Author: Zaid
In the presence of Quraysh Shahsawar Abdullah ibn Zubair (part one)
Introduction:
Companionship Studies is a field of knowledge that no Muslim can do without. Anyone who claims faith and belief in the Prophet of Mercy, the Seal of Prophets, and the Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds (peace and blessings be upon him) undoubtedly needs this blessed knowledge to enhance their faith, increase their religious zeal, and progress in their spiritual life. This is because all the great Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) were like stars in the beacon of Prophethood, quenched from the abundant fountain of Prophethood, and received profound spiritual wisdom.
From studying Islamic books and sources, it becomes evident that the Noble Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) are like guiding stars. If a person follows one of them, they will be guided, reach their intended destination, and gain abundant goodness from the true religion of Islam.
If we examine the biographies of the Companions of Mustafa (peace and blessings be upon him) and the great figures of history and thought, we find that each of them led a different life. Some lived a life of asceticism, like Syedna Abu Zarr Al-Ghafari (may Allah be pleased with him). Others lived a life of struggle, like Syedna Khalid ibn Al-Walid (may Allah be pleased with him). Some lived a life of trade, like Syedna Abdur-Rahman Ibn Awf (may Allah be pleased with him). Some led a life of knowledge, like Syedna Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him), while others were in the service of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), like Syedna Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) and others.
In short, in every aspect of human life, the Noble Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) are perfect examples, and we can rely on and follow them in every part of our lives. This is because all of them meticulously followed the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), never deviating from his path and always walking in his footsteps without paying attention to the blame of any blamer.
In this part of our series of books and articles on the Seerah (biography), we will now visit the life of one of the great men of history and prominent figures of thought—a personality whose name is frequently mentioned in gatherings of Seerah and whose life is abundantly recorded in the books of Seerah and history: a famous and well-known figure, Syedna Abdullah Ibn Zubair Al-Qurashi (may Allah be pleased with him).
Therefore, as far as the available information permits, we will delve into the life of this esteemed Companion in detail and discuss it thoroughly.
Reasons for Choosing This Topic:
Some readers may wonder why we chose to focus on this particular personality when there are other eminent figures whose lives also deserve to be written about. Moreover, since this personality is already well-known, there might seem to be no need for further writing on their life.
In response to this question, it must be said that while it is true that Syedna Abdullah Ibn Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) is a famous and well-known figure, his life has not been comprehensively detailed. In the books of Seerah, only brief accounts are available, and even in some books specifically dedicated to this topic, not all aspects of his life have been thoroughly discussed. Therefore, we decided to fully investigate and examine this subject using reliable sources.
Syedna Abdullah Ibn Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) is a personality unparalleled in history. Thus, it is fitting for the Islamic community to introduce this rare and precious gem to the world and to wear the medal of honor.
Who was Abdullah? What family did he belong to? When did he open his blessed eyes to this world? What were the factors that shaped his personality? When did he embrace Islam, and what achievements did he leave behind? And many other questions…
For the ease of our dear readers, I have divided the contents of this topic into various sections. I now present the initial section, which deals with the name, lineage, family, and tribe of Syedna Abdullah Ibn Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) for study and investigation. I pray that Allah the Almighty makes us true and sincere followers of these great figures in this world and gathers us with these great men of history on the Day of Resurrection.
Summary:
Syedna Abdullah Ibn Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him), the Shahsawar (knight) of Quraysh, the first Muslim child born in Medina, the brave lion, the seeker of refuge in the House of Allah, and the crucified of the Ka’bah, was one of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and one of the valiant men of early Islam, whose name history has recorded with zeal, faith, sacrifice, and courage. His birth put an end to the superstitions of the Jewish mythmakers, and his life was a resounding slap in the face of the oppressors and tyrants of his time.
He offered his life sincerely and defended the oppressed Caliph, Usman Zu al-Nurayn (may Allah be pleased with him), and then Umm al-Mu’minin Ayesha al-Siddiqah (may Allah be pleased with her) with utmost loyalty. He was someone who spent his nights in prayer and his days in fasting. He was a devoted son and obedient to his mother. He sought refuge in the House of Allah and repaired the Ka’bah. He was the brave man who stood against oppression and tyranny until his last breath, never submitting to humiliation. Like Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) in Karbala, he sacrificed his life beside the Ka’bah in defense of truth and justice.