WEBVTT 00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:03.399 In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. 00:00:03.399 --> 00:00:08.400 The best of generations in stances and exemplary conduct, 00:00:08.400 --> 00:00:13.400 Following the Messenger whenever he strove or spoke. 00:00:13.400 --> 00:00:15.400 Mawaddah Association 00:00:15.400 --> 00:00:17.399 Presents: 00:00:17.399 --> 00:00:21.500 Portraits from the Lives of the Tabi'un, 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:26.530 By Dr. Abd al-Rahman Ra'fat al-Basha, 00:00:26.530 --> 00:00:28.530 May Allah have mercy on him. 00:00:30.329 --> 00:00:33.259 Raja' ibn Haywah, 00:00:33.259 --> 00:00:35.539 May Allah have mercy on him. 00:00:43.280 --> 00:00:45.280 In the generation of the Tabi'un, 00:00:45.280 --> 00:00:48.280 There were three men whose contemporaries knew 00:00:48.280 --> 00:00:50.280 None like them, 00:00:50.280 --> 00:00:52.280 Nor did they see any peer to match them. 00:00:52.280 --> 00:00:55.280 It was as though they had met by appointment, 00:00:55.280 --> 00:00:58.280 Exhorting one another to truth and patience, 00:00:58.280 --> 00:01:00.280 Pledging themselves to goodness and piety, 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:03.280 Dedicating their lives to God-consciousness and knowledge, 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), 00:01:09.310 --> 00:01:12.310 And the believers, both common and elite. 00:01:12.310 --> 00:01:16.310 They were: Muhammad ibn Sirin in Iraq, 00:01:16.310 --> 00:01:21.310 Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr in the Hijaz, 00:01:21.310 --> 00:01:24.310 And Raja' ibn Haywah in the Levant. 00:01:24.310 --> 00:01:28.409 So come, let us spend these blessed moments 00:01:28.409 --> 00:01:32.409 In the company of the third of these righteous, noble souls: 00:01:32.409 --> 00:01:35.560 Raja' ibn Haywah. 00:01:35.560 --> 00:01:39.560 Raja' ibn Haywah was born in Baysan in the land of Palestine, 00:01:39.560 --> 00:01:44.560 His birth taking place towards the end of the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan, 00:01:44.560 --> 00:01:46.560 Or thereabouts. 00:01:46.560 --> 00:01:50.560 He belonged to the Arab tribe of Kindah. 00:01:50.560 --> 00:01:54.560 Thus, Raja' was Palestinian by homeland, 00:01:54.560 --> 00:01:56.560 Arab by lineage, 00:01:56.560 --> 00:01:58.560 And Kindi by tribe. 00:01:58.560 --> 00:02:03.560 The Kindi youth grew up in obedience to Allah from his early years, 00:02:03.560 --> 00:02:07.560 So Allah loved him and made him beloved to His creation. 00:02:07.560 --> 00:02:11.560 He turned to seeking knowledge from his tenderest youth; 00:02:11.560 --> 00:02:15.560 Knowledge found his heart tender, fresh, and unencumbered, 00:02:15.560 --> 00:02:18.560 So it took firm root within it and settled there. 00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:22.560 His greatest concern became drinking deeply from the Book of Allah 00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:27.560 And drawing provisions from the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). 00:02:27.560 --> 00:02:30.560 Thus his intellect was illuminated by the light of the Qur'an, 00:02:30.560 --> 00:02:34.560 His insight was enlightened by the guidance of prophethood, 00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:37.560 And his breast was filled with exhortation and wisdom; 00:02:37.560 --> 00:02:42.560 And whoever is granted wisdom has certainly been granted much good. 00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:48.560 He was privileged to learn from a large number of the eminent Companions, 00:02:48.560 --> 00:02:51.560 Such as Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, 00:02:51.560 --> 00:02:54.560 Abu al-Darda', Abu Umamah, 00:02:54.560 --> 00:02:56.560 'Ubadah ibn al-Samit, 00:02:56.560 --> 00:02:58.560 Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, 00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:01.560 Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'As, 00:03:01.560 --> 00:03:03.560 Al-Nawwas ibn Sam'an, 00:03:03.560 --> 00:03:07.560 And others, may Allah be pleased with them all. 00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:12.560 They were beacons of guidance and torches of understanding for him. 00:03:12.560 --> 00:03:15.560 This fortunate youth set for himself a personal constitution, 00:03:15.560 --> 00:03:20.560 Adhering to it and repeating it throughout his life, 00:03:20.560 --> 00:03:22.560 As he used to say: 00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:25.560 "How excellent is Islam when adorned with faith! 00:03:25.560 --> 00:03:28.560 How excellent is faith when adorned with piety! 00:03:28.560 --> 00:03:31.560 How excellent is piety when adorned with knowledge! 00:03:31.560 --> 00:03:34.560 How excellent is knowledge when adorned with action! 00:03:34.560 --> 00:03:38.560 And how excellent is action when adorned with gentleness!" 00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:45.740 Raja' ibn Haywah served as minister and adviser to a succession of Umayyad caliphs, 00:03:45.740 --> 00:03:48.740 Beginning with Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan 00:03:48.740 --> 00:03:51.740 And ending with Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. 00:03:51.740 --> 00:03:54.740 However, his bond with Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik 00:03:54.740 --> 00:03:56.740 And Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz 00:03:56.740 --> 00:04:00.740 Surpassed his ties with the caliphs who preceded them. 00:04:00.740 --> 00:04:03.740 What endeared him to the hearts of the Umayyad caliphs was 00:04:03.740 --> 00:04:05.740 The soundness of his judgment, 00:04:05.740 --> 00:04:07.740 The truthfulness of his speech, 00:04:07.740 --> 00:04:09.740 The sincerity of his intention, 00:04:09.740 --> 00:04:12.740 And his wisdom in managing affairs. 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:14.740 All of that was crowned 00:04:14.740 --> 00:04:18.740 By his detachment from the worldly goods in their hands, 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:22.740 Over which competitors so fiercely competed. 00:04:22.740 --> 00:04:25.740 His association with the Umayyad caliphs 00:04:25.740 --> 00:04:28.740 Was among Allah's immense mercies upon them 00:04:28.740 --> 00:04:30.740 And a tremendous blessing bestowed upon them. 00:04:30.740 --> 00:04:33.740 For he called them to goodness, 00:04:33.740 --> 00:04:35.740 Guided them to its paths, 00:04:35.740 --> 00:04:37.740 Dissuaded them from evil, 00:04:37.740 --> 00:04:39.740 Shut its doors before them, 00:04:39.740 --> 00:04:41.740 Showed them the truth, 00:04:41.740 --> 00:04:43.740 Made following it appealing to them, 00:04:43.740 --> 00:04:45.740 Gave them insight into falsehood, 00:04:45.740 --> 00:04:47.740 And made engaging in it abhorrent to them. 00:04:47.740 --> 00:04:51.740 Thus he offered sincere counsel for Allah, His Messenger (peace be upon him), 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:55.740 The leaders of the Muslims, and their common folk. 00:04:55.740 --> 00:04:58.839 An incident once occurred with Raja' 00:04:58.839 --> 00:05:02.839 That illuminated his path in interacting with the caliphs 00:05:02.839 --> 00:05:05.839 And clearly defined his mission with them. 00:05:05.839 --> 00:05:07.839 He narrated it himself, saying: 00:05:07.839 --> 00:05:11.839 "I was standing beside Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik 00:05:11.839 --> 00:05:13.839 Amidst a crowd of people, 00:05:13.839 --> 00:05:17.839 When I noticed a man making his way toward us through the throng. 00:05:17.839 --> 00:05:20.839 He had a handsome countenance and a majestic presence. 00:05:20.839 --> 00:05:23.839 He continued parting the ranks, 00:05:23.839 --> 00:05:26.839 And I had no doubt he was heading for the Caliph, 00:05:26.839 --> 00:05:30.839 Until he drew level with me and stood by my side. 00:05:30.839 --> 00:05:32.839 Then he greeted me and said: 00:05:32.839 --> 00:05:34.839 'O Raja', 00:05:34.839 --> 00:05:37.839 You have been tested with this man'— 00:05:37.839 --> 00:05:39.839 And he pointed to the Caliph— 00:05:39.839 --> 00:05:42.839 'And in closeness to him lies abundant good, 00:05:42.839 --> 00:05:44.839 Or abundant evil. 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. 00:05:48.839 --> 00:05:50.839 And know, O Raja', 00:05:50.839 --> 00:05:54.839 That whoever holds a position of influence with a ruler 00:05:54.839 --> 00:05:57.839 And conveys to him the need of a weak person 00:05:57.839 --> 00:05:59.839 Who is unable to convey it himself, 00:05:59.839 --> 00:06:02.839 Shall meet Allah, Exalted and Glorious, on the Day he meets Him 00:06:02.839 --> 00:06:05.839 With his feet made firm for the Reckoning. 00:06:05.839 --> 00:06:07.839 And remember, O Raja', 00:06:07.839 --> 00:06:10.839 That whoever attends to the need of his fellow Muslim, 00:06:10.839 --> 00:06:13.839 Allah will attend to his need. 00:06:13.839 --> 00:06:15.839 And know, O Raja', 00:06:15.839 --> 00:06:19.839 That among the deeds most beloved to Allah, Exalted and Glorious, 00:06:19.839 --> 00:06:24.060 Is bringing joy to the heart of a Muslim.' 00:06:24.060 --> 00:06:27.060 While I was pondering his words 00:06:27.060 --> 00:06:29.060 And eagerly hoping he would say more, 00:06:29.060 --> 00:06:32.060 The Caliph called out, saying: 00:06:32.060 --> 00:06:34.060 'Where is Raja' ibn Haywah?' 00:06:34.060 --> 00:06:37.060 So I turned toward him and said: 00:06:37.060 --> 00:06:40.060 'Here I am, O Commander of the Faithful.' 00:06:40.060 --> 00:06:42.060 He asked me about something, 00:06:42.060 --> 00:06:44.060 And no sooner had I finished answering him 00:06:44.060 --> 00:06:46.060 Than I turned back to my companion, 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:47.060 But I could not find him. 00:06:47.060 --> 00:06:50.060 I searched the place thoroughly for him, 00:06:50.060 --> 00:06:54.060 Yet I found no trace of him among the people." 00:06:54.060 --> 00:06:58.660 Raja' ibn Haywah had, 00:06:58.660 --> 00:07:00.660 With the Umayyad caliphs, 00:07:00.660 --> 00:07:02.660 Noble and resolute stances 00:07:02.660 --> 00:07:04.660 That history continues to preserve 00:07:04.660 --> 00:07:06.660 In its brightest pages, 00:07:06.660 --> 00:07:08.660 And which later generations transmit from the salaf (early generations). 00:07:08.660 --> 00:07:11.660 Among these was that one day, 00:07:11.660 --> 00:07:14.660 He was in the gathering of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, 00:07:14.660 --> 00:07:17.660 When a man was mentioned to the Caliph as harboring ill will 00:07:17.660 --> 00:07:19.660 Toward the Umayyads, 00:07:19.660 --> 00:07:21.660 And it was said to him: 00:07:21.660 --> 00:07:23.660 "He supports Ibn al-Zubayr 00:07:23.660 --> 00:07:25.660 And champions his cause." 00:07:25.660 --> 00:07:27.660 The informant recounted deeds of his 00:07:27.660 --> 00:07:30.660 And words that aroused the Caliph's fury, 00:07:30.660 --> 00:07:32.660 So he said: 00:07:32.660 --> 00:07:34.660 "By Allah, if Allah gives me power over him, 00:07:34.660 --> 00:07:36.660 I will surely do such-and-such to him, 00:07:36.660 --> 00:07:39.660 And I will certainly put the sword to his neck!" 00:07:39.660 --> 00:07:41.759 Not long afterward, 00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:43.759 Allah enabled him to capture the man, 00:07:44.759 --> 00:07:46.759 And he was brought before him under guard. 00:07:46.759 --> 00:07:49.759 When the Caliph's eyes fell upon him, 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:51.759 He nearly burst with rage 00:07:51.759 --> 00:07:54.759 And resolved to carry out his threat against him. 00:07:54.759 --> 00:07:57.759 Thereupon Raja' ibn Haywah stood up before him 00:07:57.759 --> 00:07:58.759 And said: 00:07:58.759 --> 00:08:00.759 "O Commander of the Faithful, 00:08:00.759 --> 00:08:02.759 Indeed, Allah, Exalted and Glorious, 00:08:02.759 --> 00:08:05.759 Has granted you what you love in the form of victory and power; 00:08:05.759 --> 00:08:09.759 So grant Allah what He loves in the form of pardon." 00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:11.759 The Caliph's soul was calmed, 00:08:12.759 --> 00:08:14.759 His anger subsided, 00:08:14.759 --> 00:08:16.759 And he pardoned the man, 00:08:16.759 --> 00:08:19.759 Released him, and treated him generously. 00:08:19.759 --> 00:08:22.750 In the year 91 AH, 00:08:22.750 --> 00:08:25.750 Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik performed the Hajj pilgrimage, 00:08:25.750 --> 00:08:28.750 Accompanied by Raja' ibn Haywah. 00:08:28.750 --> 00:08:30.750 When he arrived in Medina, 00:08:30.750 --> 00:08:33.750 They visited its noble Prophetic Mosque, 00:08:33.750 --> 00:08:36.750 Accompanied by Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. 00:08:36.750 --> 00:08:40.750 The Caliph wished to inspect the Prophet's sanctuary 00:08:40.750 --> 00:08:43.750 With careful observation and deliberation, 00:08:43.750 --> 00:08:46.750 As he was determined to expand it 00:08:46.750 --> 00:08:49.750 To two hundred cubits. 00:08:49.750 --> 00:08:51.750 The people were therefore asked to leave the mosque 00:08:51.750 --> 00:08:54.750 So that the Caliph could inspect it unhindered, 00:08:54.750 --> 00:08:57.750 And no one remained inside except Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib, 00:08:57.750 --> 00:09:01.850 As the guards dared not remove him. 00:09:01.850 --> 00:09:04.850 So Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz— 00:09:04.850 --> 00:09:07.850 Who was then governor of Medina— 00:09:07.850 --> 00:09:09.850 Sent an emissary to him, saying: 00:09:09.850 --> 00:09:12.850 "Would that you left the mosque as the other people have done." 00:09:12.850 --> 00:09:15.850 But Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib replied: 00:09:15.850 --> 00:09:18.850 "I will not leave the mosque 00:09:18.850 --> 00:09:22.909 Except at the time I am accustomed to leave it every day." 00:09:22.909 --> 00:09:24.909 It was then said to him: 00:09:24.909 --> 00:09:27.909 "Would that you stood up and greeted the Commander of the Faithful." 00:09:27.909 --> 00:09:29.909 He replied: 00:09:29.909 --> 00:09:34.009 "I have only come here to stand before the Lord of all worlds." 00:09:34.009 --> 00:09:37.009 When Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz learned of this, 00:09:37.009 --> 00:09:40.009 And what had transpired between his messenger and Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib, 00:09:40.009 --> 00:09:45.009 He began steering the Caliph away from the place where Sa'id was sitting, 00:09:45.009 --> 00:09:49.009 While Raja' ibn Haywah kept him occupied with conversation, 00:09:49.009 --> 00:09:53.009 Knowing well the Caliph's fiery temperament and pride. 00:09:53.009 --> 00:09:55.009 But al-Walid said to them: 00:09:55.009 --> 00:09:57.009 "Who is that elder? 00:09:57.009 --> 00:10:00.009 Is he not Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib?" 00:10:00.009 --> 00:10:01.009 He said, 00:10:01.009 --> 00:10:04.009 "Indeed, O Commander of the Faithful." 00:10:04.009 --> 00:10:07.009 And they both began to describe his religious devotion and knowledge, 00:10:07.009 --> 00:10:10.009 along with his immense virtue and piety. 00:10:10.009 --> 00:10:12.009 Then he said, 00:10:12.009 --> 00:10:15.009 "Had the sheikh known of the Commander of the Faithful's presence, 00:10:15.009 --> 00:10:18.009 he would have stood up and greeted him, 00:10:18.009 --> 00:10:21.039 but his eyesight is weak." 00:10:21.039 --> 00:10:23.039 Al-Walid replied, 00:10:23.039 --> 00:10:26.039 "I know as much of his stature as you both mention, 00:10:26.039 --> 00:10:30.100 and it is more fitting that we go to him and greet him." 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:34.100 He then walked through the mosque until he reached him and stood before him, 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:36.100 greeted him, and asked, 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:38.100 "How is the sheikh?" 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:40.100 Yet he did not rise from his place, 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:41.100 and said, 00:10:41.100 --> 00:10:43.100 "By the grace of Allah, 00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:45.100 and to Him belong all praise and favor. 00:10:45.100 --> 00:10:47.100 And how is the Commander of the Faithful? 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:51.100 May Allah guide him to what He loves and is pleased with." 00:10:51.100 --> 00:10:54.100 Al-Walid turned away, saying, 00:10:54.100 --> 00:10:56.100 "This is the remnant of true men; 00:10:56.100 --> 00:11:01.450 this is the remnant of the salaf (early generations) of this Ummah." 00:11:01.450 --> 00:11:05.450 When the caliphate passed to Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik, 00:11:05.450 --> 00:11:08.450 Raja' Ibn Haywah held a standing with him 00:11:08.450 --> 00:11:11.450 that surpassed even his standing with his predecessor. 00:11:11.450 --> 00:11:14.450 Sulayman placed immense trust in him, 00:11:14.450 --> 00:11:17.450 relied upon him heavily, 00:11:17.450 --> 00:11:22.450 and was eager to take his counsel in matters great and small. 00:11:22.450 --> 00:11:26.450 Raja' Ibn Haywah's stances alongside Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik 00:11:26.450 --> 00:11:28.450 were numerous and remarkable; 00:11:28.450 --> 00:11:34.450 yet the greatest among them in significance and the most momentous for Islam and the Muslims 00:11:34.450 --> 00:11:37.450 was his stance regarding the succession to the caliphate, 00:11:37.450 --> 00:11:41.450 and his role in securing the pledge of allegiance for 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz. 00:11:41.450 --> 00:11:44.669 Raja' Ibn Haywah narrated, saying: 00:11:44.669 --> 00:11:48.669 "On the first Friday of the month of Safar, 00:11:48.669 --> 00:11:50.669 in the year 99 AH, 00:11:50.669 --> 00:11:55.669 we were with the Commander of the Faithful, Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik, at Dabiq. 00:11:55.669 --> 00:11:59.669 He had dispatched a massive army toward Constantinople, 00:11:59.669 --> 00:12:03.669 under the command of his brother Maslamah Ibn Abd al-Malik, 00:12:03.669 --> 00:12:05.669 accompanied by his son Dawud 00:12:05.669 --> 00:12:08.669 and a large group from his royal household. 00:12:08.669 --> 00:12:12.669 He had sworn an oath never to leave the plain of Dabiq 00:12:12.669 --> 00:12:17.799 until Allah granted him the conquest of Constantinople or he died trying. 00:12:17.799 --> 00:12:20.799 When the time for the Friday prayer drew near, 00:12:20.799 --> 00:12:23.799 the Caliph performed wudu meticulously, 00:12:23.799 --> 00:12:25.799 donned a green robe, 00:12:25.799 --> 00:12:28.799 wound a green turban around his head, 00:12:28.799 --> 00:12:33.799 and looked in the mirror, pleased with himself and exulting in his youth— 00:12:33.799 --> 00:12:36.799 for he was around forty years of age. 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:40.799 He then went out to lead the people in the Friday prayer, 00:12:40.799 --> 00:12:44.799 but returned from the mosque stricken with a fever. 00:12:44.799 --> 00:12:48.799 Day by day, the illness grew heavier upon him, 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:51.799 and he asked me to remain close by his side. 00:12:51.799 --> 00:12:54.799 I entered his presence on one occasion 00:12:54.799 --> 00:12:57.799 and found him writing a document. 00:12:57.799 --> 00:13:00.799 I asked, 'What are you doing, O Commander of the Faithful?' 00:13:00.799 --> 00:13:05.799 He replied, 'I am writing a covenant designating the succession to my son Ayyub.' 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:08.799 I said, 'O Commander of the Faithful, 00:13:08.799 --> 00:13:12.799 among the things that safeguard a caliph in his grave 00:13:12.799 --> 00:13:15.799 and discharge his duty before his Lord 00:13:15.799 --> 00:13:18.799 is to appoint a righteous man over the people, 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:22.799 yet your son is a boy who has not even reached the age of puberty, 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:26.960 and his righteousness has not yet been distinguished from unfitness.' 00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:30.960 He relented and said, 'It is merely a document I wrote, 00:13:30.960 --> 00:13:33.960 and I intend to seek Allah's guidance (istikharah) regarding it, 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:35.960 without having made a final resolution.' 00:13:35.960 --> 00:13:37.960 He then tore up the document. 00:13:37.960 --> 00:13:40.960 A day or two passed after that, 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:43.960 then he summoned me and said, 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:47.960 'What do you think of my son Dawud, O Abu al-Miqdam?' 00:13:47.960 --> 00:13:50.960 I said, 'He is away with the Muslim armies 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:52.960 in Constantinople, 00:13:52.960 --> 00:13:56.960 and you do not know right now whether he is alive or dead.' 00:13:56.960 --> 00:14:00.960 He asked, 'Whom do you suggest then, O Raja'?' 00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:04.990 I replied, 'The decision is yours, O Commander of the Faithful.' 00:14:04.990 --> 00:14:08.990 In truth, I wanted to see whom he would mention, 00:14:08.990 --> 00:14:11.990 so that I might eliminate them one by one 00:14:11.990 --> 00:14:14.990 until I brought him to 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz. 00:14:16.019 --> 00:14:20.019 He asked, 'How do you view 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz?' 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:23.019 I said, 'By Allah, I have known him 00:14:23.019 --> 00:14:27.019 only to be noble, complete in character, wise, and deeply religious.' 00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:32.019 He said, 'You have spoken the truth; by Allah, he is indeed so. 00:14:32.019 --> 00:14:36.019 But if I appoint him and pass over the sons of Abd al-Malik, 00:14:36.019 --> 00:14:39.019 civil strife will surely erupt, 00:14:39.019 --> 00:14:42.019 and they will never allow him to rule over them.' 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:46.019 I said, 'Then include one of them and place him next in line after him.' 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:49.059 He said, 'You are right, 00:14:49.059 --> 00:14:53.149 for that will calm them and make them accept him.' 00:14:53.149 --> 00:14:57.179 He then took the parchment and wrote in his own hand: 00:14:57.179 --> 00:15:00.279 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:04.279 This is a decree from the servant of Allah, Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik, 00:15:04.279 --> 00:15:08.279 Commander of the Faithful, to 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz: 00:15:08.279 --> 00:15:11.279 I have appointed him to the caliphate after me, 00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:15.279 and after him, it shall pass to Yazid Ibn Abd al-Malik. 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:17.279 Therefore, listen to him and obey, 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:19.279 fear Allah, 00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:23.279 and do not fall into discord lest your enemies covet power over you.' 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:27.340 He then sealed the document and handed it to me. 00:15:27.340 --> 00:15:31.539 Next, he sent for Ka'b Ibn Hamid, the chief of police, 00:15:31.539 --> 00:15:32.539 and said to him, 00:15:32.539 --> 00:15:35.539 'Summon the members of my household and have them assemble, 00:15:35.539 --> 00:15:40.539 inform them that the document in the hand of Raja' Ibn Haywah is my decree, 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:43.539 and command them to pledge allegiance to whoever is named within it.' 00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:45.700 Raja' said: 00:15:45.700 --> 00:15:47.700 "When they had gathered, I said to them, 00:15:47.700 --> 00:15:50.700 'This is the document of the Commander of the Faithful, 00:15:50.700 --> 00:15:53.700 in which he has covenanted the caliphate to his successor, 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.' 00:15:57.700 --> 00:15:59.700 They said, 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:01.700 'We hear and obey the command of the Commander of the Faithful, 00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:04.700 and we will obey his successor after him.' 00:16:04.700 --> 00:16:09.700 They requested permission to enter upon the Commander of the Faithful to greet him, 00:16:09.700 --> 00:16:11.700 and I agreed. 00:16:11.700 --> 00:16:13.700 When they entered before him, 00:16:13.700 --> 00:16:14.700 he said to them, 00:16:14.700 --> 00:16:19.700 'This document in the hand of Raja' Ibn Haywah is indeed my decree, 00:16:19.700 --> 00:16:22.700 and in it is my covenant for the caliph after me. 00:16:22.700 --> 00:16:25.700 So listen and obey whomever I have appointed, 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:29.700 and pledge allegiance to the one named in this document.' 00:16:29.700 --> 00:16:32.700 Thereupon, they began pledging allegiance, man by man. 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:36.700 I then walked out with the sealed document, 00:16:36.700 --> 00:16:42.759 while none of creation knew its contents except myself and the Commander of the Faithful. 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:44.759 When the people dispersed, 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:47.759 'Umar Ibn Abd al-'Aziz came to me and said, 00:16:47.759 --> 00:16:49.759 'O Abu al-Miqdam, 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:53.759 the Commander of the Faithful thinks highly of me, 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:59.759 and he has always shown me great generosity and pure affection. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:04.759 I fear that he may have entrusted something of this matter to me. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:06.759 I adjure you by Allah, 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:09.759 and I ask you by my sanctity and our mutual affection, 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, 00:17:14.759 --> 00:17:19.759 so that I may ask him to excuse me before the opportunity slips away.' 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:20.759 I replied to him, 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:21.759 'No, by Allah! 00:17:21.759 --> 00:17:26.759 I will not tell you a single word of what you ask.' 00:17:26.759 --> 00:17:29.759 He turned away from me in anger. 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:33.920 Soon afterward, Hisham Ibn Abd al-Malik came to me 00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:34.920 and said, 00:17:34.920 --> 00:17:36.920 'O Abu al-Miqdam, 00:17:36.920 --> 00:17:40.920 I have an enduring claim upon your respect and long-standing friendship, 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:43.920 and I will be immensely grateful to you. 00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:47.920 So inform me of what is in the Commander of the Faithful's document: 00:17:47.920 --> 00:17:51.049 if this matter belongs to me, I will remain silent; 00:17:51.049 --> 00:17:54.049 but if it belongs to someone else, I will speak up, 00:17:54.049 --> 00:17:57.049 for someone of my standing is not to be cast aside from this affair. 00:17:57.049 --> 00:17:59.049 You have Allah's covenant 00:17:59.049 --> 00:18:02.049 that I will never utter your name.' 00:18:02.049 --> 00:18:03.049 I said to him, 00:18:03.049 --> 00:18:04.049 'No, by Allah! 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.' 00:18:10.049 --> 00:18:14.049 He turned away, striking one hand against the other, saying, 00:18:14.049 --> 00:18:19.049 'To whom could this matter go if I am cast aside from it? 00:18:19.049 --> 00:18:22.049 Is the caliphate to leave the sons of Abd al-Malik? 00:18:22.049 --> 00:18:26.049 By Allah, I am the foremost among the sons of Abd al-Malik!' 00:18:26.049 --> 00:18:29.339 Then I entered upon Sulayman Ibn Abd al-Malik 00:18:29.339 --> 00:18:32.339 and found him drawing his final breaths. 00:18:32.339 --> 00:18:36.339 Whenever the agony of death overcame him, 00:18:36.339 --> 00:18:38.339 I would turn him toward the Qiblah, 00:18:38.339 --> 00:18:41.339 but he would gasp and say to me, 00:18:41.339 --> 00:18:44.339 'The time has not yet come, O Raja'.' 00:18:44.339 --> 00:18:47.339 I did this twice, 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:50.339 and when it happened the third time, he said, 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:52.339 'Now, O Raja'! 00:18:52.339 --> 00:18:56.339 If you wish to do anything, do it now. 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:59.339 I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, 00:18:59.339 --> 00:19:02.339 and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.' 00:19:02.339 --> 00:19:04.339 So I turned him toward the Qiblah, 00:19:04.339 --> 00:19:07.339 and moments later, he surrendered his soul. 00:19:07.339 --> 00:19:11.809 At that point, I closed his eyes, 00:19:11.809 --> 00:19:14.809 covered him with a green velvet cloth, 00:19:14.809 --> 00:19:17.809 locked the door upon him, and went out. 00:19:17.809 --> 00:19:20.809 His wife sent a messenger to me inquiring about him 00:19:20.809 --> 00:19:23.809 and asking to see him. 00:19:23.809 --> 00:19:25.809 I opened the door slightly for the messenger 00:19:25.809 --> 00:19:28.809 and said to him, 'Look at him; 00:19:28.809 --> 00:19:32.809 he has just fallen asleep after a long sleepless night, 00:19:32.809 --> 00:19:35.809 so leave him be.' The messenger returned and informed her, 00:19:35.809 --> 00:19:39.809 so she accepted it, convinced that he was sleeping. 00:19:39.809 --> 00:19:42.940 I then locked the door securely, 00:19:42.940 --> 00:19:45.940 stationed a guard I trusted at his door, 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:47.940 and instructed him not to move 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:50.940 from his post until I returned, 00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:53.940 and never to permit anyone to enter upon the Caliph, 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:55.940 whoever they might be. 00:19:55.940 --> 00:19:58.940 As I proceeded, the people met me 00:19:58.940 --> 00:20:01.940 and asked, 'How is the Commander of the Faithful?' 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:04.940 I replied, 'Since he fell ill, 00:20:04.940 --> 00:20:07.940 he has never been more tranquil or at peace than he is right now.' 00:20:07.940 --> 00:20:10.940 They said, 'Praise be to Allah.' 00:20:10.940 --> 00:20:14.059 I then sent for Ka'b Ibn Hamid, 00:20:14.059 --> 00:20:16.059 the chief of police, 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:19.059 and he gathered all the members of the Commander of the Faithful's household 00:20:19.059 --> 00:20:21.059 in the mosque of Dabiq. 00:20:21.059 --> 00:20:24.059 I said, 'Pledge allegiance to the one named in the document 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:26.059 of the Commander of the Faithful.' 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:29.059 They said, 'We have already pledged allegiance once; 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:31.059 shall we pledge allegiance again?' 00:20:31.059 --> 00:20:35.059 So I said, "This is the decree of the Commander of the Believers. 00:20:35.059 --> 00:20:37.059 Pledge your allegiance to what he has commanded 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:41.059 and to whoever is named in this sealed document." 00:20:41.059 --> 00:20:44.059 So they pledged allegiance, one by one. 00:20:44.059 --> 00:20:47.059 Once I saw that I had secured the matter completely, 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:50.059 I said, "Your leader has passed away; 00:20:50.059 --> 00:20:54.059 truly, to Allah we belong, and truly, to Him we shall return." 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:57.059 Then I read the document out to them. 00:20:57.059 --> 00:21:01.059 When I reached the mention of 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz, 00:21:01.059 --> 00:21:03.059 Hisham ibn 'Abd al-Malik shouted, 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:06.059 "We will never pledge allegiance to him!" 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:09.059 I replied, "Then by Allah, I will strike off your neck! 00:21:09.059 --> 00:21:11.059 Stand up and pledge allegiance!" 00:21:11.059 --> 00:21:13.059 So he stood up, dragging his feet. 00:21:13.059 --> 00:21:16.059 When he reached 'Umar, he said it 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) 00:21:20.059 --> 00:21:23.059 while uttering the words of return to Allah, grieving that the caliphate had gone to 'Umar 00:21:23.059 --> 00:21:27.059 rather than to himself or his brothers, the sons of 'Abd al-Malik. 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:29.099 'Umar also spoke, 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) 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. 00:21:37.099 --> 00:21:42.099 It was an allegiance through which Allah renewed the youth of Islam 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:46.539 and raised high the beacon of the faith. 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:50.539 Blessed indeed was the Caliph of the Muslims, Sulayman ibn 'Abd al-Malik, 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:53.539 for he absolved himself of his duty before Allah 00:21:53.539 --> 00:21:56.539 by appointing this righteous man. 00:21:56.539 --> 00:22:00.539 And blessed was that honest and loyal advisor, Raja' ibn Haywah, 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:05.569 for he acted sincerely for Allah, His Messenger, and the leaders of the Muslims. 00:22:05.569 --> 00:22:08.569 May Allah reward righteous counselors with all good 00:22:08.569 --> 00:22:10.569 and grant them immense reward; 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. 00:22:21.410 --> 00:22:24.410 "Indeed, among Kindah there are three men 00:22:24.410 --> 00:22:27.950 by whom Allah sends down the rain 00:22:27.950 --> 00:22:29.950 and grants victory over enemies; 00:22:29.950 --> 00:22:34.210 one of them is Raja' ibn Haywah." 00:22:34.210 --> 00:22:37.009 Maslamah ibn 'Abd al-Malik said: 00:22:48.180 --> 00:22:53.180 "They departed, leaving a lingering question in our conscience: 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:58.180 Did ever a star like them rise high and gleam so brightly? 00:22:58.180 --> 00:23:03.180 They filled life with glorious deeds through what they accomplished, 00:23:03.180 --> 00:23:06.180 and the world of mankind flourished in splendor through them."