Sayyiduna Muawiya رضي الله عنه : The Virtuous Legacy of a Prophet’s ﷺ Esteemed Companion

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In The Name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

This paper aims to expound on the virtues and excellence of Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu, one of the beloved Sahaba of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.The beloved Sahabah Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu has always been an issue of controversy among Sunnis and Shias. This particularly stems from the difference of opinion of Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu and other sahabah, especially, Sayyiduna wa Mawlana Ali karramallahu wajhahu and Sayyidatuna A'isha radiyallhu anha. Moreover, his son the tyrant Yazid lahnatullahi alahi was the one who rose against the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam in the battle of Karbala.

Despite of this, the status of Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu is still established in the Islamic tradition through the Ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Moreover, any actions of his son Yazid lahnatullahi alayhi such as the Killing of Imam Hussain alayhis salam and other muslims cannot be blamed on Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu.

I have gathered below some of the Ahadith pertaining the the virtues of Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu as well as the view of the pious predecessors and scholars regarding him:1. The Du'a of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) for Mu'awiya

The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) made several supplications specifically for Sayyiduna Mu'awiya (Radiyallahu Anhu):

• Sayyiduna Arbadh bin Saariyah (Radiyallahu Anhu) reported that he heard the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) supplicating:

"O Allah! Teach Mu'awiyah the Book and Math, and protect him from the Punishment."(Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 27, Page 383, Hadith 17152; Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Vol. 3, Page 214; Siyar A'laam al-Nubala, Vol. 8, Page 38; Sahih Ibn Hibban, Vol. 16, Page 191)

• In another narration, the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prayed:

"O Allah! Teach him (Mu'awiyah) the Book and Math, and grant him the rule over cities and protect him from the Punishment."(Tabarani, Mu'jam Kabeer, Vol. 18, Page 252, Hadith 628)

• Hadrat Abd ar-Rahman ibn 'Umayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) narrates that the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) made a supplication for Mu'awiyah (Radiyallahu Anhu):

"O Allah! Make him a guide, guided (to the right path), and guide (others) through him."(Jaami' Tirmidhi, Vol. 4, Page 526, Hadith 3842; Musnad Imam Ahmad, Hadith 17926; Tarikh al-Kabeer, Vol. 5, Page 240; Ibn Asakir, Tarikh Damishq, Vol. 59, Page 106)

2. Endorsement by Companions

The esteemed companions of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) also recognized and praised the virtues of Sayyiduna Mu'awiya (Radiyallahu Anhu):

• Hadrat 'Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) defended Mu'awiyah's appointment, saying:

"Think good of Mu'awiyah (Radiyallahu Anhu), because I have heard the beloved Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) say in supplication that 'Oh Allah! Let the people be guided through the means of Mu'awiyah.'"(Jaami' Tirmidhi, Vol. 3, Page 324; Al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 8, Page 129)

• Sayyidah Ayesha Siddiqah (Radiyallahu Anha) narrated that the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) supplicated for Mu'awiyah:

"O Allah lead him (Mu'awiyah) towards guidance, protect him from destruction, and forgive him in this world and the hereafter."(Tabarani, Mu'jam al-Awsat, Vol. 1, Page 498, Hadith 1838)

• Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu Anhuma) praised Mu'awiyah, stating:

"He is a faqih (i.e. a learned man who can give religious verdicts)."(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 531, Hadith 109; Fath al-Baari, Vol. 7, Page 130)

• Sayyiduna Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) acknowledged Mu'awiyah's leadership:

"O People! Do not loathe Mu'awiya's leadership. If you were to lose him, you would see heads parting with their necks like colocynths."(Al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 8, Page 134)

• Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Umar (Radiyallahu Anhuma) said:

"I have not seen a better leader after the Prophet than Muawiya. It was said: Not even your father. He said: My father is better than Muawiya, but Muawiya is a better leader than him."(Al-Sunnah lil Khallal, Vol. 1, Page 443; Al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 8, Page 137; Siyar Al-A'laam Al-Nubala, Vol. 3, Vol. 152)

3. The Scribe and Trusted Companion

Sayyiduna Mu'awiya (Radiyallahu Anhu) served as a trusted scribe for the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam):

• Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu Anhu) reported that the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) called for Mu'awiyah to write down Allah's Revelation (Wahi):

"Go bring Mu'awiyah to Me," because he wrote down Allah's Revelation for the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam).(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 2651; Bayhaqi, Dalail al-Nabuwwah, Vol. 6, Page 243)

• Sayyiduna Jibreel (Alayhis Salam) informed the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam):

"O Muhammad, make a testament in regards to Mu'awiyah, for verily he is a trustee of Allah's book and a magnificent trustee he is."(Tabarani, Mu'jam Kabeer, Vol. 3, Page 73, Hadith 3902)

4. Promised Paradise

Mu'awiyah (Radiyallahu Anhu) is among the companions promised paradise for participating in the first naval expedition of the Muslims:

• Umm Haram al-Ansariyah (Radiyallahu Anha) reported that she heard the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) say:

"The first army of my ummah that invades the sea, all their sins are forgiven."(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 253, Hadith 2924)

• Hafidh Ibn Hajar (Alayhir Rahmah) commented on this hadith:

"In this hadith, there is a virtue of Mu'awiyah because he was the first to invade the sea."(Fath al-Baari, Vol. 6, Page 127)

5. Esteemed Character and Leadership

Sayyiduna Mu'awiya (Radiyallahu Anhu) was also known for his leadership qualities and his esteemed character:

• Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu Anhu) stated:

"I have not seen a man who is more fit to be a king than Mu'awiyah."(Musannaf Abdur Razzaq, Vol. 11, Page 453, Hadith 20985; Al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 8, Page 137; Tarikh Damishq, Vol. 62, Page 161)

• Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Al-Mubarak was asked: Which of them is better: Mu'awiyah Ibn Abi Sufiyan or Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz? He responded:

"By Allah, the dust that has entered the nose of Mu'awiyah with the Messenger of Allah is better than Umar one thousand times. Muawiya prayed behind the Messenger of Allah. When he said: Sami' Allahu li man hamida (Allah listens to one who praises him), Muawiya said: Rabbana wa laka Al-Hamd (Our Lord to You is the praise). What do you want more than this?"(Wafiyat al Ayan li Ibn Khalkan, Vol. 3, Page 33)

6. Opinion of the Pious Predecessors

·       Sayyidunā Mujāhid rahimahullah alayhi once said, “If you saw Amīr Muʿāwiyah, you would say that he was rightly guided (mahdī).” (Al-Sunnah li al-Khallāl, vol. 1, p. 438, Raqm: 669)

·       Someone asked Sayyidunā Muʿāfā b. ʿImrān rahimahullah alayhi , “Is Amīr Muʿāwiyah radiyallahu anhu greater or Sayyidunā ʿUmar b. ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz rahimahullah alayhi ?”

On hearing this question, the noble Muʿāfā was angered.

“Do you compare a [Prophetic] Companion to a Follower (tābiʿī)? [Sayyidunā] Muʿāwiyah was a Companion of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, his relative through marriage, his scribe, and a protector of revelation (waḥy) from Allah”, he responded vehemently. (Al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah, vol. 5, p. 643)

·       Sayyidunā Qabīṣah b. Jābir rahimahullah alayhi  said:

“I have not seen anyone more forgiving, further from ignorance, and more dignified than Amīr Muʿāwiyah radiyallahu anhu” (Siyar Aʿlām al-Nubala', vol. 4, p. 308) 

·       Imam ʿAbd al-Wahhāb al-Shaʿrānī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه writes:

“He who disrespects the Companions Alayhimur Ridwan, endangers his faith.  Therefore, preventing this is necessary, especially in relation to Amīr Muʿāwiyah and [Sayyidunā] Amr b. ʿĀṣ.” (Al-Yawāqīt wa al-Jawāhir, p. 334)

         One of the Issues that must also be address were the claims of the Shias regarding the alleged hatred of Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu on the Ahlul Bayt of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and on Sayyiduna wa Mawlana Ali karramallahu wajhahu. Listed below are the narrations pertaining to the love of Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu on the Ahlul Bayt Alayhimus salam: On one occasion, the Prophet (صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم) asked Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ): “O Mu’awiyah! Do you love Ali?” Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) replied: “I swear by the One who alone is worthy of worship, I have great love for Aliرَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ. (Tareekh Ibn Asakir, vol. 59, p. 139)

Below are examples where Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) displayed his love for Sayyiduna Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ):

·       He spoke of the good qualities of Sayyiduna Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) and would order people to do the same.

·       He would request those present in his gatherings to recite poetry in praise of Sayyiduna Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) and reward them in return.

·       Once, Sayyiduna Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) was mentioned in the presence of Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ), and the latter said: “I swear by Allah! When Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) spoke, his voice was powerful like a lion’s roar. He would appear like a shining moon. And he would give open-handedly like the fall of rain.” Some participants in the gathering then asked him: “Are you superior or is Sayyiduna Ali?” He replied: “Even the foot of Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) is better than the family of Abu Sufyan.” [al-Nihayah, p. 59]

·       When dealing with a complicated matter, he would seek advice from Sayyiduna Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ))   (Muwatta Imam Malik, vol. 2, p. 259, Hadith 1481)

·       When he received the news that Sayyiduna Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) had been martyred, he became sorrowful, started crying, and said: “What great grace, fiqh, and knowledge has been lost!” [al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, vol. 5, p. 634]

·       After the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ), he asked Sayyiduna Diraar (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) to speak of the qualities and excellences of Sayyiduna Ali (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ). When Sayyiduna Diraar (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) did so, Ameer Mu’awiyah (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) became tearful to the extent that his beard was soaked in tears. He wiped away the tears with his sleeve, and those present could not contain themselves and started crying too. [Hilya al-Awliya, vol. 1, p. 126]

There are also examples wherein Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu expressed his deep trust, dependence and love on Sayyidatuna A’isha radiyallahu anha and the beloved grandsons of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain alayhimus salam:

·       On one occasion, he sent a letter to Sayyidatuna Aisha (رَضِیَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهَا) asking her to list things that would benefit him. [al-Tirmizi, vol. 4, p. 186, Hadith 2,422]

·       Whenever Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) would meet Imam Hasan or Imam Husain (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُما), he would say: "مَرحَباً وَاَهلًا بِاِبْنِ رَسُوْلِ الـلّٰـهِ صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم" meaning, "Welcome O son of the Prophet (صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم)." Greeting them in this manner, he would then present gifts to them. [al-Tabqat al-Kabeer li Ibn Sad, vol. 6, p. 409, Mu’jam al-Sahabah li al-Baghawi, vol. 5, p. 370]

·       Whenever Imam Hasan (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) visited him, he would seat Imam Hasan (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) in his place and stand before him with his hands folded. Someone asked him why he did this, to which he replied that Imam Hasan resembled the Prophet (صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم), and so he was showing respect to this resemblance. [Mirat al-Manajih, vol. 8, p. 461]

·       Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) would mention the good qualities of Imam Husain (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) in his gatherings of knowledge. Once, a person from the Quraysh said: “When you go to the Prophet’s masjid, you will see a gathering in which people will be listening attentively. They will be sat respectfully as if there are birds sitting on their heads. Know that this is the gathering of Sayyiduna Abu Abdullah Imam Husain (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ). There will be no joking or anything of the sort in this gathering.” [Tareekh Ibn Asakir, vol. 14, p. 179]

·       Despite giving expensive gifts to Sayyiduna Imam Husain (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ), he would apologise and say: “I was unable to serve you properly. Next time I will present more gifts.” [Kashf al-Mahjoob, p. 77]

·       Towards the final stages of his life, Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ) called Yazeed and made some requests to him. One was to be kind and favourable towards the grandson of the Prophet (صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم), Imam Husain (رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ), for he was well-accepted amongst people. Furthermore, Yazeed was told that it would be better for him to maintain ties with Imam Husain and be gentle towards him. [Tareekh Ibn Asakir, vol. 14, p. 206]

The virtues of Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu are evident in several hadiths and representations by respected companions and researchers. Despite disagreements over his political activities and those of his child Yazid Lahnatullahi alayhi, Muawiya's radiyallahu anhu dedication to Islam and close relationship with the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam remain unquestionable.

The Prophet's sallallahu alayhi wa sallam supplications for Muawiya radiyallahu anhu, as well as endorsements from other companions, highlight his importance in the early days of Islam. His achievements as a scribe, member of the first naval expedition, and valued leader have been thoroughly documented and recognized.

Muawiya's radiyallahu anhu love and admiration for the Ahlul Bayt, including Sayyiduna Ali karramallahu wajhahu and the Prophet's grandsons, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain alayhimus salam, demonstrates his deep love for the Prophet's family. This appreciation is reflected in his actions and comments. Muslims must accept Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu's principles and obligations while maintaining respect for all respected companions and the Ahlul Bayt alayhimus salam. May Allah grant us the knowledge to appreciate Sayyiduna Muawiya radiyallahu anhu and all of the Prophet Muhammad's companions sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

For further reading please refer to:https://archive.org/details/virtuesofsayyidunamuawiyah/page/n5/mode/2up

WAllahu Wa Rasuluhu A’lamAllah(awj) and His Messenger alayhis salatu was salam knows best!

References

1.                Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 27, Page 383, Hadith 17152.

2.               Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Vol. 3, Page 214.

3.               Siyar A'laam al-Nubala, Vol. 8, Page 38.

4.              Sahih Ibn Hibban, Vol. 16, Page 191.

5.              Tabarani, Mu'jam Kabeer, Vol. 18, Page 252, Hadith 628.

6.              Jaami' Tirmidhi, Vol. 4, Page 526, Hadith 3842.

7.              Musnad Imam Ahmad, Hadith 17926.

8.              Tarikh al-Kabeer, Vol. 5, Page 240.

9.              Ibn Asakir, Tarikh Damishq, Vol. 59, Page 106.

10.             Jaami' Tirmidhi, Vol. 3, Page 324.

11.            Al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 8, Page 129.

12.                  Tabarani, Mu'jam al-Awsat, Vol. 1, Page 498, Hadith 1838.

13.                  Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 531, Hadith 109.

14.                  Fath al-Baari, Vol. 7, Page 130.

15.                  Al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 8, Page 134.

16.                  Al-Sunnah lil Khallal, Vol. 1, Page 443.

17.                  Al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 8, Page 137.

18.                  Siyar Al-A'laam Al-Nubala, Vol. 3, Vol. 152.

19.                  Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 2651.

20.                Bayhaqi, Dalail al-Nabuwwah, Vol. 6, Page 243.

21.                  Tabarani, Mu'jam Kabeer, Vol. 3, Page 73, Hadith 3902.

22.                 Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 253, Hadith 2924.

23.                 Fath al-Baari, Vol. 6, Page 127.

24.                 Musannaf Abdur Razzaq, Vol. 11, Page 453, Hadith 20985.

25.                 Tarikh Damishq, Vol. 62, Page 161.

26.                 Wafiyat al Ayan li Ibn Khalkan, Vol. 3, Page 33.