19,759 --> 00:08:22,750 In the year 91 AH, 167 00:08:22,750 --> 00:08:25,750 Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik performed the Hajj pilgrimage, 168 00:08:25,750 --> 00:08:28,750 Accompanied by Raja' ibn Haywah. 169 00:08:28,750 --> 00:08:30,750 When he arrived in Medina, 170 00:08:30,750 --> 00:08:33,750 They visited its noble Prophetic Mosque, 171 00:08:33,750 --> 00:08:36,750 Accompanied by Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. 172 00:08:36,750 --> 00:08:40,750 The Caliph wished to inspect the Prophet's sanctuary 173 00:08:40,750 --> 00:08:43,750 With careful observation and deliberation, 174 00:08:43,750 --> 00:08:46,750 As he was determined to expand it 175 00:08:46,750 --> 00:08:49,750 To two hundred cubits. 176 00:08:49,750 --> 00:08:51,750 The people were therefore asked to leave the mosque 177 00:08:51,750 --> 00:08:54,750 So that the Caliph could inspect it unhindered, 178 00:08:54,750 --> 00:08:57,750 And no one remained inside except Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib, 179 00:08:57,750 --> 00:09:01,850 As the guards dared not remove him. 180 00:09:01,850 --> 00:09:04,850 So Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz— 181 00:09:04,850 --> 00:09:07,850 Who was then governor of Medina— 182 00:09:07,850 --> 00:09:09,850 Sent an emissary to him, saying: 183 00:09:09,850 --> 00:09:12,850 "Would that you left the mosque as the other people have done." 184 00:09:12,850 --> 00:09:15,850 But Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib replied: 185 00:09:15,850 --> 00:09:18,850 "I will not leave the mosque 186 00:09:18,850 --> 00:09:22,909 Except at the time I am accustomed to leave it every day." 187 00:09:22,909 --> 00:09:24,909 It was then said to him: 188 00:09:24,909 --> 00:09:27,909 "Would that you stood up and greeted the Commander of the Faithful." 189 00:09:27,909 --> 00:09:29,909 He replied: 190 00:09:29,909 --> 00:09:34,009 "I have only come here to stand before the Lord of all worlds." 191 00:09:34,009 --> 00:09:37,009 When Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz learned of this, 192 00:09:37,009 --> 00:09:40,009 And what had transpired between his messenger and Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib, 193 00:09:40,009 --> 00:09:45,009 He began steering the Caliph away from the place where Sa'id was sitting, 194 00:09:45,009 --> 00:09:49,009 While Raja' ibn Haywah kept him occupied with conversation, 195 00:09:49,009 --> 00:09:53,009 Knowing well the Caliph's fiery temperament and pride. 196 00:09:53,009 --> 00:09:55,009 But al-Walid said to them: 197 00:09:55,009 --> 00:09:57,009 "Who is that elder? 198 00:09:57,009 --> 00:10:00,009 Is he not Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib?" 199 00:10:00,009 --> 00:10:01,009 He said, 200 00:10:01,009 --> 00:10:04,009 "Indeed, O Commander of the Faithful." 201 00:10:04,009 --> 00:10:07,009 And they both began to describe his religious devotion and knowledge, 202 00:10:07,009 --> 00:10:10,009 along with his immense virtue and piety. 203 00:10:10,009 --> 00:10:12,009 Then he said, 204 00:10:12,009 --> 00:10:15,009 "Had the sheikh known of the Commander of the Faithful's presence, 205 00:10:15,009 --> 00:10:18,009 he would have stood up and greeted him, 206 00:10:18,009 --> 00:10:21,039 but his eyesight is weak." 207 00:10:21,039 --> 00:10:23,039 Al-Walid replied, 208 00:10:23,039 --> 00:10:26,039 "I know as much of his stature as you both mention, 209 00:10:26,039 --> 00:10:30,100 and it is more fitting that we go to him and greet him." 210 00:10:30,100 --> 00:10:34,100 He then walked through the mosque until he reached him and stood before him, 211 00:10:34,100 --> 00:10:36,100 greeted him, and asked, 212 00:10:36,100 --> 00:10:38,100 "How is the sheikh?" 213 00:10:38,100 --> 00:10:40,100 Yet he did not rise from his place, 214 00:10:40,100 --> 00:10:41,100 and said, 215 00:10:41,100 --> 00:10:43,100 "By the grace of Allah, 216 00:10:43,100 --> 00:10:45,100 and to Him belong all praise and favor. 217 00:10:45,100 --> 00:10:47,100 And how is the Commander of the Faithful? 218 00:10:47,100 --> 00:10:51,100 May Allah guide him to what He loves and is pleased with." 219 00:10:51,100 --> 00:10:54,100 Al-Walid turned away, saying, 220 00:10:54,100 --> 00:10:56,100 "This is the remnant of true men; 221 00:10:56,100 --> 00:11:01,450 this is the remnant of the salaf (early generations) of this Ummah." 222 00:11:01,450 --> 00:11:05,450 When the caliphate passed to Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik, 223 00:11:05,450 --> 00:11:08,450 Raja' Ibn Haywah held a standing with him 224 00:11:08,450 --> 00:11:11,450 that surpassed even his standing with his predecessor. 225 00:11:11,450 --> 00:11:14,450 Sulayman placed immense trust in him, 226 00:11:14,450 --> 00:11:17,450 relied upon him heavily, 227 00:11:17,450 --> 00:11:22,450 and was eager to take his counsel in matters great and small. 228 00:11:22,450 --> 00:11:26,450 Raja' Ibn Haywah's stances alongside Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik 229 00:11:26,450 --> 00:11:28,450 were numerous and remarkable; 230 00:11:28,450 --> 00:11:34,450 yet the greatest among them in significance and the most momentous for Islam and the Muslims 231 00:11:34,450 --> 00:11:37,450 was his stance regarding the succession to the caliphate, 232 00:11:37,450 --> 00:11:41,450 and his role in securing the pledge of allegiance for 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz. 233 00:11:41,450 --> 00:11:44,669 Raja' Ibn Haywah narrated, saying: 234 00:11:44,669 --> 00:11:48,669 "On the first Friday of the month of Safar, 235 00:11:48,669 --> 00:11:50,669 in the year 99 AH, 236 00:11:50,669 --> 00:11:55,669 we were with the Commander of the Faithful, Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik, at Dabiq. 237 00:11:55,669 --> 00:11:59,669 He had dispatched a massive army toward Constantinople, 238 00:11:59,669 --> 00:12:03,669 under the command of his brother Maslamah Ibn Abd al-Malik, 239 00:12:03,669 --> 00:12:05,669 accompanied by his son Dawud 240 00:12:05,669 --> 00:12:08,669 and a large group from his royal household. 241 00:12:08,669 --> 00:12:12,669 He had sworn an oath never to leave the plain of Dabiq 242 00:12:12,669 --> 00:12:17,799 until Allah granted him the conquest of Constantinople or he died trying. 243 00:12:17,799 --> 00:12:20,799 When the time for the Friday prayer drew near, 244 00:12:20,799 --> 00:12:23,799 the Caliph performed wudu meticulously, 245 00:12:23,799 --> 00:12:25,799 donned a green robe, 246 00:12:25,799 --> 00:12:28,799 wound a green turban around his head, 247 00:12:28,799 --> 00:12:33,799 and looked in the mirror, pleased with himself and exulting in his youth— 248 00:12:33,799 --> 00:12:36,799 for he was around forty years of age. 249 00:12:36,799 --> 00:12:40,799 He then went out to lead the people in the Friday prayer, 250 00:12:40,799 --> 00:12:44,799 but returned from the mosque stricken with a fever. 251 00:12:44,799 --> 00:12:48,799 Day by day, the illness grew heavier upon him, 252 00:12:48,799 --> 00:12:51,799 and he asked me to remain close by his side. 253 00:12:51,799 --> 00:12:54,799 I entered his presence on one occasion 254 00:12:54,799 --> 00:12:57,799 and found him writing a document. 255 00:12:57,799 --> 00:13:00,799 I asked, 'What are you doing, O Commander of the Faithful?' 256 00:13:00,799 --> 00:13:05,799 He replied, 'I am writing a covenant designating the succession to my son Ayyub.' 257 00:13:05,799 --> 00:13:08,799 I said, 'O Commander of the Faithful, 258 00:13:08,799 --> 00:13:12,799 among the things that safeguard a caliph in his grave 259 00:13:12,799 --> 00:13:15,799 and discharge his duty before his Lord 260 00:13:15,799 --> 00:13:18,799 is to appoint a righteous man over the people, 261 00:13:19,799 --> 00:13:22,799 yet your son is a boy who has not even reached the age of puberty, 262 00:13:22,799 --> 00:13:26,960 and his righteousness has not yet been distinguished from unfitness.' 263 00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:30,960 He relented and said, 'It is merely a document I wrote, 264 00:13:30,960 --> 00:13:33,960 and I intend to seek Allah's guidance (istikharah) regarding it, 265 00:13:33,960 --> 00:13:35,960 without having made a final resolution.' 266 00:13:35,960 --> 00:13:37,960 He then tore up the document. 267 00:13:37,960 --> 00:13:40,960 A day or two passed after that, 268 00:13:40,960 --> 00:13:43,960 then he summoned me and said, 269 00:13:43,960 --> 00:13:47,960 'What do you think of my son Dawud, O Abu al-Miqdam?' 270 00:13:47,960 --> 00:13:50,960 I said, 'He is away with the Muslim armies 271 00:13:50,960 --> 00:13:52,960 in Constantinople, 272 00:13:52,960 --> 00:13:56,960 and you do not know right now whether he is alive or dead.' 273 00:13:56,960 --> 00:14:00,960 He asked, 'Whom do you suggest then, O Raja'?' 274 00:14:00,960 --> 00:14:04,990 I replied, 'The decision is yours, O Commander of the Faithful.' 275 00:14:04,990 --> 00:14:08,990 In truth, I wanted to see whom he would mention, 276 00:14:08,990 --> 00:14:11,990 so that I might eliminate them one by one 277 00:14:11,990 --> 00:14:14,990 until I brought him to 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz. 278 00:14:16,019 --> 00:14:20,019 He asked, 'How do you view 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz?' 279 00:14:20,019 --> 00:14:23,019 I said, 'By Allah, I have known him 280 00:14:23,019 --> 00:14:27,019 only to be noble, complete in character, wise, and deeply religious.' 281 00:14:27,019 --> 00:14:32,019 He said, 'You have spoken the truth; by Allah, he is indeed so. 282 00:14:32,019 --> 00:14:36,019 But if I appoint him and pass over the sons of Abd al-Malik, 283 00:14:36,019 --> 00:14:39,019 civil strife will surely erupt, 284 00:14:39,019 --> 00:14:42,019 and they will never allow him to rule over them.' 285 00:14:42,019 --> 00:14:46,019 I said, 'Then include one of them and place him next in line after him.' 286 00:14:46,019 --> 00:14:49,059 He said, 'You are right, 287 00:14:49,059 --> 00:14:53,149 for that will calm them and make them accept him.' 288 00:14:53,149 --> 00:14:57,179 He then took the parchment and wrote in his own hand: 289 00:14:57,179 --> 00:15:00,279 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 290 00:15:00,279 --> 00:15:04,279 This is a decree from the servant of Allah, Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik, 291 00:15:04,279 --> 00:15:08,279 Commander of the Faithful, to 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz: 292 00:15:08,279 --> 00:15:11,279 I have appointed him to the caliphate after me, 293 00:15:11,279 --> 00:15:15,279 and after him, it shall pass to Yazid Ibn Abd al-Malik. 294 00:15:15,279 --> 00:15:17,279 Therefore, listen to him and obey, 295 00:15:17,279 --> 00:15:19,279 fear Allah, 296 00:15:19,279 --> 00:15:23,279 and do not fall into discord lest your enemies covet power over you.' 297 00:15:23,279 --> 00:15:27,340 He then sealed the document and handed it to me. 298 00:15:27,340 --> 00:15:31,539 Next, he sent for Ka'b Ibn Hamid, the chief of police, 299 00:15:31,539 --> 00:15:32,539 and said to him, 300 00:15:32,539 --> 00:15:35,539 'Summon the members of my household and have them assemble, 301 00:15:35,539 --> 00:15:40,539 inform them that the document in the hand of Raja' Ibn Haywah is my decree, 302 00:15:40,539 --> 00:15:43,539 and command them to pledge allegiance to whoever is named within it.' 303 00:15:43,539 --> 00:15:45,700 Raja' said: 304 00:15:45,700 --> 00:15:47,700 "When they had gathered, I said to them, 305 00:15:47,700 --> 00:15:50,700 'This is the document of the Commander of the Faithful, 306 00:15:50,700 --> 00:15:53,700 in which he has covenanted the caliphate to his successor, 307 00:15:53,700 --> 00:15:57,700 and he has ordered me to take the pledge of allegiance from you for whomever he has appointed.' 308 00:15:57,700 --> 00:15:59,700 They said, 309 00:15:59,700 --> 00:16:01,700 'We hear and obey the command of the Commander of the Faithful, 310 00:16:01,700 --> 00:16:04,700 and we will obey his successor after him.' 311 00:16:04,700 --> 00:16:09,700 They requested permission to enter upon the Commander of the Faithful to greet him, 312 00:16:09,700 --> 00:16:11,700 and I agreed. 313 00:16:11,700 --> 00:16:13,700 When they entered before him, 314 00:16:13,700 --> 00:16:14,700 he said to them, 315 00:16:14,700 --> 00:16:19,700 'This document in the hand of Raja' Ibn Haywah is indeed my decree, 316 00:16:19,700 --> 00:16:22,700 and in it is my covenant for the caliph after me. 317 00:16:22,700 --> 00:16:25,700 So listen and obey whomever I have appointed, 318 00:16:25,700 --> 00:16:29,700 and pledge allegiance to the one named in this document.' 319 00:16:29,700 --> 00:16:32,700 Thereupon, they began pledging allegiance, man by man. 320 00:16:33,700 --> 00:16:36,700 I then walked out with the sealed document, 321 00:16:36,700 --> 00:16:42,759 while none of creation knew its contents except myself and the Commander of the Faithful. 322 00:16:42,759 --> 00:16:44,759 When the people dispersed, 323 00:16:44,759 --> 00:16:47,759 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz came to me and said, 324 00:16:47,759 --> 00:16:49,759 'O Abu al-Miqdam, 325 00:16:49,759 --> 00:16:53,759 the Commander of the Faithful thinks highly of me, 326 00:16:53,759 --> 00:16:59,759 and he has always shown me great generosity and pure affection. 327 00:16:59,759 --> 00:17:04,759 I fear that he may have entrusted something of this matter to me. 328 00:17:04,759 --> 00:17:06,759 I adjure you by Allah, 329 00:17:06,759 --> 00:17:09,759 and I ask you by my sanctity and our mutual affection, 330 00:17:09,759 --> 00:17:14,759 to inform me if there is anything concerning me in the Commander of the Faithful's document, 331 00:17:14,759 --> 00:17:19,759 so that I may ask him to excuse me before the opportunity slips away.' 332 00:17:19,759 --> 00:17:20,759 I replied to him, 333 00:17:20,759 --> 00:17:21,759 'No, by Allah! 334 00:17:21,759 --> 00:17:26,759 I will not tell you a single word of what you ask.' 335 00:17:26,759 --> 00:17:29,759 He turned away from me in anger. 336 00:17:29,759 --> 00:17:33,920 Soon afterward, Hisham Ibn Abd al-Malik came to me 337 00:17:33,920 --> 00:17:34,920 and said, 338 00:17:34,920 --> 00:17:36,920 'O Abu al-Miqdam, 339 00:17:36,920 --> 00:17:40,920 I have an enduring claim upon your respect and long-standing friendship, 340 00:17:40,920 --> 00:17:43,920 and I will be immensely grateful to you. 341 00:17:43,920 --> 00:17:47,920 So inform me of what is in the Commander of the Faithful's document: 342 00:17:47,920 --> 00:17:51,049 if this matter belongs to me, I will remain silent; 343 00:17:51,049 --> 00:17:54,049 but if it belongs to someone else, I will speak up, 344 00:17:54,049 --> 00:17:57,049 for someone of my standing is not to be cast aside from this affair. 345 00:17:57,049 --> 00:17:59,049 You have Allah's covenant 346 00:17:59,049 --> 00:18:02,049 that I will never utter your name.' 347 00:18:02,049 --> 00:18:03,049 I said to him, 348 00:18:03,049 --> 00:18:04,049 'No, by Allah! 349 00:18:04,049 --> 00:18:10,049 I will not disclose a single letter of what the Commander of the Faithful entrusted to me in confidence.' 350 00:18:10,049 --> 00:18:14,049 He turned away, striking one hand against the other, saying, 351 00:18:14,049 --> 00:18:19,049 'To whom could this matter go if I am cast aside from it? 352 00:18:19,049 --> 00:18:22,049 Is the caliphate to leave the sons of Abd al-Malik? 353 00:18:22,049 --> 00:18:26,049 By Allah, I am the foremost among the sons of Abd al-Malik!' 354 00:18:26,049 --> 00:18:29,339 Then I entered upon Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik 355 00:18:29,339 --> 00:18:32,339 and found him drawing his final breaths. 356 00:18:32,339 --> 00:18:36,339 Whenever the agony of death overcame him, 357 00:18:36,339 --> 00:18:38,339 I would turn him toward the Qiblah, 358 00:18:38,339 --> 00:18:41,339 but he would gasp and say to me, 359 00:18:41,339 --> 00:18:44,339 'The time has not yet come, O Raja'.' 360 00:18:44,339 --> 00:18:47,339 I did this twice, 361 00:18:47,339 --> 00:18:50,339 and when it happened the third time, he said, 362 00:18:50,339 --> 00:18:52,339 'Now, O Raja'! 363 00:18:52,339 --> 00:18:56,339 If you wish to do anything, do it now. 364 00:18:56,339 --> 00:18:59,339 I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, 365 00:18:59,339 --> 00:19:02,339 and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.' 366 00:19:02,339 --> 00:19:04,339 So I turned him toward the Qiblah, 367 00:19:04,339 --> 00:19:07,339 and moments later, he surrendered his soul. 368 00:19:07,339 --> 00:19:11,809 At that point, I closed his eyes, 369 00:19:11,809 --> 00:19:14,809 covered him with a green velvet cloth, 370 00:19:14,809 --> 00:19:17,809 locked the door upon him, and went out. 371 00:19:17,809 --> 00:19:20,809 His wife sent a messenger to me inquiring about him 372 00:19:20,809 --> 00:19:23,809 and asking to see him. 373 00:19:23,809 --> 00:19:25,809 I opened the door slightly for the messenger 374 00:19:25,809 --> 00:19:28,809 and said to him, 'Look at him; 375 00:19:28,809 --> 00:19:32,809 he has just fallen asleep after a long sleepless night, 376 00:19:32,809 --> 00:19:35,809 so leave him be.' The messenger returned and informed her, 377 00:19:35,809 --> 00:19:39,809 so she accepted it, convinced that he was sleeping. 378 00:19:39,809 --> 00:19:42,940 I then locked the door securely, 379 00:19:42,940 --> 00:19:45,940 stationed a guard I trusted at his door, 380 00:19:45,940 --> 00:19:47,940 and instructed him not to move 381 00:19:47,940 --> 00:19:50,940 from his post until I returned, 382 00:19:50,940 --> 00:19:53,940 and never to permit anyone to enter upon the Caliph, 383 00:19:53,940 --> 00:19:55,940 whoever they might be. 384 00:19:55,940 --> 00:19:58,940 As I proceeded, the people met me 385 00:19:58,940 --> 00:20:01,940 and asked, 'How is the Commander of the Faithful?' 386 00:20:01,940 --> 00:20:04,940 I replied, 'Since he fell ill, 387 00:20:04,940 --> 00:20:07,940 he has never been more tranquil or at peace than he is right now.' 388 00:20:07,940 --> 00:20:10,940 They said, 'Praise be to Allah.' 389 00:20:10,940 --> 00:20:14,059 I then sent for Ka'b Ibn Hamid, 390 00:20:14,059 --> 00:20:16,059 the chief of police, 391 00:20:16,059 --> 00:20:19,059 and he gathered all the members of the Commander of the Faithful's household 392 00:20:19,059 --> 00:20:21,059 in the mosque of Dabiq. 393 00:20:21,059 --> 00:20:24,059 I said, 'Pledge allegiance to the one named in the document 394 00:20:24,059 --> 00:20:26,059 of the Commander of the Faithful.' 395 00:20:26,059 --> 00:20:29,059 They said, 'We have already pledged allegiance once; 396 00:20:29,059 --> 00:20:31,059 shall we pledge allegiance again?' 397 00:20:31,059 --> 00:20:35,059 So I said, "This is the decree of the Commander of the Believers. 398 00:20:35,059 --> 00:20:37,059 Pledge your allegiance to what he has commanded 399 00:20:37,059 --> 00:20:41,059 and to whoever is named in this sealed document." 400 00:20:41,059 --> 00:20:44,059 So they pledged allegiance, one by one. 401 00:20:44,059 --> 00:20:47,059 Once I saw that I had secured the matter completely, 402 00:20:47,059 --> 00:20:50,059 I said, "Your leader has passed away; 403 00:20:50,059 --> 00:20:54,059 truly, to Allah we belong, and truly, to Him we shall return." 404 00:20:54,059 --> 00:20:57,059 Then I read the document out to them. 405 00:20:57,059 --> 00:21:01,059 When I reached the mention of 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz, 406 00:21:01,059 --> 00:21:03,059 Hisham ibn 'Abd al-Malik shouted, 407 00:21:03,059 --> 00:21:06,059 "We will never pledge allegiance to him!" 408 00:21:06,059 --> 00:21:09,059 I replied, "Then by Allah, I will strike off your neck! 409 00:21:09,059 --> 00:21:11,059 Stand up and pledge allegiance!" 410 00:21:11,059 --> 00:21:13,059 So he stood up, dragging his feet. 411 00:21:13,059 --> 00:21:16,059 When he reached 'Umar, he said it 412 00:21:16,059 --> 00:21:20,059 “Who say, when a misfortune striketh them: Lo! we are Allah's and lo! unto Him we are returning.” (2:156) 413 00:21:20,059 --> 00:21:23,059 while uttering the words of return to Allah, grieving that the caliphate had gone to 'Umar 414 00:21:23,059 --> 00:21:27,059 rather than to himself or his brothers, the sons of 'Abd al-Malik. 415 00:21:27,059 --> 00:21:29,099 'Umar also spoke, 416 00:21:29,099 --> 00:21:32,099 “Who say, when a misfortune striketh them: Lo! we are Allah's and lo! unto Him we are returning.” (2:156) 417 00:21:32,099 --> 00:21:37,099 repeatedly saying, "To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return," because the caliphate had fallen upon him against his will. 418 00:21:37,099 --> 00:21:42,099 It was an allegiance through which Allah renewed the youth of Islam 419 00:21:42,099 --> 00:21:46,539 and raised high the beacon of the faith. 420 00:21:46,539 --> 00:21:50,539 Blessed indeed was the Caliph of the Muslims, Sulayman ibn 'Abd al-Malik, 421 00:21:50,539 --> 00:21:53,539 for he absolved himself of his duty before Allah 422 00:21:53,539 --> 00:21:56,539 by appointing this righteous man. 423 00:21:56,539 --> 00:22:00,539 And blessed was that honest and loyal advisor, Raja' ibn Haywah, 424 00:22:00,539 --> 00:22:05,569 for he acted sincerely for Allah, His Messenger, and the leaders of the Muslims. 425 00:22:05,569 --> 00:22:08,569 May Allah reward righteous counselors with all good 426 00:22:08,569 --> 00:22:10,569 and grant them immense reward; 427 00:22:10,569 --> 00:22:21,410 for by the brilliance of their counsel, the best, most blessed, and guided rulers find the right path. 428 00:22:21,410 --> 00:22:24,410 "Indeed, among Kindah there are three men 429 00:22:24,410 --> 00:22:27,950 by whom Allah sends down the rain 430 00:22:27,950 --> 00:22:29,950 and grants victory over enemies; 431 00:22:29,950 --> 00:22:34,210 one of them is Raja' ibn Haywah." 432 00:22:34,210 --> 00:22:37,009 Maslamah ibn 'Abd al-Malik said: 433 00:22:48,180 --> 00:22:53,180 "They departed, leaving a lingering question in our conscience: 434 00:22:53,180 --> 00:22:58,180 Did ever a star like them rise high and gleam so brightly? 435 00:22:58,180 --> 00:23:03,180 They filled life with glorious deeds through what they accomplished, 436 00:23:03,180 --> 00:23:06,180 and the world of mankind flourished in splendor through them."