'Utbah ibn Ghazwan, ruler like no other

AMONG the foremost Muslims and the first Muhajirun, among the extraordinary fighters who proved themselves brave in the cause of Allah was this towering, bright-faced, and humble-hearted man, 'Utbah lbn Ghazwan.

He was among the first seven who embraced Islam and pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, while challenging the Quraisy with all their fortitude.

In the mission's first days, filled with difficulty and terror, 'Utbah, together with his brothers, stood bravely, which turned out later to be the very provision that nourished the human conscience and made it grow in the course of time.

When the Messenger of Allah ordered his Companions to emigrate to Abyssinia, 'Utbah went with them, but his yearning for the Prophet did not allow him to settle there. Soon he hurried back to Mekah where he stayed near the Messenger until it was time for the Hijrah to Al-Madinah. So, 'Utbah emigrated again with the Muslims.

After the Quraisy started their provocations and wars, 'Utbah was always carrying his lance and bow, using them expertly and contributing with his believing brothers to the destruction of the old world, including all its idols and lies. He did not, however, put his weapons down after the noble Messenger had died, but kept fighting. His jihad against the Persian armies was great.

The Commander of the Faithful 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab sent him to conquer Al-Abullah. 'Umar bid him and his army farewell, saying, "Proceed until you reach the remotest Arab country and the nearest foreign country. Invite to Allah whoever answers you, and impose jizyah upon whoever refuses or else use your sword without mercy. Wear the enemy down, and fear Allah your Lord."

'Utbah advanced with a small army until they reached Al-Abullah, where the Persians were massing one of their strongest armies. 'Utbah organised his troops and stood at the front carrying his lance that never missed its target. He called out his soldiers, "Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), and Allah will fulfil His Promise," as if he were reading something invisible. It was no more than blessed patrols before Al-Abullah surrendered.

In the same place as Al-Abullah, 'Utbah planned the city of Al Basrah, constructed it, and built its great masjid. When he wanted to leave the city and return to Al-Madinah, the Commander of the Faithful ordered him to stay.

'Utbah stayed in his place, leading people in prayer, instructing them in religion, judging between them with justice, and giving them the most wonderful example in asceticism, piety, and simplicity.

He fiercely fought the extravagance and luxury of those who liked comforts and desires.

One day he made a speech addressing them.

He said, "By Allah, I was the seventh of the first seven with the Messenger of Allah, eating nothing but leaves of trees until the corners of our mouths were sore. I was given a garment. I cut it into two halves and gave one half to Sa'd lbn Malik and I wore the other half."

'Utbah used to fear the extravagance of the world, and in order to protect his religion and the Muslims, he tried to persuade them to practice asceticism and moderation.

Many people tried to turn him from his way, to arouse a sense of ruling in his soul, and draw his attention to the right of ruling, especially in those countries that were never accustomed to such type of ascetic rulers and whose people used to respect high-ranking supercilious appearances. But 'Utbah used to answer them saying, "I seek refuge in Allah from being great in your world and small in the sight of Allah."

When he found people bored with his austerity he induced them to be earnest and modest saying, "tomorrow you'll see the rulers after me."

When it was the Haj season, he appointed one of his brothers as successor and went to make the Haj. When he finished, he travelled to Al-Madinah and asked the Commander of the Faithful to discharge him from the rule. But 'Umar said, "You burden me with your trusts and leave me alone? No, by Allah, I'll never discharge you."

'Utbah could do nothing but obey, so went back to Al-Basrah. But before he mounted his camel, he turned to the Qiblah and raised his imploring hands to heaven and invoked Almighty Allah not to return him to Al-Basrah or to government rule again. His invocation was answered, for while he was on his way to this rule, he died.

Men around the Messenger