(Sayyiduna Tufail bin ‘Amr Dawsi [radhiyallahu ‘anhu] – Part One)

Prior to embracing Islam, Sayyiduna Tufail bin ‘Amr Dawsi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a renowned poet, and famous for his nobility and intelligence. He had travelled to Makkah Mukarramah at the time when the Quraish were leaving no stone unturned in spreading propaganda about Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in order to prevent people from listening to him.

Hence, when he arrived in Makkah Mukarramah, some of the Quraish approached him and said, “O Tufail, you have come to our land at a time when this man (Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam]) is stirring up trouble amongst us. He has caused disunity amongst our people and has created a conflict in our affairs. His words are like magic, which splits a man from his own father, brother and wife. We fear that the very same thing will befall you and your people. Hence, never speak to him nor listen to anything that he says.”

They continued dissuading Sayyiduna Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) until he made up his mind not to listen to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) nor speak to him. He was so convinced by this propaganda that as he proceeded to the Haram, he even stuffed his ears with cotton lest he hear some part of the message of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) unintentionally.

When he entered Masjidul Haraam, his eyes fell upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) standing in salaah near the Ka’bah Musharrafah. As he stood close to him (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Allah Ta‘ala decreed that Sayyiduna Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) hear the recitation of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). He was so captivated by it that he said to himself, “May my mother bereave over my loss (a statement expressing his remorse over his foolish behaviour). I am an intelligent poet. I am able to distinguish the good from the bad. Why should I not listen to what this man has to say? If what he brings is good, I will accept it; and if it is bad, I will reject it.”

Sayyiduna Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) waited until Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) headed home. He followed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) until he entered his home. He then approached him saying, “O Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), your people have told me such and such about you. By Allah, they continued to frighten me about you until I stuffed my ears with cotton so that I do not hear your words. But Allah Ta‘ala decreed that I hear your words. I found it to be beautiful words. (Please) present your message to me.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then presented Islam to him, and recited Surah Ikhlaas, Surah Falaq and Surah Naas to him. He was very impressed by what he heard and thus embraced Islam.

Sayyiduna Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then addressed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, “O Rasulullah, I am one of the leaders of my tribe. I will return to them and invite them towards Islam. Make du‘aa to Allah that he grants me a (special) sign, which will prove helpful for me in my endeavour to invite them.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) thus made du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala saying, “O Allah! Grant him a (special) sign!”

After receiving the du‘aa of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Sayyiduna Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) set off towards his tribe. As he reached a mountain pass which overlooked his town, a light similar to a lamp appeared between his eyes. He thus made du‘aa saying, “O Allah! (Place it) anywhere besides my face, for I fear that they may think that it is (a form of) disfiguration (of my face) due to me leaving their religion.” The light hence shifted to the tip of his whip. Whilst descending the mountain pass (overlooking the town), the inhabitants (therein) began staring at the light on his whip, which resembled a hanging lantern. It was as a result of this miracle that he was given the title “Zun Noor” (The One of Light).

(Seerah Ibni Hishaam vol. 1, pg. 382, Usdul Ghaabah vol. 2, pg. 486, and Al-Isaabah vol. 3, pg. 424)

(to be continued)

Lessons:

1. The Quraish’s attempts to dissuade Sayyiduna Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) from Islam show the impact of propaganda in shaping perceptions and preventing people from the truth. The enemies of Islam even in this day and age utilize various methods to deceive and ultimately lead people, including Muslims, away from the pure Deen of Islam. The media (social media, newspapers, television, etc.) is generally utilized in these evil endeavours. The incident above thus serves as a reminder for us to exercise great caution in what we expose ourselves to, and to critically assess the information we receive on a daily basis before forming conclusions and disseminating this information.

2. The Divine plan of Allah Ta‘ala for Sayyiduna Tufail(radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to inadvertently hear Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) demonstrates to us that Divine guidance occurs in miraculous ways. One should therefore always have hope and trust in Allah Ta‘ala’s plan, even when it seems contrary to our initial expectations and intentions.

3. Being a poet, Sayyiduna Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately realized that the words of the Quraan Majeed were no ordinary words, but rather the words of a Supreme Being. This depicts the power of the Quraan Majeed and its ability to touch hearts and inspire change within seconds, provided it is recited with the correct intention and frame of mind.

4. It was a common occurrence amongst the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) that as soon as they accepted Islam, they could not bear to see others on the path of misguidance. The responsibility of inviting others towards Deen was not something that they had to be advised about. Rather, as in the case of Sayyiduna Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), they immediately set out to share this pure Deen with others. Every person has the potential to be a source of inspiration and guidance for others. We should thus endeavour to become such – a lantern of guidance – for others, in whichever way we can.

5. When a person will stand up for the Deen of Allah Ta‘ala, Allah Ta‘ala will help him in amazing ways. In the case of Sayyiduna Tufail (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), this manifested in the form of a bright light, a miracle from the side of Allah Ta‘ala.