Hilful-Fudul — Seal of the Prophets Vol. 1
Introduction
In this discourse from The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1), Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) details the historical events and scholarly insights surrounding Hilful-Fudul.
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra)
Section: IV-Early Life
Pages: Book pp. 144–145 (PDF pp. 168–169)
Navigation: Book Table of Contents | « Previous: [Harb-e-Fijar] | Next: [His Blessed Appearance] »
Historical Account
During the ancient age, various noble-hearted individuals of Arabia thought to establish a mutual agreement. This agreement stated that the rights of the oppressed would be protected and that the oppressor would be restrained from injustice. In the Arabic language, the word faḍl also refers to one’s ‘right’, which transforms into fuḍūl when expressed in plural. This is why it is also said that since the names of the proponents of this confederacy after the infamous Ḥarb-e-Fijār, Zubair bin ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib, a paternal uncle of
Muḥammadsa was most probably inspired by this war and proposed to revive this agreement once again. Therefore, representatives from the different tribes of the Quraish gathered at the home of ‘Abdullāh bin Jad‘ān where arrangements for a feast had been made. All the representatives unanimously took a mutual oath that they would forever restrain injustice and assist the oppressed. The ones who took part in this agreement include the Banū Hāshim, Banū Muṭṭalib, Banū Asad, Banū Zuhrah and Banū Yatīm.
[Bear in mind that the Banū Nawfal and Banū Umaiyyah remained separated from the Banū Hāshim in this instance. (Author)]
Muḥammadsa was also present at this occasion and joined in this agreement. Hence, on one occasion during the time of his prophethood, the Holy Prophetsa said that, “In the house of ‘Abdullāh bin Jad‘ān, I once partook in such an oath that even if I was called to it today, in the age of Islām, I would present myself saying, here I am to do thy undertaking”. Perhaps it was due to the influence of this deep inspiration that during the time of Amīr Mu‘āwiyah, when his nephew Walīd bin ‘Utbah bin Abū Sufyān, the governor of Madīnah, usurped one of the rights of Ḥaḍrat Ḥusain bin ‘Alī bin Abī Ṭālibra, Ḥaḍrat Ḥusainra said, “By God if Walīd does not return my due right, I shall stand before Masjid-e-Nabawī, with my sword in hand, calling people towards the Ḥilful-Fuḍūl.” When ‘Abdullāh bin Zubair heard of this, he said, “If Ḥusainra calls me to this oath, I shall surely present myself saying, here I am to do thy undertaking, and we will either acquire his right or all of us shall perish in this endeavour.” Many other individuals also repeated these words upon which Walīd’s evil intentions were suppressed and he eventually returned the right of Ḥaḍrat Ḥusainra. It should be kept in mind that ‘Abdullāh bin Zubair was of the Banū Asad which took part in the Ḥilful-Fuḍūl.
[The Prophet’s Mosque (Publishers)]
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 1)
Section: IV-Early Life | Navigation: « Previous: [Harb-e-Fijar] | Next: [His Blessed Appearance] »