Among the émigrés who traversed their way from Makkah to their sweet haven; the noble city of Madinah, was a blind man. Yet, blindness or being handicapped in no way diminished the status of Abdullah ibn Umm Makhtum, on the contrary he, to date, is quite well known.

He was amongst the first to accept Islam and lived through the persecution of the Muslims and suffered what the other companions of the Prophet experienced. His attitude, like theirs, was one of firmness, staunch resistance and sacrifice.

He was devoted to the noble Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him) and so zealous was he to memorize the Qur’an that he would not miss any opportunity to achieve his heart’s desire. One very notable incident from this noble Sahaba’s life was whence at a time our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was concentrating on the Quraysh notables and was eager that they become Muslims. He, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)  had begun talking and negotiating with them and telling them about Islam and had so dearly wished that they would respond in the positive to him and accept Islam or at least call off their persecution of his companions. While he was thus engaged, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum came up and called out to him to read a verse from the Qur’an.
“O messenger of Allah,” he said, “teach me from what Allah has taught you.” The Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him) being preoccupied at the time frowned and turned away. He turned his attention instead to the group of Quraysh, hoping that they would become Muslims and that by their acceptance of Islam they, by the will of Allah, would bring greatness to Islam and strengthen his mission. As soon as he had finished speaking to them and had left their company, he suddenly felt partially blinded and his head began to throb violently. At this point the following revelation came to him:

( 1 ) The Prophet frowned and turned away
( 2 ) Because there came to him the blind man, [interrupting].
( 3 ) But what would make you perceive, [O Muhammad], that perhaps he might be purified
( 4 ) Or be reminded and the remembrance would benefit him?
From that day the Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him) did not cease to be generous to Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, to ask him about his affairs, to fulfil his needs and take him into his council whenever he approached. (Surah Abasa, verses 1-4)
Infact, later years, he often greeted Ibn Umm Maktum with these words of humility:

“Welcome unto him on whose account my Sustainer has rebuked me.”
Subhan Allah, truly Allah had honoured this Sahaba.

Later on Abdullah and Bilal ibn Rabah were appointed to be muadh-dhins for the Muslims. Many a times, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum was put in charge of Madinah in the absence of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him).
His story is truly one that leaves a person in awe.
Even though he was excused from jihad due to his disability he wasn’t content with staying among those who remained at home when an expedition was in progress. Great souls are not content with remaining detached from affairs of great moment.
He fixed a role for himself on the battle field. He would say: “Place me between two rows and give me the standard(flag). I will carry it for you and protect it, for I am blind and cannot run away.” Allahu Akbar, this illustrates not only gallantry but his bravery as well!
In the fourteenth year after the hijrah, Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) resolved to mount a major assault against the Persians to bring down their State and open the way for the Muslim forces.  Umar appointed Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas commander over the army. When the army reached Qadisiyyah, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum was prominent, wearing a coat of armour and fully prepared. He had vowed to carry and protect the standard of the Muslims or be killed in the process.

The forces met and engaged in battle for three days. The fighting was among the most fierce and bitter in the history of the Muslim conquests. On the third day, the Muslims achieved a mighty victory as one of the greatest empires in the world collapsed and one of the most secure thrones fell. The standard of Tawhid was raised in an idolatrous land. Yet, the price of this clear victory was hundreds of martyrs. Among them was Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum. He was found dead on the battlefield clutching the flag of the Muslims.

As a martyr he passed away, his nobility, chivalry and gallantry indeed supersedes legends of fictional heroes for indeed he was a “true hero” who didn’t let his blindness become an obstacle in his way. He indeed is a motivation to all handicapped, and what should I say for those of us who are hale and hearty! We can’t take this account as yet another page in our history books but must learn from his zeal and endeavour to seek guidance.
May Allah guide us all.
Bint Hasan

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