Q. Assalam Alaikum
Hope this message is reached with good health and iman inshallah.  I need some clarification on the lineage of some of the Sahabi(R).  To my understanding the paternal aunt of Rasulallah (S), Umayama had two (possibly more?) children Zaynab ibn Jahsh and Abdullah ibn Jahsh.  There is obviously a lot known about them because one was the Prophet’s wife and the other was considered Amir al-Mu’mineen. What I am confused about is who is Ubaydullah ibn Jahsh? Is he another brother of Zaynab? Could it be a half-brother? I can’t find his lineage. All I know is that he married to Ramla bint Abi Sufiyan and converted to Christianity in Abyssinia.

JAK

Time Sent: Sunday June 21, 2009

Answer:

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We wish the same blessings for you and your family.

Facts that need to be reevaluated:

Ubaydullah ibn Jahsh according to historians is the brother of zaynab bint Jahsh (RA). Ubaydullah (RA) was part of an early group of Muslims who converted in Makkah-tul-mukaramah and emigrated to Abasinya. We could not ascertain if he was the full or half brother thus accuracy as to the lineage from authentic sources. This was due to facts which could not be viewed in their entirety.  It can be stated that his lineage would be the same as Zaynab (RA). This latter statement should be made with accepting proof of another proving otherwise. (a rarity indeed.)

Difference takes place whether he (RA) died as a Muslim or not

Majority of historians have stated, and you (the questioner are also seemingly of this opinion): Umme Habiba Ramalah (also known as Ramalah bint Abu Sufyan) divorced her first husband Ubaydullah due to her standing firm on the choice of being a muslim and also noting a kaffir male cannot be married to a Muslim woman. The greater lesson derived by many from this incident is that no person can be guaranteed Imaan, even after claiming to be Muslim. It is all in the hands of Allah (Subhanahu Wata’Ala). However, reexamination of the issue states otherwise.

The real facts point otherwise:

Ubaydullah ibn jahsh(RA) was married to Umme Habibah. According to Ibn Ishaq he (RA) was amongst those who believed in the religion of Ibrahim (AS) without the ability of taking any direct benefit from having such a belief. Thus, he was linked to Christianity at a time when many around him (RA) were worshiping idols. If it is possible to believe in Christianity without seeing Essa (AS) and knowing of the coming of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) as stated in the various scriptures, it remains senseless that Ubaydullah (RA) being part of the group of waraqa bin nawful would believe in anything other then Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). After all, was it not his friend waraqa who stated n the famous Hadith at the onset of Bukari: ‘if I am present when the people turn their back upon you (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) I would lend you my full support?’ How could it possible that one would follow an older monotheistic religion that mentions the coming of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and later abandon the new religion which posses the very same core. Couple this with the fact that rejection of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) would become event more ‘distant’ due to the sacrifice of migration. Ibn  Ishaq makes this point clear. Thus, Ibn Ishaq mentions that it is unlikely that Ubaydullah (RA) would become a disbeliever upon migration.  This is a very ‘distant’ thought to have of him.

When two thoughts emerge and one is unsure as to all the claims, clarity lacks, then it is best to give the benefit towards positivity.

Great question. Great insight shared by our guest. Many Allah (Subhanahu Wata’Ala) reward you for this excellant question, Ameen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Below are our partial references. The above claim is derived from portions of the Arabic below.

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(Br. Yassir Butt was also given your question for added insight. Merely type his name in our search section for additionally shared information on this matter.)