'Ubaadah Ibn As-Saamit

A Representative in Allah's Party!

As one of the Ansaar he was mentioned in the Prophet's words "If the Ansaar chose to move in a certain direction, I would follow them. By Allah, if there had been no emigration, I would have chosen to be one of the Ansaar." 'Ubaadah Ibn As-Saamit was not only one of the Ansaar, but also one of their reknown leaders whom the Prophet (PBUH) chose to represent their people and tribes. When the first An&aar delegation arrived at Makkah to make the oath of allegiance to the Prophet (PBUH), 'Ubaadah (May Allah be pleased with him) was one of the 12 believers who pledged allegiance to the Prophet (PBUH), embraced Islam, and clasped the Prophet's hand in support and loyalty. In the Second Pledge of Al-'Aqabah, 'Ubaadah was one of the leaders of the 70 men and two women and also one of the representatives of the Ansaar who gave his pledge to the Prophet (PBUH) during the Hajj season.

Ever since, 'Ubaadah never missed a battle or fell short of a sacrifice, as the arena at that time offered a kaleidoscope of self-sacrifice, valor, courage, and defiance. Since he chose Allah and His Prophet, he exerted himself to fulfil his obligations towards his religion. Therefore, his loyalty and obedience to Allah and his relationship with his relatives, allies, and enemies were all molded in a way so as to be compatible with the faith and conduct that a Muslim should have.

In the past, 'Ubaadah's family had been tied in alliance with the Jews of Bani Qainuqaa' in Al-Madiinah. Since the Prophet and his Companions emigrated to Al-Madiinah, the Jews pretended to be on good terms with them; but after the Battle of Badr and a little while before the Battle of Uhud, the Jews of Al- Madiinah began to show their true colors. Consequently, one of the Jewish tribes, Bani Qainuqaa', fabricated reasons for commotion and strife against the Muslims.

As soon as 'Ubaadah realized their real intention, he decidedly threw aside their ancient treaty and said, "I take Allah, His Prophet, and those who have believed in Him as my protectors." The Qur'aan descended on the Prophet (PBUH) to support, salute, and praise 'Ubaadah's loyal and steadfast attitude saying, < And whosoever takes Allah, His Messenger, and those who have believed as Protectors, then the party of Allah wil be victorious > (5 : 56).

Thus, the glorious verse announced the establishment of Allah's party, the members of which were the believers who stood firm by the Prophet's side and advocated the banner of right guidance and truth. They were regarded as the blessed blossom of the seed sown by their predecessors, who did their utmost to support their Messenger and invite people to believe in Allah the Ever-Living, the One Who Sustains and Protects all that exists. This newly born party of Allah would not only include the Companions of the Prophet, but also encompass the true believers of all future generations and times until Allah inherits the earth and whatever is with Him.

'Ubaadah, whose loyal and faithful attitude the verse praised, was not only a representative of the Al-Khazraj tribe, but was also one of the leaders of the pious and righteous Muslims who would always be looked upon by future generations throughout the world as a symbol of chivalry and discipline. His immortal history will forever resound throughout the world.

One day 'Ubaadah heard the Prophet talking about the responsibilities and obligations of commanders and governors and the punishment that awaited any one of them who abused his authority and manipulated the money entrusted to him. His words shook him so severely that he swore never to accept command, even over two people. He kept this oath. When the Commander of the Faithful 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (May Allah be pleased with him) became the caliph, he could not prevail on 'Ubaadah to accept any influential position except educating and instructing people in Islamic religion. Indeed, this was the appropriate field for 'Ubaadah, away from influential positions that might jeopardize his faith with precarious arrogance, power, and wealth.

Therefore, he traveled with Mu'aadh Ibn Jabal and Abu Ad-Dardaa' to Syria, where they illuminated the country with knowledge, fiqh, and enlightment. Afterward, "Ubaadah traveled to Palestine, where Mu'aawiyah held jurisdiction in the name of the caliph.

When 'Ubaadah Ibn As-Saamit finally settled down in Syria, he always looked to Al-Madiinah as the capital of Islam and as the center of the caliphate where 'Umar Ibn Al-KhaJlaab, a master- mind and a peerless man, lived. Then he turned around and looked over Palestine, where Mu'aawiyah Ibn Abi Sufyaan, a worldly-minded and a power hungry man, ruled.

' 'Ubaadah was, indeed, one of those blessed men who lived the best and the most accomplished days of their lives with the Prophet (PBUH). Those men who gained experience through struggle were cast in the same mold of conflict, struggle, and self-sacrifice. 'Ubaadah had embraced Islam out of conviction rather than fear. Indeed,he sold himself and his fortune to Allah. He was one of the men who were brought up and disciplined by Muhammad (PBUH), who infused them with his wisdom, enlightenment, and greatness. To 'Ubaadah, one of the most excellent models of the man in power was "Umar. Naturally, if 'Ubaadah tried to judge Mu'aawiyah's conduct and character according to those standards, the result would not be in his favor and conflict would be inevitable. And that is exactly what happened.

'Ubaadah used to say, "We have given a pledge to the Prophet (PBUH) never to be afraid of anyone but Allah." 'Ubaadahwasa man who kept his pledges; therefore, he never feared MiTaawiyah. Although Mu'aawiyah was in authority, "Ubaadah had already taken oath to stand fast and expose his wrongdoings.

Consequently, the people of Palestine watched him closely, holding their breath with astonishment, for the news of the fearless opposition led by 'Ubaadah resounded across the world of Islam and was regarded as an outstanding example that should be followed. Notwithstanding the patience and tolerance Mu'aawiyah was famous for, he soon got tired of 'Ubaadah's opposition, for he considered it a direct threat to his authority. Finally, when 'Ubaadah realized that the gap between him and Mu'aawiyah was widening fatally, he addressed Mu'aawiyah saying, "By Allah,1 will never live in the same land with a man like you." Consequently, he left Palestine and returned to Al- Madiinah.

Definitely, "Umar was a man of outstanding perception and insight. He was so careful to surround governors like Mu'aawiyah, who manipulated their cleverness for their own interest, with a group of ascetic, pious, and steadfast Companions and advisers. He aimed at curbing their aspiration and avarice and reminding them of the era of the Prophet and his great feats.

Therefore, no sooner had the Commander of the Faithful 'Umar Ibn Al Khattaab seen 'Ubaadah in Al-Madiinah than he asked him, "What brought you back to Al-Madiinah?" When 'Ubaadah told him about his dispute with Mu'aawiyah he ordered him, "Go back to where you belong. By Allah, any land that has no one like you living in it is a wasteland." 'Umar immediately sent a message to Mu'aawiyah saying, "You are not to rule over 'Ubaadah." Indeed, 'Ubaadah was a commander of himself. When a man like 'Umar held 'Ubaadah in such high regard, then, undoubtedly, he must be a great and worthy man. 'Ubaadah's greatness was unveiled through his faith, conscientiousness, and discipline.

This sensible representative of the Ansaar and Islam died in A.H. 34, and his memory and history will forever be cherished and honored by all Muslims.