🌟 The Greatness of Hazrat Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA)🌟
🌟 The Greatness of Hazrat Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) 🌟
**The Trustworthy of This Nation — A Gem Among the Sahabah**
By Usman Siddiqui, a Mufti ---
## Initiation: Among the shining stars of Islam, the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ hold a distinguished position. They were the first people to spread Islam, fight in battle, keep the Qur'an, and spread the Sunnah. Allah Himself attests to their superiority: "And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct — Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him," the verse reads. **
> (Surah At-Tawbah: 100)
A noble man by the name of Hazrat Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) was one of these early forerunners. The Prophet referred to him as "The Trustworthy of this Ummah" (Ameen al-Ummah). ---
## His Full Name and Lineage:
**Aamir ibn Abdullah ibn al-Jarrah ibn Hilal al-Fihri al-Qurashi** was his full name. He belonged to Makkah's Quraysh tribe, the same illustrious clan as the Prophet Muhammad. His lineage joined with that of the Prophet ﷺ at **Fihr**, making him a distant relative of the Prophet ﷺ.
His kunyah, or title, was "Abu Ubaidah," and his name became a symbol of trustworthiness, bravery, and humility throughout Islamic history. ---
# Accepting Islam: Through the efforts of **Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA)**, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) was one of the first ten people to accept Islam. His unwavering faith is reflected in his early conversion and dedication to Islam during the days of persecution in Makkah. > **Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani** writes:
> *"He was one of the earliest Muslims and one of the ten who were given the good news of paradise (Asharah Mubasharah)" *
> (Al-Isābah fī Tamyīz al-Ṣaḥābah, Vol. 4, p. 191)
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## His Devotion in the Prophet’s Lifetime:
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) had a deep devotion to the Prophet Muhammad. Alongside the Prophet, he participated in all major battles, including Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar, and the conquest of Makkah. ### Battle of Badr:
In the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) showed immense courage. One of the most heart-wrenching moments was when he had to fight his own father, who was on the side of the disbelievers. Despite the pain, his loyalty to Islam was unshakable.
> **Imam Dhahabi** notes:
> *“His father attacked him in the battlefield, and Abu Ubaidah avoided him. But when his father persisted, Abu Ubaidah killed him, preferring his faith over blood ties.” *
> (Volume 1 of Siyar A'lam al-Nubala, p. 187)
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### Battle of Uhud:
The Prophet was wounded in the Battle of Uhud, and two metal rings from his helmet pierced his blessed cheeks. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) rushed to remove them, using his teeth rather than his hands. In doing so, **he lost two of his front teeth**.
> "Ibn Sa'd" states: > *“He pulled out the rings from the Prophet’s face with his teeth. He didn't care that his own teeth were broken as a result. *
> (Volume 3 of Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, p. 310)
He was warmly praised by the Prophet, who was overjoyed by his offering. ---
# Title: "Amen of the People" The greatest testimony to Abu Ubaidah’s status is the title bestowed upon him by none other than the Prophet ﷺ himself:
> **"For every Ummah there is an Ameen (trustworthy), and Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah is the Ameen of this Ummah." **
> (Sahih Muslim: 2419, Sahih al-Bukhari: 3744) Being referred to as the most trustworthy member of the entire Ummah by the Messenger of Allah is, without a doubt, the highest honor one can receive. ---
## His humbleness and simplicity: Despite being a high-ranking companion, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) lived an extremely simple life. Abu Ubaidah was found living in a bare house with no furniture when Hazrat Umar (RA) visited him while he was caliph in Syria. > In tears, Hazrat Umar (RA) stated: > *“This world has changed all of us except you, Abu Ubaidah.” *
> (Kanz al-‘Ummāl, Vol. 7, p. 72)
His detachment from worldly pleasures and simplicity in governance became an example for all future Islamic leaders. ---
## How He Became Governor: During the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA), Abu Ubaidah (RA) was appointed as the **Supreme Commander of the Muslim army in Syria**, and later, as the **Governor of Greater Syria (Ash-Sham)**. Under his command, Muslims won numerous victories and expanded the Islamic state.
> "He prevailed": Damascus * * Homs
(1) Aleppo * A portion of Palestine and Jordan He exercised authority with fairness, justice, and compassion, according Muslims and non-Muslims equal protection and rights. ---
## His Contribution to the Siege of Jerusalem: During the Muslim army's conquest of Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis), Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) was one of the commanders. Hazrat Umar (RA) personally traveled to Jerusalem with Abu Ubaidah (RA) and entered the city after Christian patriarch Sophronius agreed to surrender the city only to the Caliph. One of the most historic and peaceful transfers of power in ancient history occurred as a result of this event. ---
## His Death: A Plague Martyr: In the year **18 AH**, a devastating epidemic known as the **Plague of Amwas (Ta‘un ‘Amwas)** spread in Syria. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) was the Governor at the time. He did not leave the people nor escape to safety — rather, he stayed to care for the sick.
> He stated in his concluding sermon: > "Oh, people! This disease is a mercy from your Lord. Pray that Allah grants us patience and martyrdom.” *
Soon after, he passed away due to the plague. When he passed away, he was 58 years old. > He was buried in **Jordan**, where his grave is still visited today.
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## The Words of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA):
When Hazrat Umar (RA) heard about the death of Abu Ubaidah (RA), he wept and said:
> "I would have appointed him as my successor if Abu Ubaidah were alive." And I would respond, "I appointed the most trustworthy person from Your Ummah," in the event that Allah were to inquire about me. *
> (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5710)
Such a powerful statement from the Farooq of this Ummah shows the unparalleled trust and regard Abu Ubaidah (RA) had earned.
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## Comments Made About Him by Other Friends: ### Hazrat Ali (RA) said:
> *“Abu Ubaidah was among the most loyal companions of the Prophet ﷺ.” *
### Hazrat Mu‘adh ibn Jabal (RA) said:
> *“We had no one more trustworthy than Abu Ubaidah.” *
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## His Qualities and Character:
| Trait | Description |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Trustworthiness** | Declared as the Ameen of the Ummah |
| **Bravery** | Fought valiantly in all battles, even against his own father |
| Humility | Adopted a life of simplicity and penance while serving as governor | | Piety | Never indulged in luxuries and always mindful of Allah | | **Leadership** | Just and compassionate ruler of Syria |
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## Poetic Remembrance: > "O dependable one, O shining star," > **In battles and peace, you were never far. **
> "You sacrificed your teeth for the face of the Prophet," > **You earned your place through bravery and love. **
> **From Makkah’s hills to Jordan’s land,**
> **With faith in heart and sword in hand. **
> **You left this world with no regret,**
> **Set a crown of martyrs on your forehead. **
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## Conclusion:
In Islamic history, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) was a formidable figure. His courage, honesty, simplicity, leadership, and unwavering devotion to the Prophet ﷺ make him a role model for every Muslim.
He was more than just a warrior, a statesman, or a companion; he was also known as "the Ameen of the Ummah," a title that will always be associated with Islam. ---
## References:
1. Hadith 3744 and 5710 from **Sahih al-Bukhari** 2. Hadith 2419, Sahih Muslim 3. **Al-Isābah fī Tamyīz al-Ṣaḥābah** – Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
4. Ibn Sa'd's Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, page 310
5. Imam al-Dhahabi, Vol. – Siyar A'lam al-Nubala 1
6. **Kanz al-‘Ummāl**, Vol. 7, p. 72
7. Imam al-Suyuti's Tarikh al-Khulafa 8. **Fath al-Bari** – Ibn Hajar, commentary on Bukhari
9. Vol. 2 of "Tabaqat Ibn Khallikan" 1
10. **Ibn Kathir**, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah
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