Hazrat Talhah ibn Ubaydullah (RA)
Hazrat Talhah ibn Ubaydullah (RA) was in Syria for a trading trip, when
The Holy Prophet (SAW) announced his prophet hood. Returning to Makkah in
haste, Hazrat
Talhah asked his family: "Did anything happen in Makkah since we
left?" "Yes," they replied. "Muhammad ibn Abdullah (SAW) emerged
claiming that he is a Prophet and Abu Quhafa
(Abu Bakr) has followed him." "I used to know Abu Bakr," said Hazrat
Talhah (RA) . "He is an easy-going, sociable and every bit a gentleman. He
was an honest and upright trader. We were quite fond of him and loved sitting
in his company because of his knowledge of Quraysh history and descendants."
then Hazrat
Talhah went to Hazrat
Abu Bakr and asked: "Is it true what they say, that Muhammad (SAW) ibn
Abdullah has appeared as a Prophet and that you follow him."
"Yes," replied Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and went on to tell Hazrat Talhah
about Muhammad (SAW) and what a good thing it would be if he too followed him.
Talhah in turn told Abu Bakr the story of his strange recent encounter with an
ascetic in the market-place of Basra in Syria. The ascetic is said to have told
Hazrat Talhah
that someone called "Ahmad" would appear in Makkah about that time
and that he would be the last Prophets of Allah. He also told Hazrat Talhah,
so the story goes, that the Prophet would leave the sacred surroundings of
Makkah and migrate to a land of black soil, water and palm trees...
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was surprised by the story and took Hazrat
Talhah (RA) to The
Holy Prophet (SAW). The Prophet (SAW) explained Islam to Talhah and
recited some portions of the Quran to him. Talhah was enthusiastic. He related
to the Prophet (SAW) his conversation with the ascetic of Basra. There and
then, Hazrat Talhah (RA) pronounced the Shahaadah - that there is no god but
Allah and that Muhammad (SAW) is the Messenger of Allah. He was the fourth
person who had been introduced to Islam by Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). The Quraysh
were astounded by the young Talhah's acceptance of Islam. The one who was most perturbed
and unhappy was his mother. She had hoped that he would one day be a leader in
his community because of his noble character and his outstanding virtues. Some
of the Quraysh, anxious and worried, went to Hazrat Talhah (RA) and asked to
leave new religion but He (RA) was firm and unshakable as a rock. When they
despaired of using gentle persuasion to achieve their aim, they resorted to
persecution and violence.
Mas’ud ibn Kharash related,"While I was making round
between as-Safa and al-Marwa, there appeared a crowd of people pushing a young
man whose hands were tied behind his back. As they rushed behind him, they
rained down blows on his head. In the crowd was an old woman who lashed him
repeatedly and shouted abuses at him. I asked: 'What's the matter with this
young man?' 'This is Hazrat Talhah ibn Ubaydullah. He gave up his religion and
now follows the Banu Hashim man.' 'And who is the woman behind him?' I asked.
'She is as-Sabah bint al-Hadrami, the young man's mother,' they said. The Quraysh
did not stop there. Nawfal ibn Khuwaylid nicknamed the 'lion of the
Quraysh" bound Hazrat Talhah (RA) with a rope and with the same rope he
tied up Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and then handed them over to the mindless and
violent mob of Makkah to be beaten and tortured. The shared experience no doubt
drew Hazrat Talhah (RA) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) closer together! Years passed
and events of great significance took place. Talhah grew in stature as he bore
the pain and suffering of being tested in the path of God and His Prophet. He
gained the unique reputation among Muslims of being called the "living
martyr". The Prophet (SAW) also called him "Talhah the Good" and
"Talhah the Generous".
Living martyr
The name of the "living martyr" was earned during
the Battle of Uhud. Hazrat Talhah (RA) had missed the Battle of Badr. He and Sa’d
ibn Zayd had been sent outside Madinah on a mission by the Prophet (SAW) and
when they returned, the Prophet (SAW) and his companions were already on the
way back from Badr. They were both sad at having missed the opportunity of
taking part in the first campaign with the Prophet (SAW) but were tremendously
pleased when he told them they would get the same reward as those who actually
fought.
At the Battle of Uhud, when the Muslims fell into disarray
at the beginning of hostilities the Prophet (SAW) became dangerously exposed.
There were about eleven men of the Ansar at his side and one Muhajir - Talhah
ibn Ubaydullah. The Prophet (SAW) clambered up the mountain hotly pursued by
some mushrikin. The Prophet (SAW), shouted:
"The one who repulses these people from us will be my
companion in Paradise." "I, O Messenger of god," shouted Talhah.
"No, stick to your position," replied the Prophet (SAW). A man from
the Ansar comes forward and the Prophet agreed. He fought until he was killed.
The Prophet (SAW) went further up the mountain with the mushrikin still in
close pursuit. "Isn't there someone to combat these?" Hazrat Talhah
(RA) again volunteered but the Prophet (SAW) ordered him to maintain his
position. Another person immediately came forward, fought and was killed. This
happened until all who stood by the Prophet were martyred except Talhah.
"Now, yes," signaled the Prophet (SAW) and Hazrat Talhah (RA) went
into battle. By this time, the Prophet's teeth had been broken, his forehead
had been slashed, his lips had been wounded and blood was streaming down his
face. He was drained of energy. Hazrat Talhah (RA) plunged into the enemy and pushed them away
from the Prophet. He turned back to the Prophet and helped him a little further
up the mountain and put him to lie on the ground. He then renewed his attack
and successfully repulsed the enemy. About this occasion Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)
said:
"At that moment, Abu Ubayd ibn al-Jarrah and I were far
from the Prophet. When we came close to him to render assistance to him, the
Prophet said: 'Leave me and go to your companion (meaning Talhah)." There
was Hazrat Talhah (RA), bleeding copiously. He had numerous wounds, from sword,
spear and arrow. His foot had been cut and he had fallen into a hollow where he
lay unconscious. Thereafter, the Prophet (SAW) said: "Whoever is pleased
to see a man still walking on earth who had completed his span (of life), let
him look at Hazrat Talhah (RA) ibn Ubaydullah."
And, whenever Uhud was recalled, As-Siddique (RA) would say:
"That day, that entire day, belonged to Hazrat Talhah (RA)." That was
the story of how Hazrat Talhah (RA) became to be called the "living
martyr".
“Talhah the Good" and "Talhah the Generous”
There were countless incidents which led to him being called
"Talhah the Good" and "Talhah the Generous". Hazrat Talhah
(RA) was `a shrewd and successful merchant who travelled widely to the north
and south of the Arabian Peninsula. It is said that after one of his trips to
Hadramawt, he had profits amounting to some seven hundred thousand dirhams. His
nights would be anxious and worried on account of this vast wealth. On one such
night, his wife, Hazrat Umm Kulthum (RA) the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA),
said to him:
"What's wrong with you, O father of Muhammad? Perhaps I
have done something to hurt you.'?" "No," replied Talhah.
"You are a wonderful wife for a Muslim man. But I have been thinking since
last night: How can a man think of his Lord and Sustainer when he goes to sleep
with this wealth in his house?" "Why should it bother you so much,"
remarked Umm Kulthum. "What about all the needy ones in your community and
all your friends? When you get up in the morning share it out among them."
"God bless you. You are really marvelous, the daughter of a marvelous
man," said Hazrat Talhah (RA) to his wife. In the morning, Hazrat Talhah
gathered up the money in bags and distributed it among the poor Muhajirin and
Ansar.
It is related that a man came up to Hazrat Talhah (RA) requesting
help and also mentioning some common family connection between them. "This
family connection someone has mentioned to me before," said Hazrat Talhah (RA)
who was in fact known for his generosity to all members of his clan. Hazrat Talhah
told the man that he had just sold a piece of land to Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan
for several thousand dirhams. The man could have the money or the land which
could be re-purchased from Hazrat Uthman (RA). The man opted for the money and Hazrat
Talhah (RA) gave it all to him.
Hazrat Talhah (RA) was well-known for helping persons who
had debt problems, heads of families who experienced hardship, and widows. One
of his friends, as-Saib ibn Zayd, said of him: "I accompanied Hazrat Talhah
ibn Ubaydullah (RA) on journeys and I stayed with him at home and I have not
found anyone who was more generous with money, with clothes and with food than Hazrat
Talhah." No wonder he was called "Talhah the Good" and
"Talhah the Generous". The name Hazrat Talhah (RA) is also connected
with the first fitnah or civil war among Muslims after the death of the prophet
(SAW)
The assassination of Hazrat Usman (RA)
The seeds of trouble were sown during the caliphate of Hazrat
Uthman ibn Affan (RA). There were many complaints and accusations against him.
Some mischief-makers were not content with accusations only but were determined
to finish him off. In the year 35 AH (656 CE) a group of insurgents stormed
Uthman's house and murdered him while he was reading the Quran. It was one of
the most shocking events in the early history of Islam. Hazrat Ali (RA) was
persuaded to accept the responsibility of the Caliphate and all Muslims swore
allegiance to him, including Hazrat Talhah (RA) and Hazrat Zubayr ibn al-Awwam.
Hazrat Talhah (RA) and Hazrat Zubayr were deeply shocked by the murder of Hazrat
Uthman (RA). They were horrified and felt strongly that the murderers should be
punished and that justice should be done. But the punishment of the murderers
was not an easy task in as much as the crime was not just the work of a few
individuals but involved a large number of persons.
Joined Hazrat Ayesha (RA) demanding for
revenge of the death of Hazrat Uthman (RA)
Hazrat Talhah (RA) and Hazrat Zubayr (RA) sought Hazrat Ali's
permission to go to Makkah to perform Umrah. They met Hazrat Aishah (RA) the
wife of the Prophet (SAW). She was greatly shocked when she heard of the
assassination of Hazrat Uthman (RA). From Makkah, Hazrat Talhah (RA), Hazrat Zubayr
(RA) and Hazrat Aishah (RA) set off for Basrah where large numbers were
gathering to seek revenge for the death of Hazrat Uthman (RA) . The forces
gathered at Basrah seemed to present an open challenge to Hazrat Ali (RA). As
the caliph of the Muslims and the
head of the entire Muslim State, he could not tolerate any insurgency or armed
revolt against the State. But what a difficult and awesome task he faced! To
deal with the revolt, he had to confront his brothers, his companions and his
friends-followers of the Prophet and his religion, those who often fought side
by side with him against the forces of shirk, those whom he respected and
loved.
The forces demanding for revenge of Hazrat Uthman (RA) and
those supporting Hazrat Ali (RA) met at a place called Kuraybah, near Basrah. Hazrat
Ali (RA) desired to avoid war and settle matters by peaceful means. He used
every means at his disposal to achieve peace. He clung to every hope of
avoiding confrontation. But the dark forces at work against Islam and how
numerous were these, were determined that matters should come to a terrible and
bloody end.
Hazrat Ali (RA) wept. He wept bitterly when he saw Hazrat Aishah
(RA), the "Mother of the Believers" as the head of the army which now
emerged to fight him. And when he saw Hazrat Talhah (RA) and Hazrat Zubayr (RA),
two close companions of the Prophet, in the midst of the army, he shouted to
them to come out to him. They did and Hazrat Ali (RA) said to Hazrat Talhah
(RA): "O Talhah, have you come with the wife of the Messenger of Allah to
fight along with her...?" And to Hazrat Zubayr (RA) he said: "O
Zubayr, I implore you, by God, do you remember the day when the Prophet. (SAW),
passed by you and we were in such and such a place and he asked you: 'Do you
love Hazrat Ali (RA)?' and you said: 'Why shouldn't I love my cousin and one
who follows my religion...?'"
Hazrat Ali (RA) continued talking to them reminding them of
the bonds of brotherhood and faith. In the end both Hazrat Talhah (RA) and Hazrat
Zubayr (RA) withdrew from participation in this civil war. They withdrew
immediately when they saw the situation in a different light. But they paid for
that withdrawal with their lives.
Hazrat Zubayr (RA) and Hazrat Talhah (RA) were
assassinated
As they withdrew, a
man named Amr ibn Yarmouk followed Hazrat Zubayr (RA) and cowardly murdered him
while he was performing prayer. Hazrat Talhah (RA) was killed by an arrow
allegedly shot by Marwan - a cousin of Hazrat
Uthman (RA) who was too blinded by rage and the desire to seek revenge for his
kinsman to respond to the possibility of avoiding war and bloodshed among
Muslims. The murder of Hazrat Uthman (RA) had become Talhah assignation with
destiny. He did not participate in the fighting and killing that followed that
came to be known in history as the "Battle of the Camel". Indeed, if
he had known that the fitnah would have degenerated into such insane hatred and
bitterness and resulted in such a bloody outcome, he would have resisted it. He
was not keen to fight Hazrat Ali (RA). He was simply shocked by the murder of Hazrat
Uthman and wanted to see justice done. Before the beginning of the battle he
had said in a voice choked with emotion:
"O Lord, for the sake of Uthman, takes from me this day
until You are pleased." Then when Hazrat Ali (RA) faced him and Hazrat Zubayr
(RA), they saw the correctness of his position and withdrew from the field of
battle. Yet, in these difficult circumstances, martyrdom was reserved for them.
The Battle of Camel came to an end. Hazrat Aishah (RA), the mother of the
believers, separated herself from the conflict. Hazrat Ali (RA) provided well
for her journey giving her all the comfort and honor due to her.
When the plentiful dead from the battle were brought
together, Hazrat Ali (RA) led the
funeral prayer for them all, those who were with him and those who were against
him. And when he had finished burying Hazrat Talhah (RA) and Hazrat Zubayr (RA)
he bade farewell to them with a heavy heart, a heart filled with tenderness and
love. "I really hope," he said in simple and sublime words,
"that Talhah, az-Zubayr, Uthman and I will be among those of whom God has
said: 'And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury and
rancor; they will be brothers joyfully facing each other on thrones of
dignity.' "(The Quran, Surah al-Hijr, 15:47)
Then he looked lovingly and sorrowfully on the graves of his
brothers in faith and said: "I have heard with these two ears of mine the
Messenger of Allah (SAW), saying: "Talhah and az-Zubayr are my companions
in Paradise!"
May God bless His soul!
