of a companion" *

 There was a bazaar in Madinah, the heat was so intense that people were getting tired.  A merchant stood beside himself, anxious for a slave.  The slave, who was still a child, was also standing in the sun, sweating profusely.  All the merchant's goods were sold at good prices, except for the slave, whom no one was interested in buying.  The merchant thought that by buying this slave he might have made a loss.  He thought that he would get a good profit, but here it was becoming difficult to get the actual cost.  He thought that if he sold the slave at the full price, he would sell it immediately.

 When a girl from Madinah saw this slave, she asked the merchant how much he would sell the slave for.  The merchant said, "I have taken so much and I will give only that much."  The girl took pity on the child and bought it.  The merchant also thanked God and made his way back.

 When Abu Hudhaifah came to Madinah from Makkah, he too came to know the story of this girl.  Impressed by the girl's kindness, he sent her a marriage proposal which was accepted.  On his return, the girl whose name was Thabitah bint Yaar became his wife and accompanied him and the slave also reached Mecca with his mistress.

 

 When Abu Hudhaifah came to Mecca and met his old friend 'Uthman ibn Affan, he found something changed and felt a cold seal in his attitude.  He asked his friend why Usman was so cold !!  So 'Uthman ibn Affan replied, "I have accepted Islam and you have not yet become Muslims, so how can we be friends now?"  Abu Hudhaifah said, "Then take me to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and bring me into the Islam which you have accepted."

  So Hazrat Uthman (RA) presented him in the service of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and he entered the realm of Islam after reciting the Kalima.  When he came home, he told his wife and slave that he was a Muslim, and they both recited the word.

 Hazrat Abu Hudhaifah (RA) said to this slave, "Since you have also become Muslims, I cannot keep you as a slave now, so you are now free on my behalf."  The slave said, "My lord, there is no one in this world except you two."  Where will I go if you set me free?  Hazrat Abu Hudhaifah (RA) adopted this slave as his son and kept him with him.  Ghulam started learning the Qur'an and memorized a lot of the Qur'an in a few days.  And when he recited the Qur'an, he recited it in a very beautiful tone.

 Among the Companions who migrated to Madinah before the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) at the time of migration was Hazrat Umar (ra) along with Hazrat Abu Hudhaifah (ra) and his adopted son.  Arriving in Madinah, when the time came to appoint an Imam for prayers, he was chosen as the Imam because of his beautiful recitation and memorization of the Qur'an.  And under his leadership, Jalil-ul-Qadr Companions like Hazrat Umar (RA) also used to offer prayers.

 When the Jews of Medina saw him leading them, they were astonished that he was the same slave whom no one was willing to buy.  See how much honor he has received today that he has become the Imam of the Muslims.

 Allah (swt) had made him so happy that when he recited the verses of the Qur'an, the people would be overwhelmed and the passers-by would start listening.  Once Umm Al-Mumineen Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was late in coming to the Holy Prophet (SAW).  When he asked the reason for the pause, he said that a reciter was reciting it, it was too late to listen to him and he praised Khushalhani so much that he himself came out carrying his chador.  I saw him reciting while sitting.  He said happily: Praise be to Allah that He has made a person like you in my ummah.

 Do you know who these lucky companions were?  His name was Hazrat Salem.  He was known as Salem Molly Abu Hudhaifah.  He was martyred in the battle of Mota.  May Allah's blessings be upon them.