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Hadhrat Uqbah bin Aamir explains the manner in which he accepted Islam.

He says; “When Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) came to Madinah Munawwarah, I was busy tending to my flock of goats. As soon as I received the news of his coming, I immediately left my flock and hastened to meet him.”

After taking bay’ah (pledge of allegiance) on the hands of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Hadhrat Uqbah bin Aamir Al-Juhanee (radiyallahu anhu) returned to his flock on the outskirts of Madinah. Not long thereafter, the attraction to learn directly at the feet of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) overpowered him and he gave up tending to goats. He moved into the city of Madinah, living in Masjidun Nabawi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), in order to be close to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Uqbah (radiyallahu anhu) made a firm resolve to stay close and attach himself to the messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), not knowing that a decade later, he would become one of the great scholars and conquerors of Islam. Uqbah (radiyallahu anhu) had an intense passion for seeking Deeni knowledge and he became a master in all the Islamic sciences. Allah Ta’ala had blessed him with a melodious voice with which he would recite the Qur-aan Shareef, leaving many listeners in tears.

Uqbah (radiyallahu anhu) participated alongside Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Uhud and all the succeeding battles. He was an extremely skilled archer who showed great courage in the conquest of Damascus. As a reward for his heroic achievements, the Ameer of the Muslim army, Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarraah (radiyallahu anhu), gave him the task of conveying the glad-tidings of victory to Ameerul Mu’mineen, Umar bin Khattaab (radiyallahu anhu). He rode non-stop for eight days and nights, from one Friday to the next, until he reached Madinah Munawarah where he passed on the message of victory. He was also one of the generals who conquered Egypt and he governed Egypt for three years under the rule of Hadhrat Muaawiya (radiyallahu anhu). So great was his passion for Jihaad that he memorised all the Ahaadeeth pertaining to Jihaad and he used to recite it to the Muslims as a form of encouragement in the different expeditions. During his free time, he used to practise archery in preparation for battle.

When the time of his death drew near, Hadhrat Uqbah (radiyallahu anhu) called his sons and gave them his final wasiyyat (parting advice) saying, “My beloved sons, I forbid you from three things, so be sure to stay away from them. Never accept any Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) without being sure of its authenticity. Never incur any debts, even if you are dressed in worn-out clothing. Do not compose poetry lest it distracts your hearts from the Qur-aan Majeed.” The only possessions which he left behind were seventy bows, each with a quiver and arrows. He had made a bequest that all of it should be used in the path of Allah.

Hadhrat Abdullah Al-Muzani radiallahu anhu

In the mountain ranges of Warqaan which is located between Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah, there lived a tribe known as Muzainah. A baby boy was born to parents, from this tribe, who were extremely poor. They named him Abdul Uzza. Not long after his birth, his father passed away leaving behind the young child as an orphan. However, this boy had a paternal uncle who was extremely wealthy and had no children of his own. Therefore he took the innocent young child under his care and showered him with love and kindness as though it was his own child. The youngster grew up to be an adult of fine manners and beautiful conduct. These qualities made him even more beloved to his Uncle.

This young man only came to know about Islam when Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam made Hijrat (migrated) to Madinah Munawwarah. He was intrigued by this new Deen (Religion) and the final messenger of Allah Ta’ala. This spurred him on to gain whatever information possible regarding this ‘new Deen’. In a short period of time, Allah Ta’ala opened up his heart towards the beauty and perfection of Islam leading him to accept Islam without even setting his eyes on Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Initially he concealed his Islam and used to worship Allah Ta’ala in secrecy, away from the gazes of people. He had great hope that his uncle would also be guided to the beautiful Deen of Islam but it was not to be. Eventually, he could not contain himself anymore and openly proclaimed his belief in the Oneness of Allah and the risaalat (prophethood) of Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The desire to meet Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had consumed his heart and mind.

The news of his Islam caused his uncle to go into a fit of rage and he immediately threatened to withdraw all the privileges which he had afforded to the young man.  This could not deter this fine lad as Imaan had penetrated deep into the recesses of his heart. He opted for the company of Rasullullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and gave up everything. With only a coarse cloth covering his body, he headed towards the blessed city of Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The excitement and enthuaism grew within him as he approached Madinah Munawwarah. He reached Madinah Munawwarah at night and spent the evening in the Masjid. At the time of fajr salaah, he finally fulfilled his dream of seeing Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

After the Fajr salaah, Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam called him and asked him who he was and from where he had come. Thereafter Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam changed his name from Abdul Uzza to Abdullah. Abdullah radiallahu anhu then took up residence in the blessed city of Madinah Munawwarah in the company of Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The world had called him towards it but he chose to close his ears to its call and turned all his attention to the eternal life of the Aakhirah.

Abdullah radiallahu anhu, after migrating to Madinah, participated in all the battles which Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had set out for. During the expedition of Tabuk, Abdullah radiallahu anhu asked Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam to make dua for him to blessed with matrydom. Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam made dua in his favour that he be hounoured with matrydom in such a way that he is protected from the sword of an enemy. Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam also explained to him that a person who falls ill and passes away through that illness will be considered a Shaheed (martyr) as well. Within a day after this dua, Abdullah radiallahu anhu developed a fever and passed on into the mercy of Allah Ta’ala.

He passed away as a muhajir (one who migrates) for the sake of Allah Ta’ala, A mujahid (warrior) in the path of Allah, in a strange land far away from his family and friends. The Sahaabah radiallahu anhum dug his Qabr (grave). Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam himself went down into his Qabr. Abu Bakr and Umar radiallahu anhuma passed his body to Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam who lowered him with his own Mubarak hands into the Qabr. Thereafter Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam made the following dua, “Oh Allah, indeed I was pleased with him, so you be pleased with him”

Abdullah bin Mas’ood radiallahu anhu stood by the graveside witnessing this amazing sight and said; “If only I was the inmate of this Qabr. By Allah! I wish I was in his place even though I had accepted Islam 15 years before him.” Allah Ta’ala surely recompensed him in the most beautiful of ways.