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Starting From A Slave
Shuhaib bin Sinan ar-Rumi or also known by his popular name as Shuhaib ar-Rumi was born in 587 AD, he was a former slave of the Byzantine Empire who became a friend of the prophet and also became one of the first followers of Islam.
His father, a Sinan from Bani Tamim, was a judge in Ubullah, Persia. He got nisbat “ar-Rumi” because long settled in the land of Rome. His chew was Abu Yahya.
Shuhaib bin Sinan was a veteran of the Badr War who lived in Medina in Shawwal 38 H.
The Prophet Shalallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam once said that the first and foremost people to convert to Islam there are four. First, Rasullulah himself, as a figure from Arabia. Second, Shuhaib bin Sinan as a figure from Rome. Bilal as a character from Abyssina. And fourth, Salman al-Farisi as a figure from Farsi.
Shuhaib bin Sinan is of Roman origin in some narratives mentioned, the name al-Rumi which is often pinned to his name comes from the Roman word. However, historical records show that the ancestors of Shuhaib ibn Sinan were actually of Arab origin, and were a respectable family.
Shuhaib bin Sinan's ancestors had moved to Iraq long before the arrival of Islam, and there Shuhaib's father was appointed judge and mayor by Kisra, King of Persia. Shuhaib and his parents lived in a palace on the banks of the Euphrates River in the lower reaches of the peninsula and Mosul.
They live in joy and happiness. Once upon a time, the Romans came and captured several locals, including Shuhaib bin Sinan. After his arrest, Shuhaib was traded as a slave from one merchant to another.
He spent his childhood and adolescence in Rome as a slave. As a result, the dialect was more similar to that of the Romans. His long journey as a slave finally ended in Mecca.
His last master freed Shuhaib bin Sinan because he saw Shuhaib's intelligence, skill, and honesty. In fact, the employer gave him the opportunity to do business with him.
About the Islam of Shuhaib bin Sinan, told by his friend, Ammar bin Yasir. Once, Ammar met Shuhaib at the door of Arqam bin Abu Arqam. At that time the Prophet was still preaching secretly in the house. “Where are you going?” ask `Amnar.
Shuhaib bin Sinan again asked, “And where are you going?” “I want to meet the Prophet to listen to his words,” replied ‘Ammar.
“I also want to find it,” said Shuhaib bin Sinan.
Then they went into the house of Arqam to meet the Prophet SAW, both of them heard the solemn explanation of Islamic aqidah until late at night.
Later, both of them declared themselves as Islam. Quietly, they then left home, when the Prophet was about to emigrate to Medina, Shuhaib bin Sinan joined the Prophet's entourage to emigrate.
Shuhaib bin Sinan hid all his gold, silver, and possessions during his years of trading in Mecca before leaving for the Hijrah.
In another account it is explained that Shuhaib ibn Sinan wanted to bring the treasure to Medina and would be charged for the struggle of Islam along with the Apostle.
According to the plan, Shuhaib would be the third person to leave for Medina after the Prophet and Abu Bakr. However, the Quraysh already knew of the plan, and finally they used all means to prevent it.
Stormed. Good luck to Shuhaib. He fell into a trap and was captured. As a result, Shuhaib's journey to Medina was delayed, while the other companions managed to escape.
When the Quraysh were caught off guard, Shuhaib immediately mounted a camel and rode it as fast as possible through the vast desert. The Quraysh soon pursued him and almost caught up with him.
Suddenly Shuhaib stopped and shouted: “The people of Quraysh, you know that I am the most talented arrow master. By Allah, you will not be able to get near me until I have shot all the arrows in this bag. And then, I will cut you with my sword until I run out of weapons in my hands.
Well, come here if you dare! But if you agree, I'll show you where my treasure is kept as long as you let me go. “Ibn Mardaweh reported from Uthman an-Nahdiy of Shuhaib that the army of Quraysh at that time said: ‘Wahai Shuhaib, you have come to us without riches. Now you want to migrate with your Treasure? That can't happen. “Did you accept my offer?”
The Quraysh were eventually interested and agreed to release Shuhaib and accept his reward. Shuhaib's reputation as an honest man led the Quraysh army to believe that Shuhaib would not lie.
After turning back, the Quraysh continued their journey alone until they passed by the Messenger of Allah who was in Qubayl. At that time the Prophet was sitting surrounded by his companions. Hearing the greeting of Shuhaib, the prophet immediately exclaimed with joy: “Congratulations on your trade, O Abu Yahya!” He repeated his speech twice.
Some time later Surah Al-Baqarah verse 207 was revealed by Ibn Abbas, Anas bin Musayyab, Abu Uthman an-Nahdiy, among others, Ikrimah and others who say that this verse was revealed by Allah subhanahu wa Ta’ala about the things that happened to Shuhaib.
This verse is common to every mujahid who fights in the way of Allah, as is the faith of Allah in Surat al-Taubah verse 111: “Verily Allah has bought from the believers themselves and their treasures.
They fought in the way of Allah; then they killed or were killed. (It has become) the true promise of God in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Qur`an. And who keeps his promises (other than Allah)? So be happy with the sales you do, and that's a big win.”
After Shuhaib bin Sinan hijrah, he became a loyal friend of the Prophet. He is known to be brave and reliable in using spears and arrows. Shuhaib once said, “There is no war that the Prophet has fought with any other party where I am not on his side.
There has never been an agreement made by the Prophet of Allah, and Shuhaib bin Sinan has always accompanied him, there has never been an army prepared by the Prophet for a war in which I am not a part.
There is no war without my presence before your king. No one was ever ready to send help because I wasn't there. In short, I am the one who stands between the enemy and the Messenger of Allah.
After the Prophet's death, Shuhaib bin Sinan offered his services to Sayyidina Abu Bakr and Sayyidina Umar bin Khaththab when both became caliphs.
When Umar was stabbed in the back while leading the Fajr prayer, Shuhaib bin Sinan was immediately appointed as the Imam's successor. Umar said, “Pray to Shuhaib.” Although at that time Muslims have not decided who will replace Umar as caliph.
Furthermore Umar said: “Do not be afraid of Shuhaib bin Sinan, because he is a maula (the freed slave). He will not contest the position of this Caliphate.
One of the most famous and amazing events in the life of Shuhaib bin Sinan is his hijra story that asks God to bless him and give him peace.
As mentioned, Shuhaib bin Sinan was a man who had nothing, then he went to Mecca and became one of the rich merchants. Then came the call to hijrah, and he received the call.
On his way from Mecca to Medina, Shuhaib was stopped by the Meccans. “Wahai Shuhaib, you came to us poor and humble, and your wealth became abundant after living in our territory.
Then something happened between us (a dispute about Islam). You can get there, but not with all your possessions. “Shuhaib also left his treasure without a care.
Then Shuhaib arrived in Medina, when he met the Prophet Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam who immediately uttered,
“A very profitable trade, O Abu Yahya, a very profitable trade, O Abu Yahya.”
Shuhaib said, “O Prophet, no one has seen what I experienced.” He shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam replied, “Jibril who told me.”
Then come down the verse,
“And among men there is a man who sacrifices himself for the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is Most Merciful to His servants.” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 207)
Shuhaib bin Sinan was known as a very generous friend and loved to feed the poor. Shuhaib was so diligent in giving, that Umar ibn Khattab considered him to be a Mubadzir (purposeless giving).
Umar said, “Wahai Shuhaib, I see no lack in you except in three things: (1) You are considered an Arab, even though your accent is Roman, (2) You are chewing with the name of the Prophet, (3) and you are a madzir.”
Shuhaib responded, “I am a Mubadzir? I do not believe except in the truth. As for my chews, Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam himself gave him. And my accent is Roman, because since I was a child I was taken prisoner by the Romans. So their accent is very influential on me”.
He also always participated in the wars that were followed by the Prophet Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
Shuhaib died in the city of Medina in Shawwal in 38 A. D. He was 70 years old then. May Allah Ta’ala bless him and place him in a paradise filled with happiness.
The early story of Shuhaib radhiallahu's life ‘anhu is similar to what happened to Prophet Yusuf ‘alaihissalam. He was first a free man, then he was enslaved and sold to one of the officials of the land of Egypt until he became the ruler of the land.
From here we can take a lesson, sometimes God does wreak havoc on us, but this calamity is the path we must take to get better or even great. The prophet Joseph would not have been the ruler of the land of Egypt if he had not spent his life as an outcast by his brothers.
Shuhaib would not have had the honor of being a Muslim and a friend of the Prophet, had he not been on the journey of life as a slave who took him to Mecca until he met the Prophet, may God bless him and give him peace.
Therefore, let us not be prejudiced against God because of the misfortune that befalls us. It could be that God is storing great wisdom or God is preparing something special behind the disaster we are experiencing. Wallahua’lam!
