Hayat al-Sahaba

Hayat al-Sahaba (Arabic: حياة الصحابة) is a book originally written in Arabic by Yusuf Kandhlawi. It was completed around 1959 and later expanded into four volumes with additional annotations and introductions by Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi and Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghudda. The book was first published for Tablighi Jamaat.[1] It compiles authentic reports from various sources, such as Hadith, history, and biographies, with a specific focus on the life of Prophet Muhammad and his companions (the Sahaba). The book sheds light on the companions' dedication to spreading Islam, their exemplary manners, feelings, and thoughts in different situations. It covers various aspects of the companions' lives, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to propagating the teachings of Islam, their sacrifices, and qualities. The main goal of the book is to promote Islamic values, highlighting the importance of treating others with fairness and compassion, as guided by the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. The author organized the narrations into nineteen chapters, each addressing specific topics related to the companions.[2]

Hayat al-Sahaba
English cover
AuthorYusuf Kandhlawi
Original titleحياة الصحابة
CountryIndia
LanguageArabic
SubjectCompanions of the Prophet
GenreBiography
Publication date
1959
Media typePrint
ISBN978-9695862926 Zam Zam Publishers
OCLC21989323
297/.64 full
LC ClassBP75.5.K313 1991

Content

The original Hayat al-Sahaba is divided into three volumes in Arabic. The first volume, containing 612 pages, discusses the Prophet's exhortations to individuals, tribes, and groups during Hajj seasons and journeys. It also shares stories of individuals embracing Islam, like Amr ibn al-As, Khalid ibn al-Walid, and Ikrima ibn Amr, and mentions dispatching letters to invite world leaders to Islam. Notable companions like Abu Bakr, Umar, and Mus'ab ibn Umayr are also highlighted for their preaching.[3]

In the second volume, the focus shifts to the exhortations, sacrifices, and sufferings of the Companions during significant events like wars and migrations. It covers the advice given by Abu Bakr and Umar to their officers during wartime, various pledges (Bay'ah) made by the Companions for different causes, and the hardships endured for the sake of spreading Islam. The book also recounts the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet and his companions, their unity, and support for Islam.[4]

The third volume centers on the endeavors and struggles of Prophet Muhammad and his companions for the cause of Allah, particularly focusing on Jihad (striving in the path of Allah) and their willingness to spend their wealth for this purpose. It includes accounts of battles like the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of the Yarmuk, showcasing the companions' courage and valor. The book also emphasizes the importance of sincerity, obedience to leaders, supplications, and the role of both men and women in Jihad. It highlights their dedication to the cause of Allah and addresses the significance of supporting those who participated in Jihad.[5]

Reception

The Arab News wrote that it has garnered widespread acclaim, establishing itself as indispensable reading for those seeking to comprehend the Islamic way of life or elucidate Islam to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.[6] According to Javed Akhatar, a PhD scholar from Jamia Millia Islamia, the book presents a meticulously crafted historical account, chronicling the endeavors of eminent personalities who responded to the call of Islam and held steadfast in their belief in Allah and His Messenger.[7] Muhammad Latif Khan, hailing from the National University of Modern Languages, aptly described the book as a reflective portrayal of the Da'wah (Islamic call), offering profound insights into the conduct and principles of the Companions.[8]

Translation

The English translation of this book was undertaken by Majid Ali Khan, a professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, in a ten-volume set, comprising more than 3000 pages.[7] This work was rendered into Turkish by multiple writers: Ahmed Meylani in 1980, a team led by Ahmet Muhtar Büyükçınar as "Hadislerle Müslümanlık" in 1980, and Sıtkı Gülle as "Hayâtü’s-sahâbe: Peygamberimiz ve İlk Müslümanlar" in 1990.[1] Naseer Ahmad from Pakistan obtained the author's permission to publish the book's modern Arabic version in Urdu. It found its way into the hearts of Bengali readers through the translation efforts of Mohammad Zubayer, spanning five volumes.[9]

Legacy

The book serves as propagation literature within Tablighi Jamat, resonating with its readers and followers. K. Zaheer Ahmed's scholarly efforts culminated in a PhD thesis in 2018 entitled "Al Qiyamul Insaaniyyah Fee Kitaabi Hayaatis Sahaaba Lish Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Al Kandehlavi Rahimahullah," composed in Urdu at the University of Madras.[2]

See also

References
  1. Özşenel, Mehmet (1988–2016). "KANDEHLEVÎ, Muhammed Yûsuf". TDV Encyclopedia of Islam (44+2 vols.) (in Turkish). Istanbul: Turkiye Diyanet Foundation, Centre for Islamic Studies.
  2. Ahmed, K. Zaheer (2018). Al Qiyamul Insaaniyyah Fee Kitaabi Hayaatis Sahaaba Lish Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Al Kandehlavi Rahimahullah (PhD) (in Arabic). India: Department of Arabic, University of Madras. p. 219. Archived from the original on 16 June 2023. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  3. Akhatar 2016, p. 104–106.
  4. Akhatar 2016, p. 106–108.
  5. Akhatar 2016, p. 108–111.
  6. Salahi, Adil, ed. (6 November 2002). "Scholar Of Renown: Muhammad Yusuf Al-Kandhlawi". Arab News. Archived from the original on 14 June 2023. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  7. Akhatar, Javed (2016). Jamia Millia Islamias contribution to Islamic studies since 1920 (Thesis). India: Department of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia. p. 104. hdl:10603/210671.
  8. Khan, Muhammad Latif (2014). Muhammad Yousuf Kandhalwi: Daawati Afkaar Aur Dini Khidmaat (PhD) (in Urdu). Pakistan: National University of Modern Languages. p. 174. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  9. "Hayat al-Sahaba (1–5)". Wafi Life. 10 October 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
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