Download PDF: [S] Fear of Breaking a Promise (Islamic story)

Amar bin Ma’adi Karb bin Rabee’ah bin Abdullah Az Zubaidi was someone whose title was Abu Thur. He was also among the very powerful people of Yemen. In the 9th year of Hijrah, he arrived in Madina Shareef with ten people from the Bani Zubaid to accept Islam. The entire delegation then accepted Islam and returned to Yemen.

 

However, after the passing of the Holy Prophet – May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, he also joined the other Murtads but quickly realizing his mistake, he re-entered the folds of Islam.

 

During the era of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr – May Allah be pleased with him – he was sent to Syria and also took part in the Battle of Yarmuk. One of his eyes were also damaged in this battle.

 

During the time of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – May Allah be pleased with him – he was sent to Iraq from Syria and also took part in the Battle of Qaadisiyah.

 

He was a noted poet and his collection of poetry is entitled, “Diwaan Amar bin Ma’ada Karab”. He passed away in the city of Ray. In another report, it is mentioned that he passed away during the Battle of Qaadisiyyah after suffering from immense thirst. (Al ‘Alaam. Al Usaabah)

 

Imam Shubah – May Allah have mercy upon him – reveals that once this same eminent Mujahid arrived at a certain place occupied by a certain tribe. It so happened that he had some enmity with a few members of this tribe. He then saw a person who was in a valley releasing himself and this person’s horse and spear were on one side.

 

Amar then said to him, “Grab your weapons because I am about to attack you.” The person asked who he was and he mentioned his name to this person. When the person heard this, he replied, “O Abu Thur! You have not done justice with me. You are on a horse and I am in this valley. What type of bravery is this? Make a promise to me that as long as I do not come out of this valley and jump on my horse and prepare my weapon, you will not attack me”.

 

He then promised this person that he will keep to his word. This person then jumped on his horse and instead of unsheathing his sword, he continued to keep it in its scabbard and continued to look at Hadrat Sayyiduna Amar – May Allah be pleased with him – with his arms folded. Hadrat Amar – May Allah be pleased with him – then looked at this person because he realized that he had made a promise that he will only attack this person if his sword was in his hand and this person refused to withdraw his sword.

 

However, such is the pride of the Arab when it comes to making a promise that Hadrat Sayyiduna Amar – May Allah be pleased with him – did not attack this person and continued on his journey. Later on, he also mentioned that he had never met someone as crafty as this person. (Kitaabul Azkiyah. 137)