Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah (RA)
Recognition by the Prophet:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once said: Learn the Quran from four persons: Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah, Ubayy ibn Ka’b and Mu’adh ibn Jabal.
From Slavery to Brotherhood:
Salim was a slave and when he accepted Islam, he was adopted by Abu Hudhayfah ibn ‘Utbah.
When the practice of adoption (where the adopted person was called by the son of his adopted father) was banned, Salim became a brother and a companion to the man who adopted him.
Acceptance of Islam:
Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah and Abu Hudhayfah ibn ‘Utbah accepted Islam in the early days of the religion.
Abolishing Adoption:
When the verses of the Quran were revealed regarding abolishing adoption, Salim ibn Abi Hudhayfah had to change his name.
However, he did not know who his father was. Because of this, he stayed under the protection of Abu Hudhayfah and was referred to as Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah.
Salim as Imam and Teacher:
Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah was the Imam of the Muhajirin from Makkah to Madinah and led them in the prayer at the Mosque in Quba.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended the Muslims to learn the Quran from him.
The Prophet once said regarding Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah: Praise be to Allah Who has made among my Ummah as such as you.
Fearless in Speaking the Truth:
Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah would make his opinions known when he felt it was his duty to speak up.
Salim’s Courage in Correcting Khalid ibn al-Walid:
On one occasion, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sent some of his companions to villages and tribes around the city, and they were sent to invite people to Islam and not to fight.
Khalid ibn al-Walid was one of the members sent out and during the mission, he killed a man even though he testified that he was a Muslim.
Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah saw this and went to Khalid and reprimanded him, informing him of the mistakes he made.
Khalid ibn al-Walid tried to defend himself but Salim stood his ground and stated that Khalid had committed a big mistake.
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ heard what Khalid had done, he was saddened by this and made a long supplication to Allah, saying: O Lord, I am innocent before you of what Khalid has done!
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ then asked: Did anyone reprimand him? A man replied: Yes, Salim reprimanded him.
After hearing this, the Prophet’s anger subsided.
The Battle of Yamamah:
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away, the Battle of Yamamah occurred during Abu Bakr’s Caliph. Among the Muslim forces were Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah and his ‘brother’ Abu Hudhayfah ibn ‘Utbah.
Vow of Martyrdom:
Salim and Abu Hudhayfah both made a promise to seek martyrdom for the sake of Allah.
Flag Bearer at Yamamah:
When the flag bearer of the Muhajirin, Zayd ibn al-Khattab fell, Salim held the flag of the Muslims and continued fighting. His right hand was cut off and he held the flag in his left hand whilst reciting the verse: ‘How many a Prophet fought in Allah’s way and with him (fought) large bands of good men! But if they never lost heart for all that they had to suffer in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast’ (Quran, 3:146)
The Final Moments and Martyr of Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah:
A group of apostates then attacked Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah and he fell.
After the battle when the Muslims went out searching for their martyrs, they found Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah just before he passed away.
Salim asked: what has happened to Abu Hudyahfah? One of the Muslims replied: He has been martyred.
Salim then said: Put me next to him. The Muslims replied: He is close to you, Salim.
Abu Hudhayfah was martyred in the exact same place and when Salim heard this, he smiled and passed away.
Salim and Abu Hudhayfah – Together in Faith, Life and Martyrdom:
Salim Mawla Abi Hudyahfah and Abu Hudhayfah achieved what they hoped for, together they entered Islam and together they were martyred.
Umar ibn al-Khattab on Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah:
Umar ibn al-Khattab spoke as he witnessed Salim’s passing: If Salim were alive, I would have appointed him as my successor.
Hadith on Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah:
Aisha narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ heard a man reciting the Quran at night and he said: May Allah bestow His mercy on him, as he has reminded me of such-and-such verses of such-and-such Surahs, which I caused to forget. (Bukhari)
It was reported that this man was Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: Learn the Qur’an from (any of these) four persons. Abdullah bin Mas’ud, Salim the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah Ubai bin Ka’b, and Mu’adh bin Jabal. (Bukhari)