(Friday Sermon - December 7, 2018 )

Background

Hazrat Zahir bin Haram al-Ashja‘i belonged to the Ashja‘ tribe. He accompanied the Holy Prophet^(sa) in the Battle of Badr.

Hazrat Anas^(ra) bin Malik narrates, “Among those who lived in the villages was a man by the name of Zahir^(ra). He used to bring presents from his village for the Holy Prophet^(sa). Before returning to his village, the Holy Prophet^(sa) would also grant him provisions. The Holy Prophet^(sa) used to say

إِنَّ زَاهِرًا بَادِيَتُنَا وَحَاضِرُوهُ

‘Zahir^(ra) is our friend from the rural area and we are his friends from the city.’”

Compassion of the Holy Prophet^(sa)

The Holy Prophet^(sa) had great love for him. Hazrat Zahir was a man of average appearance. Once, while Hazrat Zahir was selling some of his merchandise in the market, the Holy Prophet^(sa) approached from behind and embraced him. It is also mentioned in another narration that the Holy Prophet^(sa) came from behind and covered his eyes with his hands so that Hazrat Zahir could not see the Holy Prophet^(sa). Upon this, he enquired who it was and asked to be released. However, when he turned, he realised it was the Holy Prophet^(sa). Recognising the Holy Prophet^(sa) means that when he turned slightly, he may have caught a glimpse of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and realised it was him. Upon realising that it was in fact the Holy Prophet^(sa), he pressed his back against the blessed chest of the Holy Prophet^(sa). The Holy Prophet^(sa), in a light-hearted manner, said, “Who will purchase this slave?” Hazrat Zahir said, “O Prophet of Allah (sa)! You will make an unprofitable sale. Who is going to buy me?” Upon this, the Holy Prophet^(sa) said, “In the sight of God, you are not an unprofitable sale. In the sight of God, you are of great value.” (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifati al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 98) (al-Isti‘aab Fi Ma’rifati al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 509, Zahir bin al-Haram^(ra), Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992) (al-Shama’il al-Muhammadiyyah Li al-Tirmidhi, p.143, Bab Maa Jaa’a Fi Sifati Mazaahi Rasul Allah (sa), Ahyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut)

Hazrat Musleh Maud^(ra) has also mentioned this incident on one occasion in relation to the compassion of the Holy Prophet^(sa). Hazrat Musleh Maud^(ra) states: “The Holy Prophet^(sa) was once going to the market, when he saw a poor companion, who had an unsightly appearance, carrying his merchandise in the severe heat. His entire body was covered in sweat and dust. The Holy Prophet^(sa) quietly went behind him and just as children playfully and secretly place their hands on the eyes of another person and ask for that person to guess who placed their hands on their eyes, the Holy Prophet^(sa) did the same. Having felt his soft hands, he realised it was the Holy Prophet^(sa) and out of extreme love, he began to press his body, that was full of sweat, against the clothes of the Holy Prophet^(sa). The Holy Prophet^(sa) continued to smile and then said, “I have a slave. Is there anyone who would like to purchase him?” Upon this, the companion said, “O Prophet of Allah (sa)! Who in the world would buy me?” The Holy Prophet^(sa) replied, “You should not say this. You are extremely valuable in the sight of God.” (Sair-e-Ruhani, p. 489, Qadian, 2005)

Thus, these people were blessed to have been shown such astonishing expressions of love.

The Holy Prophet^(sa) stated on one occasion:

إِنَّ لِكُلِّ حَاضِرَةٍ بَادِيَةٌ وَبَادِيَةُ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ زَاهِرُ ابْنُ الْحَرَام

That is, every person living in the city has a relationship with someone from the village, and the person from the village with whom the family of the Holy Prophet^(sa) has a relationship with, is Zahir bin Haram. He later migrated to Kufa. (al-Isti‘aab Fi Ma’rifati al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 509, Zahir bin al-Haram^(ra), Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992)