Abu Basir
Abu Basir, also known as ‘Utbah ibn Usayd ibn Jariyah ibn Usayd, is recognized as one of the notable Muslim figures from the Quraysh tribe, with roots traced back to Thaqif. There is also an account that suggests his name was ‘Ubaid ibn Usayd ibn Jariyah. His journey is marked by significant moments of resilience and determination. Following the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the agreement made by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with the Quraysh, Abu Basir fled from Mecca to Medina to protect his faith. However, the Quraysh dispatched messengers to the Prophet, insisting on bringing him back in accordance with the terms of the treaty, which stipulated that the Prophet should not accept any Qurayshi who did not have the consent of his protector. The Prophet complied with their request, but Abu Basir displayed remarkable tenacity. During the return journey, he managed to kill one of his captors while the other fled, reaching the Prophet’s Mosque safely.
Quraysh Seeks Help Against Abu Basir
After escaping from the Quraysh messengers, Abu Basir returned to the Prophet, seeking refuge. He understood the grave consequences he faced if captured, as the Quraysh would resort to torture in an attempt to force him to renounce Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expressed his regret, saying: “Woe to his mother! He is a kindler of war. If only he had someone to protect him.” Realizing that surrender was imminent, Abu Basir retreated to the land of Juhayna, strategically positioning himself along the trade routes of the Quraysh. There, he began intercepting their caravans, killing their members until he was joined by other Muslims fleeing Mecca. The situation escalated to the point where no Quraysh caravan could pass without being attacked. This prompted the Quraysh to send envoys to the Prophet, pleading for him to allow the return of Abu Basir and his companions, assuring that there would be no penalty for any Muslim fleeing from Mecca. He passed away while reciting a letter from the Prophet, inviting him to Medina, and was buried in the same location.
Important Lessons from the Story of Abu Basir
The story of Abu Basir imparts numerous valuable lessons. It exemplifies the deep commitment to honoring agreements as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad, even with the knowledge that the Quraysh would torture Abu Basir in attempts to reclaim him. This signifies that fulfilling commitments is an obligatory principle for Muslims. Moreover, it highlights the importance of providing safety and peace; without the assurance of security, the fleeing unbeliever would not have sought refuge with the Prophet and his mosque. Another critical takeaway is the affirmation that Allah (the Exalted) supports His believing servants, even if it takes time. Abu Basir’s unwavering determination to defend his faith, coupled with his patience and steadfastness in the face of adversity, played a vital role in earning Allah’s support and protection.