When we study how the Prophet (peace be upon him) went about fulfilling his task as God’s Messenger, we realize that he made the delivery of his message his sole preoccupation. He devoted all his time to this task, demonstrating his profound awareness, not only of the faith he was advocating, but also that he should make Islam known to all. Hence, the Prophet never hesitated to put his message across to any individual, or small group of people. If one person were willing to listen to him, he would spend with him whatever time he needed to understand the message and decide his position. He did not seek to always have large audiences. Two people were good enough for him, and one is adequate.
Last week we gave the example of his address to a married couple, as they were traveling on camel back. Today we will have some more examples of his address to two people who might have been friends or relatives.
A report mentions that Uthman ibn Affan and Talhah ibn Ubaydillah went out following Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam until they reached the place where the Prophet was. He sat with them, explaining what Islam meant and he read them a passage from the Qur’an. He also explained to them what duties became incumbent on them when they became Muslims. He also assured them that God would reward them generously if they were to prove themselves good believers. Both of them declared their belief in him as God’s Messenger and accepted Islam.
Uthman then said to him: “Messenger of God! I have only recently returned from Syria. When we were at a place between Maan and Al-Zarqa’ (both places are in Jordan), we were relaxing in a sleep-like state. We then heard a voice addressing us: “You sleeping people, rise! Ahmad has begun advocating his message in Makkah.” When we arrived here we heard about you.
It is well known that Al-Zubayr, Uthman and Talhah were among the very early Muslims. Reports mention that it was Abu Bakr who was the first to tell them of the new faith and suggested to them that they meet the Prophet and listen to him, which they did. It did not take them much to realize the truth of Islam and become firm believers. It should be mentioned that both Al-Zubayr and Talhah were in their teens, while Uthman was perhaps in his mid or upper twenties. The three of them were among the ten who were specifically given the happiest news of all that they will be in heaven.
Another couple whom the Prophet addressed together were Ammar ibn Yasir and Suhaib ibn Sinan. Both were among the weaker elements in the Quraysh society. Ammar’s father had emigrated to Makkah from Yemen, where he attached himself by alliance to the Makhzoom clan. He married Sumayyah, a former slave girl, who gave him a son whom they named Ammar. Suhaib, on the other hand, was kidnapped when still a young child and he was sold as a slave boy. He ended up in Makkah, where he served Abdullah ibn Judaan, a Quraysh dignitary, who later set him free. Suhaib, however, remained in his service, looking after his trade, and acquired reasonable wealth of his own. Nevertheless, the hierarchical system of the Quraysh meant that both were of the weaker section of the population.
But social position was of no concern to the Prophet. His message was to all mankind, and to him all were equal. He never sought to curry favor with the rich in society. He wanted to explain the Islamic faith to everyone.
Both Suhaib and Ammar accepted Islam at the same time. Ammar reports: “I met Suhaib at the doorstep of Al-Arqam’s house, when the Prophet was staying there. I asked him what brought him there. He did not answer my question, but asked me in turn what brought me to that place. I said: ‘I want to meet Muhammad and listen to what he says.’ He said: ‘I want to do the same.’ The two of us went in together. The Prophet explained Islam to us and what being a Muslim entailed. We both declared our acceptance of Islam. We remained in the house for the rest of the day. When it was night, we left under the cover of darkness.”
It is mentioned that both Ammar and Suhaib joined the Muslim ranks when the number of Muslims was still below 40. Both became well known for their steadfastness and perseverance in the face of pressures. Indeed, both encountered situations that required guidance through Qur’anic revelation. Ammar was tortured very severely by the unbelievers, who killed both his parents. He could not spare himself until he gave in to their demands. It was in consequence of this that the concession has been given that in extreme situations of hardship, where unbelievers could kill a Muslim or torture him severely in order to turn him away from his faith, he may verbally say what pleases them, provided that deep at heart he remains a firm believer. This concession is mentioned in the Qur’an: “As for anyone who denies God after having accepted the faith — and this certainly does not apply to one who does it under duress, while his heart remains true to his faith, but applies to him who willingly opens his heart to unbelief: — upon all such falls God’s wrath, and theirs will be a tremendous suffering.” (16: 106)
In the case of Suhaib, when he immigrated to Madinah, Abu Jahl and a group of unbelievers chased him. When they were about to catch up with him, he turned to face them and declared that he had no intention of giving himself up to them. Rather, he would fight them to the finish. As an alternative he offered them all his wealth in return for leaving him alone to join the Prophet in Madinah. They accepted and he gave them all his money. When the Prophet heard of this, he said to him: “Profitable is your deal, Suhaib.” God refers to it in the Qur’an: “There is also a kind of man who would willingly sell himself, seeking God’s pleasure. God is most compassionate to His servants.” (2: 207)
Another example is that of Asaad ibn Zurarah and Dhakwan ibn Abd Qays who belonged to Madinah. Apparently they were once in Makkah when each sought to show his fellow that he excelled him. This was normal in Arabian society where people always tried to press the honor of their tribes, clans, or even their own personal excellence. They agreed to refer to Utbah ibn Rabeeah who would then be their agreed arbiter. Utbah was one of the chiefs of the Quraysh who enjoyed much respect. But as they went to him, they heard of the Prophet. They decided, instead, to meet him. When they did, he explained the message of Islam to them and read some passages of the Qur’an to them. Both of them accepted Islam. Then they returned to Madinah without meeting Utbah. They were the first to become Muslim in Madinah.
This incident apparently preceded the Prophet’s meeting with six people from Madinah during the pilgrimage season. Asaad was one of the six, but both he and Dhakwan were among the twelve who gave the Prophet the first pledge of support if he were to immigrate to Madinah.