alHusayn bin Salam, later known as Abdullah bin Salam (May Allah be pleased with him), was a considered a Rabbi by the Jews of his time due to his immense knowledge of the Torah. This companion of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) accepted Islam upon the Messenger’s arrival into Madeenah from Makkah, after witnessing his sublime character and physical features and noting its correspondence to that which he had learnt from previously revealed scripture.
Whilst previously revered by his people unconditionally, he too went through a similar test with them, as did the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) with the Quraysh upon conveying Islam to them, for the Jews immediately cancelled their respect and praise for him after learning of his new status as a Muslim.
Whilst there are so many talking points surrounding this noble companion, which includes his knowledge, principled character, bravery and financial standing, he is famously known for his narration depicting his first encounter with the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and the very first lesson he heard from him upon His arrival into Madeenah.
The impact of this narration across the dimensions of human existence since Abdullah’s first encounter with the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) caused scholars over time to ponder diligently over the timing of this prophetic lesson and its deeper meanings, and as a result of this academic attention invested over time, along with intelligent cross referencing of deduced thoughts with the timeless lessons found in the Final Testament, the Qur’an, this narration of the companion Abdullah bin Salam evolved into being a taxonomy, or even a hierarchy, if you like, for the creation of transformative, pro-active and paradise centric societies across both time and geographical locations, with the blessed city of Madeenah being an active case study for us to refer back to until Judgement day.
Regarding this paradigm shifting narration, Abdullah bin Salam narrates that he heard the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) say:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَفْشُوا السَّلاَمَ وَأَطْعِمُوا الطَّعَامَ وَصِلُوا
الأَرْحَامَ وَصَلُّوا بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّاسُ نِيَامٌ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ بِسَلاَمٍ
“O people! Spread the Salam, feed the people, maintain family relations, pray at night when others are asleep – and you will enter into Paradise safely.” This narration was recorded Imams atTirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and others in their hadeeth compilations.
Upon living this surreal experience and allowing the truth to resonate with him, Abdullah bin Salam approached the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and recited the Shahada, thereby declaring his Islam. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) then turned to him and asked him: “What is your name?” He replied, “alHusayn bin Salam.” He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied by saying, “From now on, you are Abdullah bin Salam.”
Upon closer inspection of this narration, our scholars have highlighted for us core tenets, which if implemented by individuals of a society, across the scope of that society, societal excellence will be achieved in this life, and paradise in the after-life, God-Willing.
These core tenets are as follows:
1. Holistic Education:
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