The Ansar, or “Helpers,” were the residents of Medina who welcomed and supported the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions when they migrated from Mecca. Their loyalty and sacrifice played a crucial role in the spread of Islam. This collection of hadiths highlights the virtues, actions, and recognition of the Ansar, emphasizing their important position in Islamic history. Let’s explore each hadith in detail, covering its meaning, significance, and lessons.
Allah Named the Ansar (Volume 5, Book 58, Number 120)
In English
Narrated Ghailan bin Jarir
“I asked Anas, ‘Tell me about the name ‘Al-Ansar’; Did you call yourselves by it or did Allah call you by it?’ He said, ‘Allah called us by it.’ We used to visit Anas (at Basra) and he used to narrate to us the virtues and deeds of the Ansar, and he used to address me or a person from the tribe of Al-Azd and say, ‘Your tribe did so-and-so on such-and-such a day.'”
In Urdu
حضرت غیلان بن جریر نے بیان کیا
“میں نے حضرت انس سے پوچھا کہ کیا آپ لوگوں نے اپنے آپ کو انصار کہا یا اللہ تعالیٰ نے آپ کو یہ نام دیا؟ حضرت انس نے فرمایا کہ اللہ نے ہمیں یہ نام دیا۔ ہم حضرت انس کے پاس بصرہ جایا کرتے تھے اور وہ ہمیں انصار کی فضیلت اور اعمال کے بارے میں سنایا کرتے تھے۔”
In Arabic
رَوَى غَيْلان بْنُ جَرِيرٍ
“سَأَلْتُ أَنَسًا، قُلْتُ: يَا أَنَسُ، مَنْ سَمَّاكُمْ الأَنْصَارَ، أَنْتُمْ أَمِ اللَّهُ؟ قَالَ: سَمَّانَا اللَّهُ.”
Important Points from the Hadith
This hadith highlights the divine selection of the name “Ansar” by Allah, symbolizing their honoured status. It reflects their role as key supporters of Islam, a title that marks their contribution to the Prophet’s mission. The close relationship between the Ansar and the Prophet is also emphasized, showcasing their loyalty.
The Battle of Buath (Volume 5, Book 58, Number 121)
In English
Narrated ‘Aisha
“The day of Bu’ath (a day of fighting between the two tribes of the Ansar, the Aus and Khazraj) was brought about by Allah for the good of His Apostle so that when Allah’s Apostle reached Medina, the tribes of Medina had already divided and their chiefs had been killed and wounded. So Allah had brought about the battle for the good of His Apostle so that they (the Ansar) might embrace Islam.”
In Urdu
حضرت عائشہ نے فرمایا
“بعاث کا دن، جو اوس اور خزرج کے درمیان لڑائی کا دن تھا، اللہ تعالیٰ کی طرف سے نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے لیے بھلائی کا سبب بنایا گیا تھا۔ جب نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم مدینہ پہنچے تو یہ قبائل پہلے ہی تقسیم ہوچکے تھے اور ان کے سردار قتل ہوچکے تھے۔”
In Arabic
حَدَّثَنَا عَائِشَةُ:
“كَانَ يَوْمُ بُعَاثٍ لِخَيْرِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ، فَلَمَّا وَصَلَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِلَى المَدِينَةِ، كَانَتِ القَبَائِلُ قَدِ انْقَسَمَتْ، وَقُتِلَ زُعَمَاؤُهُمْ.”
Important Points from the Hadith
The Battle of Bu’ath is seen as a divine intervention that paved the way for the Ansar to accept Islam. The conflict between Aus and Khazraj weakened their unity, which ultimately helped them recognize the need for the Prophet’s guidance and embrace Islam as a united community.
The Prophet’s Love for the Ansar (Volume 5, Book 58, Number 122)
In English
Narrated Anas
“On the day of the Conquest of Mecca, when the Prophet had given (from the booty) to the Quraish, the Ansar said, ‘By Allah, this is indeed very strange: While our swords are still dribbling with the blood of Quraish, our war booty is distributed among them.’ When this news reached the Prophet, he called the Ansar and said, ‘Doesn’t it please you that the people take the booty to their homes and you take Allah’s Apostle to your homes?'”
In Urdu
حضرت انس نے فرمایا
“مکہ کی فتح کے دن جب نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے مالِ غنیمت قریش میں تقسیم کیا تو انصار نے کہا: ‘بخدا، یہ بہت عجیب ہے کہ ہماری تلواریں ابھی قریش کے خون سے گیلی ہیں اور غنیمت ان میں تقسیم ہو رہی ہے۔'”
In Arabic
حَدَّثَنَا أَنَسٌ
“يَوْمَ فَتْحِ مَكَّةَ، بَعْدَمَا وَزَّعَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الغَنِيمَةَ عَلَى قُرَيْشٍ، قَالَتِ الأَنْصَارُ: ‘وَاللَّهِ، أَمْرٌ غَرِيبٌ.'”
Important Points from the Hadith
This hadith illustrates the special bond between the Prophet and the Ansar. While the Ansar expressed concern over the distribution of war booty, the Prophet reassured them by highlighting the great honour they had of being his companions and hosting him, a reward far greater than material wealth.
The Prophet’s Preference for the Ansar (Volume 5, Book 58, Number 123)
In English
Narrated Abu Huraira
“The Prophet said, ‘If the Ansar took their way through a valley or a mountain pass, I would take the Ansar’s valley. And but for the migration, I would have been one of the Ansar.'”
In Urdu
حضرت ابو ہریرہ نے فرمایا
“نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: ‘اگر انصار کسی وادی یا درہ اختیار کریں تو میں انصار کے وادی کو اختیار کروں گا۔ اور اگر ہجرت نہ ہوتی، تو میں انصار میں سے ہوتا۔'”
In Arabic
رَوَى أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ:
“قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ‘لَوِ اخْتَارَ الأَنْصَارُ وَادِيًا، لَاخْتَرْتُ وَادِيَ الأَنْصَارِ.'”
Important Points from the Hadith
The Prophet’s declaration of his deep love for the Ansar underscores their unique place in Islamic history. He valued their loyalty and support so much that he expressed his desire to be counted among them if not for his migration. This hadith conveys the strong emotional connection between the Prophet and the Ansar.
Conclusion and Key Lessons
The hadiths about the Ansar serve as a testament to their unwavering faith and dedication to Islam. The Ansar were not just supporters but integral to the Prophet’s mission. Their actions and the Prophet’s acknowledgement of them emphasize themes of unity, sacrifice, and divine guidance. These lessons remain relevant today, highlighting the virtues of loyalty, love for the Prophet, and the importance of supporting righteous causes.
References for the Hadiths
These hadiths are from Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 58, and serve as a reminder of the significance of the Ansar in early Islamic history. Their virtues continue to inspire Muslims worldwide, illustrating the timeless relevance of their example.