The time for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca had arrived once again and pilgrims set up camp at Mina before going on to Ka'ba. It had become customary for the Prophet (sa) to journey to Mina each year and speak to the pilgrims about Islam, but all too often he and his message were met with rejection. It was during this season, when the Prophet (sa) was at Aqabah, that he met six men from the Yathrib tribe of Khazraj. The men were anxious to meet the Prophet (sa), many were the times they had heard the Jews speak of the expected Prophet and knew his time must be near at hand as the Jews had expressed their opinion that the signs heralding his appearance had reached their fulfillment. As they sat before him, Prophet Muhammad (sa) recited verses from the Al-Quran and confirmed that he was the expected Prophet they had heard about. He spoke of the principals of Islam and as he did the light of Islam was kindled in their hearts. The Khazrajites asked the Prophet (sa) many questions and his replies satisfied their hearts. None doubted that the man sitting before them was indeed the one the Jews awaited and turned to one another saying, "This is indeed the Prophet the Jews warned us about, don't let them be the first to reach him!" They remembered how the Jews had told them that when he came they would be destroyed on account of their worshipping more than one god, just as the people of Aad and Thamood had been in centuries past, and so they embraced Islam. Before they departed, the Khazrajites told the Prophet (sa), "We left our people because there are no other tribes like them torn apart by enmity and evil, perhaps Allah will unite them through you. We will go and invite them to Islam just as we have accepted it, and if Allah gathers them together on your account, then, no man will be greater than you!"
THE ALLEGIANCE OF AQABAH
The year after the six Khazrajites embraced Islam, twelve men from Yathrib went to the Prophet (sa) to embrace Islam. The men were anxious to learn more about Islam and asked the Prophet (sa) to send one of his companions back with them to teach. The Prophet (sa) chose Musab, Umair's son, who was the grandson of Hashim. When he reached Yathrib they lodged him with respect in the home of a wealthy man of good standing by the name of Asad, Zurarah's son. As the days passed new converts came into the fold of Islam, the only families not to respond to the invitation were those of Katimah, Wa'il and Wakif.
SA’AD THE SON OF MUDAH
Sa’ad was the chief of the tribe of Aws and duly respected among his tribe. One day Musab visited him and invited him to Islam. At first Sa’ad did not incline to the invitation but when he heard Musab recite a portion of the Al-Quran, Allah caused his heart to turn toward Him and he embraced Islam, whereupon he returned to his tribe to invited them to join him.
THE SEVENTY−TWO MEN OF YATHRIB
The following year, when the time for pilgrimage arrived, seventy−two men and women, set forth in a caravan to Mecca. Unknown to the unbelievers in their party were a group of new converts, who, when the time was right, slipped away unnoticed to meet the Prophet (sa) at Aqabah where they affirmed their belief in the Oneness of Allah and embraced Islam. On account of the increased hostilities toward the Prophet (sa) and his companions in Mecca, the Prophet's thoughts turned to migrating with his companions to Yathrib where a strong community of Muslims was now established. However, his own migration was out of the question until Allah made it known to him. When Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet (sa) who had not yet embraced Islam, learned of the Prophet's inclination he became concerned for his safety and reminded him that at least in Mecca his family loved and honored him, and that they had always stood by him against his enemies. On account of his concern, Abbas turned to the party from Yathrib and asked, "If he inclines to live with you, will you support him with your life and body −− if you cannot, tell me." Bara turned and said, "We have been born and raised as warriors", just then Abu Al Haitham interjected saying, "O Prophet of Allah (sa) we are on good terms with the Jews, after this pledge we shall have to break with them. Is it possible that you may leave us to return to your own City when your authority is realized?" The Prophet (sa) smiled reassuringly and said: "No, my blood is your blood, you are mine and I am yours" and he was known as a man of his word. Following this the Prophet (sa) asked them to take a pledge to abandon idolatry, theft, infanticide and to promise to obey him. As they were about to take their pledge, Sa’ad, Zuraha's son, stood up and asked, "My tribesmen, do you understand what is meant by such a pledge, it is a declaration of conflict against Arab and non−Arab alike." His tribesmen replied that they had understood and were ready to pledge their word. Sa’ad’s statement is one of great significance and has regrettably been misunderstood and misinterpreted by some Muslims − especially in the recently emerged bellicose, non−mainstream Wahabi cult − who failed to understand one of the basic, elementary duties of a Muslim to his fellow neighbor. It is not a call for Jihad or for hostilities to be levied against those who have not embraced Islam. Rather, it is obligatory upon all Muslims, especially those who have migrated to a foreign land, to tell their neighbors about Islam and demonstrate its teachings by leading an exemplary life in accordance to the Al-Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (sa). From the gathering, the Prophet (sa) chose twelve men to go out and preach. Nine belonged to the tribe of Khazraj and three from the tribe of Aws. They were: Usayd, Hudair's son, Hudair had been the Aws commander at the encounter of Bu'ath. Abu Al Haitham, Tihan's son. Sa’ad, Khaithama's son, later to be martyred during the Encounter of Badr. Asad, Zurarah's son, who would often lead the congregational prayer on Friday. Sa'ad, Rabi's son, later to be martyred during the Encounter of Uhud. Abdullah, Rawahah's son, a famous poet, martyred during the Encounter of Mutah. Sa'ad, Ubadah's son, a close companion of the Prophet (sa). Mundhar, Umair's son, martyred at the Encounter of Bi'r Maunah. Bara Marur's son, spokesman during the Allegiance of Aqabah. Bara died before the migration of the Prophet (sa). Abdullah, Omar's son, martyred at the Encounter of Uhud. Ubadah, Al Samit's son, a close companion of the Prophet (sa), transmitter of many prophetic sayings. Rafi, Malik's son, martyred at the Encounter of Uhud.
THE KORAYSH LEARN OF THE ALLEGIANCE AT AQABAH:
The following morning, the Koraysh received word of the pledge and challenged their unbelieving companions who remained ignorant of the meeting. The unbelievers told the Koraysh that what they heard must be just a rumor because if there was any truth in the matter they felt certain they would have knowledge of it.
Prophet (sa) was satisfied that Yathrib, which in the years to come was renamed "Madinat Al Nabi" −− the City of the Prophet, later to be abbreviated to Medina −− was a safe haven for his companions and ordered all those able to migrate to Medina. When the Koraysh learned of the impending migration they tried to prevent the companions, however, they were unsuccessful and all but a few of the companions were permitted by the Prophet (sa) to remain behind with him in Mecca. In connection with the migration,
Allah sent down the verses:
"Except the men, women and children, who, being abased have no means and they are unable to guide themselves to a way. Those, Allah may pardon them, He is the Pardoner, the Forgiver." Al-Quran 4:98−99
THE FIRST IMMIGRANT TO YATHRIB
Abu Salamah's family originated from Yathrib, from the tribe of Asad, however, some of his family had settled in Mecca under the protection and sponsorship of his uncle, the late Abu Talib. Not long after Abu Talib's death, Abu Salamah and his wife Umm Salamah, from the tribe of Mughirah, a branch of the Makhzum tribe, and first cousin to the infamous Abu Jahl, converted to Islam, so they decided to migrate to the safety of Yathrib with their young son Salamah. When the time came to leave, Abu Salamah saddled his camel and seated his wife as she cradled her young son in her arms, and set off walking alongside the camel leading it by a rope. Almost immediately, men from Umm Salamah's tribe perceived their intent and rushed up to Abu Salamah, snatched the camel's rope from his hand saying, "You can do as you like! As for your wife, do you think we will allow her to go with you?" The disturbance caught the attention of Abu Salamah's own tribesmen who were greatly angered by the situation. In retaliation they grabbed hold of the young child, Salamah, with such force that they dislocated his little arm, and shouted as Abu Salamah was sent on his way, "You have separated her from our kinsman. We will not leave your son with her and you!"
THE GRIEF OF UMM SALAMAH
Umm Salamah was broken hearted and each day she would make her way to a nearby valley where she would weep for the family she had lost. A year or more had passed when one of Umm Salamah's cousins came across her in the valley and as he saw her weeping took pity on her so he returned to his tribesmen rebuking them saying, "You have separated her from her husband and child, why don't you let the poor woman go!" Umm Salamah's tribesmen relented and told her that she was free to go to her husband, and upon hearing the good news, Abu Salamah's tribesmen returned her son to her so that the family might be reunited. Once again Umm Salamah's camel was saddled, and she and her young son mounted then set off by themselves for Yathrib. They journeyed on to Tanim −− which lies approximately six miles outside Mecca −− when they were
met by Othman, Talha's son who asked where they were going, and inquired if they were traveling alone. Umm Salamah told him that except for Allah, and her son she was traveling alone in hope of finding her husband. Othman was perturbed by their plight and offered to accompany them to Yathrib. Umm Salamah accepted Othman's kind gesture and so she and her son continued their journey under Othman's protection. Later, Umm Salamah would say of Othman, "Othman is one of the most honorable Arabs I have ever met. When we stopped for a rest he would make my camel kneel for me so that I might dismount and then withdraw and tend to the camel for me. Then, he would distance himself from me and sleep. When evening came, Othman would bring my saddled camel to me, then he would turn away so that I might settle myself. When I was ready he would take hold of the reins and lead us." The days passed and eventually they drew near to the village of Quba, which lies on the outskirts of Yathrib near the ancient lava flows. Othman told Umm Salamah that she would find her husband in the village and to enter it with the blessing of Allah. Now that Othman had accomplished his mission he wasted no time and returned to Mecca knowing that Umm Salamah would soon be safely reunited with her husband.
THE SECOND FAMILY TO MIGRATE TO YATHRIB
The migration of the companions was accomplished in phases over an extended passage of time. Following Abu Salamah's migration, the next to migrate was Amir, Rabia's son, with his wife Leila, the daughter of Hathma.
THE MIGRATION OF OMAR
Omar, Khattab's son, together with Ayyash and Hisham, Al As' son, decided to migrate together, and agreed to meet each other by the thorn trees that grew on land belonging to the Ghifar some six miles outside Mecca. It was a dangerous time, and so Omar told them that in the event of anyone's failure to reach the thorn trees by the following morning, whosoever was there must not wait but go on as it would be understood that the missing party had been forced to stay behind. Omar and Ayyash reached the thorn trees and waited for Hisham to arrive. There was still no sign of Hisham as the time approached so reluctantly they left for Quba where they stayed with the children of Amr, Auf's son. As they suspected Hisham had been detained, and forced to outwardly apostatize.
ABU JAHL ARRIVES IN YATHRIB
Shortly after their arrival, Ayyash received two unexpected visitors, Abu Jahl and Harith, both of whom were his relatives. Abu Jahl, knowing how much Ayyash loved his mother concocted a story about her that trouble Ayyash deeply. He told him his mother was greatly distressed by his leaving and had taken a vow that she would neither comb her hair, even if it became full of lice, nor would she sit in the shade of a tree but sit unprotected under the blazing heat of the sun until she saw her son again. The thought of his mother's suffering disturbed Ayyash greatly so he went to Omar and told him of her vow. Omar knew well the tricks of Abu Jahl and warned him that in his opinion it was nothing but an attempt to seduce him from his religion and that he must be very careful of them. Ayyash could not be dissuaded and told Omar that he would return to release his mother from her vow and at the same time retrieve some of the money he had left behind. In a final effort to prevent Ayyash from returning with Abu Jahl and Harith, Omar, in the spirit of true brotherhood, told him that he was willing to give him half of his wealth, if only he would stay. When Omar realized that Ayyash was not going to change his mind, he gave him his camel telling him that it was well bred and easy to ride. Omar also advised Ayyash not to dismount and if he detected the slightest suspicion of treachery he could make good his escape on it. Ayyash thanked Omar and gave him the farewell greetings, then set off towards Mecca with Abu Jahl and Harith. After they had traveled some distance, Abu Jahl said, "My nephew, my camel is proving hard to ride will you let me ride with you?" Ayyash agreed and they made their camels kneel. No sooner had the camels knelt, than Abu Jahl and Harith attacked him, bound him tightly and took him back to Mecca where they forced him to apostatize. As Abu Jahl and Harith entered Mecca they called out, "O people of Mecca, deal with your fools in the same way we have dealt with ours!" The news of Ayyash's wretched condition reached Omar and he feared Allah would not accept the repentance of those who apostatized. Omar continued to be of the same opinion until the Messenger of Allah (sa) arrived sometime later in Medina and the following verses were sent down:
"Say: 'O My worshipers, who have sinned excessively against themselves, do not despair of the Mercy of Allah, surely, Allah forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful. Turn to your Lord and surrender yourselves to Him before the punishment overtakes you, for then you will not be helped. Follow the best of what has been sent down from your Lord before the punishment overtakes you suddenly, while you are unaware.'" Al-Quran 39:53−55
When Omar heard these verses he wrote them down and sent it to Hisham who was in Mecca. Hisham had difficulty reading so in desperation he supplicated saying, "O Allah, make me understand it!" Allah heard his supplication and Hisham realized that the verses referred to Ayyash and himself whereupon he mounted his camel and set out to rejoin the Prophet (sa) who had by then, migrated to Yathrib.
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