Khubaib Ibn Adiy: A Hero on the Cross

Martyr

Khubaib Ibn Adiy belonged to the Aws tribe from Al-Madinah, he was an Ansari. His father was Adi Ibn Malik

Since the day of the Prophet's Hijrah to Madinah, he frequently visited the Prophet (SAW).

He was described by Hasan Ibn Thabit thus, "He looked like a falcon among the Ansar. Allah endowed him with noble
character and good morals."

When the standards of the Battle of Badr were lifted, he was there, a bold warrior and a daring fighter. Among the polytheists whom he killed with his sword during the battle was Al-Harith Ibn Amir. After the battle was over and the defeated remnants of the Quraish had returned to Makkah, the sons of Al-Harith learned that their father had been killed. They learned the name of his killer very well by heart: Khubaib Ibn Adiy.

The Muslims returned from Badr to Madinah and persistently built their new community. There, Khubaib turned to worship with the spirit of a passionate lover, praying at night, fasting during the day, and glorifying Allah.

One day the Prophet (SAW) wanted to know the Quraish's secrets so as to be fully aware of the target of their movements and any preparations for a new battle. He (SAW) chose ten of his Companions, among who were Khubaib, and Asim Ibn Thabit as their leader.

The expedition set off towards its destination until they reached a place between Asafan and Makkah. News of Khubaib’s team reached an area of Hudhail called Bani Hayaan. The pagans hastened to them with 100 of their most skillful spearmen. They set out to pursue the Muslim group.

Asim, the expedition's leader, felt that they were being chased, so he ordered his companions to mount the high peak of a mountain. The 100 spearmen approached and surrounded the foot of the mountain and besieged them thoroughly.

The spearmen then began to throw their spears at them. Their leader Asim was wounded and died as a martyr. In the same way seven others were wounded and died as martyrs.

The rest were then called and promised that they would be safe if they came down. The three descended, Khubaib and his two friends. The spearmen approached Khubaib and his companion, Zaid Ibn Ad-Dithinnah, and tied them up. Their third one recognized the beginning of their deceits, so he decided to die there where Asim and his companions had fallen.

The deceptive spearmen took them to Makkah where they sold them to the Quraish. The name of Khubaib reached everyone's ear. The sons of Al-Harith Ibn Amir, who had been killed in Badr, remembered his name very well and were moved by spite and hatred. They hurried to buy him. Most of the inhabitants of Makkah, who had lost their fathers and leaders in the Battle of Badr, competed in purchasing him in order to take revenge.

Some others took Khubaib's companion Zaid Ibn Ad-Dithinnah and set out to torture him severely. Khubaib submitted his heart, his whole life, and destiny to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.

One day, one of Al-Harith's daughters entered where he was kept as a captive at Al-Harith's house. She quickly hurried out, calling the people to see an unbelievable thing! "By Allah, I saw him holding a big bunch of grapes, eating from it while being fettered with iron chains - at a time when there isn't a single grape in Makkah. I can't think of it except as being a blessing from Allah!"

Indeed, it was a blessing given by Allah to His virtuous worshiper, as He gave to Maryam (mother of Isa AS)

The polytheists brought him the news of the death of his companion Zaid Ibn Ad-Dithinnah may Allah be pleased with him. They hoped thereby to break down his nerves. They set out to bargain with him over his faith, promising to save his life if he disbelieved in Muhammad and his Lord. When they lost hope of reaching their desire, they took the hero to face his destiny. They took him to a place called At- Tanim.

As soon as they reached Tanim, Khubaib asked them to allow him to pray two raka’at. They allowed him with the hope that he would make up his mind to announce his surrender and disbelief in Allah, His Messenger and His religion.

Solemnly, peacefully and humbly Khubaib prayed two rak'ahs. He then turned toward his killers and said to them, "By Allah, were it not for your thinking that I'm afraid of death, I would have continued praying." Then he lifted his hands towards the sky and said, "O Allah! Count them one by one and then perish them all!"

Then he scanned their faces intently and set out singing: When I am being martyred as a Muslim-I do not care in what way I receive my death-For Allah's sake-If He wishes-He will bless the cut limbs.

It was perhaps the first time in Arab history to crucify a man then kill him on the cross. They had prepared out of palm tree trunks a huge cross on which they fixed Khubaib, his limbs tied tightly. All that cruelty was intentionally performed slowly in front of the crucified hero. He did not close his eyes, and amazing tranquility beamed from his face. Then spears began to skirmish and swords to tear his flesh into pieces.

One of the Quraish leaders approached him saying, "Would you like Muhammad to be in your place and you be healthy and secure among your kin?"

Only then did Khubaib burst like a thunderstorm, shouting to his killers, "By Allah, I would not like to be among my relatives and sons enjoying all the world's health and well-being while even a tiny thorn hurts the Prophet." 

At that, Abu Sufyan, who had not yet embraced Islam, had to shake his head and say astonished, "By Allah! I've never seen anybody love somebody else the way Muhammad's companions love Muhammad."

Khubaib's words were so provocative that the spears and swords began to tear the hero's body to pieces, attacking it with complete madness and cruelty.

The polytheists returned to Makkah while the body of the martyr stayed there, guarded by a group of Quraishi spearmen.

When they were lifting Khubaib onto the palm trunk cross and tying him firmly, Khubaib turned his face towards the sky asking his Ever Magnificent Lord, "Allah! We fulfilled the mission of Your Messenger. Inform him in the early morning of what is happening.” 

Allah responded to his prayer. While he was in Madinah, the Prophet (SAW) was filled with a strong feeling that his Companions were facing a severe trial, and he could almost see the crucified dead body of one of them.

Immediately, the Prophet (SAW) sent for Al-Miqdad Ibn Amr and Az-Zubair Ibn Awwam. They mounted their horses and set off to cross the land rapidly. Allah guided them to their desired destination. 

They lowered Khubaib's body to a pure spot of ground waiting to shelter him under its moist soil. Khubaib ibn Adiy was martyred in 4 AH.

No one knows to this day where Khubaib's grave lies. Maybe that is better and more respectable for him so that he remains in history's memory and in the conscience of life a hero, a hero on the cross. 

May Allah be pleased with Khubaib Ibn Adiy.

LESSONS

1. Stratagem: It is permissible for Muslims to gather information on individuals and entities that have declared hostility and enmity for the light of Islam. It was normal for Muhammad (SAW) to dispatch teams for reconnoiter.
2. Final Abode: A Muslim always has Jannah on his mind as his final destination and this always brings tranquility and peace to his heart irrespective of the hardship being faced at any particular moment. Khubaib was able to endure the torture and humiliation because his heart was fixed on the promise of Allah to His righteous servants.
3. Love for Muhammad (SAW): The Sahaba loved the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) even more than their own selves. Khubaib was ready to die as long as the prophet was safe.
4. Miracles of Muhammad (SAW): Muhammad (SAW) could see things that weren’t happening anywhere close to him.