Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam – The companion who fought like a thousand men
Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam was a prominent figure in early Islamic history. He was Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam ibn Khuwaylid of the Quraysh tribe, specifically the Asad clan. He was a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad; peace be upon him, and he was his cousin. He was one of the ten companions promised paradise.
Al-Zubayr married Asma bint Abu Bakr. He embraced Islam in its early days and was one of the first to do so, becoming the seventh person to convert at the age of 15.
Al-Zubayr’s mother, Safiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib “Aunt of the Prophet Muhammad”, used to be stern with him during his childhood, at times disciplining him with harshness. This behaviour raised eyebrows among people, who assumed she didn’t love him. She clarified that her actions were intended to make him resilient and grow up to be a strong and valiant warrior, capable of defeating enemies and bringing back the spoils of war.
Al-Zubayr was raised in the household of Arqam, and one of the early incidents that demonstrated his remarkable character was when he heard a rumour that the Prophet, had been killed. He immediately unsheathed his sword and set out to confirm the news. He vowed to kill the perpetrator if the news was true, even if it turned out to be the entire Quraysh. While on his way, he unexpectedly encountered the Prophet and informed him of the news. The Prophet prayed for his well-being and success and for the victory of his sword.
The angels descending on the day of Badr
On the Day of Badr, the angels descended to fight alongside the Muslims in this momentous battle in Islamic history. These angels were dressed in yellow turbans, much like the one worn by Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam. This served as a clear indication of the honour and distinction of Al-Zubayr, and his role on that significant day.
His role after the Battle of Uhud
After the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet entrusted Al-Zubayr and Abu Bakr with the leadership of a battalion of seventy men to pursue the victorious Quraysh forces. They managed to create the impression that they were a powerful vanguard of the Muslim army. This caused the Quraysh forces to hastily retreat to Mecca, realizing that they hadn’t weakened the strength of the Muslims.
His stand at the Battle of Yarmouk
One of his remarkable feats was during the Battle of Yarmouk when he noticed a sense of weariness among some of the Muslims who were facing an overwhelming Byzantine army, unlike anything they had encountered before. Al-Zubayr, in response, shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) and charged at the enemies of God with fierce determination, breaking through their ranks, which were like an unending sea. He then returned victorious to his fellow Muslims, greatly lifting their spirits.
His role in the Conquest of Egypt
To further illustrate his bravery, courage, and military competence, when Amr ibn al-As requested three thousand reinforcements for the conquest of Egypt, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab sent him just three men. He informed Amr that each of them was worth a thousand men. These three were Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Al-Miqdad ibn Amr, and Ubada ibn as-Samit. Al-Zubayr was placed at the forefront of the army because he would not flee, and his presence would encourage the other soldiers.
Al-Zubayr’s life was characterized by his unwavering commitment to jihad and his remarkable contributions to the early Islamic battles, making him a revered figure in Islamic history.
The Martyrdom of Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam
Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwām was treacherously killed by Ibn Jurmuz while he was praying. After killing Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Ibn Jurmuz rushed to Ali to deliver the news, placing the sword that had slain az-Zubayr before him. But Ali cried out: “Give the bearer of the news of Safiyyah’s son’s killer the tidings of Hellfire!” Then he took az-Zubayr’s sword and said: “A sword that so often, by Allah, its owner relieved the distress of the Messenger of Allah”.
