Sayyiduna Talhah bin Baraa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a devoted young Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Such was his love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) arrived in Madeenah Munawwarah, he began clinging to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and kissing his blessed feet.
He thereafter said: “O Messenger of Allah! Command me as you wish, I will not disobey you in any matter.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was pleasantly surprised at his statement and thus smiled and said (in order to test him), “Go and kill your father.” Sayyiduna Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately set out to carry out this task. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then called him back saying, “I have not been sent to cut off family ties. However, I desired that you should not have any doubt regarding your Deen (therefore I commanded you to do this in order to ascertain that).”
Sayyiduna Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) fell ill thereafter. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) visited him despite the cold and misty weather. Prior to returning, he (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned to the family, “I feel that Talhah is about to pass away. If he does pass away, inform me regarding it so that I may perform his janaazah salaah. And hasten (in informing me), for it is not appropriate for the body of a (deceased) Muslim to be held back with his family.”
Sayyiduna Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) passed away that very night. However, among his last words were, “Bury me and unite me with my Rabb! And do not call Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), for I am apprehensive of the Jews that he (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) may be harmed (by them along the way) for my sake. Rather, convey my salaam to him in the morning and request him to seek forgiveness on my behalf”
Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was only informed of his passing away the next morning. He (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked, “Why did you not inform me (last night)?” The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) replied, “It was dark at night, and we did not want to cause you any form of difficulty.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then proceeded to his grave, followed by a group of his companions. He (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) stood at the grave and raised his blessed hands in du‘aa saying, “O Allah, meet Talhah while You are smiling at him (pleased with him) and he is smiling at You!”
(Saheeh Bukhaari #1247, Sunan Abi Dawood #3159, Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #4243, Usdul Ghaabah vol. 2, pgs. 31 & 488 and Al-Isaabah vol. 3, pg. 426)
Lessons:
1. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) set the benchmark for the Ummah through their unwavering obedience to the commands of Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Even the incidents of young Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), such as Sayyiduna Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), prove to be lanterns of guidance for the Ummah many centuries later. This was undoubtedly fuelled by their deep love for Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). We too should strive to inculcate this love within ourselves, as it is this love that will propel us to obey every command, and even desire, of theirs.
2. The benchmark of imaan is total submission to the commands of Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), whether they appeal to our intellect or not and conform to our desires or not. This young Sahaabi’s imaan at his very first meeting with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was such that he was prepared to fulfil any instruction, even if it was the killing of his own father.
3. Visiting the sick and attending the janaazah salaah are two closely linked teachings of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) which are of fundamental importance. Despite the great responsibilities that rested on his blessed shoulders, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) still took out time from his busy schedule to visit this sick companion of his, even in the bitter cold. He further instructed that he be informed of his demise no matter the time, so that he may perform his janaazah salaah.
4. This incident demonstrates the pinnacle of self-sacrifice, as well as love and concern for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Sayyiduna Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was willing to forego the great blessing of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) performing his janaazah salaah, to ensure that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was not put through any difficulty for his sake.
5. The submission and obedience of Sayyiduna Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was greatly appreciated by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), especially since he was a young lad. His obedience earned him a priceless return – a unique du‘aa of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in his favour. If we also strive to love Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and follow him to the minutest detail, we will become eligible for his du‘aas and will be blessed tremendously by Allah Ta‘ala.
