The Unshakable Bond: How Musab ibn Umair’s Loyalty Teaches Us About Faith and Trust

 إن أنت أكرمت الكريم ملكته وإن أكرمت اللئيم تمردا

"A courtesy lent to an upright person wins you his favor forever but a lowly soul will only demand more."

- Al Mutanabbi - 

I begin with a quote from the poet al-Mutanabbi. I first heard these words from my teacher, who spoke about the importance of loyalty. For a long time, I didn't really think much about this idea. We live in a world where ignorance often seems to be the norm, and where money is so important that true loyalty feels rare and difficult to find.

This made me start to wonder about the real meaning of loyalty. Why should a Thoolibul ilm (The seeker of the knowledge) live by this principle? What are the rewards of being loyal, both in this world and the next? Why does Islam emphasize loyalty so much, as seen in the concepts of al-wala' (loyalty and allegiance) and al-bara' (disavowal and dissociation)?

Let me share the inspiring story of Musab ibn Umair, one of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ companions. He was known as Muqriul Madina because he was sent to Madinah to teach the Quran and spread the message of Islam. If we look at it from a worldly perspective, this role wasn’t about gaining wealth, fame, or material success. Yet, Musab remained completely devoted to the Prophet’s mission. What made him so loyal and committed to following every order of the Prophet, even when it didn’t promise worldly rewards?

First: The relationship between Musab and Rasulullah (the Prophet Muhammad) was built on deep faith and trust. Their bond was unshakable, rooted in mutual belief and confidence in one another.

Second: Musab truly understood that the Prophet was like a father to his soul (al-abb fi al-ruh). He trusted that Rasulullah would never betray him and only wanted the best for him. The Prophet believed that by guiding Musab to teach the Quran and spread Islam, he was helping him prepare for the ultimate accountability before Allah in the Hereafter. After all, everything we do in this world will be questioned, and Rasulullah wanted Musab to be on the right path.

Thirdly: Knowledge (al-ilm) is what tied Musab and Rasulullah together so strongly. It was this knowledge that helped them navigate the complexities of life. Life isn’t just about chasing worldly possessions or material success. As Muslims, we believe in the life after death (akhirah), which is far more significant than this temporary world. Someone who truly loves us is someone who cares about our akhirah. They think deeply about how we can prepare for the Hereafter by doing good deeds in this life. After all, surviving in the Hereafter is much more complex than thriving in this world.

Fourthly: Musab was a wise and intelligent man. He knew exactly where to place his trust and loyalty. He had a clear vision and mission for his life. He understood that by putting his trust in the Prophet and remaining loyal to him, he was preparing himself to answer the most important question on the Day of Judgment: “How did you spend your life?” (وعن عمره ماذا عمل به). This is the question we will all face, and Musab’s loyalty to the Prophet was his way of ensuring he had the best answer.

Musab ibn Umair’s story is more than just a historical account—it’s a powerful reminder for all of us. It challenges us to reflect on where we place our trust and loyalty. Are we chasing temporary worldly gains, or are we preparing for the eternal life that awaits us? 

Let’s take a moment to think about our own lives. Are we investing in deeds that will help us answer “How did you spend your life?” when we stand before Allah? 

Start today. Let’s strengthen our faith, seek knowledge, and prioritize our akhirah over the fleeting distractions of this world. Share this story with someone who needs this reminder, and let’s inspire each other to live with purpose and devotion.

With love 

Your sister in Islam.