KEEP A DIARY

One of the events from Prophet Muhammad’s migration journey involves Suraqa bin Malik bin Ju’sham. This incident is narrated in some detail by Ibn Hisham. The summary of the event is that when Prophet Muhammad left Makkah for Madinah, the Quraysh of Makkah announced a reward of one hundred camels for anyone who captured him. Driven by the desire for the reward, Suraqa mounted his horse and chased after the Prophet. Just as he was about to catch him, his horse stumbled, and he fell to the ground. From this incident, Suraqa became disheartened. He said to himself, “You have been made safe from me, and this matter is completely clear.” After this, Suraqa changed his mind. He called out to Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr, saying, “O people, I am Suraqa bin Ju’sham. Give me some time to speak with you. By God, I will not deceive you, nor will you hear anything from me that you dislike.” The Prophet instructed Abu Bakr to ask him what he wanted. In response, Suraqa requested a written statement that would serve as a sign for him.

The Prophet Muhammad said, “Write it for him, O Abu Bakr.” Suraqa recounts that afterward, Abu Bakr wrote a statement on either a bone, a piece of paper, or a shard, and threw it toward him. Suraqa picked it up, placed it in his quiver, and then returned. (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 103).

In today’s era, this incident shows that carrying a pen and paper with you, both when traveling and at home, is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. In modern times, the easiest way to follow this practice is to always bring a pocket diary and a pen. Use them to note important daily information. Keeping a diary is a very useful habit and is also a Sunnah of the Prophet.