Introduction
Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA) is a significant figure in Islamic history. He is well-known for his close friendship with the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his key role in the early Muslim community. Hazrat Talha (RA) was one of the first people to accept Islam. During ghazwat, he showed courage, continually putting himself in grave danger to safeguard the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his fellow Muslims.
Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah’s (RA) life is a shining example of bravery, selflessness, generosity, and firm faith. He was among the ten Sahaba promised Paradise (Jannah) by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This honor was bestowed upon him because of his bravery in the battle of Uhud, which will be discussed later. His contributions to the establishment and spread of Islam and his good character make him a respected whose legacy has survived through the centuries.
Early Life and Family Background
The exact date of birth is not known, but according to Islamic history, he is believed to have been born in 594 AD. He belonged to the Taym clan of the Quraysh crew, which held significant power and reputation in Meccan society. His lineage is connected to that of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at Murra ibn Ka’b, showing a distant familial connection between them.
As a young man, he received training in trade and commerce, which was highly valued in Meccan society. His regular business travels exposed him to various cultures and ideas, promoting a sense of honesty and interest in the world beyond Mecca.
Family of Talha
The family of Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA) came from a notable background and made significant contributions to the history of Islam. Here’s an overview of his family:
- Father: Ubaydullah ibn Uthman
- Mother: As-Sa’bah bint Abdullah ibn Malik al-Hadrami
- Marriage and Children: Historical reports show that Hazrat Talha (RA) married several women. Here’s a breakdown of some known wives and their children:
- Umm Kulthum bint Abu Bakr (RA): Their children included Ya’qub, Isma’il, Zakariyya, and Aisha.
- Hammanah bint Jahsh: Hammanah was the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) cousin. They had children, including Muhammad and Imran.
- Su’da bint Awf: Su’da’s children with Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA) included Musa and Isa.
- Khula bint Qa’qa’: While details of Khula’s children are less confirmed, their union further developed Hazrat Talha’s (RA) family and influence.
- Al-Jarba bint Qasama: Al-Jarba also contributed to Hazrat Talha’s (RA) lineage, although specific details about their children are not widely recorded.
His family played a significant role in spreading and demonstrating Islam. His children carried his legacy of faith and service to the Muslim community.
Relation with Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)
Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA) shared a multifaceted relationship with Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). This relationship was characterized by familial, marital, and tribal ties, which impacted Hazrat Talha’s (RA) life and faith.
- Same Crew: Hazrat Talha (RA) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) were both members of the Quraysh crew, more specifically, the Taym clan. Their tribal collaboration created a strong sense of kinship and unity, as tribal unions were of great social, political, and cultural importance in Meccan society.
- Son-in-Law: Hazrat Talha’s (RA) marriage to Umm Kulthum bint Abu Bakr, the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). This marriage strengthened their familial bonds and deepened their spiritual connection.
- Cousins: Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) were cousins, further strengthening their family ties. This close familial relationship added an extra layer of closeness and attachment, fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect.
For more exploration of Hazrat Abu Bkar’s (RA) life, visit this link: Role of Hazrat Abu Bakr in Islamic History.
Acceptance of Islam
During a trade journey, Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA) found himself at the Busra fair, where a local priest shouted, “Is there anyone here from Mecca?”
Hazrat Talha (RA) replied, “Yes, I am from Mecca.” The priest then asked, “Has Ahmad appeared?”
Hazrat Talha (RA) asked, “Who is Ahmad?” The priest answered, “He is the son of Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib. He will appear from Mecca, the city of the Haram ash-Sharif. Ahmad is the final Prophet and will migrate (Hijrah) to a Madina and barren place, a date grove.”
Interested in the priest’s words, Hazrat Talha (RA) wanted confirmation upon his return to Mecca. He asked around, “Is there any news?”
People responded, “Yes, Abdullah’s son, Muhammad-al-Amin, claims to be a Prophet, and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), son of Abu Kuhafa, has become his follower!”
Now, Hazrat Talha (RA) came to Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and asked, “Have you accepted Muhammad (SAW)?”
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) said, “Yes, I have, and you should go and do the same! He invites people to truth and reality.”
Together, they hurried to the side of our Holy Prophet (PBUH). Hazrat Talha (RA), now a Muslim, informed the Prophet (PBUH) about what he had heard from the priest, initiating a smile from the Prophet (PBUH).
Character and Generosity
He was known for his unique character and purity, which included:
Honesty
He was famous for his honesty. He was a man of his word and was trusted by the people around him. His honesty was apparent in his business dealings as he was a successful merchant who always showed his trades fairly and transparently. This trait earned him a respectable reputation in society.
Bravery
He was well-known for his bravery, particularly in battles where he fought courageously for the cause of Islam. One of the most remarkable displays of his bravery was during the Ghazwa of Uhud, which will be discussed later.
Integrity
Integrity was a cornerstone of Hazrat Talha’s (RA) character. He stood by his principles and maintained his moral compass, even in challenging situations. His faith and belief in Islam’s teachings reflected his integrity.
Acts of Generosity
Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA) was awarded the title “Al-Fayyaz” because of his generosity. He helped those in need by giving away his wealth. His charitable acts were numerous and diverse, earning him a reputation as one of the most generous companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Examples:
- Helping Debtors: He often helped those burdened by paying off their debts. He excelled in easing others’ financial stress and ensured they could live without debt burden.
- Supporting Orphans and Widows: Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA) took special care of orphans and widows, providing them with financial support and ensuring they had the means to live comfortably. His kindness towards the most helpless members of society was well-known.
- Sponsoring Education: He understood the importance of knowledge and sponsored the education of many individuals. He ensured they had the necessary resources to learn and grow. This support extended to both religious and worldly education.
The Ghazwa of Uhud was a significant event in Islamic history. Initially, the Muslims were winning the battle. However, some sahaba disobeyed orders, causing the situation to turn against them. The Quraysh of Mecca took advantage and undertook a counterattack. At one critical moment, only eleven sahaba remained with the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)—ten from the Ansar (helpers from Medina) and one from the Muhajirun (migrants from Mecca). The alone Muhajir was Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA).
For more exploring about Ghazwa Uhad, visit this link: Historical Background of the Battle of Uhud.
In this alarming situation, the Prophet Muhammad declared that anyone who protected him from the attacking Quraysh would be guaranteed Paradise. Hazrat Talha (RA) was the first to volunteer, but the Prophet initially sent the Ansar sahaba individually. As each Ansari martyr, Hazrat Talha (RA) continued to protect the Prophet (SAW).
Hazrat Talha suffered seventy injuries while protecting the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), showing remarkable bravery and selflessness. His actions were essential in preventing the Meccan forces from killing the Prophet Muhamad (SAW) and providing his safety. This bravery earned Hazrat Talha (RA) great honor and glory among the sahaba and Muslims.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gave Hazrat Talha (RA) the title “The Living Martyr” (Shaheed al-Hayy), signifying his exceptional courage and sacrifice. The Prophet also stated that anyone who wanted to see a living martyr should look at Hazrat Talha (RA).
This heroic act confirmed that Hazrat Talha (RA) is one of the Ashra Mubashra, the ten sahaba promised Paradise by the Prophet Muhammad. His bravery and dedication to protecting the Prophet highlighted his faith and commitment to Islam.
For more information about Ashra Mubashra, visit this link: The Ashra Mubashra: The Ten Companions Promised Paradise.
Narrated by Hazrat Anas (RA):
On the day of Uhud, the people left the Prophet (SAW) while Abu Talha was in front of the Prophet (SAW), shielding him with his leather shield. Abu Talha was a skillful archer who used to shoot violently. He broke two or three arrow bows on that day. If a man carrying a quiver full of arrows passed by, the Prophet would say (to him), put (scatter) its contents for Abu Talha.” The Prophet (SAW) would raise his head to look at the enemy; after that, Abu Talha would say, “Let my father and mother be sacrificed for you! Do not raise your head, lest an enemy arrow should hit you. (Let) my neck (be struck) rather than your neck.” I saw `Aisha, the daughter of Abu Bakr, and Um Sulaim rolling up their dresses so that I saw their leg bangles while carrying water skins on their backs and emptying them in the mouths of the (wounded) people. They would return to refill them and again empty them in the mouths of the (wounded) people. The sword fell from Abu Talha’s hand twice or thrice (on that day).
[Sahih al-Bukhari 4064]
Role in Civil Unrest
Shock and Grief at the Assassination of Caliph Hazrat Usman ibn Affan (RA)
The assassination of Caliph Hazrat Usman ibn Affan (RA) in 656 CE caused shock and grief among the Muslim community. Hazrat Talha (RA) was particularly shattered, having initially opposed Hazrat Usman (RA) for specific issues but never expected such a tragic outcome. His murder deeply shook him, leading to a profound sense of sorrow and regret over the unexpected chaos it brought.
Participation in the Battle of the Camel
After Hazrat Usman’s (RA) assassination, the Muslim community was divided. Hazrat Talha (RA), alongside Hazrat Zubayr ibn al-Awwam (RA) and Hazrat Aisha (RA), wanted justice for Hazrat Usman’s (RA) murder. They gathered an army and boycotted Basra, leading to the Battle of the Camel in 656 CE. The conflict was named the Battle of the Camel after Hazrat Aisha (RA) rode her camel, which became a central point in the battle.
Hazrat Talha (RA) and Hazrat Zubayr (RA) were essential in the battle, commanding their troops to avenge Hazrat Usman’s (RA) death. However, the situation increased into a full-blown conflict between their forces and the supporters of Caliph Hazrat Ali (RA), leading to heavy losses on both sides.
Visit these blog posts for further information about Hazrat Aisha (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA) ‘s lives and legacy.
Withdrawal and Desire for Peace
During the Battle of the Camel, Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA) and Hazrat Zubayr (RA) realized the damaging results of the conflict. They saw that the battle was causing more harm and division among the Muslims than achieving justice. Hazrat Talha (RA) and Hazrat Zubayr withdrew from the battle to stop the violence. Rather than lengthy conflict, this decision highlighted their desire for peace and justice.
Death
During the Battle of the Camel, Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA) played a crucial leadership role alongside Hazrat Aisha (RA). His death occurred during the disorder of the battle, reportedly due to being struck by an arrow. Historical accounts suggest that Marwan ibn al-Hakam, who later became a caliph, was responsible for shooting the arrow that led to Hazrat Talha’s (RA) death.
He was a significant figure in the early days of Islam. His death was a time of great sadness for Muslims and marked the beginning of significant disagreements among them. He is remembered for his strong commitment to his religion and important role in the Muslim community during its early stages. He is considered a hero for giving his life for his beliefs.
