Introduction
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) was a respected figure in early Islamic history. He was one of the ten companions whom the Prophet (PBUH) gave glad tidings of Paradise during his lifetime (Asharah Mubasharah). He was known for his outstanding leadership, faith, and humility. His modesty and down-to-earth nature continue to inspire Muslims worldwide.
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) made significant contributions to early Islam beyond his military skills. As a trusted companion of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he played a crucial role in key battles that shaped the early Muslim community. His military expertise and strategic wisdom were instrumental in the conquests that established the Islamic state. However, his dedication to showing justice and stability in the newly conquered regions truly set him apart.
Early Life and Family Background
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA), also known as Amir ibn Abdullah ibn al-Jarrah. He was born around 583 CE in Mecca. He belonged to the Quraysh crew, specifically the Banu al-Harith clan, one of Mecca’s most powerful and respected crews at the time.
Even though his clan wasn’t among the wealthiest merchants of Quraysh, they held a respectable position and enjoyed a comfortable social standing in Mecca. His father, Abdullah ibn al-Jarrah, was a well-known figure in Mecca, respected for his goodness and leadership. This family background gave him an honorable upbringing and access to Mecca’s social and economic networks.
Childhood and Upbringing
He was raised in Mecca, a significant hub for trade and religious activities. As a Quraysh child, he received a traditional education, learning skills like warfare, poetry, and trade. Although he grew up in a mostly pagan society, he was recognized for his strong moral principles and dislike of idol worship from a young age.
Physical Appearance
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) was described as tall and slim, with a slender face. His appearance reflected the strict lifestyle of the early Muslims, who often engaged in physical activities such as battles and long journeys.
Good News of Paradise During His Lifetime
During his lifetime, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) named Abu Ubaidah among the “Ashara Mubashshara,” the ten companions who were promised Paradise. After the Battle of Uhud, a critical incident occurred when the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) tooth was broken, and he was injured. Abu Ubaidah showed deep love and respect by carefully removing the metal links from the Prophet’s (SAW) face. The Prophet’s appreciation and prayers for Abu Ubaidah’s gentle and selfless act further emphasized his respected position and promise of Paradise.
For more information, visit this link: The Ashra Mubashra: The Ten Companions Promised Paradise.
Narrated by Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Awf (RA):
“The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Abu Bakr is in Paradise, ‘Umar is in Paradise, ‘Uthman is in Paradise, ‘Ali is in Paradise, Talhah is in Paradise, Az-Zubair is in Paradise, ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf is in Paradise, Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas is in Paradise, Sa’eed bin Zaid is in Paradise, and Abu’ Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah is in Paradise.”
[Jami at-Tirmidhi 3747]
Acceptance of Islam
When Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) accepted Islam, it was through the guidance of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), even before the Muslims sought refuge in Dar al-Arqam. He converted before this time. He was the ninth person among the early believers to accept Islam.
Converting to Islam in Mecca was a challenging decision for Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) as a member of the Quraysh crew. His clan strongly opposed his conversion, subjecting him to social isolation, financial hardship, and even physical threats. The Quraysh used various methods to pressure early Muslims to renounce their faith, but Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) remained steadfast.
Despite severe pressure and hardships, he remained firm in his belief. His faith was evident in his actions and to take personal suffering for the sake of Islam.
The Trustworthy of the Ummah
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) earned the title “Amin ul-Ummah” from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) because of his trustworthiness and integrity. This title shows that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) recognized his firm commitment to honesty and reliability in everything he did.
Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) narrated that:
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “Every nation has an extremely trustworthy man, and the trustworthy man of this (i.e., Muslim) nation is Abu’ Ubaida bin Al-Jarrah.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 3744]
Considered a Model of Honesty and Reliability
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) was known for his exemplary character and firm commitment to Islamic principles. His honesty and reliability were legendary. His humility, selflessness, and dedication to the well-being of others earned him the respect and trust of his peers and future generations of Muslims.
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah’s (RA) life exemplifies the importance of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness in Islam. His legacy as the “Amin” of the Ummah inspires believers to follow his noble traits, guiding them toward righteousness for years. He serves as a role model for Muslims striving to uphold these values and guides them toward righteousness.
Participation in Battles
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) played crucial roles in several significant battles during the early days of Islam, including:
Ghazwa of Badr
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) was among the brave companions who participated in the Ghazwa of Badr in 624 CE. He was Known for his bravery and fighting skills and was one of the key fighters on the Muslim side. Despite the numerical superiority of the Quraysh, the Muslims achieved a strong victory due to the contributions of fighters like Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA).
For more exploration, visit this link: The Significance of Battle of Badr.
Ghazwa of Uhud
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) participated in the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE, near Mount Uhud, close to Medina. The initial phase of the battle indeed favored the Muslims, but a strategic error led to a reversal of fortunes and a difficult situation for the Muslims. Despite the confusion, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) displayed remarkable courage by protecting the Prophet (PBUH). He is remembered for his selflessness and devotion after the Prophet (PBUH) was injured. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) carefully removed two pieces of metal armor that had become embedded in the Prophet’s (PBUH) cheek, even though it resulted in him losing two of his teeth.
For more exploration about the Ghazwa Uhad, visit this link: Historical Background of the Battle of Uhud.
Battle of the Trench
At the Battle of the Trench in 627 CE, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), upon Hazrat Salman, the Persian’s (RA) suggestion, ordered digging a trench around Medina. This was to defend against the besieging Meccan army. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA), known for his military prowess, played a crucial role in overseeing the construction of the trench. He also commanded a section of the Muslim defenses. His strategic leadership and courage helped the Muslims effectively hold their ground against the more significant Meccan force. This ultimately led to a stalemate and the Quraysh withdrawal.
For more exploration, visit this blog post: The Battle Of Trench (Ghazwa Khandaq).
Leadership in Later Military Campaigns
Ridda Wars
After the death of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Hazrat Abu Ubaida (RA) played a significant role in the Ridda Wars (Wars of Apostasy) under the leadership of Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). These wars were fought against various crews in Arabia that had renounced Islam after the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) death. Hazrat Ubaid’s (RA) leadership and military skills helped bring these crews back to Islam and re-establish the unity of the Muslim community.
Conquest of Syria
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) is widely recognized for his leadership during the conquest of Syria. Caliph Hazrat Umar (RA) appointed him one of the leading commanders. He played an important role in several decisive battles, including the Battle of Ajnadayn (634 CE) and the Battle of Yarmouk (636 CE). His strategic cleverness and ability to inspire his troops were key to the Muslims’ victory.
As the commander of the Muslim forces in Syria, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) also showed his administrative skills by appointing just governance in the newly conquered territories. His fair and equitable treatment of the local populations earned their respect and encouraged the smooth integration of these regions into the Islamic state.
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) Quotes
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) was a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and a key military leader in early Islamic history. He is known for his wisdom and righteousness. Here are some of his notable quotes:
- On Leadership and Responsibility: Stick to the truth and be not drawn away from it. Verily, the truth guides to virtue, and virtue guides to Paradise (Jannah).
- On Humility: I wish you knew what I have in my heart for you. I bear your love for the sake of Allah (SWT), the likes of which I do not bear for any other.
- On Trust and Faith: No one can harm you except what Allah (SWT) has written for you. Have trust in Allah (SAT) and rely on Him alone.
- On the Temporality of Life: This world is temporary and will perish. Work for the hereafter, which is eternal and everlasting.
- On Unity: Hold fast to the rope of Allah (SWT) altogether, and do not become divided. Remember the favor of Allah (SWT) upon you when you were enemies, and He brought your hearts together, and you became, by His favor, brothers.
- On Justice: Do not oppress, for oppression is darkness on the Day of Judgment. Fear the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah Almighty.
These quotes reflect Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah’s deep faith, commitment to justice, and humility, which made him a revered figure in Islamic history.
Death and Burial
In 639 CE, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) died during the plague that ravaged the region, also known as the Plague of Justinian. The plague, which affected vast areas, including the Muslim army in the Levant, took many lives. As the commander of the Muslim forces in Syria, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) stayed with his troops during the outbreak. Historical accounts suggest he died near Amwas (present-day Jordan) or Damascus (present-day Syria). Despite attempts to move the army to a safer location, he succumbed to the illness. True to his humble and dedicated nature, he refused to abandon his soldiers in their time of need.
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) was buried in the Jordan Valley near the plague site. His grave is located in what is now Deir Alla in Jordan. This site holds significant historical and spiritual importance for Muslims.
Legacy of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA)
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah’s (RA) legacy continues to be celebrated in Islamic history. He is remembered for his holiness, wisdom, and unique military leadership. His life and contributions inspire many Muslims, highlighting the values of humility and faith. His final resting place in Jordan is a symbol of his enduring legacy and his pivotal role in the early Islamic community.
