The correct answer to this question is Abu-ubaida bin Al jaraah (RA).
In the annals of Islamic history, titles were often bestowed upon companions by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to highlight their most defining character traits. The title "Ameen-ul-Umat," which translates to...
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The correct answer to this question is Abu-ubaida bin Al jaraah (RA).
In the annals of Islamic history, titles were often bestowed upon companions by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to highlight their most defining character traits. The title "Ameen-ul-Umat," which translates to "The Trusted One of the Nation" or "Trustee of the Ummah," was specifically given to Hazrat Abu-ubaida bin Al jaraah (RA). This title was not merely ceremonial; it reflected his unwavering integrity, his selfless devotion to the cause of Islam, and his reliable nature in both financial and state affairs.
The historical context of this title is found in a well-documented Sahih Hadith. It is recorded that a delegation from Najran came to the Prophet (SAW) and requested him to send a man of extreme honesty to settle their disputes and teach them. The Prophet (SAW) replied, "I will send with you a man who is truly trustworthy." He then chose Hazrat Abu-ubaida (RA) for this task. It was on this occasion, among others, that he was recognized as the "Ameen" (the Trustworthy) of this entire Ummah.
Born as Aamir bin Abdullah ibn al-Jarrah, he belonged to the Quraysh tribe in Makkah. He was among the "Sabiqun al-Awwalun" (the earliest converts to Islam), having embraced the faith through Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) just one day after him. His commitment to Islam was tested severely during the early years of persecution in Makkah. He was part of the migration to Abyssinia and later the historic Hijrah to Madinah. His life was defined by a total detachment from worldly wealth and a singular focus on the welfare of the Muslim community.
While his title suggests a focus on trust and diplomacy, Abu-ubaida (RA) was also a formidable military commander. He participated in all the major battles during the life of the Prophet (SAW), including Badr, Uhud, and the Conquest of Makkah. During the Battle of Uhud, he was the one who used his teeth to pull out the metal links of the helmet that had pierced the Prophet’s (SAW) cheek, losing two of his front teeth in the process—an act that was remembered as a mark of deep love and sacrifice.
During the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA), Abu-ubaida (RA) was appointed as the supreme commander of the Muslim forces in Syria (Sham), replacing Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RA). His leadership led to the conquest of major cities like Damascus, Homs, and Antioch. Despite leading a massive army and governing a vast territory, he lived a life of extreme simplicity. History records that when Caliph Umar (RA) visited him in Syria, he found that Abu-ubaida (RA) had no furniture in his house except for his sword, shield, and a simple saddle-bag.
The life of the "Ameen-ul-Umat" came to an end during the Plague of Amwas in 18 AH. When the plague broke out in Syria, Hazrat Umar (RA) tried to recall him to Madinah to save his life, but Abu-ubaida (RA) refused to leave his soldiers during the crisis. He eventually succumbed to the illness and was buried in the Jordan Valley. His legacy remains that of a man who held the highest positions of power with the humility of a servant, personifying the concept of trust in every action he took.
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