“Yes,” replied the man. “I know he will not ever leave her, as this is what the Prophet (S) said,” replied Omar. Omar searched for Owais for ten years. A year before the death of Omar, Owais’ mother passed away. That year, Omar stood up at Mount Arafat again and said to the people of Yemen, “Is Owais al Qarni among you?” A Yemeni man said, “He is that sheppard standing over there.” Omar became so excited and went to look for Ali. “Ali! Ali! We found him!” he called out. Omar and Ali approached Owais and asked him, “Are you Owais al Qarni?” “Yes,” replied a surprised Owais. “Show me your shoulder,” replied Omar. Owais showed them his shoulder and they were able to see the mark that the Prophet (S) mentioned. “Is your mother with you?” asked Omar. Owais replied that his mother had passed away. “Ah, it is just as the Prophet (S) said it would be then,” said Omar. Owais actually did not know these men so he asked them who they were. “I am Omar ibn Al Khattab, the Khalifa, and this is Ali ibn Abu Talib, the man who came to Yemen to spread Islam,” said Omar. “Yes! I remember him! But, how do you know me?” asked Owais. So Omar told Owais the whole story about how the Prophet(S) had talked about him years ago. They said how his signs were the mark on his shoulder, his care for his mother, and his lack of attachment to this world. Omar explained how the Prophet (S) told them that Owais would take 200,000 people with him into Paradise. The two men also told him how they had been looking for him for years. Omar (RA) and Ali (RA) then asked Owais to make dua and ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness for them. Owais related to Omar (RA) and Ali (RA) that he was on his way to Kufa. “Would you like me to write to the leader of Kufa to await your arrival and look after you?” asked Omar. “No, thank you. I would like to go unknown as I came,” replied Owais. “Ok. Then at least let me give you some money to help you out,” said Omar in an effort to do at least something for Owais. “No, thank you. My wool coat has still not worn out and neither have my shoes. I have four dirhams that I have still not used. When I run out, I will figure out how to get more. I am content this way,” replied Owais. “You are welcome to stay with me,” said Omar. “Thank you, Omar. But what I have is good for me and what you have is good for you and the Muslims,” said Owais. Owais left Mecca. Later, he fought and died in the battle at Azerbaijan. His death came about 2 years after the death of Omar ibn Al Khattab. Owais was about 35 years old. ………………………………………………… *There are two main lessons that one takes from the story. One is the importance of taking care of your mother and that there is a great reward in it. Once a companion of the Prophet (S) asked him whom he should befriend. The Prophet (S) replied, “Your mother.” The companion then asked, “Who after her?” “Your mother,” replied the Prophet (S). The companion then asked, “Then who should I befriend?” “Your mother,” replied the Prophet (S). “Then whom after that?” asked the Companion. “Your father,” replied the Prophet (S). So much importance is placed on the mother-- not just taking care of her and feeding her and clothing her. Your obligation to your parents is not just a material obligation like putting a roof over their heads and making a phone call every week. It is being their friend and having them be a part of your life, especially in their old age. Owais, who will take 200,000 people with him to heaven, sacrificed his friendship with the Prophet (S) to take care of his mother and devote his whole life to her. This leads to the second lesson...sacrifice. When you sacrifice something for Allah (SWT), Allah (SWT) will reward you with something unbelievably greater than it. Owais didn’t get to be a Companion of the Prophet ﷺ because he chose to care for his mother. Instead, Owais was given something even better--the honor of being his companion in Paradise! Imagine how Owais must have felt to hear what the Prophet (S) had said about him! 11
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