Ayah 1 of 129

Transcript — 0:07

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.

This reminder discusses the story of Ka'b ibn Malik (radiyallahu anhu) and the expedition of Tabuk.

The campaign was especially difficult: it involved a long journey, the heat was intense, and it was close to harvest season, when people relied on their crops for yearly income.

Transcript — 2:17

The Muslims also expected a confrontation with the Romans, which made the journey more intimidating.

Unlike some earlier expeditions, this campaign was publicly announced because it required full preparation.

Ka'b ibn Malik (radiyallahu anhu) delayed repeatedly, thinking he could catch up later. He had the means and strength, but procrastination overtook him until it became too late.

Transcript — 4:20

When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) returned, Ka'b thought about what excuse he could present.

Many hypocrites offered excuses. Ka'b chose to tell the truth.

The campaign itself did not result in a direct battle, yet Allah still tested people through intention, sacrifice, and sincerity.

Transcript — 6:23

Ka'b narrates that when he stood before the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), he saw a restrained expression and was asked about his absence.

He said plainly: "I have no excuse."

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) confirmed his truthfulness and deferred judgment until Allah's decision came.

Transcript — 8:37

The speaker emphasizes a major lesson: procrastination is one of Shaytan's traps.

Ka'b's tribe pressured him to invent an excuse like others did, but he remained truthful.

He also learned that two other sincere companions had done the same, which gave him strength to remain with truthfulness.

Transcript — 10:52

For fifty days, Ka'b and the two other companions were boycotted by the community by Allah's command.

The social isolation was severe. Even close relatives would not speak to them.

After forty days, they were told to keep distance even from their spouses.

Transcript — 12:54

A letter then came from a foreign ruler, inviting Ka'b to defect and offering him honor.

Ka'b recognized this as another trial and immediately destroyed the letter.

Transcript — 15:13

Then Allah revealed their acceptance in Surah At-Tawbah:

"And to the three who were left behind... until the earth, despite its vastness, became constricted for them, and their own souls became constricted, and they were certain there is no refuge from Allah except with Him; then He turned to them so they could repent."

Ka'b was overwhelmed with joy when he heard the news after fifty days.

Transcript — 17:18

Ka'b vowed that because truthfulness saved him, he would never knowingly lie again.

One of the great lessons from this story is that Allah's mercy is vast, and sincere repentance is always open.

Transcript — 19:20

Another lesson: one lie leads to another.

Trying to hide faults through deception only deepens the problem, while honesty opens the door to Allah's forgiveness.

Transcript — 21:24

May Allah allow us to benefit from this story, to be truthful, and to repent sincerely. May Allah send peace and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions.