In the Name of Allāh.
A man immediately departed from Yemen for Makkah to embrace the truth brought by the Prophet (ﷺ), which earned him the status of a Ṣaḥābi (companion). Afterward, he returned to his homeland to share the message with his people. It is no surprise that he later migrated to meet the Prophet (ﷺ) in Madīnah, accompanied by over fifty of his people who had also accepted Islām, all of whom the Prophet (ﷺ) referred to as “Ash’arī.”
He narrated the story of his migration: “We left Yemen along with more than fifty other persons of my people. Three of us were brothers – myself, Abū Rahm, and Abū Āmir. We steered our ship to the land of Najāshi while Ja’far and his companions were still under his hospitality. We returned only when Khaybar was conquered so Allāh’s Messenger ﷺ said: ‘For you is (the reward of) two migrations. You migrated to Najāshi and you migrated to me.’” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3876]
This companion’s full name is ‘Abdullāh Ibn Qays Al-Yamani, but he is more widely known as Abū Mūsā Al-Ash’arī (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu). During the reigns of ‘Umar and ‘Uthmān (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhum), he was appointed as the governor of Baṣrah. He also ruled over Kufah, where he ultimately passed away. Imām Adh-Dhahabī noted: “He was given to fasting a lot, steadfast, pious, ascetic and a devoted worshipper (of Allāh). He was amongst those who merged their knowledge with action and consequently had peace of mind. The position of authority did not alter his personality. He was never deceived by the (glitters of the) world.” [Siyar ‘Alam An-Nubalā 2/396]
Abu Mūsā held the titles of both Qadi (Judge) and Faqīh (Jurist), recognized for his sharp intellect and ranked among the foremost judges. Additionally, he was a Ḥāfiẓ (Memorizer) and Qāri’ (Reciter) of the Qur’ān, known for reading in a voice that greatly inspired the spirits of his listeners. Regarding his enchanting recitation, he stated that the Prophet (ﷺ) told him: “O Abū Mūsā! You have been given one of the Mazamir (sweet melodious voices) of the family of Dāwūd.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5048] Moreover, he was one of the companions who assisted in preparing a Mushaf (a written collection of the revelations).
He was indeed a formidable warrior on the battlefield! He participated in all the battles under the leadership of the Prophet (ﷺ) and took part in the campaign against the powerful Sasanian Empire of Isfahān as well as in the Battle of Tustar.
I beseech Allāh to be Especially Merciful to Abū Mūsā Al-Ash’arī. Aameen
