The first Ambassodor of Islam
Mus’ab Ibn Umayr (RA) was one of the wealthiest and most handsome young man in Makkah.
He was born into a prominent family with considerable wealth and status. His mother Khunas bint Malik, loved Mus’ab and lavished him with the best that money could buy.
He wore the finest clothes and used the most fragrant perfumes. His appearance was most immaculate and he resembled the Prophet (peace be upon him) to a large extent.
However Mus’ab’s life took a profound turn when he heard about the teachings of Islam. Drawn to the message of Tawheed (Monotheism) he secretly met with Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and converted to Islam.
This desicion of his came at a great personal cost. His mother who was a staunch opponent of Islam, was devastated and tried various means to dissuade him, including house arrest and deprivation of his wealth.
Despite these hardships, Mus’ab remained steadfast in his faith, sacrificed his former luxury for the sake of his new belief and faith. His transformation from a privileged youth to a devoted Muslim is a powerful testament to his faith and commitment to Islam.
Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) chose Mus’ab to be the first Ambassador of Islam to Yathrib (later Madina). His mission was to teach the new converts about Islam and prepare the city for Prophet’s eventual migration.
In one way Madinah is as it is because of the efforts of Mus’ab (RA). He lay a strong foundation of a Muslim Community in Madinah. He worked tirelessly to unite the tribes of Aws and Khazraj under the banner of Islam fostering a sense of brotherhood and solidarity.
During the battle of Uhud, Mus’ab (RA) was given the honor of carrying the standard flag of the Muslim army. The flag served as a rallying point for the troops and a symbol of their unity.
As the battle raged, the tide turned against the Muslims due to a strategic error by the archers. Despite the chaos and confusion, Mus’ab held the flag high, demonstrating immense bravery and steadfastness.
Mus’ab’s resemblence to the Prophet (peace be upon him) led the enemy arm to mistake him for the Prophet (peace be upon him). This misunderstanding drew the enemy’s focus towards him. Despite being outnumbered he continued to defend the flag and fight with unmatched courage
He was eventually struck down and martyred, but he held the flag high until his last breath. He understood the significance of his role and knew his resemblance to the Prophet could protect the Prophet (peace be upon him). Despite being chased down and losing a limb in the process he clung to the flag.
With his unwavering determination he achieved martyrdom ensuring as he fell that the flag never falls.
He was burried in a simple cloth (in contrast to his luxurious life). The Prophet (peace be upon him) mourned the martyrdom of Mus’ab (RA) and said “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah” (Surah Al Ahzab 33:23)
He was about 18 years old when he embraced Islam and became a Shaheed at about 37 years of age. He exemplified the transformative power of faith and dedication. May Allah be please with him.
