The story of Osama Corps
After the farewell pilgrimage, in which the Prophet (PBUH) appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) as his successor on his way back to Medina, in Ghadir Khumm, movements of the Roman army took place against the borders of Islam.
In the end of the month of Safar, the Prophet ordered all the people to be ready to face Rome. The next day, Osama bin Zayd [who was the freed slave of the Prophet] was summoned and told:
“Go to the place of your father’s martyrdom and throw the horses of the army at them, for I have given you the command of this corps.”
On Wednesday, the Prophet got ill and his fever and headache intensified. On Thursday, they handed a flag to Osama and said:
“Go to war in the name of God and in the way of God, fight against anyone who disbelieves in God.”
Then Osama arose from the presence of the Messenger of God and camped in the area of Jurf [areas near Medina] and none of the prominent emigrants and Ansar were there unless they were called to this war, including: Abu Bakr ibn Abi Qahafa, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Abu Ubaydah ibn al-jarrah and Sa’d ibn Abi Waqaas and.
The Muslims who had to participate in this war, one by one, went to the Messenger of God to say goodbye to the Messenger of God before going to Osama’s camp. But the Prophet’s illness became severe, and many of the Companions refused to go to the camp.
Even Osama, due to the illness of the Messenger of God, asked the Prophet (PBUH) to delay the movement of the army until he recovers. But the Messenger of God said:
“Obey what I have commanded you.”
And then the Prophet lost consciousness due to the severity of the disease. Osama got up and prepared the army for the battle. When the Messenger of God came to his senses, he asked about Osama and his call. “They are getting ready,” said those present. Then the Prophet repeatedly said:
“Obey Osama’s call. “May God curse anyone who disobeys Osama.”
However, due to the delay of some of the companions, the preparation of the army was delayed and in the end, Osama’s departure coincided with the death of the Messenger of God. The news reached him that the Prophet was dying and he returned to Medina.
After his death (just when Amir al-Mu’minin (AS) was bathing the Prophet after his death[Ghusl]), those who had delayed going to war gathered in a place called Saqifa and conspired to seize power. They finally started a sedition and imposed themselves on the Islamic society.
many of the Prophet’s companions refused to accompany him and did not go to war in much more important wars than Osama’s war against Rome, such as battle of Uhud and battle of Khandagh. But why did the Prophet (PBUH) only curse those who refused to go to this war?
During his lifetime, the Messenger of God (PBUH) was in charge of the comprehensive leadership and management of the Islamic society. His death was a very sensitive moment for the Islamic society. Because it was time to transfer power from the Messenger of God to his successor.
After the death of the Prophet (PBUH), the leadership of the ummah and the management of the Islamic community was supposed to be transferred to Amir al-Mu’minin Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).
The city of Medina was supposed to remain empty at the time of the death of the Prophet in order to prevent sedition after the death of the Messenger of God.
Most of the Companions were supposed to go to the borders of Rome, but even with the order of the Prophet and his curse on disobeying that order, they did not go.
Why did those who were called to war [and their names are recorded in history] stayed in Medina?
If someone is truly worried about the illness of the Prophet (PBUH) or is mourning on his passing, after he past away and during the bath of the Prophet, does a worried or mourning person, conspire to seize power?!
