Men of Excellence: Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) ; Suraqa bin Malik and the Bracelets of Khusrow
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra).
Suraqah bin Malik Pursues the Holy Prophet(sa)
His Holiness(aba) said that the Makkans had set a reward for anyone who could capture the Holy Prophet(sa) and Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra). Thus, people such as Suraqah attempted to capture the Holy Prophet(sa) as he and Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) were migrating, however God rendered him unable to do so. Thus, he requested the Holy Prophet(sa) for security when he came into power. The Holy Prophet(sa) then foretold Suraqah that he would one day be wearing the bangles of Chosroes. Later, during the era of Hazrat Umar(ra), when Chosroes was overthrown, Hazrat Umar(ra) summoned Suraqah and gave him Chosroes’ bangles, thus fulfilling the prophecy made by the Holy Prophet(sa).
His Holiness(aba) said that as Suraqah was returning from his encounter with the Holy Prophet(sa), he came across another Makkan caravan that had also set out in search of the Holy Prophet(sa). When Suraqah spoke to them, he did not mention anything about the Holy Prophet’s (sa) whereabouts. In fact, he spoke to them in such a manner, that they were convinced to end their search and return.
An Incident at Umm Ma‘bad
His Holiness(aba) said that during the migration, the Holy Prophet(sa) and Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) passed by the tent of a woman named Umm Ma‘bad, and inquired whether she had any food, meat or dates which they could purchase from her, however she did not have anything as her people were enduring times of hardship and famine. The Holy Prophet(sa) saw a goat in a corner of the tent and asked about it. Umm Ma‘bad said that this goat was extremely weak, to the extent that it could not even produce milk. The Holy Prophet(sa) asked if he could try milking it. Thus, the Holy Prophet(as) prayed, and then milked the goat, so much so that the entire group of people could drink its milk. The Holy Prophet(sa) gave Umm Ma‘bad the milk and she drank to her fill, after which the Holy Prophet(sa) himself drank some. He then left a pail of milk with Umm Ma‘bad, purchased the goat from her and continued on his journey.
His Holiness(aba) said that later, in their search for the Holy Prophet(sa), they went to Umm Ma‘bad and asked if she knew about his whereabouts. She refused to tell them anything, and as they pressed further and became harsh, Umm Ma‘bad bravely said that if they did not leave, she would call upon her fellow tribespeople to attack them. Thus, the Makkans left.
His Holiness(aba) said that along the way, the Holy Prophet(sa) met Hazrat Zubair(ra) who was returning with a trading caravan from Syria. Hazrat Zubair(ra) gave white clothes to both the Holy Prophet(sa) and Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra).
His Holiness(aba) said that while on this journey, they would meet various trading caravans who would recognise Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) as he had been a businessman as well, however they would not recognise the Holy Prophet(sa). When they would ask who he was, Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) would reply that this person was his guide.
Arrival at Quba’ During the Migration
His Holiness(aba) said that after eight days of travelling, they reached Quba’ on a Monday, which is two to three miles from Madinah. The people of Madinah had heard about the Holy Prophet’s (sa) departure from Makkah, and had been awaiting his arrival. One day, a Jewish man standing atop a hill spotted the Holy Prophet(sa) and Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) approaching and announced to the Muslims that their leader had arrived. The Muslims rushed out to meet them. As they approached, Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) stood up while the Holy Prophet(sa) was quietly sitting. Some people of Madinah who had not yet seen the Holy Prophet(sa) first approached Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) and began greeting him. At that time, Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) took his cloak and shaded the Holy Prophet(sa) from the sun, upon which the people realised that this was the Holy Prophet(sa).
Foundation Laid for the Quba’ Mosque & First Friday Prayer Offered
His Holiness(aba) said that it is recorded that the Holy Prophet(sa) stayed in Quba’ for about ten nights. During this stay, the Holy Prophet(sa) laid the foundation of a mosque, known as the Mosque of Quba’. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that the foundation of this mosque was established upon righteousness.
His Holiness(aba) said that after his stay in Quba’, the Holy Prophet(sa) set out for Madinah. While on the way, the Holy Prophet(sa) was in the valley of Banu Salim bin Auf when it came time for the Friday prayer. Thus, the Holy Prophet(sa) offered the Friday prayer in the mosque of the valley of Ranunah along with 100 Muslims. This mosque became known as the Mosque of the Friday Prayer, as this was the first Friday prayer offered by the Holy Prophet(sa) in Madinah. His Holiness(aba) clarified that this mosque would have been formally established later on.
His Holiness(aba) said that after offering the Friday prayer, the Holy Prophet(as) continued towards Madinah, riding on his camel with Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) sitting behind him.
Rejoice as the Holy Prophet(sa) Arrives at Madinah
His Holiness(aba) said that Buraidah was another person who was enticed by the reward set by the Makkans for the capture of the Holy Prophet(sa). Thus, he set out with 70 men from Banu Sahm. When they came across the Holy Prophet(sa), he asked him who he was and where he came from, and Buraidah informed him. When Buraidah asked him who he was, the Holy Prophet(sa) replied that he was Muhammad(sa) bin Abdullah, the Prophet of Allah. Upon this, Buraidah accepted Islam, along with all those who were with him. The next day, he said that the Holy Prophet(sa) should enter Madinah with a flag. Thus, he took his turban off, tied it to his spear, and walked in front of the Holy Prophet(sa) as he entered Madinah.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) continued along with his caravan of Muslims towards the city of Madinah. As the Holy Prophet(sa) passed by people’s homes, they would offer their homes for him to stay in, and the Holy Prophet(sa) would pray for them. Women and children stood on the rooftops of their homes, singing words of welcome for the Holy Prophet(sa). The Holy Prophet(sa) reached the people of Banu Najjar, who were standing in formation wearing their armour to welcome the Holy Prophet(sa), and the women of Banu Najjar sang poems of thanks and praise.
His Holiness(aba) said that after a few days, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Zaid(ra) to Makkah, in order to bring the rest of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) things to Madinah. The Holy Prophet(sa) had purchased some land in Madinah, upon which he first laid the foundation for a mosque, and then began building homes for himself and his companions. Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) stayed in a place in the environs of Madinah called Sun’a, which was two miles from the city of Madinah.
His Holiness(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) in future sermons.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness(aba) said that he would mention some deceased members of the Community.
Chaudhary Asghar Ali Kilaar who has been a prisoner in the way of Allah. He passed away on 10 January while still captive. His Holiness(aba) said that thus, he is considered a martyr. He was taken into custody on 24 September 2021 in Bahawalpur after a case under the blasphemy laws of Pakistan was filed against him. His health deteriorated while in prison, due to which he was taken to hospital on 4 January, where he later passed away at the age of 70 years, after an imprisonment of 3 months and 15 days. He had a bail hearing on 11 January, but passed away before that date. He accepted Ahmadiyyat when he was a student and was the only person to do so. His family stopped supporting him financially, and so he would tutor children in order to pay for his education. He possessed a great love for Khilafat, and respected life-devotees. He was passionate about calling people unto Allah, and through his efforts, many people entered into the fold of Ahmadiyyat. He was regular in offering prayers and fasting, he helped the poor and needy and was kind to his family despite their opposition. While in prison, he saw three dreams in which God conveyed greetings of peace to him. He had served the Community in various capacities. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah treat him with forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station, and grant his family patience. His Holiness(aba) said to pray for all other prisoners in the way of Allah.
Mirza Mumtaz Ahmad a worker of Wakalat-e-Ulya Rabwah. He served the Community for a long period of time. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. He possessed many great qualities and was dedicated to his work. After completing his own work, he would help in the work of others. Despite being a senior worker, he was very humble, patient and content. His Holiness(aba) said that he saw him to be a quiet person with a small circle of friends, and would go to the office and straight home afterwards. He was a very hard worker. May Allah treat him with forgiveness and mercy and enable his children to carry on his virtues.
Col Dr Abdul Khaliq, a former administrator of the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital. He is survived by two sons and two daughters. When Pakistan declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims, he resigned from his government job, and dedicated his services under the Nusrat Jahan Scheme. He was sent to Sierra Leone where he served for three years. He also served in Samarkand where he helped many people and spread the message of Ahmadiyyat. He was appointed by the Fourth Caliph as an administrator of the Fazl-e-Umar hospital, a post in which he served for about ten years. He had a profound love for the Holy Qur’an and would always recite it. He would make all decisions according to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. He was regular in offering tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary prayers] and had a great love for Khilafat. He possessed many great qualities. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah treat him with forgiveness and marcy and enable his children to continue his virtues,
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions.