The Ten Promised Paradise: Sayyidina Abu Ubayda Ibn Al-Jarrah (Allah be pleased with him) – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
This is the eleventh and final in a series of articles based on the On-Demand Course The Ten Promised Paradise: Life and Lessons. Known for their unwavering commitment to Islam and their close companionship with the Prophet, their righteousness has earned them a special place in Islamic history.
Among the remarkable individuals in the history of Islam, the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) hold a special status. Among these esteemed figures, one who stands out is Sayyidina Abu Ubayda Ibn Al-Jarrah (Allah be pleased with him). Known as the “Amin” (custodian or trustworthy one) of the Umma, he was one of the ten Companions promised Paradise. His life exemplified sincerity, trustworthiness, and an unwavering commitment to Islam.
Let us delve into the life of this extraordinary man, exploring not only the historical events that defined him but also the timeless lessons his legacy offers to believers today.
The Early Life of Abu Ubayda Ibn Al-Jarrah
Sayyidina Abu Ubayda was born in Mecca into a noble Qurayshi family. Before embracing Islam, he lived a life typical of the Arabs of the time, but with the advent of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), his destiny took a transformative turn. Abu Ubayda was among the early converts to Islam, embracing the message with his characteristic sincerity and humility.
From the beginning, he was known for his unshakable faith and his ability to maintain calm and composure even in the most challenging circumstances. His trustworthiness and integrity earned him the special title of “Amin of this Umma” from none other than the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). This title reflected his role as a custodian of trust, not only in material matters but in matters of faith and leadership.
The Amin of the Umma
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) once said:
“Every Umma has a custodian, and the custodian of this Umma is Abu Ubayda Ibn Al-Jarrah.”
This statement underscores the immense trust the Prophet placed in him. It was not merely a compliment but an acknowledgment of his moral excellence and the profound responsibility he bore for the community.
Abu Ubayda’s character was one of humility, integrity, and dedication to the collective good. He was a leader who prioritized the welfare of others over his own needs and desires. His life is a testimony to the transformative power of Islam, which molded ordinary individuals into extraordinary role models.
Key Contributions to Islamic History
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Leadership in the Battles
Abu Ubayda participated in almost all the major battles during the Prophet’s lifetime, including Badr, Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench. His bravery and selflessness in these battles are well-documented. At the Battle of Uhud, for instance, he demonstrated his loyalty to the Prophet by removing an iron arrowhead embedded in the Prophet’s face with his teeth, an act that left him permanently disfigured.
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The Conquest of Jerusalem
One of Abu Ubayda’s most significant contributions came after the Prophet’s passing, during the caliphate of Sayyidina Umar ibn Al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him). He played a leading role in the peaceful conquest of Jerusalem, an event that stands as a shining example of Islamic principles of justice and mercy.
As the leader of the Muslim army, Abu Ubayda’s conduct during the siege of Jerusalem reflected the highest ethical standards. The inhabitants of the city were impressed by the Muslim forces’ discipline, fairness, and humanity. When the city eventually surrendered, it did so not out of fear of oppression but out of respect for the values Abu Ubayda and his companions exemplified.
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The Plague of Amwas
The Jordan Valley became Abu Ubayda’s final resting place. During the Plague of Amwas, a devastating epidemic that struck the region during the caliphate of Umar (Allah be pleased with him), Abu Ubayda displayed extraordinary leadership. Despite offers from Sayyidina Umar to leave the plague-stricken area, Abu Ubayda chose to stay with his people, demonstrating his sense of responsibility and selflessness. He eventually succumbed to the plague, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice.
Wisdom from Abu Ubayda’s Sayings
Acting with Certitude
One of Abu Ubayda’s most profound teachings is:
“Acting on the basis of certitude is incomparably better than acting on the basis of doubt.”
This statement encapsulates a guiding principle for life. Certitude in one’s faith and actions is fundamental to achieving success in this world and the Hereafter. It teaches believers to avoid half-hearted efforts and instead approach every action with conviction and sincerity.
For instance, when offering Salah, it is not enough to simply perform the outward actions. One must be fully present, understanding that prayer is a means of connecting with Allah. Certitude transforms mundane acts into acts of worship and ensures that one’s efforts are aligned with divine purpose.
Commitment to Justice
Another saying attributed to Abu Ubayda is:
“Be adversaries to injustice and supporters of justice always.”
This principle is a cornerstone of Islamic ethics. Muslims are called to stand firmly for justice, even if it is against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones. Abu Ubayda’s life is a living example of this, as he consistently acted with fairness and integrity in both personal and public affairs.
Practical Lessons from the Lives of the Companions
The lives of the Companions were not only spiritually uplifting but also deeply practical. Many of them, including Abu Ubayda, were traders and businessmen. They approached their work not as a means of accumulating wealth but as a way to serve Allah and the community.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal once advised that self-employment provides greater freedom to fulfill religious and personal obligations. This lesson is evident in the lives of the Companions, who balanced their worldly responsibilities with their spiritual duties.
Balancing Simplicity and Excellence
Sayyidina Umar ibn Al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) offers another valuable lesson from the lives of the Companions. Known for his ascetic lifestyle, Umar once wore old clothes, prompting the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) to advise him to wear new ones, live contentedly, and strive for martyrdom. Umar adhered to this prophetic guidance, dressing finely for special occasions like Eid while maintaining simplicity in his daily life.
Preserving and Learning Their Legacy
The lives of the Companions are not just historical records but treasures of wisdom and guidance. Muslims today should make it a priority to study and emulate their lives. As some of the early Muslims taught their children about the lives of Abu Bakr and Umar as diligently as they taught them Quranic surahs, modern Muslims should also integrate these lessons into their lives.
Recommended Resources
- Hayat al-Sahaba (The Lives of the Companions) by Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf al-Kandahlawi.
- Imam Suyuti’s The History of the Caliphs.
- Shaykh Muhammad al-Khudari’s works on the Prophet and the Khulafa.
These books and others serve as windows into the lives of these extraordinary individuals, offering practical and spiritual guidance for Muslims of all ages.
A Final Reflection
Sayyidina Abu Ubayda Ibn Al-Jarrah and his fellow Companions were not infallible, but they remain the greatest generation of believers after the Prophets. Their lives are mirrors of light, reflecting the virtues that every believer should strive to embody: sincerity, humility, justice, and unwavering faith.
As we recite in Surah Al-Fatiha:
“Guide us to the straight path—the path of those You have blessed.”
May Allah enable us to follow the examples of Abu Ubayda and the other Companions, drawing closer to Him with every step.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
