When one thinks about the pre-Islamic times in Makkah, certain names come to mind - such as 'Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet's (peace be upon him) grandfather, or Waraqah Bin Naufal. But there is one more person who is little remembered today: 'Abdullah Bin Jud'an, the first cousin of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq's father.
In the early years of his life, 'Abdullah Bin Jud'an was neither successful nor happy. In fact, growing up hungry and poor, he soon became embittered by life. For solace or perhaps, out of spite, he turned to evil and committed many crimes. He was caught so often for his evil acts that he was considered by most to be an incorrigible criminal. People thought that he was evil incarnate and that there was no way that he could ever improve. Everyone hated him, including his fellow clansmen, his family, and even his own father; and he reciprocated that hatred with equal or greater vehemence.
One day, as he was walking in the valleys of Makkah, ruefully thinking about his bitter existence, he noticed a small opening in a mountain, perhaps an entrance to a cave. He thought that there might be something harmful inside, maybe a venomous snake. That foreboding did not stop him from approaching; instead, it encouraged him to go to it, for his situation was so hopeless, he actually wanted to be killed by some venomous lizard, so that he could part from his miserable existence.
When he came near the mouth of the cave, he saw a lean shape inside, and through the darkness, he perceived it to be a snake in an erect position, the position most favoured by a venomous snake when it is ready to strike. Overcome by madness, 'Abdullah Bin Jud'an was terrified and suddenly realised that he did not want to die. He imagined that the snake was coming at him, and so he jumped wildly , trying to fend off a lethal bite. After a short while, he calmed down, realising it was only him who was moving and that the snake was actually in a still position. When he came nearer, he realised that it was only a statue of a snake, which was made of gold and had two eyes made of precious emeralds.
He broke the emeralds off and took them. He then entered deeper into the cave, and from the writings he saw around him, he realised that the cave was a graveyard for kings of the Jurhum tribe. At the end of each grave was a gravestone made of gold; on it was written a short history of the king who was buried underneath. Surrounding the graves were treasures of gold, silver, pearls, precious stones and much more.
'Abdullah Bin Jud'an picked up a few small treasures, made a sign outside the cave so that he could find it again, and then returned to his people. He was generous with his newly found wealth, giving to his family, friends, and even to the needy. He was especially generous in gathering people together and serving them food. As time went on, he gained status in society until he became one of the leaders of the Quraish.
Whenever he ran out of funds, he would return to the cave and take some more. His generosity extended even beyond the boundaries of Makkah. Once when the people of As-Sham were suffering from hard times, 'Abdullah Bin Jud'an sent 2000 camels to them, loading each one with wheat, oils and other provisions.
Every night someone stood on the roof of the Ka'bah and called out, "Come to the bowls (filled with food) of 'Abdullah Bn Judan."
Yet in spite of all that, the following is related about him in Sahih Muslim. 'Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), "Indeed, Ibn Jud'an used to provide food (for the people) and he would be hospitable to his guest[s]. Will any of that benefit him on the Day of Resurrection?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) answered, "No. Indeed, on no day did he ever say: O my Lord, forgive me of my sins on the Day of Recompense."
[Disclaimer: This article is not written by me. It has been lifted from a Darussalam publication, Gems and Jewels.]
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