Outline
- Introduction
- The Beginning
- Zayd ibn Harithah
- Zayd, ibn Muhammad
- Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah, the 2nd to Accept Islam
- Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah Gets Married
- Sayyidunā Zayd, the Only Companion to be Mentioned in the Qur’an by Name
- Sayyidunā Zayd’s Other Marriages and Children
- Sayyidunā Zayd’s Legacy
- 9 Facts About Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah
- Sayyidunā Zayd’s Passing
- The Takeaway…
Introduction
Whenever the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam dispatched a detachment for a mission and our Shining Star for this episode happened to be in the team, the Prophet would appoint him the leader for the team.
This Shining Star was known as “Hibbu Rasulillah” the dearest to the Messenger of Allah. This Shining Star’s passing saw the Prophet weeping aloud…
He was Zayd ibn Harithah… The one and only companion of the Prophet who was mentioned in the Qur’an by name. Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Hārithah is the Shining Star of this episode of The Shining Stars Series, brought to you by GSalam.Net and Al-Bushra by GSalam.
The Beginning
Once upon a time in the Arabian Peninsula. Approximately 30 years before Islam, An Arab tribe invaded another. In the process of capturing captives, a child was captured. The captured child was later sold into slavery – as it was legal at that time, in the market of ‘Ukāẓ in Makkah.
This captured child was Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah. He was bought in the market of ‘Ukāẓ by Ḥakīm ibn Ḥizām. ḤakĪm ibn Ḥizām, who happened to be the nephew of Sayyidah Khadijah gifted this boy to his aunty, Khadījah bint Khuwaylid.
When the Prophet moved in with Sayyidah Khadījah raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhā after their marriage, she gifted to him Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah. The Prophet liked Zayd and in return, Zayd liked the Prophet and felt honoured to serve Muhammad. He found in Muhammad something that he couldn’t explain, but it was something irreplaceable.
Until this moment Zayd was still Zayd ibn Hārithah.
Zayd ibn Harithah
His name was Zayd ibn (the son of) Harithah.
His father was Ḥārithah ibn Shurāḥīl ibn Ka’b ibn ‘Abd al-‘Uzzā ibn Imru’ al-Qays ibn ‘Āmir ibn al-Nu’mān.
And His mother was Su’dā bint Tha’labah ibn ‘Abd ‘Āmir ibn Aflat.
Zayd, ibn Muhammad
While serving as the slave of the Prophet Muhammad, some people from Zayd’s tribe came to Makkah during hajj and saw the boy and recognized him. Sayyidunā Zayd too recognized them. Upon their return, they informed Zayd’s father about his whereabouts. Accompanied by his brother, Harithah, Zayd’s father came to Makkah to buy back freedom for their son, Zayd.
After pleading with the Prophet, the Prophet gave them one condition for releasing Zayd to them. That was; it’s up to Zayd to decide. If he wanted to go back with his father, then he would release him for free, without any ransom whatsoever. If, however he chooses to stay, then he won’t let go of someone who has chosen to stay with him.
The Prophet then called Zayd in and asked him if he could recognize the two men. Zayd admitted they are his father and uncle. The Prophet told him about what brought them, and that he was giving him the choice of decision.
Without hesitation, Sayyidunā Zayd said “Muhammad is like a father and uncle to me.” He added that “he treats me better than he treats his own.” He then refused to go back with his father and uncle!
As you’ve rightly guessed, not only that Zayd’s father, Harithah, couldn’t believe his son was choosing slavery over freedom. He couldn’t believe that his son was choosing a stranger over his biological father and uncle, and over his entire family. Zayd also added, that “I have seen in this man (Muhammad) some goodness that I have never seen in anyone else.”
Seeing that, and out of excitement, the Prophet took Sayyidunā Zayd to the Ka’bah and publicly announced that “from today onwards, Zayd is my son.” and that “he inherits me, and I inherit him.” From that moment, Zayd ibn Harithah became the son of Muhammad. Thus, he was called Zayd ibn Muhammad. This continued until Islam came and abolished adoption. In which an adopted child inherits the name and properties of his adopted parents and vice versa. The name Zayd ibn Muhammad was then reversed to Zayd ibn Harithah.
This incident marks the release of Zayd from slavery back to freedom. The adoption between the Prophet and Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Hārithah no longer existed after Islam abolished it. But the love and affection that was established between them both, remains even until this very moment. And you’ll find out more about that, later in this video. So, stay tuned.
Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah, the 2nd to Accept Islam
Fast forward to the day the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam ran from the Cave of Ḥirā’, terrified, shivering, and asking to be covered. He narrated his story and was comforted and reassured by our mother, Sayyidatunā Khadijah raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhā. After knowing he has become a chosen Messenger, Sayyidah Khadījah rendered an absolute submission to Islam. The next person to embrace Islam was Sayyidunā Zayd, who was then the son of Sayyidunā Muhammad and practically his servant (no longer his slave).
At this time, Zayd was 33 years young. But matured enough to know the consequences of embracing a new religion. In fact, even before Islam, Zayd had already preferred Muhammad over his biological father and his family, what more, now that Islam has come in?!
With that, Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah became the second of the first five people to accept Islam, in the first day of Islam.
Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Haritah Gets Married
The Prophet found a wife for his dearest one, the then Zayd ibn Hārithah. He found for him Sayyidatunā Zaynab bint Jaḥsh. Zaynab bint Jaḥsh was a cousin to the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The daughter of Sayyidatunā Ṣafiyyah bint ‘Abd al-Muṭṭalib.
Evidently, Sayyidatunā Zaynab didn’t see herself compatible with Sayyidunā Zayd. And this had later affected their marriage. While one has the right to marry whom he or she chooses, this choice is only valid if it doesn’t go in contrary with a command from Allah or His Messenger.
وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى ٱللَّـهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥٓ أَمْرًا أَن يَكُونَ لَهُمُ ٱلْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ ۗ وَمَن يَعْصِ ٱللَّـهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَـٰلًا مُّبِينًا ﴿٣٦﴾ـ
“It is not fitting for a believing man or a believing woman, once Allah and His messenger have decided a thing, that they should have a choice about their matter; and whoever disobeys Allah and His messenger has certainly strayed into clear error“ (Al-Aḥzāb, 22:36)
And the marriage took place.
Even though the marriage took place, it suffered. The first impression of incompatibility clouded its atmosphere. This has led Sayyidunā Zayd to express his unhappiness in the marriage, and his need for a divorce, to the Prophet on several occasions. But every time he brought up the matter, the Prophet would refuse and advise him to hold on to his wife.
This continued until a divine command came down to allow Zayd to divorce his wife.
After Sayyidatunā Zaynab finished her ‘Iddah after the divorce, Allah commanded the Prophet to marry Zaynab bint Jaḥsh. I know, as you are listening to this, you can’t put yourself in the place of the Prophet, being asked to marry the divorcee of someone you still consider and treat as your own son. If not for anything, for what people will say about you. Right?
But when Allah Himself commands, not even the Prophet can do the otherwise. Can he? No.
However, there’s a wisdom behind this. It was to make it clear that the abolishment of adoption was for real. That, Zayd ibn Hārithah is no longer the son of Muhammad, but the son of his father.
مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّـهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّـهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمًا ﴿٤٠﴾ـ
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is Allah’s Messenger and the seal of the Prophets. Allah has knowledge of all things.”
This verse shuts the disbelievers who wanted to accuse The Prophet Muhammad of marrying his son’s divorcee.
Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah, the Only Companion to be Mentioned in the Qur’an by Name
In the process of this, Sayyidunā Zayd was mentioned in the Qur’an by name.
وَإِذْ تَقُولُ لِلَّذِىٓ أَنْعَمَ ٱللَّـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَأَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْسِكْ عَلَيْكَ زَوْجَكَ وَٱتَّقِ ٱللَّـهَ وَتُخْفِى فِى نَفْسِكَ مَا ٱللَّـهُ مُبْدِيهِ وَتَخْشَى ٱلنَّاسَ وَٱللَّـهُ أَحَقُّ أَن تَخْشَىٰهُ ۖ فَلَمَّا قَضَىٰ زَيْدٌ مِّنْهَا وَطَرًا زَوَّجْنَـٰكَهَا لِكَىْ لَا يَكُونَ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ حَرَجٌ فِىٓ أَزْوَٰجِ أَدْعِيَآئِهِمْ إِذَا قَضَوْا۟ مِنْهُنَّ وَطَرًا ۚ وَكَانَ أَمْرُ ٱللَّـهِ مَفْعُولًا ﴿٣٧﴾ـ
“You said to the man who had been favoured by Allah and by you, “Keep your wife to yourself and have fear of Allah.” You sought to hide in your heart what Allah wished to reveal. You were afraid of people, whereas it would have been more proper to fear Allah. When Zayd divorced his wife, We gave her to you in marriage, so that there should be no restriction on believers marrying the spouses of their adopted sons when they have divorced them. The commandment of Allah must be fulfilled.”
The mentioning of Zayd in the Qur’an by name is an honour as none other than Zayd among the companions of the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam has attained that. Allah could have used a pronoun to refer to Zayd. But to honour him, Zayd was mentioned by name.
Sayyidunā Zayd’s Other Marriages and Children
At the time of his passing, Sayyidunā Zayd was married to Sayyidatunā Barakah Ummu Ayman, and Ummu Kulthūm bint ‘Uqbah ibn Abī Mu’īt. With Sayyidatunā Barakah Ummu Ayman, Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Hārithah was blessed with Sayyidunā Usāmah ibn Zayd ibn Hārithah. And with Sayyidatunā Ummu Kulthūm bint ‘Uqbah, he was blessed with Zayd and Ruqayyah. Zayd died in his infancy, before his father. But Ruqayyah lived longer and passed on during the caliphate is Sayyidunā ‘Uthmān.
Ummu Ayman, and Ummu Kulthūm bint ‘Uqbah, as well as Usāmah ibn Zayd are among our shining stars who will be featured in The Shining Stars Series. I told you, it’s going to be interesting. So, stay tuned. How to do that? By subscribing to the Channel if you’re on YouTube or following our Facebook page if you’re watching this on Facebook.
Besides his divorce from Sayyidatunā Zaynab bint Jaḥsh, Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah also suffered a divorce in his marriage with Durrah bint Abi Lahab.
His other marriages which I couldn’t confirm their status (divorce or not) involved Hind bint Al-Awwām and Ummu Mubashshir bint Al-Barā.
Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah’s Legacy
Sayyidah Zayd ibn Harithah was the one in the company of the Prophet when he went to Ṭāif after the people of Makkah rejected him and the message of Islam. In fact, Sayyidunā Zayd shielded the Prophet with his body from the stones thrown at him Prophet by the children of Ṭā’if.
He remained with the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam until the Prophet advised him to migrate to Madinah with those who migrated. He couldn’t substitute the Prophet’s company and serving him with anything.
Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Hārithah didn’t look charismatic. But he had some leadership qualities that many lacked. Thus, the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam would always assign him the leader, if ever he happens to be in a team sent out for a mission. He was decisive, clear in his thoughts and above all, he was courageous. Yes… courageous.
Sayyidunā Zayd remained the envy of many companions. So much so, that whenever the Prophet appointed him for the leadership in any mission, some ill-thoughts are rumoured around.
In fact, Sayyidah ‘Āishah raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhā opines…
مَا بَعَثَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ زَيْدَ بْنَ حَارِثَةَ فِي سَرِيَّةٍ، إِلا أَمَّرَهُ عَلَيْهِمْ، وَلَوْ بَقِيَ لاسْتَخْلَفَهُ.
“The Messenger of Allah wouldn’t despatch a team for an operation which includes Zayd ibn Ḥārithah, unless he appoints him the leader. And had Zayd lived longer, he would have appointed him to succeed him.”
Sayyidunā Zayd was given the glad news of Jannah, as some blessings are already been prepared for him over there.
Ibn ‘Asākir reports from the narration of Buraydah that the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
دَخَلْتُ الجَنَّةَ فَاسْتَقْبَلَتْنِي جَارِيَةٌ شَابَّةٌ، فَقُلْتُ: لِمَنْ أَنْتِ؟ قَالَتْ: أَنَا لِزَيْدِ بنِ حَارِثَة
“I entered Paradise and I was received by a Youth lady. I said to her: for whom are you? And she said: For Zayd ibn Harithah.”
9 Facts About Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah
Here are 9 things you may want to remember about Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Hārithah…
- Sayyidunā Zayd was the first among men to accept Islam. The second person after Sayyidah Khadījah raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhā
- Sayyidunā Zayd was one of the first five to embrace Islam on the first day of Islam.
- Sayyidunā Zayd was the only companion to be mentioned in the Qur’an by name.
- Sayyidunā Zayd was one in the company of the Prophet in his journey to Ṭā’if. And he had the honour to shield the Prophet with his body from stones.
- Sayyidunā Zayd was one of those who were given glad tiding about their place in Paradise.
- Sayyidunā Zayd was the father of Usāmah (ibn Zayd)
- Sayyidunā Zayd was dearest to the Prophet
- Sayyidunā Zayd was the only one the Prophet would assign a leader on his team all the time.
- Sayyidunā Zayd was in-laws with ‘Abdullāh ibn Jaḥsh, ’Uthmān, and Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwām.
Sayyidunā Zayd’s Passing
Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Harithah lived on this earth for 55 years. He spent the last 22 years of it in Islam. He was martyred in the battle of Mu’tah, in which he was the commander. That was in the eighth year of hijrah.
The Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam wept for Zayd’s passing aloud, like a anyone would for losing his dearest one.
The Takeaway…
Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Hārithah was not able to explain it. But obviously he saw some signs of prophethood in the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. And I believe that was why he refused to go back with his biological father. That was even before the Prophet was formally sent as the final Messenger.
With that, one can imagine how committed he became after Islam came. More so, after a command descended from Heavens explicitly that the commands of Allah and His Messenger are above our personal choices.
Life is full of challenges. Undoubtedly, we’re here to be tested. Sometimes, we struggle in choosing between our heart-desires and the commands of Allah and His Messenger. In such times, we need stars to look up to. We need not only stars but Shining Stars.
To overcome challenging times like the one we’re living in today, Allah has honoured people like the companions of the Prophet to set the standard for us. So that we know, that despite the challenges and destructions, it’s doable.
We were with Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Hārithah raḍiya Allahu ‘anhu. The second, and one of the first five to embrace Islam in its first day. Below is the visual version of this article:
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Until we meet in our episode to take another glimpse of another shining star, I leave you in Allah’s protection.
Allah knows best.
Allahu Hafiz 🙂
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