ABDULLAH IBN UBAYY IBN SALUL

known in the history of Islam as the Chief of Hypocrites. al-Munafiqun 63:8 is said to be an insult by him on Muhammad. It was recorded that the Muslims were very angry and even his own son (who had became a Muslim) wanted to kill him. Muhammad, however, did not grant that request nor allow anyone from among his Companions to punish Abdullah bin Ubayy in any manner whatsoever. (ref Ibn Ishaq: Al-Seera tun Nabawiyya by Ibn Hashim, pt. III; p. 155).

Later, when Abdullah died, it was reported that Muhammad wanted to conduct his funeral. Umar reminded Muhammad that Allah has forbidden him to offer funeral prayer for the hypocrites. Muhammad replied that it does not avail whether he ask or not, since even if he were to ask for forgiveness seventy times, Allah will not forgive them. In other words, Muhammad believed that his prayers have no consequences and therefore he is allowed to do it. After the funeral prayer, at-Taubah 9:84 was said to be revealed forbidding prayer for hypocrites, rebuking Muhammad. Muhammad is said to put his saliva over the dead body and clothed it in his shirt. (ref: Sahih Bukhari 2.359, Sahih Bukhari 2.360).

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