Reflections From Age of Bliss

Said b. Amir al-Jumahi radiyallahu Anh

Said b. Amir al-Jumahi (radiyallahu anh) was a beacon of faith and piety, and his life's narrative is a testament to the strength and depth of his commitment to Islam. His story intertwines with the broader narrative of Islam's early days, providing a rich tapestry of lessons and virtues.

At the tender age of sixteen or seventeen, Said b. Amir (radiyallahu anh) embraced Islam. After his conversion, he migrated to Medina and subsequently took part in all the battles alongside the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) after the conquest of Khaybar. Throughout the caliphates of Abu Bakr and Umar (radiyallahu anhuma), he held distinguished military positions. Later, Caliph Umar (radiyallahu anh) appointed him as the governor of Homs. Serving diligently in this capacity, he passed away at the age of 64. May Allah be pleased with him.

Let's delve into a couple of illuminating episodes from his life.

Witnessing Hubayb's Devotion

The Huzayl tribe of Medina requested the beloved Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) to send someone to teach them the Qur'an. Responding to this, the Prophet dispatched a delegation, including Hubayb b. Adi (radiyallahu anh). Tragically, this group was ambushed, with Hubayb being the sole survivor, only to be captured. He was then sold to the idolaters of Makkah, who sought vengeance for the Battle of Badr. In a public spectacle, they tied Hubayb to a pole in the marketplace to torture him. As Makkans gathered in droves to watch, Said (radiyallahu anh) strenuously pushed through the crowd, reaching the front lines. One of the idolaters mockingly posed to Hubayb: "Wouldn't you wish Muhammad to be in your place now?"

Unyielding, Hubayb responded:

"My life, my wealth, my family – I'd sacrifice them all for him. I wouldn't wish a thorn to prick the Prophet’s foot, let alone exchange places with me!"

As the crowd chanted for his execution, the idolaters intensified their torment and martyred Hubayb. This profound love that Hubayb held for the Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) deeply moved Said, leading to his heart being opened to Islam with the help of Allah. Shortly after, he declared his conversion and migrated to Medina.

The Noblest of Counsels

Both Caliph Abu Bakr and Caliph Umar (radiyallahu anhuma) frequently sought Said's (radiyallahu anh) counsel during their respective caliphates. One day, during the early years of Umar's leadership, Said advised him saying:

"O Umar! Fear Allah when dealing with the people's matters, but do not fear people when fulfilling Allah's commands! Ensure that your words and actions do not contradict each other. Remember, the best advice is reflected in one's deeds.

O Umar! Care for those whom Allah has entrusted to you. Desire for them what you desire for yourself and dislike for them what you dislike for yourself. Do not shy away from hardships in serving the people. And once you act upon this, fear no one's criticism."

The Humble Governor

One day, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (radiyallahu anhu) summoned Said ibn Amir al-Jumahi (radiyallahu anhu) and said:

"O Said! I intend to appoint you as the governor of Homs."

Said (radiyallahu anh) pleaded, "For the sake of Allah, do not test me with the allure of this world."

Upon hearing this, Caliph Umar (radiyallahu anh) grew frustrated, retorting, "You have chosen me as the caliph, placed this responsibility upon my shoulders, and now you avoid assisting me in this task? No, by Allah, you will indeed go as the governor!"

Thus, Said (radiyallahu anhu) made his way to Homs. After some time, Caliph Umar (radiyallahu anh) inquired from a visitor from Homs, "List the needy in your city so I may assist them and cater to their needs."

As he scanned the list, Umar (radiyallahu anh) noticed the name 'Said' and inquired about it. He was taken aback to learn it referred to the governor, Said b. Amir al-Jumahi. "Your governor is amongst the needy?" he remarked. The man confirmed, saying, "By Allah, there are days when no fire is lit in his house, and no food is cooked."

Tears welled in Umar's (radiyallahu anh) eyes. After praising Allah, he prepared a purse of a thousand dinars and entrusted it to the man with a message, "Go to your governor, convey my greetings, and tell him Umar is pleased with him. This money is for his needs."

However, upon receiving the purse, Said (radiyallahu anh) was deeply distressed. Noticing his demeanor, his wife inquired about the cause. He lamented, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun."

"Has the Leader of the Believers passed away?" she asked.

"It's worse," he replied.

“What is it then?” she asked.

 "A trial has entered our home; I am being tested with worldly temptations that could jeopardize my Hereafter."

Unaware of the money, his wife advised, "Then free yourself from this trial!"

And with those words, he distributed the entire sum amongst the poor.

The Complaints of the People of Homs

Caliph Umar (radiyallahu anh) had a practice of inspecting cities where he appointed governors. When it was Homs' turn, he summoned some of its inhabitants. Homs was known for frequent grievances against its officials. Complaints arose against Said (radiyallahu anh) too. Umar (radiyallahu anh) asked the people directly, "What are your grievances?"

They replied, "He doesn't join us until the time of Asr and neglects our affairs."

Umar (radiyallahu anh) turned to Said (radiyallahu anh) for an explanation. He humbly responded:

"O Umar! I didn't wish to disclose this, but I have no one to assist with household chores. Every morning, I knead dough and wait for it to rise before baking. Only after this, and my ablution, do I come out, often by the time of Asr."

The caliph then inquired about other concerns. “What is your other complaint?” he asked. The people added, "At night, if we seek him, he does not answer his door!"

Said (radiyallahu anh) explained, "I am embarrassed to admit that I reserve my days for the people and my nights for worship, dedicating them to Allah."

“What is your other complaint?” the caliph asked again, and another complaint arose: "He disappears entirely on certain days!"

To which Said (radiyallahu anh) revealed, "I have no other garment but the one I wear. When I wash it, I remain indoors until it dries."

When Umar (radiyallahu anh) asked, “Do you have any other complaints?” yet another grievance emerged. "Sometimes, amidst us, he appears distant, lost in thought, as if he's not among us," one of the citizens bemoaned.

When Umar (radiyallahu anh) turned to the governor and demanded an explanation, Said (radiyallahu anh) said:

"O Leader of the Believers! I witnessed the martyrdom of Hubayb. At that time, I wasn't a Muslim. As the idolaters mutilated his body, they taunted, 'Would you have wished for Muhammad to be in your place?' He would reply, 'May my life, wealth, and family be sacrificed for him, so long as not even a thorn pricks him.' I often remember that day and grieve that I didn't assist him. I fear that for not aiding him that day, Allah may never forgive me. This memory overwhelms me."

Umar (radiyallahu anh) was deeply moved, praised Allah, and vindicated the noble governor.