In the name of Allah, the Beneficient,the Merciful

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HADHRAT ABDUR RAHMAAN BIN AUF (RA)

There can be no group of illustrious personalities of this ummah like the Sahaaba of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). Every single one of them was a complete and true friend of Allah and his Nabi (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). Among them there were those who were higher in rank than others by virtue of their early acceptance of Islam and greater sacrifice. Among these men was Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (Radhiallaahu Ánhu).

GENEROSITY

The striking aspect of his personality was the fervour to serve deen physically as well as financially. He was one of the first few people to accept Islam on the da’wat of Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). Prior to his accepting Islam, he was noted for his generosity and became even more charitable after his acceptance. Such is his esteemed rank in Islam that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) declared him to be from the Ashara Mubashara (those ten sahabah who were given the glad-tidings of Jannat in this world ).

He (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) was blessed with great financial independence and barakat. Upon his migration to Madinah, he had to leave all his wealth in Makkah. He entered Madinah as a pauper. Nabi (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) paired him with Sa’d bin Rabee (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) one of the richest men in Madinah, so that the latter should aid the former. Sa’d offered him half his wealth, property and even offered to get him married. Hadhrath Abdur Rahman (Radhiallaahu Ánhu), declining the offer, asked for directions to the market place. That very same day he, by way of buying and selling, made enough money to bring home food for himself and his host. It was said that if a brick were to be lifted in his house, one would find gold or silver under it. Historians write that he was such a successful businessman because he abstained from even doubtful goods and stock, let alone Haraam goods. His spending upon the poor and needy was so well known that it used to be said, "The people of Madinah, all of them are partners with Abdur Rahman bin Auf in his wealth - he will lend them a third, pay off their debts with the other third and spend on them with the remaining third."

Besides being a financial contributor to deen, he (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) excelled as a soldier and statesman as well. He participated in almost all the battles and took part in the three migrations i.e the two migrations to Abyssinia and the migration to Madinah. At the time of Nabi’s (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) demise from this world, he (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) was among those few people who displayed composure, the result being the safety of the Muslims and the appointment of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) as the first caliph. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) appointed him to a panel of six to decide the appointment of a caliph after him (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). As a soldier, he displayed great valour in Uhud, when the Sahaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum), due to a misunderstanding suffered heavy losses. He (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) stood by Nabi’s (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) side and protected him throughout the battle.

SACRIFICE

Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) was a classical example among the Sahaba of an individual who recognised the spirit of sacrifice. He (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) did not consider it sufficient that millions of his Dirhams were spent in the way of Allah. Rather he understood that the protection and progress of deen rested on material, physical and mental sacrifice. As a result, the treasures of this world and hereafter were bestowed upon him by his Creator. He lived till the age of seventy five and requested that his burial be in Jannatul Baqee. He was buried there whilst Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala was pleased with him and he was pleased with Allah.

Ml. J Kharsany

Source:  Jamiatul Ulama (Kwazulu-Natal)