The venerable Companions in lines of light (7)

Episode (7) Abu `Ubaydah ibn Al Jarrah

He was tall, of strong personality, with bright face, smiley, and of a good spirit.

His good conduct was apparent on his face the signs of manhood appear in his sincere looks, and his manners were glittering on his forehead. He was `Amir ibn `Abdullah ibn Al Jarrah who was born in Makkah in year 40 AH, and grew up around the sanctuary of the Ka`bah which was eager to hear the words of monotheism. The heart of Abu `Ubaydah did not stand more than one short session until he embraced Islam at the hand of Abu Bakr, and thus he became one of the first forerunners [in the faith]. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)said about him: "Every nation has an extremely trustworthy man,and the trustworthy man of this (i.e. Muslim) nation is Abu `Ubaydah ibn Al Jarrah." He offered his youth and sincerity of his heart to Islam and participated in all battles and expeditions. So, he did heroic deeds in the Battle of Badr and was one of the ten men who became firm in the battle of Uhud and defended the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). He had a great situation with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) when the two iron rings got into his cheeks and Abu `Ubaydah took them off with his teeth which were broken.

`Umar wanted to give him homage after the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him), but Abu `Ubaydah said: "I would not have perceded a man whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) appointed as a leader in Salah and he led us in Salah until he died."

Of his noble attitudes that he hid the book of `Umar ibn Al Khattab which stated that Khalid ibn Al Waleed should be dismissed the leadership of the Muslim army in Al Yarmouk and Abu `Ubaydah would take over leadership.

Abu `Ubaydah hid the book of `Umar so as not to deprive Khalid ibn Al Walid of the joy of victory.

Abu `Ubaydah moved from victory to victory until he was inflicted by plague and his pure soul passed away in Jordan after he had given the best example in wisdom, bravery and far-sightedness.

May Allah be pleased with Abu `Ubaydah, make Paradise his abode, and reward him for Islam and Muslims the best reward.