ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Exemplary Youths during the Early Days of Islam The Sagacious Youth, Abān ibn ‘Ās Abān, the son of Sa‘īd ibn ‘Ās, came from the tribe of Banī Umayyah. Although the enmity and hostility of Banī Umayyah towards the tribe of Banī Hāshim is not hidden from anyone, there were still individuals coming from this family who converted to Islam and struggled in the way of religion. One of these people is Abān.

Abān had fallen under the influence of his father’s beliefs and was scared of him. He could not gather enough courage to study the newly-established religion of Islam. But one event took place that transformed him and opened new avenues in his life. On one of his business trips to Syria, Abān met a Christian monk who had read books about the former prophets, and was well-versed in the prophecies therein.

Abān told the Christian monk, “A person has arisen from among the Quraysh claiming to be a Prophet of Allah. He says that he is a prophet of Allah just like Moses ( ‘a ) and Jesus ( ‘a ) were Allah’s prophets (S).” The monk asked Abān, “What is this man’s name?” Abān answered, “His name is Muhammad (S).” The monk said, “I will mention and cite for you the attributes and signs of the last prophet of Allah.

If this man has any one of these signs, then know with certainty that he, indeed, is that same prophet about whom good tidings have been given regarding his coming.” After that, the monk mentioned all the signs of the last prophet of Allah. Abān said, “All the signs and attributes you have mentioned are found in him.” The monk said, “He will be triumphant over all the Arabs.

His religion will spread all over the world.” Then, the Christian Monk added, “Convey my greetings to that blessed man when you return to Mecca.”[^1] A soul and spirit that is ready for transformation will need just one spark to set the fire of revolution alight within him. That is why, no matter how insignificant this meeting might appear, it produced profound effects in Aban’s soul. From thence onwards, Abān was never the same youth that he had been before.

On the contrary, he started feeling in himself a mysterious pull towards the forerunner of monotheism, the Noble (S). His father, the only obstacle in his way, passed away at a place called Zarībah, one of the regions of Tā’if.