Ṣuhayb ibn Sinan al-Rumi: The Roman who won the Prophet’s heart
Ṣuhayb ibn Sinan al-Rumi (may Allah be pleased with him) was born into a noble Arab family from the tribe of an-Namr ibn Qasit in Iraq. His father, Sinan ibn Malik, was the governor of al-Uballahunder the Persian Empire. In 591 AD, Byzantine forces raided the region, and Ṣuhayb, still a young boy, was captured and sold into slavery. He was taken far away from his homeland and raised in the lands of Byzantium (modern-day Turkey and Greece), where he absorbed the Greek language, culture, and customs. Over time, he came to be known as “al-Rumi” (the Roman), despite his Arab lineage.
During his years in captivity, Ṣuhayb not only became fluent in Greek but learnt the ways of trade and administration. Eventually, he escaped from bondage and made his way to Makkah, which was considered a place of asylum. There, people called him ar-Rumi, meaning “the Roman”, because of his background, Roman accent and his reddish-pinkish skin. In Makkah, he partnered with a prominent merchant, Abdullah ibn Judan at-Taymi, and quickly gained wealth and reputation.
During the early days of Islam, Ṣuhayb heard about the message of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Alongside another early convert, ‘Ammar ibn Yasir, Ṣuhayb visited the Prophet in the house of al-Arqam, where he embraced Islam after listening to the powerful teachings of monotheism.
His conversion came at a time when Muslims were severely persecuted for their beliefs. Ṣuhayb, being a foreigner and without tribal protection, faced persecution at the hands of the Quraysh. He was beaten, insulted, and tortured in hopes that he would renounce Islam, but he remained firm.
When the Prophet (PBUH) permitted his followers to migrate to Madinah in 622 AD, Ṣuhayb longed to move in the company of the Prophet and Abubakar Siddiq. However, the Quraysh were determined to stop him, knowing that he was a wealthy man and feared he would take his fortune with him. They intercepted him on his journey and demanded he abandon all his wealth if he wished to proceed.
One night, Suhayb escaped from his captors, but they pursued and eventually caught up with him.
“We shall not let you escape from us with your life and money. You came to Mecca weak and poor, and you have acquired what you have acquired,” they told him. After directing them to a place in his house where he had left the money, the Quraysh agreed to let him go.
He left behind all his possessions for the sake of Allah and His Messenger.
When he finally reached Qubah, a few kilometres outside Madinah, the Prophet (peace be upon him), upon seeing him, exclaimed joyfully, “Your transaction has been fruitful, O Abu Yahya. Your transaction has been fruitful.” He repeated this three times. In this he was referring to the holy verses that had just been revealed, celebrating Suhayb’s heroic act and bargain with the Quraysh. Allah says, “And of mankind is he who would sell himself, seeking the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is full of kindness to (His) slaves” (al-Baqarah, 2:207).
In Madinah, Ṣuhayb became known for his deep piety, generosity, and devotion to the Prophet. He participated in major battles, including Badr, Uhud, and Hunayn.
After the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Suhayb continued to serve Islam under the leadership of Caliphs Abubakar and Umar bin Khattab. While on his death after being stabbed in 644, Caliph Umar summoned Uthman ibn Affan, Ali, Talhah, Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Abdur Rahman bin Awf, and Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas and instructed them to consult among themselves and with the Muslims and choose a successor.
Upon Umar’s death, Suhayb was picked to lead prayers, including Umar’s funeral prayer. He remained in the role for at least three days until Uthman was appointed the third caliph. He died in March 659, and was buried in Jannat al-Baqi’ cemetery in Madinah.
