First Muslim From Among the Jews — Seal of the Prophets Vol. 2

Introduction

In this discourse from The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 2), Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) details the historical events and scholarly insights surrounding First Muslim From Among the Jews.

Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 2)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra)
Section: I – Early Establishment of Madinah and Foundation of the Islamic Government
Pages: Book pp. 18–20 (PDF pp. 42–44)
Navigation: Book Table of Contents | « Previous: [Increase in the Rak‘at of Salat] | Next: [First Muslim From Among the People of Persia] »

Historical Account

Among those who had become Muslim until now, there were perhaps a few Christians who had converted, but there were no Jewish converts yet. Nonetheless, after the migration, this began as well; and although very few people from among the Jews accepted the Holy Prophetsa in his lifetime, this nation did not remain entirely deprived. The very first Jew who was honoured

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by accepting Islām was Ḥaṣīn bin Salām. This individual was a resident of Madīnah, and possessed great influence among the Jews on account of his knowledge and wisdom. The Holy Prophetsa was still in Makkah when this individual heard of his claim, and began to feel inclined towards Islām. Until now however, he had not revealed his inner state to anyone. When the Holy Prophetsa arrived in Madīnah, this individual presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa in secret, and since he possessed a virtuous disposition, became Muslim in his very first meeting. After becoming Muslim, he felt a deep longing that the people of his tribe should not remain deprived of the light which had illuminated his own heart. Therefore, he requested the Holy Prophetsa to invite the eminent leaders from among the Jews and convey the message of Islām to them. He further requested the Holy Prophetsa to inquire of them as to what opinion they held of him, and how they perceived him, so that if they expressed a positive opinion with respect to him, perhaps his acceptance of Islām would become a source of guidance for them. As such, Ḥaṣīn bin Salām hid to one side, and the Holy Prophetsa invited the leaders from among the Jews, and conveyed the message of Islām to them. They did not accept. Then, the Holy Prophetsa inquired of their opinion with regards to Ḥaṣīn bin Salām, upon which they greatly praised his knowledge and wisdom, and said that he was their chief, and the son of a chief, etc. The Holy Prophetsa said, “Look here, if he becomes a Muslim, would you be prepared to accept Islām?” They responded, “We seek refuge with Allāh! It can never happen that Ḥaṣīn becomes a Muslim.” The Holy Prophetsa summoned Ḥaṣīn, and he came out of hiding. He addressed the Jewish leaders saying:

“O my people! Fear God and do not invite the punishment of Allāh upon yourselves. You are well aware that Muḥammadsa has been mentioned in your Book and he is the same Prophet who was promised to you. So fear God, and do not step towards rejection.”

At first these Jewish people were extraordinarily confounded. Then they began to say, “We do not believe Ḥaṣīn. He is a fabricator and a great liar.” Thereafter, they left the assembly of the Holy Prophetsa, cursing Ḥaṣīn bin Salām.

After Ḥaṣīn became a Muslim, the Holy Prophetsa changed his name to ‘Abdullāh, and this is the name that he is known by in accounts of history and Aḥādīth. In actuality, it was the custom of the Holy Prophetsa that when an individual would become Muslim, he would generally leave that person’s

name unchanged. However, if a person’s name was polytheistic, the Holy Prophetsa would change it. The name of Ḥaṣīn bin Salām was not polytheistic, but perhaps the Holy Prophetsa thought it was appropriate to change his name to a purely Muslim one, since this individual was the first Muslim convert from among the Jews.

Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 2)
Section: I – Early Establishment of Madinah and Foundation of the Islamic Government | Navigation: « Previous: [Increase in the Rak‘at of Salat] | Next: [First Muslim From Among the People of Persia] »