Have you ever heard of Said bin Amir al-Jumahi? He was one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who taught many valuable lessons about trustworthiness, simplicity, and how to be a true leader. When he became governor, Said bin Amir continued to live a simple life. Even more amazingly, he was even one of the poor people in his area.
Imagine, a leader who chooses to live a simple and simple life, far from luxury. This story is clearly very different from the lifestyle of many leaders today, where wealth, position, and worldly satisfaction are often a priority.
In an era when material things are considered everything, the story of Said bin Amir is a reminder that there are more important values. Let’s learn more about his life and take inspiration from his simplicity.
Also read: The World is Not the Goal
Said bin Amir al-Jumahi: The Noble Companion
Said bin Amir al-Jumahi (سعيد بن عامر الجماحي) was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who converted to Islam before the Khaibar incident. He participated in the conquest of the Khaibar fortress, showing his courage and loyalty to Islam. Born in 601 AD, Said bin Amir died at the age of 40.
As a muhajirin, Said migrated from Mecca to Medina in order to defend his faith. After the battle of Khaibar, Said continued to accompany the Prophet ﷺ in various wars. After the Prophet’s death, he continued his service as a leader. Caliph Umar bin Khathab even entrusted Said to become Governor of Homs in the Sham region.
Said bin Amir’s Simplicity
When Caliph Umar wanted to appoint him Governor of Homs, Said said:
“O Umar, I ask Allah that you do not push me towards the world.”
But Umar answered firmly:
“Woe to you! You have carried the burden of this Caliphate on my shoulders. But then you avoided it and left me to bother myself.”
Finally, Said accepted the assignment and moved to Homs with his wife.
Complaints of Homs Residents
When Caliph Umar visited Syria, he heard that the residents of Homs loved Said bin Amir very much. However, some residents complained:
- “Our leader only appears when the sun is high.
- “He never meets us at night.”
- “In a month, there is one day when we cannot meet him at all.”
- “Said often faints so he does not know who is present at his assembly.”
Hearing this, Umar immediately asked Said, who answered honestly:
- Late to meet residents: “I am a poor person. Every morning, I make dough, wait for it to rise, make bread, then perform ablution for the Dhuha prayer. Only then do I meet the residents.”
- Not serving at night: “I dedicate the day to serving people. The night is my time for Allah.”
- Not appearing once a month: “I only have one dress. Every month, I wash it and wait for it to dry. That day, I cannot meet the residents.”
- Often fainted: “Said continued in a deeper voice, “When I was still a disbeliever, I once witnessed a friend of the Prophet ﷺ, Khubaib bin Adi, being killed by the Quraysh. When Khubaib was being tortured, they asked him if he wanted Rasulullah to replace him. But Khubaib firmly answered that he was not willing, even if it meant that he, his family and his children were safe, while the Messenger of Allah was injured, even if it was only pricked by a thorn. “Until now, I always feel guilty and afraid that Allah won’t forgive me because I didn’t do anything to help him.” (Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Biography of 60 Companions of the Prophet ﷺ)
Hearing this explanation, Umar said:
“Subhanallah, Allah has saved me from being suspicious of Said.”
Also read: Rasulullah ﷺ as an Example of Character Education
Said bin Amir: The Poor Governor
When the people of Homs came to Medina to convey their needs, Caliph Umar asked them to make a list of the poor in the area. How surprised Umar was when he found the name Said bin Amir on the list.
“Your governor is poor?” asked Umar.
The people replied: “Yes, O Amirul Mukminin. For the past few days, there has not even been any smoke rising from his kitchen.”
Hearing this, Umar cried. He then sent a thousand dinars to Said, but when Said received the money, he said:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”
His wife asked: “Has Caliph Umar passed away?”
Said replied: “No, but a calamity has come to our house.”
Said and his wife finally agreed to distribute the money to the poor in Homs.
Khatimah
Masha Allah, the story of Said bin Amir al-Jumahi is truly full of valuable lessons. His figure seems to directly teach us what the true meaning of amanah is, how to live with the principle of simplicity, and how a leader in Islam should live his life.
In a true Islamic system, phenomenal figures like Said bin Amir will certainly emerge more easily, because the environment supports the values of piety and justice. Hopefully we can all learn from his life journey and emulate his noble attitudes in our daily lives.
Aamiin ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
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Also read: THE STORY OF THE COMPETITION BETWEEN ABU BAKAR AND UMAR BIN KHATTAB
Reference:
Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Biography of 60 Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, Ummul Qura, East Jakarta, 2012