Islamic personalities

Ibn Yunus (399 A.H. / 1009 A.D.)

- His Birth and Early Life:

- His name is Abu Al-Hasan bin `Abdul-Rahman bin Ahmad bin Yunus bin `Abd Al-A`la.

- He was born in Egypt in a respected family in Fustat, his great grandfather having been a companion of the famous legal scholar Al-Sahfi`i and his father being a distinguished historian and scholar of hadith.

- Since his childhood, Ibn Yunus received knowledge. Due to Ibn Yunus’ excellence in astronomy, Al-`Aziz Billah the Fatimid and his son Al-Hakim Bi’amr Allah encouraged him to proceed in his researches in astronomy and mathematics. They dedicated for him an observatory on the peak of Al-Muqattam hills near Cairo, which was equipped with the most modern observation tools.

- Ibn Yunus managed to observe the solar and lunar eclipses in 368 A.H. / 978 A.D.

- He reached the same results discovered by the astronomers of Baghdad. His astronomical tables were distinguished with meticulous calculations and attention to detail, what made them a reference to all later scientists.

- Important Achievements:

- He observed the solar eclipses in the years 368 A.H. / 977 A.D. and 369 A.H./ 978 A.D. These were the first eclipses to be reliably and accurately recorded in a scientific way.

- He determined the secular acceleration of the moon.

- He corrected many theories regarding the inclination of the zodiac, the atmospheric refraction of the sun’s rays and the equinox.

- He managed to resolve many intricate questions of astrometry.

- He was the first to consider secondary parentheses as an alternative of square roots that render mathematical questions very intricate.

- He contributed to making trigonometry as a separate science from astronomy.

- He initiated the tables of tangents and cotangents.

- He invented a new method to facilitate mathematical operations.

- The most important of his inventions was the pendulum.

- Ibn Yunus dedicated all his life in studying and observing the motion of planets.

- Among the most important works of Ibn Yunus in astronomy and mathematics are the following:

- Al-Zij Al-Hakimi (four volumes)

- Kitab Al-Zhill

- Ghayat Al-Intifa`

- Kitab Al-Mail

- Al-Ta`dil Al-Muhkam

- Al-Raqqas

- Tarikh A`yan Misr

Abu Hurairah (May Allah Be Pleased with Him)

Birth and Early Life:

- His name is `Abdul-Rahman bin Sakhr Al-Dausi.

- He was born in Yemen in a poor family. He had no relatives except his mother.

- He grew up as an orphan, who worked for Busrah bint Ghazwan.

- His name before Islam was “`Abd Shams”.

His Conversion to Islam:

- He embraced Islam at the hands of Al-Tufail bin `Amr Al-Dausi and remained with his people (Daus). He immigrated to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Medina only six years following the Prophet’s Hijrah.

- The Prophet (peace be upon him) named him “``Abdul-Rahman” and often nicknamed him “Abu Hirr”.

- He was nicknamed “Abu Hurairah” because he had a kitten in his childhood, which he used to play with. His mates used to call him “Abu Hurairah.”

His Service of the Prophet:

- Following his conversion to Islam, Abu Hurairah dedicated himself to the service of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

- He invited his mother to embrace Islam and she accepted his invitation, after the Prophet had supplicated Allah for her. Abu Hurairah was a good and obedient son.

- Abu Hurairah resided in Al-Suffah (a place in the Prophet’s Mosque dedicated to accommodate the poor Companions.) He kept the company of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and seldom did he leave him. He memorized many of the Prophet’s Hadiths, especially after the Prophet supplicated Allah for him not to forget knowledge.

- Abu Hurairah memorized more than 1,600 Hadiths. He used to say: “I memorize Hadiths while my bothers of Muhajirin are busy with their trade and my brothers of Ansar are busy with their cultivation.”

His Interest in Knowledge:

- Abu Hurairah was interested in learning and spreading knowledge. He once went to the marketplace of Medina and said to the people: “What is the matter with you? Why do you stay here while the Prophet’s heritage is being distributed in the mosque?” The people went to the mosque and found nothing but men praying, reciting Qur’an, or listening religious lessons. Abu Hurairah said to them: “This is the heritage of the Prophet.”

- When the financial conditions of the Muslims changed to affluence, Abu Hurairah owned a house and furniture and had a wife and children. However, this did not affect his interest in knowledge, his modesty, and his devotion in worship.

His Piety:

- During the caliphate of Mu`awiah bin Abi Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), Abu Hurairah was appointed ruler of Medina. Such position did not affect his piety and righteousness, as he used to fast during the day and offer optional prayers during the night.

- He often said: “I grew up as an orphan, immigrated while being poor and worked for Busrah bint Ghazwan in return for my provision. I was required to serve my employers in their residence and urge their camels forward when they traveled. Then I married Busrah bint Ghazwan, thanks to Allah, Who has made religion a criterion for evaluating men and made Abu Hurairah Imam.”

Zaid bin Harithah (may Allah Be Pleased with Him)

His Early Life:

- His name is Zaid bin Harithah bin Shurahil Al-Ka`bi.

- When he was eight years old, his mother Su`da bint Tha`labah took him in a visit to her people Banu Ma`n. On the way, they were attacked by Banu Al-Qain, who plundered her people’s property and took their offspring as captives.

- Losing her son, the mother of Zaid suffered a great deal and kept on weeping and wailing.

The Story of Selling Him:

- Zaid was offered for sale in `Ukazh marketplace, which was held in Mecca during the Sacred Months for transactions and as a forum for presenting poetry. Zaid was bought by Hakim bin Hizam, one of the dignitaries of the Quraish and nephew of Khadijah bint Khuwailid, who became later the wife of the Prophet.

- Hakim gave Zaid as a gift to his paternal aunt Khadijah, who in turn gave Zaid as a gift to the Prophet (peace be upon him) after they got married. At that time, the Prophet did not receive the revelation yet.

- Zaid was happy with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and loved him very much, and so did the Prophet (peace be upon him).

The Decision to Stay with the Messenger of Allah:

- Zaid’s father knew where his son is. He traveled to Mecca along with Ka`b, Zaid’s paternal uncle, carrying money to ransom Zaid.

- The Prophet (peace be upon him) refused to take money and proposed to make Zaid free to choose either to stay with him or to return to his family. Zaid’s father and uncle were satisfied with this suggestion. Unexpectedly, Zaid preferred to stay with the Messenger (peace be upon him). When his father blamed him for preferring servitude to freedom, Zaid explained that he experienced something during his stay with the Prophet that urged him to keep his company forever. When Zaid said that, the Prophet took him to the Sacred House and proclaimed his adoption of Zaid before the Quraish people. On seeing this, Zaid’s father was very pleased and he left Mecca after being reassured of his son’s status. Zaid was called Zaid the son of Muhammad until adoption was prohibited and the Qur’anic verse: “Call them by the names of their fathers” (33:5) was revealed. Afterwards, Zaid was known as Zaid bin Harithah.

His Jihad:

- When the Prophet (peace be upon him) received revelation, Zaid was one of the pioneering men who accepted Islam, and commanded some of the detachments and deputations sent by the Prophet (peace be upon him). Sometimes he was appointed ruler of Medina when the Prophet left it for some battles in outside borders.

His Death:

- In 8 A.H., Zaid bin Harithah (may Allah be pleased with him) commanded the Islamic army, which was composed of 3000 soldiers, at the battle of Mu’tah. No sooner the Islamic army reached Mi`an (present Jordan), than Hiraql, the Roman King, commanded an army of 100,000 soldiers, to which another 100,000 of the polytheist Arabs were joined. Zaid was killed in that battle, and was succeeded by Ja`far bin Abi Talib and `Abdullah bin Rawahah, who were also killed. The Muslims then chose Khalid bin Al-Walid to command the army. Khalid managed to make an organized retreat, thus saving the Islamic army from total destruction.

- The Prophet was very sad for the death of Zaid and the other two commanders. He wept bitterly for the loss of his beloved Zaid.

`Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah Be Pleased with Him)

Birth:

`Amr bin Al-`As (may Allah be pleased with him) was born about 50 years before the Hijrah.

Character:

- `Amr bin Al-`As was a smart fellow and one of the well-known resourceful Arabs, and a peerless genius.

- He was one of the most eloquent and speech making Arabs.

- He had exceptional faculties and was characterized by prudence and far insight.

- His father is Al-`As bin Wa’il who was one of the Arab dignitaries and wise men, who lived in the Pre-Islamic period.

- `Amr bin Al-`As had an eventful life, which made his biography the subject of people’s interest for ages.

- Following the first immigration, some Muslims made to Abyssinia to seek shelter with the Abyssinian King Negus, the Quraish tribe decided to get hold of them and to incite Negus against them. They found none to undertake this mission better than `Amr bin Al-`As, because he was a resourceful man who had good relation with Negus. After Negus heard `Amr’s claim and the Muslims’ defense, he was inclined to Islam that he embraced it later.

`Amr’s Conversion to Islam
- When `Amr bin Al-`As failed to convince Negus to hand over the Muslim immigrants and was about to return home, Negus invited him to embrace Islam, explaining the great favor that Allah endowed on Arabs by sending the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Such advice from a king like Negus impressed `Amr bin Al-`As and resulted in his embracement of Islam in 8 A.H.

- `Amr bin Al-`As decided to meet the Prophet (peace be upon him). On his way, he met Khalid bin Al-Walid and `Uthman bin Talhah, who had the same orientation.

- When the three met the Prophet (peace be upon him), both Khalid and `Uthman extended their hands to pledge allegiance to him, while `Amr bin Al-`As withheld his hand. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked: “What is the matter with you, `Amr?” He replied: I shall pledge allegiance on the condition that Allah would forgive my pervious sins. Upon this the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “Islam and Hijrah wipe out what was before them.” Thus, `Amr pledged allegiance. Knowing how magnanimous and genius `Amr was, the Prophet (peace be upon him) appointed him the commander of the Muslim army at the Battle of Dhat Al-Salasil.

His Jihad:

- Following the Prophet’s death, `Amr bin Al-`As had a significant role in curbing the rebels in the Riddah Wars during the caliphate of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq.

- During the caliphate of `Umar bin Al-Khattab, `Amr bin Al-`As managed to conquer Palestine and Egypt. The importance of this conquest needs no elaboration. This resulted in securing the coastline of ancient Syria to Muslim armies. Through the conquest of Egypt, the gates of Africa and Spain were opened.

- `Amr bin Al-`As showed resourcefulness and military genius in the conquest of Egypt. This was the subject of even non-Muslim historians’ admiration and appreciation.

- Quotations:

- “Men are of three types: a perfect man, half a man and a null man. As for the first, he is a man with perfect religion and mind. If he intends to do something, he consults the people of sound opinion, thus he will continue to be successful. As for the half-man, he is one whose religion and mind are not perfect. If he wants to do something, he neither consults anyone, nor asks himself which people he should follow and give up his opinion in favor of theirs. Thus, he will be liable to success and failure. As for the null man, he is the one who has neither religion nor mind. He continues to fail throughout. By Allah, I always consult men concerning my affairs, even my servants.”

- In the later part of his life, he used to say: “I experienced three phases of my life, in which I knew myself well: At first I was a disbeliever. If I died then, I would be liable to enter Hell. When I pledged allegiance to the Prophet (peace be upon him), I was so shy of him that I never gazed at him. If I died then, people would say: “Hurrah for `Amr! He embraced Islam and his life ended well.” Later, I was indulged in certain matters which I don’t know whether they will be counted for or against me.”

Traits:

- He died in 43 A.H., after a long eventful lifetime.

Ibn Al-Haitham (354-430 A.H. / 965-1039 A.D.)

His Birth and Early Life:

His name is Al-Hasan Abu `Ali Muhammad bin Al-Hasan bin Al-Haitham.

- He was born in Basra, Iraq.

- He was one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists and the founder of optics.

- He worked in a governmental body in Iraq.

- Later, he devoted himself to research and study.

- He studied philosophy and anatomy and was well versed in the latter, especially that of the eye.

His Journey to Egypt:

- Once he said: “If I had been in Egypt, I would have performed a project that will allow the Egyptians to make use of the Nile letting aside any shortage in its water. Knowing this, the Fatimid Caliph Al-Hakim summoned him and he did travel to Egypt. When he saw the river sources, he realized that he could not do what he intended. In sadness, he returned to Egypt where he worked in a governmental body.

Ibn Al-Haitham spent the rest of his life in Cairo, writing and copying references. Each year, he would scribe copies of Euclid’s Elements in geometry and Ptolemy’s Almagest in astronomy, sell them and live on their revenue throughout the whole year.

- Ibn Al-Haitham was famous everywhere and he was known for abundant knowledge and many writings.

- He excelled in many fields, including:

- Geometry

- Philosophy

- Logic

- Medicine

- Astronomy

- The top of his achievements was in the filed of optics; he was the first to accurately describe the parts of the eye and the process of vision. He aborted the Greek theory of vision that objects are seen by rays of light emanating from the eyes; according to him the rays originate in the object of vision and not in the eye.

- He discovered the laws of refraction and reflection and the relation between the angle of the light fall and its refraction.

- He carried out the first experiments on the dispersion of light into its constituent colors.

- He studied various physical phenomena like shadows, eclipses, rainbow, and the physical nature of light.

- His research in catoptrics centered on spherical and parabolic mirrors and spherical aberration.

- He also discussed the theories of attraction between solid matters, and their acceleration due to gravity.

- He also pointed to the first law of mechanics.

- He left a list of books in different fields: mathematics, astronomy, optics, medicine and anatomy.

- His famous books include:

- Kitab Al-Manazhir (seven volumes)

- Musadarat Iqlidis

- Hall Shukuk Iqlidis

- Taqwim Al-Sina`ah Al-Tibbiyah

- Tashrih Al-`Ain wa Kaifiyat Al-Ibsar

- He wrote many treatises and essays, including:

- Misahat Al-Mujasiym Al-Mukafi’ Al-`Adad wa Al-Mujassam

- Muqaddimat Dil` Al-Musabba`

- Tarbi` Al-Da’irah

- Istikhraj Adlu` Al-Muka`ab

- `Ilal Al-Hisab Al-Hindi

- Al-Tahlil wa Al-Tarkib

Quotations:

- “So long as I live, I shall exert my efforts aiming at three things:

First: to benefit the seekers of truth in my life and after my death

Second: I have made this endeavor in order to prove the conception formed in my mind regarding these sciences

Third: to be an asset on which I rely when I am old”

Bilal bin Rabah (May Allah Be Pleased with Him)

His Birth and Early Life:

Bilal bin Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him) was born in Mecca 43 years before the Hijrah.

Bilal spent his early life in Mecca as a slave owned by some orphans from the Banu `Abd Al-Dar, who were under the custody of Umaiyah bin Khalaf.

After the Prophet’s Mission and the emergence of Islam, Bilal was one of the pioneering converts to Islam. When he embraced Islam, there were very few Muslims, such as Khadijah bint Khuwailid, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, `Ali bin Abi Talib, `Ammar bin Yasir and his mother Sumaiyah, Suhaib Al-Rumi, and Al-Miqdad bin Al-Aswad.

His Forbearance of Persecution:

At the hands of the polytheists of the Quraish, Bilal suffered a great deal of persecution, maltreatment, oppression and violence, which none but a true Muslim can bear. Many of the converts had influential relatives in the Quraish who could protect them, except Bilal, `Ammar bin Yasir as well as his father and mother, and Suhaib. They were the object of the Quraish’s wrath and indignation.

It was the custom of Umaiyah bin Khalaf and a group of polytheists to take Bilal in midday to a plain, when the sands became extremely hot, slip him of his clothes, dress him in an iron shield and let him suffer the burning heat of the sun and the scorching sands, while they flogged him with whips. They then ordered him to revile the Prophet (peace be upon him).

In spite of the relentless torture, Bilal uttered no words other than “Ahadun Ahad” (He is the One and Only One, He is the One and Only One). Whenever Umaiyah bin Khalaf lost hope of diverting Bilal from Islam through torture, he would put a cuff around his neck and hand him over to some boys and light-minded men to drag him throughout the valleys and plains of Mecca.

Abu Bakr then bought Bilal from Umaiyah bin Khalaf for a high price and set him free. Though he would sell Bilal at any price, Umaiyah demanded a high price, but Abu Bakr was ready to pay generously in order to set him free.

Bilal was so pleased when Abu Bakr bought him and set him free. Afterwards, he turned over a new leaf of his life, which he had never experienced. He immigrated to Medina with the believers.

His Traits:

Bilal was the Prophet’s muezzin throughout the Prophet’s lifetime. After the Prophet’s death, once Bilal made Adhan. When he reached “Ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulu-llah” (I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah), he was in tears. He asked Abu Bakr to pardon him from the task of making Adhan, as he would not bear to do that after the Prophet’s death.

Bilal joined the first Muslim mission after the Prophet’s death and stayed in Daria near Damascus. When `Umar bin Al-Khattab, who loved and respected Bilal so much, visited Damascus, he ordered him to make Adhan. `Umar used to say: “Abu Bakr is our master, who emancipated our master,” meaning Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him). When Bilal made Adhan, he wept. `Umar and all other Companions who were present and who used to hear Bilal’s voice during the lifetime of the Prophet, also wept. If fact, the voice of Bilal moved their emotions and took their memories to the past, which they loved most.

His death:

Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) died while repeating the phrase: “Tomorrow I shall meet the beloved company: Muhammad and his Companions”. May Allah be pleased with him and reward him on account of the great services he made to the cause of Islam.