Heroes of Islam

by Mahmoud Esma'il Sieny

This book presents the glimpses of the lives of some of the greatest heroes and role models of Islam. It covers the four righteous caliphs, 47 male and female companions of the Prophet, 8 followers of the companions, 6 religious scholars, 7 reformers, and 7 scientists. Publishers Note All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. May Allah's peace and blessings be upon the greatest of the Prophets and Messengers - our Prophet Muhammad - and upon his Family and all of his Companions. One of the important factors in the development and behaviors of the societies of the world today is the impact of role models. Now, more than ever, role models are affecting the lives of all races and classes of people around the world. Because of mediums such as television, radio, telephone and the internet, many role models, such as movie stars, athletes, musicians and politicians, have become quite popular around the world. However, such role models do not necessarily represent the ideal style of life, practices and beliefs that are wanted for the Muslim. When Muslims look up to sinful or disbelieving people who have been portrayed in the media to be successful and famous, they began to feel inferior to them. Satan may even deceive them into feeling that the reason for the non-Muslims' worldly success is their following of ways other than Islam. For this reason, Darussalam has brought to life in this work the stories of some of the greatest heroes and role models of Islam. In this way we serve the cause of increasing the Muslims' conviction to their faith. The efforts and sacrifices of these people for the sake of Allah's religion will show us who we are and what we really are capable of when we have strong belief in Allah. We thank Mr. Sidheeque M.A. Veliankode, a member of the Research Division of Darussalam for his diligent effort in publishing this work. Heroes and Heroism Every nation has its own heroes. Some are real while others are mythical. These heroes are sources of admiration, and even adoration by certain communities. In enlightened societies real heroes may be models for emulation. But who is a real hero? He is a person usually admired or respected for special qualities he is endowed with or for certain acts of bravery and chivalry. Heroes of Islam Muslims have no need to look for fictitious or mythical heroes, because their history is abundant with heroes of real flesh and blood, whose acts were heroic because of their faith, and a consequence of their attitude to life and the world. For all the heroes of Islam share two very special full conviction and dedication to their pristine faith and constant attempt to seek the Pleasure of their Creator, Allah, alone, regardless of the circumstances and times they live in. For a Muslim hero, be he a military genius, a scholar teacher, or a devout common person, knows that the transient life in this world is a means to the eternal life in the Hereafter, and that ephemeral pains and pleasures are nothing compared to the everlasting pains and pleasures of Hell and Heaven. To this hero, the key to the whole thing is Divine Pleasure. Through it alone can a person enjoy peace and tranquility in this world and attain real happiness in the life Hereafter. The Prophet (salla-Liaahu 'alayhi wa-sallam) is reported to have "Strange is the case of the believer. Everything turns to his advantage only. If adversity befalls him he patiently accepts it, and is rewarded for it. If prosperity happens to him he shows gratitude to his Lord (in word and action), and is rewarded for it." So a hero of Islam faces both prosperity and adversity with the right attitude and action. His goal is not worldly pleasures and gains, but rather the Pleasure of Allah. Purpose of this Book In this book we will try to present glimpses of the lives of a few heroes of Islam. But they all exhibit that special quality and trait o

Genres: Islam, Religion

Hardcover

Published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[MuntahaZad · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10; Great. The book was my introduction to a great many Companions. It was a really fascinating read, and I'd probably recommend this for tweens or younger! I, being older, wanted references in the footnotes.

[Fatum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm familiar with the first chapter--> the four rightly guided caliphate...
looking forward for the other sahaabi, the followers of the companions, religious scholars, reformers and scientist.
i brought this book to have a brief glimpse of their rich lives, and be more familiar with the other heroes of Islam.
truly we Muslim need not to look up for fictitious heroes to be proud of, to look up, and have a role model for our Deen has honored our mothers to give birth to many heroes that are both known and unknown. alahmdulillah!

[Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bismillah

All the heroes of Islam share two very special traits: full conviction and dedication to their pristine faith and constant attempts to seek the Pleasure of their Creator, Allah (SWT), alone, regardless of the circumstances and times they live in


Where do I even start. . This book describes the immense sacrifices and contributions of a collective that sought to conduct themselves in the most pristine manner. I would even call this book "The Heroes of Humanity" as the figures helped shape and advance human civilization tremendously. Take for example, Abu Raihan Al-Bayruni who during the 10th century made advances in astronomy, mathematics, geology, geography, physics, cartography, metallurgy and history. Abu Bakr Ar-Razi who worked on small-pox and measles during the 9th century. Additionally, he was a pioneer in pediatrics, obstetrics and ophthalmology. Abul-Walid Ibn Rushd who translated, abridged and commented on the works of Aristotle (including Metaphyiscs) in 1169.

In terms of the companions of the Prophet of Allah (SAW), I HAVE to mention Umar ibn AL-Khattab (RA). During his rule, Islam extended towards Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt and Jerusalem. When he went to collect the keys to Jerusalem, a servant accompanied him. They alternated between riding on a mule and when they approached Jerusalem, it was the servant's turn to ride and Umar (RA) to walk. He (RA) declined and continued walking. Also, he met the Romans (the biggest superpower at the time) with a garment that had 17 patches on it.

It was with that spirit of humility that the keys of Jerusalem were exchanged .

Keep in mind this is the most powerful man in the world at this instant, the Roman patriarch would not hand the keys to anyone but him (because of their awe for him (RA)).

Moving on, we have the incident of Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA) who went to court as a defendant. An ordinary citizen claimed that a court of arms (armor) that he owned belonged to him. Keep in mind, this is the HEAD of the Islamic empire. Ali (RA) accepted the claim. Let's see how the court proceeding went. The judge, Shuraih rules against our leader and in favor of the citizen as Ali (RA) presented two witnesses (his son and servant) which were not objective (they had a bias to support their leader). Ali (RA) like any upright member, respected and willingly accepted this judgement. The ruling was to handover the armor. Subanallah. This is equality before the law. Tell me about anyone who behaves like this.

Anyways, I can continue forever Maybe I will on my website hmmm? but I'd like to wrap up with some points.
- I left this book with the books (many of them being the life works) of the great reformers and scholars of Islam. What a privilege that we can digest such erudite writings with ease. Hamdillah
- The Sahaba (May God have mercy on them all) are not categorised by popularity which I think is good because it allows us to recognise the more inconspicuous companions of the Prophet (SAW) and the equally significant contributions and sacrifices they made for Islam. I learnt about some amazing people this way.
- For Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) I feel like an important detail was left out. That he was among the 10 granted the glad tidings of Paradise. This his true for the other Sahaba which were granted this honor.
- Also, I'm certain that the creators of the different Islamic schools of thought have the title (May Allah have Mercy On Them). This is not mentioned in the book
- What about Imam At-Tirmidhi, Imam Ghazali. They made immense contributions to the deen. They must be acknowledged
- I love the chronology of the timeline. Allows you to track the progress of the Ummah and its demise :(

I end with this final reminder about the state of affairs we live in, mirroring what Jamulud-din Al-Afghani said in the 19th century:

The Muslim nations became backward and under foreign domination and tyrannical rule because they were disunited and were fighting with one another, ignorant in both religion and the sciences, and negligent of their duties towards their faith, towards themselves, and towards each other

[Faizan Ahmad]

Mashallah every nice book❤️✨

[J.A. H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alhamdullilah heel informatief!

[Hagar]

One of my favorite books i like alot, teaches us the companion of our beloved prophete(SAW)and what they did for our religion.

[Islamic Society of Augusta]

Sahaaba