We believed, they rejected [How the Salaf came to Islam]

Abû ‘Abdillâh Owais Al-Hâshimi — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:42:11 +0000

‘Âsim b. ‘Umar b. Qatâdah [Al-Ansârî] reports from some men amongst his people, “One of the things that called us to accept Islam – with the mercy of Allâh and His guidance – is what we used to hear from some Jewish men. We were polytheists who worshipped idols. They (the Jews) were people of scripture and had knowledge that we did not possess. There was always some badness between us; if we did to them something they hated, they would say to us, ‘The time is nigh when a Prophet will be sent, with whom we will fight and kill you like ‘Âd and Iram.’ We would often hear this from them. When Allâh sent His Messenger- Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – we answered him when he called us to Allâh the Exalted, and we recognized what they used to warn us about. So we preceded them to him; we believed in him and they disbelieved. And it is about us and them that these verses of Al-Baqarah were revealed:

And when there came to them (the Jews), a Book (this Qur’ân) from Allâh confirming what is with them (Torah) and the Gospel, although aforetime they had invoked Allâh (for coming of the Prophet), in order to gain victory over those who disbelieved. Then when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it. So let the curse of Allâh be on the disbelievers.” [Al-Baqarah: 89]

Ibn Hishâm, Al-Sîrah Vol.1 p211, and others. Shaykh Muqbil Al-Wâdi’î graded this narrations chain of transmission hasan. See Al-Sahîh Al-Musnad min Dalâ`il Al-Nubûwah p93.

This is from Sayings of the Salaf - English translations of narrations from the Salaf - the earliest believers, our righteous predecessors, and true scholars of Islam. Selected and translated by Owais Al-Hashimi

‘Alî, the Armor and the Christian

Abû ‘Abdillâh Owais Al-Hâshimi — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:22:00 +0000

During his Caliphate, ‘Alî b. Abî Tâlib – Allah be pleased with him – saw some armor of his with a Christian. He decided to take the matter up legally, so he took the dispute to Shurayh (the Judge).

‘Alî said, “This is my armor, and I have not sold it nor given it away.” Shurayh said to the Christian, “What have you to say about what the Amîr of the Believers claims?” The Christian replied, “It is my armor, although I do not regard the Amîr of the Believers to be a liar.” Shurayh then turned to ‘Alî, “O Amîr of the Believers, do you have any proof (of ownership)?” ‘Alî laughed and said, “Shurayh is correct, I have no proof.” So Shurayh judged that the armor was the Christian’s. The Christian took it and began to walk away but then returned. He proclaimed, “As for me, I testify that this is the judgment of the Prophets – the Amîr of the Believers himself takes me to his judge and the judge rules against him! I bear witness that there is no deity deserving worship but Allâh and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allâh. By Allâh, the armor is yours o Amîr of the Believers. I followed the army when you were on your way to the Battle of Siffîn and the armor came out of your equipment.” ‘Alî said, “If you have accepted Islâm the armor is yours.” And then he put him on his horse. Al-Sha’bî (the reporter of this incident) said, “I was later informed by those who saw this man that he fought the Khawârij (alongside ‘Alî) at the battle of Nahrawân.”

Ibn Kathîr, Al-Bidâyah wa Al-Nihâyah Vol.8 p5.

Sayings of the Salaf » Coming to Islam

We believed, they rejected [How the Salaf came to Islam]

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‘Alî, the Armor and the Christian

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