56. Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe!

Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect. [Al-Ahzab (33:56)]

Monday, May 7, 2007

Imam Abu Obaida (rahmatullahi alaihe)

Imam Abu Obaida (rahmatullahi alaihe) came to Makkah al-Mukarramah in 214 Hijri. He passed way in 224 Hijri after living in Makkah al-Mukarramah for ten years.

It is narrated that Imam Abu Obaida (rahmatullahi alaihe) dreamed the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) while he was making preparations to leave Makkah al-Mukarramah after the completion of the Hajj. In the dream, Imam Abu Obaida (rahmatullahi alaihe) saw that the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam), accompanied by guards, had arrived. Thousands of devotees had thronged to convey their salaams and to do musafaha (Islamic shaking of hands) with their Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). The guards, however, prevented Imam Abu Obaida (rahmatullahi alaihe) from coming near the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). Imam Abu Obaida (rahmatullahi alaihe) asked the guards why he was being prevented from going near the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam). In reply, the guards stated: “You have expressed your intention to return to your native country Iraq. For this reason, you are being prevented to come near the Beloved Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) to convey your salaam.”

In the end, Imam Abu Obaida (rahmatullahi alaihe) was permitted to see the Beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) to convey his salaam and to do the musafaha as soon as he pledged not to return to his native country.

In the morning, Imam Abu Obaida (rahmatullahi alaihe) cancelled his planned return to his native country. Thereafter, he spent the remaining years of his life in Makkah al-Mukarramah.