Touched by the Truth

Mus’ab Ibn Umair and Asad Ibn Zurarah were sitting under the shade of a wall, resting from the hot desert sun. Earlier that morning they had been talking to some of the people of Yathrib about Islam. As they sat and rested, they chatted with each other.

Suddenly, Usaid Ibn Hudair came towards them. He was angry. In fact he was very angry. He had his spear with him and was looking to sort someone out. He saw the two companions talking to each other and recognised them. He began to march towards them, shaking his spear menacingly as he strode.  

Now Usaid wasn’t a violent fellow but was a strong and courageous man. He was very well respected in Yathrib and was considered an intelligent and wise person. He was the chief of his tribe but had spent his life worshipping idols.

When he reached the two friends, he spoke to them angrily. He said that he wasn’t happy that these two Muslims were speaking to the people of Yathrib. He knew that many people had accepted Islam but he felt that idol worship was still the correct religion!

Mus’ab knew that Usaid was very angry and might not listen to them. Mus’ab spoke to him in a soft and gentle voice. “Brother,” he said, “Why don’t you sit with us for a few moments and listen to what we have to say?” Mus’ab continued, “If you don’t like what we say then do as you wish.”

This was a reasonable idea and Usaid accepted it. He stuck his spear into the sand and sat down to listen to what they had to say. 

Mus’ab explained to him about Islam and how it was the correct way of life for human beings. He told him that Islam encouraged people to be good and to leave all bad and evil things. He spoke to him about Allah and about the day of Judgement. He talked for a short time and then recited some verses of the Qur'an.  

The expression on Usaid’s face changed as the words melted his heart. His anger went away and tears of joy rolled down his cheeks.

He had seen the truth and knew that these wonderful words of wisdom could only be from Allah. They moved him so much that he hugged Mus’ab and accepted Islam on the spot.  

Usaid had experienced the truth and became a pious and respected Muslim. He was kind and considerate and would help the poor and needy. The people of Yathrib loved him even more and respected this just and honourable man. The words of wisdom and truth had changed him just as it has changed billions of lives throughout the world.