Download PDF: [S] Hearing from Far (Islamic story)

Saariyah bin Zaneem Ad Dauwali was someone who travelled as the commander of the Muslim army to places such Fasaa and Daar Abjar. He had left Madina Shareef with the intention of capturing both these places. When they arrived there, they were invited by their enemies but it was nothing but a trap. Suddenly, the enemy had them surrounded from all sides.

 

At that precise moment, Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – was delivering the Friday sermon when this was happening miles away. Suddenly, while delivering the sermon he mentioned the words, “Ya Saariyah bin Zaneem, the mountain, the mountain.” The people who were listening to the sermon did not understand the meaning of this proclamation at that precise moment.

 

However, on the other side of the world, near the Muslims, there was also a mountain which the Muslim army could use as a source of safety and protection. The words of the leader of the Muslims could also be heard by them. When Hadrat Sayyiduna Saariyah bin Zaneem – may Allah be pleased with him – heard these words of advice and caution he then took his force and retired to the mountains. They then prepared their ranks and attacked the enemy. Since the mountain protected them from all sides, they were able to easily defeat the enemy.

 

After the battle, immense booty fell into Muslim hands.

 

Among these were also a type of dressing table which was studded with valuable stones. Hadrat Sayyiduna Saariyah – may Allah be pleased with him – also suggested that this special gift be given to the leader of the Muslims as a gift. All of the Muslims agreed to this. Although in reality, the proper law is that all of these Mujaahideen were entitled to this gift, but as a mark of appreciation they felt that they should give it to Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Saariyah – may Allah be pleased with him – sent this dressing table with one of his emissary and also advised this person that whatever he needed to feed and purchase for his family, he could take credit from someone and very soon he would be able to pay this back.

 

This person then took credit from someone in Basrah and arrived in Madina Shareef with this gift. He noticed that the Muslim leader was feeding people. After completing this, he decided to follow Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him –to his house. Having arrived there he also partook of a meal with Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – and then mentioned his identity.

 

The amazing thing is that the great Muslim leader did not accept this gift and ordered that this be taken back and shared among the Mujaahideen that had taken part in this battle. When Hadrat Sayyiduna Saariyah bin Zaneem – may Allah be pleased with him – returned from this battle, he admitted that they are had heard the blessed voice of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – and after taking his advice, they had retired to the mountain. It was also through this strategy that they had won the battle. (Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah; Taarikh by Imam Tabari)