Author: Shazia Jilani

Originally known as Suhayb ibn Sinan, Hazrat Suhayb Ar-Rumi (RA) belonged to Al-Uballah. This city was a part of Persian Empire and established on the banks of River Euphrates. He was still a child when caught by Byzantine forces and they sold him as a slave. He lived 20 years of his life as a slave in Byzantine Empire and used to speak Greek instead of Arabic. After escaping from Byzantine, he took refuge in Mecca and became wealthy by engaging himself in trade.

When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started preaching Islam openly, Hazrat Suhayb (RA) took pledge on the hand of Prophet (SAW). This was a start of another difficult period for him and got threats from Quresh. In 622 AD, he was intending to migrate with Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) towards Medina but he was caught by Quresh. Guards were placed over him to stop him running away from Mecca but Allah helped him and he managed to get out of there.  Later the guards of Quresh caught him but he gave them all his wealth and went to join Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Quba.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told Hazrat Suhayb (RA) that his transaction has been fruitful because he preferred to join Prophet (SAW) instead of saving his wealth. He was trustworthy and popular among sahabas. Hazrat Umer (RA) made him Caliph and Imam for prayers during the period between his death and the selection of next Caliph. Hazrat Suhayb (RA) was famous for his generosity and used to help poor and needy people.

Author: Shazia Jilani

Hazrat Salman Al-Farsi (RA) belonged to the area of Faras, which is commonly known as Persia. He was the son of a priest and followed Christianity for several years. In his quest of divine knowledge he used to follow different priests. One of those monks told him that the time has come for the emergence of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who will be the last Prophet of Allah and advised Hazrat Salman (RA) to move towards Hejaz. There came many hardships in his way and at last he came to Medina and accepted Islam.

He is famous because of his suggestion of digging a trench. When different tribes of Arab became united against Muslims and marched towards Medina with an army of ten thousand, Hazrat Salman (RA) suggested digging a trench at one side of city. He observed this war tactic in Persia. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) liked the suggestion of Hazrat Salman (RA), so after the extensive six days work the trench was dug completely and city of Medina became safe from invaders.

Hazrat Salman Farsi (RA) was also the first person to translate Quran into another language because he translated bits of Quran in Persian language. He also has the honor to be included into Ahl e Bait (People of House) on the occasion when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that “He is one of us”. Due to this reason he is equally respected by all maslaks (mainly Shia’ and Sunni’). He died at the age of 78 in the city of Ctesiphon as predicted by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Author: Shazia Jilani

Bilal ibn Rabah who is commonly known as Hazrat Bilal al-Habshi was among those people who accepted Islam in the early stages. He basically belonged to the area of Habash, nowadays known as Ethiopia. Being a slave of Umayyah ibn Khalaf who was indeed a cruel man, Hazrat Bilal’s life was very difficult. His heart was pure so when Holy Prophet (PBUH) starts preaching Islam openly, His teachings inspired Bilal (RA) and he accepted Islam. This was a clear proof that Islam actually provides a scenario in which every person could live in equality.

Accepting Islam does not bring pleasures in the life of Hazrat Bilal (RA), on the contrary the situation was worse for him because he was a slave till that time. Umayyah punished him cruelly to divert from the right path. Umayyah used to tie Bilal (RA) with ropes and drag him on the hot surface, put heavy stones on his chest and cover him with cow hide. In spite of all torture, Hazrat Bilal (RA) stood firm on his faith and keep calling “Ahad, Ahad” which meant “There is no God but Allah”.

He migrated to Yasrab (Medina) and was greatly respected under the new regime of Islam. He was selected as the first Moazan (A person who call Azan) of Islam because of his marvelous voice. Bilal (RA) proved as an asset to Islam because he emerged as a good scholar and fought many battles. It is said that he stopped calling Azan after the death of Holy Prophet (PBUH) because of grief. He was the practical example of Islamic teachings without any doubt.

Author: Shazia Jilani

Originally known as Abdullah ibn Qays, Hazrat Abu Musa Ashaari (RA) belonged to the land of Yemen. He was among the early converters of Islam and accepted Islam in that period when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was still in Mecca. Then he returned to Yemen and started preaching Islam and returned to Holy Prophet (PBUH) at the end of Khyber expedition with a small group of people from his area who had accepted Islam. His re-appearance after such a long time was welcomed by Prophet (SAW) and His companions.

Hazrat Abu Musa Ashaari (RA) became popular in Medina because of his certain qualities. He was a great faqih, naturally gifted with extraordinary intelligence and wisdom. He also earned respect as a judge because his judgments were sound and wise. These qualities led him to be a good politician and he was appointed as the governor of Yemen by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He also got the governorship of Kufa and Basra during the caliphates of Hazrat Umer (RA) and Hazrat Usman (RA).

We can see a small dispute in history regarding Hazrat Abu Musa Ashaari (RA) during the caliphate of Hazrat Ali (RA) when he was disposed from the post of governor of Kufa. There was no question about his skills as a fighter as he joined many military expeditions and played part in the victory of Muslims. He led Muslim army in the Battle of Tustar which was fought against Sasanian Empire; here he showed his skills as a military commander. However, after the Battle of Siffin he returned to Hejaz, retired himself from the public affairs, and died in 662 or 672 AD.

Author: Shazia Jilani

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) belonged to the tribe of Banu Daws, which was located in Yemen, on the coast of Red Sea. His original name was Abd ul-Shams that changed to Abd ul-Rehman by Holy Prophet (PBUH) but he is commonly known as Abu Hurairah due to a cat, which he had in his childhood. He embraced Islam through the chief of his tribe but it was not until 629 AD when he joined with Holy Prophet (PBUH) and moved to Medina.

A common Muslim is familiar with the name of Abu Hurairah (RA) because it came in the references of most ahadis. He is one of the key narrators of ahadis from the era of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). According to an estimate, he narrated more than five thousand ahadis, which we can easily find in authentic books such as Sahih Al-Bukhari or Sahih Al-Muslim. Many scholars wrote that Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) lived a simple and humble life. He is one of the trustworthy narrators of ahadis.

This is also a fact that Abu Hurairah’s narrations did not gain confidence among some maslaks because he favored Muawiah in place of Hazrat Ali (RA). Other than this disagreement, nobody can deny his work for the preservation of ahadis and his closeness to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Once Abu Hurairah (RA) came to Holy Prophet, crying because his mother was refusing to accept Islam and he was very worried. At that occasion, Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) himself prayed to Allah. Allah guided his mother to the right path. There can be no question on the luck of those for whom Holy Prophet (PBUH) have prayed.

In the beginning of Islam whoever accepted islam, was subjected to severe afflictions.  Parents of hadrat Ammar  R.A. parents  were among those who bore the wrath of the disbeliever. Ammar R.A mother was first Martyr lady of Islam.

Their parents were tormented on the burning sand of Mecca. Mohammad s.a would  enjoin patience and would  give happy tidings of the paradise. Hadrat Ammar  R.A.  father died  after a prolonged sufferings  at the hand of kafirs and  his beloved mother Sumayya r.a  was killed by Abhu Jahl. He pierced spear in her private part of the body causing her death. Though she was very old, she refused to renounce the Islam even after great torture in the hand of enemy of Islam As mentioned  above, she was the first blessed lady of Islam who meet the martyrdom in the cause of Islam.

The first mosque in Quba(a place in Madina) was built by Ammar R.A.

After Allah’s order when Prophet s.a. emigrated to Madinah, Ammar built a structure for him where he could offer Salaat. He first collected the stones and built the masjid in Quba. He was a brave soldier of Islam; he fought again the enemies of Islam with great zeal and courage.

While he was in the thick of battle when he said with joy, “I am to meet my friend very soon; I am to meet Mohammad s.a. and his companion”. He then asked for water but he was offered some milk he took it and told, I heard the Prophet s.a. saying to me that milk will be your last drink of your this world. Then he thrown himself into the thick of enemy and fought till he met the coveted martyrdom.

When the name of reputed Sahaba of Islam is counted, hadrat  Bilal R.A. name comes among them. He was among those glittering stars of Islam who not only stood steadfast in the path of Allah but also gained the reputation of being the dear muezzin of Prophet S.a.

Hazrat Bilall  R. A is one of the best known of the bunch of Shabah as muezzin of prophet’s s.a Mosque.

Before he joined Islam, he was an Abyssinian slave who was an Idolater. His coming into the fold of Islam was obviously not liked by his disbeliever master. And he was therefore, tortured mercilessly  by Umaiya Bin khalaf who was the cruel enemy of Islam , would make him lie down on the burning sand at Mid-day day and would place a heavy stone on his chest so that he could not even move a limb.  HE would then say to  him “Renounce Islam or  swelter and die“. Even this afflictions bilal R. A  would exclaim “ Ahad- The One Allah. Ahad- The one Allah”. He was shipped at night and with the cuts thus received, made to lie on the burning ground during the day to make him  either forsake Islam or to die a lingering death from wounds. The torturers would get tired and take turns Abuzahal , umaya and others. And vie with one another in afflicting more and more painful punishment, but Hazrat bilal R.a Would not  yield.

At last Abu Bkara r.a bought his freedom and he became a free Muslim. As Islam taught implicitly the  oneness of the almighty creator. While the idolators of Mecca believed in many Gods and Goddess with minor Godling. Therefore Bilal R.a repeat “Ahad –the one , Ahad –the one”.

Its clear how  he loved Allah and how rock solid his Imaan was. Allah was so dear to him that no amount of persectucation cold distracts him from reciting his holy name. It’s said that the urchins of Mecca would drag him in the streets with  his words, “Ahad , Ahad (the one )” ringing in their wake.

Look how Allah rewarded his steadfastness. He was to have the honor of becoming the prophet’s Muezzin. He was always to remain with him  at home and abroad to  call out very hard from him to continue his stay in Medina. Where he would miss him at every step and in every corner. He there for left Medina, and decided to pass  the rest of His life  in  striving in the path of Allah.

Once he beheld the prophet, s.a.  n his dream saying to him, “O Bilal how is it that you never visit me.” No sooner did he get  the he set out for madina. On reaching there hadrat Hassan and hadrat Husain R.a. The prophet’s s.a grand sons requested him to cal out the Azzan.

He could not refuse them  for they were very dear  to him. But as soon as Azzan was called, the peoples of Madina, cried openly out of their anguish at the memory of the happy old days of the prophet s.a time. Even the women came out of their houses weeping. Hadrat Bilal left Madina again after a few days and died in Damascus in 20 A.h

From the life of Bilal R.A. It’s clear that If Allah bless with his mercy, no enemy of the world can budge him from the path of Islam.

Zubair bin-ul-Awam (RA) was one of the closest related persons to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He (RA) is one of the most famous and respectable personalities of Islam. He (RA) served his whole life for the betterment and establishment of Islam. He (RA) was one of the favorite companions of Rasool Allah (SAW) who awarded Zubair with the title of Hawari-e-Rasul meaning the disciple of the messenger of Allah.

He (RA) was related to the Holy Prophet (SAW) in many ways. Firstly, he (RA) was the cousin of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as he was the son of Safiyah (RA) the aunt of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Khadijatul Kubra the wife of the Holy Prophet (SAW) was the aunt of Zubair bin-ul-Awam (RA) so the Holy Prophet (SAW) became his uncle. He (RA) was also the brother-in-law of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as the sister of Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was married to him. He (RA) also had ancestral relations with the Holy prophet (SAW). Belonging to a family, which was very close to the Holy Prophet (SAW) it was quite natural that he also accepted and embraced Islam. He (RA) accepted Islam between the age of 12 and 16 years. His father died when Zubair (RA) was still a child. His mother Safiyah (RA) made him a tough and brave man.

The Bravery of Zubair (RA)

Hazrat Zubair (RA) was a brave person since childhood and there are many examples of his immaculate bravery. As Rasool Allah (SAW) declared that, he was the one who raised the first sword against the antagonists in Makah when he was just sixteen. He had deep love and affection for the last prophet and his religious preaching.

Zubair and the Zuberi Clan

The history of Zubairi family is traceable to the time of Last Prophet of Islam. Hazrat Zubair had a large family with 21 children out of 12 were male and 9 of them were female children. Three of his male children became much popular as one became the caliph at Makkah called Abdullah, second son became the governor of Kufa called Musab and the third son became the famous historian of Islam called Urwa. Zubairi clan is present in the Indian Sub continent, Middle East, UK and USA. One of the famous saints in Zubairi clan is called Hazrat Sheikh Samauddin Zuberi from the 14^th century AD.

Author: Shazia Jilani

Tallha bin Ubaidullah (RA) was one of the closest followers of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and had his family roots to the Taym section of the Quarish tribe. He (RA) was a close friend of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA). He (RA) belonged to a rich family and was a successful businessperson with earning more than thousand dinars per day. He (RA) owned lot of real estate property in Medina and had many servants.

Talha bin Ubaidullah (RA) was one of the first few Muslims who turned to the teachings of Islam and followed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He (RA) accepted Islam as a religion at a very young age of eighteen years and was one of the very few people in Mecca who were able to read and write at the advent of Islam. He (RA) was one of the six people who were believed to be the successors of Hazrat Umar (RA) as the third caliph of Islam. He (RA) played an important role in the battle of Uhud. He (RA) was wounded badly in his attempt to save the Holy Prophet (SAW) but did not back out and saved the Holy Prophet (SAW) from the ditch in which He (SAW) had fallen. He (RA) also played a vital part in the battle of Trench. He (RA) was one of those few people to whom the Holy Prophet (SAW) had given the tidings of paradise.

“Tallha the Good”

Talha bin Ubaidullah (RA) well known for his generosity and charitable nature helped people with problems, those experiencing hardships of life and widows. Due to his legendary kindness and open heartedness, he was called “Talha the Generous”!

Author: Shazia Jilani