(Friday Sermon - May 11, 2018 )

His name was Saleh and his title was Shuqraan and he was known by this appellation. Hazrat Saleh Shuqraam^(ra) was a freed Abyssinian slave of Hazrat Abdullah bin Auf^(ra). The Holy Prophet^(sa) chose him for his services and purchased him from Hazrat Abdullah^(ra). According to certain other narrations, Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf^(ra) handed him over without recompense. (Usdul Ghaaba, Vol. 2, p.392, Shuqraan, Darul-Fikr, 2003, Beirut).  

Participation in the Battle of Badr

Hazrat Saleh Shuqraan^(ra) participated in the Battle of Badr. Since he was not free and was in servitude, hence the Holy Prophet^(sa) had not allocated a share to him. The Holy Prophet^(sa) appointed Hazrat Saleh Shuqraan^(ra) to oversee the prisoners. The prisoners he oversaw would themselves give remuneration and so Hazrat Shuqraan^(ra) received even more from the spoils of war. (Sirat ibn Kathir, Baab Zikre Ubaida…pg.750, Darul Kutubil Ilmiyya, 2005, Beirut)

Although he did not have a share allocated from the spoils of war, however, due to this responsibility, he received even more than the spoils of war. After the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet^(sa) set him free. (Usdul Ghaaba, Vol. 2, p.392, Shuqraan, Darul-Fikr, 2003, Beirut)

Ahle Sufa and burial of the Holy Prophet^(sa)

Hazrat Jafir bin Muhammad Sadiq^(ra) says that Hazrat Shuqraan^(ra) was from among the Ahle Sufa [those Companions who had devoted themselves to remain in the company of the Holy Prophet^(sa)]. (Huliyatul Auliya, Vo.1, pg.348, Zikr Ahle Sufa, Maktabtul Imaan Al-Mansoora, 2007).

Hazrat Shuqraan^(ra) was from among the Companions who would sit in the company of the Holy Prophet^(sa). He also had the honour of taking part in the Ghusl [washing ritual of deceased body in Islam] and burial of the Holy Prophet^(sa). (Al-Asabaa, Vol.3, pg.248, Shuqraan, Darul Kutubil Ilmiyya, 2005, Beirut). 

Hazrat Ibn Abbas^(ra) states that the Holy Prophet^(sa) was given Ghusl with his clothes on. Hazrat Ali^(ra), Hazrat Fazal bin Abbas^(ra), Hazat Qutham bin Abbas^(ra), Hazrat Shuqraan^(ra) and Hazrat Owais bin Khawali^(ra) entered the burial area of the Holy Prophet^(sa). (Al-Sunan Al-Kubra li-Al-Bahqi, Vol.4, pg.84, Hadith: 7143, Maktabat-ul-Rushd, 2004, Riyadh). 

About the burial, Hazrat Shuqraan^(ra) states:

“I swear by God, it was I who laid the velvet cloth under the body of the Holy Prophet^(sa).” (Sunan Al-Tirmadhi, Kitab-ul-Janaiz, Hadith: 1047) 

According to a tradition of Sahih Muslim it was a red velvet cloth. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Janaiz, Hadith: 2241). 

This cloth was used by the Holy Prophet^(sa) and so Hazrat Shuqraan^(ra) relates that I did not wish for anyone else to use this cloth after the demise of the Holy Prophet^(sa) as he would often use this as a garment and would lay it out. (Al-Minhaj Bushra, Sahih Muslim Az Imam Noovi, pg.749, Kitabul Janaiz, Hadith: 967, Daru Ibn Hazam, 2002).

A very trustworthy companion

At the Battle of Muraysi, Hazrat Shuqraam^(ra)  was appointed to oversee the wealth, weapons and livestock etc. that were obtained from the opposing camps. (Imta-ul-Asmaa, Vol.6, pg.316, Darul Kutubil Ilmiyya, 1999, Beirut).

He was very trustworthy and dependable and would oversee matters. It is mentioned that Hazrat Umar^(ra) sent Hazrat Abdur Rahman^(ra), who was the son of Hazrat Shuqraan^(ra), towards Hazrat Abu Musa Ashari^(ra). Hazrat Umar^(ra) wrote that I am sending you a pious man, Abdur Rahman son of Saleh Shuqraan, who was a slave freed by the Holy Prophet^(sa). Treat him by keeping in consideration the status the Holy Prophet^(sa) gave to his father. (Al-Asabaa, Vol.5, pg.31, Abdur Rehman bin Shuqraan, Darul Kutubil Ilmiyya, 2005, Beirut).

Such was the great status given to slaves by Islam. Islam not only granted freedom to slaves but in fact also gave respect and dignity to their children. One narration mentions that Hazrat Shuqraan^(ra) took residence in Medina and he also had a home in Basra. He passed away during the era of the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar^(ra). (Al-Asabaa, Vol.3, pg.285, Shuqraan, Darul Kutubil Ilmiyya, 2005, Beirut), (Imta-ul-Asmaa, Vol.6, pg.316, Darul Kutubil Ilmiyya, 1999, Beirut).