(Friday Sermon - April 12, 2019 )
Background and Participation in Battles
The next companion is Hazrat Safwan(ra). His father’s name was Wahab bin Rabi‘ah. The title of Hazrat Safwan(ra) was Abu Amr. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Harith bin Fehr. His father’s name was Wahab bin Rabi‘ah. In one of the narrations, his father’s name has also been recorded as “Uhaib”. His mother’s name was Da’d bint Hajdam, who was more commonly known as “Baidaa”. For this reason, Hazrat Safwan(ra) was also referred to as Ibn Baidaa [the son of Baidaa]. He was the brother of Hazrat Sahl(ra) and Hazrat Suhail(ra). These two brothers are different from Sahl and Suhail, from whom the Holy Prophet(sa) bought a plot of land for Masjid-e-Nabawi. The Holy Prophet(sa) established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Safwan(ra) and Hazrat Rafay bin Mu‘alla(ra). According to another narration, the bond was established with Hazrat Rafay bin Ajlaan(ra). There are varying opinions regarding his demise. According to some, he was martyred by Tuaimah bin Adiyy during the Battle of Badr. According to another narration he was not martyred during the Battle of Badr, rather he participated in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophet(sa) including the Battle of Badr.
With regards to Hazrat Safwan(ra), it is also reported in one narration that he returned to Mecca after the Battle of Badr and after some time returned to Medina. We also find a narration which states that he stayed in Mecca until the Victory of Mecca. Hazrat Ibn Abbas(ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet(sa) included him in the expedition of Abdullah bin Jahsh and sent him towards Abwaa. According to various narrations, he is reported to have passed away in 18 AH, 30 AH or 38 AH. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 33, Safwan bin Wahab, Dar-ul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Al-Asaab fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, pp. 358-359, Safwan bin Wahab, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 318, Safwan bin Baidha, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
In any case, it is evident from all the aforementioned narrations that he was a Badri Companion.