Blind Companion Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum

The story of Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum (a touching story for the believers)

Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum was neither a political leader nor a military commander; instead, this blind Companion was a person who was extremely close to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). His name is counted as one of the unique members of the Quranic generation, for this earth of Allah’s had been showered twice with the verses of the Quran because of him.

One of his great qualities recorded in the pages of history relates to the time when he was appointed by Rasulullah (s.a.w.), together with Mus’ab Ibn Umair, to cross the desert and be the first Companions to migrate to Madinah. Imagine how this visually impaired person was able to put together a strategy to undertake such a risky migration. If he and the youthful Mus’ab had made a single error, it would not only have cost them their lives but also the future of Islam in Madinah, a future that was still uncertain at the time.

Another interesting story relating to him which occurred in Madinah before the death of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was when he once asked for leniency from Rasulullah (s.a.w.) so that he may perform the obligatory prayer at home in his old age.

“Ibnu Umm Maktum said: ‘O Rasulullah, I am blind and my house is far from the mosque. My walking guide does not get along with me. Can I get special consideration and perform my prayer at home instead?’ Rasulullah (s.a.w.) asked: ‘Can you hear the call to prayer?’ He replied: ‘Yes.’ Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said: ‘You do not get any exemption.’”

He certainly had many reasons that led him to ask the Messenger of Allah for special consideration. These include the fact that:

• His home was far from the mosque

• He was already quite old at the time

• His body was frail and his limbs were getting weaker

• His eyes were blind (or extremely impaired)

• He had to pass through a date farm

• He had to pass through spiderwebs (especially for the dawn prayers)

Despite having to overcome these obstacles, he persevered consistently to perform the five daily prayers day and night in congregation under Rasulullah’s instruction. He made his way to the mosque by guiding himself with a rope tied by the other Companions to the date trees along the route to the mosque. Such was his commitment to the practices of Islam.

After the death of Rasulullah (s.a.w.), Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum continued to live in Madinah until the time when the Muslims were making preparations for the Qaadisiyah War, which was the war that would determine the fate of the Islamic empire in ending Persian tyranny. If the Companions triumphed, then this would mark the downfall of this great and feared (Persian) empire, thus ending the latter’s tyranny.

He asked Umar al Khattab for permission to join him in the jihad (struggle) by saying, “O Umar, the Muslim army needs someone who holds on to their promises. Give that responsibility to me. I am blind and I accept everything that is before me. You need someone who will not drop, or allow to fall, the banner of Islam. I am that person. I will advance when others will avoid being stabbed. I will not avoid being stabbed and you need someone like me…”

Umar gave his permission after thinking long and hard about this matter. How could he not, for Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum had embraced Islam much earlier than him. In fact, he had migrated while other Companions were still sheltering in Mecca, and he had also converted the inhabitants of Madinah before the arrival of the Messenger (s.a.w). Furthermore, twice the verses of the Quran had been revealed to earth because of him.

Ultimately, the highest aspiration of Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum was fulfilled when he was martyred in the path of Allah after fighting alongside thousands of soldiers led by Saad Ibn Abi Waqas.

Lessons from this story:

One’s shortcomings and lack of position do not hinder a person from becoming a lover and supporter of great change.

Change and tremendous success will not occur without the determination and sacrifice of the individual and those of his generation.

May we inherit the greatness of this blind Companion…