THE NATURE OF BARZAKH -No:43 - The Tale of a God-Fearing Young Man



The story of the God-fearing young man during the time of Sayyidina Umar al-Khattab (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is not a single, well-documented event, but rather a reflection of the piety and righteousness prevalent among the youth of that era. While there isn't one specific tale, the accounts of the Companions of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) (Sahaba) are filled with examples of young men who displayed exceptional devotion and fear of God.

Here's how we can understand this concept:

1. The Sahaba's Piety:

The Sahaba, including the youth, were known for their deep faith and commitment to Islam.

Many young men among them were known for their bravery in battle, their dedication to worship, and their adherence to Islamic principles.

Their fear of God (Taqwa) was a driving force in their lives, shaping their actions and decisions.

2. Examples from the Time:

Umar ibn al-Khattab's (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُconversion:

Umar's early life was marked by hostility towards Islam, but his subsequent conversion and dedication to the faith, including his role as a leader, exemplified the transformative power of belief and the potential for change even in hardened individuals.

Early Emigrants (Muhajirun):

Many young men among the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Madinah with the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) faced significant hardships and persecution, yet they persevered in their faith, demonstrating remarkable courage and devotion.

The Youth in Battles:

Young men played crucial roles in Islamic conquests and battles, showing their bravery and commitment to defending Islam, often at great personal risk.

Students of Knowledge:

Many young men dedicated themselves to learning from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and other senior companions, striving to understand and practice Islam.

3. The Concept of Taqwa:

Fear of God:

A central theme in Islamic teachings, Taqwa (God-consciousness) motivates believers to avoid sin and strive for righteousness.

Piety and Devotion:

The youth of that time, like the older companions, were known for their piety, their dedication to prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship.

Self-Control and Discipline:

Taqwa also encourages self-control, discipline, and adherence to Islamic moral standards.

In conclusion, while there isn't one specific "tale," the lives of the young Sahaba during the time of Sayyidina Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) offer numerous examples of God-fearing individuals who embodied piety, devotion, and a deep sense of responsibility towards their faith and community. Their stories serve as inspiration for Muslims today to strive for similar levels of faith and commitment.

A tradition relates that in the time of Hadrat ‘Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), a pious young man used to engage himself in Divine worship in the mosque. Hadrat ‘Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) used to marvel at his worship. His father had become very old. This youth used to set out to render service to his father after ‘Isha's prayers. On the way, a woman took a fancy to him. She used to entice him daily and try to excite him. One day, the young man accompanied her. The woman entered her home. When the young man came to the door of her house and made up his mind to get  into the house, the following verse flashed across his mind :

“Those who guard against evil, when an evil suggestion from satan assails them, they remember Allah and behold! they begin to see aright.”

At that moment, the fear of the Lord so overwhelmed his heart that he collapsed on the ground and fainted. After a long while, his father set out from his house to search for him. He found the youth lying senseless. The father had the youth carried home. When the youth had gained consciousness, the father enquired : 

“Tell me truly what happened to you.” The young man recited the above verse, shrieked, fell on the ground, and his soul left the body. The people washed and wrapped his body in a shroud. The next morning, somebody related this incident to Hadrat ‘Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). He went to the young man’s father :o condole with him and said: “Why didn’t you inform me about his funeral.”” 

The old man replied: “O Commander of the Faithful! it was the hour of night, and we did not want to cause inconvenience to you.’ Hadrat ‘Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُsaid: ‘‘Take me to his grave.” On arrival at the grave along with his companions, Hadrat ‘Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) observed: “The man who fears the day when he will stand before God will be awarded two paradises.” The young man answered twice from his grave, “O ‘Umar, my Lord hath indeed awarded me two heavens.”





No comments: