(Friday Sermon - January 31, 2020 )
Background
The actual name of Hazrat Abu Talha Ansari(ra) was Zaid. He belonged to the Ansar tribe of Khazraj and was the chief of his tribe and he was more commonly known by his title of Abu Talha. The name of Hazrat Abu Talha’s(ra) father was Sahl bin Aswad and the name of his mother was Ubada bint Malik. Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) had the opportunity to pledge initiation at the hands of the Holy Prophet(sa) during the second pledge at Aqabah. He participated alongside the Holy Prophet(sa) in all the battles, including the Battle of Badr. When Hazrat Abu Ubaidah(ra) bin al-Jarrah migrated to Medina, the Holy Prophet(sa) formed a bond of brotherhood between him and Hazrat Abu Talha(ra). Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) was of a wheat colour complexion and of moderate height and he had never dyed his hair or beard; he kept his hair in its natural condition. (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, pp- 183-184, Abu Talha Ansari(ra), Vol. 2, p. 150, Zaid bin Sahl, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2003)
Hazrat Anas(ra) was the stepson of Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) and was the son of his wife’s former husband. Malik bin Nazar was the former husband of Hazrat Umm-e-Sulaim(ra) and following his demise, Hazrat Umm-e-Sulaim(ra) married Hazrat Abu Talha(ra), through whom Abdullah and Umair were born. (al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 2, p. 124, Dar-ul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2010) (al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 383, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Umdatul Qari, Vol. 4, p. 124, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)
Hazrat Anas(ra) narrates that Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) sent a marriage proposal to Umm-e-Sulaim(ra). She replied, “By God, I would not have any objection to marrying someone like yourself. However, you are an idolater and I am a Muslim.” This is a narration from Sunan al-Nasa‘i. She stated that she was a Muslim woman and it was not permissible for her to marry him. She said, “If you were to accept Islam, then I would consider this very act in itself to be my dowry and I would not ask of anything else.” Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) accepted Islam and this was declared to be her dowry. Hazrat Thabit(ra) used to say that, “until this day, I have not heard of any woman’s dowry to be as honourable as that of Umm-e-Sulaim(ra).” (Sunan al-Nasa‘i, Kitab-un-Nikah, Bab At-Tazawwuj Alal-Islam, Hadith 3341)
Participation in Battles
Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) participated alongside the Holy Prophet(sa) in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) narrates that on the day of Badr, the Holy Prophet(sa) passed a verdict that twenty-four chiefs from among the Quraish to be thrown into one of the feculent wells situated in Badr. Whenever the Holy Prophet(sa) was victorious over a people, he would stay in the battleground for three nights. When the Holy Prophet(sa) stayed in Badr and the third day approached, he ordered for the saddle to be placed on his camel, which was subsequently prepared. The Holy Prophet(sa) then set off and the Companions(ra) also joined him. The Companions(ra) stated that they thought that perhaps the Holy Prophet(sa) set off for a particular reason. The Holy Prophet(sa) then reached the well and stood over the well where the bodies of the 24 men had been thrown. This was a closed well. The Holy Prophet(sa) began to call their names as well as the names of their fathers that “O son of such and such person! Had you obeyed Allah and His Messenger, would you not have rejoiced now? Verily, we have received what our Lord had promised us but have you also received what your lord had promised you?” Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) narrates that Hazrat Umar(ra) submitted, “O Messenger(sa) of Allah! What are you saying to these lifeless corpses?” The Holy Prophet(sa) stated, “I swear by Him in Whose hands lies the life of Muhammad! You are not hearing these words any more than they are hearing them.” That is, Allah the Almighty was now relaying these words to them to signify how terrible their end was. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab Qatli Abi Jahl, Hadith 3976)
Hazrat Anas(ra) relates that when the Battle of Uhud took place, people dispersed from the Holy Prophet(sa) after being defeated. Hazrat Abu Talha(ra), however, remained in front of the Holy Prophet(sa) and stood resolutely behind his shield in front of the Holy Prophet(sa). Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) was an archer who would pull the string of his bow very forcefully. He had broken two or three bows that day. In other words, he would pull the bow so forcefully that the string of the bow would snap.
The Holy Prophet(sa) instructed anyone who passed by with a quiver to give it to Abu Talha(ra). In other words, the Holy Prophet(sa) would instruct others that there were plenty of archers and that they should instead give their arrows to Abu Talha(ra), who at that particular moment was standing in front of the Holy Prophet(sa). Hazrat Anas(ra) relates that the Holy Prophet(sa) would raise his head and look at the people, upon which Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) used to say:
بِأَبِیْ أَنْتَ وَأُمِّیْ یَا رَسُوْلَ اللّٰہِ، لَا یُصِیْبُکَ سَہْمٌ، نَحْرِیْ دُوْنَ نَحْرِکَ
“O Messenger(sa) of Allah; may my parents be sacrificed for your sake! Please do not raise your head and look around, lest an arrow of the enemy strikes you. I stand with my chest guarding you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab Idh hammat Ta’ifatani minkum…, Hadith 4096) (al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 383-384, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
Hazrat Anas(ra) bin Malik relates that Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) would shield the Holy Prophet(sa) with the very same shield [that he was using]. Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) was an excellent archer. When he fired an arrow, the Holy Prophet(sa) would look at where it landed. This is a narration from Bukhari. The previous narration was also from Bukhari as well. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jihad, Bab al-Mubhin wa man Yatrusu bi tarsi Sahibah, Hadith 2902)
During the Battle of Uhud, it is mentioned that Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) would recite the following couplet:
وَجْہِیْ لِوَجْہِکَ الْوِقَاءُ
وَنَفْسِیْ لِنَفْسِکَ الْفِدَاءُ
“My face is there to protect your blessed countenance and I am ever ready to offer my life for your sake.” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 4, Musnad Anas bin Malik, Hadith 13781, Alamul Kutub, Beirut, 1998)
Hazrat Anas(ra) bin Malik relates, “The Holy Prophet(sa) said to Hazrat Abu Talha(ra), ‘Search someone from among your young men, who may assist me so that I may embark on the journey to Khaybar.’ Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) placed me (that is Hazrat Anas(ra)), on the back of his mount and took me with him.” Hazrat Anas(ra) relates, “I was a young boy at that time and had almost reached the age of adolescence. I would serve the Holy Prophet(sa) and when the Holy Prophet(sa) would dismount, I would often hear him recite the following prayer:
اَللّٰہُمَّ إِنِّیْ أَعُوْذُبِکَ مِنَ الْہَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْکَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّیْنِ وَغَلَبَۃِ الرِّجَالِ
‘O Allah, I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from being burdened with debt and from being overpowered by others.’” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Wasaya, Bab Istikhdamal Yateem fi As-Safar Wal-Hadar, Hadith 2768)
In another account of Hazrat Anas(ra), which is from Bukhari – as was the previous narration – he states, “When the Holy Prophet(sa) arrived in Medina, he had no servant. Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) held my hand, brought me to the Holy Prophet(sa) and said, ‘O Messenger(sa) of Allah, Anas is an intelligent child, he can be of service to you’”. Hazrat Anas(ra) then says, “I served the Holy Prophet(sa) on journeys and also whilst he remained in his residence. The Holy Prophet(sa) never questioned me as to why I carried out a task the way I did, similarly, if there was a task I failed to undertake, he would never ask me why this was the case.” i.e., he would never admonish him. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jihad wa As-Siyar, Bab Man Ghazaa bi Sabyi lil-Khidmah, Hadith 2893)
Modesty
Hazrat Anas(ra) bin Malik narrates that he was with the Holy Prophet(sa) when he returned from Usfaan (a place situated between Mecca and Medina). At the time, the Holy Prophet(sa) was riding his camel and had seated Hazrat Safia(ra) bint Huyayy behind him. All of a sudden, the camel stumbled, causing them both to fall. Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) immediately dismounted his camel, saying, “O Messenger(sa) of Allah, may I be sacrificed for you!” The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, “First enquire about the lady”. Hazrat Talha(ra) drew a cloth over his face as he went towards Hazrat Safia(ra), and then placed that cloth over her (which shows how much regard he had for purdah). Thereafter, he readied the camel for them to mount once again and they all formed a ring around the Holy Prophet(sa). When they reached near the outskirts of Medina, the Holy Prophet(sa) stated:
آئِبُوْنَ تَائِبُوْنَ عَابِدُوْنَ لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُوْنَ
“We are those who return, who repent before our Lord, who worship Him and praise Him.” The Holy Prophet(sa) continued to recite these words until he entered Medina. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jihad wa As-Siyar, Bab Ma Yaqulu Idhaa raja’a min al-Ghazwi, Hadith 3085)
In regard to this incident, Hazrat Musleh Maud(ra) states:
“On one occasion, the Holy Prophet(sa) was returning from the Battle of Khaybar, and alongside him was his wife, Hazrat Safia(ra), when the camel suddenly stumbled in its path, consequently causing both to fall off. The camel of Hazrat Abu Talha Ansari(ra) was directly behind them, so he, at once, dismounted his camel and said, ‘O Messenger(sa) of Allah! May I be sacrificed for you! Have you sustained any injury?’ When Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) approached close to the Holy Prophet(sa), the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘O Abu Talha! First go to my wife, go see to my wife.’”
The Holy Prophet(sa) said this twice. Hazrat Musleh Maud(ra) explains, “Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) had infinite love for the Holy Prophet(sa) and when the question ever arose about the life of the Holy Prophet(sa), his attention would be on no other person, yet the Holy Prophet(sa) told him to go and check on his wife first.” (Uswa-e-Hasanah, Anwarul Ulum, Vol. 17, p. 126-127)
Hazrat Musleh Maud(ra) presented this account whilst discussing the rights of women.
Hazrat Anas(ra) relates:
“The Holy Prophet(sa) launched an attack on Khaybar and we offered the morning prayer when we had approached near Khaybar, whilst it was still dark. The Holy Prophet(sa) then mounted his camel and as Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) mounted his, I sat behind him on his camel. The Holy Prophet(sa) made his camel run fast in the valley of Khaybar and my knee was rubbing against the thigh of the Holy Prophet(sa) as they were so close to one another. Then, due to the heat, or perhaps for comfort, the Holy Prophet(sa) removed the cloth from his thigh” i.e. lifted it a little from his leg or his knee, “until I could see the whiteness of his thigh.” By “thigh”, it means the part just above the knee. “When the Holy Prophet(sa) entered the village, he stated:
اَللّٰہُ أَکْبَرُ خَرِبَتْ خَیْبَرُ إِنَّا إِذَا نَزَلْنَا بِسَاحَۃِ قَوْمٍ فَسَاءَ صَبَاحُ المُنْذَرِیْنَ
‘Allah is great! Khaybar is destroyed. When we come to a people, it is an evil morning for those who have been warned of the impending wrath of God.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) repeated this phrase three times.”
The Holy Prophet’s(sa) Marriage With Hazrat Safia(ra)
Hazrat Anas(ra) continues, “When people came out of their homes to attend to their work, they said, ‘[It is] Muhammad(sa) – Abdul Aziz used to say that some of our companions also used to add the word khamees (i.e. army) in addition to the name of the Holy Prophet(sa).’”
Hazrat Anas(ra) states, “We conquered it [Khaybar] in battle and the prisoners of war were gathered together. Hazrat Dihyah Kalbi(ra) came and said, ‘O Messenger(sa) of Allah! Grant me a female-servant from among these prisoners.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, ‘Go and choose a female-servant.’ He then chose Huyayy’s daughter, Safia. Thereupon, someone approached the Holy Prophet(sa) and said, ‘O Prophet(sa) of Allah! You have handed the daughter of the chief of the Quraizah and Nadeer tribe, Safia bint Huyayy, to Dihyah; whereas she is only suitable for you.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) then said, ‘Bring both of them here’. So he went and both Safia and Dihyah came to the Holy Prophet(sa). The Holy Prophet(sa) said to Dihyah, ‘Choose any other of the prisoners.’”
Hazrat Anas(ra) relates further, “The Holy Prophet(sa) then freed Hazrat Safia(ra) and later married her.”
Thereafter, Hazrat Thabit(ra) asked Hazrat Anas(ra), “What did Abu Hamza, i.e. the Holy Prophet(sa) give her in dowry?” to which he answered, “He freed her and then married her, so her freedom was the dowry.” And whilst they were still returning from the expedition, Hazrat Umm-e-Sulaim(ra) prepared Hazrat Safia(ra) for the Holy Prophet(sa) and their wedding took place. The following day the Holy Prophet(sa) stated, “If anyone possesses something, let him bring it forward” and he lay out a leather cloth. Some people brought dates, whilst others brought clarified butter.
Abdul Aziz says, “I believe that he also mentioned sattu [parched grain of barley] as well.” He then said that this was then all mixed together and kneaded. This was the walima [marriage] proceedings of the Holy Prophet(sa). (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabus Salat, Bab Yudhkaru fil Fakhdhi, Hadith 371)
In another narration, it is mentioned that after the conquest of Khaybar, Hazrat Safia(ra) fell in the lot of Hazrat Dihyah(ra). Many companions – it was not just one companion, rather many of the companions – came to the Holy Prophet(sa) and spoke words of praise for Hazrat Safia(ra) and also that with respect to her status and rank, it would be befitting if the Holy Prophet(sa) chose her for himself, i.e. to take her in marriage. Thus, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent a message to Hazrat Dihiyah(ra) and took Hazrat Safia(ra) in exchange for seven prisoners. He then instructed Hazrat Umm-e-Sulaim(ra) to look after her. Then, as was mentioned earlier, the Holy Prophet(sa) married Hazrat Safia(ra). (al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 8, pp. 97-98, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
Incident from the Battle of Hunayn
Hazrat Anas bin Malik(ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet(sa) stated, “On this day (i.e. on the day of the Battle of Hunayn) whosoever kills a disbeliever, he will be granted the wealth and possessions of the one he kills [as their spoil from the battle].” On that day, Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) killed 20 disbelievers and took their wealth [as spoils from the battle]. Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) saw Hazrat Umm-e-Sulaim(ra) with a dagger in her hand and asked, “O Umm-e-Sulaim(ra), what is the purpose of this?” She replied, “I swear by God! It is my intention that if a disbeliever passes within range, I would strike this dagger and pierce his abdomen.” Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) informed the Holy Prophet(sa) about this incident. This narration is found in Sunan Abi Daud. (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Jihad, As-Sulbi Yu’ti al-Qatil, Hadith 2718)
Loud Voice
Hazrat Anas(ra) relates that the Holy Prophet(sa) said the sole voice of Abu Talha(ra) was louder and heard above all others in his battalion. The traditions also cite “100 soldiers” and “1,000 soldiers” rather than a battalion – in other words, Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) had a very powerful voice. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 4, p. 286, Musnad Anas bin Malik, Hadith 12119, Alamul Kutub, Beirut, 1998) (al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 4, p. 261, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilimiyyah, Beirut, 1992) (al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 383, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
Demise
In 34 Hijri, Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) passed away at the age of 70 in Medina and his funeral was led by Hazrat Uthman(ra). However, according to the people of Basra, he passed away during a journey on sea and was buried on an island. (al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 385, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
Voluntary Fasts
Hazrat Anas(ra) relates that during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet(sa), Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) would refrain from voluntary fasting as he wanted to preserve his strength when engaging in Jihad. Hazrat Anas(ra) further relates that after the Holy Prophet(sa) passed away, he observed that Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) kept fasts every single day except on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. In other words, he started regularly observing fast after this. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jihad wa as-Siyar, Bab Man Ihktara al-Ghazwa alaa as-Saum, Hadith 2828)
Hospitality
We find the following example of the hospitality of Hazrat Abu Talha(ra). Hazrat Abu Hurairah(ra) narrates that a man came to the Holy Prophet(sa), upon which the Holy Prophet(sa) asked someone to send word to his wives. They replied that they had nothing except water to offer. The Holy Prophet(sa) then asked who would help take care of this guest. Amongst the Ansar, one replied “I will”. Thus, the Ansar took this guest along with him and told his wife to extend the best hospitality possible as this was the guest of the Holy Prophet(sa). His wife replied that they had no food to give as all that was left was barely enough to feed their children. Her husband told her to prepare the remaining food for the guest, light up the oil lamp and when evening dinner time arrived, to put the children to bed. Thus, his wife prepared the food, lit up the oil lamp and tucked the children into bed. Then she got up and acted as if fixing the oil lamp and blew the candlelight off. Thus, the husband and wife made it appear as if they too had been eating, however they, in fact, spent the night on empty stomachs. In the morning, he went to the Holy Prophet(sa) who said, “Today Allah the Almighty smiled upon your act”, or he stated that “Allah the Almighty was extremely pleased with this act of theirs”. Then the following revelation was revealed:
وَیُؤْثِرُوْنَ عَلٰى أَنْفُسِہِمْ وَلَوْ کَانَ بِہِمْ خَصَاصَۃٌ وَمَنْ یُّوْقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِہٖ فَأُولٰئِکَ ہُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ
“…but prefer the Refugees to themselves, even though poverty be their own lot. And whoso is rid of the covetousness of his own soul — it is these who will be successful.” (Surah al-Hashr, Ch.59: V.10) (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al-Ansar, Bab Qaul Allah Yu’thirun Ala Unfusihim, Hadith 3798) (Umdatul Qari, Vol. 16, p. 364, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)
Hazrat Anas(ra) relates that when on one occasion the Holy Prophet(sa) cut his hair, Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) was the first to receive some of it. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Wudu, Bab al-Maa alladhi Yaghsilu bihi al-Insan, Hadith 171)
Blessings of the Prayers of the Holy Prophet(sa)
Hazrat Anas(ra) bin Malik relates, “Once Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) asked Umm-e-Sulaim(ra) whether she had any food, as he had noticed the Holy Prophet’s(sa) voice was faint and therefore assumed that he may be hungry. She replied, ‘Yes’ and then took out some bread made of barley. She placed the bread in the corner of a loose shawl, wrapped it and handed it to me. She also tied a part of the loose shawl around my waist and sent me to the Holy Prophet(sa).” Hazrat Anas(ra) further relates, “I took it with me and found the Holy Prophet(sa) in the mosque where there were some others as well. I stood beside the Holy Prophet(sa) who said, ‘Has Abu Talha sent you?’ ‘Yes indeed’ I replied. ‘Has he sent you with food?’ asked the Holy Prophet(sa) to which I replied, ‘Yes’. The Holy Prophet(sa) instructed the companions who were with him to accompany him.” Instead of eating the food, the Holy Prophet(sa) asked his companions to go with him and also took the food along with him. Hazrat Anas(ra) states, “I was walking ahead of them when I came across Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) and informed him that the Holy Prophet(sa) was coming here. Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) said, ‘O Umm-e-Sulaim(ra), the Holy Prophet(sa) is coming here along with some other people but we do not have enough food to feed them’” (The Holy Prophet(sa) was bringing back the few pieces of bread that were sent). “She replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger(sa) know best.’ Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) quickly left from his home in order to meet the Holy Prophet(sa) as Hazrat Anas(ra) had reached home before them. Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) arrived with the Holy Prophet(sa). The Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘O Umm-e-Sulaim(ra), bring whatever you have to eat.’ She brought bread, which the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed to break into pieces, which she did so. Hazrat Umm-e-Sulaim(ra) poured clarified butter and presented it as a dish. The Holy Prophet(sa) then prayed on the bread in the manner God Almighty desired from him. The Holy Prophet(sa) then said to call ten people inside to eat, they were called inside and they ate until they were content and then they left. The Holy Prophet(sa) then said to let the next ten people inside and they ate until they were content and then they left. The Holy Prophet(sa) then said to let the next ten people inside and they ate until they were content and then they left. The Holy Prophet(sa) then said to let the next ten people inside and they ate until they were content and then they left. Thus, all of them ate to their fill and they totalled approximately 70 or 80 people.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab Alaamaat an-Nubuwwah fi al-Islam, Hadith 3578)
Zeal to Spend in the Way of Allah
Hazrat Anas bin Malik(ra) narrates that Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) owned the most date orchard among all the Ansar in Medina. Among them his most prized orchard was called Berha, which was situated in front of the Mosque and the Holy Prophet(sa) would also visit this orchard and drink from its clean water. Hazrat Anas(ra) narrates that when the following verse was revealed:
لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتّٰى تُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ
“Never shall you attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love; [Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.93]”
Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) stood up and said, “O Messenger(sa) of Allah! God Almighty states:
لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتّٰى تُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ
‘Never shall you attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love. [Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.93]’ From my property, my most beloved possession is the Berha orchard, I offer that as charity in the way of Allah. I am hopeful that God Almighty will accept this virtue and will be beneficial. Thus, you may spend it wherever you wish to do so.” The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, “Well done, this sacrifice is very beneficial” (or perhaps he said) “This sacrifice will be everlasting.” The Holy Prophet(sa) stated, “I have heard your request, I consider it best if you distribute this amongst your close relatives.” Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) replied, “O Messenger(sa) of Allah! I shall do exactly as you have commanded.” And so, Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) distributed this orchard amongst his relatives and the sons of his uncle. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Wasaya, Bab idha Waqaqfa Ardan Lam Yubayyam al-Hudud Fa Huwa Ja‘iz…, Hadith 2769)
Incidents With the Holy Prophet(sa)
Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) has the honour and privilege of being the one who buried one of the daughters of the Holy Prophet(sa) after her demise. On the instructions of the Holy Prophet(sa), Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) descended into the grave and placed her blessed body into the grave. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jana‘iz, Bab Qaul an-Nabi Yu‘adhabul Mayyitu bi Ba‘d…, Hadith 1285)
Hazrat Anas bin Malik(ra) states that on one occasion, a sudden panic spread in Medina. The Holy Prophet(sa) took the horse of Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) which was not swift, or perhaps it moved slowly. When the Holy Prophet(sa) returned, he said to Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) that he found his horse to have moved like a flowing river, i.e. that it moved at great speed. After this incident, no other horse could keep up in pace with the horse of Hazrat Abu Talha(ra). (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jihad wa As-Siyar, Bab al-Farasu al-Qutuf, Hadith 2867)
Hazrat Anas bin Malik(ra) states, “The Holy Prophet(sa) would often sit with us. He would say to my younger brother in a lighthearted manner: ‘O Abu Umair! What did Nuwair do?’ Abu Umair had a pet bird which was called Nuwair. When it died – or perhaps it flew away – Abu Umair was distraught. Hence the Holy Prophet(sa) would say this to him in a light-hearted manner. On many occasions, the Holy Prophet(sa) would be in our home when it would be the time for prayer. Thus, the Holy Prophet(sa) would order the cloth to be laid down which he would usually sit on. Hence, we would clean the cloth and place it for prayers, the Holy Prophet(sa) would stand up to lead the prayers and we would stand in congregation behind him.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitabul Adab, Babul Mazah, Hadith 3720) (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Adab, Bab al-Kunyah li as-Sabiyy…, Hadith 6203)
Hazrat Anas bin Malik(ra) narrates, “When Abdullah bin Abi Talha(ra) Ansari was born (this was the son of Abu Talha(ra) and stepbrother of Hazrat Anas(ra) from his mother’s side) I took him to the Holy Prophet(sa), when, at the time, he was wearing his cloak and was smearing coal tar on his camel. He asked me if I had any dates with me, to which I replied in the affirmative. I gave him a few dates which he placed in his mouth and chewed it well. He then opened the child’s mouth and placed them inside for the baby to suckle on. The baby began to suck on it and the Holy Prophet(sa) then stated, ‘Love for the dates of the Ansar’ i.e. the child also liked them and then the Holy Prophet(sa) named him Abdullah.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Adab, Bab al-Istihbaab Tuhannik al-Maulud…, Hadith 2144)
Demise of His Son
Hazrat Anas bin Malik(ra) states that a child of Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) was ill and when he left the house, the child passed away. When he returned home, he enquired about the health of the child from his wife, Hazrat Umm-e-Sulaim(ra). She replied, “He is now in more comfort than before.” She then gave him dinner and after spending the night together she informed him of the passing of their child and that he ought to go and bury him. Thus, in the morning, Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) mentioned the entire incident to the Holy Prophet(sa), who then prayed for his offspring. Hence after this incident he was blessed with a son. (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Adab, Bab al-Istihbaab Tuhannik al-Maulud…, Hadith 2144)
Hazrat Musleh Maud(ra) explains this incident in the following manner: “It is not difficult for a believer to sacrifice his life [for the sake of God]”. He then said, “With regard to [Asadullah] Ghalib, there are varying opinions about whether or not he used to drink alcohol.” Hazrat Musleh Maud(ra) then says, “He was related to us and I have heard from my grandmothers and [paternal] aunts that he used to drink alcohol. Even a person who was addicted to alcohol could compose the following verses:
جان دی دی ہوئی اسی کی تھی
حق تو یہ ہے کہ حق ادا نہ ہوا
[Though I gave my life for Him, ‘twas His in any case; To speak the truth, I could not repay my dues to Him.]
In other words, if one were to offer their life in the way of Allah the Almighty, it is not an extraordinary feat, for even this life itself was, after all, granted by Him. Hence, to sacrifice one’s life in accordance with the commandment of God Almighty is not considered as a huge sacrifice, because after all his very life belonged to God and thus to return something which one has been entrusted with temporarily does not constitute a sacrifice.”
Hazrat Musleh Maud(ra) states:
“There is an account recorded in the Ahadith [traditions of the Holy Prophet(sa)] regarding a female companion of the Holy Prophet(sa), Umme Sulaim(ra). The Holy Prophet(sa) had tasked her husband, Abu Talha(ra), with some religious duties for which he had to travel outside of the city. At the time, their child was unwell and, naturally, he was very concerned about the condition of the child. When the companion returned, the child had passed away in his absence. The mother placed a sheet of cloth over the child’s body and readied herself by taking a bath and put on some perfume. Then, whilst displaying great courage, she welcomed her husband home. Upon arriving, the companion immediately enquired about the child’s health and she replied that the child was completely at rest. The companion then contently ate his meal, took some rest and also spent the night with his wife.
“It was only after this that the wife then stated, ‘I would like to ask something from you.’ ‘What is it you wish to ask?’ said the husband. His wife then stated, ‘If someone entrusts you with something and then after a while wishes to take it back, should that be returned to him or not?’ Her husband replied, ‘Which foolish person will not return that which was only kept with him as a trust.’ But after all, one may be a little saddened since they have to return it’, said his wife. The husband replied, ‘Why should one be saddened; it was not his to begin with, therefore there is no question of expressing any sadness over it.’ The wife stated, ‘Well, if that is the case then God Almighty, Who only granted this child to us as a trust, has now taken it back.’ Such was the courage and steadfastness that was displayed by the women in that time. Thus, to offer one’s life is not something significant, particularly for a Momin [a believer].” (Taqrir Jalsa Salana Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Lahore 1984, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 21, pp. 53-54)
According to the aforementioned Hadith it states that the Holy Prophet(sa) prayed for them and as a result, they were blessed with many children. They were granted a son very soon after this incident and were granted with so many blessings that according to an Ansari companion’s narration, he saw nine sons of Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) and all of them were Qaris [reciters of the Holy Quran]. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jana‘iz, Bab man lam Yudhhir Huzunahu indal Musibah, Hadith 1301)
Asim Ahwal relates that he saw the Holy Prophet’s(sa) bowl in the possession of Hazrat Anas(ra). A crack had appeared in the bowl and Hazrat Anas(ra) had it repaired using silver. It was a large and beautiful bowl made from a very high-quality wood. Hazrat Anas(ra) related that on many occasions he had the opportunity to present water to the Holy Prophet(sa) from this bowl. Ibn Sireen relates that this bowl was joined together with a metal thread and Hazrat Anas(ra) wished to join it together with a thread made of gold or silver. However, Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) told him that he should not make any changes to what the Holy Prophet(sa) had made himself, thus he abandoned this idea of his. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Athar Bihi, Bab Ash-Shurb min Qadhi an-Nabi wa Aaniyatihi, Hadith 5638)
Prohibition of Alcohol
Hazrat Anas(ra) bin Malik relates that he was presenting alcohol made from dates to Hazrat Abu Talha Ansari(ra), Hazrat Abu Ubaidah(ra) bin al-Jarrah and Hazrat Ubayy(ra) bin Ka’b, when someone arrived and informed them that alcohol had been declared forbidden. Upon hearing this, Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) stated, “O Anas! Break these pots!” Hazrat Anas(ra) states that he hit the bottom of the pots with a stone and smashed them all. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Akhbar al-Ihaad, Bab Ma Jaa’a fi Ijaazati Khabr al-Wahid al-Sudooq fil Adhan, Hadith 7253)
Prepared the Grave of Holy Prophet(sa)
Hazrat Anas(ra) bin Malik relates that when the Holy Prophet(sa) passed away, there was an individual in Medina who would prepare the lahad, [i.e. a grave which has a hollow cavity within the actual grave where the body would be placed], and there was another individual who would prepare a simple grave. The Companions(ra) decided that they would offer the Istikhara prayer before their Lord and then send word to both individuals. Whichever of the two came last, they would not use his services. In other words, they would use the services of the one who would come first. Thus, the message was sent to both individuals and the one who prepared the lahad came first and the Companions(ra) appointed him to prepare the grave of the Holy Prophet(sa). In the commentary of this narration, Allama Busiri states that Hazrat Abu Talha(ra) was the one who would prepare the lahad and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah(ra) bin al-Jarrah was the one who would prepare the simple grave. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitabul Jana‘iz, Bab Maa Jaa‘a fi al-Shiqq, Hadith 1557) (Sharh Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Kitabul Jana‘iz, Bab Maa Jaa‘a fi al-Shiqq, p. 617, Baitul Afkar al-Dawliyyah, Jordan, 2007)