‘He was the best of Jews’

“There are many stories that contemporary imams rarely tell their congregations. (Maybe they themselves don’t know?) The story of Mukhayriq, a rabbi from Medina is one such story. I have heard the stories about the battle of Uhud, one of prophet Muhammad’s major battles with his Meccan enemies, from imams and Muslim preachers hundreds of times, but not once have I heard the story of Rabbi Mukhayriq who died fighting in that battle against the enemies of Islam.

“So, I will tell the story of Rabbi Mukhayriq – the first Jewish martyr of Islam. It is quite apropos as the season of spiritual holidays is here.

“Mukhayriq was a wealthy and learned leader of the tribe of Tha’labah. He fought with Prophet Muhammed in the battle of Uhud on March 19, 625 AD and was martyred in it. That day was a Saturday. Rabbi Mukhayriq addressed his people and asked them to go with him to help Prophet Muhammed. His tribe’s men declined saying that it was the day of Sabbath. Mukhayriq chastised them for not understanding the deeper meaning of Sabbath and announced to his people that if he died in the battle his entire wealth should go to Muhammed.

“Mukhayriq died in battle against the Meccans. And when Prophet Muhammed, who was seriously injured in that battle, was informed about the death of Mukhayriq, he said, “He was the best of Jews.”

“Muhammed inherited seven gardens and other forms of wealth from Mukhayriq. Muhammed used this wealth to establish the first waqf – a charitable endowment – of Islam. It was from this endowment that the Prophet of Islam helped many poor people in Medina.”

Here’s the entire column. It talks about mutual consultation between the Jews and Muslims, and about the rabbi who transcended communal divides for a more inclusive idea of community.

Please note that Prophet Muhammad said, “He was the best of Jews.” That implies there were (are) many good Jews. Stories like this provide respect for each other.

Imams, please share such stories from the past and the present with your communities and encourage them to get along.