The Inspiring Story of Uwais Al-Qarni
- Little Imtiyaz Centre
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
"A person may be disheveled and turned away from people’s doors, but if he takes an oath upon Allah, Allah will surely honor it."
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, narrated by Abu Hurairah (Sahih Muslim)
📖 Who Was Uwais al-Qarni?
Uwais al-Qarni was a tabi’ī – a noble successor who lived during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ but never had the opportunity to meet him. He was born in Yemen and lived a life full of trials, spiritual depth, and complete sincerity toward Allah ﷻ.
From a young age, Uwais lost his father and was left to care for his elderly, blind mother, to whom he was deeply devoted. He also suffered from leprosy, a painful and isolating illness. In his sincere prayers, he asked Allah for healing. Allah granted him a cure but left a mark the size of a dirham on his skin – a divine reminder of His mercy.
🕊️ A Man Praised by the Prophet ﷺ Without Ever Meeting Him
Although Uwais never met the Prophet ﷺ, his story became legendary because the Prophet himself mentioned him to his Companions with great admiration. He ﷺ said:
“A man called Uwais will come to you with the reinforcements from Yemen. He was afflicted with leprosy, and Allah cured him except for a spot the size of a dirham. He has a mother whom he treats with excellence. If he swears by Allah, Allah will fulfill his oath. If you can have him ask for forgiveness for you, then do so.”
— Sahih Muslim
This was a rare honor — to be spoken of by Rasulullah ﷺ in such high regard, and to be recommended as someone whose du’a (supplication) is accepted by Allah.
🕋 Umar’s Search for a Hidden Gem
After the Prophet ﷺ passed away, Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab رضي الله عنه remembered this hadith and searched for Uwais every year during Hajj, among the pilgrims from Yemen.
Finally, after ten years, Umar met a man who matched the Prophet’s description:
From the tribe of Qaran in Yemen
Cured from leprosy, except for a dirham-sized spot
Devoted to his mother
When Umar confirmed his identity, he humbly asked Uwais to make du’a for him — just as the Prophet ﷺ had instructed. Despite the high status Umar held, he submitted himself to the spiritual station of this unknown yet beloved servant of Allah.
🧕 The Secret of His Status
Why was Uwais al-Qarni so beloved to Allah and Rasulullah ﷺ?
✅ Devotion to His Mother
He prioritized his mother’s needs, even if it meant missing the opportunity to meet the Prophet ﷺ in person.
✅ Patience in Affliction
He remained steadfast through illness and hardship, never complaining, always turning to Allah.
✅ Sincerity in Worship
His ibadah (worship) was pure, unseen, and deeply connected to Allah.
✅ Hidden in This World, Honored in the Next
He refused offers of power or fame. When Caliph Umar offered to write a recommendation for him, Uwais declined. He preferred to live anonymously among the poor, content with simplicity and closeness to Allah.
🧥 A Humble Presence, A Heavy Weight in the Heavens
When people in Kufa began to recognize him, Uwais left quietly, uninterested in praise or attention. He wore a simple mantle, yet was wrapped in spiritual excellence. Those who saw him may have only seen a poor man — but in the eyes of Allah, he was among the greatest.
🧠 A Powerful Closing Hadith on Character
Jābir (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Indeed, among the most beloved to me and the closest of you to me in position on the Day of Judgment are those of you who have the best morals…”
“…And the most hated of you to me and the farthest from me are the talkative, the pompous, and the arrogant.”
– Sahih (Reported in multiple collections)
Uwais al-Qarni was the opposite of the arrogant. He was not a preacher with a platform, nor a general in battle. Yet his name was etched into history by the Prophet ﷺ himself — because of his character, sincerity, humility, and obedience.
🧩 What We Can Learn Today
Greatness in Islam is not about visibility — it’s about sincerity.
Serving your parents may elevate your rank beyond what fame ever could.
A hidden worshipper might be more honored in the sight of Allah than kings and scholars.
Du’a, when made with a pure heart, is a powerful weapon of the believer.
💬 Final Reflection
Uwais al-Qarni’s life reminds us that being unknown to the world doesn’t mean being unknown to Allah. May we strive to live with sincerity, humility, and devotion — even if no one else sees it, Allah surely does.
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