How Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf redefined wealth in service of Islam
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf was one of the most distinguished and beloved companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Known for his deep faith, remarkable generosity, and exceptional business acumen, he was one of the ten companions promised Paradise (al-ʿAsharah al-Mubashsharūn bil-Jannah).
A pioneer among the early Muslims, he played a crucial role in the development of the Muslim community in both Makkah and Madinah. His life is a shining example of how wealth can be used for the sake of Allah, and how loyalty, leadership, and humility can shape a legacy in Islamic history.
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf was born in Mecca around 580 CE. He belonged to the Banu Zuhrah clan of the Quraysh tribe, the same clan as the Prophet Muhammad’s mother, Aminah bint Wahb. This placed him among the noble and respected families of Quraysh.
He was a wealthy and successful merchant and had several wives and children. One of the most notable of his wive s was Umm Kulthum bint Uqba ibn Abi Mu’ayt, a respected female Companion and among the earliest women to migrate to Madinah. She converted to Islam in Makkah and migrated without her family’s permission, which sparked a legal discussion in early Islamic jurisprudence about female migration.
The conversion of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf to Islam
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf embraced Islam at the hands of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) and was among the companions who accepted Islam before the Prophet (peace be upon him) entered the house of Al-Arqam. He also played a significant role in the conversion of many other companions, including Uthman ibn Affan, Az-Zubair ibn Al-Awam, and Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with them all).
After accepting Islam, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf migrated twice; to Abyssinia and to Madinah. Upon reaching Madinah, he became close to the Prophet and formed a brotherhood with Sa’ad ibn Ar-Rabi.
Stories of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf in Jihad
During the Battle of Badr, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf stood in the ranks alongside two young Ansar boys of tender age. He wished he had been placed between two stronger and more experienced men. When he overheard these young boys expressing their desire to kill Abu Jahl due to his insults towards the Prophet, Abd al-Rahman marvelled at their courage and strength. He gestured to them, affirming that the man they were talking about was Abu Jahl.
The two young boys hurriedly made their way to him and killed him. Afterward, they returned to the Prophet to inform him of their deed. The Prophet asked them, “Did you both strike your swords?”
He examined their swords to determine which one had been more deeply soaked in blood and learned that both had participated equally in the killing.
The Battle of Uhud
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf played a significant role in the Battle of Uhud. He was among those who stood firm with the Prophet on the day of Uhud when many people fled. He displayed tremendous courage and resilience in the battle. He sustained a total of twenty-one wounds on his body as he fought valiantly.
Additionally, he was wounded in the leg, causing some of its tendons to be severed. During the battle, he killed Asid ibn Abi Talha and Klab ibn Abi Talha. Despite his injuries, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf continued to fight, limping due to his leg injury, until he eventually succumbed to his wounds and passed away.
Campaigns with the Prophet
He was present in various campaigns, including the battle against Bani Nadir, the Battle of the Trench (Al-Khandaq), the battle against Bani al-Mustaliq (also known as the battle of Al-Muraysi), and the battle against Bani Qurayzah. During the battle against Bani Qurayzah, he gave the Prophet two horses, and he gave one horse to his companion.
Abd al-Rahman also took part in the Battle of Dhil Qa’dah, the Conquest of Makkah, and the battle of Hunayn. On the day of the Conquest of Makkah, he was among the affluent individuals, and he contributed camels from Madinah for the sacrificial offerings. He returned to Madinah with the Prophet after the campaign.
Additionally, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf witnessed the peace treaty negotiations between the Muslims and the Quraysh at Hudaybiyyah.
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf during the Caliphates
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf played significant roles during the caliphates of both Umar ibn al-Khattab and Uthman ibn Affan.
During the caliphate of Umar, he was given the responsibility to lead an expedition to Dumat al-Jandal to fight against the Bani Kalb tribe. He was also instructed by the Caliph to marry the daughter of their king if victory was achieved. Abd al-Rahman successfully spread the message of Islam in the region, and many people embraced Islam under his leadership.
Umar valued Abd al-Rahman’s wisdom and trustworthiness. When Umar faced a situation during his leadership that required consultation, he sought advice from Abd al-Rahman, recognizing him as “the truthful, the trustworthy.”
Under the Caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan
When Umar’s caliphate came to an end, he had sustained injuries from an assassination attempt, and his health began to deteriorate. The companions requested that he appoint a successor, but he initially declined. Instead, he chose a council of six prominent companions for consultation, and Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf was one of them. They were all known to be promised Paradise by the Prophet. After their consultation, Umar eventually accepted their recommendation to appoint a caliph.
Following Umar’s death, the caliphate was handed over to Uthman ibn Affan. Abd al-Rahman continued to play an active role during Uthman’s rule. He was entrusted with leading the pilgrimage (Hajj) in the year 24 AH.
The Death of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf passed away in Madinah in the 31st year of the Hijra during the caliphate of Uthman. He was approximately seventy-five years old at the time.
He was buried in the Baqi’ Cemetery. Upon his death, four wives survived him.