Question
It has been said that Sayyiduna ‘Umar and Hamza (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) led two rows of Muslims towards the Ka’bah to demonstrate the strength of the Muslims to the Quraysh. Are there any authentic references for this story?
Answer
This is part of a long narration Imams Abu Nu’aym and Ibn ‘Asakir (rahimahumallah) have recorded on the authority of Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma).
(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 1, pg. 40, and Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 44, pgs. 29-31)
Imam Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has graded the chain as weak.
(Tarikhul Islam, vol. 1, pgs. 573-574; Also see: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3684)
Nonetheless, this account is suitable to quote for historical events of the Sirah, as is the case with narrations of such nature.
Translation
Hereunder is a translation of the part in question:
“I [i.e., Sayyiduna ‘Umar – radiyallahu ‘anhu] said: “Aren’t we on the truth [regardless of] whether we die or live?”
He [i.e., Rasulullah – sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] replied: ‘Most certainly! By that being in whose possession lies my soul you are most definitely on the truth [regardless of] whether you die or live!’
“I [i.e. Sayyiduna ‘Umar – radiyallahu ‘anhu] then said: “What [reason] then is there in secrecy/hiding? By that being that has sent you with the truth, You will most definitely come out [i.e., call on to Allah Ta’ala and worship Him alone publicly]”
“We then escorted him [i.e. Nabi – sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] in two rows; [Sayyiduna] Hamzah [radiyallahu ‘anhu] was in [the front of] one of them whilst I was in the other, dust being stirred up like a cloud of flour until we entered the Masjid [i.e., we were such a large group that we created a large cloud of dust whilst walking].
The people of Quraysh then looked at me and at [Sayyiduna] Hamzah [radiyallahu ‘anhu] and were struck with such grief unlike anything before.
(Hilaytul Awliya, vol. 1, pg. 40; Also see: An-Nihayah, Letters: ك د د)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar