Embracing Islam After Studying the Torah
The introduction of Abdullah bin Salam to Islam began with his expertise in the Torah, the holy scripture of the Jewish people. Previous scriptures had foretold the arrival of Ahmad (Prophet Muhammad SAW) as a messenger of Allah for all humanity in the end times.
Among these is the Torah, intended for the Jewish people. During the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, the Jewish community did not immediately accept the Islamic message. In fact, it was not uncommon for the enemies of the Muslims at that time to come from the Jewish community, both in Makkah and Madinah.
However, not all Jews opposed Islam. One such individual was Husen bin Salam. Before embracing Islam, as narrated in ‘101 Companions of the Prophet’ by H. Andi Bastoni, Husen bin Salam was a head priest of the Jews in Yathrib (the former name of Madinah al-Munawwarah).
As an important figure, the people of Yathrib respected Husen bin Salam. He was also widely known as a kind, intelligent, and honest individual.
In his temple, Husen spent much of his time reciting and studying the Torah. To him, nothing was more valuable than time. In fact, his daily routine was divided into three parts.
One third was dedicated to worshiping in the temple. Another third was for rest through gardening. The remainder was spent teaching the Torah to the Jewish community.
As an expert in the Torah, Husen bin him Salam deeply understood the significance of the name Ahmad being included in the scripture. He fervently hoped for the opportunity to meet and believe in the message of the Prophet of the end times.
Whenever he encountered verses in the Torah announcing the arrival of Ahmad, Husen would often reflect on them and read them repeatedly. He had learned that the figure of Ahmad would come from the Arabs and would eventually arrive in Yathrib. Husen became increasingly diligent in studying the characteristics of this prophet for all mankind.
News eventually arrived regarding an Arab figure from Makkah who would migrate to Yathrib. Carefully, Husen matched the characteristics of this man with what he had studied regarding Ahmad.
His heart was filled with joy when he discovered that the figure migrating to his city was none other than Ahmad, or Prophet Muhammad. Husen constantly prayed to Allah to extend his life so that he might meet the Messenger of Allah.
However, Husen bin Salam initially kept it a secret from his people that the figure migrating to their city was the bearer of the message mentioned in the Torah. This was because most of the Jewish community in Yathrib was displeased with the fact that this noble prophet chosen by Allah was of Arab descent, rather than from the Children of Israel. Nevertheless, Husen remained determined to believe in Prophet Muhammad and the message he brought, even if his own people rejected him.