In the Name of Allāh.
Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-Awwām Ibn Khuwaylid (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) held a profound connection with Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ), being his cousin through his paternal aunt, Safiyyah Bint AbdulMuṭṭalib (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha). He was also related to the Prophet’s first wife, Khadījah Bint Khuwaylid (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha), and married Asma Bint Abī Bakr (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhuma); the sister of the Prophet’s wife (i.e. Ā’ishah Bint Abī Bakr [Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhuma]).
Before the advent of Islām, Az-Zubayr recognized the condition of the people of Makkah and comprehended the principles of Islām. He admired the honesty, reputation, and truthfulness of the Prophet (ﷺ). At the young age of eight, motivated by Abū Bakr (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu), he embraced Islām with a pure heart and steadfast dedication, becoming one of the first seven individuals to accept the faith and joining the ranks of esteemed companions, leaving a lasting legacy.
Az-Zubayr was distinguished by noble qualities; he was a fearless warrior, recognized as one of the ‘Asharah al-Mubashsharūn (the ten companions given glad tidings of Paradise in a Ḥadīth), and was the youngest among those who sought refuge in Abyssinia to escape the persecution of the Quraysh in Makkah.
His virtues were highlighted by ‘Ā‘ishah, who narrated a reflection on the Holy Verse, “Those who answered (the Call of) Allāh and the Messenger (Muḥammad ﷺ) after being wounded; for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allāh, there is a great reward.” (Sūrah Aal-‘Imrān [3]: 172) She remarked to ‘Urwah, “O my nephew! Your father, Az-Zubayr, and Abū Bakr were amongst those who responded to Allāh’s Call on the day of the Battle of Uhud.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 4077]
Generously, Az-Zubayr offered substantial assistance to the poor and needy, exemplifying the compassion within him. According to a report from Abū Na‘īm through Sa’īd Ibn Abdul-‘Azīz, it was said, “Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-Awwām (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) had one thousand slaves who paid him tribute, which he would distribute nightly, returning home with nothing left.” [Al-Hulyah (1/90)]
Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to the liberation of Muslims. A true champion of Islām, Az-Zubayr valiantly fought in numerous battles, including Badr, Yarmuk, Hunayn, Uhud, and Khandaq. He met his martyrdom during the Battle of Camel, fighting alongside Talḥah and ‘Ā‘ishah.
In the chronicles of history, Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-Awwām’s name (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) will remain forever linked with that of the Prophet (ﷺ). His steadfast faith and loyalty, extraordinary courage, and selfless generosity serve as a timeless model of true Islāmic virtue.
I beseech Allāh to bestow His Mercies upon Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-Awwām and make his example inspire us to aspire to greatness in our lives and seek the Mercy and Guidance of Allāh in all our endeavors. Aameen.
