(Friday Sermon - March 29, 2019 )

Background

Hazrat Salim Maula Abi Huzaifah^(ra). His title was Abu Abdullah and his father’s name was Ma‘qil. He lived in an area called Istakhr, which is situated in Iran. He is counted among the prominent companions of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and he was also among the Muhajireen [Muslims who migrated from Mecca to Medina]. He migrated to Medina prior to the Holy Prophet’s^(sa) migration. The Holy Prophet^(sa) formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Salim and Mu‘az bin Maidh. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, pp. 382-383, Salim Maula Abi Huzaifah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003).

Hazrat Salim^(ra) was the slave of Thubaita bint Ya‘ar, the wife of Hazrat Abu Huzaifah^(ra). In those days, regarding the slaves, there was a general rule that if a slave was released and passed away, then his wealth would be inherited by the owner who freed the slave. However, a Sa‘iba was a slave that was freed by their master for the sake of God Almighty and thus, the person who freed him no longer had any right over their wealth after he passed away. Hazrat Salim^(ra) was also freed as a Sa‘iba. Thereafter, Hazrat Abu Huzaifah^(ra) took Hazrat Salim^(ra) as his adopted son. Thus, he was also known as Salim bin Abi Huzaifah. Hazrat Abu Huzaifah^(ra) wedded him to his niece, Fatima bint Waleed. (Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 63, Salim Maula Abu Huzaifah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990) (Mustadrak Al’a Sahihain [translation], Vol. 4, p. 434 footnote, Ishtiaq. A. Mushtaq Printers, Lahore, 2012)

God Almighty revealed the following verse:

اُدۡعُوۡہُمۡ لِاٰبَآئِہِمۡ ہُوَ اَقۡسَطُ عِنۡدَ اللّٰہِ فَاِنۡ لَّمۡ تَعۡلَمُوۡا اٰبَآءَہُمۡ فَاِخۡوَانُکُمۡ فِی الدِّیۡنِ وَ مَوَالِیۡکُمۡ ؕ وَ لَیۡسَ عَلَیۡکُمۡ جُنَاحٌ فِیۡمَا اَخۡطَاۡتُمۡ بِہٖ ۙ وَ لٰکِنۡ مَّا تَعَمّدَتۡ قُلُوۡبُکُمۡ ؕ وَ کَانَ اللّٰہُ غَفُوۡرًا رَّحِیۡمًا

The translation is as follows:

“Call them by the names of their fathers. That is more equitable in the sight of Allah. But if you know not their fathers, then they are your brothers in faith and your friends. And there is no blame on you in any mistake you may unintentionally make in this matter, but what matters is that which your hearts intend. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.” (Surah Ahzab, Ch.33: V.6)

After the revelation of this verse, Hazrat Salim^(ra) became known as “Maula Abu Huzaifah” i.e. the freed slave of Abu Huzaifah. Initially, when he was set free, he was known as the son of Abu Huzaifah, but later, he was referred to as a freed slave or friend of Abu Huzaifah^(ra).

Muhammad bin Jafar narrates, “When Hazrat Abu Huzaifah^(ra) and Hazrat Salim Maula Abi Huzaifah^(ra) migrated from Mecca to Medina, they both stayed at the residence of Hazrat Abbad bin Bishr^(ra).” (Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 62, Abu Huzaifah bin Utbah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990)

Hazrat ibn Umar^(ra) narrates that when the initial Muhajireen arrived from Mecca, they resided in a place called Usbah which is situated near Quba. Hazrat Salim^(ra) would lead them in prayers because he was the one who had the most knowledge of the Holy Quran out of all the others. (Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 64, Salim Maula Abu Huzaifah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990),

Mas‘ud bin Hunaidah narrates, “When we resided in Quba in the company of the Messenger of Allah^(sa), we saw a mosque there in which the companions would offer prayers while facing Baitul Maqdas and Hazrat Salim Maulah Abu Huzaifah^(ra) would lead them in prayer. (Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 4, p. 233, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990)

Appointment to Teach the Holy Quran

Hazrat Salim^(ra) was a qari of the Holy Quran. He was amongst the four companions about whom the Holy Prophet^(sa) had stated that one should learn the Quran from them. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 382, Salim Maula bin Abi Huzaifah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^(ra) writes, “Then, there were many freed slaves who attained a lofty rank in their knowledge and wisdom. As such, Salim bin Ma‘qil, the freed slave of Abu Huzaifah^(ra), was considered to be one of the most distinct scholars from among the companions. Moreover, Salim was also from among the four companions who were appointed by the Holy Prophet^(sa) to teach the Holy Quran.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra), p. 399)

Further relating regarding him, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^(ra)writes, “Then, there was Salim bin Ma‘qil… who was an ordinary freed slave of Abu Huzaifah^(ra) bin Utbah. However, he progressed in his knowledge and wisdom to the extent that he was among the four companions who were appointed among the Muslims by the Holy Prophet^(sa) to teach the Holy Quran and were deemed worthy enough to be his representatives in this respect.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra), p. 403)

According to another narration, the Messenger of Allah^(sa) stated that one should learn the Quran from four companions: Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) bin Mas‘ud, Hazrat Salim Maulah Abu Huzaifah^(ra), Hazrat Ubayy^(ra) bin Ka‘b and Hazrat Mu‘az bin Jabal^(ra). (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Fazail-ul-Sahaab-ul Nabi, Munaaqib Salim Maula Abi Huzaifah, Hadith no. 3758)

In one of the traditions it states that once Hazrat Aisha^(ra) arrived a little late to see the Holy Prophet^(sa). The Holy Prophet^(sa) asked her why she was late, and she replied, “A qari was reciting the Holy Quran in the most beautiful manner. I began listening to his recitation of the Quran, and thus got late.” The Holy Prophet^(sa) put on his cloak and went outside and saw that it was Hazrat Salim^(ra) who had been reciting the Holy Quran. Upon seeing this, the Prophet^(sa)proclaimed, “I thank God Almighty, Who has granted my people such a beautiful qari as yourself.” (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 383, Salim Maula Abi Huzaifah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Honour of Washing the Wounds of the Holy Prophet^(sa)

On the occasion of Uhud, when the Holy Prophet^(sa) was injured, it was Hazrat Salim^(ra) who had the honour of washing his wounds. Qatadah relates that on the day of the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet’s^(sa) blessed forehead and teeth (between his front and canine teeth) sustained injuries. Hazrat Salim Maula Abu Huzaifah was washing the Prophet’s wounds while the Prophet^(sa) was saying, “How can a nation who has dealt so cruelly with its Prophet ever be successful?”

On this occasion, the following verse was revealed:

لَیۡسَ لَکَ مِنَ الۡاَمۡرِ شَیۡءٌ اَوۡ یَتُوۡبَ عَلَیۡہِمۡ اَوۡ یُعَذِّبَہُمۡ فَاِنَّہُمۡ ظٰلِمُوۡنَ

Meaning, “Thou hast no concern in the matter: He may turn to them in mercy or punish them, for they are wrongdoers.” [Surah e-Imran, Ch.3: V.129]

“…God shall reject their good works.”

Hazrat Salim^(ra) relates that the Holy Prophet^(sa) said, “On the Day of Judgement, a particular group of people shall be summoned” (this is something worth listening to very carefully), “who shall have virtues equal to mountains of Tihamah.” Tihamah is a mountain range in a region of uneven terrain off the coast of the Arab peninsula which begins from Sinai and extends to the south-western side of Arabia. There is a certain part of this mountain range which begins from the Gulf of the Red Sea. The Holy Prophet^(sa) said, “The good works of these people shall be equal to the Tihamah mountain range. However, when these virtuous deeds are presented before God, He shall reject them and shall cast these people into the fire.”

Upon hearing this, Hazrat Salim^(ra) said, “O Messenger^(sa) of Allah, may my parents be sacrificed for you! Please specify the characteristics of such people so that we may recognise them! I swear by that God Who has raised you as a Prophet that I fear becoming among these people.”

Upon this, the Holy Prophet^(sa) said, “There will be such people who” (it is vitally important to take note of this), “shall be such that they will keep fasts, offer the daily prayers, and sleep very little at night to offer voluntary supplications. However, whenever unlawful things shall be presented before them, they shall readily partake of them. Sometimes, despite all these acts of virtue, these people will fall prey to worldly greed, and will not care about what is permissible and what is forbidden. And so, God shall reject their good works.” (Urdu Daira Ma’arif Islamiyyah, Vol. 6, p. 851, Tihamah, Danish Gah, Punjab, Lahore, 2005) (Marifat Sahaba La Abi Naeem, Vol. 2, p. 483, Salim Maula Abi Huzaifah, Hadith no. 3456, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2002)

Hazrat Thoban relates that the Holy Prophet^(sa) said, “I have knowledge about certain individuals among my people who shall come with shining good deeds which shall be as high as the Tihamah mountains, but God Almighty shall deem them worthless and scatter them into the wind.”

This is yet another version of the same narration. Hazrat Thoban implored, “O Messenger of Allah, inform us of some of their distinguishing characteristics; tell us about them in some more detail, lest we unknowingly become like them.”

The Holy Prophet^(sa) replied, “They are your own brothers, who resemble your complexion (i.e. they are from their own people and share their skin colour). They also spend their nights in worship just like you, however they are such people that when they approach that which God Almighty has forbidden and deemed unlawful, they completely disregard this injunction and partake of it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab Zuhd, Baab Zikr Zanuub, Hadith no. 4245)

The things which God has forbidden, they have no regard for what is permissible and what is not, and then the materialistic world dominates them. Hence, it is a moment for constant reflection and continuous fear for a believer and may God always enable everyone to keep evaluating themselves.

Progeny

The names of Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar’s^(ra) sons were Salim, Waaqid and Abdullah. He had named them after various prominent companions of the Holy Prophet^(sa). One of the sons was Salim, who was named after the companion, Salim Maula Abu Huzaifah^(ra).

Saeed bin Al Musayyab relates that Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar^(ra)once asked him “Do you know why I have kept my son’s name Salim?” Saeed replied that he did not know. He said, “I have named my son after Hazrat Salim Maula Abu Huzaifah^(ra).” He then asked, “Do you know why I have kept my son’s name Waaqid?” Replying in the negative, Saeed again said he did not know. He said, “I have named him after Hazrat Waaqid bin Abdullah Yarbu’i^(ra).” He then asked, “Do you know why I have kept my son’s name Abdullah?” When he expressed that he did not know, he replied, “I have named him Abdullah after Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha^(ra)”. (Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 4, p. 119, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990)

Thus, the companions^(ra) held the senior and prominent companions^(ra) of the Holy Prophet^(sa) with great esteem and would purposefully name their children after them. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar^(ra) narrates, “Once while on a military expedition with the Holy Prophet^(sa), some of the people became a little anxious.” Abdullah bin Umar^(ra) states, “I set out with my weapon and while proceeding ahead, my glance fell upon Hazrat Salim Maula Abi Huzaifah^(ra) who likewise had set out fully armed. His dignified face was replete with serenity as he walked ahead of me without the slightest sign of distress.” Abdullah states, “I decided to walk right behind this pious man. I continued to walk behind him until we arrived in the presence of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and sat right beside him. The Holy Prophet^(sa) was in a state of displeasure and came forth and said:

‘O People! What is this fear and distress that you are displaying? Have you become incapable of displaying the steadfastness and courage these two believers have shown?’” (Tarikh Kabir, Vol. 6, p. 127, Baab-ul-Ain, Hadith no. 8538, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilimiyya, Beirut, 2001)

Meaning, all must show such resilience and be free of any anxiousness just as Hazrat Salim^(ra) and Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar^(ra) had pledged to remain firm even at the most difficult of times.

Justice of the Holy Prophet^(sa)

Ibn Ishaaq mentions that after the conquest of Mecca, the Holy Prophet^(sa) sent various delegations to the outskirts of the city for inviting the scattered tribes towards Islam. These groups were not commanded to fight but only to spread the message of Islam. The Holy Prophet^(sa) had instructed them not to engage in any war. The Holy Prophet^(sa) had sent Hazrat Khalid^(ra) bin Waleed towards the Banu Jazimah tribe for the purpose of propagating Islam. However, upon seeing Hazrat Khalid^(ra), the people of that tribe took up their arms against him. When Hazrat Khalid^(ra) saw their reaction, he replied:

“The people of Mecca have accepted Islam, there remains no need to raise arms anymore.”

A certain individual named Jadham from amongst them loudly declared:

“I will never put down my arms. I have no trust in Khalid. By God, after we put down our arms, we will be taken as captives; and after captivity, we will be beheaded.”

A few of his own people seized him and said:

“O Jadham! Do you desire that our blood be spilled? Indeed, they have thrown down their weapons and the fighting has ceased.”

They then disarmed him and threw down any weapons they had. When they gave up their weapons, Hazrat Khalid^(ra) had some of them killed and imprisoned the rest of them; each one of the members of the delegation was assigned a prisoner. The following morning, they were ordered to kill the prisoner in their custody.

Hazrat Salim Maula Abu Huzaifah^(ra) said: “By God! I will not kill any of my prisoners, nor will any of my men.”

Ibn Hisham says, “One man from among them slipped out and went to the Holy Prophet^(sa) and explained the entire incident to him. The Holy Prophet^(sa) asked, ‘Did anyone show aversion to Khalid’s actions?’ (The Holy Prophet^(sa) was displeased by what had transpired and asked if anyone had opposed it). He replied, ‘Yes, one individual who had a fair complexion and was of medium build, expressed his disapproval. When Khalid rebuked him, he fell silent. Another individual, who was fairly tall, also expressed his discontentment. However, Khalid^(ra) also argued with him as well and they exchanged heated words.’ Upon this, Hazrat Umar^(ra) said, ‘O Messenger^(sa) of Allah! I know who these two men are. One is my son, Abdullah, and the other is Salim Maula Abu Huzaifah^(ra).’”

Ibn Ishaq states, “The Holy Prophet^(sa) called for Hazrat Ali^(ra) and said to him, ‘Go to them and enquire about the matter; what took place and what was the reason behind it? Put an end to this matter which resembles actions that were committed in the Jahiliyyah [period before the advent of Islam].’”

The Holy Prophet^(sa) said that since the actions were done out of sheer negligence, therefore it ought to be put to an end. “Thus, Hazrat Ali^(ra) took the provisions given to him by the Holy Prophet^(sa). The Holy Prophet^(sa) not only sent Hazrat Ali^(ra), but sent money and other provisions as blood-money for the loss of personnel and wealth (the reason the Holy Prophet^(sa) sent wealth was as blood money for the loss they had sustained owing to this unlawful act).

Having handed over the provisions to them, Hazrat Ali^(ra) was still left with some wealth. He enquired from those people if there was anyone who was yet to receive blood-money? They answered in the negative. As the matter had been dealt with justice, there was nothing left to hand out. Hazrat Ali^(ra) then said: “Owing to the conscientious instructions issued by the Holy Prophet^(sa), I will hand over the remaining wealth to you as well, for he knows what you know not.” Thus, Hazrat Ali^(ra) handed over the wealth to them and reported back to the Holy Prophet^(sa) about what had taken place. The Holy Prophet^(sa) stated, “You have most certainly discharged your duty in the correct manner.” The Holy Prophet^(sa) then turned towards the Qiblah, raised both his hands and recited the following prayer three times:

اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّيْ اَبْرَأُ اِلَيْكَ مِمَّا صَنَعَ خَالِدُ ابْنُ الْوَلِيْد

‘O my Lord! I am absolved from the actions committed by Khalid.’” (Sirat ibn Hisham, pp. 557-558, Dar ibn Hazam, Beirut, 2009), (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Hadith no. 4339)

A grave injustice was committed. Even though this injustice or error was committed by one of his own people, the Holy Prophet^(sa) not only prayed to be absolved from this matter, but in order to console the innocent party, he offered blood-money as well as other provisions and tried his utmost to offer them support. Despite the fact that they were enemies and had taken arms, the Holy Prophet^(sa) did not approve of this act. This was the standard of justice of the Holy Prophet^(sa).

Flag-Bearer in the Battle of Yamama

Ibrahim bin Hanzalah narrates on the authority of his father that on the day of the Battle of Yamama, Hazrat Salim Maula Abu Huzaifah^(ra) was told that he would be the flag-bearer of the army. However, some others said that they feared for his life, therefore would hand over the flag to someone else. Hazrat Salim^(ra) said, “In such a case, my knowledge of the Quran would be to no avail.” Meaning that despite having a deep understanding of the Holy Quran, it would be of no benefit if he did not act upon those teachings, or that despite his knowledge of the Quran, if he feared for his life and failed to act on the important commandments of the Quran, then that knowledge would be futile. Nevertheless, during the battle, when Hazrat Salim’s right hand was severed, he held the flag in his left hand. When his left hand was severed, he held the flag between his neck and recited the following:

وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ اِلَّا رَسُوْلٌ۔ ۔ ۔ وَ کَاَیِّنۡ مِّنۡ نَّبِیٍّ قٰتَلَ ۙ مَعَہٗ رِبِّیُّوۡنَ کَثِیۡرٌ

“And Muhammad is only a Messenger [Ch.3: V.145] … And many a Prophet there has been beside whom fought numerous companies of their followers” [Ch.3: V.147]. When Hazrat Salim^(ra) fell down, he asked those near him about the fate of Hazrat Huzaifah^(ra). They informed him that he had been martyred. He then enquired about another individual and was informed that he too had been martyred. Hazrat Salim^(ra) then requested to be placed between both of them. When Hazrat Salim^(ra) passed away, Hazrat Umar^(ra) gave Hazrat Salim’s inheritance to Thubaita bint Yaar, who had freed Hazrat Salim. However, she refused to accept the inheritance and said that she had freed him as Sa’iba, i.e. for the sake of God Almighty. Subsequently, Hazrat Umar^(ra) gave the inheritance to Baitul Mal [National Treasury]. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 384, Salim Maula Abu Huzaifah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Martyrdom

Muhammad bin Thabit narrates that during the battle of Yamama, when the Muslim army became dispersed, Hazrat Salim^(ra) stated, “This is not something we would do to the Holy Prophet^(sa)”, i.e. that they would not run away. He dug himself a trench and stood inside it. On that day, he was carrying the flag of the Muhajireen [those who migrated from Mecca] and he fought valiantly, until he was martyred. Hazrat Salim was martyred in 12 AH, during the Battle of Yamama. This battle took place during the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra). This reference was from Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra. (Tabqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, Salim Maula Abi Huzaifah, pp. 64-65, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990)

Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit^(ra) stated that when Hazrat Salim^(ra) was martyred, people would say that they lost one fourth of the Quran. (Mustadrak Al’a Sahihain, Vol. 3, pp. 251-252, Kitab-ul-Marifat Sahaba, Zikr Munaaqib Salim Maula Abi Huzaifah, Hadith no. 5004, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

This meant that out of the four scholars from whom the Holy Prophet^(sa) instructed to learn the Quran, one had departed.