Abu Hudhayfa (r.a.)

Abu Hudhayfa, who was one of the distinguished personalities of the Companions, became a Muslim before the number of the believers reached 40. At that time, the Prophet was residing in Darul-Arqam. All of the friends and relatives of Abu Hudhayfa were relentless enemies of Muslims. His father Utba, who was a ferocious polytheist and who was among the influential leaders of Quraysh, could not dissuade his son no matter how much he tried. When the true religion started to spread, the sun of guidance that rose in his heart did not cause him to wait for long. He became a believer without heeding any pressure.

Abu Hudayfa and his wife joined both groups that migrated to Abyssinia, in the fifth and seventh years of the prophethood. When they were in Abyssinia, his wife Sahla gave birth to a boy called "Muhammad". They remained there until the Muslims in Makkah migrated to Madinah. Abu Hudhayfa migrated to Madinah after Abyssinia like the other Companions. When they arrived in Madinah, the Prophet established brotherhood between Abu Hudhayfa and Abbas bin Bishr from Ansar. [1]

Abu Hudhayfa, who was famous for his boldness and courage, took part in all battles with the Prophet. Abu Hudhayfa was also present in the Battle of Badr, which was the first war against unbelievers.

The spiritual revolution that belief caused in hearts and spirits made individuals slave of Allah, who was one. The Companions who entered the circle of guidance had no material or spiritual bonds with the polytheists after that. The relationships of citizenship, kinship and friendship ended. The only criterion was to love for Allah and to hate for Allah. They cut off their relationships even with their closest relatives for the sake of the struggle between belief and unbelief.

As a matter of fact, Allah's friends and enemies confronted at the Battle of Badr. The polytheists who worshipped the idols they had made with their hands confronted the Islamic community that wanted to spread the oneness of Allah. Hz. Abdullah, one of the sons of Hz. Abu Bakr, was with him while his other son Abdurrahman was on the side of the enemy. Hamza, one of the paternal uncles of the Messenger of Allah, was on his side while Abbas, another paternal uncle of the Messenger of Allah, was with the enemy. Hz. Ali Islam was with Muslims while his brother Aqil was in the army of the polytheists. Walid, one of the sons of Utba was among the polytheists with his father while his other son Abu Hudhayfa was with that Prophet (pbuh)

At the beginning of the battle, Utba was among those who came to the forefront and demanded an opponent to fight among the Muslims. Abu Hudhayfa, who saw his father in the forefront, stood up at once. His belief did not accept it when he saw that his father challenged the Muslims. Meanwhile, his sister, Hind, who was Abu Sufyan's wife, insulted Abu Hudhayfa by saying, "O ominous man! Instead of being grateful to your father, who raised you when you were young, you oppose him. You are the worst person!" In fact, he was in the luckiest community. When the Messenger of Allah saw that Abu Hudhayfa stood up, he prevented him and did not allow him to fight his father. [2]

The Muslims won the battle. The chiefs of the polytheists were killed one by one. The Prophet had previously cursed them, and even shown the places where they would be killed. Abu Jahl, Shayba, Walid and Utba, the father Abu Hudhayfa were among those that were killed. Their dead bodies were collected and thrown into a well. Before the Muslims left Badr, the Prophet came to the well into which they were thrown and shouted, "O those who were thrown into the well!" Then, he mentioned their names one by one and said, "You denied me but others confirmed me. You expelled me from my homeland but others embraced me. You fought me but others helped me. You met the punishment promised by Allah, and I attained the victory my Lord promised me. "[3]

When the Prophet said these words, he saw that Abu Hudhayfa’s face changed color and felt sorry. He turned to him and asked, "O Abu Hudhayfa! Did you feel sorry for what was said about your father?" Abu Hudhayfa said, "No. O Messenger of Allah!  I did not feel sorry that my father was killed. My dad was a clever and lenient man. I hoped that he would become a Muslim. I feel sorry that he died as a polytheist." Then, the Messenger of Allah prayed for Abu Hudhayfa. [4]

After the death of the Prophet, Abu Hudhayfa displayed great sacrifices. During the caliphate of Abu Bakr, Musaylimatul-Kadhdhab proclaimed his prophethood in order to prevent the conquests of Islam. The caliph, Hz. Abu Bakr, sent an army on this fake prophet to eliminate him. Among the mujahids sent there was Abu Hudhayfa. The Muslims could not succeed in the first offensive. When Hz. Khalid attacked, Musaylima retreated. The Companions proceeded by reading the Quran. Meanwhile, Abu Hudhayfa encouraged them by saying, "O People of the Quran! Decorate Allah's word with your good deeds." Musaylima was killed but in the meantime, some Companions were martyred. [5] Abu Hudhayfa was also among the martyrs. He was 54 years old then.

May Allah be pleased with him!
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[1]Usdul-Ghaba, 5: 70.
[2]ibid
[3]Muslim, Jannah: 86.
[4]Usdul-Ghaba, 5: 171.
[5]Tabaqat, 3: 85.