Abu Muslim al-Khawlani

Abu Muslim Al-Khawlani

Abu Muslim Al-Khawlani, also known as Abdullah bin Thawb Al-Khawlani Al-Darani, is revered as a devout worshiper and ascetic. He was a noteworthy Tabi’i (successor) who experienced life during the pre-Islamic period and had the opportunity to meet the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and embrace Islam; however, he did not have direct encounters with the Prophet. As a result, Islamic scholars do not classify him among the Companions (Sahabah). Originating from Yemen, Abu Muslim settled in the region of Daraya and became a prominent reciter among the people of Greater Syria. He was distinguished by numerous commendable traits, including his dedication to worship and his eagerness to engage in battles for the sake of Allah, which led to several miraculous events in his life.

Miracles Associated with Abu Muslim

Throughout his life, Abu Muslim Al-Khawlani witnessed several miraculous occurrences that underscored his esteemed position in the sight of Allah. Some notable miracles include:

• One occasion involved a woman who instigated discord between him and his wife. Abu Muslim prayed against her, and as a result, she became blind. Later, she approached him, admitting her wrongdoing and pleading for him to pray for her recovery. She vowed she would amend her behavior. Abu Muslim prayed to Allah, asking that if she were sincere, her sight be restored, and indeed it was.
• On another occasion, Abu Muslim encountered a group of boys who were unsuccessfully trying to catch a gazelle. They requested that he pray for them to capture the animal, and upon his prayer, the gazelle was immobilized, allowing the boys to catch it.
• It is also reported that during one of the battles against the Romans, Abu Muslim and his companions walked on water. When they reached a river, he prayed to Allah for permission to cross it. After invoking the name of Allah, he and his companions walked across the water.

Abu Muslim’s Last Wishes and Death

During the caliphate of Muawiya, Abu Muslim Al-Khawlani fell ill while in Roman territory. He entrusted one of his companions with a request: should he pass away, he wished to be buried as close as possible to the enemy’s territory and asked to be laid to rest with the banner of jihad among the graves of deceased Muslims. His desire was to meet Allah in that noble state. Abu Muslim passed away in the year 44 AH (After Hijra), though some sources suggest he may have died in the year 51 AH.