Foreword

All praise belongs solely to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. May the choicest of salutations and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, his Companions, and those who befriend him.

After praises and salutations, the book in your hands Badhl al Ikhlas forms part of the pioneer series Siyar al Al wa al Ashab (Biographies of the Family and Companions). The al Mabarrah Institute has shouldered the responsibility of enlightening people on the biographies of the beloved family and blessed Companions of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and presenting it in a fashion; which incorporates fluency, ease of comprehension, an adherence to an academic approach, as well as adopting language which is inoffensive and does not give rise to sentiments of sectarianism.

This book falls within the framework of al Mabarrah’s policy of academic collaboration with other institutions in attaining its ultimate goal, i.e. highlighting the history of the beloved family and blessed Companions radiya Llahu ‘anhum and eliminating all blemishes that have clouded it by the Orientalists and the enemies of Islam who are of their ilk. Our vision is to present a pristine and unadulterated record of history of the beloved family and blessed Companions radiya Llahu ‘anhum which portrays their true and factual image, while at the same time, corrects many misconceptions and false ideologies about them which have spread among the Muslims.

Among the many Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum who have been the target of oppression, injustice, and prejudice is the eminent Sahabi, Sayyidina ‘Amr ibn al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu. Him being the target of substantial injustice has necessitated that a book be prepared specifically about him; a book which eliminates falsehood and establishes the truth. Many statements, stances, and suspicions that have been levelled against him collapse in the face of academic scrutiny and objective history. Further, the books which do contain these corrupt complaints are few and do not meet the standards of authenticity and reliability.

The reality is that the personality of Sayyidina ‘Amr ibn al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu is of particular significance for a thorough examination and deep study. He is the great sage, renowned―in the era prior to, and after Islam―for his outstanding wisdom, high intellect, and far-sightedness. He is the sincere believer with a submissive heart―as attested to by Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He is the intrepid leader and audacious commander who is unequalled. He is the just governor who conquered and ruled over Egypt, the heart of the world at the time.

When you add to this his participation in the incidents of the fitnah between the Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum and the prominent part he played which reached its peak in the well-known arbitration episode, we realise that we stand before a prosperous personality, abounding with proficiency in various fields; an individual of many excellences. An individual worthy of being explored and researched in accordance to a fair and objective scholastic methodology, which is not misinformed by spurious unverified historical accounts and not driven by claims devoid of proof, while at the same time not considering the value of intellect invalid as well as individual assessment and deduction worthless.

The book in your hands endeavours to defend the prominent Sahabi Sayyidina ‘Amr ibn al ‘As radiya Llahu ‘anhu by highlighting his virtues, merits, and excellences; in addition to tackling the misconceptions propagated about him, all in a composed scholarly manner. The researcher, brother Walid Muhammad Salim ‘Abdul Haqq, has done an excellent job, and endeavoured generously for which he is to be congratulated. After his primary role, comes the role played by his brothers in the field of research in the capacity of examiners, advisors, and consultants. Finally, painting the task with the colour of al Mabarrah, in its academic approach and unique and outstanding philosophy.

So there you have it. At the end, Mabarrat al Al wa al Ashab renews its vision and its willingness to pool resources with all researchers and seekers of knowledge determined to accomplish its objective of defending the family and Companions radiya Llahu ‘anhum.

Muhammad Salim al Khidr

Head of Markaz al Buhuth wa al Dirasat

(Department of Research and Study)

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