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Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S99) Thus was martyred: Abu Abdullah, the son of Safeeya رضي الله عنهم, first cousin of the Messenger ﷺ, first cousin of Faatima رضي الله عنها, father in law of Sakeenah bint Hussain (r.h), paired brother of Abdullah Ibn Masood رضي الله عنه, one of the two horsemen رضي الله عنهم at Badr, the slayer of champions, the one whom Jibraaeel (a.s) took the form of at Badr, the fifth person to embrace Islam, the Hawaaree of the Messenger ﷺ, one of the neighbours of the Messenger ﷺ in Paradise, the first to raise a sword for the sake of Islam, one of the ten promised Paradise, one of the Companions رضي الله عنهم of the final Messenger ﷺ of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى: Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه. When Ali رضي الله عنه heard of Zubayr's رضي الله عنه martyrdom he burst into tears. Ali رضي الله عنه said let the killer of Zubayr رضي الله عنه enter the fire. Amr Ibn Jarmooz, the killer of Zubayr رضي الله عنه, took the blessed head off Zubayr's رضي الله عنه body and also took his sword and brought it to Ali رضي الله عنه. Ali رضي الله عنه took the sword off him and said: “How many times has this sword taken the sorrow and care away from the Messenger's ﷺ brow”.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S98) Zubayr's رضي الله عنه tragic martyrdom: it if first important to mention that Zubayr رضي الله عنه knew he would be martyred around 30 years earlier! Zubayr's رضي الله عنه martyrdom has 3 narratives: 1). Upset deviants ambushed Zubayr رضي الله عنه as he was leaving the battlefield. Amr Ibn Jarmooz treacherously killed Zubayr رضي الله عنه. 2). Zubayr رضي الله عنه was treacherously killed whilst he was praying Salah. Again, he رضي الله عنه was killed by Amr Ibn Jarmooz. 3). Zubayr رضي الله عنه was treacherously killed whilst having a nap (Kayloola) at a river which was nearby Basra. Again, it was Amr Ibn Jarmooz which killed Zubayr رضي الله عنه. The third narrative is the one which is favoured by the scholars (r.h). Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى knows best.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S100) There is a difference regarding Zubayr's رضي الله عنه age when he was martyred. Some say he was either 57, 61 or 64. 57 is preferred. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى knows best. The killer of Zubayr رضي الله عنه, Amr Ibn Jarmooz, lived on for ~3 decades after he killed Zubayr رضي الله عنه. Amr would have frequent horrific nightmares. When Abdullah Ibn Zubayr رضي الله عنهم became the Caliph, he appointed his brother Musab Ibn Zubayr (r.h) as governor of Iraq.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S101) Amr Ibn Jarmooz had a similar fate to Hajaaj Ibn Yusuf. Musab (r.h) was a very pious and noble soul. Musab Ibn Zubayr (r.h) was martyred during battle in the year 72 A.H. He (r.h) was ~36 years old. His son Eesa (r.h) was also martyred here. Abdullah Ibn Zubayr رضي الله عنهم was martyred a year after his brother Musab (r.h) in the year 73 A.H, in Makkah.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S94) Aisha رضي الله عنها wrote letters to the leaders of the cities in Shaam, Koofa, Yamamah and Madinah explaining what happened in Basra. The only survivor from the Khawaarij was Harkoos Ibn Zuhayr. When Ali رضي الله عنه was leaving Madinah for Koofa, Abdullah Ibn Salaam رضي الله عنه said do not go to Iraq, they will kill you. Ali رضي الله عنه replied: by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى, the Messenger ﷺ already told me of this. Ali رضي الله عنه praised the Companions رضي الله عنهم as follows: He said he is being tested with Aisha, the most obedient of people. With Zubayr, the toughest. With Talha, the most genius and with Ya'la رضي الله عنهم, the most cooperative.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S90) Our mother Aisha رضي الله عنها also took the same stance as Talha and Zubayr رضي الله عنهم - that Uthmaan رضي الله عنه had to be avenged immediately. Aisha رضي الله عنها was in Makkah performing Hajj whilst Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه house was being besieged. She رضي الله عنها left Madinah hoping it would cause the fitnah to reduce and also to get her brother Muhammad Ibn Abu Bakr (r.h) out of the fitnah. Talha and Zubayr رضي الله عنهم waited ~4 months after Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه martyrdom, giving Ali رضي الله عنه enough time however no decision was made, so they sought permission from Ali رضي الله عنه to leave Madinah and he granted them it. Abdullah Ibn Zubayr رضي الله عنهم also went with them to Makkah
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S91) En route Makkah, Talha and Zubayr رضي الله عنهم blamed themselves for what happened to Uthmaan رضي الله عنه. They now planned to find the murderers of Uthmaan رضي الله عنه. In Makkah, our mother Aisha رضي الله عنها rallied the troops. Her force was ~3,000. The governor of Makkah, Abdullah Ibn Amir رضي الله عنه, joined her and so did Talha and Zubayr رضي الله عنهم. The force headed for Basra, Iraq. Talha and Zubayr's stance was closer to the truth than Ameer Muawiya's رضي الله عنهم. All the Companions رضي الله عنهم involved were correct in their understanding - some were just closer to truth than others.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S92) Aisha's رضي الله عنها force reached Basra, they stopped at a place called al-Hubayrah, which was just outside Basra. They called the leaders of Basra and said we seek the killers of Uthmaan رضي الله عنه. Aisha رضي الله عنها wrote a letter to the governor of Koofa, Abu Musa al-Ashari رضي الله عنه, informing him to tell the people to remain inside so no further issues arise. Most of Basra joined Aisha رضي الله عنها to aid them in their quest to avenge Uthmaan رضي الله عنه.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S93) Hukaym Ibn Jabla, who was one of the chief rebels, had the noose tightening around his neck. He attacked the force of Aisha رضي الله عنها. Aisha's رضي الله عنها force fought only to defend themselves, they did not want any bloodshed. Hukaym joined forces with the others who were involved in Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه assassination. A battle was fought between them and Aisha's رضي الله عنها force. The Khawaarij were wiped out, all except one of them. The Companions رضي الله عنهم said: we are only here for the killers of Uthmaan رضي الله عنه, disengage if you have nothing to do with that. The Messenger ﷺ said the reward is immense for the one who fights against the khawaarij.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S95) Ali's رضي الله عنه initial force was ~900. After Koofa, he رضي الله عنه gained ~7,000 men and another ~2,000 from Basra. His total force was ~12,000. En route Basra, some of Ali's رضي الله عنه men asked him questions regarding the situation. He رضي الله عنه said Aisha's رضي الله عنها force was correct in their opinion. He رضي الله عنه said he himself took the safer option. Neither Aisha nor Ali رضي الله عنهم wanted war. Ali رضي الله عنه sent the legend Ka'ka Ibn Amr رضي الله عنه as a messenger. Peace was agreed upon.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S96) The forces agreed to not fight. However, the mischief mongers were amongst both forces - they did not want peace, they wanted war. They instigated an attack on both sides during the night and blamed each other, causing a battle to break out. Talha and Ali رضي الله عنهم tried their best to stop the havoc but were unable to. For the first time, it was sadly Muslims vs Muslims. On one side our mother, on the other side our mawla رضي الله عنهم. Thus the battle of the camel broke out. It was ~16th of Jumada al-Thaanee, on a Friday, 36 A.H.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S97) Before the battle, Abdullah Ibn Abaas رضي الله عنهم said to Zubayr رضي الله عنه: “Where have you placed your mother, Safeeya bint Abdul Muttalib رضي الله عنها, now that you're fighting her nephew?”. (I.e Ali رضي الله عنه). Ali رضي الله عنه also reminded Zubayr رضي الله عنه of a Hadith in which the Messenger ﷺ said Ali and Zubayr رضي الله عنهم will go to war and Zubayr will be the aggressor. Upon hearing the words of the Messenger ﷺ, Zubayr رضي الله عنه was in awe and left the battlefield.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S89) Talha and Zubayr pledged allegiance to Ali رضي الله عنهم. The Muhajireen and Ansar رضي الله عنهم also pledged. Aisha, Talha and Zubayr رضي الله عنهم told al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays (r.h) to pledge to Ali رضي الله عنه. The problems with trying to get Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه murderers was that there wasn't sufficient witnesses. Also, Ali رضي الله عنه at the time was not able to take the murderers to task. Talha, Zubayr and a group of other Companions رضي الله عنهم went to Ali رضي الله عنه and said revenge must be taken immediately.
What happens when Allah tests you with the one thing you thought you could never bear to lose? Your health. Your child. Your safety. Your strength. It is easy to speak about Sabr when life is calm. But what does patience actually look like when the trial becomes deeply personal? How do you stop grief from turning into resentment? How do you remain grateful when something precious is taken from you? And how do you protect your Iman when the pain feels overwhelming? The early Muslims were tested in ways most of us can barely imagine. In this episode, Sheikh Muhammad Tim Humble takes us through remarkable moments from the lives of Bilal Ibn Rabah, Umm Sulaym, ʿUrwah Ibn az-Zubayr and Abu Qilabah al-Jarmi. Each of them faced a different kind of trial. And each response leaves you with a very different understanding of what Sabr really means. Follow the series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDi9Ohk_b7g Sign up now to AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Junior: https://amaujunior.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amauofficial/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMAU Telegram: https://t.me/amauofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AMAUofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMAUofficial iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/al-madrasatu-al-umariyyah/id1524526782 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08NJC1pIA0maaF6aKqZL4N Get in Touch: https://amau.org/getintouch BarakAllahu feekum. #AMAU #Islam #salaf #sahaba #sabr
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S86) 4 were injured when defending Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه house. They were: Hasan Ibn Ali, Abdullah Ibn Zubayr, Muhammad Ibn Haatib and Marwaan Ibn Hakam رضي الله عنهم. Zubayr رضي الله عنه himself offered to defend the house of Uthmaan رضي الله عنه. Uthmaan رضي الله عنه was martyred whilst reciting the Qur'an, on a Friday, whilst fasting, in Madinah, in the month of Zhul Hijjah. After martyring Uthmaan رضي الله عنه, the rebels went on a looting spree in Madinah. The guards said: “Save yourselves, these wretches are only after worldly gains”. ~1,000 men were part of the force of rebels who sieged Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه house. The ring leaders of this rebellious force were now going to be hunted down.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S85) The fitnah had spread. Zubayr رضي الله عنه ordered Abdullah Ibn Zubayr رضي الله عنهم to guard Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه house from the rebels. Hasan, Hussain, Abdullah Ibn Umar and Marwaan رضي الله عنهم also rushed their with their swords, but Uthmaan رضي الله عنه didn't give them permission to fight. The day of Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه martyrdom, he told Abdullah Ibn Zubayr رضي الله عنهم to leave and gave him his will and told him to pass it to Zubayr رضي الله عنه.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S87) All those who murdered Uthmaan رضي الله عنه were themselves killed. They also died still believing they were correct in their beliefs. Uthmaan رضي الله عنه reminds Talha رضي الله عنه of a Hadith of the Messenger ﷺ which only they heard. (This is another proof of Prophethood). Upon hearing of Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه martyrdom, Zubayr رضي الله عنه recited Surah [34:54].
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S84) During the year of the nose bleeds, an aged Uthmaan رضي الله عنه suffered from a severe nose bleed thus couldn't attend Hajj. He رضي الله عنه wrote his will. When he was asked to appoint a successor he said do the people suggest Zubayr? رضي الله عنه. Uthmaan رضي الله عنه said Zubayr رضي الله عنه is the best amongst us to succeed and the most beloved to the Messenger ﷺ. The fitnah erupts: Uthmaan رضي الله عنه had longest khilafat, lasting around 12 years. The first 6 years were free of problems, but the last 6 years is when the fitnah broke out. Abu Ubaydah رضي الله عنه said that it Umar رضي الله عنه dies, Islam will weaken. He رضي الله عنه said whoever leads after Umar رضي الله عنه will not be able to fill those shoes, even if he follows Umar رضي الله عنه exactly.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S83) Umar رضي الله عنه married Umm Kulthoom (r.h), the daughter of Ali and Faatima رضي الله عنهم. Another of Ali and Faatima's daughters was Zainab رضي الله عنهم. She was first married to Abdullah Ibn Jafar رضي الله عنهم. When she passed away, Abdullah رضي الله عنه married Umm Kulthoom bint Ali (r.h). Thus, Abdullah Ibn Jafar رضي الله عنهم married 2 granddaughters of the Messenger! ﷺ. Abdullah Ibn Jafar and Ibn Zubayr رضي الله عنهم were ~7 years old when they went to pledge to the Messenger ﷺ, the Messenger ﷺ smiled. Abdullah Ibn Jafar رضي الله عنهم was born in Ethiopia. Zubayr's paired brother, Abdullah Ibn Masood رضي الله عنهم passed away ~32 A.H.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S82) During the Khilafat of Uthmaan رضي الله عنه: Uthmaan was ~28 years older than Zubayr رضي الله عنهم. Abdullah Ibn Jafar رضي الله عنهم would take out a loan and use this money for trade. The Messenger ﷺ said whoever takes out a loan, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى is with him until he pays it back. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى will pay it back for him. (Of course, this can only be done as a lawful loan and also not for extravagance). Our mother Maymoonah رضي الله عنها would also do this. The Messenger ﷺ: “Jafar [رضي الله عنه] most resembles my looks and my personality. You, Abdullah [i.e Ibn Jafar رضي الله عنهم], out of all of Allah's سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى creation resemble your father the most”. The Messenger ﷺ once placed Abdullah Ibn Jafar رضي الله عنهم in front of himself ﷺ on his beast of burden, and he ﷺ placed either Hasan or Hussain رضي الله عنهم behind himself ﷺ. What an honour for Abdullah Ibn Jafar! رضي الله عنهم
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S88) Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه funeral prayer was lead by Zubayr رضي الله عنه according to one report and he also buried him. Uthmaan رضي الله عنه couldn't be buried for 3 days due to the commotion that was occurring. He had to be buried between Maghrib and Isha. Angels (a.s) from the Heavens read his Janazah also, an honour unique for him. Zubayr رضي الله عنه was ~57 years old when Uthmaan رضي الله عنه was martyred. He رضي الله عنه was now processing this and had feelings of anger. Justice needed to be served.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S81) Haafiz Zhahabi (r.h) said one of the greatest deeds of Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf رضي الله عنه was that he stepped down from the Khilafat. He said he preferred to be stabbed in the neck with a knife. Zubayr dropped out and voted for Ali. Talha dropped out and voted for Uthmaan. Sa'ad Ibn Abi Waqaas dropped out and voted for Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf رضي الله عنهم. The decision was difficult, it took Abdul Rahman رضي الله عنه the full 3 days to decide. He رضي الله عنه consulted with everyone, the Muhajireen and Ansar رضي الله عنهم, the wise people etc. Everyone agreed that Uthmaan رضي الله عنه was the best amongst them and he should be the Caliph.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S80) Zubayr رضي الله عنه was one of the six رضي الله عنهم that Umar رضي الله عنه appointed to succeed him after he was attacked and ultimately martyred. Abdullah Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهم said: “Whenever Umar رضي الله عنه said ‘I think this thing is like this', then that thing would be like that”. When Umar رضي الله عنه passed away, Zubayr رضي الله عنه was ~45. The 3 day consultation for who should be the next Caliph thus begun.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S79) Whenever one of the Muhajireen رضي الله عنهم asked Umar رضي الله عنه to allow them to go for jihad he would say no, you did jihad with the Messenger ﷺ and that is enough. Zubayr رضي الله عنه once asked to go and Umar رضي الله عنه said no, you must stay as you leaving would cause civil war. (On some occasions Umar رضي الله عنه would let the Senior Companions رضي الله عنهم out of Madinah to do jihad). Ali, Uthmaan, Talha, Zubayr, Sa'ad Ibn Abi Waqaas and Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf رضي الله عنهم once gathered and they said that the people want to approach Umar رضي الله عنه to get their needs fulfilled but they're scared of him - they told Abdul Rahman رضي الله عنه to speak to Umar رضي الله عنه.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S78) The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Once, Umar رضي الله عنه was walking and a group of boys were on the road and they ran away, all except Abdullah Ibn Zubayr رضي الله عنهم. Umar رضي الله عنه asked why he did not move and he replied the road isn't narrow, I don't need to move. I have not made a mistake so I do not need to fear you. Umar رضي الله عنه smiled. Like father like son. A group of kids once called Yahya (a.s) to play. He (a.s) was ~3, 4 years old at the time and replied: “Was I created to play?”. The Messenger ﷺ said to Sa'ad Ibn Abi Waqaas رضي الله عنه: “You are given wealth and provisions due to the weak ones amongst you”. The real man can be seen by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S77) When spoils are received, 4/5 go to the Mujahids and 1/5 goes to the public treasury. Amr رضي الله عنه was appointed as the governor of Egypt, however Umar's رضي الله عنه first choice was Zubayr رضي الله عنه. Zubayr said no, he just wishes to do Jihad without any restrictions. A fitting response from the Hawaaree of the Messenger ﷺ. A healthy rivalry between Umar and Zubayr رضي الله عنهم: These two mountains amongst men would race eachother, sometimes Umar would win and sometimes Zubayr would win. Umar would also race Abdullah Ibn Zubayr رضي الله عنهم. This is the Sunnah!
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S76) Thus the fortress was conquered. Safeeya رضي الله عنها had passed away so Zubayr رضي الله عنه returned to Madinah. He رضي الله عنه was later called back to fight again. Umar رضي الله عنه sent 4 men to Amr Ibn al-Aas رضي الله عنه and said they are worth 1,000 men each. They were: Zubayr, Miqdaad, Ubadah Ibn as-Saamit and Maslama Ibn Muhallad رضي الله عنهم. Amr رضي الله عنه appointed Ubadah رضي الله عنه as the major general.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S75) One report mentions Bilbees was conquered peacefully, however another mentions that it was taken by force. Zubayr رضي الله عنه climbed the fortress and uttered the Takbeer which shook the fort. It was conquered by the believers. The general of the Romans here was ar-Taboon, which means fox. His force was ~12,000. The Roman casualties were ~1,000. Our fox رضي الله عنه defeated their fox! Before Baabliyoon could be conquered, Umm Daneen had to be conquered first. The siege lasted months. The next siege at fort Baabliyoon lasted ~7 months! Amr رضي الله عنه summoned the Companions رضي الله عنهم of the Messenger ﷺ and said you go forward, through you Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى will grant us victory. Again, Zubayr رضي الله عنه set the standard and went first, climbing the fortress and he said I am going to sacrifice my life for Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى. They managed to open the gate and the believers were now able to enter.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S74) A few years after Yarmook, the conquest of Egypt took place. Amr Ibn al-Aas رضي الله عنه proposed a plan and Umar رضي الله عنه gave the green light. Umar رضي الله عنه later sent reinforcements, which included Zubayr رضي الله عنه. Egypt was a Roman stronghold. Different areas were conquered sequentially, some peacefully and some by fighting. Amr رضي الله عنه informs the bishops in Egypt that the Messenger ﷺ told them رضي الله عنهم to treat those in Egypt well, due to the relations they had (I.e Hajir رضي الله عنها and later also Maaria رضي الله عنها). The bishops said only the Prophets (a.s) maintain relationships like this.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S73) At Yarmook: During Yarmook, the Companions said to Zubayr رضي الله عنهم you charge first and we'll follow. Zubayr said you won't be able to keep up. Zubayr رضي الله عنه broke through the enemies and the others couldn't follow. There was ~200,000 Romans and ~40,000 believers, thus a ratio of 5:1. The people were blown away by Zubayr's رضي الله عنه fighting skills, he رضي الله عنه fought the bravest that day. One of the three wounds Zubayr رضي الله عنه had on his chest was from Yarmook
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S72) Narrations from other Companions رضي الله عنهم state Ali pledged to Abu Bakr رضي الله عنهم straight away. When Faatima رضي الله عنها passed away ~6 months after the Messenger ﷺ, Ali رضي الله عنه pledged again to Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. Ali رضي الله عنه said whoever believes he is more superior to lead than Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه then this is a trait of the jahilliya times. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه had the whole of Islam on his shoulders during his blessed Khilafat. His son in law Zubayr رضي الله عنه fought side by side during these most auspicious of times. Zubayr's full brother, Saa'ib Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنهم was martyred in the battle of Yamama. He رضي الله عنه was also a Badri.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S71) Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه wanted to give back the khilafat when an incident occurred between Zubayr and Muhammad Ibn Maslama رضي الله عنهم. Muhammad رضي الله عنه broke Zubayr's رضي الله عنه sword. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه grieved and said he never wanted leadership, he never asked for it neither secretly nor openly. Ali and Zubayr رضي الله عنهم said they only grieved because we weren't consulted. We know Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه is the most worthy of leading, he is the companion of the cave and was appointed the Imam by the Messenger ﷺ. To conclude, eventually everyone رضي الله عنهم pledged to Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. The delay to pledge only lasted around a day or two. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى knows best.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S70) Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه never forgot this sacrifice of the Ansar رضي الله عنهم. He once praised the Ansar during a sermon, saying the Muhajireen رضي الله عنهم had failings however the Ansar overlooked them and helped them, not getting frustrated, when even their own mothers may have gotten frustrated with them. The Messenger ﷺ said regarding the Ansar رضي الله عنهم: “Verily, I know they are righteous and patient”. There was 2 reasons for the Banu Hashims delay: 1). They were not consulted during the gathering at Sakeefa, and 2). Because of Ali's رضي الله عنه relation to the Messenger ﷺ (I.e same tribe, cousin etc).
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayLast week we covered the introduction, ayat 1–8. We saw how Allah opens the surah with Alhamdulillah — a practice of gratitude — and directs that gratitude towards the Qur'an itself. Allah corrects those who claim He has a son. Then He moves to the purpose of creation: this world was made beautiful as a test of who among us has the best deeds. Then it is destroyed. Then comes the resurrection.That last point is where this week begins.Grounded is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The problem the Quraysh hadThe Quraysh did not struggle with the idea of a Creator. Something cannot come from nothing, and everything around us points to an uncreated Creator. When they were asked who created the heavens and the earth, they would say: Allah.Their problem was Yawm al-Qiyamah.Because belief in the Day of Judgement changes how you behave. It changes your priorities. If you believe in God but not in the reckoning, you can do whatever you want — you die, and that is the end of it. The rich and the powerful can steal from the poor, oppress the weak, bomb nations and schools, and walk away from it. If there is no ākhirah, what is there to worry about?Belief in the ākhirah takes that away. It forces a change.Ayah 9 — Do you find this the amazing part?أم حسبت أن أصحاب الكهف والرقيم كانوا من آياتنا عجباDo you think that the people of the cave and the inscription were, among Our signs, a wonder?Al-raqīm means inscription. The story of these young men was carved into stone — as the ancients would inscribe things — and so it survived. It was known among certain Christian communities, which is exactly why the Quraysh used it to test the Prophet ﷺ. Nobody in Makkah knew this story. They had to travel outside the city to find people of the book who could tell it to them.So Allah puts the question back to them. You accept that a group of young men slept in a cave for centuries and woke up alive — and that you find miraculous. But death and resurrection you cannot accept?This ayah is not saying the story of the people of the cave is no sign. It is a sign, and a great one. But it is not the greatest. Why is this the thing that excites you, while you ignore what actually matters — that you will die, be resurrected, and be held to account?Ayah 10 — The duʿāʾ on the way to the caveإذ أوى الفتية إلى الكهف فقالوا ربنا آتنا من لدنك رحمة وهيئ لنا من أمرنا رشداWhen the youths retreated to the cave and said: our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself, and prepare for us right guidance in our affair.Awā means to seek protection — to move behind something and shelter there.Notice what the Qur'an leaves out. We are not told the city, the town, the house, or the cave. This is how the Qur'an teaches history: it omits what is not relevant to the lesson, because detail distracts. If Allah had named the city, people would argue about the city. What matters is that there was a group of young men.And Allah highlights that word — fityah. Young men.We tend to treat the youth as the weakest link in the chain of the ummah. Children come to the masjid because their parents bring them. The elderly come because perhaps there is nothing else. And the youth are absent. Allah is addressing exactly that.Look at the early followers of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ was forty; Abu Bakr al-Siddiq رضي الله عنه was around the same age. Those are middle-aged men. But Sayyidina Ali was in his early teens. Zayd ibn Harithah, another young man. Uthman, Zubayr, Talha — teens and early twenties. They were the ones actively carrying the daʿwah.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S69) During the khilafat of his father in law, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنهم: Because the Messenger ﷺ never appointed a successor, the Companions رضي الله عنهم differed regarding who should succeed. They رضي الله عنهم split into 3 groups. The difference wasn't to do with who was greatest, they all knew Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was senior, it was to do with who would be the best Caliph. The Muhajireen رضي الله عنهم rallied behind Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. The Ansar رضي الله عنهم rallied behind Sa'ad Ibn Ubadah رضي الله عنه initially, but later rallied behind Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. Banu Hashim rallied behind Ali رضي الله عنه initially. Zubayr رضي الله عنه rallied behind Ali رضي الله عنه initially also.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S65) Returning to the Conquest: Abu Sufyaan رضي الله عنه sees Zubayr and his squadron of ~500 رضي الله عنهم entering Makkah. Zubayr رضي الله عنه was given a black flag to carry. Sa'ad Ibn Ubadah رضي الله عنه was given the flag of the Messenger ﷺ initially. Later, it was passed onto Zubayr رضي الله عنه. Thus Zubayr رضي الله عنه had the honour of bearing 2 flags during the conquest! One flag was carried by Zubayr, one by Abu Ubaydah and one by Khalid Ibn Waleed رضي الله عنهم. It was fitting that all the bearers were Makkan.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S66) Zubayr's رضي الله عنه participation in the battle of Hunayn: Makkah was conquered ~7 A.H. The Messenger ﷺ stayed there for ~10 days. During this time, the Khawazeen and Thaqeef tribes in Ta'if prepared for battle, thinking the Messenger ﷺ was coming to conquer them. Hunayn can be described as three clashes: the first was when the believers were ambushed in the valley. The second was when Abu Amir رضي الله عنه was the leader and they followed the disbelievers who were fleeing. The third clash was lead by Zubayr رضي الله عنه and he رضي الله عنه chased down the disbelievers who were fleeing to the mountains.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S67) The prisoners of war from Hunayn were ~6,000. There was a plethora of spoils too, but they were kept in Jiraana whilst the Messenger ﷺ went to Ta'if to siege the fortress. Onto the final expedition of the Messenger ﷺ, Tabook: Zubayr رضي الله عنه was ~30 here. The Messenger ﷺ gathered a force of ~30,000 رضي الله عنهم to take on Roman juggernaut as they planned to attack the believers and gathered a force to do so. Zubayr رضي الله عنه was given a large flag to carry during this expedition.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S67) The prisoners of war from Hunayn were ~6,000. There was a plethora of spoils too, but they were kept in Jiraana whilst the Messenger ﷺ went to Ta'if to siege the fortress. Onto the final expedition of the Messenger ﷺ, Tabook: Zubayr رضي الله عنه was ~30 here. The Messenger ﷺ gathered a force of ~30,000 رضي الله عنهم to take on Roman juggernaut as they planned to attack the believers and gathered a force to do so. Zubayr رضي الله عنه was given a large flag to carry during this expedition.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S68) Just ~3 months after the farewell Hajj the Messenger ﷺ passed away. Zubayr رضي الله عنه was present at the farewell Hajj. The Messenger ﷺ a few weeks prior gave a beautiful message to the people. He ﷺ said Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه has never failed me, know his status. I ﷺ am well pleased with Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan, Ali, Talha, Zubayr and all the earliest Muhaajireen رضي الله عنهم. Do not pain me regarding my Companions and Family رضي الله عنهم lest Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى deals with you. Ali رضي الله عنه said he heard with his own ears that the Messenger ﷺ said Talha and Zubayr will be his (ﷺ) neighbours in Paradise.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S64) The Messenger ﷺ sent Khaatib رضي الله عنه to Makawkis when inviting the world leaders to Islam. Khaatib رضي الله عنه was handsome, he had a handsome body with rough fingers. Khaatib رضي الله عنه was the one who brought back Maria, Sheereen رضي الله عنهم and Dul Dul (gifts from Makawkis). The Messenger ﷺ married Maria, she was the mother of Ibraaheem رضي الله عنهم. Sheereen was Maria's sister, she married either Muhammad Ibn Qais or Hasan Ibn Thaabit رضي الله عنهم. Khaatib رضي الله عنه was an archer, present at every battle side by side the Messenger ﷺ. He passed away ~30 A.H, aged ~65, during Uthmaan's رضي الله عنه caliphate, before the fitnah broke out. Uthmaan رضي الله عنه lead his Janazah and he رضي الله عنه was buried in al-Baqee.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S58) The Messenger ﷺ took ultimate precautions before proceeding. He ﷺ sent Sa'ad Ibn Muazh, Sa'ad Ibn Ubadah, Abdullah Ibn Rawaha and Khawaat Ibn Jubayr رضي الله عنهم to the Banu Qurayzah. The Banu Nadir attempted to assassinate the Messenger ﷺ thus they were exiled. Some of them went to Khaybar and some of them went to Syria. The situation was extremely intense. The main force of ~10,000 attacked from above and the Banu Qurayzah attacked from below. The Messenger ﷺ made all human efforts possible, now the Divine Help was coming. He ﷺ raised his hands and supplicated for the enemies to be defeated.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S59) The Divine Help: Many things occurred to aid the believers. A man called Nu'aym رضي الله عنه from the Banu Ghatafaan came to the Messenger ﷺ and embraced Islam during the battle. The Messenger ﷺ told Nu'aym رضي الله عنه instructions and he defeated the enemies from within, playing a genius role. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى sent a cold wind which affected the enemies on the outside and He سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى also sent Angels (a.s). With all this combined, Abu Sufyaan رضي الله عنه decided he was leaving and others followed him. All that was left now was the Banu Qurayzah. Zubayr رضي الله عنه was one of those who pledged to the Messenger ﷺ under the tree when the rumour spread that Uthmaan رضي الله عنه was martyred. The Messenger ﷺ said whoever pledged to him on that day will not enter the fire. The treaty of Hudaybeeyah was signed, this was a great win for the Muslims
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S60) Because of the condition of no wars in the treaty, this was a massive win for the believers. Just the next year, ~10,000 Companions رضي الله عنهم were present with the Messenger ﷺ at the conquest of Makkah. The fall of Khaybar: With the Quraysh no longer being a threat, the only issue now was the treacherous Jews. The Banu Nadir were exiled, some of them went to Khaybar and some went to Syria. Khaybar is ~100 miles away from Madinah. The Messenger ﷺ and the Companions رضي الله عنهم set off to conquer it in retaliation for all the things these Jews did to the believers. There was multiple fortresses at Khaybar. When one was conquered, you could then move onto the next. The first fortress conquered was Naa'im. During this, Mahmood Ibn Maslama رضي الله عنه was martyred. The Jews dropped a boulder on him.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S61) The Messenger ﷺ said his famous words at Khaybar: “Tomorrow I will give this flag to a person who loves Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى and His Messenger”. (ﷺ). The next day, everyone waited eagerly hoping they were chosen. Umar رضي الله عنه said this was the only time he wanted authority. Ali رضي الله عنه was chosen. Amir رضي الله عنه first duelled Marhab, who was a general and seasoned warrior. Amir رضي الله عنه accidentally struck his own ankle and the wound was fatal. He رضي الله عنه was martyred. Ali رضي الله عنه then duelled Marhab. They exchanged lines of poetry. It was here where Ali رضي الله عنه said his famous line: “I am the one whose mother named me Haidarah”. (رضي الله عنهم). Ali رضي الله عنه then killed Marhab
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S62) When Marhab was killed, his brother Yaasir roared a challenge. Zubayr رضي الله عنه stepped up, he was ~28 years old here. Safeeya رضي الله عنها asked the Messenger ﷺ: “Will my son be killed?”. The Messenger ﷺ replied: “No, rather he will do the killing, Insha'Allah”. Zubayr رضي الله عنه killed Yaasir. The second fortress to be conquered at Khaybar was al-Qaamoos. It was owned by Kinaana Ibn al-Rabee, who was our mother Safeeya's رضي الله عنها first husband. The Messenger ﷺ made a term of peace: the Jews could take whatever their beasts of burden could carry, however all the gold was to be given to the Messenger ﷺ. Hu'yay Ibn Akhtab, who was our mother Safeeya's رضي الله عنها father, had a bag of gold which he hid from the Messenger ﷺ, thus breaking the pact.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S63) The Conquest of Makkah: The Banu Bakr were sided with the disbelieving Quraysh, the Banu Khuza'a were sided with the Messenger ﷺ and the believers. The Banu Bakr attacked a man from Banu Khuza'a, breaking the peace pact. When the Messenger ﷺ was informed of this, he ﷺ said the Banu Khuza'a have his help. The Messenger ﷺ intended to take the mother city peacefully, without bloodshed. Khaatib Ibn Abi Baltaha رضي الله عنه was a Badri. He sent a letter to the Quraysh in Makkah telling them they were coming to Makkah. The Messenger ﷺ was informed of this via Revelation, he ﷺ sent Ali, Zubayr and Miqdaad رضي الله عنهم to intercept the letter. Khaatib رضي الله عنه was from Yemen, he had no one in Makkah to protect his family and property in Makkah. His mother was there. He رضي الله عنه only sent this letter to curry some favour with the Quraysh so that they would leave his mother/family and property alone etc. The Messenger ﷺ said no one may say anything about Khaatib رضي الله عنه except good things.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S56) The Messenger ﷺ: “Every Prophet (a.s) that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى sent before me had Hawareeyoon and Companions [رضي الله عنهم] which adopted their Sunnah and observed their commands”. Zubayr رضي الله عنه told his son Abdullah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger ﷺ said to him: “Let my father and mother be sacrificed for you”. (رضي الله عنهم). This was a massive, unique honour which was only given to a few Companions رضي الله عنهم. The Messenger ﷺ also said this to Sa'ad Ibn Abi Waqaas رضي الله عنه on the day of Uhud.
Zubayr Ibn al-Awaam رضي الله عنه (S55) The Jewish tribe, the Banu Qurayzah, had made a pact with the Messenger ﷺ that if anyone broke through they'd defend eachother. The Messenger ﷺ was suspicious of them however. The Messenger ﷺ asked if anyone was willing to volunteer to check on this tribe. The Messenger ﷺ asked three times on three separate occasions. Each time Zubayr رضي الله عنه volunteered. The Messenger ﷺ showed extreme pleasure and on the third time he ﷺ said: “Verily there was a special designated helper/disciple for every Prophet (a.s). My special designated helper/disciple is Zubayr”. (رضي الله عنه). This Hadith is Mutawaatir. Hawaree is a very special title. This is what Zubayr رضي الله عنه was called. The intimate Companions رضي الله عنهم of Eesa (a.s) were called this. It is a better term to use than apostle or disciple. It means: Spotless, something so pure and refined, someone who goes out of their way to help someone with no gain for themselves, someone who is unadulterated, a sincere supporter, who is capable of being a Khalif.