6. Ramzan Quiz

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة 

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِٱلرَّحِيمِ

6. Allah has revealed more than 10 verses about the blind Companion of the Prophet ﷺ, Abdullah ibn Umm Maqdum (RA) in Surah Abasa. Which of the other verse of Quran was revealed after his prayer to Allah Subhanahuthala?

Answer: "Not equal are those who remain seated among the believers, except those who possess disabilities, and those who strive and fight in the way of Allah with their wealth and their persons.”  (Surah an-Nisaa, 4: 95).

He as a Muslim:

Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum (RA) was a cousin of Bibi Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA). He was born blind. He was living in Bibi Kahathija’s house along with his mother. Hence was one amongst the firsts to accept Islam.  Like other Muslims he was also persecuted. But he was firm in his faith and dedicated to His messenger.

Revelation of surah Abasa:

His interest in learning Islam and his enthusiasm in the memorizing the Quran made him always to be with the company of the Prophet ﷺ. Since he was blind he will always talk loudly without knowing what was happening in the surrounding. Sometimes he unintentionally irritated the Prophet ﷺ with so many questions and doubts. At one such situations only, surah Abasa was revealed as, “(The Prophet ﷺ) frowned and turned away, because there came to him the blind man [i.e. ‘Abdullah bin Umm-Maktum, who came to the Prophet ﷺ while he was preaching to one or some of the Quraish chiefs]’. (80:1 and 2)

Prophet ﷺ gave great respect to him after that: 

From that day onwards, the Prophet ﷺ seemed to be patient with him, respected him, and greeted him with these words: "Welcome unto him on whose account my Sustainer has rebuked me."

His migration to Madhina before Hijra:

To escape from persecution by Quraish and also on the request made by the team from Madhina to teach Quran, the Prophet ﷺ sent him along with Musab ibn Umayr (RA) to Madhina. By their teaching many people in the Madhina were converted to Islam. When the Prophet ﷺ, arrived Madhina, he appointed him as muadh-dhins for Aazan along with Bilal ibn Rabah (RA). Narrated Anas: "The Prophet appointed Ubn Umm Makthum as a governor of Madina (in his absence) twice." [Sunan Abi Dawud 2931].

Allah revealed another verse involving Ibn Umm- Maktum (RA): 

Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi: I saw Marwan bin Al-Hakam (RA) sitting in the Mosque. So I came forward and sat by his side. He told us that Zaid bin Thabit (RA) had told him that Allah's Messenger ﷺ had dictated to him the Divine Verse: "Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and lives.' (4.95) Zaid (RA) said,"Ibn-Maktum (RA) came to the Prophet ﷺ while he was dictating to me that very verse. On that Ibn Um Maktum (RA) said, "O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! If I had power, I would surely take part in Jihad." He was a blind man. So Allah sent down revelation to His Apostle immediately, while his thigh was on mine and it became so heavy for me that I feared that my thigh would be broken. Then that state of the Prophet ﷺ was over after Allah revealed "...except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame etc.) (4.95) [Sahih al-Bukhari, 2832]. 

His interest on Jihad to attain high status from Allah:

Even though Allah exempted him from Jihadh on account of his blindness, his quest to go for expedition and to raise him to high status  was great. But he never had a chance to go for expedition, during the life time of the Prophet ﷺ. 

His prayer and request to participate in Jihad:

Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum (RA) refused to stay among those who remained at home when an expedition was in progress. He prayed to Allah and begged to give a role for himself on the battle field. He would say: "Place me between two rows and give me the flag. I will carry it for you and protect it, for I am blind and cannot run away. "

His martydom:

Umar (RA), when he became the Ameerul-Momineen, gave him a chance in the battle against Persians as a flag holder. When the army reached Qadisiyyah, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum (RA) wearing a coat of armor, well protected, also went, carrying the flag. The Muslims winned the battle with a price of hundreds of martyrs. Among them was Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum (RA). He was found dead on the battlefield holding the flag of the Muslims. 

Thus a simple, pious, blind companion of Rasulullah ﷺ joined Shuhadha due to his love and faith of Allah.  

 الحمدلله