In the Name of Allāh.
It was a fabulous day, like many others, when the Prophet (ﷺ) made Hijrah to Madīnah (from Makkah). The people of Madīnah (i.e. the Ansar) welcomed him with great vehemence. They wished to honor the Prophet (ﷺ) by having him in their respective home. Surprisingly, the camel of the Prophet (ﷺ), which was under command continued till he reached the house of a great and close companion of the Prophet (ﷺ) who is from the tribe of Banu Najjar. He is known as Abu Ayyub Khalid Ibn Zayd Ibn Kulayb (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) – a brave warrior who has never stayed away from any battle. Abu Ayyub was filled with ecstasy, greeting and welcoming the Prophet (ﷺ). The Prophet (ﷺ) stayed in Abu Ayyub’s place for a while till his Masjid was built (on the open place where his camel stopped). He thus became a neighbor of Abu Ayyub.
What a noble neighbor he had! Abu Ayyub continued to love the Prophet (ﷺ) with all his heart, and the Prophet (ﷺ) greatly reciprocated. There was a day when the Prophet (ﷺ) was hungry alongside Abu Bakr and Umar (Raḍiyallāhu Anhum) and they went to Abu Ayyub’s place. After the meal, the Prophet (ﷺ) remarked: “This is a bountiful blessing about which you will be asked on the Day of Judgment. If such comes your way, put your hands to it and say, ‘Bismillāh’ (In the Name of God), and when you have finished, say ‘Alḥamdulillāh alladhee Huwa ashba’na wa an’ama a layna (Praise be to God Who has given us enough and Who has bestowed his bounty on us). This is best!”
I beseech Allāh to be Especially Merciful to Abu Ayyub. (Aameen)
