Nabi ﷺ said, “Paradise is granted to the first batch of my followers who will undertake a naval expedition” (recorded in Bukhari). Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani stated that the term ‘granted’ means Paradise is waajib upon them (recorded in fathul Baari).
When Muawiyah (RA) was the governor of Shaam, one day he sent a letter to Umar (RA). He stated that Cyprus is so close to us that we can hear their dogs barking at night. However, we cannot reach them unless we travel by sea. If you give me the word, we will enter. Umar (RA) did not understand the size or nature of the sea. He called Amr ibn al-Aas (RA) and asked him to describe it. Amr (RA) responded “O Commander of the Faithful. I have seen numerous people, going upon the sea, overpowered by a few. When it is calm it tends the heart, and when it is in motion it twists the brain. It weakens confidence and strengthens doubt. There is nothing there but the sky and water. People at sea are like a worm in a log of wood. If their boat inclines, they sink, and if they survive, they are dazed.”
This reply concerned Umar (RA), who sent a letter back to Muawiyah (RA) stating that I cannot endanger the Muslims. As a true Ummati who respected his pledge of allegiance, Muawiyah (RA) accepted this decision. During the reign of Uthmaan (RA), Muawiyah (RA) sent a letter again requesting permission to enter Cyprus. Uthmaan (RA) accepted. Muawiyah (RA) then prepared a naval army, making him the first believer to lead a navy and take part in a naval expedition. This earned him and his army the guarantee of Jannah as declared by Nabi ﷺ.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 30/8/19 in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg. To listen to the full talk, please click here.
