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 wasallam) 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 wasallam). 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 wasallam). The desire to meet Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) 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 wasallam) and gave up everything else. With only a coarse cloth covering his body, he headed towards the blessed city of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The excitement and enthusiasm 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 wasallam).
After the Fajr Salaah, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) called him and asked him who he was and from where he had come. Thereafter Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) 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 wasallam). 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 wasallam) had set out for. During the expedition of Tabuk, Abdullah (radiallahu anhu) asked Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to make dua for him to be blessed with martyrdom. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made dua in his favour that he be honoured with martyrdom in such a way that he is protected from the sword of an enemy. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) 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 muhaajir (one who migrates) for the sake of Allah Ta’ala, A mujaahid (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 wasallam) himself went down into his Qabr. Abu Bakr and Umar (radiallahu anhuma) passed his body to Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who lowered him with his own Mubaarak hands into the Qabr. Thereafter Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made the following dua, “Oh Allah, indeed I was pleased with him, so you also 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.