Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ

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Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ belonged to the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ father’s name was Harith bin Rifa‘ah. His mother’s name was Afraa bint Ubaid. Muaz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and  Auf Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ were his brothers. All three of these brothers used to be referred to by the name of their father as well as their mother. Hence, all three were also known as Banu Afraa [the sons of Afraa].

Ibn Ishaq is the only one to have reported that Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was among the 70 Ansar who participated in the Second Pledge at Aqabah.

Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ married Umm Yazid bint Qais رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. The names of his two daughters from this marriage were Uba 'bint Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Umairah bint Muawiz (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا.).

Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ had the opportunity to participate in the Battle of Badr alongside his two brothers: Muaz  Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and  Auf  Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.

(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 5, Muawiz bin Afra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003] 231)

During the Battle of Badr, Muaz  Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ, Auf  Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ. and Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ, who were referred to as the Banu Afraa and their freed slave Abul Hamraa, had one camel between them, and they would take turns to ride on it.

(Al-Waqidi, Kitab al-Tarikh wa al-Maghazi, Vol. 1, Badr al-Qital [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah (2013)] 38)

I presented the following narration once before in relation to Hazrat Muaz (ra), but it is also important to mention it here in relation to Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ; hence, I will narrate it here as well. Hazrat Anas (ra) narrates, “On the day of the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Who will go to see what became of Abu Jahl?’ Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) went and saw that both sons of Afraa had attacked him with their swords to such an extent that he was on the brink of death. Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) went to him and asked, ‘Are you Abu Jahl?’”

Anas bin Malik (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) further narrates, “ Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ)  grabbed hold of Abu Jahl by the beard. Abu Jahl said, ‘Have you killed a greater man than this?’ or he said, ‘has his tribe had killed a greater man?’”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Qatl Abi Jahl, Hadith 3962)

This is a narration from Sahih Bukhari.

In the commentary to this narration, Sayyid Zain-ul-Abideen Waliullah Shah Sahib states:

“In some narrations, it is mentioned that the two sons of Afraa, Muaz  Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ  attacked Abu Jahl to the extent that he was on the brink of death and that  Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ)  severed his head later on. Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani has expressed the possibility of Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ  bin Afraa having also attacked him [i.e. Abu Jahl] after Muaz bin Amr (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ)  and Muaz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) bin Afraa had already done so.”

The killing of Abu Jahl at the Battle of Badr [Musleh Ma'ud's (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) 

On the occasion of the Battle of Badr, Muawiz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) was martyred during combat by Abu Musafi‘.

Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (also spelled Mu'awwidh or Mu'awwidh) was a prominent Companion (Sahabi) of the Prophet Muhammad from the Ansar (Helpers) of Madinah. He is best known in Islamic history as one of the brave young men who mortally wounded Islam's fiercest early adversary, Abu Jahl, during the Battle of Badr.

Biography and Background

Birthplace: Yathrib (Medina), Saudi Arabia. The Clans and Tribe: He belonged to the Khazraj tribe, specifically the noble clan of Banu Malik bin al-Najjar. His father was Harith bin Rifa'ah, and his mother was Afraa bint Ubaid. 

The "Banu Afraa" boya, Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ, and his brothers, Muaz and Auf, were unique because Arab society often referred to them by both their father's and mother's names. They were famously known collectively as Banu Afraa (the sons of Afraa) out of deep respect for their mother. Immediate family were married to Umm Yazid bint Qais and had two daughters, Rubai' and Umairah.

Early Days as a Muslim: When the message of Islam reached Madinah before the Prophet's formal migration (Hijrah), Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was among the earliest residents to accept the faith. Historical accounts by Ibn Ishaq note that he traveled to Makkah and participated in the Second Pledge at al-Aqabah, binding himself and his clan to protect the Prophet, Muhammad.

Significant deeds and propagation of Islam, where Muawiz bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ acted as a crucial pillar for the early Muslim community during its transition from a persecuted minority in Makkah to an established community in Madinah.

Hosting and providing logistics alongside the Ansar, he committed his wealth, family, and home to support the Makkan immigrants (Muhajirun).

He was known for his steadfast devotion and his absolute loyalty to the Prophet. When the call to defend Madinah arose at Badr, Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and his brothers resourcefully shared a single camel alongside a freed slave, Abul Hamraa, showcasing an unwavering eagerness to fight despite their lack of advanced military transport.

His major and minor Roles in Early Islam

Major Role: The Subduing of Abu Jahl at the Battle of Badr. Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ's most significant role in Islamic history took place on the battlefield of Badr (2 AH / 624 CE). Abu Jahl was the commander of the Quraysh army and a brutal persecutor of Muslims.

During the battle, Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and his brother Muaz (both quite young at the time) actively sought out Abu Jahl after hearing of his transgressions against the Prophet Muhammad, 

The two brothers charged through the enemy lines, fiercely attacked Abu Jahl, and left him mortally wounded on the battlefield. Following their assault, Abdullah bin Mas'ud located the fallen commander and severed his head, ending his reign of tyranny. When the brothers reported back to the Prophet Muhammad, he famously asked to see their swords and remarked that both of their weapons bore the blood of the enemy leader.

Minor Role: Early Pledge and Martyrdom;

The Aqabah Pledge (Minor/Preparatory Role): Before Islam became politically dominant, his participation in the low-profile Aqabah pledges served as a foundational brick for the coming Islamic state. It was a minor, behind-the-scenes role that set the stage for the historic migration.

Martyrdom (Shahadah): Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ early life was cut short during that very same battle. Shortly after his encounter with Abu Jahl, he was struck down and martyred on the battlefield of Badr by an idolater named Abu Musafi'.

Because of his sacrifice, Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ is forever honored as one of the sacred Shuhada-e-Badr (Martyrs of Badr), cementing his legacy in early Islamic history.

Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ(also spelled Mu'awwidh or Mu'awwidh) was a prominent Companion (Sahabi) of the Prophet Muhammad from the Ansar (Helpers) of Madinah. He is best known in Islamic history as one of the brave young men who mortally wounded Islam's fiercest early adversary, Abu Jahl, during the Battle of Badr.

The Roles of Muadh and Awf (The Sons of Afra)

Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ were just as fiercely dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad as their brother Muawiz. Together, this trio of brothers formed a legendary sibling unit among the Ansar (Helpers).

 Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (The Brother Who Asked the Ultimate Question)

 Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was a highly spiritual and brave companion who also participated in the Second Pledge of al-Aqabah and fought at Badr.  Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ is most famous in Islamic tradition for a poignant conversation he had with the Prophet Muhammad right before the battle began.

The question: as the heavily outnumbered Muslim army faced the Quraysh, Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ  approached the Prophet and asked, 

"O Messenger of Allah, what makes the Lord laugh with joy at His servant?" 

The Prophet's Reply: The Prophet Muhammad answered: "When he plunges into the midst of the enemy without armor." 

His Action: Upon hearing this, Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ immediately took off his coat of mail, threw it aside, grabbed his sword, and charged directly into the thick of the enemy lines.

Martyrdom: Like his brother Muawiz, Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ fought valiantly until he was killed, becoming one of the earliest martyrs (Shuhada) of Badr.

Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (The Surviving Brother): Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ is the brother who famously teamed up with Muawiz bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ to hunt down Abu Jahl.

The Pact at Badr: During the battle, Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ  and Muawwiz bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ  stood next to Abdur Rahman bin Awf رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (a senior Meccan companion). Abdur Rahman bin Auf رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ later narrated that the two young boys whispered to him secretly, asking him to point out Abu Jahl because they had sworn an oath to Allah to either kill him or die trying.

The Attack: Once pointed out,

Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Muawwiz bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ charged simultaneously. Muadh struck Abu Jahl's leg, nearly severing it, while Muawiz also dealt heavy blows. Abu Jahl's son, Ikrimah (who later became a Muslim), retaliated by striking Muadh's arm, leaving it hanging by the skin. In an incredible display of battlefield adrenaline, Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ reportedly dragged his injured arm behind him as he kept fighting, eventually tearing it off completely so it wouldn't slow him down.

Life After Badr: Unlike his two brothers who achieved martyrdom that day, Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ survived the Battle of Badr. He went on to live through the early caliphates and passed away later during the caliphate of Sayyidina Ali Ibn Abu Talib رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ or Sayyidina  Umar  Al Khattab رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (historical accounts vary), keeping the memory of his heroic brothers alive.

The Exceptional Mother: Afra bint Ubaid رضي الله عنها.

You cannot truly understand the bravery of these brothers without knowing about their mother, Afra bint Ubaid رضي الله عنها. She was one of the earliest women of Madinian to accept Islam. When news reached Madinah that her sons had fought so bravely—and that two had died—she showed immense patience (Sabr) and pride in their sacrifice. Because of her immense righteousness, her sons preferred to be called Banu Afra (Sons of Afra) rather than by their father's name, a rare honor in patriarchal ancient Arabia.

alfakir albakr allatifi

referensi:

(Ibn Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma‘rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 4, Muawiz bin Afra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Jil, 1992] 1442)

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fard al-Khumus, Bab man lam Yakhmus al-Aslab, Hadith 3141, Vol. 5, p. 491, footnote, Urdu translation, published by Nazarat-e-Ishaat Rabwah)

(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Muawiz bin Afra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990] 374)

(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 5, Muawiz bin Afra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003] 231) (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Muawiz bin Afra (Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990), 374.)

Mu'az bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ

Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ belonged to the Banu Malik bin Najjar clan of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. His father's name was Harith bin Rifa'ah, and his mother's name was Afraa bint Ubaid. Mu'awwiz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) and Auf (ra) were his brothers. All three of these brothers used to be referred to by the name of their father as well as their mother. Hence, they were also known as Banu Afraa [the sons of Afraa].

Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and his two brothers, Auf (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) and  Mu'awwiz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ), participated in the Battle of Badr. Auf (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) and Mu'awwiz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) were martyred during the Battle of Badr, but Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ participated in all the subsequent battles along with Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) thereafter.

According to one narration, Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Hazrat Rafay (ra) bin Malik Zuraqiyy were among the foremost Ansar who accepted Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) in Makkah. Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was among those eight Ansar who accepted the Holy Prophet (sa) on the occasion of the First Pledge at Aqabah in Makkah. Likewise, Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was also present during the Second Pledge at Aqabah. When Ma'mar bin Harith (ra) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) established a bond of brotherhood between him and Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.

Although the details of Abu Jahl's death have already been presented in a sermon last year, they will be presented again due to their importance in relation to the account of Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.

Salih bin Ibrahim narrates from his grandfather  Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra), who stated:

"While I was standing in the row for the Battle of Badr, I looked to my right and left and found two youths from the Ansar. At the time I wished that I was standing among people who were older and stronger. During this very instance, one of them tapped me and asked, 'Uncle, do you recognize Abu Jahl?' I said to him, 'Yes, my nephew, what do you want with him?' He replied, 'I learned that he would hurl abuse at Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم). I swear by Him in Whose Hands is my life, if I were to see him, my eyes would not move from him until one of us – whose end has been decreed – dies.''

Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.) states:

"These words left me astonished. Then the other one who was standing on the other side tapped me and asked me the same question. After a short while, I saw Abu Jahl circling among the ranks. I said to them, 'There is that individual about whom you asked.' As soon as they heard this, they rushed towards him with their swords drawn. They continued their onslaught until he died.

Following this, they returned to Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) to inform him. Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) inquired, 'Which one of you killed him?' Both of them replied that they had killed him. Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) then asked, 'Have you wiped your swords clean?' They replied that they had not yet done so. Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) examined their swords and said, 'Both of you have killed him.' Following this, he said, 'His wealth will be given to Mu'az bin Amr bin Jamoohرَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.'"

Both of them were named Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ, i.e. one was called Mu'az bin Afraa and the other was Mu'az bin Amr bin رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.

This is a narration of Sahih al-Bukhari.

Anas (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) narrates, "On the day of the Battle of Badr, Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, 'Who will go to see what became of Abu Jahl?'  Ibn Mas'ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) went and saw that both sons of Afraa, Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Mu'awwiz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) had struck him with their swords to such an extent that he was on the brink of death. Ibn Mas'ud (ra) went to him and asked if he was Abu Jahl?  Ibn Mas'ud رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ narrates, 'I grabbed Abu Jahl by the beard. Abu Jahl said, "Have you killed a greater man than this", or he said, "Had his nation killed a greater man than him?"

Ahmad bin Yunus رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ has mentioned this in his narration in the following manner, that Abdullah bin Mas'ud رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ stated, "You must be Abu Jahl?" This is also a narration of Bukhari.

In relation to this narration found in Bukhari, Sayyid Zain-ul-Abideen Waliullah Shah Sahib (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) states in his commentary:

"In some narrations, it is mentioned that the two sons of Afraa, Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Mu'awwiz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ), attacked Abu Jahl to the extent that he was on the brink of death, and that  Abdullah bin Mas'ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) severed his head later on. This is mentioned in Bukhari, in the Book of Maghazi [military expeditions]. Allama Ibn Hajar Asqalani has expressed the possibility of Mu'awwiz bin Afraa (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) having also attacked him [i.e. Abu Jahl] after Mu'az bin Amr (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) and Mu'az bin Afraa (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ had already done so."

With regard to who took part in the killing of Abu Jahl during the Battle of Badr, in one place, we find the details regarding this in the following manner:

Ibn Hisham narrated from Allama Ibn Ishaq, "Mu'az bin Amr bin Jamooh (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) wounded the leg of Abu Jahl, as a result of which he fell down. Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl struck Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ with his sword, and his hand was severed as a result of the blow. Either his hand or his arm was cut off. Following this, Mu'awwiz bin Afraa (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) attacked Abu Jahl, as a result of which Abu Jahl fell to the ground but was still alive. Subsequently, Abdullah bin Mas'ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) severed his head from his body."

When  Abdullah bin Mas'ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) was sent by Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) to find Abu Jahl among those who had been killed, it was then that Abdullah bin Mas'ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) severed his head from his body.

According to a tradition of Sahih Muslim, the two sons of Afraa attacked Abu Jahl so ferociously that he died as a result. Similarly, in Bukhari, under the heading of the killing of Abu Jahl, it has been recorded in a similar manner. Imam Qurtabi expresses doubt that the two sons of Afraa killed Abu Jahl. He says that some narrators confused Mu'az bin Amr bin Jamooh (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ). That is, instead of Mu'az bin Afraa (ra), it was in fact Mu'az bin Amr bin Jamooh (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) [who killed Abu Jahl], whom people considered to be Mu'az bin Afraa (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ). He says that people have confused Mu'az bin Amr bin Jamooh (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) with Mu'az bin Afraa (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ).

Allama Ibn al-Jawzi says that Mu'az bin Jamooh (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was not from among the progeny of Afraa and that Mu'az bin Afraa (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) was among those individuals who killed Abu Jahl. Perhaps a brother or paternal uncle of Mu'az bin Afraa (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) was present at that time, or only one of the sons of Afraa were mentioned, but the narrator may have mistakenly mentioned both sons.

Abu Umar states that the more reliable narration is that of Anas bin Malik (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ), in which it is stated that Ibn Afraa killed Abu Jahl, i.e., one of the sons of Afraa. Ibn Theen relates that there is a possibility that both Mu'az's - i.e., Mu'az bin Amr bin Jamooh (ra)رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Mu'az bin Afraa (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) were brothers from the same mother, or that they were foster-brothers [who were weaned by the same wet-nurse]. Allamah Daudi has taken the two sons of Afraa to actually mean Sahl and Suhail, and it is said that they were both Mu'awwiz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) and Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.

In any case, these are the various accounts in which it is either mentioned that three individuals killed [Abu Jahl] or two individuals, and among them there is mention of Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.

Whilst describing the circumstances during the Battle of Badr and the incident regarding the killing of Abu Jahl, Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) writes:

"Now, the field of battle was heated by bloodshed. Before the Muslims was a party three times their number, which had entered the field of battle, embellished with all kinds of military equipment, determined to erase all traces of Islam. The poor Muslims were fewer in number, less in equipment, and struck by shocks of poverty and exile, and as far as apparent means were concerned, they were prey to the people of Mecca for a few minutes. However, they had become intoxicated in the love of Divine Unity and Prophethood. Living faith is a power in comparison to which there is no greater power on earth, and it had instilled within them a supernormal strength. At that time, in the field of battle, they were displaying an unparalleled example of service to the faith.

"Every man would step ahead further than the other, and seemed restless to offer his life for the sake of God. Hamza (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ), Ali (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ)and Zubair (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) cut down rank upon rank of the enemies. The passionate sincerity of the Ansar was such that Abdur Rahman bin Auf (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) relates:

'When the war fully commenced, I looked to my right and left, but found two youngsters from the Ansar on both my sides. Upon seeing them, my heart sank, because in such wars, the outcome of the battle greatly depends on the companions to the right and left. Only such a person can fight effectively, whose sides are secure.'

"Abdur Rahman (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) adds:

'I was still in this state of mind, when one of the two boys inquired of me in a whisper, as if to keep it secret from the other, (i.e. lest the boy on the other side should hear them) "O Uncle! Where is that Abu Jahl who would give grief to the Holy Prophet (sa) in Mecca? I have made an oath with God that I shall either kill him or die trying." I had not yet responded when the other also whispered the same inquiry. Upon witnessing their courage, I was stunned because Abu Jahl was the general of the army and he was surrounded by veteran warriors. I pointed to him saying, "That is Abu Jahl."

Abdur Rahman (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) states:

'I had only to make an indication, when both children sprung forward like hawks and cutting through the enemy ranks reached there in an instant. They executed an assault so swiftly, that Abu Jahl and his comrades were left dumbstruck, and Abu Jahl was mixed to dust.'

"Ikramah bin Abi Jahl also accompanied his father. Although he was unable to save his father, he managed to strike Mu'az (ra) from behind in such a manner, that his left arm was cut and began to dangle. Mu'az (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) pursued Ikramah, but he escaped. Since a semi-attached arm was a hindrance in battle, Mu'az (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) tore it forcefully from his body and continued to fight.”

Whilst relating this incident,  Khalifatul Masih II (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) states:

"Abu Jahl was that individual, at the birth of whom camels were slaughtered for weeks, and the meat distributed among the people; at the birth of whom Mecca was echoing with the sound of tambourines."

In other words, on the news of his birth, the people of Mecca were rejoicing with the sound of drums and other musical instruments. He further writes:

"When he was killed during the Battle of Badr, it was two fifteen-year-old youngsters of the Ansar who wounded him. Abdullah bin Mas'ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) relates, 'When the people were returning from the battle, I went to see those injured in combat.' He too was from Makkah, so Abu Jahl would have recognized him instantly. He states, 'I was walking in the battlefield when all of a sudden, I saw Abu Jahl injured and was groaning with pain. When I approached him, he said to me, "It does not seem as if I will survive this; my injury has taken a turn for the worst. Seeing as you are also a Meccan, it is my wish that you kill me to put an end to my suffering. But as you are aware, I am an Arab chief, and it is an Arab custom to cut the neck in a manner that it would be prominent, as this is the sign of a slain chief. So I want you to cut my neck in this manner."'  Abdullah bin Mas'ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) continues, 'I cut his neck in a manner that it was short (i.e., near to his chin), and said that even your last wish will not be fulfilled.' Now in terms of their end, observe how humiliating the death of Abu Jahl was, whose head was always held high during his lifetime, but at the time of his death his neck was cut very short and even his final wish was left unfulfilled.”

Rubayy bint Mu'awwiz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) relates:

"My uncle Mu'az bin Afraa (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) handed me some fresh dates, and sent me to the Holy Prophet (sa). Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) in turn gave me some jewelry which had been gifted to him by the governor of Bahrain." In another narration, Rubayy bint Mu'awwiz (ra) relates, "My uncle  Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ  handed me a gift to take to Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) and in return he gave me some jewelry which he had received from the governor of Bahrain."

Allamah Ibn Athir writes, "The governor of Bahrain and other kings only started to send gifts to Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) when Islam had spread and strengthened, and after he had sent letters to these kings. He [the governor] too was among those who sent back letters and also gifts."

Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ  married four times, the details of which are as follows:

Habibah bint Qais (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) , with whom he had a son named Ubaidullah.

Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ  second wife was Umme Harith bint Sabrah (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) , with whom he had Harith, Auf, Salma, Umm-e-Abdillah (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) , and Ramlah. His third wife was Umm-e-Abdillah bint Numair with whom he had Ibrahim and Aisha. His fourth wife was Umm-e-Thabit Ramla bint Harith (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ), with whom he had Sarah."

In his book, Usdul Ghabah, Allamah Ibn Athir has recorded several narrations with regard to the demise of Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ . According to one of these narrations, Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was wounded in the Battle of Badr and passed away from his injuries after returning to Medina. In another narration, he lived up to the Khilafat of Uthman (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ). According to yet another narration, he lived until the Khilafat of  Ali (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) , and he passed away during the Battle of Siffin, which took place between  Ali (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) and Amir Muawiyyah (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) in the year 36 AH/37 AH. Mu'az ((رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ)) fought alongside  Ali ((رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ)).

In his book, Usdul Ghabah, Allamah Ibn Athir has recorded several narrations with regard to the demise of Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ. According to one of these narrations, Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was wounded in the Battle of Badr and passed away from his injuries after returning to Madinah. In another narration, he lived up to the Khilafat of Uthman (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) According to yet another narration, he lived until the Khilafat of  Ali (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) and he passed away during the Battle of Siffin, which took place between  Ali (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) and Amir Muawiyyah (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) in the year 36 AH/37 AH. Mu'az Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ fought alongside Ali (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ).

alfakir albakr allatifi

Notes/References

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 191, Mu‘az bin al-Harith bin Rifa‘ah (ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 3, pp. 1409-1410, Mu‘az bin Afraa, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut)

In any case, there are different accounts with regard to his demise. If one analyses the accounts relating to his marriage and his children, it seems that he lived a long life, that is if these narrations are indeed regarding him.

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 191, Mu‘az bin al-Harith bin Rifa‘ah (ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 3, pp. 1409-1410, Mu‘az bin Afraa, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut)

In any case, there are different accounts with regard to his demise. If one analyses the accounts relating to his marriage and his children, it seems that he lived a long life, that is if these narrations are indeed regarding him.

In any case, there are different accounts with regard to his demise. If one analyses the accounts relating to his marriage and his children, it seems that he lived a long life, that is if these narrations are indeed regarding him.

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 373-374, Mu‘az bin al-Harith (ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 192, Mu’az bin al-Harith bin Rifa‘ah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 7, p. 101)

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 362)

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fard al-Khumus, Bab Man Lam Yukhammis al-Aslab, Hadith 3141)

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab Qatl Abi Jahl, Hadith 3962)

(Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Fard al-Khumus, Vol. 5, p. 491, Footnote, Urdu translation Nizarat Ishaat, Rabwah

Umdatul Qari, Vol. 15, pp. 100-101, Darul Fikr, Beirut)

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, pp. 190-191, Mu‘az bin al-Harith bin Rifa‘ah (ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 374, Mu‘az bin al-Harith (ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)