Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه was a Hadrami envoy sent by Rasulullahﷺ in the 7th century CE to spread Islam to the region that extends from Kuwait to Ras al-Khaimah. He was from Hadhramaut in Yemen
For many centuries before the
light of Islam bestowed upon Rasulullahﷺ as a guidance to all mankind
and all of His creations in the whole Universe, the people of Arabia in West
Asia were mostly known as Jahiliya living live in darkness govern by old family
tradition and deep-rooted paganism. Having no form of known civilization,
but only paganism and idol worshippers. The present day (Bahrain)Eastern Arabia
are Bedouin Arab which were mostly pagans who worshipped idol gods like Awal,
and there were also some Zoroastrians and Jews. Islam swept the Arabian
Peninsula in the 7th century, overturning the idol worshippers. Rasulullahﷺ sent his first envoy Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي
الله عنه to Munzir ibn Sawa Al Tamimi, the ruler of Eastern
Arabia (The present-day Bahrain) which in those days, extended the coast
from Kuwait to the north of Oman including Al-Hasa and Bahrain Islands,
in the year 628 AD, inviting him and the Abdul Qays tribe to Islam. Munzir,
responding to Rasulullahﷺ 's call announced his conversion to Islam and
all the Arab inhabitants of the region of Eastern Arabia (Bahrain including
some Persians) living in the region also became Muslim, heralding the
beginning of the Islamic era in the region of Eastern Arabia (Bahrain).
Consequently, Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله
عنه was appointed by Rasulullahﷺ as
his representative in Eastern Arabia (Bahrain) to collect
the Jizya (religious tax).
After the demised of Rasulullahﷺ
Muhammad in 632 AD, large numbers of Arab tribes revolted against the
Islamic empire, including a large portion of Eastern Arabia (Bahrain's
population) who returned to paganism. As a result, the new Caliph Saiyyidina
Abu Bakr As Siddique رضي الله عنه sent Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami
رضي الله عنه
back to Eastern Arabia (Bahrain) with a sizeable army where he successfully
defeated the rebels. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
governed Eastern Arabia (Bahrain until 634 AD) when the new Saiyyidina Uma Ibn
Al Khattab رضي الله عنه . replaced
him with Uthman ibn Abi al-As after he failed in the first
naval invasion to Fars. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
later died in 635 AD and was buried in modern-day Hawali, (eastern
Arabia) now known as Kuwait..
The Qoramah of Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه Alhamdulillah, praise and
gratitude to the Divine with innumerable blessings and gifts for all of us. Blessings
and peace be upon Rasulullahﷺ, his family, friends and those who follow
in his footsteps until the end of time.
Imam al-Zahabi in Siyar A’lam
al-Nubala ’mentions: His name is al-‘Ala bin‘ Abdilah bin ‘Imad bin Akbar bin
Rabi’ah bin Muqanna’ bin Hadhramaut. He was among the strong allies of the
Umayyads and also among the leaders of the Muhajireen. His brother was named
Maimun bin al-Hadrami, to whom was attributed the well of Maimun located in the
highlands of Makkah. It was excavated before Rasulullahﷺ was resurrected
again.
Two of his other brothers,
namely Amru and Amir, were appointed by Rasulullahﷺ as governors of (Eastern
Arabia) Bahrain. The position continued to be maintained during the time of Saiyyidina Abu Bakr As Siddique رضي الله عنه
and Saiyyidina Umar Ibn Al Khattab رضي الله
عنه .
There is an opinion that
mentions that Saiyyidina Umar Ibn Al Khattab رضي الله عنه .
had sent him to be the
governor of Basrah. But before he could arrive in Basrah, he died.
(See
Siyar A’lam al-Nubala ’, 1/255. See also al-Isobah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, 4/445)
Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
mentions: Al-‘Ala ’also narrated a hadith from Rasulullahﷺ. Among the
companions who narrated from him were al-Sa’ib bin Yazid and Abu Hurairah رضي
الله عنه .. He is said to be a man whose prayers are mustajab. Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه was able to cross the ocean by
reciting some prayers. Stories like this are famous in the books about the
opening and spread of Islam.
(See
al-Isobah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, 4/445)
Karamah al-‘Ala ’and His Troop
Received Water.
In a war against the apostates
in Eastern Arabia (Bahrain), there was a karamah. When Sayidina Al A’la Al
Hadrami رضي الله عنه and his army stopped somewhere in the night,
suddenly their camels went wild and ran away carrying all the supplies
including food and drink. Not a single camel could they chase. It was then that
feelings of anxiety and sadness began to envelop until some had begun to
bequeath to each other while waiting for the moment of death.
Then Sayidina Al A’la Al
Hadrami رضي الله عنه called and gathered them, then he gave a speech:
“O audience, are you not all Muslims? Are you not fighting in the way of Allah?
Aren't you the helper of Allah's religion?
They replied: "Yes, that's right!" He continued: “By Allah,
rejoice! Indeed, He will not humiliate you.”
After entering the time of
Subuh (Fajr), Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه’prayed
Subuh with his soldiers. After the prayer, he raised his hands to pray with his
soldiers.
Ibn Kathir in al-Bidayah wa
al-Nihayah mentions, among the prayers recited by al-‘Ala ’are:
يَا عَلِيمُ،
يَا حَلِيمُ، يَا عَلِيُّ، يَا عَظِيمُ، إِنَّا عَبِيدُكَ، وَفِي سَبِيلِكَ نُقَاتِلُ
عَدُوَّكَ، اسْقِنَا غَيْثًا نَشْرَبُ مِنْهُ وَنَتَوَضَّأُ
“Meaning: O All-Knowing, O
All -Gentle, O All -High, O All -Great. Indeed, we are Your servants. In your
way, we fight your enemies. Send us water with which we can drink and perform
ablution.”
(See al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah,
9/53)
Suddenly Allah SWT created
near their place a pool filled with water. So, Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami
رضي الله عنه and his army came to the place, they drank and bathed with
him. After the sun had risen, all their camels returned from all directions
with their supplies at once. Then they watered the camels as well.
(See al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh,
1/376)
This is the karamah that has
been witnessed by the people and it is also a sign of the greatness of Allah
SWT for Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
and his army.
Karamah Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه - Can Cross the Sea
From ‘Urwah, he said: Saiyyidina Abu Bakr
As Siddique رضي الله عنه had sent al-Ala’ to lead an army to Eastern Arabia
(Bahrain) because they had apostatized. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي
الله عنه’then came to them while it was separated by the sea, namely
al-Raqraq. However, they were able to cross it by walking across with their
feet wading in the water. While the place is usually crossed by ships.
Eventually, Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه succeeded in
fighting them and Allah SWT gave victory to Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami
رضي الله عنه ’and his army. The people of Eastern Arabia (Bahrain) then
returned to pay zakat.
(See Siyar A’lam al-Nubala ’,
1/226)
Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه once
said: “I have seen three things from Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله
عنه that I have loved forever, namely:
• Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami
رضي الله عنه once crossed the ocean on horseback on the day of the Darin
war (a province in today’s Bahrain).
• Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami
رضي الله عنه moved to Eastern Arabia (Bahrain), then prayed to Allah in the
arid land until they were given water from a source that can be drunk, then the
people drank it to their satisfaction.
• Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami
رضي الله عنه died when we had no water. So with the permission of Allah
SWT, suddenly a cloudy cloud appeared, then the rain came down. Then we bathed
him and made a hole for him with our swords and buried him”.
(See Siyar A’lam an-Nubala ’,
1/266)
Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami
رضي الله عنه is said to be the first Muslim to cross the ocean on a war
mission.
(See Tahzib al-Asma ', 1/341,
al-Isobah, 4/541)
Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami
رضي الله عنه died in the 14th year of the Hijrah. There is also an opinion
mentioning the 21st year of Hijrah.
(See al-Isobah fi Tamyiz
al-Sahabah, 4/445)
Other stories of Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه.
The Islamic state established in Madinah was growing day by day. The people who converged to Madinah in tribes and clans listened to the talk of Rasulullahﷺ and the lofty truths of Islam; then, they became Muslims. On the one hand, Rasulullahﷺ was busy with the delegations arriving in Madinah; on the other hand, he sent envoys to the neighboring states and rulers and invited them to Islam. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه was one of these Companions who were appointed as envoys. Rasulullahﷺ sent him to Eastern Arabia (Bahrain), a seaside country in the western part of the Gulf of Basra in 8 H. Rasulullahﷺ also wrote a letter to a Mundhir bin Sawa, the ruler of Eastern Arabia (Bahrain) who was a fire-worshipper. Rasulullahﷺ advised Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه to take. Along Saiyidina Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه with him and to treat his comrade well.
(Tabaqat
4::360)
Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه was one of the first
Muslim. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه listened to the
talks of Rasulullahﷺ for a long time and
learned many things from him. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
was a good speaker. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
ability to persuade was very good and he spoke softly. Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه spoke taking the state of his
addressee into consideration and did his best not to hurt him. That was the
reason why Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه was appointed
to do such an important service.
Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه set off without wasting time.
On the one hand, Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
proceeded on his way, and on the other hand, he was thinking. For, hundreds of
people would accept or reject Islam based on his way of conveying the message.
Besides, the person he would visit was a king. Therefore, he had to be careful.
In fact, the community he would visit the worshipped fire. Instead of Allah, they
worshipped fire, which Allah created. However, no matter who the addressee was,
Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه had to invite them using
soft language.
For,
Allah Almighty stated the following in a verse regarding the issue:
"Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious…”
(An Nahl:125)
Finally,
Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه reached Eastern Arabia (Bahrain).
The ruler of (Eastern Arabia) Bahrain heard that a prophet had emerged in
Makkah. However, he did not have any information about Islam. He accepted the
envoy of the Rasulullahﷺ into his presence at once. Thus, Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه wanted
to show that he gave importance to Rasulullahﷺ.
Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه, who was educated in the
school of prophethood, entered into the presence of the king in a mature way. Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه was wearing plain but clean clothes.
Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه gave the letter of Rasulullahﷺ
to the king. The king received the letter in a respectful manner, gave it to
his interpreter, and wanted him to read it. While the letter was being read, Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه was thinking about what to speak. Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه looked around. Almost all of the
notables of the king were there. Then, he decided that he should not use
expressions that would disdain the king and the religion they followed in front
of them. On the contrary, he had to consider the position of the ruler in his
nation and invite him to Islam accordingly. After the letter was read, Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه made the following speech:
“O
Mundhir! You definitely have a great mind regarding worldly affairs. Think
well! Does it fit you not to approve a person who never tells lies, not to rely
on a person who never breaks his promise and not to believe in him? This
illiterate prophet is such a person that no sane person wants what he orders to
be forbidden, and wants what he forbids to be ordered.”
Mundhir
was a really clever person. He thought a little bit about Rasulullahﷺ’s
letter and Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه’s speech.
Then, he asked Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي
الله عنه to give him some more information about Islam. As Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه spoke, the light of belief started
to shine on the face of Mundhir. Finally, he did not find it convenient to wait
longer to accept Islam. He expressed his thoughts as follows:
“I
looked at the sultanate in my hand; I found it appropriate for the world only,
not for the hereafter. I looked at your religion; I saw that it considered both
the world and the hereafter. What can prevent me from accepting such a religion
that has a comfortable life in the world and an eternal life in the Hereafter?
Then, he became a Muslim by uttering kalimah ash-shahada. After Mundhir became
a Muslim, Sibuht, a fire-worshipping monk also became a Muslim, which caused
many people of Eastern Arabia (Bahrain) to accept Islam.
[Insanul-Uyun, 3: 300-330.]
Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه wrote a letter to Rasulullahﷺ,
informing him about the good news. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله
عنه wanted the instructions of Rasulullahﷺ about how he should act
after that.
Rasulullahﷺ was
very pleased to receive this letter. Rasulullahﷺ congratulated and
appreciated Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه for this
success. As a reward, he appointed Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله
عنه as the governor of Eastern Arabia (Bahrain) since that region became an
Islamic country. Rasulullahﷺ wrote Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه a letter ordering him to teach Islam
to the people of Eastern Arabia (Bahrain), to collect zakah from rich Muslims
and jizyah from non-Muslims, to distribute them to the poor people and to send
the extra money and goods to Madinah.
[Tabaqat,
1: 276; 4: 363]
Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه was a model personality in
rhetoric and communication as well as in administration. Sayidina Al A’la Al
Hadrami رضي الله عنه made a great effort to make Islam a system of
life. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه made himself loved
by the people of Bahrain in a short time. He ensured the settlement of Islam in
Eastern Arabia (Bahrain) with the help of Mundhir and the monk. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه distributed
the zakah and jizyah that he had collected to the poor people in Bahrain, and he
sent the rest to Madinah. At that time, the Muslims in Madinah was in
financial difficulties. They became very happy when so much money arrived at an
unexpected time; they thanked Allah Almighty for this blessing.
[ibid, 4: 15-16]
Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه continued his duty after the
death of Rasulullahﷺ during the caliphate of Hz. Abu Bakr and Hz. Umar.
For, Rasulullahﷺ gave him this position because of his skill and
competence.
Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه was also a Companion known
for his courage and heroism. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
was a good commander. Saiyidina. Umar Al Khattab رضي الله عنه
appointed him as the commander of the army in charge of the conquest of that
region. In addition, he wrote him a letter, reminding him of some issues:
“Allah
Almighty informed us about the purpose of the creation of people. Work for the
thing that you were created for and give up other things. For, the world is
temporary, and the hereafter is permanent. Do not let the ephemeral pleasures
of the world prevent you from seeing the eternal pleasures of the hereafter.
Avoid doing the things that Allah forbade. It is Allah Almighty who gives
superiority to whomever He wishes with knowledge and wisdom. May Allah make us
and you obey Him and be saved from His punishment. “
[ibid, 4: 362.]
This
great companion fulfilled the duty of being a commander very well.
Some Qaramah
also were seen in Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي
الله عنه, who was known as a Companion whose prayer is accepted by
Allah Almighty. Sayidina Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه, who was often with him,
said his love for him increased because of the spiritual things he saw about Sayidina
Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه,.
While
the army under the command of Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه,
was proceeding on the territory of Iran, the mujahids ran out of water. The
enemy soldiers shut down all of the wells in that region in order to weaken the
Muslims. It was not possible to find water. The weather was very hot. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه prayed two rak’ahs with the mujahids. Then, Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami
رضي الله عنه opened his hands and
prayed to Allah Almighty. Soon, Allah helped them. The water started springing
from under the sand. The mujahids drank from that water, made wudu, and filled
their water containers. Then, they left. One of the soldiers forgot some of his
possessions in the place where they had stopped. When he returned to take them,
he saw that the water spring had been lost.
Sayidina Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates another memory
about Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه as follows:
“I set
off to go to Basra with Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه.
When we arrived at Liyas, Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
passed away. We did not have enough water to wash him. Allah Almighty sent rain
at that moment. We washed him with rainwater. We dug a grave with our swords
and buried him. Then we left.”
May
Allah be pleased with them!
Sayidina Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated:
“When Rasulullahﷺ
sent Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
on an expedition, I went with. I saw three amazing things; I am not sure
which one is the most amazing.
We
reached the shore of the ocean, and Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله
عنه said, ‘Take the name of Allah and enter.’ We did so and crossed the
ocean and the hooves of our conveyance were not even wet...
While
returning, we had no water. ‘Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه
said, ‘Perform two rak’ahs of Salah’. Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي
الله عنه then supplicated to Allah and suddenly there was a cloud and it
began to rain.
When
Sayidina Al A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه passed away, we buried him.
We traveled a short distance and we decided to move his body, fearing
that an animal may consume him, but we did not find his body”.
Answer
Imam
Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration with a weak chain.
(Al
Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 167, volume 18, Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 3519 and Al
Mu’jamus Saghir, Hadith: 400. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 9 pg. 376)
This
incident, however, has been reported with other chains [and variations in the
wording] as Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (may Allah protect him) has pointed
out. These chains when combined gain collective strength. Sayidina Al
A’la Al Hadrami رضي الله عنه is famously known to be ‘mustajabud
da'wah (One whose dua’s were readily answered).
(Kitabu Mujabid Da’wah of Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya, Hadith: 40, Footnotes on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah, Hadith: 11790 and 30423. Also see Dalailun Nubuwwah of Imam Bayhaqi, vol. 6 pg. 50-54 and Al Isabah of Hafiz Ibn Hajar, vol. 7 pg. 236/7)
[1]Tabaqat,
4: 360.
[2]an-Nahl, 125.
[3]Insanul-Uyun, 3: 300-330.
[4]Tabaqat, 1: 276; 4: 363.
[5]ibid, 4: 15-16.
[6]ibid, 4: 362.
