Dr. Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Qadri
Shaykh Ul Fiqh, Jamia Nizamia; Founder - Director
Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center
Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center
It is mentioned in Seeratun Nabawiyya that when the delegation from Bani Maharib came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), He looked closely at a person in the delegation. That person was Hudhaima. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told him: I have met you before. He said: Very true. You have seen me in Ukkaaz.
Ukkaaz was the name of a settlement in whose forest, there would be a huge market. In this market all the clans of Arabia would come and describe their excellence and accomplishments and would recite poetry in this regard. This market would go on for 20 days.
Hudhaima said that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would be present in that market and would go to every clan and invite them to Islam. That day even though everybody opposed the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), but I disrespected You and used uncouth language. I treated You very harshly.
The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) affirmed this.
He said: Among my fellow travelers, I was such a person that there was none farther from Islam than me, but I thank Allah Most High that He has sent me to You, and I have affirmed my faith in You. All my friends of that time died on their religions.
The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: The heart is the power of the Lord Almighty, meaning that unless Allah wills it no one can be a Muslim.
Hadhrat Hudhaima (May Allah be well pleased with him) said: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)! Whatever I had told You that day, please seek the forgiveness of Allah Most High for me in that regard.
The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Islam removes all the previous sins of disbelief. After this, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) placed His hand on His face due to which it became radiant. Then, as per His custom, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) gave him some gifts and allowed him to go on his way.