Julaybib, The Prophet's Companion: A Hope for Desperate Souls

Amatullah Abdullah
There are many outstanding Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who come to mind throughout Islamic history. Some are huge in stature, and others are humble, yet highly respectable or brilliant in some way. Julaybib was a beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad however, not a likely figure to make it in the ranks of celebrated heroes of Islam.

His life and deeds were not sung nor recounted with reverence as they should be but with the meager facts available one sees hope for humble souls through his life.

Julaybib was not tall, or handsome, he was not known to be a gallant warrior on the battlefield before the advent of Islam. His personal attributes appeared so contrary to the normal heroes of old.

Julaybib was an orphan, deformed and extremely short. He was brutally rejected by society because the people were more concerned with his physical appearance and status than integrity.

His story is significant and many lessons can be learnt from it. It shows us a lot about how a human being can be devalued based on superficial things. His life is an example and hope for souls filled with despondency because they do not measure up to the norms set by society. His story touches the hearts of many even today.

Julaybib was an orphan from Madinah and acquired his name before embracing Islam. His name means "small grown" in Arabic which denoted his physical appearance. He was extremely short and could be compared to a dwarf when considering today's definition. It is also noted that he was even described as "damim" in Arabic which means deformed, unattractive or of repulsive appearance. In addition to his physical appearance, another important factor in his mistreatment had to do with his lineage. Lineage was an essential part in the Arab society he lived in, just as it is still important today in many cases. One's lineage determined his or her status in the society. His physical appearance, and unknown lineage, made people shun and spurn him. He was an outcast which caused him much public humiliation and disgrace.

Facing such disdainful treatment, Julaybib was apparently a lonely soul yearning for love and compassion. As he was carrying the burden of prejudice on his shoulder from the time he was born, companionship, love and compassion became alien to him.

There were often times, a question as to whether this man would even taste any compassion or respect in his life. The question cleared with his acceptance of the Prophet Muhammad's message of Islam.

He became a devoted servant of Almighty Allah and beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad. He gained respect and affection from Prophet Muhammad, for his sincerity, integrity and strong Islamic belief. Julaybib earned the honor he yearned and became one of the most valued companions of the Prophet. Prophet Muhammad cared deeply for this soul. He was sensitive of Julaybib's needs, and this is evident from the hadith where the Prophet approached a man from the Ansar (Madinah Muslims who helped the Makkans when they emigrated to Madinah), seeking the hand of his beautiful daughter in marriage on behalf of Julaybib. The Islamic scholar, Imam Ahmad, has recorded this incidents in Julaybib life as follows:

The Prophet went to a man of the Ansar and said:"Give me your daughter for marriage."The man answered excitedly, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah , it would be an honor and a blessing."For which the Prophet said, "I do not want her for myself."The Ansari man asked, "Then for whom, O Messenger of Allah?"And the Prophet answered, "For Julaybib."When the Ansari man heard this, he was shocked and said, "O Messenger of Allah, let me consult her mother." So he went to the girl's mother (his wife) and told her, "The Messenger of Allah is proposing marriage for your daughter."The wife of the Ansari seemed overjoyed and said, "Yes, it would be a pleasure."The Ansari explained to his wife that the Prophet was not proposing to marry their daughter for himself but he is proposing on behalf of Julaybib.His wife was almost shaken and immediately responded, "What! Julaybib? No, by Allah, we will not marry her to him."

When the Ansari prepared to leave to meet the Messenger of Allah and mentioned to him his mother's disapproval, his daughter, a pious Muslim, asked her father, "Who is asking for my hand?"

Her mother told her that the Prophet was asking her hand on behalf Julaybib.

Their daughter instantly asked them, "Are you refusing to follow the command of the Messenger of Allah? Follow his command, for I will not come to any harm."

The following is illustrated in the book Companions of the Prophet by Abdul Wahid Hamid:

Hearing her daughter's word, the Mother's heart being filled with remorse said: "Stop my daughter, don't say another word indeed I have erred I repent and I repent a thousand times over for as of this moment their is no one who I would prefer for you than Julaybib."

The following day the marriage was in place, Uthman and Ali, two of the Prophet's Companions, presented Julaybib a gift of money to help arrange the wedding reception, and to purchase necessary accommodation.

So the Prophet married the beautiful daughter of the Ansari to Julaybib who was once rejected by the whole society. The attitude of the daughter of the Ansari was that of a true believer.

The daughter's attitude shows her confidence of a Muslim woman who could not be influenced by the whims of the society. Unlike the parent's of today's world who are more concerned about status and money, her parents' reaction to her approval explains how Islam does not pressure a woman nor does it disregard her right to choose her husband.

Islam gave the happiness Julaybib deserved and he lived happily together with his beautiful wife until he was martyred.

The following hadith is another proof that Julaybib was indeed dearly loved and valued by Prophet Muhammad:

...After a battle, the Prophet asked his Companions:

"Is anyone missing amongst you?"

They said: "So and so and so."

He asked them again: "Is there anyone missing amongst you?"

They answered: "So and so and so."

He asked them for the third time: "Is there anyone missing amongst you?"

They said: "No."

Thereupon the Prophet said:

"But I see that Julaybib is missing."

The Companions searched for him amongst those who had been killed and found him by the side of seven enemies whom he had killed. He had been killed. The Prophet came there and stood by his body and said:

"He killed seven people. Then his opponents killed him. He is mine and I am his."

He then placed him upon his hands and there was none else to lift him but the Prophet Muhammad. Then the grave was dug for him and he was placed in it. ( SahihMuslim)

The man whose life was filled with despair and struggles won the hearts and admiration of many through his pure intentions, traits, and love for Islam and the Prophet. It is really amazing to note how this man of small stature managed to hold a sword and kill his opponent. He was able to accomplish much chivalry through the Prophet's encouragement.

There are so many lessons to be learnt from Julaybib's life. His story is a reflection of Islam. Islam ended his desolate world of disparagement.

A Question Which Led to Light

On a foggy chilly evening, my son of 6 years asked me "Where is God( Allah)?" while I was getting ready to prepare him some hot chocolate. When my son uttered these three words, memories flushed into my mind, of the days when I thought I knew where Allah, The Most High, was. "Allah is everywhere" would have been my answer to this question if I was still “in those days” where I lacked enough knowledge to know the answer to such an important question.

---Rushing out of the car to get to the seminar which had already started, I noticed a banner with the question "Where is God?" I quickly glanced at the question and went straight into the seminar room where there was a lecture on "Oneness of God or Islamic Monotheism". I was eager to attend this class as I realized that I needed to know about Monotheism before learning other aspects of the Islamic faith. The first and foremost command for the prophet from, God, Almighty, was to propagate Monotheism. No other pillar of the religion or any laws were revealed during the time when the prophet's mission started. It was only after principle of Tawheed was deeply instilled in the hearts of the Muslims, were other pillars or laws of Islam were revealed.
Several verses of the Qur’an were quoted by the alim to prove that Allah is the Most Pure and is in a place which is incomprehensible to a human’s mind. The verses also explained that Allah is on His Throne, which cannot be comprehended by the human mind. He is separated ( not inside any of His creation) from His creations, and it is His knowledge and power that encompasses everything everywhere.

There were a few students who felt that this is a subject which should be left alone and not dealt with. They said “This belongs to the Unseen and should be left alone.” They quoted Hadith from Prophet Muhammad, which said that it is best to say Allah knows the best when questioned about Unseen, to justify their point. I felt that Allah is the most Just and He will judge us according to our Knowledge, but can we be lazy and give ignorance as an excuse to not to know the first basic fundamental of the faith? Tawheed is the most essential aspect towards being a Muslim. Hence, I felt it was necessary for me to study the first, and foremost part of Islam – Tawheed.
When the verses were quoted, immediately, few stood up from the audience and referred a verse which says Allah is closer to us than the jugular vein (50:16). This is one of the verse, the people, who says Allah is everywhere in everything, use to justify their claim. This verse does not mean Allah is near us physically or within us, but His Knowledge is closer to us than the life vein. When there are differences of opinion in the religious affairs, Allah orders us to refer to His book (Qur'an) and Sunnah ( tradition) of the prophet .

"And when you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day." (An-Nisaa' 4:59)

The following are many verses in the Quran and hadith which explicitly explains where Allah is:

"Do you feel secure that He, Who is fis-samaa'(above in the heavens), will not cause you to be swallowed up by the earth. Or do you feel secure that He, Who is fis-samaa' (above in the heavens) will not send against you a violent tornado (with showers of stones)?" (Al-Mulk 67:16-17)

Even from the Sunnah, we see that this is clear. (Sunnah of the prophet is an explanation to the Qur'an.)

Muawiyah bin Al-Hakam As-Salmi said:
"I had a slave-girl who used to herd sheep for me. One day I discovered that a wolf had killed one of her sheep, and I'm a man from the children of Adam, I get upset like they get upset, and I slapped her in the face. Then I went to the Prophet who impressed upon me the seriousness of my act. I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, should I not set her free?' He said, 'Bring her to me.' He asked her, 'Where is Allah', She said, 'He is above the heavens.' He said, 'Who am I?' She said, 'You are the Messenger of Allah.' He said, 'Free her, for she is a believer.' (Sahih Al- Muslim and Abu Dawud)
Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-As related that the Messenger said, "Allah grants mercy to the merciful. Be merciful to those who are on the earth, (then) He Who is fis-Sama (above the heavens) will be merciful to you." [Abu Dawood & At-Tirmidhi]

Beyond Us
I felt a need to write about this topic because of the prevalent notion about Allah being everywhere in everything. In one of the masjid I attended, this message was conveyed to new Muslims!
There are many who might disagree with my understanding of this important question. According to my understanding, Allah is the Almighty and He is nothing like His creations, and His creations are nothing like Him. Allah does not have to be everywhere and everything to love us or hear our prayers. "Allah is everywhere in everything" did not make sense to me because Allah is the Most Pure.

My understanding is "He is the most Powerful, Pure. His knowledge is everywhere." The other day, someone was talking about the Social Security Number (SSN) system in the US. He said, "Oh yes, even when we take the SSN, government agents are not physically present with each and every citizen or resident. By assigning the SSN, they are able to keep a check on the individuals. When a human have this kind of power, imagine the power of Allah." I would not compare Allah's power to human power as His Power is beyond our understanding. Allah does not have to be in us to know everything; He is in a pure place that is beyond our imagination.
---
Conclusion:

Relief and gratitude encompassed my heart, as He chose me to attain this knowledge and for having guided me.

At-Tirmidhi, one of the great scholars of Hadith, said,
He [Almighty Allah] is above the Throne as He described in His Book. His Knowledge, Power, and Lordship are everywhere. (Al-Fatawa by Ibn Taymiyah)

With this knowledge, I was able to answer my little son and give him the right knowledge about our Creator. All Praises be to the Almighty.
Indeed, Allah is above His seven heavens, above His 'Arsh, and He is nothing like His creation and His creations are nothing like Him.

___

©Amatullah Abdullah

The Houston Rockets unveiled a monument to honor the outstanding achievements of Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon,

By Amatullah Abdullah, Iqra Newspaper

The Houston Rockets unveiled a monument to honor the outstanding achievements of Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, on April 11, 2008. The ceremony took place outside of the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Olajuwon retired after 18 successful years in basketball. He was selected as one of seven basketball icons to be honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. There was something different about his Hakeem's monument. Instead of a towering statue with his image frozen in time, in keeping with his Islamic principals, the bronze monument displayed a huge image of Olajuwon's retired jersey number 34.

( Read full article by clicking here : http://iqranewspaper.com/Articles/85A9640C-9582-46B6-965B-77DA1082F490.html)

Why you should market to Muslims?

Recent studies have indicated that Muslims are one of the largest emerging niche markets in the United States, $170 billion strong. Many companies have totally ignored this market, however this is changing. (More)

Life In Occupied Palestinian : A presentation or movie by Anna a Jewsih American

How to make turkey

Assalaamualaikum,

My friend Karema, who is an American wanted to cook a traditional American dish - Turkey. I have never cooked a turkey before and I was all excited. She instructed me how to prepare the turkey and guided me step by step. It was fun and a new experience for me. I couldn't wait to call my parents in India and let them know I cooked a whole turkey!. We had video taped the whole things and you can view it by clicking here: " How to Make a Turkey"

Cook the Turkey and let me know how it turns out!. Enjoy!

Orchids: Aren't they full of grace and elegance

Orchids

!

Orchids are one of the most beautiful flowers I have seen. It is so amazing when we think about the beautiful creation of God! This was an orchid , which I saw at whole foods and got it as a special gift for my friend who is a nature lover. Subhan Allah! it is so beautiful to see its bud bloom one by one. This is a picture whick I took last week. There are three more buds to bloom!

A little about Orchids:

The term 'orchid' derives from the Greek ορχις orchis, The word "orchis" was first used by Theophrastos (372/371 – 287/286 BC), in his book "De historia plantarum" (The natural history of plants). He was a student of Aristotle and is considered the father of botany and ecology.

Orchids are cosmopolitan in distribution, occurring in every habitat, except Antarctica and deserts. The great majority are to be found in the tropics, mostly Asia, South America and Central America. They are found above the Arctic Circle, in southern Patagonia and even on Macquarie Island, close to Antarctica.

Orchid Care tips:

http://www.beautifulorchids.com/orchids/orchid_care_tips/faq/frequently_asked_questions.html

http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/horticulture/orchids.html

at 12:45 AM 0 comments

Highway 59 Blogging in Houston

About This Video:

Mini film about Highway 59 weekly protest in Houston Texas. The group wants fellow Americans to truly see what is really going on in Palestine as well as bring to light the amount of U.S. tax payers dollars going towards the state of Israel to fund the current Apartheid System of ethnic cleaning of the Muslims and Christian Palestinians. The media has banned any open discussions about this topic.

Need Research Team for Deen Media Inc

Iqra! Newspaper (a part of Deen Media Inc.) is looking for a team of up to 5 researchers for an upcoming book project. Team members will be assigned to the book project, but also might be called on to work in a support capacity for Iqra! Newspaper and our media watch program.

Proposed payment:
Pay $10 - 15 hourly or we will pay one flat fee per project. We are still working on the pay issues.

How the team will be divided:

Research: Book Project only
Research: Flexible (Miscellaneous projects)
Research: Media Watch

A Team Leader will be assigned to the group

Main Project: "The Invisible Media"

Background:

Sr. Karema, (chief editor , Iqra Newspaper) says:
I recently started working on a revision of an article titled "The Invisible Muslim Media." The pages kept increasing as I began to do my own research. The article reached 8 pages for part 1, and 6 + pages for part 2. I told sis Amatullah "I am writing and writing and just can't seem to stop." At this point I realized I had a book on my hands.

Requirements:

You must have a passion for research and reliable internet connection. Experience is a plus.

Those interested, please e-mail your CV along with a writing sample to amatullah.abdullah@iqranewspaper.com

For more information, write to: mail@iqranewspaper.com

Mother: A Soul to be Cherished

A woman fully attains womanhood when she becomes a mother. Mother is a beautiful word, incomparable beyond means! Regardless of the language used to say it, the beauty of the word ‘Mother’ never dies. In Islam the status of women is unambiguously unique and bears no comparison to any other depiction with regard to women, particularly mothers, in any faith known to mankind.

A mother's love for her unborn child is generally instinctive from the time she learns of her pregnancy. A mother loves and tries all that she can to keep the baby away from harm even before the baby’s arrival. She is ready to risk her life to shield her baby from harm. She is more concerned about the life, which came out of her than her own..

When a mother feeds her baby, she is ready to forgo her comfort and sleep for the baby. A mother sacrifices her comfort and sleeps when she is feeding her baby. This proves she is more concerned about her child than herself. A mother’s worth cannot be measured and her sacrifices for her child are inexhaustible. That is why Islam stresses so much on the importance of a mother.

"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth" (46:15)

The following statements of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) refers to the apparent gentleness of mothers and the respect that ought to be paid to them, for in a patriarchal (before Islam), the focus was mainly on the man in his years of strength.

The Prophet Muhammad said, “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother” (Ahmad, Nasai).

Narrated by Abu Huraira:A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your father." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Narrated by Asma bint Abu BakrDuring the period of the peace treaty of Quraish with Allah's Apostle, my mother, accompanied by her father, came to visit me, and she was a pagan. I consulted Allah's Apostle, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother has come to me and she desires to receive a reward from me, shall I keep good relation with her?" He said, "Yes, keep good relation with her." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Every human, as a child , yearns for a mother’s touch and affection but the moment one walks into adolescence one tends to take their mother for granted. If they utter any word against our wish, we start to look at them as a rival instead of realizing that they are trying to protect us and guide us. We seem to forget all that they did right from the time Allah put us in their womb. I completely realized my mother’s worth only after I had a child. Can we imagine what or how our lives would have been without our mother? What would we have done? Who would have changed our diapers? Who would have fed us? Who would have kissed us ? Who would have hugged us? Who would have comforted us when we are going through hardship?…

Our Prophet Muhammad’s beloved mother, Amina, passed away when he was barely six years. His mother took him from his foster mother with the hopes of showering love and affection to her wonderful child. But he was not destined to enjoy the warmth, love and affection of his mother. Just imagine what that tender heart would have felt? With how much hope and dreams he would have left with his mother from his foster mother Halima. Just imagine how much he would have missed his beloved mother.

Reading Prophet’s Muahmmad childhood life would bring tears to people’s eyes.

**Even after losing his mother at such a tender age his perseverance never died. He bore everything patiently. Whenever He visited the grave of his beloved mother, tears used to stream down through his cheeks. Off and on he remembered his gentle mother on memorable occasions.

It is fard (obligation) for every Muslim to seek forgiveness for our parents and to pray for their well-being .

"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: ‘My Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood' "(17:23-24).

We have the privilege of enjoying the warmth and affection of our mothers right from our childhood and still lack gratitude for this wonderful soul, which our Creator blessed us with. We should be thankful to Allah for giving us this wonderful opportunity to be with our mother and take pleasure in her affection. Let us acknowledge this blessing and do our best for this beautiful soul. Indeed mothers are the souls to be cherished!

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Copyright Amatullah Abdullah

Iqra! Newspaper

Appeals to the conscious thinker of the world

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Iqra was started to shed some light on the Islamic Faith (and Muslims a highly diverse group of 1.5 + billion followers) There have been many misconceptions about this faith in a post 9/11 world. The media often paints a dark picture due to the misconceptions , Islamaphobia and fear created by various elements of the media, lobby groups and political figures.

We care about issues that affects everyday lives of humanity near and far. We are a unique publication especially designed to shed some light on the Islamic faith and Muslims in a way that is inviting to others outside of our community. We are not apologist, nor are we propagandist. We are not controlled by outside forces with hidden agendas and media spin. Iqra! Is about helping the world gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims, and helping Muslims understand the world.
Our newspaper tries to bring people together and tell the news like it is, and not spin it - as done so often in mainstream media.

Iqra! has a broad appeal, especially for those wanting to understand the Muslim perspective.

Combating media propaganda and ignorance is like driving against traffic in a one way zone. It is not impossible, but it is all so difficult to maneuver.
Had there been a better understanding and relationship with Muslims as a whole, there would be less assumptions on the parts of policy makers, (which leads to conflicts) xenophobia and Islamaphobia which is so crippling to progress. The Muslim people around the world have made positive contributions but you wouldn’t know it. Leaders, propagandist, mainstream the media have grouped all Muslims irrespective to their deeds in one category— assumed enemies of the state. This has to end. It is counterproductive and does not promote progress.

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“In the Eye of the Storm” a survival story about hurricane Katrina
Life of the Prophet
“The Prophet in the Seerah”
“A Tiger Disappeared”
The story of Tipu Sultan of India
Questions and Rulings on Horoscopes
Poetry
The Glorious Book-Bilal the Poet
Muslim Mothers
The Joys of Adversity-Saaleha Bhamjee
Good Health is Wealth—ja’Meelah
I Follow the One– Julinar Diab
Death of a Puppeteer - Julinar Diab
A precious Jewel by -Mai El-Sadamy
Health
“Dates”
“Health, Hygiene and Discipline” by Fatmah Azam Ali
Recipes
Each edition will have recipes from different parts of the globe
Misc:
“The Defining Moment in America History, Hurricane Katrina” -Karema Akifa Saleh
“Was Islam Spread by the Sword?”-Dr. Zakir
“The Truth about Polygamy” -Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim
“ Youth Volunteers in Kashmir” -Bibi-Aish Wadvalla
“Hindu Man of Muslim Heritage” - A.U. Asif
Editorials
“Media Trickknology” Karema Akifa Saleh
“A Solution for the Danish Cartoon Publications” Jennifer Fayed
Political Asylum
“Islamo Fascism” is an Oxymoron– Enver Masud”
“Politics or Principles? Democracy or Fascism”Karema Akifa Saleh
“Islamic Fundamentalist? Fact or Fiction?”Mirza Yarwar Baig
“Dowry in Islam? Choosing Culture Over Religion” Amatullah Abdullah
Life in Islam
“An Indian Family’s Journey to Islam
And Many More....