The Uncle of the Believers (Radia-Allaahu ‘Anhu)

Sources:

• Silsilah al-Allamatain, issue no. 82, ‘Khaal al-Mu’mineen’
• Sahih Muslim

All thanks are due to Allah, blessings and prayers be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, his worthy Companions and all those who rightly follow them.

Our pious predecessors considered that among the greatest things that draw us close to Allah, is the love of the Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam). We don’t discriminate amongst any of them, except with the favor that Allah and His Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) have favored them with.

Among the greatest offerings is to defend them and their honor. “He who protects his brother’s honor, Allah will protect him from Hell-Fire on the Day of Judgment.” [Reported by At-Tirmithi]

So imagine if one defends the honor of the carriers (supporters) of Islam, those whom Allah had made as causes for our guidance to this religion. If it wasn’t for them after Allah, we would not be Muslims. When O’rwa ibn az-Zubair bin al-Awwam (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) complained to A’isha (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), the mother of believers, and said: “I hear people backstabbing the Companions of Muhammad.” She said: “Oh son, when the Companions of Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) were with him, Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) was giving them the reward continuously. When Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) took their souls, He loved to continue these rewards for them.”

Al-Fudail bin Eyadh (Rahimahullaah) said: “If you come on the Day of Resurrection with sins as much as the sand of the earth, Allah will forgive them for you. And if you come and in your heart there is hatred for the Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) even for an amount of an atom, no deed will benefit you then.”

Who is the Uncle of the Believers?

His name: Mu’awiyah bin Abi Sufiyan  Sakher bin Omayya bin Abd Shams bin Abd Manaf bin Qusai bin Kilab al-Qurashi al-Umawi (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). He is related to the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and Ali bin Abi Talib (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)  through his grandfather (Abd Manaf).

His birth: He was born five years before the commissioning of the Prophethood. He died at the age of 78, year 60 after the Hijra (Migration) and he ruled for 19 years, three months and 27 days.

His mother: Hind bint ‘Otba bin Rabi’a bin Abd Shams bin Abd Manaf. She is related to  the Messenger of Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) through  the grandfather Abd Manaf. She embraced Islam after the conquest of Makkah and after her husband Abi Sufiyan. Aban ibn Othman narrated: “Mu’awiyah was walking with his mother Hind and he stumbled, she said: ‘Get up! May Allah not help you to rise.’ A Bedouin, who was watching, said: ‘Why do you say that? I swear that I think that one day he will lead his people.’ She said: ‘May Allah not help him rise if he leads only his people.’”

His Wives:

1)    Maysoun bint Bahdal al-Kalbi whom he later divorced. She gave birth to Yazeed ibn Mu’awiyah, and a girl who died very young.

2)    Fakheta bint Qartha bin Abd Amr bin Naufal bin Abd Manaf, who gave birth to Abdur-Rahman and Abdullah.

3)    Kanoud bint Qartha – Fakheta’s sister whom he married after Fakheta and who was with him when he conquered Cyprus.

4)    Na’elah bint ‘Amara al-Kalbiya whom he later divorced.

5)    His daughters were Ramlah, Hind, ‘Aishah, ‘Atikah and Safiyyah.

His Embracing of Islam:

He embraced Islam before his father and he did not reveal it to his father.

The Pledge:  He was sworn in as Caliph in the year 41 after the Hijra (Migration) and that year was called the  “Year of  the Jama’a”.

Why he was called Uncle of the Believers:

Because his sister Umm Habiba Ramlah bint Abi Sufiyan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) was the wife of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam).

His Merits

1)  Mu’awiyah was one of the Companions with the consensus of Ahl-As-Sunnah wal-Jam’ah. The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The best among you are those living in my century (generation), then those coming after them, and then those coming after them (the second century generation).” Imran (the narrator of the Hadith) said, “I do not know whether he mentioned two or three generations.” [Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim].

2)  The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O Allah! Teach Mu’awiyah the book and calculation and save him from punishment.” [Ahmad and al-Tabarani in the Kabir, authenticated by al-Albani]

3)  Abdur-Rahman ibn Abi Umaira al-Azady narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O Allah! Make Mu’awiyah a guide and a guided.” [Ahmad and at-Tirmithi]

This is a prayer by the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) to make Mu’awiyah guided and that he guides others, and there is no doubt that Allah has answered the prayers of His Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam). Those who know the right are satisfied, whereas those in whose hearts is hatred for the Prophet’s Companions, become gloomy and feel distressed. There is no doubt that in this Hadith there is an indication to Mu’awiyah’s (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) great merit.

4)   Abdullah bin Abbas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: I was with some children and the  Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) happened to pass by (us). I hid myself behind the door. He came and patted my shoulders and said: “Go and call Mu’awiyah.” I returned and said: “He is eating.” He again asked me to go and call Mu’awiyah to him. I went (then retuned) and said that he was eating. Then he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “May Allah not fill his stomach!” [Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) say: “O Allah! Any believing slave whom I abuse, make that a nearness for him to You on the Day of Judgment.” [Muslim]

In another narration by Anas bin Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)  that the Prophet  (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) told Umm Sulaim  (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha)  “I am a human being and I am pleased just as a human being is pleased and I lose temper just as a human being loses his temper. So, any person from my Ummah (nation), whom I invoke against him and he does not deserves it, let that be made a source of purification and nearness to (Allah) as the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim]

Imam Muslim reported these two Hadiths together in one chapter, as if he meant the two Hadiths to be as a great merit for the uncle of the believers “Mu’awiyah  (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)”. This indicates the pureness of the heart of Ahl-As-Sunnah towards the Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam).

5) Um Haram (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) narrated that she heard the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) say: “The first army from my nation to conquer the sea will be granted Paradise.” Um Haram (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) said: “Oh Messenger of Allah, am I one of them?” He said: “You are one of them.”  Then the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The first army to invade the city of Caesar- Roman emperor, would be forgiven.” I said: “Am I one of them?”  He said: “No.” [Al-Bukhari]

This is a  glad tiding for Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that he is guaranteed Paradise as he was the first to invade the sea during the Caliphate of Uthman (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and the city of Caesar which is Constantinople.

Why Talk about Him?

1)   Many Muslims ignore the virtues and the biography of this Sahabi (Companion).

2)   Many forge lies against him and some innovators defame him.

Therefore, we should highlight his merits to refute the claim of these innovators.

From the statements of the Salaf (the righteous predecessors) about him:

1)    It was said to Ibn Abbas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma): “What do you say about the leader of the believers, Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), he offers Witr as one Rak’ah?” He (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) said: “He is right. He is a jurist.” [Al-Bukhari]

2)    Abu ad-Darda’ (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I have not seen a Salat (prayer) similar to the Salat of the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) except from your Amir (leader).” He meant Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). [Tarikh Dimashq 52/235, Adh-Dhahabi in al-siyar 3/135]

3)    Abdullah bin al-Mubarak was asked: “Is Umar bin Abdul-Aziz better or Mu’awiyah?” He said: “The dust that entered the nose of the horse of Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) when he fought with the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) is better than many like Umar bin Abdul-Aziz.”

4)    Yazid bin al-Assam said: “Ali bin Abi Talib (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: ‘My killed (warriors) and the killed (warriors) of Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) are in Paradise!” [At-Tabarani with Hasan Isnad]

5)    Al-Ajurri said: “And Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) has written the Qur’an when it was revealed upon the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) with the order from Allah (Azza Wa Jall). He accompanied the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) who invoked Allah to protect him from the punishment, to teach him the Book and to make him a guide and guided, etc. And he is one of those whom Allah (Azza Wa Jall) said:

يَوْمَ لَا يُخْزِي اللَّهُ النَّبِيَّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ

“The Day that Allah will not disgrace the Prophet (Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)) and those who believe with him.” (At-Tahrim 66:8)

Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala), the Most Generous, guaranteed not to disgrace him because he is one of those of who believed in the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam).”

6)    Ahmad bin Hanbal (Rahimahullaah) was asked: “What do you say, may Allah be merciful to you, about those who say that Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) did not write the revelation, nor is he the uncle of the believers, but rather he took the ruling by force with the sword.” Abu Abdullah (Ahmad bin Hanbal) said: “This is a bad and evil statement. These people should be avoided and one should not sit with them and we should show the people their matter.” [Correct Isnad, Assunah lil-Khilal 659]

What was said about him:

1)   Ja’afar ibn Muhammad narrated on behalf of his father that al-Hasan and al-Hussein (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) used to accept prizes of Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). This clearly shows that Mu’awiyah holds the people of the house of Prophethood in high esteem and also shows his kindness and generosity towards them.

2)   His challenge to them was due to a legal verdict that he thought was right and he may be rewarded for that Insh-Allah. [Al-Ajurri in ash-Shari’ah 1963]

3)   Mughira said: “When the news of Ali’s (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) death reached Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) he cried. His wife told him: “You cry for him, although you fought him.” He said: “Woe to you. You don’t know how much knowledge, good and fiqh people have lost.”  [History of Damascus 62/99]

4)   Ja’afar ibn Burgan said that Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “A man does not reach wisdom until his tolerance overcomes his ignorance, and his patience overcomes his whims and desires, and that is not reached except by great forbearance.” [History of Damascus]

5)   Sawfan bin Amr narrated that Abdul Malek passed by Mu’awiyah’s (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) grave and he stood and prayed for mercy for him. A man asked him: “Who’s grave is that, oh Caliph?” He replied: “It’s the grave of a man whom by Allah, he spoke with knowledge and kept silent with forbearance. When he gave, he enriched and when he fought, he did his best. This is the grave of Abu Abdur-Rahman Mu’awiyah, may Allah be merciful to him.” [Ansab al-Ashraf 5/165]

Hadiths that he narrated:

1)   “If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion.” [Al-Bukhari]

2)   “The Mu’adh-dhin (the one who calls to the prayer) will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim]

3)   “This is the day of A’ashoora’. Its fasting is not enjoined upon us. Whoever among you wishes to fast it, then let him do so, for I am fasting. Accordingly, the people fasted.” [correct Hadith reported by Ahmed]

4)   “Whoever is pleased that the people stand for him, let him occupy a house in Hell-Fire.” [Correct Hadith reported by Ahmed]

5)   This indicates the eagerness of Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) to follow the guidance of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and show his humbleness and fear from the punishment of Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala).

6)   “I saw the Messenger of Allah  (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) sucking the tongue (or he said) the lips of Al-Hasan bin Ali (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) and he whose tongue or lips have been sucked by the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), will never be punished.” [Correct Hadith reported by Ahmad]

This is out of the justice of this Companion whose heart was overcome with truth. He says about whom he challenged and competed for the Caliphate that he will not be punished; to show that it is a part of the religion and faith to love the members of the family of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam). Mu’awiyah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) is the first one who loved them, may Allah be pleased with them all.

Bear in mind that the Muslims will not rise or improve their situation if they are pleased with degrading the Companions of our Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and to be silent when they are defamed. The Companions (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) are the ones who transmitted and conveyed the religion, and they are the inheritors of the master of the Messengers, Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam).

The Conquests in his era:

1)   The Holy Jihad against the Byzantines (capital of Constantinople).

2)   Conquests of North Africa ( Qairawan) reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

3)   The Eastern  side of the Omayyad (Khurasan, Sajistan, and beyond the Sind river )

4)   Conquest of Rome starting from 42 A.H. till 60 A.H.

5)   Conquest of Rhodes Island by Junadah bin Ommayah in the year 31 A.H.

6)   Conquest of Awrad Island in the year 32 A.H. and Jariyah Island in the year 35 A.H.

7)   The start of building Qairawan in the year 36 A.H. after the conquest of Africa by Oqba bin Nafi.

8)   Reconquest of Sajistan and Khurasan by Abdullah bin Amer bin Kareez.

9)   Conquest of the Ghore (what is now Afghanistan)

10)   Conquest of Balekh and Kahastan and behind the river Jaihoun.

11)   Conquest of the city of Tirmidh (which the Imam Tirmithi is named after).

Don’t abuse my Companions:

1-      Abu Zar’ah ar-Razi said: “I heard Qabisah bin Uqbah say: ‘Love for all the Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) is Sunnah.'” i.e. part of the Aqeedah (belief) of Ahl-As-Sunnah.

2-      Abdullah bin Umar  (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) said: “Don’t abuse the Companions of Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) for the status of one of them is better than the deeds of one of you (if you worked) all your life.”

3-      Ibn Abbas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) said: “Don’t abuse the Companions of Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam). Indeed! Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) ordered us to ask forgiveness for them although He (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) knew that they would fight each other.”

4-      Malik said, when he was asked about those who defame the Companions of Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam): “They are people intending to defame the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) (by their action), because they couldn’t defame the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam). Therefore, they defame his Companions, such that they say about the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) that he is an unrighteous man, because if he were righteous, his Companions would accordingly be righteous.”

5-      Al-Barbahari said: “Bear in mind that whoever abuses or talks badly about one of the Companions of Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), know that he means Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam). And in this way he has harmed the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) while he is in his grave.”