Episode 184

Abu Mihjan (ra): The Sahabi With A Substance Use Disorder | The Firsts

About this lecture

In this lecture, Sheikh Omar Suleiman tells the story of Abu Mihjan Al-Thaqafi (ra), a companion of the Prophet ﷺ renowned for his courage, eloquence, and generosity — yet who struggled repeatedly with alcohol addiction, earning the hadd punishment multiple times under Umar (ra). The story reaches its climax at the Battle of Qadisiyya, where Abu Mihjan's chained repentance and heroic secret participation lead to his final and permanent break from the sin. The lecture concludes with two powerful lessons for Muslims today: that Allah's love is greater than any sin, and that recognising one's greater purpose can be the catalyst to breaking free from addiction.