A SIGN OF PROPHETHOOD
Zaid, unlike other Jews, was inclined to accept Rasulullah
(S) as a Prophet but wanted to be fully satisfied before accepting him. He
decided to wait.
Zaid had read that a prophet must have two characteristics;
first, a prophet's patience must dominate his anger, and second, the more a
prophet is abused by the treatment of the ignorant, the more his patience
grows. Zaid wanted to see if Rasulullah (S) possessed these characteristics. He
waited for an opportunity to see Rasulullah (S) angry, but this opportunity
never arose. So he decided to invent a situation himself to test Rasulullah's
patience. Once, he saw Rasulullah (S) coming out of his house with 'Ali (R). A
bedouin approached them. The bedouin and his tribe were newly converted to
Islam. The bedouin told Rasulullah (S), "I presented Islam to my tribe. I told
them it would please Allah and make them rich. But instead, we have a drought.
Because their faith is not strong yet, I fear my tribe will give up Islam in
frustration."Rasulullah (S) always helped the needy. He was touched by the
plight of this tribe. He looked to 'Ali (R) for help. 'Ali (R) told Rasulullah
(S), "There is nothing in your house to help them. I don't have anything
to help them with either."
Zaid heard this conversation. He offered his help, saying,
"Muhammad, I can help you and loan you some money now, provided you return
the debt to me through the dates of a specific orchard." Rasulullah (S)
could not commit to pay the debt through the dates of another person's orchard.
So he told Zaid, "I appreciate it. Your help, but I cannot repay you through
the dates of another's orchard. However, I will repay the debt to you
through the dates at the time of the season."
Zaid agreed. They fixed a date for the repayment of the debt.
Zaid brought eighty Mithqaal of gold. Rasulullah (S) gave the gold to the
bedouin and advised him, "Take this gold to fulfill your needs. Be just in
your dealings with your tribesmen." The bedouin left happily with the
gold.
Zaid, in the meantime, waited for the agreed date of repayment to arrive. There were only four days left before the date of repayment, so
he decided to test Rasulullah's patience.
Rasulullah (S) had just completed the burial of a friend. He
was seated under the shade of a wall with many Sahabah (R) present. Zaid
approached him with a stern and angry face. He grabbed Rasulullah's apron and
said harshly, "Where are my dates, O Muhammad? I know you and your family.
All the children of 'Abd al-Muttalib are known for not repaying their
debts."
Zaid continued saying ridiculous things, attacking Rasulullah
(S), his family, and his friends. Rasulullah (S) was unperturbed by these remarks,
but his Sahabah (R) became very angry. 'Umar (R) heard Zaid talking. He loved
Rasulullah (S). He also knew that Zaid's accusations were uncalled for. So he
became enraged and shouted back at Zaid, "O enemy of Allah, why are you
talking so rudely? Don't you have any manners? I would have chopped off your
head for these insulting remarks if Rasulullah were not present here."
Rasulullah (S) did not favor 'Umar's anger. He told him patiently, "Umar
(R), why are you losing your temper? You should have advised me to repay my
debt properly and told him to demand his right from me with decency. Now go and
repay Zaid what I owe him."
Then the Prophet (S) added with a gentle smile, "And
what about your anger toward Zaid? You should compensate him with twenty Sa' dates
more, for your rude behavior."
'Umar (R) was no longer angry. He obeyed Rasulullah (S) and took
Zaid with him. 'Umar (R) paid Zaid according to the agreed weight. He also
compensated him with twenty Sa' more dates as Rasulullah (S) had
instructed him.
Zaid received all the dates. He was very impressed by the patience
of Rasulullah (S) and the obedience of 'Umar (R). He told 'Umar (R), "O
'Umar, do you know who I am?" "No, I don't know," 'Umar (R)
answered curtly. "I am Zaid ibn Sa'nah," Zaid told 'Umar (R).
"Zaid ibn Sa'nah," "Umar (R) repeated with surprise, "the famous
scholar of the Jews?"
"Yes, 'Umar, Zaid ibn Sa'nah, the famous scholar of the
Jews," Zaid repeated calmly. Then 'Umar (R) was even more surprised by
Zaid's behavior. "What kind of behavior was that Zaid? What good has your education
done you?"
Zaid answered, "You are right to be angry and critical,
'Umar. I wanted to test the patience of Rasulullah. Among the signs of Prophethood, two are important." "What are they?" "Umar (R) asked
impatiently.”First, a prophet's patience must dominate his anger. Second, the
more a prophet is abused by the ill-treatment of the ignorant, the more this
patience grows." "And what did you find in our prophet (S)?"
'Umar (R) asked Zaid.
"I find Muhammad has not only these two but also all
the other signs of Prophethood.”
"You did?" "Umar (R) asked with excitement.”Now you be witness to my acceptance of Islam," Zaid (R) told 'Umar (R).
'Umar (R) was excited to see a Jewish scholar accepting
Islam, especially one who had tested Rasulullah (S) and satisfied himself with
all the signs. He told Zaid (R), "You are our brother in faith now." Zaid
(R) said, "It is the greatest honor Allah has given to me. Though born a
Jew, Allah showed me the right path. Allah tells believers to give charity to
the poor and needy. So I will give away half of my money, possessions, and
property for Muslims and the cause of Islam."
Both Zaid (R) and 'Umar (R) went to
Rasulullah (S) to inform him of the good news.
The news of Zaid's acceptance of Islam spread throughout
Madinah. The Muslims were very happy, while the Jews and the Munafiqun were
angry and embittered. Zaid's faith and charity inspired all Muslims. He
became a close Sahabi of Rasulullah (S). He continued to participate in all the
community activities of Madinah and readily contributed his money for Islamic
work. He participated in all the Jihads with Rasulullah (S).
As a true Muslim, Zaid (R) desired to die as a Shahid. Allah
fulfilled his desire and blessed him with Martyrdom in the Battle of Tabuk.
May Allah be pleased with Zaid (R) and reward
him with Paradise.
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