THE STORY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD - Six Pioneers who Entered Islam from Yathrib (Medina)

In the Hajj season in the 11th year of prophethood together in July of 620 AD, Islamic da'wah succeeded in finding good pioneers. In a short time, the pioneers will be very helpful in spreading the teachings of Islam. So that Prophet Muhammad did not get interference or persecution from the Quraish polytheists while preaching, he came out at night to meet the tribes who came from outside Mecca safely.

One night, Prophet Muhammad came out with Abu Bakr and Ali. He visited the camp of Zahl and Syaiban bin Tha'labah. Rasulullah introduced Islam to them. They gave good answers, but they suspended the acceptance of Islam.

Then Rasulullah walked in Al-Aqabah Mina and heard the voice of a group of men who were talking. Rasulullah immediately met and spoke with them. At that time, Rasulullah preached to the six young men of Yathrib (Medina) who came from the Khazraj tribe. They converted to Islam after Prophet Muhammad delivered the essence and mission of Islam. They are:

1. As’ad ibn Zurarah - Banu Najjar

2. Auf ibn Al Harits ibn Rifa'ah ibn ‘Afra” - Banu Najjar

3. Rafi' ibn Malik ibn ‘Ajlan - Banu Zuraiq

4. Quthbah ibn ‘Amir ibn Hadidah - Banu Salamah

5. ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir ibn Naby - Banu Hiram ibn Ka'b

6. Jabir ibn Abdullah ibn Ri'ab - Banu Abid ibn Ghanam

Basically, they knew about the coming of a new prophet in that era from the Jews at Yathrib. The Jews were people who were given books and knowledge, while the Khazraj people were polytheists and idolaters. Jews rule over the Khazraj in their country. The Jews intended to become loyal followers of the prophet and would destroy Yathrib like the destruction of ‘Ad and Iram.

When Rasulullah was with them, he asked, "Who are you?"

They replied, "We are the people of Khazraj."

Rasulullah asked, "So you are friends of the Jews?"

"Yes",

Rasulullah said, "May I ask for a little time, so that I can speak with you?"

"Okay".

After Rasulullah introduced Islamic teachings and invited only to worship Allah and recite the Qur'an, some of them said to others, "Know. For God's sake, this is the prophet that was told to you by Jews at Yathrib. Don't let them overtake you".

Then they justified his words and decided to convert to Islam.

The young men were fed up with a never-ending battle between the residents of Medina. They are rational and good-minded young people who argue that as long as there is still fire that ignites hostility, then there must be something that extinguishes it so the war stops. They hope that Rasulullah can reconcile and unite them so that there is no more hostility and warfare.

They said, "O Rasulullah, we leave our people there in a state of great mutual hostility. We hope that Allah SWT reconciles us all through the intercession of you O Rasulullah. Soon we will arrive at their place, we will call them to your call, we will spread this religion to them. If they accept, there is no noble person besides you".

After that they returned to Medina and introduced Islamic teachings to the inhabitants of Medina, so that there were no more left in Ansar's houses except in the name of the Prophet Muhammad.

Reference:

·         Mubarakfuri, Syekh Shafiyyur-Rahman, and Haidir, Abdullah (Translator). 2005. Sejarah Hidup dan Perjuangan Rasulullah. Riyadh: Kantor Dakwah dan Bimbingan bagi Pendatang Al-Sulay.

·         Al-Mubarakfuriyy, Syeikh Safy Al-Rahman. Seerah Nabawiyyah, Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum.

·         Abu Muhammad Abdul Malik bin Hisyam Al-Muafiri. Sirah Nabawiyah Ibnu Hisyam. 2000. Jakarta Timur: Darul Falah.