Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf: The merchant of mercy who fought for 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).
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf was born in Makkah 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.
Abd al-Rahman was originally named Abd Amr (or in some narrations, Abd al-Ka’ba), but after embracing Islam, the Prophet Muhammad changed his name to Abd al-Rahman, meaning “Servant of the Most Merciful” reflecting his devotion to Allah alone.
He was a wealthy and successful merchant, and he had several wives and children.
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 lasting legacy in Islamic history.
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 (R.A) and was among the companions who accepted Islam before the Prophet 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.
Migration of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf
The first migration that took place in Islam was the migration to Madinah, and Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf was among those who hurried to respond to the call from the people of Banu Zuhra. He was one of the emigrants who participated in both migrations to Abyssinia and to Madinah.
He also migrated to Abyssinia a second time along with Amir ibn Abi Waqqas. The Prophet established a brotherhood between Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf and Uthman ibn Affan in Makkah and between him and Sa’ad ibn Ar-Rabi in Madinah.
Stories of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf in Jihad
- Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf in the Great Battle of Badr
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 of them had participated equally in the killing.
- Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf in 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.
- Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf’s participation in the Campaigns with the Prophet
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf actively participated in all of the campaigns alongside 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, and the battle against Bani Qurayzah.
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.
The death of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf passed away in Madinah in the 31st year of the Hijra. He was approximately seventy-five years old at the time.
He was buried in the Baqi’ Cemetery. Upon his death, four wives survived him, and each received a share of his inheritance, which amounted to eighty thousand or more.
