MUSJIDUL HAQ

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Hadrat Sayyiduna Ataa bin Rabaah – may Allah be pleased with him – is considered as an eminent Tabe’i. He was once a slave of Bani Fahr and the name of his mother was Barkah. His title is “Abu Mohammed” and during his childhood, he gained knowledge in the blessed city of Makkah Shareef. He also grew up in this city. He was a Habshi, he was a little lame and his nose was also slightly bent. However, in knowledge, he was considered as one of the most eminent scholars of his era. Later in his life, be became blind. He passed away at the age of eighty eight in the year 115 A.H.. Imam A’zam, Imam Abu Hanifah – may Allah be pleased with him – also mentioned that, “I have never seen someone so honourable in my lif time than Ataa bin Rabaah.”

Ibn Juraij – may Allah be pleased with him – mentioned, “For nearly twenty years, Ata spent his time in the Masjid and performed the best Salaah that anyone could see.”

Imam Awzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – mentioned, “The day on which it was recorded, that was the day in which Ata passed away. He was considered the most revered person of his era.”

Once there arose a dispute between the Khalifah, Sulayman bin Abdul Malik, and his son about a certain issue pertaining to Hajj. The Khalifah then mentioned that he would present this to Hadrat Sayyiduna Ataa bin Rabaah – may Allah be pleased with him – for clarification.

The people then took him to the gathering of the eminent Imam who was sitting inside the Masjid. There were also some many people around that it seemed like it was clouds which had surrounded him. Khalifah Sulayman then started to walk over the shoulders of people to approach the great Imam and since he was the Khalifah, he knew that no one will obstruct his way. However, suddenly he heard the voice of the great Imam shout, “O Ameerul Mo’mineen! Stay where you are and do not pass others because they have come much before you.”

When the Khalifah heard this command, he stood right at that spot until his turn came to ask a question. The great Imam then answered his question within a few minutes.

When the Khalifah returned, he said to his son, “O my son, you should certainly adopt piety and acquire knowledge and understanding of religion. I swear by Allah Almighty that in my entire life besides for this freed slave, (Ataa bin Rabaah), I have never had to stop for anyone before.”

There is no doubt that the Allah Almighty blesses whoever He wishes with greatness and stature even if the person is devoid of wealth, riches, family status etc. Even if the person is merely a Habshi who was once a slave, Allah Almighty can make him someone who is the ideal of an entire generation. As for that person who is disobedient to Him, in one split second He can bring disgrace to that person even if he comes from a background of wealthy family along with other worldly status.

(Shazaraatuz Zahb, Sayr A’laamin Nublah, Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah)