Matchless Demonstration of Brotherhood and Self-Denial

“None of you (truly) believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”—Bukhari and Muslim

In the battle of Yarmuk, a group of Muslim soldiers would go out for battle everyday. After a few hours of confrontation, the unhurt and those who had minor injuries would return, while the wounded or dead would be left on the battlefield.

Hudhaifah U’dwi recounts: 

One day, my cousin, together with some soldiers, set out for the battlefield. Unfortunately, after the conclusion of the day’s battle, he failed to return. Picking up a container of water, I set out for the battlefield, hoping to provide him with a drink in case he happened to be alive.

After searching for some time, I found my cousin who was barely alive. I stooped down beside him and asked him if he needed some water. He nodded, but at that very moment, another soldier, who lay near him, heard me and then sighed loudly to indicate that he was very thirsty.

My cousin signaled to me to provide water to the soldier first. As I went to attend to the injured soldier, I realized that he was Hishaam Ibn A’as. I asked him whether he needed water. He signaled in the affirmative, but while I was about to give him the water, another injured soldier demanded water and Hishaam too refused to drink the water before the other soldier had drunk it. 

I moved towards the third soldier, but just as I reached him, he breathed his last. Returning to Hishaam, I observed that in this ensuing period, he too had died. I hastened towards my cousin, only to find him dead too!

Thus, with their lives, they gave us a lasting demonstration of the meaning of the words of the Prophet (SAW) on brotherhood, goodwill and sacrifice.

May Allah {SWT} grant us understanding. Aameen

Reference: Daastaan-ha Wa Pand-ha