In the Name of Allāh.

Let’s talk about a great companion. He is ‘Abdur-Raḥmān Ibn ‘Awf Ibn Al-Harith Ibn Zuhrah Ibn Kulab Ibn Murah Ibn Ka’b Ibn Lu’ayy (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu). He was given birth to in Makkah 10 years after the year of Elephant (when the Prophet [ﷺ] was given birth to).

‘Abdur-Raḥmān Ibn ‘Awf is one of the ‘Asharah al-Mubashsharūn (ten companions who were given glad tidings of Paradise in one narration); one of the six Companions of Shūrā (Consultation) commissioned by ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khaṭṭāb (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) to select the next leader after him; also one of the companions who partook in the battle of Badr (and he became lame after the battle of Uhud); one of the first eight people who embraced Islām (as he did through Abu Bakr [Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu] two days after Abu Bakr himself accepted Islām); one of those that had the two migrations (first to Ethiopia and later to Madīnah); and one of the companions that the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed behind. What an outstanding companion!

When they got to Madīnah, the Prophet (ﷺ) paired ‘Abdur-Raḥmān Ibn ‘Awf with Sa’d Ibn Ar-Rabi’ah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) who established a firm bond of brotherhood with him. In Sa’d’s generosity, he prepared to share his wealth with ‘Abdur-Raḥmān who humbly rejected but requested the marketplace where he can trade and make money too. He began trading and eventually became the richest among the companions. His wealth was undoubtedly beneficial to Islām and Muslims.

Where are the corrupt wealthy ones in our society? They need to read the profile of ‘Abdur-Raḥmān Ibn ‘Awf. It was said verse 262 of Sūrah Al-Baqarah was revealed in respect of people like ‘Abdur-Raḥmān Ibn ‘Awf for his charity towards the Cause of Allāh. In fact, after the demise of the Prophet (ﷺ), he took it as a responsibility to provide for the mothers of the believers. 

I beseech Allāh to be Especially Merciful to ‘Abdur-Raḥmān Ibn ‘Awf and grant felicity to all the companions. (Aameen)