(Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Zul-Bijaadain [radhiyallahu ‘anhu] – Part One)
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Zul-Bijaadain (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a companion of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) who hailed from the Muzainah tribe. He had two brothers who had also accepted Islam; Sayyiduna Mughaffal and Sayyiduna Khuzaa-‘ee (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma).
During his childhood, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) lost his father, and thus grew up as an orphan. He did not even inherit any wealth since his father did not bequeath anything for him. However, his uncle who was a wealthy person took care of him and supported him until he himself became so wealthy that he owned camels, sheep and slaves.
When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had migrated to Madeenah Munawwarah, and the news of Islam began spreading, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) developed an inclination towards this religion. However, he could not accept it due to the fear of his uncle who was a disbeliever. In this manner, many years and expeditions passed but he had still not accepted Islam.
One day, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) finally plucked up the courage and addressed his uncle saying, “O my uncle, I have indeed been waiting for you to accept Islam. However, I do not see you intending (to follow) Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Therefore, allow me to accept Islam.” His uncle furiously replied, “By Allah! If you follow Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), I will snatch away everything which I had given you, including your clothes.”
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) remained undeterred by his uncle’s statement and replied, “By Allah! I will follow Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and become a Muslim. I am renouncing the worship of stones and idols. Here is whatever I possess, you may take it.” His uncle did not show him any mercy whatsoever, and took back everything which he had given him, including his clothes. He thus went to his mother who had a coarse piece of cloth (which is called “bijaad” in Arabic). She tore it in two pieces and gave it to him, one for him to wear as a lower garment and the other as a shawl.
He then left his people and set out to meet Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). When he reached Madeenah Munawwarah at the time of early dawn, he lay down in the masjid and rested. After performing the Fajr Salaah, it was the habit of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to glance at his companions (in order to know who was present). Hence, while Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was glancing at his companions, he (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) noticed him but did not recognize him. He thus asked him, “Who are you?” Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Zul-Bijaadain (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) informed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that his name is ‘Abdul ‘Uzzaa (which was his name before Islam) and mentioned his lineage to him.
Since his name meant “The slave of ‘Uzzaa” which was an idol, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) changed his name saying, “Rather you are ‘Abdullah (“The slave of Allah”), Zul-Bijaadain (the possessor of two coarse cloths).” From then onwards he became known by this name. Thereafter, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) advised him to remain very close to him. He thus remained very close to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and learnt a great amount of the Quraan Majeed from him.
(Tabaaat Ibni Sa‘d vol. 5, pg. 139 [Khaanji] and Usdul Ghaabah vol. 2, pg. 588)
Lessons:
1. When a person is convinced about Islam, and imaan enters the recesses of his heart, he is prepared to give up everything and make every type of sacrifice for the sake of Allah Ta‘ala and for His Deen. Hence, despite losing all his wealth, and even the clothes on his body, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Zul-Bijaadain (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) remained undeterred in his quest to accept Islam.
2. Every now and again, we also find ourselves at a crossroads between the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala and some material pleasure or gain, such as an impermissible transaction which may earn us great profits, or some haraam pleasure which is extremely harmful to our Deen, etc. Such situations are actually tests for the strength of our imaan and the level of our loyalty and allegiance to our beloved Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Hence, we too must remain undeterred and keep our goal in front of us – the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala.
3. An extremely effective way of learning Deen and then being blessed with the ability and motivation to practice upon it, is spending time in the company of the pious servants of Allah Ta’ala. When a person frequents their company, a spark of the burning flame of the love of Allah Ta’ala which is contained in their hearts transfers over to his heart. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Zul-Bijaadain (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thus benefited tremendously by remaining close to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) as per his instruction.
