Men of Excellence
After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated:
In the last Friday Sermon, I related the account of the life of Hazrat Hilal (ra) bin Umayyah. In relation to this, I also mentioned about the Battle of Tabuk and Hazrat Hilal (ra) bin Umayyah was among the three men who did not take part in this particular battle. When the Holy Prophet (sa) returned from the battle, he expressed his displeasure at them and punished them as well. The three companions were extremely anxious as a result of this and bowed down before Allah the Almighty and continued to seek istighfar [seeking forgiveness] and taubah [repentance] until the cry of those three companions was accepted. Allah the Almighty revealed a verse regarding their pardoning. Hazrat Hilal (ra) was also among these three companions. It was also mentioned in reference to this battle that the companions offered great sacrifices while preparing for this battle.
There were certain individuals in Medina, who being hypocrites, did not participate in this battle and presented false excuses before the Holy Prophet (sa). One such individual was Jadd bin Qais. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked him if he would join them in the battle against the Roman forces. He excused himself saying that he had some responsibilities with women of the family and faced certain other issues as well. So, the Holy Prophet (sa) let him be and permitted him to stay behind. In light of this incident, the following verse was revealed: “And among them is he who says, ‘Permit me to stay behind and put me not to trial.’ Surely, they have already fallen into trial. And surely, Hell shall encompass the disbelievers.” [9:49]
A Jew from Medina, whose name was Su‘ailam and his house was a hub for the hypocrites. The Holy Prophet (sa) was informed that the hypocrites were assembling their and stopping people from joining the Holy Prophet (sa) in the Battle of Tabuk. The Holy Prophet (sa) told Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir (ra) to go to those people and to confirm what they have said. If they deny, tell them that I have been informed of what they have said. When Hazrat Ammar (ra) arrived there and said all of this, as a result these individuals started coming to the Holy Prophet (sa) to present their excuses. Allah the Almighty has described their condition in the following words: “The hypocrites fear lest a Surah should be revealed against them, informing them of what is in their hearts. Say, ‘Mock ye! surely, Allah will bring to light what you fear.’ And if thou question them, they will most surely say, ‘We were only talking idly and jesting.’ Say, ‘Was it Allah and His Signs and His Messenger that you mocked at? ‘Offer no excuse. You have certainly disbelieved after your believing. If We forgive a party from among you, a party shall We punish, for they have been guilty.’ Nevertheless, the Holy Prophet (sa) left their matter with Allah. When the Holy Prophet (sa) returned from the Battle of Tabuk and reached near Medina, the men, women and children of Medina had gathered at Thaniyat-ul-Wada to welcome him. It was the practice of the Holy Prophet (sa) that whenever he returned to Medina after a journey, he would go to the mosque and offer two Rakats [units] of prayer. Thus, when the Holy Prophet (sa) returned from Tabuk, it was in the early afternoon and he first offered two Rakats of prayer in the mosque. Afterwards, he sat down in the mosque in order to meet with everyone. Those who intentionally stayed behind from travelling to Tabuk without any reason also came to meet the Holy Prophet (sa), and they presented their excuses before the Holy Prophet (sa). There were eighty of them approximately. Even though the Holy Prophet (sa) knew the true reality of their false excuses, yet even then he accepted what they said and pardoned them. He would take their oath of allegiance and seek forgiveness for them. However, as it has been mentioned in detail already that Hazrat Hilal (ra) bin Umaiyyah, Hazrat Murarah (ra) bin Rabee’ and Hazrat Ka’ab (ra) bin Malik did not present any false excuses. As a result of this, they faced the displeasure of the Holy Prophet (sa) for some time. They prostrated before God Almighty and profusely wept before Him and implored for His forgiveness. Later, Allah the Almighty accepted their repentance and also mentioned the acceptance of their repentance in the Holy Qur’an.
The second companion who will be mentioned today is Hazrat Murarah (ra) bin Rabee’ ‘Amri. Hazrat Murarah (ra)’s father was Rabee’ bin Adi. His father’s name is also recorded as Ribi’ and Rabi’ah as well. Hazrat Murarah (ra) bin Rabee’ Amri belonged to the tribe of Amr bin ‘Auf from the ansar tribe of Aus. Hazrat Murarah (ra) had the honour of participating in the Battle of Badr. He was among the three companions who were unable to participate in the Battle of Tabuk, which has already been mentioned.
The next companion who will be mentioned is Hazrat Utbah (ra) bin Ghazwan. His title was Abu Abdullah and Abu Ghazwan. Hazrat Utbah (ra) was a confederate of the Banu Naufal bin Abd Manaf. His father’s name was Ghazwan bin Jabir. Hazrat Utbah (ra) was forty years old at the time of migration towards Medina. Hazrat Utbah (ra) bin Ghazwan migrated to Medina along with Hazrat Miqdad (ra) bin Aswad. Both of these companions were from among the early converts to Islam. With regards to their emigration to Medina, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) read out historical excerpts from the book written by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad sahib (ra), The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa), about the commencement of Jihad of the sword.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) made an announcement in regards to the launch of the Daily Al-Fazl website. On the completion of 106 years of Al-Fazl, the online edition of Al-Fazl will be launched from London. 106 years ago, on 18th June 1913, with the permission and prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra), Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) started the Al-Fazl newspaper. InshAllah, the online edition will be officially launched after the Friday Sermon.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) led the funeral prayers [in absentia] of Respected Syyeda Tanvir-ul-Islam Sahiba, who was the wife of the late respected Mirza Hafeez Ahmad Sahib and Sister Haaja Shakoora Noor Sahiba from the USA and prayed that may God Almighty grant her His forgiveness and mercy and elevate her status. May God Almighty continue to grant such individuals to the Jama’at, who are filled with the passion to serve and who display utmost sincerity and devotion.