The Brotherhood of Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf and Sa’d ibn Ar-Rabi
It is reported that when the esteemed companion Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf migrated to Medina, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established a bond of brotherhood between him and Sa’d ibn Ar-Rabi, who was blessed with considerable wealth. Sa’d offered Abdur-Rahman half of his fortune and even a choice of women from his wives to marry.
In response, Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf (may Allah be pleased with him) graciously replied, “May Allah bless you in your wealth and family; rather, show me to the marketplace.” Following this, he became a successful trader and generously contributed hundreds of thousands of dirhams to support the Muslim armies and the needy.
Abu Dhadha and the Palm of Paradise
There was a dispute between an orphan boy and a companion who owned a palm tree. The orphan wished to build a wall around his garden, but the palm blocked the way. The boy approached the Prophet to explain his situation, and the Prophet requested the man to relinquish his tree, but he refused. The Prophet then urged him to gift it to the boy, yet he still declined.
When the Prophet offered the man the opportunity to secure a replacement for him in paradise, the man remained obstinate. Observing this, Abu Dhadha eagerly sought that reward and offered the man a garden in exchange for the palm tree that would grant him entry into paradise.
The Bravery of Abu Bakr in Defending the Prophet
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) demonstrated remarkable courage in defending the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) against the antagonism of the Quraysh. One notable incident recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari occurred while the Prophet was praying. Aqba ibn Abi Mu’ayt, a disbeliever from Mecca, attacked the Prophet by choking him with his cloak. Abu Bakr intervened, exclaiming, “Will you kill a man merely because he says, ‘My Lord is Allah’? He has come to you with clear signs from your Lord.”
Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), one of the witnesses to Abu Bakr’s valor, stated that he was questioned about who the bravest person was, and when the others claimed it was him, he humbly asserted that Abu Bakr was indeed the bravest, citing instances of his bravery.
One such instance occurred during the Battle of Badr, where Abu Bakr remained close to the Prophet, prepared to protect him at all costs, wielding his sword against any foes threatening the Prophet’s life.
Another critical moment arose when the Quraysh confronted the Prophet, questioning, “Are you the one who made the deities into one God?” No one among the companions dared approach him except for Abu Bakr, who defended him and stated, “Woe to you! Will you kill a man who says, ‘My Lord is Allah’?”
The Nobility of Uthman ibn Talha
Uthman ibn Talha (may Allah be pleased with him) exhibited exceptional nobility and manliness even before embracing Islam. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded his companions to migrate to Medina, Abu Salama took his wife, Umm Salama, and their young son. However, Umm Salama’s tribe prevented her from leaving, taking her back to their lands while Abu Salama’s family seized the child in reaction.
Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) remained sorrowful, separated from her husband and child for nearly a year until her tribe eventually allowed her to depart. She set out towards Medina with her young son and encountered Uthman ibn Talha in a place near Mecca known as Tan’im. Upon seeing her alone, he inquired about her destination and whether she was accompanied by anyone.
After she explained her intent to reunite with her husband, stating that she had only her son and reliance on Allah, Uthman provided her guidance towards her husband. Umm Salama praised Uthman for his bravery, kindness, and commendable character during that journey. Uthman embraced Islam during the Hudaybiyyah Treaty in the eighth year of Hijra and migrated to Medina alongside Khalid ibn al-Walid (may Allah be pleased with him).
Uthman held the key to the Kaaba, which he entrusted to the Prophet (peace be upon him) on the Day of the Conquest of Mecca. The Prophet declared that this responsibility would remain with Banu Shaiba, the tribe of Uthman, thereby honoring both Uthman and his lineage.
The Valor of Umm Ammarah in Defending the Prophet
Umm Ammarah (may Allah be pleased with her) was among the courageous female companions who participated in battles and expeditions. Her valorous act is recorded during the Battle of Uhud when the battle intensified and the disbelievers encircled the Prophet (peace be upon him) with the intent to harm him. A man named Ibn Qami’ah approached, calling out for Muhammad, determined to kill him.
Umm Ammarah stood firm in his path, attempting to block him alongside Musab ibn Umayr (may Allah be pleased with him), who was martyred during the confrontation, leaving her to face the aggressor alone. Despite suffering serious wounds from his attack, she valiantly continued to defend the Prophet, who observed her resilience as she endured multiple injuries.
Her son was called by the Prophet to attend to her wounds and to pray for her well-being. Upon hearing the Prophet’s voice, Umm Ammarah requested him to pray that they accompany him in paradise, a wish the Prophet gladly fulfilled, filling her with immense joy.
When she returned to Medina, she hoped to join the Prophet in a subsequent expedition, but her injuries prevented her. The Muslim women surrounding her tended to her wounds. Several days later, the Prophet inquired about her condition and was informed of her recovery and safety.
Uthman ibn Affan’s Refusal to Circumvent the Kaaba Before the Prophet
Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) was chosen as the messenger of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to the Quraysh just before the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. The Prophet and his companions remained at Hudaybiyyah while Uthman was sent to inform the Quraysh that they had come intending to perform Umrah, not to engage in battle, reassuring the Muslims still in Mecca of impending victory and the rise of Allah’s religion.
Uthman fulfilled his mission, remaining in Mecca for several days. During this time, Suhayl ibn ‘Amr came to the Prophet, and the treaty was finalized. Some companions speculated that Uthman may have performed the Tawaf around the Kaaba. However, the Prophet informed them that Uthman would not perform Tawaf while the Muslims were still in Hudaybiyyah and barred from visiting the Kaaba. Upon Uthman’s return, he informed them of their speculations and the Prophet’s response.
Uthman stated, “How misguided you are in your assumptions! By Allah, if I were to remain there for a year while the Prophet (peace be upon him) stayed at Hudaybiyyah, I would not perform Tawaf until the Prophet (peace be upon him) does.” He was offered the opportunity by the Quraysh, but he declined, showcasing his immense love and respect for the Prophet. Although this particular narration is considered weak, the account of Uthman’s mission to the Quraysh regarding the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah is firmly established.
The Companions’ Dispute over Caring for Ummama bint Hamza
The noble companions were eager to perform good deeds and act righteously, including the care of orphans. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) announced his intention to leave Mecca for the Umrah of Qada, Ummama bint Hamza bin Abd al-Muttalib followed him, crying out, “Oh Uncle, Oh Uncle!” She was an orphan, as Hamza (may Allah be pleased with him) was among the companions who fell during the Battle of Uhud.
Three esteemed companions – Ali ibn Abi Talib, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, and Zaid ibn Haritha (may Allah be pleased with them) – contested for her guardianship. Ali claimed, “She is my cousin, and I took her first.” Ja’far responded, “She is also my cousin, and my wife is her aunt.” Zaid argued, “She is my niece, for Hamza was my milk brother.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) judged in favor of Ja’far since her aunt was also his wife, establishing that an aunt holds a maternal status. He further softened the hearts of his companions with kind words, determining that Ummama’s placement with her aunt was advantageous for her well-being, especially as Ja’far was in a more favorable financial situation than Ali and Zaid. Despite their limited means, the companions were fiercely competitive in seeking the honor of caring for orphan children and earning the associated rewards.