In the Name of Allāh.
In our society, we encounter individuals with various forms of disfigurement. This raises the question: is there hope for them to find emotional fulfillment? During the time of the Prophet (ﷺ), there was a companion named Julaybīb (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu), who was one of those individuals. He had an unknown lineage and no tribe that would claim him as theirs. Julaybīb was not wealthy nor conventionally handsome, yet his faith was deeply entrenched, stronger than a mountain.
Indeed, Allāh does not concern Himself with our appearances or bodily forms. Instead, He focuses on our hearts and deeds. As reported by Abū Hurayrah, the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) stated, “Verily, Allāh does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2564]
The name Julaybīb means “small grown,” a diminutive form of “Jalbab.” This suggests that Julaybīb was of small stature, possibly resembling a dwarf. His appearance led to his social ostracism.
Despite his humble background and lack of physical allure, Julaybīb was a man of profound faith, loved and respected by the Prophet (ﷺ). Praise be to Allāh, Who bestows goodness on His servants as He wills. The Prophet (ﷺ) was sensitive to the needs and emotions of his humble companions. With Julaybīb in mind, he approached an Anṣāri companion to request the hand of his daughter in marriage for him. The mother of the girl exclaimed, “Julaybīb? Certainly not! By Allāh, I will not have my daughter married to Julaybīb.”
As the father prepared to inform the Prophet (ﷺ) of their decision, their daughter inquired who wanted her to get married. Upon learning that it was the Messenger of Allāh, she stated, “Do you object to the command of Allāh’s Messenger? Send me to him, for he shall certainly not bring ruin to me.” Thus, with joy in her heart, she accepted and married Julaybīb. After the marriage, the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed for her, saying, “O Allāh, shower good on her in abundance and make not her life one of toil and trouble.”
With the Prophet’s (ﷺ) support and reassurance, Julaybīb demonstrated remarkable bravery, made a significant sacrifice, and earned recognition. He participated in a military campaign alongside the Prophet (ﷺ), during which he faced some Mushrikīn (polytheists). In the battle, Julaybīb valiantly fought seven enemies, inflicting serious injuries on them, and killing them before ultimately being slain himself. The Prophet (ﷺ) noted, “He killed seven and then he was killed? This (man) is of me and I am of him.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2472] In death, Julaybīb was honored with the ultimate respect, being embraced and buried by the Prophet’s own blessed hands.
Through his selfless bravery in battle, Julaybīb achieved not only the Prophet’s commendation but also martyrdom in the Path of Allāh.
I beseech Allāh to show His Special Mercy on Julaybīb, and just as Allāh granted him a life of dignity despite the challenges he faced, may we also be blessed with strength and guidance in our struggles. Aameen!
Picture Credit: Freepik
