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them, I was there in the front, and whenever they feared it in the rear, I was there at the back. I never let
the Prophet (PBUH) stay in a position between me and the foe until he (PBUH) met Allah.
It was a dazzling image of extraordinary faith and great loyalty. Ever since the first day he received
Allah's light and put his hand into the Prophet's, Suhaib (May Allah be pleased with him and with all his
Companions) was imbued with such outstanding faith.
From that day, his relationship towards people and the world, let alone himself, acquired a new
dimension.
From that day, his character turned into a firm, humble and devoted one, subduing events and
braving various types of horror.
He went on - as already mentioned - bravely and courageously shouldering all his responsibilities,
never lagging behind, whenever there was danger or a situation to be encountered. His passionate love
and ardent desire were not directed towards gains and spoils but rather towards sacrifice and ransom; not
towards the greed of life but rather towards the passion of danger and self- sacrifice.
He began the days of his noble redemption and great loyalty with the day of his Hijrah. On that day
he abandoned all his wealth, all his gold which he had gained by successful trade during the long years
he lived in Makkah. He abandoned all his fortune, all that he owned in a split second, the glory of which
was never stained by doubt or retreat.
When the Prophet (PBUH) intended to emigrate, Suhaib knew that and he was supposed to be the
third one of the three the Prophet, Abu Bakr, and Suhaib.
However, the Quraish decided to prevent the Prophet's emigration. Suhaib fell into one of their traps
and was thereby hindered for some time from emigrating, while the Prophet (PBUH) and his companion
set out accompanied by Allah's blessing.
Suhaib disputed, talked, and argued until he got rid of his persecutors. He mounted his camel and
sped across the desert. However, the Quraish sent its hunters to follow him. When they reached him,
Suhaib had hardly seen them before facing them and shouting from a near distance, "O people of
Quraish, you know that I am the best marksman. By Allah, you cannot reach me before I shoot each of
my arrows with my bow, then I will strike you with my sword until it falls down. Come on, if you like to
try. Or if you like, I will tell you where my money is, and so leave me alone."
They agreed to take his money saying, "You came to us as a poor wretch. Your money increased in
our land and among us you claimed high rank and now you want to escape together with your money?"
He guided them to the place where he had hidden his fortune, then they left him alone and returned
to Makkah.
Strangely enough, they believed his words without doubt, without precaution. They did not ask him
to prove his honesty, nor did they ask him to swear. This situation granted him a great honor, which he
deserves as an honest and truthful man.
Alone but happy, Suhaib continued his journey until he reached the Prophet (PBUH) at Qubaa'.
When Suhaib came into view, the Prophet (PBUH) was sitting surrounded by his Companions. As
soon as the Prophet (PBUH) saw him, he called to him cheerfully, "O Abu Yahia! A profitable sale! A
profitable sale!"