Bara ibn Azib, a very
honorable companion of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), a dignified narrator of
Hadiths, a great warrior, and Ansar, who converted to Islam when he was only
thirteen years old. His father was also a companion.
He had memorized some of the long chapters (Surahs) of the
Glorious Qur’an. According to Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqa’t (v.4 pg.367), he was
considered as the most renowned companion of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). As
he was nurtured in the cradle of Islam and was spiritually motivated, he
offered to fight in the Battle of Badr although he was only fifteen years old!
As per Ibn Hisham in Sirat al-Nabawiyya and al-Istiyab, the Noble Prophet
(s.a.w.a.s.) did not permit him to fight. However, he took part in fourteen
wars and eighteen journeys with him (s.a.w.a.s.). After the sad demise of the
Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), he took part in the conquest of Rey, Abhar and
Qazwin. (Usd al-Ghabah)
He sincerely loved the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali
(a.s.) and migrated to Kufa and settled next to his (a.s.)’s house. He took
part and fought on the side of Imam Ali (a.s.) in the Battles of Jamal, Siffin
and Nahrawan. Bara ibn Azib narrates his
love and affection for the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Household in this
way: “I always loved the Bani Hashem. After the sad demise of the Noble Prophet
(s.a.w.a.s.), I feared that the government and caliphate would be usurped from
them. When my fears came true and the caliphate was usurped, I was overcome
with grief but the anguish of losing of Allah’s Prophet was more intense. After
the earthly departure of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), we heard the news that
some of them had pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr, I came out of my house. I saw
Abu Bakr surrounded by Umar and Abu Ubaidah Jarrah with some other people. They
would stop any passer bye and forced him and to pay allegiance to Abu Bakr
saying, “You must pay allegiance to the Noble Prophet’s successor.” I was
disgusted by this kind of forced allegiance and rushed to the house of Bani
Hashem as fast as I could. I knocked at the door of their house frantically and
insisted on seeing them.” (Qamus al-Rijal v.2 pg.154)
It can be deduced that Bara ibn Azib loved the Noble
Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.s.) family and that he firmly supported Imam Ali (a.s.), who
was busy with the burial rites of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), while his
absence was cashed upon by the politically motivated companions of the Noble
Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.).
Bara ibn Azib also transmitted the event of Ghadeer-e-Khumm.
Ibn Jawzi says, “Bara ibn Azib recounts
that on the day of Ghadeer, the call to afternoon prayers was made. The Noble Prophet led the congregational
prayer. After the prayer, he took Ali’s hand into his own hand and said, “for
whomsoever I am a leader and guide, this Ali is his leader and guide.”
Instantly after this
divine appointment, Umar came forward to congratulate Ali (a.s.) and said, “I
compliment you, O son of Abu Talib. From today onwards, you are the leader and
Imam of all Muslim men and women.” (Tadkhirat al-Khawas page 29). As he had witnessed the
events of Ghadeer-e-Khumm” hence after the sad demise of the Noble Prophet
(s.a.w.a.s.), he was in a different state of mind than other Muslims, he was
always sad and could not be consoled.
He died at the age of eighty and was buried in Kufa.
(al-Istiab v.1 pg.945, Tabakhat v.4 pg. 368, Usd al-Ghabba v.1 pg285
Source:
Exemplary Youths during the Early Days of Islam by Muhammad Ali Chanarani
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