AudhubillalliminaShaytan-irRajeem, Bismillaah-irRahman-irRaheem.
"The Vanguard (of Islam), the first of those who forsook (their homes)and of those who gave them aid, and (also) those who follow them in (all) good deeds, well pleased is Allah with them, as they with Him. For them has He prepared gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme triumph. "
The above verse of the noble Qur'an reminds us of our duties as Muslims to continuously struggle in the path of Allah. It was ordained by Allah that the Messengers of Allah (PBUH) and all those who follow them will always be resisted by the unbelievers. It was therefore not surprising when the Prophet (PBUH) and his followers were attacked by the Kufar (disbelievers) just because they affirmed that: 'Allah is our Lord'. The early Muslims were indeed the vanguards of Islam; they supported the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in planting the tree of Islam and they sacrificed everything they had including their blood to grow this plant.
These sufferings affected all believers they are men, women, freeborn children and slaves. A famous author, Ibn Ishaq, gave a vivid description of this suffering: 'Indeed the Idolaters attacked all those who accepted Islam and followed the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). Every clan pounced upon the believers within it, confined them and tortured them with brows, hunger, thirst and the extreme heat of the Arabian desert'.
These heroes, who championed the struggle for the establishment of the Islam we are all now so proud to be identified with, have been clearly spelt in this verse. They are, one: "... the first of those who forsook (their homes)...". These are the Muhajiruns (the Emigrants) who left their homes, their birth place, their motherland, the land of their youth and success, the only place they have been used to, for another land where they were strangers, with only a few of their belongings, without their own houses nor their businesses, but with the assurance, hope and trust in Allah. Two: "... and those who gave them aid ... " These are the Ansars (the Helpers) who accepting the Emigrants as brothers sacrificed their belongings, their homes, their properties, their wives, their businesses, their lands etc. They divided these things into two giving a part to their brother-emigrants.
They relied on the reward of Allah for whatever they shared. The third categories of the foremost in faith are: "...those who follow them in (all) good deeds ...".These include those who accepted Islam thereafter and who learnt Islam from them, first hand. These are called the Tabihin (the successors of the companions) and the Tabitabihin (the followers of the successors of the companions). This last category may include you and I but we have to follow these heroes and strive to become heroes ourselves.
The future of Islam lies in the hands of today's youth. We must therefore wake up from our slumber and learn also from the lives of our past heroes. What excuse do we have when they had the same kind of souls like ours? What excuse do we have when the same blood that ran through their veins also runs through ours? And what excuse do we have when we desire the same Al Jannah they desired? "Or do you think you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed with him said: 'when (will come) the help of Allah?' Yes! Certainly, the help of Allah is near!" (Q2:214) May Allah assist us to become heroes of Islam. (Amin)
A Courageous Girl
Before the migration of the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr(RA), Abu Bakr (RA) told his elder daughter who was just into her second decade on earth, Asma' (RA) about their travel plans. She was to send food to their hiding place and keep it secret. She used to wrap the food as a belt round her stomach and was thus nicknamed "the one with two belts". Abu Jahla Makkan chief, suspecting the two men were still around Makkah asked Asma' (RA): 'Where is your father and his friend {i.e. the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH»?' 'They have gone to Madinah, , replied Asma' (RA) confidently. 'We have looked everywhere," Abu Jahl shouted, 'but haven't found them anywhere". 'If Allah decides to protect His servants, no one will find them," Asma' (RA) replied, smiling. He asked again, but she remained calm. He lost control of himself and slapped her. Poor Asma' (RA) she was hurt, but her faith was not shaken. She thanked Allah for giving her the patience to fulfil her father's trust and bear the insults of Abu Jahl for the love of Allah.
Young & Knowledgeable
Aisha (RA), another daughter of Abu Bakr (RA), is famous for her knowledge - especially that of ahadith. She obtained her vast treasure of knowledge from her husband, the Prophet (PBUH) while she was very young. At a very early age she became the wife of Rasulullah (PBUH). As his wife and close companion she acquired from him knowledge and insight such as no woman has ever acquired. Aisha (RA) was also blessed with a good memory. Her life has shown that, a youth well spent is a lasting legacy for coming generations.