It is not shocking that Sa’īd Ibn Zayd (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) instantaneously attested to the Oneness of Allāh and the Messengership of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) and thus became one of those who first embraced Islām. Of course, he grew up in a home where idols were rejected.
Sa’īd’s story is closely tied to his father, Zayd Ibn ‘Amr Ibn Nufayl. Years after the demise of Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām), people corrupted his religion – Al-Ḥanifiyyah (Pure Monotheism) by worshipping idols. However, Zayd clung to the true religion of Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām), rejecting the idols that his people worshipped with such fervor.
Asma Bint Abī Bakr (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhuma) said: “I saw Zayd Ibn ‘Amr Ibn Nufayl standing with his back against the Ka’bah and saying, “O people of Quraysh! By Allāh, none amongst you is on the religion of Ibrāhīm except me.” He used to preserve the lives of little girls: If somebody wanted to kill his daughter, he would say to him, “Do not kill her, for I will feed her on your behalf.” So he would take her, and when she grew up nicely, he would say to her father, “Now if you want her, I will give her to you, and if you wish, I will feed her on your behalf.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3828]
In his quest for the rightful way to worship Allāh, Zayd, along with a few others, sought out the wisdom of Jewish and Christian monks, believing their practices to be superior to the idol worship prevalent among the Mushrikūn (idolaters). His search for truth brought him to a monk in Syria, who foretold the arrival of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) as prophesied by Prophet ‘Eesa (known as Jesus [‘Alayhi Salām]), who would renew and complete the teachings of all Prophets, especially Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām).
Without delay, Zayd headed towards Makkah to meet the Prophet (ﷺ). Sadly, he was ambushed and killed before he could arrive. This left a pressing question for his son: What fate awaits Zayd on the Day of Judgment? The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Your father will come on the Day of Judgment as a Nation (alone).” This indicates that he shall be granted Jannah (Paradise), a profound honor for Zayd Ibn ‘Amr Ibn Nufayl!
Allāh willing, we will continue next week with his son, Sa’īd Ibn Zayd. I ask Allah to be Especially Merciful to Zayd Ibn ‘Amr Ibn Nufayl. Aameen.
Picture Credit: Muslim Ink
