Abu ^Ubaydah: a legacy of faith and leadership

والصَّلَاةُ والسَّلاَمُ عَلَى سَيّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ أَشْرَفِ اْلمُرْسَلِيْنَ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ الطَّيّبِيْنَ الطَّاهِرِيْن

Abu ^Ubaydah ^Amir Ibnu l-Jarrah stood among the earliest converts to Islam, distinguished by his virtues, piety, and unwavering honesty. He was a prolific transmitter of the Prophet's teachings.

Lineage and Early Days

Known by his full name, Abu ^Ubaydah ^Amir, son of ^Abdu l-Lah, son of Al-Jarrah, Al-Fihriyy from the Quraysh tribe, he embraced Islam before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ entered the house of Al-'Arqam.

Active Participation and Exemplary Traits

Abu ^Ubaydah actively participated in pivotal events alongside the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and earned renown for his uprightness, piety, and integrity. 'Anas reported a saying of the Prophet Muhammad, proclaiming him as the trustworthy figure of their community. He said:

"إِنَّ لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَمِينًا وَأَمِينُ هَذِهِ الأُمَّةِ أَبُو عُبَيْدَةَ بْنُ الجَرَّاحِ"

(‘inna likulli ‘ummatin ‘aminan wa ’amiu hadhihi l-‘ummati Abu ^Ubaydah Ibnu l-Jarrah)

This means: "Every community has a trusted man, and the trusted man of this community is Abu ^Ubaydah ibnu l-Jarrah."

Praise and Esteem

Abu Nu^aym reported that ^Umar Ibnu l-Khattab, in praise of him, said to his companions, "Make a wish." One man said, "I wish this house were full of gold that I could spend in the way of Allah." Another said, "I wish it were full of topaz, precious pearls, and diamonds that I could spend in the way of Allah ." ^Umar then said, "I wish this house were full of men like Abu ^Ubaydah ibnu l-Jarrah."

Leadership and Contributions

Abu ^Ubaydah played a crucial role in leading and strategizing conquests across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. One of the most notable conquests was the Battle of Dhatu s-Salasil, which was led by ^Amr Ibnu l-^As. During the battle, ^Amr requested reinforcements from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Prophet responded by sending a battalion, which included Abu Bakr and ^Umar. He also appointed Abu ^Ubaydah as the leader of the battalion. The battle was won in the eighth year of Hijrah.

Passing and Legacy

In the eighteenth year of the Hijrah, Abu ^Ubaydah passed away at the age of fifty-eight. His final resting place in the village of Baysan, Jordan, is marked by a maqam, preserving the memory of his exemplary life.