(Friday Sermon - August 24, 2018 )

Background

Hunaif was the name of his father and the name of his mother was Hind bint Rafi. He had two brothers from his mother’s side, Abdullah and Nauman and his children were, Asad, Uthman and Sa‘d. The children remained in Medina and Baghdad.

The Holy Prophet^(sa) formed a bond of brotherhood between him and Hazrat Ali^(ra). He accompanied the Holy Prophet^(sa) in all battles including the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Sahl^(ra) bin Hunaif had a lofty status but did not have a strong financial position.

Hazrat Abu Uyainah relates that he heard Zuhri say that from the war booty of Banu Nazir the Holy Prophet^(sa) gave nothing to any Ansar Companion except Hazrat Sahl^(ra) bin Hunaif and Hazrat Abu Dajana as they both were in need of financial support. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra Li-ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 247, Dar-ul-Hiyaa Al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996). (Al-Isti‘aab Fi Marfiti Al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 223, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

Eradicating idolatry amongst his people

Ibn Ishaaq states that after the migration of the Holy Prophet to Medina, Hazrat Ali^(ra) remained in Mecca for three days and nights. He returned all the possessions to those people who had given them to the Holy Prophet^(sa) to look after. Following this he came and joined the Holy Prophet^(sa) and stayed in the house of Qulthum bin Hidam.

During the journey, Hazrat Ali^(ra) remained in Quba for a few nights. He [Hazrat Ali^(ra)] states “In Quba there was a Muslim woman who was unmarried. I saw that each night a man would come to her house and knock on her door. Upon this the woman would come out and the man would give her something and she would take it.” He states “I became suspicious regarding this and said to her, ‘O virtuous woman! Who is the person who comes and knocks on your door every night; when you attend to the door he gives you something, about which I have no knowledge? You are a Muslim woman who does not have a husband. Therefore, coming out at night and meeting a man or taking something from him is not appropriate.’ She answered, ‘The person is Sahl bin Hunaif. He is aware that I am alone and have no one with me. Therefore, when night falls, he smashes the idols of his people and brings them to me so I can burn them.’”

Ibn Ishaaq states that Hazrat Ali^(ra) would mention this incident of Hazrat Sahl^(ra) up until his demise of how he [i.e. Hazrat Sahl^(ra)] used this method to eradicate idolatry amongst his people. (Al-Sira Al-Nabawiyya Li ibn-e-Hisham, p. 348,  Hijrat Al-Rasool, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

Guarding the Prophet^(sa) during Battle of Uhud

Hazrat Sahl^(ra) bin Hunaif was amongst those great companions who remained steadfast during the Battle of Uhud and took the pledge of allegiance to offer his life at the hand of the Holy Prophet^(sa).

He stood like a shield in front of the Holy Prophet^(sa) at a time when the severe attack of the opponents caused the Muslims to disperse. That day, he shot arrows on behalf of the Holy Prophet^(sa). The Holy Prophet^(sa) stated:

نَبِّلُوْا سَهْلًا فَاِنَّهٗ سَهْلٌ

Meaning “Give arrows to Sahl as it is easy for him to shoot arrows”. (Al-Isti‘aab Fi Marfiti Al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 223, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

Perusing an enemy

It is narrated that there was a Jewish man by the name Ghazool, who was an expert spearman and could throw a spear further than anyone. During the siege of Banu Nazir, a tent was prepared for the Holy Prophet^(sa). Ghazool threw a spear that reached the tent. The position of the tent was moved under the instructions of the Holy Prophet^(sa). After this Hazrat Ali^(ra) went in pursuit of the aforementioned individual.

Meanwhile, Ghazool along with a small group were planning to kill one of the Muslim chiefs. Hazrat Ali^(ra) ambushed him and killed the spearman and presented his head to the Holy Prophet^(sa). Those who were with him fled.

The Holy Prophet^(sa) sent an expedition of ten men under the leadership of Hazrat Ali^(ra) to punish them. They followed them and killed them because they had been secretly planning to carry out an attack and other killings. Hazrat Abu Dajana^(ra) and Hazrat Sahl^(ra) bin Hunaif were amongst the group which sent under the leadership of Hazrat Ali^(ra). (Al-Sira Al-Halbiyyah, Vol. 2, p. 359, Ghazwa Banu Nazir, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1999)

In those days, there was no single day that would pass by in peace. The enemy were waiting to strike at every moment. Thus, this was the appropriate punishment for such bitter enemies.

Victory of Khaybar

After the victory at Khaybar, the Holy Prophet^(sa) headed towards Wadi-ul-Qara. When the army of the Holy Prophet^(sa) reached Wadi-ul-Qurra, the Jews were already prepared for war. They welcomed the Muslim army with a flurry of arrows.

A servant of the Holy Prophet^(sa) named Midam was taking off the saddle of the camel of the Holy Prophet^(sa) when a stray arrow hit him, killing him instantly. The Holy Prophet^(sa) immediately instructed to form rows for battle. He granted the flag to Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abadah and from the other flags gave one flag to Hazrat Khubaab^(ra) bin Munzir, the second to Hazrat Sahl^(ra) bin Hunaif and the third to Hazrat Abbad bin Bishr.

In result of this expedition, the whole area came under the Muslims and God granted victory to the Muslims along with an abundance from the spoils of war.

The Holy Prophet^(sa) remained there for four days and distributed the spoils of war amongst the Companions and left the land and orchards with the Jews.

Despite the victory, he left the land and orchards with those people, but appointed a collector. This is a prime example of the kind treatment, even with the enemy that the possession of land remained with them and some tax was gathered from it.

In accordance with the customs of that time, if one forcefully took over the possessions and land, it was not deemed wrong; however, the Holy Prophet^(sa) showed compassion towards them. (Shara Zarqani Ala Mawahib Al-Duniya, Vol. 3, pp. 301-303, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996), (Imtia-ul-Asmaa, Vol. 1, pp. 325-326, Ghazwa Wadiye Al-Qura, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1999).

Regarding this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^(ra) writes in his book, Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyyeen [The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets^(sa)],

“When the land of Syria was conquered and the Christian population that lived there came under the Islamic State, one day, it so happened that two companions of the Holy Prophet^(sa), Sahl bin Hunaif^(ra) and Qais bin Sa‘d^(ra) were sitting somewhere in the city of Qadsiyyah when a Christian funeral procession happened to pass by. Upon witnessing this, both Companions stood up in reverence. Another Muslim who had not remained in the company of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and was unaware of the moral qualities taught by Islam, became very amazed and addressed Sahl^(ra)and Qais^(ra) in astonishment saying, ‘This is the funeral procession of a dhimmi [a non-Muslim, living in an Islamic State] Christian.’ They responded ‘Indeed! We are aware, but the practice of the Holy Prophet^(sa) was that he would stand up even for the funeral procession of a non-Muslim, and he would say, ‘Do they not possess a soul created by God?’” (Sirat Khatam-ul-Nabiyyeen, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra), pp. 656-657)

Thus, this is one way of honouring humanity and ending enmity between religions and these foundations were laid by the Holy Prophet^(sa) and later the Companions adopted the same practice.

Battle of Siffin

It has been narrated from Abu Wail that they were in Siffin when Hazrat Sahl^(ra) bin Hunaif stood up and said, “O People! Consider yourself to be in error, for we were with the Holy Prophet^(sa) at the time of Hudaibiya. If we had noticed the conditions of battle, we certainly would have engaged in it.

Hazrat Umar^(ra) bin Khattab then arrived (this is during the incident of Hudaibiya) and said, ‘O Prophet of Allah! Are we not on the right path and the disbelievers in the wrong?’ The Holy Prophet^(sa) replied, ‘Indeed!’ He then said, ‘Are those who have been martyred from among us not in paradise and theirs in the hell-fire?’ The Holy Prophet^(sa) replied, ‘Indeed’. Hazrat Umar^(ra) then said, ‘Why shall we then be subjected to such humiliation in regard to our faith by entering this treaty on the day of Hudaibiya? Should we not return back until God settles the matter between us?’

The Holy Prophet^(sa) said, ‘O son of Khattab! I am the messenger of God and He shall never cause me to perish.’ Hazrat Umar^(ra) then went to Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) and repeated to him what he said to the Holy Prophet^(sa). Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) replied, ‘He is the messenger of God, and He shall never cause him to perish.’ (Bukhari then further writes in the Hadith) It was then that Surah Al-Fath was revealed and the Holy Prophet^(sa) recited the entire Surah to Hazrat Umar^(ra). Hazrat Umar^(ra) then said, ‘O messenger of God! Is this the victory?’ The Holy Prophet^(sa) replied, ‘Yes.’” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Jizya, Baab Ithmun Man Aahada Thuma Ghadara, Hadith no. 3182)

Under the commentary of this Hadith, Hazrat Syed Waliullah Shah Sahib writes, “Siffin is a place located between Iraq and Syria where the clash between Hazrat Ali^(ra) and Hazrat Muawiya^(ra)took place. When Hazrat Muawiya’s army realised they were on the verge of defeat, they held the Holy Quran high up and said that let the Holy Quran decide between them. Thus, upon the declaration of Hazrat Ali^(ra), the battle came to an end. Some people objected to the declaration for ending the battle. Hazrat Sahl^(ra) was on the side of Hazrat Ali^(ra) and said to them:

اِتَّهِمُوْا اَنْفُسَكُمْ

That is, they should not consider their opinions to be correct because prior to this, Hazrat Umar^(ra) also developed a misunderstanding but as the events unfolded, they ultimately proved that the steadfastness of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and honouring his treaty was truly blessed and he was safeguarded from the dangers.

He then said that what was being considered by some to be a sign of weakness and humiliation then, in turn became a source of establishing their strength and honour. The Holy Prophet^(sa) kept regard of every aspect of the treaty, regardless of how big or small”. (Sharah Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hazrat Syed Zain-ul-Abideen Walliullah Shah Sahib, Vol. 5, p. 543)

Although in this particular instance they were betrayed and the desired outcome was not achieved, however a believer should always think positively and one should make every effort to whatever attempt is made to form a treaty for the sake of God Almighty – to oversee all aspects of it is the true hallmark of a believer.

Having said that, one should not allow themselves to be betrayed a second time. In that earlier instance [of Hudaibiyya], God Almighty had informed the Holy Prophet^(sa) and it was in light of it that Hazrat Sahl^(ra) said that if a treaty was being made and the battle would end as a result, then they too should keep the Treaty of Hudaibiyya in mind and pursue for a treaty.

Delegate of the Holy Prophet^(sa)

Hazrat Sahl^(ra) bin Hunaif relates, “The Holy Prophet^(sa) said to me, ‘You are my envoy being sent to Mecca. Go to them and convey my greetings of Salam. Tell them that the Holy Prophet^(sa) instructs them about three things: not to take oath in the name of their forefathers for that is forbidden and a sin; when they sit to relieve themselves, they should not turn their backs in the direction of the Qibla (they should face north and south); thirdly, after relieving oneself, one should not use bones or dung.” (Al-Mustadrik Ala Sahihain, Zikr Munaqab Sahl bin Hunaif, Hadith no. 5837, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002)

There is great wisdom in this for they carry various kinds of bacteria which can cause a risk for infection. In this day and age, tissue and water are commonly used but in those days stones and bones were used from the jungle and the Holy Prophet^(sa) forbid them from this practise.

As it has been just mentioned in relation to Hazrat Ali^(ra) that he said that his sword did a splendid job and the Holy Prophet^(sa) also said the same about Hazrat Asim^(ra) bin Thabit and Hazrat Sahl^(ra) bin Hunaif that their swords also did a splendid job.

When Hazrat Ali^(ra)’s bait was being taken, even then Hazrat Sahl^(ra) was with him. When Hazrat Ali^(ra) left for Basra, he appointed behind him Hazrat Sahl^(ra) as his representative. He took part in the Battle of Siffin alongside Hazrat Ali^(ra). Hazrat Ali^(ra) also appointed him as the ruler for Iran, however the people there did not accept him and so Hazrat Ali^(ra) then sent Hazrat Ziad who they liked. He established a treaty with them, and they also agreed to pay the tax. They did not expel him [Hazrat Sahl^(ra)] because, God forbid, he was doing something wrong, rather everyone has different personalities and different attributes and thus Hazrat Ziad was better able to deal with the people of Iran and was able to form a treaty and also obtain the tax. (Al-Isti‘aab Fi Marfiti Al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 223, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

Demise

Hazrat Sahl^(ra) bin Hunaif passed away in Kufa in 38 AH, whilst returning from the Battle of Siffin. Hazrat Ali^(ra) led his funeral prayer. Hazrat Hanash^(ra) bin Muattar relates, “When Hazrat Sahl^(ra)bin Hunaif passed away, Hazrat Ali^(ra) came out in the open plain to lead his funeral prayer.

Hazrat Ali^(ra) recited ‘Allahu Akbar’ [God is the greatest] six times, however, some people did not approve of this. They were then informed by him that Hazrat Sahl^(ra) was a companion who had taken part in the Battle of Badr.

When his funeral procession reached Jabana, Hazrat Qurza^(ra) bin Ka‘b, along with some companions, met us. They submitted before Hazrat Ali^(ra) and said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful! We were not able to be part of the funeral prayer for Hazrat Sahl.’ Upon this, Hazrat Ali^(ra) gave them permission to offer his funeral prayer and so he offered the funeral prayer of Hazrat Sahl^(ra) under the imamat [lead] of Hazrat Qurza.” (Al-Mustadrik Ala Sahihain, Zikr Munaqab Sahl bin Hunaif, Hadith no. 5827, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002), (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra Li-ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 248, Dar-e-Ihyaa, Al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996)