Sahabi-e-Rasool Uwais al-Qarni (ra)

Love is the only melody welcomed by its sufferer, who never desires to recover from it. All the sick hope to be cured, but this sick one sobs, crying "Increase my Sickness." - Maulana Rumi

Hazrat Owais Qarni was born in the village of Qarn in Yemen. His father passed away leaving Hazrat Owais Qarni an orphan at a very young age. Hazrat Owais Qarni was a very pious and noble person. He had embraced Islam while Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was still alive. He naturally had a very strong desire to see Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) but since his mother was too old and she needed his help and care, he could not visit Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam in Madinah. As a reward of his service to his mother, he was given the title and status of a Sahabi-e-Rasool (Companion of Prophet) even though he could not see Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) personally in his life time.

A famous story regarding Hazrat Uwais al-Qarni: After the second battle of Islam called as Battle of Uhud, when Hazrat Owais Qarni came to know that Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam had lost a few teeth during the encounter, he himself broke all his teeth one by one till none was left - as he did not know exactly how many or which ones were lost by Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. His extreme love for Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam made him question why he should have teeth when Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam had lost his own.

Many times in the company of his Companions, Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated, "I can smell the beauty of my friend from the land of Yemen." This statement is in direct reference to the spiritual greatness of Hazrat Uwais al-Qarni.

One day, Hazrat Owais Qarni had asked his mother's permission to visit Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and she said: "You have my permission to go, see him once, and come straight back without staying over night in Madinah. If our Beloved Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam is at home, you may meet with him; if not, come straight back here." Hazrat Owais Qarni then completed a journey of three months on foot, from Yemen to Madinah. When he reached Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam's house, he knocked on the door and Ummul Momineen Hazrat Umme Salma opened the door. She told him that Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was not in home and he (saw) was out of station. Hazrat Owais Qarni remembered his promise to his mother and replied, "Please convey my Salaams to my Beloved Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Kindly inform him that Owais came from Yemen, did not find him at home and is now returning back to Yemen, since he does not have permission from his mother to stay over night in Madinah."

When Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam returned home from the journey, he (pbuh) found the radiance of Hazrat Uwais al-Qarni in his house. Ummul Momineen Hazrat Umme Salma told him what had happened and conveyed Hazrat Owais Qarni's salutations. His blessed eyes looked towards Yemen and our Beloved Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said, "The fragrance of our friend is reaching us."

Noble Companions then enquired: "Ya Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, if Owais is your friend, for what reason did he not stay to meet you?" To this, Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam replied, "He complied with a promise given to his mother and he is serving her."

As reported by the renowned historical scholar Ibn Batutah, Hazrat Owais Qarni's tomb is found in Ar-Raqqah, Syria, where he was martyred in the Battle of Siffin. He fought for Imam Ali (as) against Muawiyah ibn Abu Sufyan in the Battle of Siffin in 657 CE.

The Bodies were intact even after more than 1000 years

Though in normal cases and circumstances the dead bodies in the grave decompose and disintegrate yet there are proofs where the dead bodies of martyrs, prophets and saints have been found intact when their graves were dug.

In 1932 A.D. (1351 A.H.) the then ruling King of Iraq Shah Faisal I, dreamt that he was being addressed by Hudhaifa al-Yamani, who said :-

"O king ! Remove Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari and me from the bank of river Tigris and bury us at some safe place because my grave is already water-logged, (full of water) while Jabir's grave is slowly getting water-logged."

This dream was repeated again the next night, but King Faisal did not pay attention to it on account of his pre-occupation with state affairs. On the third night Hazrat Hudhaifa was seen in the dream by the grand Mufti of Iraq.

Hazrat Hudhaifa said to the grand Mufti: "I have been directing the king since two nights to transfer our Bodies but he has not paid any heed. Tell him emphatically to arrange for the transfer of our graves!"

So after discussing this matter, the King, his Prime Minister and the Grand Mufti decided to carry out this work. It was decided that the Grand Mufti should issue a fatwa (religious ruling) on this matter and the Prime Minister will issue the fatwa to the press, so that the public may know about this great event. It was declared that on 10th Zilhajj after noon prayers the graves shall be opened and the holy bodies shall be transferred to another place.

As it was Hajj season, pilgrims had gathered in Mecca. They requested King Faisal to postpone the event for a few days so that they all could attend the event after performing the Hajj. Hence, the King postponed this event to 20th Zilhajj.

After noon prayers, on 20th Zilhajj 1351 A.H. a large number of Muslims and non-Muslims gathered in Baghdad, and the city was heavily crowded. First when the grave of Hazrat Hudhaifa was opened water was found inside. The body was lifted with a crane in such a way that it safely came on a stretcher. Then the stretcher was lifted by the King, the Grand Mufti, the Prime Minister and Prince Farooq of Egypt and brought to a glass coffin box made especially to keep the holy bodies. The body of Hazrat Jabir was also transferred to the glass box in the same scrupulous manner.

The most marvelous spectacle was now seen by the huge crowd that had gathered to witness this great event. Both the holy bodies of these true companions of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) were fresh and intact while their open eyes issued forth such divine light that the spectator's eyes were dazzled. Furthermore, their coffin, clothes, kaffan were also intact and at first glance, it appeared as if these heroes of Islam were alive. The two bodies were then taken away and buried afresh near the grave of another great hero of Islam, Salman-e-Farsi, in Salman Park which is 30 miles from Baghdad. This miracle amazed the scientists, philosophers and doctors. They were all bewildered and spellbound to witness this great miracle.

A German physiologist who had been showing a lot of interest in this was so impressed by the conditions of the bodies, which were buried for more than a thousand years, that he immediately came to the Grand Mufti, held up his hands and said, "What more evidence can there be in support of Islam. I embrace Islam so teach me about it!"

Thus before thousands of people this German doctor became a Muslim. His example was followed by many Christians and Jews and for a long time it continued in Baghdad and a large number of people became Muslims as a result of this miracle.

Now let us all sit-back and think over this event and derive a lesson from this miracle. Pondering over such events is potent food for the mind and serves as an eye-opener to humanity. Some of the material above was published in a Pakistani newspaper, "Daily Jung" on 7th June 1970.

Let us now briefly look into the lives of these prominent personalities.

HAZRAT HUDHAIFA AL YAMANI

He was one of the most trusted companions of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and a near associate of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS). He was one of those seven persons who joined the funeral prayers of Bibi Fatemah (AS). There are several instances in history where Hazrat Hudhaifa has proved steadfast in his loyalty to our Holy Prophet (SAWW). Hazrat Hudhaifa had responded to the Prophet's call in battle of Trench (Khandak) when the Prophet had promised Paradise to the person who would venture out to the enemy's camp with the intention of spying their activities.

Hazrat Hudhaifa was known as "the possessor of the Secret", since the Holy Prophet (SAWW) had revealed to him the names and specific identity of those hypocrites who intended to kill him on his return journey from Tabuk, but had strictly instructed him not to disclose the secret.

Hudhaifa was appointed governor of Madain (which is a place near Baghdad, Iraq) by Caliph Omar and held that post for many years. He was holding that post till Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) assumed the caliphate. Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) then sent a letter to the people of Madain, informing them of his caliphate and that Hudhaifa would continue to be the governor of Madian. Hudhaifa al Yamani died just before the battle of Jamal in 36 A.H. He was buried in Madain.

HAZRAT JABIR IBNE ABDULLAH-E-ANSARI

Jabir-e-Ansari was also one of the most exalted companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Jabir was in the forefront in 18 battles, under the banner of Islam. Jabir was blessed enough to have met all the imams up to Imam Mohamed Baker (as) in his lifetime. Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (AS) has said : "Jabir -e-Ansari was the last survivor amongst the companions of the Holy Prophets (SAWW).

Jabir, on hearing about the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions and the imprisonment and humiliation of the surviving members of his family, hastened towards Kerbala with his devoted friends and followers and buried the martyrs there. He was the first person to pay homage to the martyrs of Kerbala and carry out their burial rites.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) once told Jabir that, he would live long enough to come across a person whose name would be Mohamed Baker (as) and he will resemble the Holy Prophet in appearance and values. The Holy Prophet asked Jabir to convey his salaams to this man. Throughout his life Jabir was waiting eagerly to meet our Imam. Finally, when Jabir did meet the Holy Imam he was very old but very happy and he conveyed the prophet's salaam to the Imam. Jabir did not live long after that. He was tortured by Hajjaj bin Yusuf and it is reported that molten lead was poured on the hands of Jabir by the tyrant. Jabir-e-Ansari was 94 years old when he left this world for the heavenly abode in 78 A.H. He was also buried in Madain.

Thus let us send our gift of Sure-Fateha for these two brilliant graduates from the school of Prophet hood, who devoted all their efforts in safeguarding our religion. Let us not forget their invaluable contribution to keep the flame of Islam kindled in our hearts. And pray to The Almighty Allah to help us follow their footsteps and elevate our level of imaan.