The Chivalry of the Sahaba

By Izzah Academy

Chivalry is considered a lost art in modern times. In many societies, feminism has killed chivalry by declaring it a backwards practice that has no place in modern society. In Islam, however, chivalry plays a very important role in how men interact with women. 

Chivalry is defined as polite, kind, and unselfish behaviour, especially by men towards women. This is an integral part of Islamic masculinity and Muslim men must strive to revive this mindset today.

A Muslim man is expected to be kind, polite, professional and modest whenever he needs to interact with a woman. He is also expected to be a protector to all women, not just his own family. Masculinity in Islam is defined primarily by good character, and chivalry is as excellent showcase of a man’s character. The following story from the Seerah demonstrates beautifully the chivalry of the first generation of Muslims.

The Chivalry of Uthman Ibn Talha

This incident takes place during the Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah) and the companion showcased here was not even a Muslim yet. Uthman Ibn Talha (RA) would be one of the later converts. It was only after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah that he would travel with Khalid Ibn Walid and Amr Ibn al-As to convert to Islam and migrate to Madinah. Yet years before this, he already showcased excellent character and was a role model of Islamic masculinity. The Prophet ﷺ said about men like him, “People are like mines of gold and silver; those who were excellent in ignorance are excellent in Islam, when they understand it.” (Sahih Muslim 2638)

During the migration, Umm Salama was held back in Makkah and separated from her husband and son. Frustrated and determined, she managed to reunite with her son and set off on a journey from Makkah to Madinah to join her husband there. She showed amazing determination, tawakul, and courage as she set off on her journey alone with her son. But Allah sent someone to protect her and assist her along the way.

Uthman Ibn Talha was patrolling outside Makkah at the time and was surprised to see a woman and child traveling through the desert alone. His chivalrous nature kicked in and he immediately went to them, asked them about the purpose of their journey, and then accompanied them all the way to Madinah, before returning home to Makkah. He did not expect anything in return, he was simply doing his duty as a man, a protector. 

Umm Salama testifies to his chivalry and says about him, “I just had just reached Tan’im (3 miles from Mecca) when I met Uthman ibn Talha (He as in charge of looking after the Ka’bah, but did not embrace Islam until the Conquest of Mecca). “‘Were are you going, Bint Zad ar Rakib?’ he asked. ‘I am going to my husband in Medina.’ ‘And isn’t there anyone going with you?’ ‘No, by Allah, except Allah and my little boy here.’ ‘By Allah,’ he vowed, ‘I will not leave you until you reach Medina.’

He then took the reins of my camel and led us on our way. By Allah, I have never met an Arab more chivalrous and noble than he. Whenever we reached a resting-place, he would make my camel kneel down, wait until I had dismounted and then lead the camel to a tree and tether it. Then he would go and rest in the shade of a different tree to me. When we had rested, he would get the camel ready again and then lead us on our way. This he did every day until we reached Medina. When we reached a village near Quba (about two miles from Medina), belonging to the Banu Amr ibn Awf, he said, ‘Your husband is in this village. Enter it with the blessings of Allah.’ Then he turned round and headed back to Mecca.” (Ibn Hisham 2:111)

Lessons From this Story

Every story from the Seerah is full of great lessons. Here are some relevant lessons from this story: 

1. Men should avoid interacting with women unnecessarily, but when it is necessary they must do so in a modest and chivalrous manner.

2. The restrictions on gender interactions should not stop men from helping women when they are in need. If someone needs help, do your best to assist them as this part of one’s role as a protector to one’s community.

3. The role of protector is not limited to one’s own family. A Muslim man must look at his entire community, and the ummah as a whole, as his responsible to care for and keep safe. Never turn a blind eye to someone in need.

4. Even when assisted a woman, try your best to maintain the boundaries of decency, like how Uthman Ibn Talha chose to rest under a separate tree to maintain a distance during resting periods. There are exceptions to this rule like if you need to carry someone out of a burning building or operate on someone to save their life, then saving a person takes precedence over the other laws and should be the priority.

5. People remember those who do good for them and make dua for them. You never know whose dua may work in your favor.

6. Do not talk unnecessarily with members of the opposite gender. Keep it minimum and professional.

May Allah allow us to benefit from these role models, follow in their footsteps, and revive the blessed sunnah of chivalry. Ameen.

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