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Every one claims to have some love
For the Prophet of mercy Al Mustafa
But tested with Dunya and its gold’s
Pretenders and lovers become distinct
May our Allah Karim be pleased with Sa’id
The heir to the throne of ‘poverty is my pride’
The great sage and one of the
most sincere heir to Allah’s Rasul - Muhammad Mustafa, Sa’id al-Jumahi RA was
one of the vibrant and energetic youths of Makkah thrown into a confusion as to
what choice to make between the state of kufr and Jahiliyyah they were born to
know and live with, and the emerging strange but enlightening religion of
Islam. Islam was appealing and its teachings humane yet breaking away from an
established tradition is everything but easy, especially when such venture
would provoke the wrath of the most powerful and most influential men around
and might lead to a total break away from the closest relatives, even fathers
and mothers.
The attraction of Islam and the
purity of its teachings appeared irresistible. Its call to Allah SWT the
Creator, who is the Absolute Owner of everything and the condemnation of the
propitiation of idols; its bold attempt to rescue women and young girls from
slavery and death, the simplicity of its worship and its deep sense of
brotherhood of humanity are certainly more than enough proofs of its Divine
origin. Yet many had to linger for long before taking the final leap out of
kufr despite the terrible consequences. To many men of conviction a push may
not be enough to abandon kufr, there is the need for such a pull that makes a
further delay impossible.
For Sa’id al-Jumah RA it the
final pull into the reality of Islam came unexpected. An earlier entrant to
Islam, the great Sahabi, and Khubaib ibn Adiy RA was captured by the Quraish.
The leaders of Quraish decided to take the life of this noble personality in
the presence of all the Makkan as a way of showing their total hatred for Islam
and the Muslims and as a warning to the convinced minds among the Makkan. They
were called to witness the type of torture and painful death that would be
their lots if they abandon the religion of their ancestors.
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Sa’id al-Jumah RA it left his
home in the region of Tarim on the outskirts of Makkah along with hundreds of
others to witness the end of the noble Khubaib ibn Adiy. With time men from
other regions came together forming a huge crowd all walking behind Quraish
leaders Abu Sufyan and Safwan ibn Umayyah to the execution spot. The
expectation was high and the lust for blood known with the Quraish mushrikun
was fully reactivated. Sa’id al-Jumahi RA who had pushed into the crowd with a
youthful vigor found a vantage position in a place directly facing Khubaib RA
who was already at the execution point.
Khubaib bin Adiy RA stood like a
rock, calm, collected and without the least sign of fear and anxieties as women
raised their curses and children their insults. As the clamor subsided the firm
but quiet voice of ibn Khubaib RA broke the silence. He was making a final
request to the Quraish leaders.
‘If you would permit me, I will
love to have a two Rakaats Salat before my death.’
The Quraish leaders took this to
be a nice interlude to their blissful ecstatic moments so they allowed him his
request. The whole atmosphere went solemn and spiritual as Khubaib RA calmly turned towards the direction of Kaabah
Sharif, and how lovely, how composed and how perfectly measured are those invaluable
two Rakaats of ibn Khubaib RA in the midst of thousands of Kuffar, Subhanallah!!
How beautiful indeed are these roses
Who raised their flowers in the midst of thorns?
When Khubaib RA completed his two Rakaats he turned to face
the Quraish leaders saying:
By Allah, if you people think
that my asking for the opportunity of two Rakaats is out of fear of death then
I would think that such prayer is a worthless effort. (Rather my Salat is to
send one last thing ahead to my Owner and Creator, to seek His forgiveness and
His pleasure and to leave this world in the state of absolute servitude to
Him).
O my Darling accept with all pleasure
These two roses picked for your sake
At this moment people descended
on Khubaib RA cutting him to pieces alive amidst taunting, joking and laughter.
This is a moment of great grief to Sa’id al-Jumahi RA. It is an unbelievable
spectacle that men can be so heartless to descend on another man, every one
trying to outdo the other with the least sense of human feeling.
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Then, there was a moment
‘cease-fire’, Khubaib RA was wounded all over, blood was flowing, his life was
ebbing away with every drop of blood. Then a Quraish leader threw a question to
their bloodied victim:
‘Will you like your leader Muhammad to be in your place
while you are left free?
With the last strength in him Khubaib RA replied:
‘By Allah! I will not desire
safety and security among my family with a single thorn hurting Muhammad – May
I sacrifice everything to prevent even a thorn from hurting his noble foot,
that is.
If i have a thousand life
It is little a gift for you
May I and my parents be sacrificed for you
The master of Prophet Mustapha
This bold reply from Khubaib RA
enraged the Makkan crowd the more. People shouted in unison raising their fists
in the air; kill him! Kill him! Swords descended from all direction cutting
into the flesh of Khubaib RA. Sa’id al-Jumahi RA watched all these horrible
happenings with grief. As Khubaib RA arrived the last moment he lifted his
noble heads above the wooden cross saying:
Count them all, Ya ilahi! Destroy them and do not spare a
single one of them.
The angry swords of the Makkan
went more vicious until mincemeat was made of the blessed body of Khubaib RA.
It will bring ascent
Do not grieve that you have fallen
A building is not restored
Until it is first brought to a ruin
The merciless murder of Khubaib
RA passed by among the Makkan like a no event. But it was in reality a pebble
thrown into a pool of water. The thrower drops and forgets but the ripples kept
expanding in acknowledgement of such a simple but very wonderful action.
May their tears be turned to pearls
And from each drop of blood a Paradise’ rose
May their legacy remain preserved
May they be brought closest to Rasulullah
Ya Karim reward as meet your greatness
Those who suffered that Islam may live.
The vibrant, youthful and
intelligent Sa’id al-Jumahi t was caught in the ripples of that great event. In
the killing of Khubaib RA and his heroic response in defense of the cause he
believed Sa’id al-Jumahi RA discovered some salient points to reflect upon in a
very deep way.
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Sa’id al-Jumahi RA was soon to realize
now that real life is faith and conviction and struggle in the path of Allah
SWT, even until death; he now found out that faith which is deeply ingrained in
a person works wonders and performs great miracles; and that a man loves so
much by his companions that they are ready to sacrifice their life to protect
his foot from a thorn prick must certainly be a Rasul of Allah. This is the
final pull needed by Sa’id al-Jumahi RA. This is a pull too forceful to be
resisted, a reality too glaring to be contested. Here is the truth before him
in the purest and unadulterated form. Damning all consequences he denounces the
idols and superstitious of the Quraish, declared his Iman in one and only Lord,
eternal in the past without beginning and in the future without an end. The
Absolute Lord beyond how, when and where. He then set out for Medina Munawwar.
The stories of lovers remain the same
The heart is restless until it meets the beloved.
The amazing episode of a faithful
that exhibited the most extreme love for his master and Rasul in the midst of
the worst torture and violence led Sa’id al-Jumahi RA to Islam. A Prophet shown
so much love and loyalty can never be a liar. His mission must be truly divine
and worthy embracing and dying for and his person is certainly worthy of
emulation, a moment of service in the presence of such a sage is worth a life
time.
Sa’id al-Jumahi RA arrived in Medina
Munawwar determined to bring himself to a very strong attachment to the Rasul
of Islam serving him and always at the ready to serve the religion he brought.
History recorded him as a prominent figure in the battle of Khaibar and
subsequent engagements. The passing away of the exalted Rasulullah SAW was not
an event to dampen the zeal of this great hero of Islam. Indeed, he became more
active in the service of the two earliest successors determining to meet his
beloved master and Rasul in the state of extreme love and most sincere service
to Islam.
The piety, honesty and dedication
of Sa’id al-Jumahi RA earned him the love and respect of both Saidina Abu Bakr
Siddiq RA and Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA. He became a sage known for sure to
have purchased his akhirah by giving up the deceptive of the worldly life.
Wisdom flow from his noble tongue like over pouring water. He won the respect
of all and Saidina Abu Bakr RA and Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA would consult him
and take to his advice and his guidance. One of the great events recorded for
posterity was his discussion with Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA at the beginning
of Saidina Umar’s the caliphate.
He said:
He said:
I advise you to fear Allah SWT in
dealing with people and do not fear people in your relationship with Allah SWT.
Let not your action deviate from your words for the best of speech is that
which is confirmed by action. Give special consideration to those who have been
appointed over the affairs of the Muslims, far and near. Like for them what you
like for yourself and your family and detest for them whatever you detest for
yourself and your family. Be steadfast against any obstacle on the path of
Truth and do not fear the castigation and insults of your enemies in any matter
ordained by Allah SWT.
‘Who can fulfill these conditions, Sa’id? Asked Saidina Umar
Al Khattab RA.
‘A man like yourself from among
those selected by Allah SWT over the affairs of the Ummah of Rasulullah SAW and
who is convinced that obedience servitude and responsibility is to Allah SWT
alone? Replied Sa’id RA.
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Meaning again, Sa’id ibn Amr Al
Jumahi RA was one of the outstanding Companions of Rasulullah SAW,
notwithstanding the fact that his name was seldom, if ever, mentioned. Sa’id
ibn Amr Al Jumahi RA was one of the most distinguished unknown pious
Companions. It was natural that he, like all Muslims, would accompany Rasulullah
SAW in all his expeditions and battles, for as a believer, he could not lag or
turn his back on Allah’s Rasul in peace or war time. Shortly before the
Conquest of Khaibar, Sa’id ibn Amr Al Jumahi RA submitted himself to Islam.
Ever since he embraced Islam and gave his allegiance to Rasulullah SAW. Sa’id
ibn Amr Al Jumahi RA consecrated his life, existence, and destiny to the
service of Islam. All the great virtues of obedience, asceticism, dignity,
humbleness, piety, and pride thrived harmoniously inside this pure and kind
man.
In our attempt to unveil his
greatness, we must bear in mind that, in most cases, appearance contrasts with
reality. If we are to judge him by his outer looks, we will not do him justice,
for he was definitely ill-favored as regards his appearance. He had dusty
uncombed hair. Nothing in his looks or appearance distinguished him from poor
Muslims. If we are to judge his reality by his appearance, we will see nothing
impressive or breath-taking. But if we dive deep into his inner self beyond his
outer appearance, we will see greatness in the full meaning of the word. His
greatness stood aloof from the splendor and ornament of life. Yet, it lurked
there beyond his modest appearance and worn-out garments. Have you ever seen a
pearl hidden inside its shell? Well, he was much like this hidden pearl.
When the Commander of the
Faithful Umar Al-Khattab dismissed Muawiyah from his position as governor of
Homs in Syria, he exerted himself in searching for someone who was qualified to
take over his position.
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Undoubtedly, Umar’s standards of
choice of governors and assistants were highly cautious, meticulous, and
scrutinizing. He believed that if a governor committed a sin, error, or
violation, two people would be asked to account for it before Allah: Umar and
the governor, even if this governor were in the farthest corner of the earth.
His standards of estimation and evaluation of governors were highly subtle,
alert, and perceiving. Centuries before the advent of Islam, Homs was a big
city that witnessed one after the other, the dawn and eclipse of many
civilizations. Besides, it was a vital trade centre. The attractions of the
vast city turned it into a place of seduction and temptation. In Umar’s opinion
only an ascetic, devout, and repentant worshiper would be able to resist and
renounce its attractions.
‘Sa’id’, Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA called, ‘I appoint you
as the governor of Homs (in Syria).
‘Umar!’ Sa’id bin Amir Al Jumahi
RA pleaded; ‘I beg you in the name of Allah SWT do not cause me to go astray by
involving me in worldly affairs’.
Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA became
somewhat angry saying: ‘You (people) placed the responsibility of caliphate on
me and now you are leaving me alone in this great matter.’
‘By Allah! I will never forsake
you’ Sa’id bin Amir Al Jumahi RA quickly responded.
Thus, Sa’id bin Amir Al Jumahi RA
became the governor of Homs. As Sa’id bin Amir Al Jumahi RA set out for Homs
Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA offered him money for his journey and his immediate
needs. This, he turned down with the polite excuse that the money in the Baitul
Mal (the public treasury) would be enough for his needs.
After a long time, a delegation
visited Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA from Homs. These are people of integrity who
had earned the confidence of the Amir of the Muslims. The Amir, Saidina Umar Al
Khattab RA requested that they write out the names of the poor ones in their
province so that some money and material could be sent for their relief. When
the list was brought the name of the governor, Sa’id al-Jumahi RA surprisingly
appeared.
‘Who is this Sa’id ibn Amir Al Jumahi RA? Asked Saidina Umar
Al Khattab RA.
‘Our Amir!’ They replied.
‘Your Amir (governor) is poor? Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA
asked with great surprise.
‘Yes,’ they affirmed ‘By Allah, several days passed without
a fire being lit in his house’.
Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA was
greatly moved. He wept. He then prepared a thousand dinars; put it in a purse
saying:
‘Convey my Salam to Sa’id
al-Jumahi RA and tell him that Amir of the Muslims sent him this money to
relieve his needs’.
When the delegation presented the
purse to Sa’id al-Jumahi RA only to discover that it was filled with money. He
continuously pushed it away saying:
‘Innalillahi wa inna ilahi rajiun’ [We are from Allah and to
Him are our return].
He said it with such fear and
scream that those within ear-short would think that a misfortune has suddenly
descended.
His wife ran in fear asking, ‘What is the matter has the Khalifah
died?
‘Something more calamitous than that’, Sa’id bin Amir Al
Jumahi RA replied.
‘Have the Muslims been overcome in a battle?’
‘Something more terrible than that’.
‘The material attraction of this
world (Dunya) has come to corrupt my Akhirah (Hereafter) and cause disorder in
my home’.
‘Then get rid of it’, said the
wife not knowing that her husband was referring to some money just delivered.
‘Will you help in this?’ Sa’id bin
Amir Al Jumahi RA asked. The blessed wife agreed and the money was distributed
to many of the needy ones around.
Sometimes later, Saidina Umar Al
Khattab RA visited Syria to see to the progress and safety of its people. When
he arrived Homs he asked the people what their opinion of their Amir, Sa’id
al-Jumahi was. They indicated their intention to mention four basic weaknesses
of the Amir that would require urgent attention. Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA
said: ‘I shall bring you and him together so that you can freely lay your
allegations and he would be free to bring his defense – I used to have great
confidence about him and I pray to SWT that my opinion of him will not be
damaged and my confidence misplaced.’
A meeting was convened in the
morning with Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA, the Amir-ul Muminin and Sa’id
al-Jumahi RA in attendance. Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA called on the
representatives of the people to bring forward their complaints one after the
other while Sa’id al-Jumahi RA put up
his defense.
The first complaint against the governor, Sa’id al-Jumahi RA
are:
He only comes out to attend to people when the sun was
already high.
‘What will you have to say to
this?’ Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA said looking towards Sa’id al-Jumahi RA.
Sa’id al-Jumahi RA was silent for
some moment and then responded:
‘By Allah! I am not inclining
towards saying this but it seems it must be said. My family does not have a
house help so I get up every morning to mix the flower for our breakfast. I
wait a little until the flour rises and then bake bread for the family. It is
only after this that I make wudu and then move out to attend to the people.
‘What is your second complaint?’ Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA
asked.
‘He does not answer any night call. He leaves all affairs
till next morning.’ They said.
To this allegation, Sa’id al-Jumahi RA reluctantly said:
‘By Allah I really would not like
to disclose this. The truth is that I have left the day for them and the night
for our Majestic and Sublime Lord and Creator, Allah SWT.
Then came the third ‘misdeed’ of
the exalted Sa’id bin Amir Al Jumahi RA.
‘For one whole day every month he
would not come out at all to meet the people.’ They said.
To this, the governor, Sa’id al-Jumahi
RA responded saying:
‘I do not have a house-help (a
servant) O Amir-ul Muminin nor do I have any other clothes except what I am
putting on right now. This only clothe of mine I wash every month, staying for
it to dry and then I go out at the later part of the day.
‘Any other complaint about him?’ Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA asked.
‘Yes, he faints and loses consciousness at the state
meetings.’ They said.
In response Sa’id bin Amir Al Jumahi RA said:
‘I was a witness to the gruesome
and extremely merciless killing of Khubaib bin Adiy RA before I embraced Islam.
I saw the Quraish cutting him into pieces alive and asking him in the process;
‘Would you like Muhammad to be in your place?’ to which Khubaib RA replied, ‘I
would not wish to be saved and secure among my family while a thorn hurts
Muhammad SAW’. By Allah! Any time I remember that day and my failure to come to
his rescue, I would be gripped with the fear of Allah’s punishment for this
negligence of mine and then lose consciousness.’
The Amir-ul Muminin t
conclusively said: Praise be to Allah SWT my pure opinion of him remain preserved.’
He then offered Sa’id bin Amir Al Jumahi RA a thousand Dinars to relieve his
acute poverty. When the money was received Said’s wife was very pleased. She
immediately advised the husband saying: ‘Praise be to Allah SWT who has
enriched us out of your service. Buy some provision for the home and also get
us a home help.’ To this Sa’id bin Amir Al Jumahi RA replied: ‘Is there not a
better way to spend this? Let us spend it on whoever comes to us in need and we
will get something better for it by investing it this way.’
Said’s wife immediately gave her
approval. The noble Sa’id al-Jumahi RA then shared out the money into small
bags instructing his children and other members of the family to give them out
to the widows, orphans and other needy ones until every dinar was invested
towards the lasting and auspicious life in the Hereafter. Here is generosity in
flesh and blood, here ends the great and exemplary biography of one of the rare
gems who deny themselves in other to make others comfortable and happy even in
the face of the worst affliction and the most severe poverty.
Those who suffered that others may live
Are the crowns of the Sunnah of Mustafa
They lowered their sprouts to fill others’ cups
Just like the noblest Habibullah
This humility will bring great ascent
To the highest regions of Jannatu Firdaus
May his soul remain perpetually in Nur
Sa’id al-Jumahi the heir of Rasul
Another version about Sa’id ibn Amir
Al Jumahi RA
Said ibn Amir al-Jumahi (Arabic: سعيد بن عامر الجمحي) was
a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad SAW and Governor of Homs in Syria
during the caliphate of Umar.
As a youth, he was among the
thousands who left for Tanaim on the outskirts of Makkah at the invitation of
the Quraish to witness the killing of Khubaib ibn Adiy RA, a companion of Rasulullah
SAW whom they had captured and whose death was to be in revenge for Quraish
losses in the battle of Badr. After accepting Islam shortly following Khubaib
death Said ibn Amir Al Jumahi RA migrated to Madinah and attached himself to Rasulullah
SAW, participating in the battle of Khaibar and other engagements thereafter.
After the demised of Rasulullah SAW in 632 he continued active service under
his two successors, Saidina Abu Bakr RA and Saidina Umar RA, who both knew Said
for his honesty and piety and listened to his advice.
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Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA appointed
him as governor of Homs (Emessa) in Syria, which was then called little Kufah
because, like Kufah, its inhabitants complained a lot about their leaders.
During a visit to Syria, Saidina Umar Al Khattab RA asked the people of Homs if
they had any complaints against their governor, to which they mentioned four. Saidina
Umar Al Khattab RA summoned Said ibn Amir Al Jumahi RA, and in his presence
asked the representatives of Homs to state their complaints.
The first complaint was that he
left his home late every morning, to which Said bin Amir Al Jumahi RA replied
that he had no servants, and that following prayers, read the Quran and
assisted his wife in preparing meals, which took some time. The second complaint
was that he did not attend to anyone at night, which he explained was due to
his practice of reserving the night for prayer. The third complaint was that
once a month he left his house late in the afternoon, which he explained was a
result of washing and drying his one change of clothes. The fourth complaint
was that he occasionally fell into fits of unconsciousness. Said said that in
Makkah he had witnessed Khubaib ibn Adiy’s RA torture and death by the Quraish.
The Quraish offered him safety and protection for his wealth if he disowned
Muhammad SAW, but he spurned the offer. Said added, that being a polytheist at
the time he did nothing to aid Khubaib bin Adiy RA and whenever he recalls the
event he becomes overwhelmed with remorse and passes out. Saidina Umar Al
Khattab RA dismissed the complaints and said:
“ Thank
Allah, my opinion about Said has been confirmed by this trial. Verily he is a
great Muslim and those who complain against him in their ignorance own him an
apology. ”
It is said that during his tenure as governor of Homs he
choose to live in poverty and humbleness despite his high rank.
HADITHS NARRATED BY SA’ID BIN AMIR AL JUMAHI RA
Hadis Qudsi: 1118
Said ibn Amr Al-Jumahi RA that he
heard Rasulullah SAW said: “On the day of resurrection poor Muslim will come
fluttering likes the doves. They are told by the angel: “Stand for Judgment”
They Reply: “We have nothing and no wealth to be judge on”.
Allah SWT says to the Angels: “My
servant s is telling the truth. Let them enter Paradise without judgment”
Selection of Videos about Sa'id Ibn Amr Al Jumahi RA.
