Story No. 131 – Thawban, the Companion of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Thawban was one of the freed slaves of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). He was always with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) at home or in journey. After the passing away of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) he stayed for some years in Syria and later for some time in Egypt. He was present at the time of the victory on Egypt. Thawban died at the age of 51 years.

 

It is found in Rewayat (narration) that he adored the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) so much that for a single moment he could not bear his absence. One day Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) saw him in a very sad mood. He appeared to be weak. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) asked him, “O’ Thawban! What has happened to you? Thawban replied: “O Messenger of Allah! I am not ill nor have any pain, but, I am worried about your proximity which I will be missing in the Paradise. As you will be in a higher station and I am in a lower position. I will not be able to see you over there.”

 

At the same moment an Ayat (verse of Noble Qur’an) was revealed. “And whoso obeys Allah and the Messenger, and then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are!” Noble Qur’an (4:69) [Bihar al-Anwar vol.2 pg.68)]

 

O Messenger of Allah! Indeed, I love you:

 

Aishah reported that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! Indeed, I love you more than I love myself, and I love you more than I love my family, and I love you more than I love my children. When I am at home and I think of you, I am unable to contain myself until I can come to you and look at you. When I think about my death and your death, I know that when you enter Paradise, you will be raised to where the Prophets are. But, if I enter Paradise, I am afraid: will I be able to see you?”

 

So, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not answer him at all until Jibril revealed to him: “And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace – of the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are!” [an-Nisa, 4:69]

 

[Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahihah; #2933]