The Illustrious Sahaabah The Illustrious Sahaabah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)
Hazrat Amr bin Abasah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had brought imaan in the early days of Islam. He had come to Makkah Mukarramah to embrace Islam at the hands of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) at the time when the kuffaar of the Quraish were persecuting the Muslims.
Some narrations mention that he met Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the market of Ukkaaz, while other narrations mention that he met Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) at the Ka’bah Shareef during the night. Upon meeting Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he immediately embraced Islam.
Below is the incident of how he embraced Islam. Hazrat Amr bin Abasah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says:
From the very beginning of my life, I disassociated myself from idol worship and I was completely averse to it. I understood and knew that idols could neither benefit nor harm and were mere pieces of stone.
On one occasion, I met a scholar from the Ahl-e-Kitaab (people of the past heavenly scriptures viz. Jews or Christians). I asked him, “Which religion is the best and most virtuous?” The scholar replied, “A man will soon appear in Makkah. His religion will be the best religion. He will turn people away from idolatry, and invite them towards the oneness of Allah. When you hear about him, then go to him and follow him.”
From that moment, the city of Makkah was constantly in my thoughts. I would enquire regarding the news of Makkah from every person going to Makkah or returning from it until I finally heard of Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) appearance.
As soon as I heard of Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) appearance, I went to Makkah and met him in secret. On meeting him, I asked, “Who are you?” He replied, “I am the messenger of Allah.” I asked, “Did Allah Ta‘ala send you as the Nabi?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied in the affirmative.
I then asked, “What message did Allah Ta‘ala send you with?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Allah Ta‘ala sent me with the message that you should believe in Him as One God and not ascribe any partners to Him. You should destroy idols and maintain family ties.”
I then enquired, “In regard to this deen, who is with you?” He replied, “A free man and a slave (referring to Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat Bilaal (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)).”
I submitted, “I wish to remain with you in Makkah Mukarramah and follow your teachings.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) advised, “You will not manage to remain here (bearing all the difficulties) so return to your homeland. When you hear that I have gained dominance over the enemies, then you should come and join me.” I thus embraced Islam and returned home, and continued to enquire regarding news of Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) condition.”
In some narrations, it is mentioned that Hazrat Amr bin Abasah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) either migrated to Madinah Munawwarah after the Battle of Khaybar, or around the time of Fat-he-Makkah.
Hazrat Amr bin Abasah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentions:
When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) migrated to Madinah Munawwarah, I travelled to Madinah Munawwarah. When I presented myself before him, I asked him, “O Prophet of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Do you remember me?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Yes, you are the same person who met me while I was in Makkah (a few years ago).”
I responded, “Yes, I am the same person. O Prophet of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Teach me from that knowledge which Allah Ta‘ala has taught you.” He then asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to teach him about wudhu and salaah, after which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had taught him.
(Istee’aab 3/1192, Isaabah 4/545-547, Saheeh Muslim #832, Usdul Ghaabah 4/239)
