men_around_the_prophet

208 / 255

More info and Downloads at Page 208 of 255
As soon as Muhkam fell down from the hard stroke of Abd Ar-Rahman, all those around him
scattered, leaving a wide entrance open so the Muslim warriors could hasten inside.
Under the standard of Islam `Abd Ar-Rahman's habits became more bright and shining. He was
loyal to his conviction, completely determined to carry out and follow what was right and true, refusing
all kinds of flattery and servility. All these manners were the essence of his personality as well as his
whole life. He never abandoned his principles even when tempted by a desire or influenced by a fear.
Even on that terrible day, when Mu'aawiyah decided to force the pledge to Yaziid by the sword. On
that day, a message was sent to Marwaan, the governor of Al-Madiinah. It included the oath of allegiance
which was to be read aloud in the mosque so that all the Muslims would hear it. Marwaan did what was
ordered. When he finished reading it, `Abd Ar-Rahman Ibn Abi Bakr turned the atmosphere of silence
and depression which covered the mosque into one of loud opposition and firm resistance saying, "By
Allah, it's not the welfare of Muhammad's nation that you are seeking. On the contrary, you want to turn
it into a Heraclian rule. When Heraclius dies another follows."
`Abd Ar-Rahman could dearly see the dangers awaiting Islam if Mu'aawiyah was to carry out his
desire. He could see how the transfer of power within Islam was changing from one based on national
consultation by which the nation chooses its leader, to one of autocracy, by which emperors are imposed
upon the people, one after the other.
`Abd Ar-Rahman had hardly finished these firm and loud resisting words when a group of Muslims
hurried to support him. Leading them were Al-Hussain Ibn `Aliy, `Abd Allah Ibn Az-Zubair and `Abd
Allah Ibn `Umar.
However for some compelling reason which occurred later on, they all were forced to hold a
position of silence towards this pledge of allegiance which Mu'aawiyah decided to take by force of
sword. But `Abd Ar-Rahman continued to resist loudly. Mu'aawiyah sent him someone with 100,000
dirhams, hoping to please him.
Ibn As-siddiiq threw the money and said frankly to Mu'aawiyah's messenger, "Go back to him and
tell him, it's not `Abd Ar-Rahman who is going to buy his life by losing his faith."
As soon as he heard the news that Mu`aawiyah had set off towards Al-Madiinah, he left it heading
to Makkah.
Allah wanted to save him the temptation of such a situation and its bad results. He had hardly
reached the borders of Makkah when his soul submitted itself to Allah's appeal. Men carried the body
and buried it in Makkah, which had witnessed his pagan past but also witnessed his conversion to Islam,
the conversion of an honest, free, and brave man.
(49)