What is the story of Julaibib? Where can I find it?
His physical appearance and unknown lineage made people shun and spurn him. He was an outcast, which caused him much public humiliation and disgrace. Facing such disdainful treatment, Julaybib was apparently a lonely soul yearning for love and compassion. As he was carrying the burden of prejudice on his shoulder from the time he was born, companionship, love, and compassion became alien to him. There were often times a question as to whether this man would even taste any compassion or respect in his life. The question cleared with his acceptance of the noble message of Islam.
He became a devoted servant of Almighty Allah and beloved Companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He gained respect and affection from the noble Prophet for his sincerity, integrity, and strong belief. Julaybib earned the honor he had long yearned for. Prophet Muhammad cared deeply for him and was sensitive of his needs.
In a narration reported by Imam Ahmad, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) went to a man of the Ansar and said, “Give me your daughter for marriage.” The man answered excitedly, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah, it would be an honor and a blessing.” Thereupon, the Prophet said, “I do not want her for myself.” The Ansari man asked, “Then for whom, O Messenger of Allah?“And the Prophet answered, “For Julaybib.” Having heard this, the man was shocked and then said, “O Messenger of Allah, let me consult her mother.” He went to the girl’s mother (his wife) and told her, “The Messenger of Allah is proposing marriage for your daughter.” In response, she joyfully said, “Yes, it would be a pleasure.” The Ansari explained to his wife that the Prophet was not proposing to marry their daughter for himself, but on behalf of Julaybib. His wife was almost shaken and immediately responded, “What! Julaybib? No, by Allah, we will not marry her to him.”
When the Ansari was about to leave to meet the Messenger of Allah to inform him about his wife’s disapproval, his daughter, a pious Muslim, asked her father, “Who is asking for my hand?” Her mother told her that the Prophet was asking her hand on behalf of Julaybib. Their daughter instantly asked them, “Are you refusing to follow the command of the Messenger of Allah? Follow his command, for I will not come to any harm.”
The following hadith is another proof that Julaybib was indeed dearly loved and valued by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him): After one of the battles, the Prophet asked his Companions, “Is anyone missing amongst you?“They said, “So and so and so.” He asked them again,“Is there anyone missing amongst you?” And again they answered, “So and so and so.” The Prophet posed the question for the third time and their reply was “No.” Thereupon he said, “But I see that Julaybib is missing.” The Companions searched for him amongst those who had been killed and found him by the side of seven enemies whom he had killed before he martyred. The Prophet came there, stood by his body, and said, “He killed seven people. Then his opponents killed him. He belongs to me and I belong to him.” (Muslim)
