The Legend of Awais Alqarni (RA)

The Story of Awais Qarni Awais Qarni (also spelled as Uwais al-Qarni) was a remarkable figure known for his deep piety, devotion, and connection to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Though he never met the Prophet in person, his love and sincerity for Islam earned him immense respect in Islamic tradition. His life story is one of humility, sacrifice, and spiritual greatness. Early Life and Devotion Awais Qarni was born in the village of Qaran in Yemen during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He lived a humble life, spending most of his time taking care of his elderly and sick mother. Despite the challenges of poverty and isolation, Awais Qarni was known for his devotion to Allah and his profound love for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Though he longed to meet the Prophet, he was unable to leave his mother, who needed his care and attention. His commitment to his mother was so strong that he chose not to visit the Prophet in Medina, even though he had the opportunity. This act of dutifulness to his mother was in line with the Islamic teachings that emphasize the importance of serving one’s parents. The Incident of the Prophet’s Tooth One of the most famous incidents in the story of Awais Qarni is related to the Battle of Uhud, during which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was injured, and one of his teeth was broken. When Awais heard about this, his heart filled with sorrow. Out of immense love for the Prophet, Awais Qarni broke one of his own teeth as an expression of solidarity. According to some narrations, he may have broken all of his teeth to match the injury of the Prophet. This profound gesture of love and empathy reached the ears of the Prophet. Though they never met in person, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recognized Awais Qarni’s devotion and spoke highly of him. The Prophet is reported to have said, "There are people in my Ummah whose prayers are heard, and among them is Awais Qarni." The Prophet’s Gift and Message As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) approached the end of his life, he instructed Umar ibn al-Khattab and Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them) to find Awais Qarni and convey his greetings to him. The Prophet also advised them to ask Awais Qarni to pray for them, highlighting his spiritual status. After the Prophet's passing, during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, both Umar and Ali sought out Awais Qarni when they visited Yemen. Upon finding him, they conveyed the Prophet’s message, and Awais, in his humility, prayed for them as requested. This meeting solidified Awais Qarni’s reputation as a man of exceptional piety and spiritual strength. Death and Legacy Awais Qarni eventually joined the Muslim army and fought in battles under the caliphate of Umar. According to some sources, he was martyred during the Battle of Siffin, a battle that took place during the conflict between the forces of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan. His legacy, however, lives on as a symbol of true devotion, humility, and spiritual excellence. Muslims today remember Awais Qarni as a great ascetic and a role model for sincere love and service. His story continues to inspire believers around the world, showing that true greatness in Islam lies not in worldly accomplishments, but in one’s love for Allah and His Messenger, and in serving those around us with humility and sincerity. Key Lessons from Awais Qarni's Life - Love and Devotion: Awais Qarni’s love for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was so profound that it transcended physical distance. His empathy and sacrifice are reminders of the power of love in faith. Respect for Parents: Awais Qarni’s dedication to caring for his mother, even when it meant missing out on meeting the Prophet, illustrates the high status of serving one’s parents in Islam. - **Humility:** Despite being recognized by the Prophet himself, Awais remained humble and did not seek recognition or fame. His humility is a lesson in how one’s spiritual stature is known only to Allah, and true piety often lies hidden from the world. Awais Qarni's life is a beacon of light for all who seek to live a life of devotion, love, and humility in the service of Allah and humanity.