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was the appropriate field for `Ubaadah, away from influential positions that might jeopardize his faith
with precarious arrogance, power, and wealth.
Therefore, he traveled with Mu'aadh Ibn Jabal and Abu Ad- Dardaa' to Syria, where they
illuminated the country with knowledge, fiqh, and enlightment. Afterward, `ubaadah traveled to
Palestine, where Mu'aawiyah held jurisdiction in the name of the caliph.
When `Ubaadah lbn As-Saamit finally settled down in Syria, he always looked to Al-Madiinah as
the capital of Islam and as the center of the caliphate where `Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab, a master- mind and
a peerless man, lived. Then he turned around and looked over Palestine, where Mu'aawiyah Ibn Abi
Sufyaan, a worldly-minded and a power hungry man, ruled.
`Ubaadah was, indeed, one of those blessed men who lived the best and the most accomplished days
of their lives with the Prophet (PBUH). Those men who gained experience through struggle were cast in
the same mold of conflict, struggle, and self-sacrifice. `Ubaadah had embraced Islam out of conviction
rather than fear. Indeed, he sold himself and his fortune to Allah. He was one of the men who were
brought up and disciplined by Muhammad (PBUH), who infused them with his wisdom, enlightenment,
and greatness. To `Ubaadah, one of the most excellent models of the man in power was `Umar.
Naturally, if `Ubaadah tried to judge Mu'aawiyah's conduct and character according to those standards,
the result would not be in his favor and conflict would be inevitable. And that is exactly what happened.
`Ubaadah used to say, "We have given a pledge to the Prophet (PBUH) never to be afraid of anyone
but Allah." `Ubaadah was a man who kept his pledges; therefore, he never feared Mu'aawiyah. Although
Mu'aawiyah was in authority, `Ubaadah had already taken oath to stand fast and expose his wrongdoings.
Consequently, the people of Palestine watched him closely, holding their breath with astonishment,
for the news of the fearless opposition led by `Ubaadah resounded across the world of Islam and was
regarded as an outstanding example that should be followed. Notwithstanding the patience and tolerance
Mu'aawiyah was famous for, he soon got tired of `Ubaadah's opposition, for he considered it a direct
threat to his authority. Finally, when `Ubaadah realized that the gap between him and Mu`aawiyah was
widening fatally, he addressed Mu'aawiyah saying, "By Allah, I will never live in the same land with a
man like you." Consequently, he left Palestine and returned to Al- Madiinah.
Definitely, Umar was a man of outstanding perception and insight. He was so careful to surround
governors like Mu'aawiyah, who manipulated their cleverness for their own interest, with a group of
ascetic, pious, and steadfast Companions and advisers. He aimed at curbing their aspiration and avarice
and reminding them of the era of the Prophet and his great feats.
Therefore, no sooner had the Commander of the Faithful `Umar Ibn Al Khattaab seen `Ubaadah in
Al-Madiinah than he asked him, "What brought you back to Al-Madiinah?" When `Ubaadah told him
about his dispute with Mu'aawiyah he ordered him, "Go back to where you belong. By Allah, any land
that has no one like you living in it is a wasteland." `Umar immediately sent a message to Mu'aawiyah
saying, "You are not to rule over `Ubaadah." Indeed, `Ubaadah was a commander of himself. When a
man like `Umar held `Ubaadah in such high regard, then, undoubtedly, he must be a great and worthy
man. `Ubaadah's greatness was unveiled through his faith, conscientiousness, and discipline.
This sensible representative of the Ansaar and Islam died in A.H. 34, and his memory and history will
forever be cherished and honored by all Muslims.