In the crowd of shining names of the noble companions, the name of Mus’ab bin Umair (ra) stands out as a symbol of sacrifice and steadfastness. Mus’ab was the torchbearer of the Dawah in all its stages, as he was a young man from the best young men of Makkah, known for his handsomeness, pleasant scent, and luxurious living, so much so that the Companions, may Allah (swt) be pleased with them all, said about him, ما رأينا بمكة أحدا انعم عيشا من مصعب بن عمير “We have not seen anyone in Makkah who lived more comfortably than Mus'ab bin Umair.”

This noble Companion embraced Islam at the beginning of the secret Dawah, influenced by the Dawah of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), despite his social status and privilege. When his mother, Khunas bint Malik, found out that he converted to Islam, she strongly opposed his embracing Islam, and she even imprisoned him in her house in an attempt to prevent him from meeting the Prophet (saw). However, he remained steadfast in his religion and came out with more faith, strength, and determination. After the First Bayah (Pledge of Allegiance) at Aqabah, the Prophet (saw) chose him to be the first Daee (dawah carrier) and ambassador of Islam to Madinah. He had the honor of being the first to establish the first nucleus of the Muslim community (jamaa'ah) there. Among the most prominent of those who embraced Islam at his hands in Madinah were, As`ad ibn Zararah, Sa`d ibn Mu`adh, and Asid ibn Hudayr, may Allah (swt) be pleased with all of them. They all became pillars in building the first Islamic state. This Companion participated in the Battle of Badr and was the standard-bearer of the Muslims at Uhud, where he fought well until he was martyred, while defending the Messenger of Allah (saw). His hands were cut off while holding the standard, so the standard fell and was raised by the noble Companions. When he was found, they did not find a complete shroud for his pure body, so if they covered his head, his feet would be uncovered, and if they covered his feet, his head would be uncovered.

Yes, Iman can change a person’s path from a life of luxury to a path of sacrifice for the sake of principles. Young people are capable of bearing the great responsibilities of calling to Islam, for the resumption of the Islamic way of life. Mus’ab, may Allah (swt) be pleased with him, is a shining example and a role model of how a kind word can open hearts, and bring about change for those who want change.

Mus’ab’s biography is not just a story of any Companion alone, but rather a profound lesson in steadfastness, honesty and sincerity. He lived a short life but it was full of good influence. Yes, he was truly the first ambassador of Islam, one of the pioneers of true change at the beginning of this Deen. Let us light the flame of Iman in our hearts, and carry the Rayah (banner) as Mus’ab carried it, and let us make our lives a message, not rest, and our days beacons for the Dawah, not seats for resting... Be the Mus’ab of this time... for the Ummah is still waiting...