HOUSES ON THE WEST SIDE

1.Abdullah bin Jaafar (RU) and his house:

Near the northwestern corner of the Mosque three houses were in a row and had their doors opened in a street called “Qayasheen Street.” This street ran just south of these houses. There was another street that ran just north of these three homes and it was called “Al Yahya Street”. Abdullah bin Jaafar’s (RU) house was the closest to the northwestern wall of the Mosque among these three houses.

Abdullah bin Jaafar (RU) was son of Jaafar Tayyar (RU) the uncle of the Prophet (SAS). When Jaafar Tayyar (RU) migrated to Habsha, Abdullah was born there. Abdullah was headman of his tribe. He was very generous and was a prominent scholar. He was a commander of a troop in Ali’s (RU) army during the Battle of Safain. His contemporaries composed some poetry to praise his skills and personality. He died during 80 Hijrah in Madina Munawwara.

His house was originally owned by Abdur Rehman bin Auf (RU). Then Abdullah (RU) owned it. After Abdullah (RU) passed away, it was owned by Muneerah, the freed servant of Umm Musa.

Samhoudi (who died in 911 Hijrah) wrote, the house built on this site was used by Sheikh Arif Billah. Later it changed hand and was owned by Qadi Mohi-d-Din. History is silent what happened after that.

2. Talha bin Obaidullah (RU) and his house:

He embraced Islam on the preaching of Abu Bakr (RU) at the very dawn of Islam. He was one of those ten companions who were given glad tidings of paradise by the Prophet (SAS).  He was also the member of the Shura Council to choose a caliph after Omar (RU). He was extremely generous and hence the Prophet (SAS) used to call him Talha Al Khair or Talha Al Joad or Talha Al Fayyaz i.e. super generous Talha (RU). The Prophet (SAS) made Zubair bin Awwan (RU) his Islamic brother during their stay in Makkah to strengthen their bonds. Similarly, the Prophet (SAS) made Abu Ayub Ansari (RU) his Islamic brother on Talha’s arrival in Madina. He participated in Bait Ridwan. He displayed great bravery during the Battle of Uhad. He stood in front of the Prophet (SAS) during the battle to shield him from arrows coming from the enemy. Abu Talha’s (RU) one hand was totally damaged and his head was also badly hurt during this battle. When enemy troops came very close to the Prophet (SAS), Talha (RU) carried the Prophet (SAS) on his back and climbed on a rock to protect the Prophet (SAS) from the enemies.

He took part in the Battle of Jamal on the side of Aisha (RTA). He became a martyr in this battle during 36 Hijrah and was buried in Basrah.

His house was adjacent to Abdullah bin Jaafar’s  (RU) house as seen in the map. His children divided the house into three parts. Yahya bin Talha took the part adjacent to Abdullah bin Jaafar’s (RU) house. Middle part went to Essa bin Talha and third part went to Ibrahim bin Mohammad bin Talha, the grandson of Talha (RU). These three houses were known as “Houses of Qayasheen” and hence this street was also called “Qayasheen Street.” The main door of these houses also opened into this street.

As mentioned earlier, another street run just north of these houses and Yahya bin Talha had an additional door of his house opened into this street. This small door was called the small door of the family of Yahya. Consequently this street came to be known as “ Khokhah Al Yahya.”

3. Zubair bin Awwam (RU) and his house:

He belonged to Banu Asad branch of Quraish tribe. He was son of the maternal aunt of the Prophet (SAS). He was also one of ten companions who were given glad tidings of paradise by the Prophet (SAS). He was also a member of the six-men advisory council to choose the third Caliph.

At the dawn of Islam he was only a child. He embraced Islam during his childhood. Once he heard that disbelievers have arrested the Prophet (SAS). He immediately came out with an naked sword. This was the first occasion when a Muslim drew a sword for the sake of Islam. The above news, however, turned out to be false.

The Prophet (SAS) used to call him Hawari or comrade. The Prophet (SAS) said, “Every Prophet has a comrade or helper. My comrade and helper is Zubair bin Awwam (RU).” The Prophet (SAS) was very happy with him during the Battle of Bani Quraiza. Prophet (SAS) said, “My father and mother are pleased with you, indeed.” Zubair bin Awwam took part in Battle of Badr and all other battles as well.

He was with the army of Aisha (RUA) during the battle of Jaml but stayed away from the battlefield. He was traveling toward Basra and reached the Sebaa valley. Ibn Jarmoz approached him from his backside and suddenly attacked him. Zubair bin Awwam (RU) died there and then.

There are thirty-seven Ahadith mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim narrated by Zubair bin Awwam (RU).

As seen in the map, his house was adjacent to Talha bin Obaid Ullah’s (RU) house. As mentioned in the History of Madina, he divided his house into two parts for his two sons. He gave the eastern part to Omar bin Zubair (RU) and western part to Urwa bin Zubair
 (RU).

Qayasheen Street:

This was about three meters wide street that was in front of fourteenth door of the Prophet’s Mosque. It was known by this name till twentieth century of Hijrah. Later it was called the street of the people of Hanbli School of Thought. This street was closed near the house of Zubair bin Awwam’s (RU) house and a door was installed there. This door opened into the Perfume Market. Probably this door was called Khokhah Al Qawarir.

4.Sakina bint Husain (RUA) and her house:

She was daughter of Husain (RU). She had very exquisite manners and was full of wisdom. There were many stories to describe her wit. She died during 117 Hijrah.

Her house was in front of fifteenth door of the Prophet’s Mosque. At present it should be considered in front of Old Bab Saud. It became part of the Mosque during the second Saudi extension.

5.Tamim Dari (RU) and his house:

His full name was Tamim bin Aus bin Khareja. He belonged to Banu Dar tribe. Hence he was called Dari. He was commonly known as Abu Ruqqaya derived from the name of his only daughter.

He was a Christian who embraced Islam during 9 Hijrah. There used to be no arrangement for light in the Prophet’s Mosque. He was the first who made the arrangement of light in Prophet’s Mosque. He chose to live in Madina. He however migrated to Syria after Caliph Osman’s (RU) martyrdom.

He offered Tahajjud very regularly. One night he recited the following verse during Tahajjud: Al Jathiya # 21

Do those who earn evil deeds think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe and do righteous good deeds, in their present life and after their death? Worst is the judgement that they make.

He kept crying whole night while reciting this verse again and again. His house was also near the fifteenth door of the Mosque. There is difference of opinions among the historians regarding the house of Sakina bint Husain (RTA) and Tamim Dari’s (RU) house. Some say that it was the same house. Others hold the opinion that these were two separate houses.

This historic house existed till very recently. In 1353 Hijrah Abdul Qaddus Ansari wrote,

 “At present the upper part of this house is non-existent. The lower part of the house has a stone with the following wording engraved in it.”

This is the house of Tamim Dari (RU). (Year of writing 1208 Hijrah).

During the first Saudi extension of the Mosque, this broken house was also removed and the land was included into the Mosque.

6.Hassan bin Thabit (RU) and his house:

He belonged to the Khazraj tribe of Ansar. He was known as the Prophet’s (SAS) poet. After embracing Islam he devoted his poetic skills for the defence of Islam and the Prophet’s (SAS) Message. He used to stand on a mimber in the Prophet’s Mosque and presented his poetry to the people very eloquently describing the achievements of the Prophet (SAS). The Prophet (SAS) said,

 “As long as Hassan keeps defending Allah’s Prophet, Allah (SWT) keeps on helping Hassan by Jibreel (AS).”

He lived for sixty years as a disbeliever. He lived another sixty years after embracing the Islam. He died during 50 Hijrah. Some families enjoy long lives generation after generation. Hassan’s (RU) father, Thabit, his grandfather, Mundhir, and his great grandfather, Haram, each lived for one hundred and twenty years. His house was like a fort and was known as Fare. In Arabic Fare means an elegant building that lies at a high level. This fort was in front of sixteenth door of the Prophet’s Mosque. The Prophet (SAS) transferred ladies and children of his family to this fort during the battle of Ahzab since there was no other safer place than this. A strange event took place in this fort. A Jew considered it a good opportunity to tease and disgrace the women and children while Muslims men were away in the battlefield. He circled around the fort and peeped into the building wherever he could. The aunt of the Prophet (SAS), Safia (RUA) noticed the activities of this Jew. She hit him with a bamboo stick and killed him then and there.

Hassan’s house was purchased by Jaafar bin Yahya, a minister in the cabinet of Haroon Rasheed. He also purchased Atika’s house and joined it with Hassan’s (RU) fort.  His new house extended all the way up to Bab Rahmah.

In 838 Hijrah, Sultan Shahab-ud-Din Ahmad of India built a school at the site of this fort. Sultan came from Gulburga. This school was known as. During the second Saudi extension it became the part of the Mosque.

7. Atika bint Abdullah (RUA) and her house:

She was the mother of caliph Yazeed bin Abdul Malik bin Marwan of Banu Umayya.

Her house was near Bab Rahmah. Therefore this Bab was also known as “Bab Atika.” Samhoudi (who died in 911 Hijrah) wrote as follows:

 “The building on this site is donated for the use of custodial personnel of the Prophet’s Mosque. This building lies on your left hand side as you come out of Bab Rahmah.”

8. Naeem bin Abdullah (RU) and his house:

He belonged to Banu Adi branch of Quraish tribe. He was a prominent companion of the Prophet (SAS). He embraced Islam before the migration to Habsha took place. He, however, migrated to Madina much later during the period of Hudaibia Truce. He took part in all the battles after migration.

One day the Prophet (SAS) said, “I entered paradise and heard Naeem coughing there.” Since that day Naeem was known as “Nahham” or a “person who coughs.”

He became a martyr at a place called “Ajnadeen” during the period of caliph Abu Bakr (RU). Some historian said that he became martyr during 15 Hijrah in the battle of Yarmook.

There used to be three-meter wide street that ran from Bab Rahmah into Madina market. If you came out of Bab Rahmah, the first house on the right hand side was Atika’s house and the second one was Naeem’s (RU) house. This house saw many changes but the street was preserved till the first Saudi extension of 1375 Hijrah.

9. Omar bin Khattab (RU) and his house:

He belonged to Banu Adi branch of Quraish tribe. He was a person of great dominating personality and was a prominent leader of his tribe before embracing Islam.

The Prophet (SAS) wished that Allah guide him to the light of Islam. He accepted Islamic faith five years before Hijrah to Madina took place. Muslims used to pray in hiding till Omar (RU) joined the Muslim ranks and files. Muslims started praying around the House of Allah (Kabah) after Omar (RU) accepted Islam. That’s why the Prophet (SAS) gave him the title of ‘Farooq.’ Caliph Abu Bakr (RU) appointed him his successor. He had somewhat hard temperament but it was due to his straight forwardness and adherence to the truth. He was very courageous and a man of great understanding and farsightedness. He used to express his opinion openly and boldly. Allah (SWT) loved his shrewd opinions and made many of those as Islamic law for all the coming generations.

He led a simple life in spite of his high position. It was hard for a stranger to identify Caliph Omar (RU) among a group of Muslims because of his simplicity in his lifestyle.

During the period of Caliph Omar (RU) the scholars agreed upon offering twenty rakats Salat Taraweeh in the month of Ramadan. This practice is strictly followed in both Harams and all over the world since that time. Maximum conquests took place during the period of Caliph Omar (RU).

A fire worshipper and slave of Mugheera bin Shuba whose name is Abu Lu Lu wounded him during the salat. He died on the first of Muharram 24 Hijrah. Omar (RU) was buried by the side of the Prophet (SAS). As seen in the map, his house was between door seventeen and door eighteen of the Mosque.

During Salat-ul-Juma, the rows of worshippers used to extend into Omar’s (RU) house. This house of Omar (RU) is called “Dar-ul-Qada” for the following reason. Omar (RU) made a will to his daughter Hafsa (RUA) and to his son Abdullah (RU). In this will he asked them to sell his house to pay off his outstanding debts. If the proceeds of the house failed to pay off all debts, his tribe Banu Adi should pay rest of the debts. According to his will the house was sold to pay off debts and hence it came to be known as “House for paying debts.”

During 138 Hijrah, Ziyad bin Obaidullah was appointed Governor of Makkah and Madina. He removed Dar-ul-Qada and other surrounding houses during 151 Hijrah to serve this land as a courtyard for the Prophet’s Mosque. He installed a new door between Bab Rahmah and door of Abu Bakr’s (RU) house. This new door was called “Bab Ziyad” and a plate with the following wording was placed on the top of this door.

To seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and for the reward on the day of judgment, the governor has made the extension in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque for the comfort of the visitors to this Mosque (151 Hijrah).

This courtyard was between Bab Ziyad and Bab Salam and came to be known as “Rahba-tul-Qada (or Qada courtyard) instead of Dar-ul-Qada. This courtyard was left as it was for a long time. Perhaps Kaafoor Muzaffary, the head custodian of the Mosque was the first to construct a building at this site.

Samhoudi (died 911 Hijrah) wrote that the house built on this site near Bab Rahmah was known as Dar Shabak (i.e. house with windows). Adjacent to this house were Jobania School and Hisan Atiq (i.e. old fort). A Joban, head of Mughal forces, built Jobania School during 724 Hijrah. The old fort was probably built by one of governors of Madina. That’s why the governor of Madina used this fort as his residence. During 814 Hijrah, Sultan Giyas-ud-Din, the ruler of Bengal, converted this fort into a school.

After the second fire mishap of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sultan Ashraf Qaitabai removed these three buildings during 886 Hijrah. He built a new school and a travel lodge at this site. He also built a minaret at this corner of the Mosque.

The justice department used these buildings for a while. By and by they became ruins.

Sultan Abdul Majeed Turki built another school, a huge library and a house for the head master during 1237 Hijrah. Sultan Abdul Aziz Turki renovated these buildings during 1282 Hijrah.

These buildings and the minaret was removed during the first Saudi extension in 1372 Hijrah. Now they are part of the western open space of the Mosque. Their location is between Bab Rahmah and Bab Salam.

10. Abu Bakr’s (RU) western house:

One of the houses of Abu Bakr (RU) was adjacent to the western wall of the Mosque. Its main door was in the west wall of the house. Abu Bakr (RU) also installed a small door in the eastern wall of the house that opened into the Prophet’s Mosque for an easy access to the Mosque. As a mentioned in Bukhari, the Prophet (SAS) said, “Close all those doors which open into the Mosque except the door of the house of Abu Bakr (RU).”

When Caliph Omar (RU) extended the Mosque, he included Abu Bakr’s (RU) house into the Mosque. He, however, installed a door in the new western wall of the Mosque in line with the original door of Abu Bakr’s (RU) house. The new door opened into Qada courtyard.

As a result of this whenever the Prophet’s Mosque was extended in western direction, this door was moved westward in line with the original door. It was to obey the instruction of the Prophet (SAS) for good.

During the first Saudi extension, this door was extended as well. It now consists of three doors and the southern most one is in line with the original door of Abu Bakr’s (RU) house as written on it in Arabic Khokhah Abi Bakr. Small door of Abu Bakr’s (RU) house.

The exact location of Abu Bakr’s (RU) western house is as follows. If you walk west ward from Mimbar, the house was located after the fifth pillar from the Mimbar. It was, of course, in line with the door marked “Khokhah Abu Bakr.”

It is interesting to note that the above-mentioned order of the Prophet (SAS) was an indicator and prediction that Abu Bakr (RU) would be the first caliph. Note even the door of the house of Abu Bakr (RU) is given permanent identification by Allah (SWT) through the instructions of His Prophet (SAS).

11.Abdullah Bin Mukammal (RU) and his house:

Famous historian Ibn Shabba count Abdullah bin Mukkamal among the companions of the Prophet (SAS). Probably he is the one who divorced his wives on his deathbed in order to deprive his wives from the inheritance. However, Caliph Osman (RU) gave the wives of Abdullah their legal share from the inheritance,

As seen in the map, his house was opposite to the Naeem’s (RU) house. It’s door opened into the Qada courtyard. Abdullah did not own this house. He had taken it on a deed gift from Abdur Rehman bin Auf (RU). There was Madina market on the west side of this house. This market had fruits, vegetables and shops of goldsmiths.

One resident of this house said to the Prophet (SAS), “O dear Prophet we used to have a large family with a lot of wealth at our disposal. Unfortunately the members of our family and our wealth are sharply decreasing since we stepped into this house.”

The Prophet (SAS) said to him, “Leave this house and find another residence.”

Jobania School was built at the site of this house during 724 Hijrah. This school was there till 886 Hijrah. Sultan Ashraf Qaitabai removed this school building and ordered to build a royal residence and a new school called “Ashrafia School” was built during 886 Hijrah. After the death of Qaitabai, it again came to be known as Jobania School.                                                                                                                                        

Hasabulla Makki (who died in 1335 Hijrah) said, “Even now people called it Jobania lodge. The alarming myths of earlier times are still prevalent. We hear some unusual stories from the senior citizens pertaining to the few western rooms of this travel lodge. These stories cannot be easily dispelled.”

Allah (SWT) knows the best.

12.Hakim bin Hizam Asadi (RU) and his house:

He belonged to Banu Asad branch of Quraish tribe. He was nephew of Khadija (RU) and cousin of Zubair bin Awwam (RU). He was known as Abu Khalid. He was born thirteen years before the event of the owners of the elephants. He took part in battle of Fujjar. This was a long drawn battle during the period of ignorance. Arabs used to respect the three sacred months even before dawn of Islam. However they disregarded the three sacred months during this battle. Hence it was called “Battle of Fujjar” (i.e. the battle of sinners).

He was a close friend of the Prophet )SAS) before and after the dawn of Islam. As mentioned in a Hadith, the Prophet (SAS) said at the conquest of Makkah, “If a person took refuge in the house of Hakeem today, he would be granted amnesty.”

He accepted Islam on the day of the conquest of Makkah and soon after this took part in the battle of Hunain and Taif. He died during 50 Hijrah or later than that. He also lived for one hundred and twenty years like Hassan bin Thabit (RU). Sixty of these years were before the dawn of Islam and sixty years after the dawn of Islam.

His house can be seen in the map. The door of this house opened into a street lying just west of the house. Samhoudi said that there used to be a fruit market in this street during the end of ninth century and the early part of the tenth century Hijrah.

13.Mutee bin Aswad (RU) and his house:

He belonged to Banu Adi branch of Quraish tribe. He accepted Islam at the time of the conquest of Makkah. He was one of those who were helped financially to reinforce their faith called “Muallifa-tul-Qaloob”. His faith was firmed up later on. His original name was Asi i.e. disobedient. The Prophet (SAS) changed his name to Mutee i.e. obedient. This is how it happened.

One day the Prophet (SAS) was delivering a sermon to his companions from the mimbar. The Prophet (SAS) said to his companions, “Sit down.” Asi was on his way to the Mosque when he heard this instruction of the Prophet (SAS). Asi sat down where he was on hearing this instruction. Later on the Prophet (SAS) said to Asi, “How come I didn’t see you in this sermon?” Asi said, “O dear Prophet, I was on my way to the Mosque when I heard you saying ‘sit down’. I sat down there and then to follow your instructions.” The Prophet (SAS) said to him, “You are not Asi (i.e. disobedient). You are Mutee (i.e. obedient).” Since that time he came to be known as Mutee.

He died during the period of caliph Omar (RU). His son Abdullah bin Mutee was the commander of the residents of Madina during 63 Hijrah.

Mutee’s house was known as Anqa. Please see the map for its location. During fourteenth century Hijrah, Fakhri Pasha removed this house and also other houses around it to extend the courtyard of the Mosque.

14.Abdullah bin Saad (RU) and his house:

He belonged to Banu Amer branch of Quraish tribe. He was an outstanding horse rider. He was very capable and a man of great understanding. He was one of the prominent leaders of Quraish tribe. He embraced Islam before the conquest of Makkah and he migrated to Madina. He used to write and record the revelations brought to Prophet Mohammad (SAS) by Jibreel (AS).

A big accident took place in his life. The accident was that he reverted back to disbelief after embracing Islam on account of some doubts created in his mind. However, Allah (SWT) wanted him to play a bigger role in near future. By grace of Allah (SWT), he again embraced Islam on the very day of the conquest of Makkah. Now his faith was even firmer. So much so that he was appointed governor of Egypt during 25 Hijrah. Not only that, whole Africa was conquered by him during 27 Hijrah.

He used to make the following supplication: “May Allah (SWT) make my last action in this life as salat.” Allah (SWT) granted his supplication. He died during 30 Hijrah when he was offering salat.

A street used to run westward from Bab Salam. If you come out of Bab Salam, the first house on the right hand was owned by Abdullah bin Saad (RU). He bought this house from Abbas (RU) for thirty thousand dirhams. After Abdullah’s death it was inherited by his son, Owais and came to be known as Awais house. During the middle of ninth century Hijrah, Qadi Abdullah Basit built a school on this site that was called “Basitia School.”

15.Muawiya (RU) and his house:

He belonged to Banu Ummaya branch of Quraish tribe. He was very capable and a man of great understanding. He was serene and gentle in personality. He was very eloquent in his speech. He also used to write and record the revelations brought to Prophet Mohammad (SAS) by Jibreel (AS). As mentioned in Tirmidhi, the Prophet (SAS) made the following dua for Maawiya (RU). 

Oh Allah, please enable Muawiya to provide guidance to others. Please keep him on your guidance and make him provider of the guidance to the Ummah. He was appointed governor of Syria. He became caliph after Hasan (RU) withdrew himself. He was caliph for twenty years. He died on the 22nd of Rajab 60 Hijrah when he was seventy-eight years old.

The door of his house also used to open into the adjacent street lying just east of his house.

16. Nufil bin Haris (RU) and his house:

He was uncle of the Prophet (SAS). He was one of the prisoners in the Battle of Badr. Later on he embraced Islam and migrated to Madina. Prophet (SAS) made Islamic brotherhood between him and Abbas (RU). Both loved each other deeply even before the dawn of Islam. So much so that their all assets were common.

Nufil (RU) took part in conquest of Makkah and battles of Hunain and Taif. Nufil (RU) was one of those who displayed steadfastness during the Battle of Hunain. He used three thousand arrows against the enemy and stood by the Prophet (SAS) during the critical hours.

The Prophet (SAS) granted side-by-side pieces of land to Nufil (RU) and Abbas (RU). Both built their houses on them. During the extension of Mosque by caliph Omar (RU), Abbas’ (RU) house was definitely included in the Mosque. Probably Nufil’s (RU) house was not included at that time. Just south of Nufil’s (RU) house was palace of Marwan bin Hakam that was used as residence by governor of Madina.

17.Ammar bin Yasir (RU) and his house:

His mother was a freed slave of Banu Makhzum. Ammar and his parents embraced Islam at the very dawn of Islam. They experienced extreme torture from the disbelievers due to their new faith. Whenever the Prophet (SAS) saw them being tortured by the disbelievers, he said, “O family of Yasir, be patient, your abode is Paradise.”

The whole family of Yasir (RU) is included in the group of believers who were foremost in embracing Islam and would be, by the grace of Allah (SWT), the foremost to enter the paradise. Prophet (SAS) gave him two very enviable titles Tayyeb i.e. good person and Mutayyeb i.e. who makes others good persons.

One of his ears was chopped off during the battle of Yamama. When caliph Omar (RU) appointed him governor of Kufa, Omar (RU) wrote the following letter to the people of Kufa, “O residents of Kufa, I am sending to you a very prominent and highly respected companion of the Prophet (SAS).”

He was martyred during the battle of Safain when he took part on the side of Ali (RU). He was ninety-three years old.

The scholars agree that the following verse was revealed about him. An-Nahl # 106  

Whoever disbelieved in Allah after his belief, except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is at rest with Faith; but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a great torment.

His house was on the southwestern corner of the Mosque. Abbas’ (RU) house was just east of it and Abu Sabra’s (RU) house was just north of it. Nowadays if you enter the Mosque from Bab Salam, the location of the houses of Ammar (RU) and Abu Sabra (RU) are near the second column on your right hand side.

18.Abu Sabra bin Abi Rahm (RU) and his house:

He was son of the Prophet’s paternal aunt. His mother was Barra bint Abdul Muttalib. He first migrated to Habsha. Later he migrated to Madina. He moved to Makkah after the Prophet (SAS) left us. He died during the period of caliph Osman (RU). The location of his house is described above along with Ammar’s (RU) house. This house was included in the Mosque during the extension of the Mosque by Omar bin Abdul Aziz (RU).

19.Rabah Aswad (RU) and his house:

He was freed slave of the Prophet (SAS). He used to get permission (from the Prophet (SAS)) for any companion who wished to see the Prophet (SAS). One time the Prophet (SAS) separated himself temporarily from all his wives for a period of one month. The Prophet (SAS) was residing in  a building occupied by Maria Qibtiya (RUA) in an area of Madina called Awali. It was Rabah (RU) who got permission for Omar (RU) to see the Prophet (SAS) during this sensitive situation.

Rabah (RU) had black color and it became part of his name and he came to be known as Rabah Aswad (Aswad means black in Arabic).

As mentioned in History of Madina, his house was near Bab Salam and in the western corner of Abu Sufyan’s (RU) house.

20. Abu Sufyan (RU) and his house:

He was father of Muawiya (RU). His name was Sakhr bin Harb bin Omayya but was known as Abu Sufyan. He was very intelligent and had very dominating and commanding personality. He always came up with his novel opinions and their justification in various matters. He embraced Islam on the day of conquest of Makkah. The Prophet (SAS) raised Abu Sufyan’s morale by making the following announcement on the day of conquest of Makkah, “Whoever took refuge in the house of Abu Sufyan (RU) will not be harmed in anyway.”

It should be noted that, at the dawn of Islam, whenever disbelievers tortured the Prophet (SAS) he used to take refuge in the house of Abu Sufyan (RU). By making above announcement at the conquest of Makkah the Prophet (SAS) returned the favor of Abu Sufyan (RU) to him.

There used to be a statue of Manat at a place called Qudaid. The Prophet (SAS) appointed Abu Sufyan (RU) to destroy it completely. Abu Sufyan (RU) died during 31 Hijrah or a bit later than that. He was eighty-eight years old. He lost his eyesight during the last part of his life.        

His house was west of the house of Marwan. Abu Sufyan’s (RU) house was the highest and the most magnificent among all the houses in Madina. Miqdad’s (RU) house was on one corner of it. Yazeed bin Abdul Malik purchased the house from the family of Abu Sufyan (RU). He also purchased the houses of Rabah (RU) and Miqdad (RU). He built a very lofty palace at this site.

21. Miqdad bin Amr (RU) and his house:

Miqdad bin Amr bin Thaalba (RU) came to Makkah and, by an agreement, became ally of Aswad bin Yaghus. Aswad highly honored Miqdad. So much so that he made him his son. Consequently Miqdad came to be known as Miqdad bin Aswad instead of Miqdad bin Amr. Allah (SWT) did not approve this custom of that time. Quran announced in Al-Ahzab # 5

Call them by their fathers: that is more just with Allah.

After this revelation he was called Miqdad bin Amr (RU) again. Miqdad bin Amr (RU) was one of the seven companions who were the foremost in embracing Islam at the dawn of Islam. He migrated to the Habsha due to the tortures of the disbelievers. He later migrated to Madina. He married the daughter of the Prophet’s uncle, Zubair bin Abdul Muttalib. Her name was Zabaah.

Abdullah bin Masood (RU) said, “I heard one special statement from Miqdad (RU). I wish I had the honor to make this statement in his place. I would have love this action on my part more than the entire world put at my disposal.” He added, Miqdad (RU) said to the Prophet (SAS) at the time of Battle of Badr, ‘O! Prophet of Allah, I swear that we will not say to you what people of Musa (AS) said to him. Al-Maidah # 24

So go you and your Lord and fight you two, we are sitting right here.

Miqdad (RU) added, “We will rather fight on your right and left and in front and behind of you.”

Abdullah bin Masood (RU) noticed that the Prophet’s (SAS) face blushed with happiness to see the courage and firm faith of Miqdad (RU).

Miqdad bin Amr had very high place in the eyes of the Prophet (SAS). Miqdad (RU) died at the place called Jurf which lies about three miles from Madina. He was seventy years old. His body was brought to Madina and Caliph Osman (RU) led his Salat-ul-Janaza. He was buried in Baqee.