Muṣʿab ibn ʿUmayr also known as Muṣʿab al-Khayr was a sahabi (companion) of Prophet Muhammad. From the Banū ʿAbd al-Dār branch of the Quraysh, he embraced Islam in 614 CE and was the first ambassador of Islam.
Musab ibn Umayr was born and grew up in the lap of affluence and luxury. His rich parents lavished a great deal of care and attention on him. He wore the most expensive clothes and the most stylish shoes of his time. Yemeni shoes were then considered to be very elegant and it was his privilege to have the very best of these.
As a youth he was admired by the Quraysh not only for his good looks and style but for his intelligence. His elegant bearing and keen mind endeared him to the Makkan nobility among whom he moved with ease.
Although still young, he had the privilege of attending Quraysh meetings and gatherings. He was thus in a position to know the issues which concerned the Makkans and what their attitudes and strategies were.
Among Makkans there was a sudden outburst of excitement and concern as Muhammad, known as al-Amin (the Trustworthy), emerged saying that God had sent him as a bearer of good tidings and as a warner. He warned the Quraysh of terrible chastisement if they did not turn to the worship and obedience of God and he spoke of Divine rewards for the righteous. The whole of Makkah buzzed with talk of these claims. The vulnerable Quraysh leaders thought of ways of silencing Muhammad. When ridicule and persuasion did not work, they embarked on a campaign of harassment and persecution.
Musab learnt that Muhammad and those who believed in his message were gathering in a house near the hill of as-Safa to evade Quraysh harassment. This was the house of al-Arqam. To satisfy his curiosity, Musab proceeded to the house undeterred by the knowledge of Quraysh hostility. There he met the Prophet teaching his small band of companions, reciting the verses of the Quran to them and performing Salat with them in submission to God, the Great, the Most High.
The Prophet welcomed him, and with his noble hand tenderly touched Musab’s heart as it throbbed with excitement. A deep feeling of tranquillity came over him. Musab was totally overwhelmed by what he had seen and heard. The words of the Quran had made a deep and immediate impression on him.
In this first meeting with the Prophet, the young and decisive Musab declared his acceptance of Islam. It was a historic moment. The keen mind of Musab, his tenacious will and determination, his eloquence and his beautiful character were now in the service of Islam and would help change the course of men’s destinies and of history.
When Musab embraced Islam, he was worried about his mother’s reaction. Her name was Khunnas bint Malik, and she was a woman of extraordinary power. She had a dominant personality and could easily arouse fear and terror. All the powerful nobles of Makkah and their attachment to pagan customs and traditions were of little consequence to him. However, having his mother as an opponent could not be taken lightly.
Musab quickly decided that he should keep his acceptance of Islam hidden until a solution came from God. He continued to visit the House of al-Arqam and sit with the Prophet. He felt peaceful in his new faith and managed to avoid his mother’s wrath by keeping all signs of his acceptance of Islam away from her, but not for long.
It was difficult to keep anything secret in Makkah for long during those days. The eyes and ears of the Quraysh were everywhere. Behind every footstep imprinted in the soft and burning sand was a Quraysh informer. Before long, someone called Uthman ibn Talhah saw Musab as he quietly entered the House of al-Arqam.
At another time, Uthman saw Musab praying in the same manner as Muhammad prayed. The conclusion was obvious. The news of Musab’s acceptance of Islam spread among the Quraysh like a storm and eventually reached his mother.
Musab stood before his mother, his clan, and the Quraysh nobility who had all gathered to find out what he had done and what he had to say for himself.
With a serene demeanour and quiet confidence, Musab openly embraced Islam, articulating the reasons behind his conversion. He eloquently recited verses from the Quran, words that had the power to purify hearts and guide believers back to the natural religion of God. Although the number of believers was small, their hearts were now enriched with wisdom, honour, justice, and courage.
Musab’s mother, who had showered him with care and affection, listened to his explanation with increasing displeasure. The urge to silence him with a forceful blow arose within her, yet the hand poised to strike faltered in the face of the radiant light emanating from Musab’s composed countenance.
Perhaps it was a mother’s love that kept her hand from inflicting physical harm, but she was determined to take action against the gods her son had abandoned. The solution she chose, however, proved to be more severe for Musab than any physical punishment.
Musab found himself confined to a distant corner of his home, securely bound and tethered. In essence, he became a prisoner within the walls of his own house, placed under the vigilant watch of guards appointed by his mother to prevent any contact with Muhammad and his faith.
Enduring this ordeal, Musab displayed unwavering resolve. Aware of the persecution faced by other Muslims at the hands of idolaters, life in Makkah had become increasingly unbearable. Upon learning that a group of Muslims was clandestinely preparing to migrate to Abyssinia for refuge, Musab saw an opportunity to escape his confinement. Seizing the moment when his mother and guards were momentarily distracted, he slipped away discreetly. With remarkable haste, he joined fellow refugees, and together they set sail across the Red Sea to Africa.
This retelling emphasizes Musab’s calm conviction in the face of adversity and his determination to seek refuge with fellow believers in Abyssinia.
In the tranquil land of the Negus, the Muslim community found solace and security, yet their hearts yearned to return to Makkah in the esteemed company of the noble Prophet. When a false report reached Abyssinia, claiming improved conditions for Muslims in Makkah, Musab eagerly returned. However, faced with the harsh reality, he soon departed once again for Abyssinia.
Whether in Makkah or Abyssinia, Musab steadfastly held onto his newfound faith, dedicating himself to living a life pleasing to his Creator. Despite the challenges, he remained resolute, aware of the hardships faced by fellow Muslims under the idolaters’ oppression.
During his return to Makkah, Musab’s mother made a final attempt to control him, threatening to confine him again. Musab, displaying newfound determination, swore to resist and even declared that he would retaliate against those who aided her. The separation was inevitable, revealing the persistent rejection of faith by his mother and Musab’s unwavering commitment to Islam. As he left his luxurious lifestyle behind, Musab embraced a simpler existence, focused on knowledge acquisition and service to God and His Prophet.
Years later, Musab, now wearing coarse attire, encountered a group of Muslims around the Prophet. Their tears flowed at the sight of his tattered jalbab, reminiscent of his former elegance. The Prophet, recognizing Musab’s sacrifice, remarked on his transformation from a youth of luxury to a devoted servant of God.
Musab’s journey continued, and he played a pivotal role in the early days of Islam in Yathrib (Madinah). Chosen as the Prophet’s ambassador to Yathrib, he successfully conveyed the message of Islam, leading to a significant number of conversions. His efforts laid the foundation for Yathrib’s transformation into the center of the burgeoning Islamic state.
Upon returning to Makkah, Musab, accompanied by seventy-five Muslims from Madinah, pledged allegiance to the Prophet at Aqabah. This marked the Pledge of War, a solemn commitment to defend the Prophet at any cost. Subsequently, the Prophet directed persecuted Muslims to migrate to Yathrib, where the Ansar (Helpers) had offered asylum.
Musab’s role extended to the battlefield, notably at the Battle of Badr. Later, during the Battle of Uhud, he courageously carried the Muslim standard. Despite facing severe injuries, Musab continued to recite verses affirming the Messengerhood of Muhammad and the transient nature of life.
After Musab’s martyrdom, the Prophet, deeply moved, recited Quranic verses honoring those who remained steadfast. The companions were urged to visit the martyrs’ graves and offer peace upon them, ensuring that the salutation would be reciprocated until the Day of Judgment.
As-salaamu alayka yaa Musab…
As-salaamu alaykum, ma’shar ash-shudhadaa.
As-salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu.
Peace be upon you, O Musab…
Peace be upon you all, O martyrs.
Peace be upon you, and may the mercy and blessings of God be upon you.