Hudhayfah Ibn Al-Yaman - Early Years in Medina

Early Years in Medina

At Medina Hudhayfah became an intimate of Muhammad, participating in all the military engagements except Badr. He participated in the battle of Uhud with his father. Before the battle, Muhammad left al-Yaman, Hudhayfah's father, and Thabit ibn Waqsh with the other non-combatants because they were both quite old. As the fighting intensified, al-Yaman and his friend decided that despite their age they did not want to miss the opportunity to participate. They quickly prepared for battle and were soon in the thick of the fighting. Thabit ibn Waqsh was killed at the hands of the mushrikin. The father of Hudhayfah, however was set upon by some Muslims who did not recognize him. As they attacked him, Hudhayfah cried out: "My father! My father! It's my father!" No one heard him and al-Yaman was killed in error. Grieved as he was, Hudhayfah told his fathers killers: "May God forgive you for He is the most Merciful of those who show mercy."

Muhammad wanted diyah (compensation) to be paid to Hudhayfah for the death of his father but Hudhayfah said: "He was simply seeking shahadah and he attained it. O Lord, bear witness that I donate the compensation for him to the Muslims."