(Friday Sermon - April 17, 2020 )

Background

Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) belonged to the Banu Malik bin Najjar clan of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. His father’s name was Harith bin Rifa‘ah and his mother’s name was Afraa bint Ubaid. Hazrat Mu‘awwiz^(ra) and Hazrat Auf^(ra) were his brothers. All three of these brothers used to be referred to by the name of their father as well as their mother. Hence, they were also known as Banu Afraa [the sons of Afraa].

Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) and his two brothers, Hazrat Auf^(ra) and Hazrat Mu‘awwiz^(ra), participated in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Auf^(ra) and Hazrat Mu‘awwiz^(ra) were martyred during the Battle of Badr, but Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) participated in all the subsequent battles along with the Holy Prophet^(sa) thereafter.

According to one narration, Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) bin Harith and Hazrat Rafay^(ra) bin Malik Zuraqiyy were among the foremost Ansar who accepted the Holy Prophet^(sa) in Mecca. Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) was among those eight Ansar who accepted the Holy Prophet^(sa) at the occasion of the First Pledge at Aqabah in Mecca. Likewise, Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) was also present during the Second Pledge at Aqabah. When Hazrat Ma‘mar bin Harith^(ra) migrated from Mecca to Medina, the Holy Prophet^(sa) established a bond of brotherhood between him and Hazrat Mu‘az bin Harith^(ra). (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, pp. 190-191, Mu‘az bin al-Harith bin Rifa‘ah^(ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 374, Mu‘az bin al-Harith^(ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

The Death of Abu Jahl

[Although the details of Abu Jahl’s death have already been presented in a sermon last year { Friday Sermon - April 5, 2019 }, they will be presented again due to their importance in relation to the account of Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra).]

Salih bin Ibrahim narrates from his grandfather Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf^(ra) who stated:

“While I was standing in the row for the Battle of Badr, I looked to my right and left and found two youths from the Ansar. At the time I wished that I was standing among people who were older and stronger. During this very instance, one of them tapped me and asked, ‘Uncle, do you recognise Abu Jahl?’ I said to him, ‘Yes, my nephew, what do you want with him?’ He replied, ‘I learnt that he would hurl abuse at the Holy Prophet^(sa). I swear by Him in Whose Hands is my life, if I were to see him, my eyes would not move from him, until one of us – whose end has been decreed – dies.’”

Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin ‘Auf^(ra) states:

“These words left me astonished. Then the other one who was standing on the other side tapped me and asked me the same question. After a short while, I saw Abu Jahl circling among the ranks. I said to them, ‘There is that individual about whom you asked.’ As soon as they heard this, they rushed towards him with their swords drawn. They continued their onslaught until he died.

Following this, they returned to the Holy Prophet^(sa) to inform him. The Holy Prophet^(sa) enquired, ‘Which one of you killed him?’ Both of them replied that they had killed him. The Holy Prophet^(sa) then asked, ‘Have you wiped your swords clean?’ They replied that they had not yet done so. The Holy Prophet^(sa) examined their swords and said, ‘Both of you have killed him.’ Following this, he said, ‘His wealth will be given to Mu‘az bin Amr bin Jamooh.’”

Both of them were named Mu‘az, i.e one was called Mu‘az bin Afraa and the other was Mu‘az bin Amr bin Jamooh.

This is a narration of Sahih Bukhari. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fard al-Khumus, Bab Man Lam Yukhammis al-Aslab, Hadith 3141)

Hazrat Anas^(ra) narrates, “On the day of the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet^(sa) said, ‘Who will go to see what became of Abu Jahl?’ Hazrat Ibn Mas‘ud^(ra) went and saw that both sons of Afraa, Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) and Hazrat Mu‘awwiz^(ra) had struck him with their swords to such an extent that he was on the brink of death. Hazrat Ibn Mas‘ud^(ra) went to him and asked if he was Abu Jahl? Hazrat Ibn Mas‘ud narrates, ‘I grabbed Abu Jahl by the beard. Abu Jahl said, “Have you killed a greater man than this”, or he said, “Had his nation killed a greater man than him?”’”

Ahmad bin Yunus has mentioned this in his narration in the following manner, that Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud stated, “You must be Abu Jahl?” This is also a narration of Bukhari. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab Qatl Abi Jahl, Hadith 3962)

In relation to this narration found in Bukhari, Hazrat Sayyid Zain-ul-Abideen Waliullah Shah Sahib^(ra) states in his commentary:

“In some narrations, it is mentioned that the two sons of Afraa, Mu‘az^(ra) and Mu‘awwiz^(ra), attacked Abu Jahl to the extent that he was on the brink of death, and that Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud^(ra) severed his head later on. This is mentioned in Bukhari, in the Book of Maghazi [military expeditions]. Allama Ibn Hajar Asqalani has expressed the possibility of Mu‘awwiz bin Afraa^(ra) having also attacked him [i.e. Abu Jahl] after Mu‘az bin Amr^(ra) and Mu‘az bin Afraa^(ra) had already done so.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Fard al-Khumus, Vol. 5, p. 491, Footnote, Urdu translation Nizarat Ishaat, Rabwah)

With regard to who took part in the killing of Abu Jahl during the Battle of Badr, in one place, we find the details regarding this in the following manner:

Ibn Hisham narrated from Allama Ibn Ishaq, “Mu‘az bin Amr bin Jamooh^(ra) wounded the leg of Abu Jahl, as a result of which he fell down. Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl struck Hazrat Mu‘az’s^(ra) hand with his sword, which was severed as a result of the blow. Either his hand or his arm was cut off. Following this, Mu‘awwiz bin Afraa^(ra) attacked Abu Jahl, as a result of which Abu Jahl fell to the ground but was still alive. Subsequently, Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud^(ra) severed his head from his body.”

When Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud^(ra) was sent by the Holy Prophet^(sa) to find Abu Jahl among those who had been killed, it was then that Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud^(ra) severed his head from his body.

According to a tradition of Sahih Muslim, the two sons of Afraa attacked Abu Jahl so ferociously that he died as a result. Similarly, in Bukhari, under the heading of the killing of Abu Jahl, it has been recorded in a similar manner. Imam Qurtabi expresses doubt that the two sons of Afraa killed Abu Jahl. He says that some narrators confused Mu‘az bin Amr bin Jamooh^(ra). That is, instead of Mu‘az bin Afraa^(ra), it was in fact Mu‘az bin Amr bin Jamooh^(ra) [who killed Abu Jahl], whom people considered to be Mu‘az  bin Afraa^(ra). He says that people have confused Mu‘az bin Amr bin Jamooh^(ra) with Mu‘az bin Afraa^(ra).

Allama Ibn al-Jawzi says that Mu‘az bin Jamooh^(ra) was not from among the progeny of Afraa and that Mu‘az bin Afraa^(ra) was among those individuals, who killed Abu Jahl. Perhaps a brother or paternal uncle of Mu‘az bin Afraa^(ra) was present at that time, or only one of the sons of Afraa were mentioned, but the narrator may have mistakenly mentioned both sons.

Abu Umar states that the more reliable narration is that of Hazrat Anas bin Malik^(ra), in which it is stated that Ibn Afraa killed Abu Jahl, i.e., one of the sons of Afraa. Ibn Theen relates that there is a possibility that both Mu‘az’s – i.e., Mu‘az bin Amr bin Jamooh^(ra) and Mu‘az bin Afraa^(ra) were brothers from the same mother, or that they were foster-brothers [who were weaned by the same wet-nurse]. Allamah Daudi has taken the two sons of Afraa to actually mean Sahl and Suhail and it is said that they were both Mu‘awwiz^(ra) and Mu‘az^(ra). (Umdatul Qari, Vol. 15, pp. 100-101, Darul Fikr, Beirut)

In any case, these are the various accounts in which it is either mentioned that three individuals killed [Abu Jahl] or two individuals and among them there is mention of Hazrat Mu’az bin Harith^(ra).

Whilst describing the circumstances during the Battle of Badr and the incident regarding the killing of Abu Jahl, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^(ra) writes:

“Now, the field of battle was heated by bloodshed. Before the Muslims was a party three times their number, which had entered the field of battle, embellished with all kinds of military equipment, determined to erase all traces of Islam. The poor Muslims were fewer in number, lesser in equipment and struck by shocks of poverty and exile, and as far as apparent means were concerned, they were a prey of a few minutes before the people of Mecca. However, they had become intoxicated in the love of Divine Unity and Prophethood. Living faith is a power in comparison to which there is no greater power on the earth, and it had instilled within them a supernormal strength. At that time, in the field of battle, they were displaying an unparalleled example of service to the faith.

“Every man would step ahead further than the other, and seemed restless to offer his life for the sake of God. Hamza^(ra), Ali^(ra) and Zubair^(ra) cut down rank upon rank of the enemies. The passionate sincerity of the Ansar was such that Abdur Rahman bin Auf^(ra) relates:

‘When the war fully commenced, I looked to my right and left, but found two youngsters from the Ansar to both my sides. Upon seeing them, my heart sank, because in such wars, the outcome of battle greatly depends on the companions to the right and left. Only such a person can fight effectively, whose sides are secure.’

“Abdur Rahman^(ra) adds:

‘I was still in this state of mind, when one of the two boys enquired of me in a whisper, as if to keep it secret from the other, (i.e. lest the boy on the other side should hear them) “O Uncle! Where is that Abu Jahl who would give grief to the Holy Prophet^(sa) in Mecca? I have made an oath with God that I shall either kill him or die trying.” I had not yet responded when the other also whispered the same enquiry. Upon witnessing their courage, I was stunned because Abu Jahl was the general of the army and he was surrounded by veteran warriors. I pointed to him saying, “That is Abu Jahl.”’

Abdur Rahman^(ra) states:

‘I had only to make an indication, when both children sprung forward like hawks and cutting through the enemy ranks reached there in an instant. They executed an assault so swiftly, that Abu Jahl and his comrades were left dumbstruck, and Abu Jahl was mixed to dust.’

“Ikramah bin Abi Jahl also accompanied his father. Although he was unable to save his father, he managed to strike Mu‘az^(ra) from behind in such a manner, that his left arm was cut and began to dangle. Mu‘az^(ra) pursued Ikramah, but he escaped. Since a semi-attached arm was a hindrance in battle, Mu‘az^(ra) tore it forcefully from his body and continued to fight.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra), p. 362)

Whilst relating this incident, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^(ra) states:

“Abu Jahl was that individual, at the birth of whom camels were slaughtered for weeks, and the meat distributed among the people; at the birth of whom Mecca was echoing with the sound of tambourines.”

In other words, on the news of his birth, the people of Mecca were rejoicing with the sound of drums and other musical instruments. He further writes:

“When he was killed during the Battle of Badr, it was two fifteen-year-old youngsters of the Ansar who wounded him. Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud^(ra) relates, ‘When the people were returning from the battle, I went to see those injured in combat.’ He too was from Mecca, so Abu Jahl would have recognised him instantly. He states, ‘I was walking in the battlefield when all of a sudden, I saw Abu Jahl injured and was groaning with pain. When I approached him, he said to me, “It does not seem as if I will survive this, my injury has taken a turn for the worst. Seeing as you are also a Meccan, it is my wish that you kill me to put an end to my suffering. But as you are aware, I am an Arab chief, and it is an Arab custom to cut the neck in a manner that it would be prominent as this is the sign of a slain chief. So I want you to cut my neck in this manner.”’ Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud^(ra) continues, ‘I cut his neck in a manner that it was short (i.e., near to his chin), and said that even your last wish will not be fulfilled.’ Now in terms of their end, observe how humiliating the death of Abu Jahl was, whose head was always held high during his lifetime, but at the time of his death his neck was cut very short and even his final wish was left unfulfilled.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 7, p. 101)

A Gift From the Holy Prophet^(sa)

Hazrat Rubayy bint Mu‘awwiz^(ra) relates:

“My uncle Hazrat Mu‘az bin Afraa^(ra) handed me some fresh dates, and sent me to the Holy Prophet^(sa). The Holy Prophet^(sa) in turn gave me some jewellery which had been gifted to him by the governor of Bahrain.” In another narration Hazrat Rubayy bint Mu‘awwiz^(ra) relates, “My uncle Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) handed me a gift to take to the Holy Prophet^(sa) and in return he gave me some jewellery which he had received from the governor of Bahrain.”

Allamah Ibn Athir writes, “The governor of Bahrain and other kings only started to send gifts to the Holy Prophet^(sa) when Islam had spread and strengthened, and after he had sent letters to these kings. He [the governor] too was among those who sent back letters and also gifts.” (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 192, Mu’az bin al-Harith bin Rifa‘ah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Marriage and Progeny

Hazrat Mu‘az bin Harith^(ra) married four times, the details of which are as follows:

Habibah bint Qais, with whom he had a son named Ubaidullah.

His second wife was Umme Harith bint Sabrah, with whom he had Harith, Auf, Salma, Umm-e-Abdillah and Ramlah. His third wife was Umm-e-Abdillah bint Numair with whom he had Ibrahim and Aisha. His fourth wife was Umm-e-Thabit Ramla bint Harith, with whom he had Sarah.” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 373-374, Mu‘az bin al-Harith^(ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Demise

In his book, Usdul Ghabah, Allamah Ibn Athir has recorded several narrations with regard to the demise of Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra). According to one of these narrations, Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) was wounded in the Battle of Badr and passed away from his injuries after returning to Medina. In another narration, he lived up until the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthman^(ra). According to yet another narration, he lived until the Khilafat of Hazrat Ali^(ra) and he passed away during the Battle of Siffin, which took place between Hazrat Ali^(ra) and Amir Muawiyyah^(ra) in the year 36 AH/37 AH. Hazrat Mu‘az^(ra) fought alongside Hazrat Ali^(ra). (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 191, Mu‘az bin al-Harith bin Rifa‘ah^(ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 3, pp. 1409-1410, Mu‘az bin Afraa, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut)

In any case, there are different accounts with regard to his demise. If one analyses the accounts relating to his marriage and his children, it seems that he lived a long life, that is if these narrations are indeed regarding him.