Umar ibn Al-Khattab once said: “Women have failed to give birth to someone like Mu’adh, and if it weren’t for Mu’adh, Umar would have perished!”
Anas ibn Malik said: Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘The most merciful of my nation towards my nation is Abu Bakr, the harshest in matters of Allah is Umar, the most modest is Uthman, the most knowledgeable in halal and haram is Mu’adh ibn Jabal, the most knowledgeable in inheritance is Zayd ibn Thabit, the most knowledgeable in recitation is Ubayy, and for every Umma there is a custodian of trust, and the cystodian of trust of this Umma is Abu Ubaida ibn al-Jarrah.’
This is Mua’adh ibn Jabal who was the best possible student for the best possible teacher! He went on to become a master of knowledge and Fiqh!
The Beginning of Mu’adh ibn Jabal’s Faith
In the early days of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sent Mus‘ab ibn Umayr to Yathrib (later known as Medina) after the First Pledge of Aqabah. His mission was clear: to teach the people of Medina the Qur’an and invite them to Islam. Among those who embraced the message through Mus‘ab’s wisdom was Mu’adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him).
The following year, during Hajj season, Mu’adh traveled to Makkah to meet the Prophet ﷺ and declare his faith through the Second Pledge of Aqabah. This pledge marked a turning point for the growing Muslim community. It laid the groundwork for the migration to Medina and the establishment of the first Islamic state. At just 18 years old, Mu’adh swore allegiance to protect the Prophet ﷺ and stand by his side.
Brotherhood and Early Role in Islam
After the migration to Medina, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established bonds of brotherhood between the Muhajirun (migrants) and the Ansar in Medina. Prophet ﷺ paired Mu’adh ibn Jabal with either Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud or Ja‘far ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them).
Mu’adh’s knowledge and wisdom quickly became clear. The Prophet ﷺ entrusted him with teaching Islam and resolving disputes. Later, he sent Mu’adh to Yemen as a scholar and leader to teach Islamic laws, collect zakat, and ensure justice.
The Courageous Act of Destroying Idols
Before Islam, the people of Medina worshipped idols in their homes. Determined to guide his people, Mu’adh ibn Jabal and his friend Mu’adh ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with them) challenged this practice. They targeted the idol of Amr ibn al-Jamuh, a respected elder of Medina.
One night, the two companions secretly removed the idol and placed it among garbage. At dawn, Amr angrily retrieved and cleaned it. This happened several times until one day, Amr left a sword with his idol, saying:
“If you are truly a god, defend yourself!”
That night, the two companions tied a dead dog to the idol and threw it into a well. When Amr found his idol disgraced, he realized its helplessness and the truth of Islam. Soon after, he embraced Islam with sincere faith.
Mu’adh also joined Thalabah ibn Anmah and Abdullah ibn Anis (may Allah be pleased with them) in destroying the idols of the Banu Salama tribe.
Mu’adh’s Knowledge and Excellence in Jurisprudence
Mu’adh ibn Jabal stood out for his deep understanding of Islam. He taught the Qur’an and shared knowledge of what is halal and haram.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ praised Mu’adh, saying:
“Mu‘adh will be raised on the Day of Judgment ahead of the scholars, at a level above them.”
He also said:
“Mu‘adh is the most knowledgeable of my Ummah regarding what is halal and haram.”
During the Battle of Hunayn, Mu’adh stayed in Makkah to teach the Qur’an and Islamic laws, becoming one of the greatest teachers of his time.
Mu’adh ibn Jabal’s Mission to Yemen
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ appointed Mu’adh as a governor and judge in Yemen, he gave him simple but profound instructions:
“Make things easy, not difficult. Give glad tidings, do not drive people away. Cooperate, and do not differ.”
Mu’adh worked tirelessly in Yemen, spreading Islam and implementing justice. People admired his wisdom and ability to resolve disputes fairly while teaching Qur’anic values.
A Life of Jihad and Dedication
Mu’adh ibn Jabal dedicated his life to Jihad. He pledged during the Second Pledge of Aqabah to defend Islam and remained steadfast. He participated in every major battle alongside the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, including Badr and the final expedition of Tabuk.
After the Prophet’s passing ﷺ , Mu’adh continued serving Islam during the conquests of Syria. Under Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), Mu’adh became the leader of the armies of Sham (Greater Syria).
Mu’adh’s Martyrdom During the Plague of Amwas
In 18 AH, Mu’adh ibn Jabal passed away at 38 years old due to the Plague of Amwas in Sham. As he lay on his deathbed, his fear of Allah remained strong. He would ask:
“Have we entered morning yet?”
When told they had, he replied:
“I seek refuge in Allah from a morning whose end leads to Hellfire.”
Mu’adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) was buried in the Jordan Valley (Ghor region). His grave remains a symbol of his sacrifice and dedication to Islam.
A Legacy of Faith and Knowledge
Mu’adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) left a remarkable legacy as a scholar, teacher, and warrior of Islam. His life was one of courage, knowledge, and faith. From his youth to his final days, he embodied the qualities of a true believer: strength in faith, devotion to knowledge, and sacrifice for Allah’s sake. Like Bilal ibn Rabah, Mua’adh ibn Jabal passed away during the Amwas plague (may Allah be please with them).
Mu’adh ibn Jabal’s Last Words
When Mu’adh ibn Jabal was nearing death, he said: ‘Welcome death, the visitor who is long awaited, the beloved who has come at a time of need. O Allah, I used to fear You, and today I hope for You. O Allah, You know that I never loved this world and long life for the sake of flowing rivers, nor for planting trees, but for enduring the heat of midday, struggling through the hours, and competing with the scholars in sitting near the circles of remembrance.'”
Rahim Allah Mu’adh ibn Jabal who devoted his life to seeking knowledge, worshiping Allah, and longing for the Hereafter.