Embracing Islam After Studying the Torah

Abdullah bin Salam’s introduction to Islam actually began with his expertise in the Torah, the holy book of the Jewish people. Earlier scriptures had foretold the coming of Ahmad (Prophet Muhammad SAW) as God’s messenger for all mankind at the end of time. Among these was the Torah, designated for the Jewish people. During the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, the Jewish community did not immediately accept the message of Islam. In fact, it was not uncommon for enemies of the Muslims at that time to come from Jewish circles, both in Makkah and Madinah. However, not all Jews opposed Islam. One such person was Husen bin Salam. Before embracing Islam, as narrated in the book ‘101 Sahabat Nabi’ by H Andi Bastoni, Husen bin Salam was a chief rabbi in Yathrib (the old name for Madinah al-Munawwarah). As an important figure, the people of Yathrib respected Husen bin Salam. He was also widely known as a good, intelligent, and honest person. At his temple, Husen spent his days reciting and studying the Torah. For him, nothing was more valuable than time. His daily routine was even divided into three parts: one-third for worship at the temple, one-third for resting by gardening, and the remainder for teaching the Torah to the Jewish community. As a Torah expert, Husen bin Salam deeply understood the significance of the inclusion of the name Ahmad in the holy book. He greatly hoped for the opportunity to meet directly and believe in the message of the Prophet of the end times. Every time he found a verse in the Torah that foretold the coming of Ahmad, Husen would often contemplate it and read it repeatedly. He had studied 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 humanity. Eventually, news arrived about an Arab figure from Makkah who would migrate to Yathrib. Carefully, Husen matched the characteristics of this man with what he had studied about Ahmad. His heart was filled with joy when he learned that the figure migrating to his city was none other than Ahmad, or Prophet Muhammad. Husen always prayed to God to extend his life so that he could meet the Messenger of Allah. However, Husen bin Salam initially kept it a secret from his people that the migrating figure was the bearer of the message as mentioned in the Torah. This was because most of the Jewish community in Yathrib were displeased with the fact that the noble prophet chosen by God came from the Arab nation, rather than the Children of Israel. Nevertheless, Husen remained determined to believe in Prophet Muhammad and the message he brought, even if his own people rejected it.