Stories of Sahaba رضي الله عنه

Baraa Bin Malik al Ansaari (R.A)

Baraa bin Malik al Ansaari رضي الله عنه

Disheveled, Dusty
Thin bodied, lean boned.
The eye of an onlooker would look at him with difficulty and turn away in distaste. However, his appearance held no weight in comparison to his remarkable bravery and courage.
HE was the hero whom Umar رضي الله عنه forbade to ever be commander of an army, fearing that due to his boldness and ardent desire for martyrdom, his army would be at risk.
In one battle, he killed 100 mushrikeen in combat.
He was one of the two brothers who pledged their lives for Allah and His Rasool صلي الله عليه وسلم. The first was Anas bin Malik, khaadim of Rasulullah صلي الله عليه وسلم.
And the second is the hero of our narrative, Baraa bin Malik al Ansaari.

In the battle of Yamama, the Muslim army was preparing to fight under the leadership of Khaled bin Walid against the mighty army of Musailama al kathaab-one of the most dangerous armies of apostasy. The valiant Baraa was found in the front lines of Muslim army, fiercely bringing down the enemy with his sword and they were falling like autumn leaves.. But this army posed an extremely serious challenge. They answered the Muslims attack with such an aggressive defense that they were about to gain the upper hand and transform their defense into an attack. Just then, anxiety pervaded the Muslim ranks and their leaders and orators began counselling the army with words of encouragement from their horses, thereby reminding them of Allah's promise.
Baraa had a strong, loud voice which Khaled used to his advantage and urged Baraa to speak.
So with meaningful words, Baraa shouted out: "يا 
معشر الانصار، لا مدينة لكم بعد اليوم و إنما هو الله وحده... ثم الجنة!
Oh Ansaar, there is no Madina for you today But only Allah alone and then paradise."

It was but a short while before the battle returned to its former advantage and the Muslims were proceeding towards victory whilst the Mushrikeen were falling in a shocking defeat. They withdrew and fled, seeking refuge within a garden. The enthusiasm of the Muslims began to dwindle... They had been tricked by Musailama! There was no way to enter the garden as it had been  fortified by high walls. Just then, Baraa cried out:"oh Muslims, carry me and throw me over to them! I will either be martyred otherwise, I shall open the gate for you."
And in the blink of an eye, he was over the wall, opening the gate for the Muslim army and fighting like never before.
On that day, he received over 80 strikes and wounds from the swords and spears of the Mushrikeen. All of this however, was not what he wised for. But it had not made him hopeless from chasing that dream of martyrdom which kept evading him.

Now it is time for the lover of death to reach his end.
It was the battle of Tustar where the Muslims met the Persian army. The Persians in their fight, resorted to every means of barbarity. They used hooks fixed on the ends of chains heated in fire and threw them from their castles so that they would hit any of the Muslims who were unable to avoid them. Baraa and his brother, Anas bin Malik were assigned together with some of the Muslim soldiers to deal with one of the castles.
But suddenly, a wretched hook fell and caught Anas رضي الله عنه and he could not save himself as it was flaming hot.
When Baraa beheld this scene, he hurried towards his brother while the burning chain was taking him up the castle wall.
Without a passing thought, Baraa grasped the chain with his hand and began dealing with it until he broke it.
Anas was saved but when Baraa and those who were with him took a look at his hands, it was not in its place. All the flesh on them had dissolved and only their charred bones remained.
In this battle, Baraa implored Allah to bless him with martyrdom and Allah responded to his plea.

Finally, the traveller arrived at his home and together with his brother martyrs, he ended the journey of a great, noble age.

And it will be cried out to them:
هذه جنة التي اورثتموها بما كنتم تعملون
  "This is the paradise which you have inherited because of what you have done."