The Prophet and His Companion During Migration
It was a profound honor for Abu Bakr – may Allah be pleased with him – to be chosen by the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – as his companion on the pivotal journey of migration (Hijrah), a significant event in the history of the Islamic nation. This journey not only highlighted Abu Bakr’s noble character and dedication but also underlined his esteemed position in the heart of the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him. A notable example of this bond occurred when the Prophet and Abu Bakr sought refuge in the cave of Thawr, even as the Quraysh had prepared one hundred camels to hunt them down.
Abu Bakr expressed his anxiety for the Prophet’s safety, illustrating his concern with the words, “O Messenger of Allah, if one of them were to look at his feet, he would see us beneath him.” In response, the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – reassured him, saying, “O Abu Bakr, what do you think of two when Allah is their third?” This story exemplifies the true nature of companionship, where one offers comfort and reminds the other of Allah during times of distress.
The Pledge of Allegiance with Abu Bakr Regarding Uthman
The Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – consistently encouraged his companions to engage in good deeds, motivating them toward noble pursuits. A telling incident occurred during the pledge of allegiance at the tree, known later as the Tree of Ridwan, when the Muslim congregation awaited the return of Uthman ibn Affan – may Allah be pleased with him – who was negotiating with the Quraysh regarding the Prophet’s right to perform Umrah. The companions feared that Uthman had been killed.
In response, they pledged their allegiance to the Prophet – peace be upon him – to fight the Quraysh. This allegiance was marked by the Prophet shaking hands with the Muslims under the tree. After the companions had completed their pledges, he raised his right hand and said: “This is the hand of Uthman,” striking his hand against his own, thus including Uthman in the merit and reward for the Pledge of Ridwan.
This event serves as a profound example for Muslims about the importance of including others in acts of reward, ensuring that those absent from them are still remembered, and demonstrating the Prophet’s deep trust in his companions.
The Story of the Prophet and His Sister Shima
A glimpse into the Prophet Muhammad’s – peace be upon him – childhood emerges in his interaction with his sister, Shima. Shima, whose real name was Hudaifah, was among the captives from Hawazin, and she introduced herself as the Prophet’s foster sister. To verify her claim, the Prophet asked, “If you are truthful, then there is a mark on you from me that will not fade with time.”
Shima revealed a mark on her hand, which was an imprint from the Prophet’s bite when he was a child. Although Imam al-Dhahabi narrated this story with a weak chain of transmission, it confirmed her truthfulness to the Prophet. He then spread his cloak for her, offering her a choice to remain with him or return to her people, and she chose her tribe. This interaction underscores the significance of sisterhood and appreciation of kinship even in cases of foster relationships.
The Prophet’s Concern for Julaibib
The Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – exemplified care for his companions by inquiring about their well-being. A memorable story involves the companion Julaibib – may Allah be pleased with him – whom the Prophet noticed was unmarried. Despite Julaibib’s perceived lack of attractiveness, as he was not handsome, the Prophet took it upon himself to seek a wife for him.
After the Battle of Uhud, where many companions were martyred, the Prophet – peace be upon him – asked whether anyone was missing. When the companions mentioned several names, he continued to ask about others. Although they did not mention Julaibib, the Prophet noted his absence and requested a search for him. They found him alongside seven others he had slain in battle. Even after Julaibib’s martyrdom, the Prophet honored him, declaring, “He is from me, and I am from him,” while he cradled Julaibib’s head on his arm until they prepared his burial.
The Prophet’s Humor with Zahir
The Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – embodied all admirable qualities both in faith and in conduct, yet he also engaged with his companions in lighthearted banter. A notable instance of his playful spirit was his interaction with Zahir – may Allah be pleased with him – who was not conventionally attractive and hailed from the desert tribes. The Prophet’s playful jests included:
- Embracing Zahir from behind and exclaiming, “Who will buy this slave?” While Zahir joked back, “By Allah, then you will find me worthless.”
- Declaring, “Zahir is our ‘Bedouin’ while we are his ‘city dwellers,’” highlighting Zahir’s connection to the desert.
- Imparting to him that a person’s true value is measured by their standing with Allah, not by superficial judgments from people.
The Compensation of Sawad
During the organization of ranks for the Battle of Badr, the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – moved Sawad with a stick to properly align him in the formation. Sawad protested, “You have hurt me, so let me retaliate,” prompting the Prophet to reveal his blessed torso and allow Sawad to exact his due. Instead, Sawad kissed the Prophet’s belly and said, “Rather, forgive me, perhaps you will intercede for me on the Day of Judgment.”
The Prophet – peace be upon him – was not known to harbor ill feelings towards his companions when they sought justice or retribution. Indeed, he later appointed Sawad as the chief of Khaybar, ensuring he received his rights even as he expressed a desire to have his due from the Prophet.