Saalim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah

Source:

Companions of the Prophet by: Abdul Wahid Hamid Ashab Ar-Rasool (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wassallam) by Mahmoud al-Masri

In giving advice to his Companions, the noble Prophet, (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) once said: “Learn the Qur’an from four persons: ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood, Saalim Mawlaa Abi Hudhayfah, Ubayy ibn Ka’b and Mu’aadh ibn Jabal.” [Al-Bukhaari]

This Companion, in whom the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had so much confidence that he considered him a Hujjah or competent authority to teach the Qur’an and be a source of reference for it, was Saalim.

Saalim was a slave and when he accepted Islam he was adopted as a son by a Muslim who was formerly a leading nobleman of the Quraish. When the practice of adoption (in which the adopted person was called the son of his adopted father) was banned, Saalim simply became a brother, a companion and a Mawla (protected person) of the one who had adopted him, Abu Hudhayfah ibn ‘Utbah. Through the blessings of Islam, Saalim rose to a position of high esteem among the Muslims by virtue of his noble conduct and his piety.

Both Saalim and Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) accepted Islam early. Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) himself did so in the face of bitter opposition from his father, the notorious ‘Utbah ibn Rabi’ah who was particularly virulent in his attacks against the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayihi wasallam) and his Companions.

When the verse of the Qur’an was revealed abolishing adoption, people like Zaid and Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) had to change their names. Zaid, who was known as Zaid ibn Muhammad, had to be called after his own natural father. Henceforth, he was known as Zaid ibn Harithah. Saalim however did not know the name of his father, indeed he did not know who his father was. However, he remained under the protection of Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and so came to be known as Saalim Mawla Abu Hudhayfah until he passed away.

In abolishing the practice of adoption, Islam wanted to emphasize the bonds and responsibilities of natural kinship. However, no relationship was greater or stronger than the bond of Islam and the ties of faith which was the basis of brotherhood. The early Muslims understood this very well. There was nobody dearer to anyone of them after Allaah and His Messenger than their brethren in faith.

A Strong Relationship and Painful Separation

Both Saalim and Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) were worshipping their Lord in submission and with humbleness, hoping that Allaah would join them in His Paradise, as brothers on thrones facing each other.

Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) intended to strengthen his relationship with Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and get closer to him, so he persuaded him to marry his niece, Fatimah bint al-Waleed ibn ‘Utbah, a noble woman in her progeny (ancestry).

The couple remained living happily till the Mushrikeen (polytheists) of Makkah severely persecuted the Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Hence, the Prophet encouraged his Companions to emigrate to Abyssinia.

Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) emigrated to Abyssinia fleeing for the sake of saving his religion, faith and creed. However, Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) did not emigrate; he preferred to stay with the Prophet to learn the Qur’an from him.

 We have seen how the Ansaar (supporters) of Madinah welcomed and accepted the Muhajireen (emigrants) from Makkah and shared their homes, their wealth and their hearts with them. This same spirit of brotherhood we see in the relationship between the Quraish aristocrat, Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), and the despised and lowly slave, Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). They remained to the very end of their lives something more than brothers; they died together, one body beside the other. Such was the unique greatness of Islam. Ethnic background and social standing had no worth in the sight of Allaah. Only faith and Taqwa (piety) mattered as the verses of the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet emphasized over and over again:

“The most honorable of you in the Sight of Allaah, is the most pious (righteous) of you.” [Surat al-Hujurat 49:13]

“No Arab has an advantage over a non-Arab except in Taqwa (piety),” taught the noble Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) who also said: “The son of a white woman has no advantage over the son of a black woman except in Taqwa.“

In the new and just society rounded by Islam, Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) found honor for himself in protecting the one who was a slave.

In this new and rightly-guided society rounded by Islam, which destroyed unjust class divisions and false social distinctions, Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) found himself through his honesty, high status and willingness to sacrifice, in the front line of the believers. Saalim was the “Imam” of the Muhajireen from Makkah to Madinah, leading them in Salaat in the Masjid at Quba which was built by the blessed hands of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) himself. He became a competent authority on the Book of Allaah, so much so that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) recommended that the Muslims learn the Qur’an from him. Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was even further blessed and enjoyed a high estimation in the eyes of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), who said of him: “Praise be to Allaah Who has made among my Ummah such as you.” [Ibn Maajah]

‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) narrated: “One night I returned home late after ‘Isha, and when I entered, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) asked: ‘Where have you been?’ I said: ‘I was listening to the recitation of one of your Companions whom I have never heard before.’ So the Prophet got up and went with me to listen to him. He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) turned towards me and said: ‘That is Saalim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah. Al-Hamdulillah that Allaah has made among my Ummah, a man like him.’” [Ibn Maajah no. 1338]

Even his fellow Muslim brothers used to call him “Saalim min as-Saliheen – Saalim, one of the righteous”.

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) witnessed for him, Iman (faith). [Reported by Ahmad and an-Nasa’i]

The story of Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) is like the story of Bilaal (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and that of tens of other slaves and poor persons whom Islam raised from slavery and degradation and made them, in the society of guidance and justice – Imams, leaders and military commanders. Saalim’s personality was shaped by Islamic virtues. One of these was his outspokenness when he felt it was his duty to speak out, especially when a wrong was committed.

A well-known incident to illustrate this occurred after the Conquest of Makkah. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) sent some of his Companions to the villages and tribes around the city. He specified that they were being sent as Du’at (preachers) to invite people to Islam and not as fighters. Khaalid ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was one of those sent out. During the mission however, to settle an old score from the days of Jahiliyah, he fought with and killed a man even though the man testified that he was now a Muslim.

Among others who accompanied Khaalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) on this mission was Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). As soon as Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) saw what Khaalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) had done he went up to him and reprimanded him, listing the mistakes he had committed. Khaalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), the great leader and military commander both during the days of Jahiliyah and now in Islam, was silent for once.

Khaalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) then tried to defend himself with increasing fervor. But Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) stood his ground and stuck to his view that Khaalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) had committed a grave error. Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) did not look upon Khaalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) then as an abject slave would look upon a powerful Makkan nobleman; not at all. Islam had placed them on an equal footing. It was justice and truth that had to be defended. He did not look upon him as a leader whose mistakes were to be covered up or justified, but rather as an equal partner in carrying out a responsibility and an obligation. Neither did he come out in opposition to Khaalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) out of prejudice or passion but out of sincere advice and mutual self-criticism which Islam has hallowed. Such mutual sincerity was repeatedly emphasized by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) himself when he said: “Ad-dinu an-Nasihah. Ad-dinu an-Nasihah. Ad-dinu an-Nasihah.”

“Religion is sincere advice. Religion is sincere advice. Religion is sincere advice.”

When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) heard what Khaalid (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) had done, he was deeply grieved and made a long and fervent supplication to his Lord.

“O Lord,” he said, “I am innocent before you of what Khaalid has done.”

And he asked: “Did anyone reprimand him?”

The Prophet’s (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) anger subsided somewhat when he was told:

“Yes, Saalim reprimanded him and opposed him.”

Meeting on the Battlefield

After a long separation, Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) met his brother in Islam, Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) in the land of nobility and Jihaad; at the battle of Badr. Both were fighting for the cause of raising the word of “La ilaha illa Allaah,” and Allaah comforted the hearts of the believers with the victory against the polytheists.

Abu Hudhayfah and Saalim (Radia-Allaahu anhuma) continued making Jihaad with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) in every battle until he passed away and the Muslims chose Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu anhu) as his successor.

Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) lived close to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and the believers. He was never slow or reluctant in his worship nor did he miss any campaign. In particular, the strong brotherly relationship which existed between him and Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) grew with the passing days.

The Time of Departure

When the Prophet, (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) passed away to his Lord, Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu anhu) assumed responsibility for the affairs of Muslims and immediately had to face the conspiracies of the apostates which resulted in the terrible battle of Yamamah. Among the Muslim forces which made their way to the central heartlands of Arabia were Saalim and his “brother”, Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).

The Standard of Muhajiireen was with Zaid ibn al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and the Standard of the Ansaar was with Thaabit ibn Qais (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).

At the beginning of the battle, the Muslim forces suffered major reverses. The Muslims fought as individuals and so the strength that comes from solidarity was initially absent. But Khaalid ibn al-Waleed (Radia-Allaahu anhu) regrouped the Muslim forces anew and managed to achieve an amazing coordination.

Abu Hudhayfah and Saalim (Radia-Allaahu anhuma) embraced each other and made a vow to seek martyrdom in the path of the religion of Truth and thus attain felicity in the Hereafter. Yamamah was their tryst with destiny.

Banu Hanifa (the allies of Musailamah the liar) fought strongly to an extent that the Companions started to advise each other, saying: “O people of Surat al-Baqarah! The magic is falsified (or nullified) today.” Thaabit ibn Qais (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) dug a hole in the ground to half the length of his legs while bearing the flag of the Ansaar. He stayed firm in his place till he was killed there.

The Muhajiireen told Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that they were afraid that they will be attacked from his side. He (Radia-Allaahu anhu) said: “What a wretched bearer of the Qur’an am I, if the Muslims are attacked from my direction. Far be it from you, O Saalim! Instead, be you a worthy bearer of the Qur’an.”

 Zaid ibn al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu anhu) said: “O people! Bite your teeth and hit your enemy and accomplish your duty.” He also said: “By Allaah, I will not speak until Allaah defeats them or I meet Allaah and talk to Him with my Hujja (proof or excuse).”

To spur on the Muslims, Abu Hudhayfah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) shouted:

“Yaa ahl al-Qur’an – O people of the Qur’an! Adorn the Qur’an with your deeds,” as his sword flashed through the army of Musailamah the imposter like a whirlwind.

With renewed courage he plunged into the battle. When the standard-bearer of the Muhajireen, Zaid ibn al-Khattaab fell as a martyr, Saalim bore aloft the flag and continued fighting. His right hand was then severed and he held the standard aloft with his left hand while reciting aloud the verse of the glorious Qur’an:

“Many a Prophet fought in (Allaah’s way) and with him (fought) large bands of religious learned men! But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allaah’s Way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allaah loves those who are patient.” [Surat Aal-‘Imran 3:146] [Sifat as-Safwa]

What an inspiring verse for such an occasion! And what a fitting epitaph for someone who had dedicated his life for the sake of Islam!

A wave of apostates then overwhelmed Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and he fell. Some life remained in him until the battle came to an end with the death of Musailamah. When the Muslims went about searching for their victims and their martyrs, they found Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) in the last throes of death. As his life-blood ebbed away he asked:

 “What has happened to Abu Hudhayfah?”

“He has been martyred,” came the reply.

“Then put me to lie next to him,” said Saalim.

“He is close to you, Saalim. He was martyred in this same place.”

Saalim smiled a last faint smile and spoke no more.

The heads of each of them were near the feet of the other one. [Reported by al-Haakim]

Both men had realized what they had hoped for.

Together they entered Islam.

Together they lived.

And together they were martyred.

Saalim (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), that great believer passed away to his Lord.

Of him, the great ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu anhu) spoke as he lay dying:

“If Saalim were alive, I would have appointed him my successor.”

It is also reported by al-Haakim that ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu anhu) said: “Let every one of you wish for something.” One said: “I wish that this room be filled with gold such that I can spend it in the Cause of Allaah.” ‘Umar said: “I wish that this room be filled with men like Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, Mu’aadh ibn Jabal, Saalim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah, and Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan.”