Marthad bin Abi Marthadرضي الله عنه,

 

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ عَبْدِكَ وَرَسُولِكَ النَّبِيِّ الأُمِّيّ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَسَلم

[Photo Illustration]

Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi 

(رضي الله عنه)

Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه) was a courageous companion of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) known for his strength, loyalty, and pivotal role in rescuing Muslim prisoners from Makkah. His story is a powerful example of how a person's faith can overcome deep-seated desires and past attachments. 

Embracing Islam

Before his conversion, Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه) had a relationship with a woman in Makkah named Anaq, a prostitute. When he accepted Islam and migrated to Madinah, he left behind his former life. However, after the migration, the love he still felt for her prompted him to ask the Prophet (ﷺ) for permission to marry her. In response, Allah revealed a verse in the Quran, clarifying that a believer cannot marry an adulterer unless she repents: 

ٱلزَّانِى لَا يَنكِحُ إِلَّا زَانِيَةً أَوْ مُشْرِكَةًۭ وَٱلزَّانِيَةُ لَا يَنكِحُهَآ إِلَّا زَانٍ أَوْ مُشْرِكٌۭ ۚ وَحُرِّمَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٣

"The adulterer does not marry except an adulteress or a polytheist, and as for the adulteress, none marries her except an adulterer or a polytheist. And that has been made unlawful for the believers." 

(Surah An Nur/24: Ayat 3)

Upon this revelation, Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه) immediately abandoned his old attachment, prioritizing the command of Allah over his personal desires. 

The rescue mission

Marthad's resolve and courage were demonstrated when he was tasked by the Prophet (ﷺ) with rescuing Muslim captives from Makkah and bringing them to Madinah. 

The incident with Anaq: During one of these missions, on a moonlit night, Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه) was in Makkah when Anaq spotted his shadow by a wall. Recognizing him, she offered to spend the night with him, but he refused, telling her that Allah had forbidden illicit relations. This caused her to reveal his presence to the Makkans. 

The miraculous escape: Eight men pursued Marthad, chasing him up Mount Khandamah. He hid in a cave, and though they stood directly over him, Allah blinded them to his presence. One of the men even urinated, and some of the drops fell on Marthad's head, but he remained unseen. The miracle allowed him to escape with the prisoner and complete his mission successfully.

 

Uniqueness of his character;

Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه) 's story highlights several unique and exemplary character traits that demonstrate his transformation through Islam:

Unflinching commitment: Despite his strong emotional attachment to Anaq, his devotion to Allah and the Prophet (ﷺ) took precedence the moment divine guidance was revealed. This illustrates a profound shift in priorities, from fulfilling his own desires to submitting to God's will.

Courage and bravery: He undertook dangerous missions to rescue fellow Muslims from enemy territory in Makkah, knowing the immense risks involved. His escape from the Makkans is a testament to his courage and the divine protection he received.

A vessel for revelation: His request to marry Anaq prompted the revelation of a Quranic verse (24:3), making his story a permanent lesson for all Muslims regarding the impermissibility of marriage to an adulterer. His personal struggle became a source of eternal guidance for the entire Muslim community.

Steadfastness under pressure: When confronted by his former acquaintance and the hostile Makkans, he remained steadfast in his faith. He firmly rejected Anaq's advances and did not waver even when facing death at the hands of his pursuers.

Complete trust in Allah: His miraculous escape demonstrates his deep reliance on Allah for protection, a quality that was rewarded with direct divine intervention.

Just another version about  Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه)

A Badri Companion of the Holy Prophet(sa)

Recently, I have been describing some of the Companions of the Holy Prophet(sa), who took part in the Battle of Badr. Some of them are well described in history while many get only a brief reference. Nonetheless, they all occupy a great stature for having taken part in the Battle of Badr. Thus, they should be mentioned, even if only in a few lines. Many of the companions I will mention today will only be described very briefly.

There is Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه).  He passed away during the month of Safar [second month of the lunar calendar] in the third year of Hijra. He was a companion who participated in the Battle of Badr. He was an ally of Saiyidina Hamzah bin Abd-il-Muttalib (رضي الله عنه). He participated in the Battle of Uhud along with his father. He accepted Islam in its initial stages and migrated to Madinah prior to the Battle of Badr. The Holy Prophet(sa) formed a bond of brotherhood between him and Aus bin Samit(رضي الله عنه). On the day of [the Battle of] Badr, he arrived on a horse named Sabal. Ibn Ishaq has written that Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه). , may Allah be pleased with him, was the leader of the group of soldiers, which the Holy Prophet(sa) sent to Raji‘. This incident took place during the month of Safar in the third year of Hijra. According to some,  ‘Asim bin Thabit(رضي الله عنه) was the leader of that group. 

The incident of his martyrdom is as follows. Banu ‘Azl and Qaarah pretended to have accepted Islam and requested the Holy Prophet(sa) to send them some teachers in order to provide them with religious education. Upon this, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent them a group of people. There is a difference of opinion found on this matter in the narrations as to whether it was sent in the leadership of Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه). , may Allah be pleased with him, or Asim ibn Tasbit(رضي الله عنه). These people had barely reached the place of Raji’, when Banu Huzail approached them with bare swords and said that they do not wish to kill them. Rather, they wish to receive a ransom from the people of Makkah and will promise to protect their lives. Upon this, Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه), Khalid and ‘Asim, may Allah be pleased with them, said that they do not trust their promise. Hence, all three gave their lives fighting them.

Quran

Abdullah b. ‘Amr narrates: There was a man named Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه) who used to transport prisoners from Makkah until he brought them to Madinah. There was a prostitute in Makkah named ‘Anâq who was his friend. He had once promised a man from among the captives of Makkah that he would transport him.

(He continues to narrate): I came to sit in the shade of some wall in Makkah on a moonlit night. ‘Anâq then came and saw the shape of my shadow next to the wall. When she came closer to me, she recognized it and said, “Marthad?” I said: “Marthad.” She said: “Welcome! Come spend the night with us tonight!” I said: “Allah prohibited fornication.” She then said: “O people in the tents! This man transports your captives!”

Eight men then chased me, so I climbed Mount Khandamah and ended up at a cave. I entered it, and they came until they stood over my head and urinated. The urine landed on my head, but Allah blinded them to me. They then returned, and I returned to my fellow and transported him.

He was a heavy man. When I reached the idhkhir grass, I unfettered his shackles and began to carry him. He exhausted me until I reached Madinah. I came to the Messenger of Allah (saws) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, may I marry ‘Anâq?” The Messenger of Allah (saws) stopped and did not respond to me at all. Then came down:

The fornicator does not marry except a [female] fornicator or polytheist, and none marries her except a fornicator or a polytheist, and that has been made unlawful to the believers. [24:2]

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “O Marthad, a fornicator may only marry a female fornicator or pagan woman, and only a fornicator or pagan man may marry a female fornicator. So do not marry her.”

[Sound: Narrated by Abu Dawud (2051), and at-Tirmidhi (3177) in this wording, and an-Nasâ’i (3228), and al-Hâkim '

ٱلزَّانِى لَا يَنكِحُ إِلَّا زَانِيَةً أَوْ مُشْرِكَةً وَٱلزَّانِيَةُ لَا يَنكِحُهَآ إِلَّا زَانٍ أَوْ مُشْرِكٌ وَحُرِّمَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ (٣)

Lelaki yang berzina (lazimnya) tidak ingin berkahwin melainkan dengan perempuan yang berzina atau perempuan musyrik; dan perempuan yang berzina itu pula (lazimnya) tidak ingin berkahwin dengannya melainkan oleh lelaki yang berzina atau lelaki musyrik. Dan perkahwinan yang demikian itu terlarang kepada orang-orang yang beriman. (3)

[Surah An Nur : Ayat 3]

Hadith From Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi (رضي الله عنه) 

28826

Jami at-Tirmidhi 3177 (Book 47, Hadith 229) #28826

SUMMARY: This hadith concerns a man named Marthad, who was transporting captives from Makkah to Madinah. He was approached by a prostitute woman called 'Anaq, but he refused her offer and instead followed the teachings of Allah.

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ بْنُ حُمَيْدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا رَوْحُ بْنُ عُبَادَةَ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الأَخْنَسِ، أَخْبَرَنِي عَمْرُو بْنُ شُعَيْبٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، قَالَ كَانَ رَجُلٌ يُقَالُ لَهُ مَرْثَدُ بْنُ أَبِي مَرْثَدٍ وَكَانَ رَجُلاً يَحْمِلُ الأَسْرَى مِنْ مَكَّةَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَ بِهِمُ الْمَدِينَةَ قَالَ وَكَانَتِ امْرَأَةٌ بَغِيٌّ بِمَكَّةَ يُقَالُ لَهَا عَنَاقُ وَكَانَتْ صَدِيقَةً لَهُ وَإِنَّهُ كَانَ وَعَدَ رَجُلاً مِنْ أُسَارَى مَكَّةَ يَحْمِلُهُ قَالَ فَجِئْتُ حَتَّى انْتَهَيْتُ إِلَى ظِلِّ حَائِطٍ مِنْ حَوَائِطِ مَكَّةَ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُقْمِرَةٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَجَاءَتْ عَنَاقُ فَأَبْصَرَتْ سَوَادَ ظِلِّي بِجَنْبِ الْحَائِطِ فَلَمَّا انْتَهَتْ إِلَىَّ عَرَفَتْهُ فَقَالَتْ مَرْثَدُ فَقُلْتُ مَرْثَدُ ‏.‏ فَقَالَتْ مَرْحَبًا وَأَهْلاً هَلُمَّ فَبِتْ عِنْدَنَا اللَّيْلَةَ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا عَنَاقُ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ الزِّنَا ‏.‏ قَالَتْ يَا أَهْلَ الْخِيَامِ هَذَا الرَّجُلُ يَحْمِلُ أَسْرَاكُمْ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَتَبِعَنِي ثَمَانِيَةٌ وَسَلَكْتُ الْخَنْدَمَةَ فَانْتَهَيْتُ إِلَى كَهْفٍ أَوْ غَارٍ فَدَخَلْتُ فَجَاءُوا حَتَّى قَامُوا عَلَى رَأْسِي فَبَالُوا فَطَلَّ بَوْلُهُمْ عَلَى رَأْسِي وَأَعْمَاهُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِّي ‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ رَجَعُوا وَرَجَعْتُ إِلَى صَاحِبِي فَحَمَلْتُهُ وَكَانَ رَجُلاً ثَقِيلاً حَتَّى انْتَهَيْتُ إِلَى الإِذْخِرِ فَفَكَكْتُ عَنْهُ كَبْلَهُ فَجَعَلْتُ أَحْمِلُهُ وَيُعِينُنِي حَتَّى قَدِمْتُ الْمَدِينَةَ فَأَتَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَنْكِحُ عَنَاقًا مَرَّتَيْنِ فَأَمْسَكَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ وَلَمْ يَرُدَّ عَلَىَّ شَيْئًا حَتَّى نَزَلَتِ ‏:‏ ‏(‏الزَّانِي لاَ يَنْكِحُ إِلاَّ زَانِيَةً أَوْ مُشْرِكَةً وَالزَّانِيَةُ لاَ يَنْكِحُهَا إِلاَّ زَانٍ أَوْ مُشْرِكٌ وَحُرِّمَ ذَلِكَ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ‏)‏ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ ‏"‏ يَا مَرْثَدُ الزَّانِي لاَ يَنْكِحُ إِلاَّ زَانِيَةً أَوْ مُشْرِكَةً وَالزَّانِيَةُ لاَ يَنْكِحُهَا إِلاَّ زَانٍ أَوْ مُشْرِكٌ فَلاَ تَنْكِحْهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ لاَ نَعْرِفُهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ

Narrated 'Amr bin Shu'aib: from his father, from his grandfather, who said "There was a man named Marthad bin Abi Marthad, and he was a man who would carry captives from Makkah to Al-Madinah". He said: "And there was a prostitute woman in Makkah called 'Anaq, who was a friend of his. He had promised a man from the captives of Makkah that he would transport him, and he said: 'So I came until I reached one of the walls of Makkah on a moon-lit night'. He said "'Anaq came along and she saw the darkness of my shadow next to the wall. When she reached me she recognized me and said: "Marthad?" So I replied: "(Yes it is) Marthad". She said: "Welcome, come and spend the night with us". I said: "O 'Anaq! Allah has made illicit sexual relations unlawful". So she said: "O people of the tents! That is the man who takes your captives away!" He said: "Eight people followed me, and I went through the passes of Al-Khandamah. I stopped at a cave and entered it. They came until they stood over my head, and they began urinating, their urine falling on my head. Yet Allah made them unable to see me. He said: 'Then I went back. I returned to my companion to transport him - and he was a heavy man - until I reached Al-Idhkkir. There I removed his shackles to make him easier to carry, since he was exhausting me, until I arrived at Al-Madinah. I went to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and I said "O Messenger of Allah! May I marry 'Anaq? I said this, two times but the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was silent, and he did not reply to me at all until (the following) was revealed: The Zani marries not but a Zaniyah or a Mushrikah; and the Zaniyah, none marries her except a Zani or a Mushrik (24:3). So do not marry her'."

QUICK LESSONS:

Follow the teachings of Allah ; Respect religious laws ; Uphold moral values ; Do what is right despite temptations otherwise .

EXPLANATIONS:

This hadith is about a man named Marthad who was transporting captives from Makkah to Al Madinan. On his journey, he encountered a prostitute woman called 'Anaq who asked him to spend the night with her. However, Marthad refused her offer and instead followed the teachings of Allah which forbid illicit sexual relations between unmarried people. As such, when he reached Madinan and asked Prophet Muhammad if he could marry 'Anaq, Prophet Muhammad remained silent until God revealed that it was forbidden for an unmarried person to marry someone else who is also unmarried. This hadith teaches us that we should always follow the teachings of God even in difficult situations and not give into temptation or desires that are forbidden by Him as it will only lead us astray in life.

References:

(Sira Al-Sahaba, Shah Muin-ul-din Ahmad Nadwi, Vol. 2, pt. 2, p. 555, Dar-ul-Isha’at, Karachi)

(At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 35, Abu Marsad, Da-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut), (Usdul Ghaaba, Vol. 5, p. 133, Marsad bin Abi Marsad, Dar-ul-Kutub-ul-Ilmiyyah, Beirut)