Download PDF: [S] Slave Chosen due to his Knowledge

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Abza Khuzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – was among those who were considered as the younger generation of the blessed Ashaab. He was a freed slave but highly intelligent and well learned. At the same time, his beautiful voice also added more to his appeal. When people heard Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Abza Khuzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – read the Qur’an, they were wonder-struck and amazed. He was also one of the most learned of his era. He was well versed in laws which pertained to Islamic Inheritance.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Abza Khuzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – was also able to resolve all issues among people which pertained to Islamic Inheritance and various other disagreement which may have arisen among people. In fact, when these issues arose, people turned to him for guidance.

His master was Hadrat Sayyiduna Naaf’e bin Abul Haarith – may Allah be pleased with him – who had been nominated as the Governor of Mecca Shareef by Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him.

 

Once Hadrat Sayyiduna Naaf’e bin Abul Haarith – may Allah be pleased with him – travelled outside the city to a place called Asfaan and during this time, he met the great leader of the Muslims on the journey. This meeting took place in one of the valleys surrounding this area.

 

The narrator of this incident is Hadrat Sayyiduna Aamir bin Waasilah – may Allah be pleased with him. He narrates, “During this meeting, Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – asked Naaf’e, ‘Whom did you leave as the haakim or leader in your absence for the people Ahle Waadi (or the people of Mecca Shareef)?’

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Naaf’e – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, ‘Ibn Abzah”.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – asked in surprise, ‘You have a freed slave in charge of the people of Mecca?’

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Naaf’e – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, ‘He is a Qari of the Qur’an and well versed in the laws of Islamic Shari’ah and Inheritance.’

 

It was certainly a most appropriate answer. There is no doubt that being a Qari, an Islamic scholar and well versed in Islamic law are no small attributes. However, at the same time, to leave a former slave in such a high position is also something that people would find unusual and amazing.

 

However, shaking his head, Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, “Your Nabi – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – has mentioned that, ‘Through connection with this Qur’an, Allah Almighty elevates the status of some people and by leaving aside the Qur’an, some people are lowered in position (and status).’” (Sahih Muslim Shareef)

 

We can see that he was once an ordinary slave. He had no wealth or property. He had no special status within the community, yet, such is the Barakah and blessing of the Qur’an, that Allah Almighty had raised the stature of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Abza Khuzaa’i – may Allah be pleased with him – that he actually became the Governor of Mecca Shareef. In fact, such was his state later on in the eyes of Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali – may Allah be pleased with him – that the great Muslim leader also nominated him as the Governor of Khuraasan.

 

They were respected in their era being genuine Muslims and we are disgraced by leaving aside the Qur’an.