Hadhrat Rabi’ah bin Ka’ab radiallahu anhu was blessed with the honour of accepting Islam at a very young age. From the time he set his eyes on the blessed countenance of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, he was overcome with such love which permeated his entire self. One day he said to himself, ‘What is wrong with you, why do you not present yourself as a servant to Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam?’
Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam hounored him by accepting him as a Khaadim and from that day on, he would always be on call day and night. It was his habit that during the early hours of the morning, he would present water to Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam to make whudu for tahajjud salaah. On one occasion, Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said to him, “Ask what you desire and I will give it to you” He took a moment to think and replied’ “give me some time to think over it Ya Rasulullah” Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam gladly obliged.
This was a youngster who had no wealth nor family. He was poor with no worldy status. If it was one of us, we would ask for some material or physical comfort. But this was a Sahabi after all, whose focus was deeply driven by the strength of Imaan and the reality of the hereafter. He realized that this world is temporary and the eternal comfort of the hereafter is the ultimate goal. With this is mind, he sets off to present the most beautiful, intelligent and wise request. “Ya Rasullullah, Please make dua that I am your close companion in Jannah!” Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was most impressed by his answer and asked him that who advised you to ask for this. Hadhrat Rabi’ah radiallahu anhu replied that I thought to myself that I should choose that which is eternal over that which is temporary.
Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam then instructed him to exert himself in Salaah as this will aid in achieving this lofty position of being the companion of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam in Jannah. Not too long after this incident, Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam called him one day and asked him if he wanted to get married. He replied that he didn’t want to be diverted from the service of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and that he also did not possess any wealth to give as Mahr. This happened on two occasions until he realized that Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was in fact alluding that he should marry. Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam arranged for him to marry a woman from the ansaar and his mahr was also taken care-off by a prominent Sahaabi from the Banu Aslam tribe. If that wasn’t enough, even his walima was done with no effort from his side. This is how Allah Ta’ala takes care of his servants when they dedicate themselves to His obedience.
Thereafter Allah Ta’ala opened up the wealth of this world to him as well. On one occasion, he had a small dispute with Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu regarding a date palm which both had laid claim too. In the discussion, Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu said something undesirable to him. Immediately Siddeeq Akbar felt bad and insisted that he retaliate with the same wording. Rabi’ah radiallahu anhu refused out of respect and honour for the position of Hadhrat Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu. When the matter was presented to Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, he was most impressed by his conduct and then asked him to seek forgiveness on behalf of Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu. He glady did so whilst tears flowed down the cheeks of Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu.
When we take a look at these incidents of Rabi’ah radiallahu anhu, we should take lesson that when Allah Ta’ala showers His grace upon his servant, then none can stop the favours which rain down in this world and the next. Together with that, the person is inspired to behave in a manner which is most pleasing to Rasullulah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, which ultimately is the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
