The Story of Two Men Bestfriends and the Virtues of Witnessing Ramadan - Narrated by Talhah ibn 'Ubaydullah (RA)

The Story of Two Men and the Virtues of Witnessing Ramadan

Bismillah.

There was a time during the blessed era of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when two men bestfriends embraced Islam together. They came from the tribe of Bali, accepted the truth at the same moment, and embarked on their journey of faith side by side.

One of them, eager to serve Allah, devoted himself to striving in His cause. He joined the Muslim army and was eventually martyred on the battlefield. The other man, however, lived for another year. He did not die in battle but passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Talhah ibn 'Ubaydullah رضي الله عنه, a noble companion of the Prophet ﷺ, later had a dream. 

In his vision, he saw these two men standing at the gates of Jannah. Then, an angel came out and invited the second man—the one who lived a year longer—into Paradise first. After that, the angel returned and called the martyr.

Talhah, astonished by this sequence, shared his dream with others, and it soon spread among the companions. People wondered: How could it be that the one who fought and gave his life for the sake of Allah entered Jannah second, while the one who merely lived another year was admitted first?

When this story reached the Prophet ﷺ, he asked, "Why are you amazed at this?"

The companions responded, "O Messenger of Allah, was not the first man more virtuous? He was a martyr, yet he was admitted after the other man!"

Then, the Prophet ﷺ explained, "Did not the second man live for another year? Did he not witness another Ramadan? Did he not fast, pray, and worship Allah for an additional year?"

Then, the Prophet ﷺ said something truly remarkable:

إِنَّ الفَرْقَ بَيْنَهُمَا أَكْبَرُ مِنَ الفَرْقِ بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ

Inna al-farqa baynahumā akbaru mina al-farqi bayna as-samā’i wal-ard. 

"The difference between them is greater than the difference between the heavens and the earth."

 

The Hidden Blessings of Ramadan

This story teaches us a powerful lesson about the value of time—especially the time spent worshipping during Ramadan.

The second man didn’t perform extraordinary feats. He didn’t die as a martyr, but he lived just one more year. And in that year, he fasted an additional Ramadan. He prayed more. He worshipped Allah for just one more set of days and nights.

And that was enough to elevate his rank beyond even the martyr.

This should make us pause and reflect. If Allah blesses us to witness another Ramadan, then we have been given an immense opportunity—one that is greater than we can imagine. A chance to be forgiven, to have our sins wiped clean, to gain rewards beyond what we can count.

What Should We Do on the First Day of Ramadan?

If Allah allows us to witness this sacred month, we should begin it with deep gratitude and a sincere intention to make the most of it.

1. Make Sincere Dua

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged us to supplicate to Allah as soon as Ramadan begins:

اللهم بارك لنا في رجب وشعبان وبلغنا رمضان

Allahumma barik lana fi Rajab wa Sha’ban wa ballighna Ramadan.

"O Allah, bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha’ban, and allow us to reach Ramadan."

If you’re reading this and you’ve reached Ramadan—congratulations. Your dua was accepted.

Now, start your first day with another powerful dua:

اللهم أعني على صيامه وقيامه، واجعلني فيه من المقبولين

Allahumma a’inni ‘ala siyamihi wa qiyamihi, waj’alni fihi minal maqbuleen.

"O Allah, help me in fasting and standing in prayer during Ramadan, and make me among those who are accepted."

2. Renew Your Intentions

Begin Ramadan with a sincere heart, seeking not just to fast, but to transform. Make the intention to:

• Fast for the sake of Allah.
• Increase in Quran recitation.
• Improve your prayers.
• Give more in charity.

3. Pray the Night Prayer (Taraweeh)

On the first night of Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ would lead his companions in Taraweeh. Even if you’re praying at home, stand in the night prayer and seek closeness to Allah.

I hope you find this helpful...

Ramadan is not just another month—it is a divine gift. Every additional Ramadan we witness is a chance to rise in rank, a moment that could determine our standing in the Hereafter.

If Allah grants us another Ramadan, it means we have been given an opportunity that even martyrs envy. Let’s not waste it.

May Allah allow us to witness this Ramadan and make it our best one yet. Ameen. 🌹🌹🌹

References:

• Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3925
• Fath al-Bari (Ibn Hajar) on the virtue of living through another Ramadan
• Riyad as-Salihin, Chapter on the virtues of fasting