Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) The Trustworthy man of this Ummah

Source:

• Companions of the Prophet by Abdul Wahid Hamid
• Ashaab ar-Rasool by Mahmoud al-Masri

His appearance was striking. He was slim and tall. His face was bright and he had a sparse beard. It was pleasing to look at him and refreshing to meet him. He was extremely courteous and humble and quite shy; yet, in a tough situation he would become strikingly serious and alert, resembling the flashing blade of a sword in his severity and sharpness.

He was described as the “Ameen” or Custodian of the Muslim nation. His full name was ‘Aamir ibn ‘Abdullah ibn al-Jarraah. He was known as Abu ‘Ubaydah. Of him, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), one of the Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Three persons in the tribe of Quraish were most prominent, had the best character and were the most modest. If they spoke to you, they would not deceive you and if you spoke to them, they would not accuse you of lying: Abu Bakr as-Siddique, ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan and Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum).”

His Islam

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was one of the first persons to accept Islam. He became a Muslim one day after Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu); in fact, it was through Abu Bakr that he became a Muslim. Abu Bakr took him, ‘Abdur Rahmaan ibn ‘Auf, ‘Uthmaan ibn Madh’un and al-Arqam ibn abi al-Arqam to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and together they declared their acceptance of the Truth. They were thus the first pillars on which the great edifice of Islam was built.

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) lived through the harsh experience that the Muslims went through in Makkah, from beginning to end. With the early Muslims, he endured the insults and the violence, the pain and the sorrow of that experience. In every trial and test he remained firm and constant in his belief in Allaah and His Prophet.

When the Quraish declared enmity to Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum), Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) emigrated to Abyssinia. Despite the utmost in hospitality of the king of Abyssinia, Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) could not bear being away from his beloved one (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Soon Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) returned to Makkah with his emigrant brothers who heard the rumors about the people of Makkah embracing Islam.

As they came close to the gates of Makkah, they realized the painful fact and knew that the Quraish were waiting for their return so that they might overpower them and make them taste the different kinds of torment.

Abu ‘Ubaydah did not stay long in Makkah. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) gave him and his Companions permission to emigrate to Madinah, the blessed foundation on which a country for Islam was established.

His Loyalty and disassociation from the disbelievers on the Day of Badr

One of the most harrowing experiences he had to go through was at the battle of Badr.

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was in the vanguard of the Muslim forces, fighting with might and main and as someone who was not at all afraid of death. The Quraish cavalry were extremely wary of him and avoided coming face to face with him. One man in particular, however, kept on pursuing Abu ‘Ubaydah wherever he turned and Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) tried his best to keep out of his way and avoid an encounter with him.

The man plunged into the attack. Abu ‘Ubaydah tried desperately to avoid him. Eventually the man succeeded in blocking Abu ‘Ubaydah’s path and stood as a barrier between him and the Quraish. They were now face to face with each other. Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) could not contain himself any longer. He struck one blow to the man’s head. The man fell to the ground and died instantly.

It was, as stated earlier, one of the most harrowing experiences that Abu ‘Ubaydah had to go through, how harrowing, it is almost impossible to imagine. The man in fact was ‘Abdullah ibn al-Jarraah, the father of Abu ‘Ubaydah!

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) obviously did not want to kill his father but in the actual battle between faith in Allaah and polytheism, the choice open to him was profoundly disturbing but clear. In a way it could be said that he did not kill his father – he only killed the polytheism in the person of his father.

It is concerning this event that Allaah revealed the following verses of the Qur’an:

“You will not find a people believing in Allaah and the Last Day making friends with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger even if these were their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their clan. Allaah has placed faith in their hearts and strengthened them with a spirit from Him. He will cause them to enter gardens beneath which streams flow that they may dwell therein. Allaah is well pleased with them and they with Him. They are the party of Allaah. Verily, it is the party of Allaah that will be the successful ones.” (Surat al-Mujaadilah 58:22)

The attitude of Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) shows a great lesson for the whole world, that loyalty is only to Allaah, His Messenger and the believers and the disloyalty (disassociation) should be for the enemies of Allaah. Allaah says in Surat al-Ma’idah (5: 55):

“Verily, your Wali (Protector or Helper) is Allaah, His Messenger, and the believers.”

And in Surat Tawbah (9: 24):

“Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight … are dearer to you than Allaah and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allaah brings about His Decision (torment).”

He is the Ameen (the most Trustworthy) of this Nation.

Hudhaifah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: Al-Aaqeeb and Saiyid, the rulers of Najraan, came to Allaah’s Mesenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) with the intention of doing Li’aan[1].  One of them said to the other, “Do not do this (Li’aan) for, by Allaah, if he is a Prophet and we do this Li’aan, neither we nor our offspring after us will be successful.” Then both of them said to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), “We will give you what you ask but you should send a trustworthy man with us, and do not send any person with us but an honest one.” The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “I will send an honest man who is very trustworthy.” Then every one of the Companions wished to be that one. Then the Prophet said, “Get up, O Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah. When he got up, Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “This is the trustworthy man of this (Muslim) nation.” [Bukhaari 5: 663]

In another quotation, Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every nation has an Ameen (i.e. the most trustworthy, honest man), and the Ameen of this nation is Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah.“

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was not only trustworthy; he displayed a great deal of strength in the discharge of his trust. This strength was shown on several occasions.

Sending Abu ‘Ubaydah to Saif al-Bahr (sea-coast)

In the early Madinan days, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) dispatched an expedition of three hundred men to the Red Sea coast to meet a Quraish caravan and he appointed Abu ‘Ubaydah as Ameer (leader) of the group. During the expedition, provisions became critically short. Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) ordered that all the food carried by the troops be collected. There were only dates, and Abu ‘Ubaydah gave out rations which decreased to such an extent that he eventually allowed only one date each, per day.

“What use is one date?” Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was asked and he replied:

“We will certainly feel its loss when even this is finished.” 

(Jaabir) added, “Then we reached the sea (coast) where we found a fish like a small mountain.”

The famished (hungry) contingent (forces) eventually reached the shores of the Red Sea where, according to Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah, they stayed for half a month and were struck by such severe hunger that they even ate the Khabat (leaves of the thorny Salam or acacia tree). On that account, the expeditionary force became known as Jaysh al-Khabat.

Then to their utter amazement and delight, the sea cast ashore, a massive “fish” the size of a “small mountain”. It was so huge that when Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) took one of its ribs and fixed it to the ground, a man mounted on a camel was able to pass under it. The fish was in fact, an anbar or whale and Abu ‘Ubaydah’s discipline ensured that it provided food for his men for more than two weeks. They also rubbed its fat on their bodies and this helped them recover their health and strength. [Reported by al-Bukhaari]

His Defense for the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) on the Day of Uhud

On the day of Uhud when the Muslims were being routed, one of the Mushrikeen started to shout: “Show me Muhammad, show me Muhammad.” Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was one of a group of ten Muslims who had encircled the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), to protect him against the spears of the Mushrikeen.

When the battle was over, it was found that one of the Prophet’s molar teeth was broken, his forehead was bashed in and two discs from his shield had penetrated into his cheeks. Abu Bakr went forward with the intention of extracting these discs but Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “Please leave that to me.”

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was afraid that he would cause the Prophet pain if he took out the discs with his hand. He bit hard into one of the discs. It was extracted but one of his incisor teeth fell to the ground in the process. With his other incisor, he extracted the other disc but lost that tooth also. Abu Bakr remarked: “Abu ‘Ubaydah is the best of men at breaking incisor teeth!”

Look at his good manners; he (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) did not remove the discs with his hand lest he might harm the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Rather, he removed them with his teeth till he lost his incisors.

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to love Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) immensely and boasted of him.

‘Abdullah narrated: I asked ‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha): “Who among the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah was beloved to him most?” She (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) replied: “Abu Bakr, then ‘Umar, then Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah.” [At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah and al-Haakim]

He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said: “… the best man is Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah.” [Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhi and authenticated by al-Albaani in as-Saheehah]

His Mission to Bahrain

Narrated ‘Amr ibn ‘Auf al-Ansaari (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), who was an ally of Bani ‘Aamir ibn Lu’ai and one of those who had taken part in the Ghazwa (battle) of Badr: Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had sent Abu ‘Ubaidah ibn al-Jarraah to collect the Jizya (military and protection tax). Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had established peace with the people of Bahrain and appointed ‘Alaa’ ibn Hadrami as their governor. When Abu ‘Ubaidah came from Bahrain with the money, the Ansaar heard of Abu ‘Ubaidah’s arrival which coincided with the time of the morning prayer with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). After Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) led them in the morning prayer, the Ansaar approached him. He looked at them, smiled upon seeing them and said: “I feel that you have heard that Abu ‘Ubaidah has brought something?” They said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allaah.” He said: “Rejoice and hope for what will please you. By Allaah, I am not afraid of your poverty but I am afraid that you will lead a life of luxury as past nations did, whereupon you will compete with each other for it, as they competed for it, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them.” [Bukhaari 4: 385]

Dhat As-Salaasil Campaign

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) always showed the utmost humbleness and when it came to the campaign of Dhat As-Salaasil he was not keen to be in a leadership position.

Let us contemplate on his attitude in this campaign and learn a great lesson from it: The believer should serve the religion even though he is not shown (apparent) in front of people, because he should seek Allaah’s Countenance with his deed and nothing else.

 In view of the alliance between the Arabian tribes on the borders of Syria and the Byzantines, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) deemed it of top urgency to carry out a wisely planned maneuver that might bring about a state of rapport with those Bedouins, and would at the same time detach them from the Byzantines. For the implementation of this plan, he chose ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), who’s paternal grandmother came from Bali, a tribe dwelling in that area.

‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) set out with 300 emigrants and supporters of Madinah and it was recommended that he seek the help of the Bali and Udhra tribes. They are said to have encamped in a place which had a water well called Salsal; hence the terminology Dhat As-Salaasil.

‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) used to march at night and lurk during the day. On approaching the enemy lines and realizing the large build up of men, he sent for reinforcements from Madinah.

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) with Abu Bakr and ‘Umar  (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma), and said to him (Abu ‘Ubaydah): “Do not dispute.“

The reinforcements from Madinah arrived on the spot headed by Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) leading another 200 men as well as other platoons; including Abu Bakr and ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum). All of them were given strict orders to cooperate, work in harmony and never leave any area for disagreement.

At noon, Abu ‘Ubaydah wanted to lead the Muslims in prayer, but ‘Amr objected on grounds that the former only came to assist. Abu ‘Ubaydah said: “O ‘Amr, the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told me not to disagree with you, and if you disobey me, I will obey you.” ‘Amr said: “I am the Ameer and you are the assistant.” Abu ‘Ubaydah said: “As you wish.” The leadership was then given to ‘Amr. [Reported by al-Baihaqi in ad-Dalaa’il and Ibn Hajar in al-Fat-h]

His Jihad

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) continued to be fully involved in all the momentous events during the Prophet’s lifetime. After the beloved Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) passed away, the Companions gathered to choose a successor at the Saqifah or meeting place of Banu Sa’aadah. The day is known in history as the Day of Saqifah. On this day, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab said to Abu ‘Ubaydah:

“Stretch forth your hand and I will swear allegiance to you for I heard the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say: ‘Every Ummah has an Ameen (custodian) and you are the Ameen of this Ummah.'”

“I would not,” declared Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), “put myself forward in the presence of a man whom the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commanded to lead us in prayer and who led us right until the Prophet’s death.” He then gave Bay’ah (the oath of allegiance) to Abu Bakr as-Siddique (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), thus demonstrating not only his outstanding stature but his wisdom, understanding and humility.

He continued to be a close adviser to Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and his strong supporter in the cause of truth and goodness. Then came the Caliphate of ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) also gave him his support and obedience. 

His Attitude in the Battle of Yarmuk

This worldly life did not change ‘Abu ‘Ubaydah.

‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) sent him 4,000 dirham and 400 dinars, and said to his messenger: “Look and see what he will do.”

Upon receiving the money, Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) distributed it all and when ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was informed about Abu ‘Ubaydah’s disposal of the money, he said: “Al-Hamdulillah that Allaah made in Islam, someone who does like this.” [Tabaqaat Ibn Sa’d]

All the leaders of the armies and the great dignitaries were there to receive him when ‘Umar arrived in Shaam. ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “Where is my brother?”

They said: “Who?”

He said: “Abu ‘Ubaydah.”

They said: “He will come now.”

Thereupon, Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) came with a bridled she-camel and greeted ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).

‘Umar then told the people: “Leave us,” and he went with Abu ‘Ubaydah to his house. ‘Umar did not see anything in his house excect his sword and his shield (armour). ‘Umar said: “Would you not take some furniture – or something like that?” Abu ‘Ubaydah said: “O Ameer of the believers, this will make us to attain a resting place in the Hereafter.” [Al-Isabah]

In another report, ‘Umar asked Abu ‘Ubaydah: “Take us to your house, O Abu ‘Ubaydah!”

He said: “What do you seek with me O Ameer of the believers? You will not get except that you squeeze your eyes upon me.”

When ‘Umar entered Abu ‘Ubaydah’s house, he did not find anything. He said: “Where is your furniture? I don’t see except a plate, a basket and a water-skin, and you are an Ameer (leader)! Do you have food?”

Abu ‘Ubaydah took a basket which contained some hard breads.

‘Umar wept.

Abu ‘Ubaydah said: “Did I not tell you that you will squeeze your eyes upon me; it is sufficient for you a provision that will help you reach your destination (your place)!”

‘Umar said: “The worldly life (Duniya) has changed us all except you O Abu ‘Ubaydah.” [Salaah al-Ummah by Sayied Husain]

His Preference

Maalik ad-Daar reported that ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) sent a sealed bag of money with 400 dinar in it and said to the boy servant, “Take it to Abu ‘Ubaydah; then after one hour, see what he will do with it.”

The boy went to Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and said: “The Ameer of the believers said to spend this in buying what you need.”

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “May Allaah be merciful with him.” Then he said: “O Jaariah (i.e. the slave girl), take this seven to so and so and take this five to so and so”… till all the money was finished.

The boy servant returned to ‘Umar and told him what happened and ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) prepared the same amount of money for Mu’adh ibn Jabal (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), and told the boy servant: “Take it to Mu’adh ibn Jabal and see what he will do with it.”

The boy servant took it to Mu’adh and told him: “The Ameer of the believers said to spend it on your needs.” Mu’adh (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “May Allaah be merciful with him.” Then he said: “O Jaariah, take this to so and so and take this to so and so.”

The wife of Mu’adh said: “By Allaah! We are Miskeen too (i.e. poor), give us too.” Only two dinar was left in the bag, so he threw it to her.

The boy servant returned to ‘Umar and told him what happened. ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) became pleased with that and said: “Verily, they are brothers to one another.” [Sifat as-Safwah]

His Death

The incident happened when Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was in Syria leading the Muslim forces from one victory to another until the whole of Syria was under Muslim control. The river Euphrates lay to his right and Asia Minor to his left.

It was then that a plague hit the land of Syria, the like of which people had never experienced before. It devastated the population. ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) dispatched a messenger to Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) with a letter saying:

“I am in urgent need of you. If my letter reaches you at night I strongly urge you to leave before dawn. If this letter reaches you during the day, I strongly urge you to leave before evening and hasten to me.

When Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) received ‘Umar’s letter, he said: “I know why the Amir al-Mu’mineen needs me. He wants to secure the survival of someone who, however, is not eternal.” So he wrote to ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu):

“I know that you need me. But I am in an army of Muslims and I have no desire to save myself from what is afflicting them. I do not want to separate from them until Allaah wills. So, when this letter reaches you, release me from your command and permit me to stay on.”

When ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) read this letter, tears filled his eyes and those who were with him asked: “Has Abu ‘Ubaydah died, O Amir al-Mu’mineen?”

“No,” said he, “but death is near to him.”

‘Umar’s intuition was not wrong. Before long Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) became afflicted with the plague. As death hung over him, he spoke to his army:

“Let me give you some advice which will cause you to be on the path of goodness always:

Establish Prayer. Fast the month of Ramadan. Give Sadaqah. Perform Hajj and Umrah. Remain united and support one another. Be sincere to your commanders and do not conceal anything from them. Don’t let the world destroy you for even if man were to live a thousand years he would still end up with this fate that you see me in.”

“Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allaah.”

Abu ‘Ubaydah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) then turned to Mu’adh ibn Jabal (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and said:

“O Mu’adh, perform the prayer with the people (be their leader).” At this, his pure soul departed.

Mu’adh (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) got up and said:

“O people, you are stricken by the death of a man. By Allaah, I don’t know whether I have seen a man who had a more righteous heart, who was further from all evil and who was more sincere to people than he. Ask Allaah to shower His mercy on him and Allaah will be merciful to you.”

The Wish of ‘Umar

One day ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said to those around him: “Wish for something!”

A man said: “I wish I had a room like this full of gold to spend in Allaah’s Cause.”

Again ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “Wish something.”

Another man said: “I wish I had a room like this full of pearls and jewelry to spend in Allaah’s Cause.”

‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “Wish for something.”

They said: “We don’t know what to wish for.”

He (‘Umar) (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: I wish for a room like this to be filled with men like ‘Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah, Mu’adh ibn Jabal, Saalim the Maula of Abu Hudhaifh and Hudhaifah ibn al-Yamaan.” [Al-Haakim and authenticated by adh-Dhahabi]

May Allaah be pleased with Abu ‘Ubaydah and the rest of the Companions.

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[1] Two groups of people who have differences take their families in a far off place in order to invoke Allaah to send His Curse or Punishment on the one who is a liar. This event happened and the first 80 Verses of Surat al-‘Imraan were revealed to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in connection to this.