Sayyiduna Zaid Bin Khattab Courage and Bravery

Brother of Farooq-e-A’zam

A glorious companion of Rasool, Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ is the brother of Ameer-ul-Mu`mineen Sayyiduna Umar Farooq-e-A’zam رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ. Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ was not only elder to Sayyiduna Farooq-e-A’zam رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ, but he also embraced Islam before Sayyiduna Farooq-e-A’zam رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ. Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ is the embodiment of piety and abstinence, and is one of the Awwaleen Muhajireen [those who migrated to Madinah before the Treaty of Hudaybiyah]. (Usud-ul-Ghabah, vol. 2, pp. 341)

His رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ Kuniyyat is Abu Abdur Rahman or Abu Saur. He was very tall and had a slightly dark complexion. (Ma’rifat-us-Sahabah, vol. 2, pp. 325, Tabaqaat Ibn-e-Sa’ad, vol. 3, pp. 288) According to some Islamic scholars, he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ was also amongst Ashaab-e-Suffah. (Mustadrak, vol. 3, pp. 555, Hilyat-ul-Awliya, vol. 1, pp. 449) Approximately 20 Muslims migrated from Makkah to Madinah with Sayyiduna Umar Farooq-e-A’zam رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ and he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ was also one of them. (Fath-ul-Baari, vol. 8, pp. 222, Taht-al-Hadees 3925)

Life as a warrior

Whether it is the Battle of Badr or the Battle of Uhud, the Battle of Trench or the Battle of Khyber, whether it is the occasion of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah and Bay’at-e-Ridwan or the Conquest of Makkah, he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ took part in every battle with the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. (Ista’aab, vol. 2, pp. 120)

Yearning for martyrdom

During the Battle of Uhud, Sayyiduna Umar Farooq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ said to his brother, Zayd Bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ: ‘I make you swear that you wear my suit of armour.’ Sayyiduna Zayd رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ wore the suit of armour and then took it off. Sayyiduna Umar Farooq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ asked: ‘What has happened now?’ He humbly replied: If you like martyrdom for yourself, I also like to embrace martyrdom. (Tabaqaat Ibn-e-Sa’ad, vol. 3, pp. 289)

Army Chief

On the occasion of Jihad against those who refused to pay Zakah, when Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ wanted to appoint him as the chief of the Islamic army, he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ said sorry and humbly said: I had a deep yearning for martyrdom even in the age of Risalat, but I could not attain the blessing of martyrdom, and I still want martyrdom; therefore, I cannot become the commander of the army because it is not appropriate for the commander to go ahead and fight (as he has to control the army). (Al-Iktifa, vol. 2, pp. 96) However, in 12 Hijri, he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ was appointed Nigran on a cavalry of 200 men in the front part of the Islamic army in the battle against a false claimant of prophethood (Tulayha Bin Khuwaylad who repented later on). (Tabaqaat-e-Ibn Sa’ad, vol.3, pp. 68)

Call towards righteousness in the battlefield

In the caliphate of Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ, when the Islamic army was leaving to fight against another false claimant of prophethood, Musaylimah Kazzab; Sayyiduna Umar Farooq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ said farewell to Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ. In this Battle of Yamamah, he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ demonstrated such bravery and courage which cannot be forgotten at all. In this battle, he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ was holding the flag of Islamic army. The battle was being fought with great vigour. During this battle, when he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ came across a key person of Musaylimah Kazzab, namely Rajjal Bin ‘Unfuwah Murtad, he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ said: By Allah! You have become an unbeliever after leaving Islam, but I call you towards Islam, as honour and respect for you lies in it and your wealth will also increase; but that unfortunate person refused to embrace Islam. Ultimately, Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ killed him. (Tareekh-e-Tabari, vol. pp. 289 – 291, Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, vol. 5, pp. 43)

Courage and bravery

The army of the enemy began to overcome and Muslims began to lose, but Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ remained steadfast. (Mustadrak, vol. 4, pp. 244, Raqm 5056)

It is stated in a narration that he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ said: O people! Stay strong and attack the enemies fiercely, and keep advancing. He then said: By Allah Almighty! Now I will not say anything until the unbelievers are defeated or I embrace martyrdom and I present myself in the court of Allah Almighty, after being successful. (Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, vol. 5, pp. 30)

Thereafter, he tightened his grip on the flag and then started to fight with the enemies by getting into the enemies’ front row. At last, the Muslim warriors sacrificed their valuable lives and defeated the army of Musaylimah Kazzab. According to a saying, Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ was amongst the Muslims who killed Musaylimah Kazzab. (Mustadrak, vol. 4, pp. 245, Raqm 5057)

Martyrdom

The battle of Yamamah was fought in the caliphate of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ in Rabi’-ul-Awwal, 12 Hijri. In this battle, 1200 Muslims embraced martyrdom. Out of them, there were 700 Sahabah who were Hafiz of Quran and Quranic reciters. (Ma’rifat-us-Sahabah, vol. 2, pp. 325, Miraat-ul-Manajeeh, vol. 3, pp. 283)

After migration, the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم made Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khattab and Sayyiduna Ma’an Bin ‘Addi رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُمَا the brothers of each other. Both these blessed personages embraced martyrdom during this battle on the same day. (Tabaqaat Ibn-e-Sa’ad, vol. 3, pp. 354)

Ahead in two things:

Having heard the news of the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Zayd رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ, Sayyiduna Umar Farooq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ became emotional (Ista’aab, vol. 2, pp. 120), and said: May Allah Almighty have mercy on my brother! He has gone ahead of me in two good things; firstly, he embraced Islam before me and secondly, he embraced martyrdom before me. (Tahzeeb-ul-Asma, vol. 1, pp. 200)

Aroma of Sayyiduna Zayd

Sayyiduna Umar Farooq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ had a great affection for his brother, Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Khattab رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ and would not forget his memories. He himself said: Whenever the wind blows, I feel the aroma of Zayd from it. (Tabaqaat Ibn-e-Sa’ad, vol. 3, pp. 289) It is stated in another narration: Whenever the wind blows, it reminds [me] of Zayd Bin Khattab. (Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, vol. 5, pp. 43)

Luminous shrine

His رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ luminous shrine is located in the north of Riyadh, a city of sacred Arab, near the colony, namely Jubaylah.

Number of children

He رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ had two children – the name of the son was Abdur Rahman and the name of the daughter was Asma. (Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, vol. 5, pp. 43)

May Allah Almighty have mercy on him and forgive us without accountability for his sake!

اٰمِيۡن   بِجَاهِ   النَّبِيِّ  الۡاَمِيۡن  صَلَّى  اللّٰهُ  عَلَيۡهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

The grandson of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, apple of the eyes of Batool and the son of Hayder-e-Karraar, Sayyiduna Imam Hassan Mujtaba رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ was gracious, forbearing, generous, had an honourable personality, embodiment of modesty, sympathiser and was busy performing the activities for the Hereafter turning away from the worldly things. He رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ was born on 15^th Ramadan-ul-Mubarak 3 AH. The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم named him Hassan. No one else had this name before him. (Musnad-e-Ahmad, vol. 1, pp. 211, Hadees 769) (Fayz-ul-Qadeer, vol. 1, pp. 138, under the Hadees 93) (Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah, vol. 5, pp. 519)

Share from the attributes of Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

Sayyidatuna Fatima-tuz-Zahra رَضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا has said, ‘I took Hassan and Hussain to the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم during his illness [that causes his blessed demise] and humbly said: ‘O Prophet of Allah! Hassan and Husain are your sons. Make them heir of something.’ The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: ‘My awe and leadership are for ‘Hassan’, whereas, my bravery and generosity are for ‘Husain’. (Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabeer, vol. 22, pp. 423, Hadees 1041)

One day, the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was present on his pulpit and Sayyiduna Hassan رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ was at his one side. The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would at times look at us and at times at Hassan, and would say: ‘Undoubtedly, this son of mine is the chief. Allah Almighty will make reconciliation between two big groups of Muslims through him. (Bukhari, vol. 2, pp. 214, Hadees 2704) (This glad tiding became true word to word.) (Imam Hassan ki 30 Hikayaat, pp. 8)

Chief of youth of Paradise    

Sayyiduna Jabir رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ has narrated that the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated: “The one who likes to see the chief of the youth of Paradise should see Hassan.” (Tareekh Ibn-e-‘Asakir, vol. 13, pp. 209)

Du’a of Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

On one occasion, the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم embraced Sayyiduna Imam Hassan رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ and then made this Du’a: اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّی أُحِبُّهُ فَأَحِبَّهُ وَأَحِبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّهُ i.e. O Allah! I love him, You love him too, and also love those who love him. (Bukhari, vol. 4, pp. 73, Hadees 5884)

Sayyiduna Imam Hassan رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ was matchless and incomparable in generosity as his entire family is known for generosity.

Exemplary generosity

One person asked for his need from Sayyiduna Imam Hassan Mujtaba رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ. He رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ replied: ‘O person! The amount of wealth I have cannot completely fulfil your need. However, accept whatever is available.’ That person said: ‘O the grandson of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم! I will accept your gift as well as express my gratitude over it and will also accept your excuse if you do not give anything.’ He رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ called his representative who presented 50 thousand dirhams (i.e. silver coins). He رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ said: ‘There were also 500 dinars (i.e. gold coins). Where are they? Bring them too.’ Therefore, when he came back carrying them, Sayyiduna Imam Hassan رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ gave all those dirhams and dinars to the person and said: ‘Bring a goods-carrying labourer.’ He brought two goods-carrying labourers. As a wage, he رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ gave them his shawl. His slaves humbly said, ‘By Allah! You have not left a single dirham with us.’ He رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ replied, ‘I am hopeful that there will be a great reward for me in the court of Allah Almighty.’ (Ihya-ul-‘Uloom, vol. 3, pp. 306)

Demise and burial

Sayyiduna Imam Abu Muhammad Hassan رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ passed away on 5^th Rabi-ul-Awwal 50 AH in Madina Munawwarah. (Sifa-tus-Safwah, vol. 1, pp. 386) There is another opinion that he رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ passed away in 49 AH. At the time of martyrdom, Sayyiduna Imam Hassan Mujtaba رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ was 47 years of age. (Taqreeb-ut-Tahzeeb, pp. 240)

In order to know more about the blessed life history and generosity of Sayyiduna Imam Hassan Mujtaba رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ, read the booklet ‘Imam Hassan رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ ki 30 Hikayaat’, authored by Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ. May Allah Almighty also enable us to spend in His path for the sake of Sayyiduna Imam Hassan رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ!

Hassan Mujtaba Sayyid-ul-Askhiya [سَیِّدُ الْاَسْخِیا]

Raakib-e-Daush-e-Izzat pe lakhaun Salaam

(Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish, pp. 309)