NAME
His actual name was ‘Aamir bin ‘Abdillah bin Jarraah. However, he was famously known by his title, ‘Abu ‘Ubaidah’. (Usdul Ghaabah vol. 2, pg. 518)
FEATURES
Sayyiduna Abu ‘Ubaidah رضي الله عنه was a thin, tall person who had excellent character. Haafiz Zahabi رحمه الله says: “Abu ‘Ubaidah رضي الله عنه was known for his beautiful character, extreme tolerance and humility.” (Siyaru Aa’laamin Nubalaa vol. 1, pg. 13)
ISLAM
He was from amongst those who had accepted Islam in its very initial and early days. (Usdul Ghaabah vol. 2, pg. 518)
The first adult male to accept Islam was Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. After accepting Islam, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه passed by his friends; Sayyiduna ‘Uthmaan bin ‘Affaan, Sayyiduna Talhah bin ‘Ubaidillah, Sayyiduna Zubair bin ‘Awwaam and Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Abi Waqqaas رضي الله عنهم and invited them to Islam, upon which they all accepted. The very next day he approached other friends, namely; Sayyiduna ‘Uthmaan bin Maz‘oon, Sayyiduna Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Jarraah, Sayyiduna ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin ‘Auf, Sayyiduna Abu Salamah and Sayyiduna Arqam bin Abil Arqam رضي الله عنهم and invited them to Islam as well. They too readily accepted his invitation. (Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 3, pg. 35)
(Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah bin Jarraah رضي الله عنه pg.3)
REFLECTIONS
The Barakah of pious friends and it’s benefits can be seen from above.
In one Hadith, Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم compared a pious companion to a person carrying musk, and he compared a bad companion to a person fanning a fire. Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم explained that through remaining in the company of the musk-carrier, even if one does not receive some musk as a gift or buy some musk from him, then at the very least, he will benefit from the pleasant fragrance of the musk while remaining in his company. Conversely, through remaining in the company of the person fanning the fire, even if one’s clothing is not burnt by the fire, one will still be affected by the fire through perceiving the unpleasant smell of the smoke.(Bukhaari #5534)
In this Hadith, Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم explained that remaining in good company will never be devoid of benefit, while remaining in bad company will never be devoid of harm. When we study the lives of the Sahaabah رضي الله عنهم, we find that they understood the profound effect which a person’s company and association have on him. Hence, there are many incidents which reflect the concern which the Sahaabah رضي الله عنهم had for their children to always remain in good and pious company. (Orchards of Love pg.110)
اللهم يسِّرنا جلساء صالحين