Sayyiduna ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin ‘Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports the following:
On the Day of Badr, I was standing in the fighting line when I noticed two young boys of the Ansaar standing on either side of me. Seeing that I had young boys on either side, I felt that it would have been better if l had instead been between strong men (who could assist me in need).
Suddenly, one of the boys touched me (to draw my attention), and while hiding from his companion, he asked, “Uncle, do you know Abu Jahal?” I replied, “Yes, (but) what need do you have with him, O my nephew?” He said, “I have been informed that he reviles and speaks ill of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). I take an oath on that Being in Whose control lies my life, if I see him, I will not leave him until one of us is killed.” (Hearing his brave words,) I was left in amazement. A few moments later, the other boy touched me and expressed the same sentiments to me.
These young boys were Sayyiduna Mu‘aaz bin ‘Amr bin Jamooh and Sayyiduna Mu‘aaz bin ‘Afraa (radhiyallahu ‘anhum).
Abu Jahal was moving about the battlefield, mounted on his horse and arranging the lines of the disbelievers’ army, when he was spotted by Sayyiduna ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin ‘Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). He thus said to the boys, “There is the man you asked me about.”
As soon as they heard this, they both darted towards him, like two falcons (swooping in on its prey). The boys were on foot while Abu Jahal was on horseback. They thus struck a leg of the horse and the leg of Abu Jahal, causing him to fall from his horse and collapse on the ground. The boys left him in this condition.
Sayyiduna Mu‘awwiz bin ‘Afraa (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma), the brother of Sayyiduna Mu‘aaz bin ‘Afraa (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma), then went and attacked Abu Jahal, further disabling him. Finally, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) ended his life and severed his head from his body.
When Sayyiduna Mu‘aaz bin ‘Amr bin Jamooh (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) struck Abu Jahal with his sword, his son, ‘Ikrimah bin Abi Jahal (who had not yet accepted Islam), attacked Sayyiduna Mu‘aaz (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) on his shoulder. As a result, his arm was almost severed from his body and was only hanging by the skin. He thus threw the hanging arm over his shoulder and continued fighting with his other hand. However, when he found the hanging arm too cumbersome, he detached it from his body by bending down, pinning it under his foot and then standing up. He then continued fighting.
(Saheeh Bukhaari #3141 & #3988, Fat-hul Baari, Usdul Ghaabah vol. 4, pg. 150 and Seerah Ibni Hishaam vol. 2, pg. 635)
Lessons:
1. Abu Jahal was regarded as a strong, powerful man and a mighty warrior. Despite him being one of the most formidable and feared adversaries, the young Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) made it their mission to combat him. This is a clear indication that the youth of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were mountains of courage and bravery.
2. The young Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) had such deep love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that they could not tolerate Abu Jahal speaking ill of him and insulting him. If a believer possesses true love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), which is a demand of imaan, then he will feel similarly hurt and grieved if the blessed sunnah of his beloved Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is being neglected. He will thus make every effort to revive the sunnah in his own life and the lives of others.
3. The youth of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were raised to value their Deen more than everything else. Hence, they spent their strength and energy for Deen and were even prepared to sacrifice their lives for Deen. On the other hand, most youth today are raised to value the dunya (material). Hence, they value sports cars, palatial mansions, prestigious positions, exotic holidays, etc. and spend all their effort and energy in their acquisition while neglecting to strive for Deen. At times, the value and importance of Deen is so lacking in the heart that they neglect to even fulfil the basic fardh obligations! It is thus imperative that parents instil the value of Deen in the hearts of the children. In this regard, conducting daily home ta’leem from Fazaail-e-Aa’maal is most beneficial.
4. Despite the severe wound he suffered, Sayyiduna Mu‘aaz bin ‘Amr bin Jamooh (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) continued to fight. Such was his extraordinary determination and perseverance in striving for Deen. In the same way, if we are afflicted by some difficulty, we should remain steadfast and continue to persevere for Deen, as the rewards acquired at this time are even greater.
