Wifāq ul Ulāma (SA) ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN 'ULAMA
Incident regarding his accepting Islam
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) relates:
Prior to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) being blessed with prophethood, I set out on a journey to Yemen. On arriving in Yemen, I came across a learned sheikh from the tribe of Azd who possessed great knowledge regarding the previous scriptures and was also knowledgeable in regard to the ways and mannerisms of the various tribes of people. Upon seeing me, the following dialogue ensued between us:
The learned sheikh: “It seems to me that you are from the residents of the Haram.”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “Yes, I am from the people of the Haram.”
The learned sheikh: “It seems like you are from the Quraish tribe.”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “Yes, I am from the Quraish.”
The learned sheikh: “It seems like you belong to the Banu Taim clan (i.e. from the descendants of Taim bin Murrah).”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq rad: “Yes, I am from the progeny of Taim bin Murrah. I am ‘Abdullah bin ‘Uthmaan, from the progeny of Ka’b bin Sa’d bin Taim bin Murrah.”
The learned sheikh: “All the signs are evidently witnessed in you, however, there is one more sign that has not yet been proven.”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “What is the last sign that you are searching for?”
The learned sheikh: “Expose your stomach to me.”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “I will not do so until you explain to me the reason for wanting to see it.”
The learned sheikh: “I have found recorded in the authentic scriptures that a Nabi will soon be sent in the world and he will hail from the Haram. A youngster and a middle-aged man will support him in his mission. As for the youngster, he will be extremely strong and powerful, and as for the middle-aged man, he will be fair in complexion, thin in body, on his stomach there will be a beauty spot, and on his left thigh there will be a mark. What harm will be caused if you expose to me what I have requested, for I have found all the signs in you besides one which is hidden from me?”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then exposed his stomach, and the learned sheikh saw a beauty spot above his navel. Seeing the beauty spot, he said, “I take an oath by the Lord of the Ka’bah! You are definitely the same person! I wish to forewarn you regarding some matter against which you should exercise extreme caution.” Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked, “And what is it that you wish to caution me about?” The learned Sheikh replied, “Be careful that you do not deviate from the straight path, hold firm to the perfect, moderate path, and fear Allah Ta‘ala regarding the favour which he will bestow upon you and bless you with.”
(To be continued insha Allah)
(Usdul Ghaabah 3/22)
