Abdullah ibn Rawahah: Poet and brave companion of the Prophet

Abdullah ibn Rawahah was a noble companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), known for his courage, wisdom, and loyalty. He was born in Madinah and belonged to the Khazraj tribe, one of the two main tribes of the city.

His early years were marked by his talent for poetry. He was known as a poet of great eloquence, and his words were admired by both his tribe and others. However, despite his artistic skills, Abdullah was not content with his people’s idol worship. Like many in his time, he felt dissatisfaction with the pagan beliefs that dominated the Arabian society.

The turning point in his life came when he met the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at Aqabah near Makkah and heard the message of Islam. He was among the 75 people from Yathrib (present-day Madinah) who pledged their loyalty to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the second pledge of Aqabah. He embraced the new faith with full conviction. His conversion to Islam was not just a spiritual shift but also a moral and emotional one.

His poetic skills played an important role in the early days of Islam, as he used his words to encourage his fellow Muslims and to stand against the disbelievers. His poetry was deeply impactful, often stirring hearts and motivating others to fight for the cause of Islam.

One of his famous poems, recited during the Battle of Uhud, was a call to the Muslims to stand firm in the face of adversity. His words echoed through the ranks of the Muslim army, encouraging them to keep fighting for the truth. Abdullah’s poetry was not just words; it was a tool of morale, a source of motivation, and a reminder of the righteousness of their cause.

He was known for his humility, wisdom, and deep knowledge of the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was often consulted by the Prophet for his insights and advice, and his guidance was always rooted in the principles of Islam. Abdullah was also known for his generosity and sense of justice, traits that endeared him to the Prophet and his companions.

He was a brave warrior who played an active role in many battles. He participated in the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of Mu’tah, among others.

In the Battle of Uhud, Abdullah ibn Rawahah fought alongside the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and other companions. Despite the challenges they faced and the heavy losses sustained by the Muslim army, Abdullah’s faith in Allah remained unshaken. His bravery and loyalty to the Prophet were evident as he stood firm on the battlefield, ready to face death for the cause of Islam.

However, it was in 629 AD (8AH), during the Battle of Mu’tah, that Abdullah ibn Rawahah’s greatest sacrifice occurred. The Muslim army had been sent to confront the Byzantine forces in what is now Jordan.

As the battle raged on, the Muslim commanders were martyred one by one. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had appointed Zayd ibn Harithah as the commander, followed by Ja’far ibn Abi Talib and then Abdullah ibn Rawahah.

As each commander fell in battle, Abdullah took up the flag with determination. Despite being severely wounded, he continued to fight valiantly, rallying the Muslims with his courage.

It was during the intense fighting that Abdullah ibn Rawahah was struck by a fatal blow. He fell to the ground, his body riddled with wounds, but his heart remained unwavering in his commitment to Islam. Before his death, he uttered words that would forever be etched in the hearts of his fellow Muslims:

“By the One in Whose hand my soul is, I prefer death in the path of Allah over life, and I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, Islam as my religion, and Muhammad as my Prophet.”