The Story of Farrukh and His Son Rabi’ah al-Ra'i: Truth or Fiction?

Authored by: Hafiz Muhammad Anwar Zahid (May Allah Protect Him)

We present to our readers a detailed narration from the renowned book Hayat al-Tabi'in by `Abd al-Rahman Rafat al-Basha, who wrote it in a storytelling style. Below is the complete narrative:

Farrukh's Journey to Medina and His Life There

Farrukh arrived in Medina as a vibrant, handsome, and courageous young man of thirty. He decided to settle in the city by purchasing a modest house and marrying an intelligent, graceful woman of his age. The house brought him joy, and his life with his wife was filled with blessings and delight, exceeding his expectations.

However, Farrukh's ardent desire to participate in jihad could not be suppressed. Whenever news of Muslim victories reached Medina, his passion for martyrdom grew immensely. One Friday, after hearing a sermon on the virtues of jihad in Masjid al-Nabawi, he resolved to join the Islamic army.

Farrukh informed his wife of his intention. She expressed her concern, reminding him of their unborn child and their lack of family support in Medina. Farrukh reassured her, leaving behind thirty thousand dinars, instructing her to use the money wisely and take care of the unborn child. With heartfelt prayers, he bade farewell and departed.

Rabi’ah's Birth and Upbringing

Shortly after Farrukh's departure, his wife gave birth to a beautiful son whom she named Rabi’ah. The child displayed intelligence and virtue from a young age. His mother, with great care and devotion, ensured his education under renowned teachers. Rabi’ah excelled in his studies, memorized the Qur’an with exceptional recitation, learned numerous Prophetic traditions, and acquired a strong understanding of Arabic and Islamic rulings.

His mother generously spent the wealth left by Farrukh on his education, showering his teachers with gifts and rewards. Her hope was that Rabi’ah would grow into a learned and pious man, bringing pride to his father upon his return.

Farrukh’s Return

After thirty years of absence, Farrukh returned to Medina as an aging warrior. Unrecognizable to the townsfolk, he wandered the streets, reflecting on the fate of his wife, child, and wealth. Arriving at his home, he found the door open and entered unannounced. A young man, alarmed by Farrukh’s sudden appearance, confronted him, suspecting him of foul intentions. The two wrestled fiercely, drawing neighbors to the scene. Amidst the commotion, Rabi’ah’s mother recognized Farrukh and shouted from the upper floor, "Stop! This is your father, Rabi’ah!"

The reunion was emotional. Farrukh embraced his son, overwhelmed with joy and pride. Later, as they settled, Farrukh inquired about the wealth he had left behind. His wife hesitated, explaining that she had spent it all on Rabi’ah’s education. Farrukh, moved by Rabi’ah’s scholarly stature, replied, "By Allah, I am more delighted by my son's achievements than by any wealth in the world."

Rabi’ah's Accomplishments

Rabi’ah al-Ra'i grew into a distinguished scholar, recognized for his profound knowledge, humility, and generosity. His scholarly gatherings in Masjid al-Nabawi drew immense crowds, including prominent figures of the time. Despite his young age, he became a leading jurist and teacher, admired across Medina.

Hadith Authentication (Tahqiq al-Hadith)

The chain of narration for this story is extremely weak (ضعيف جدا).
Imam al-Dhahabi mentioned it in Siyar A'lam al-Nubala and Tarikh al-Islam [121-140 AH, p. 418-419], labeling the account as fabricated (باطل). The chain is weak due to unknown narrators and the inclusion of Ahmad ibn Marwan, who is considered highly unreliable and accused of lying.
 
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