Asalaam Alaikum Shaykh Abdur Raheem,
I am hoping you can help me inshallah. I have started a project which aims to educate the Muslim community about disability through artistic children’s books. This is a very tabboo subject that is wrongly misunderstood by people. Initially, I want to start off writing about companions of the Prophet pbuh, (the sahaba), in respect of how some had a disability in their life, whether they were born with one, or as a result of war. I am really struggling to research this authentically, from ideally either Arabic or Urdu books, as only having access to the internet is not good enough.
I would really appreciate it, if you could help me research this topic please as soon as you can, may Allah reward you inshallah. Look forward in hearing a reply soon.
Jazakalkhair,
Shamila
Walaikumussalam w w
Mashallah!! This is a very important subject. May Allah (swt) assist you with all the support you need, and take this noble work of Deen from you.
Read books of ‘Sabr’ you will find stories in there. If I find any special material I will post it for you.
Some sahaba were born blind like ibn Umme maktoom. Ibn Abbas and jabir ibn Abdullah became blind towards the end of their lives. Many lost their limbs in battles. Amr ibn al jamooh had a limp and still went in the battle of uahad. He made dua “O Allah! I solemnly request you to not let this evening pass by before I tread in jannah with this limp of mine” He was martyred that day and Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said “I have seen him roaming around in jannah without any limp”
People would feel proud in doing khidmat of disabled persons. Hassan ibn thabit had become blind and he would often visit Aisha radiallahu anha with his Khadim.
In one Hadithe qudsi Allah says “When I test my servant with his eyes and he remains patient over their loss, I will guarantee him jannah”
One sahabi’s nose was chopped off in a battle, he asked for permission to have it made from silver, which was granted, and he had it made, but then it started to smell so he asked if he could make it from gold as that would stop the smell. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam gave the permission and he had it made from gold and the smell went away.
Read the story of Ayyub alayhissalam who stayed in a state of leprosy for many years. He was bed ridden and his wife did his khidmat for approximately 10 years.
Read the chapter of sabr in ‘Tanbeehul ghafileen’ of faqeeh abullayth samarqandi rahmatullahi alyhi.
Wassalam