Lecture Notes: Zayd Ibn Amr and Early Seekers of Truth in Makkah

Introduction

Opening supplication invoking Allah's protection and blessings.
Focus on exploring the seerah (biography) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions.
Decision to discuss early figures, starting with Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl.

Zayd belonged to the Adi clan (Banu Adi) of Quraysh, a prominent Makkah clan.
First cousin of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).
Father of Saeed ibn Zayd, one of the ten promised Paradise, and Aatika bint Zayd.

Group of four men decided to reject paganism and follow the way of Prophet Ibrahim.
Four Hunafa: Uthman bin al-Huwayrit, Abdullah ibn Jahsh, Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl, Waraqa ibn Nufayl.
- Uthman ibn al-Huwayrit: Became Christian, went to Rome.
- Abdullah ibn Jahsh: Became Christian, later moved to Abyssinia.
- Waraqa ibn Nufayl: Became a Nestorian Christian priest.
- Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl: Remained unsatisfied with Christianity and Judaism; followed Ibrahim’s monotheism.

Rejected idol worship and took strong ethical stands:
- Refused to eat meat sacrificed in the name of idols.
- Publicly challenged idol worship, claiming to follow Ibrahim’s way.
- Saved baby girls from being buried alive, opposing the prevalent custom in Mecca.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observed and respected Zayd's devotion to monotheism.
Zayd advised young Prophet not to eat sacrificed idols' meat.
Personal incidents where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) witnessed and admired Zayd’s practices.

Traveled extensively (including Sham and Mosul) to seek guidance about monotheistic faith.
Encountered knowledgeable priests who informed him about an upcoming prophet from Arabia.
Returning to Mecca but was murdered by robbers near the end of his journey.

Dua for his son Saeed: Asked Allah to grant his son the companionship of the Prophet.
Saeed ibn Zayd became one of the earliest converts and a significant figure in Islamic history.
Prophet Muhammad’s approval: Declared Zayd as an Ummah (nation) on his own, promised paradise.
Authentic hadith: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saw Zayd in Jannah, confirmed his special status.

Zayd’s sincere pursuit of truth and monotheism highlighted.
His actions and beliefs aligned closely with future Islamic principles.
Inspiration to uphold faith and good character even in challenging environments.
Next lecture: Waraqa ibn Nufayl and his significance.

Zayd ibn Amr exemplifies the intrinsic moral compass and pursuit of monotheism and ethical conduct before Islam’s formal revelation.
Distinction between intuitive righteous actions and formal religious guidance.
The importance of maintaining one’s principles in the face of societal pressure.