Talha ibn Ubaidullah: A life of courage and generosity

By Jafar Mugera
Talha ibn Ubaidullah ibn Uthman ibn Amr ibn Kaab ibn Saad ibn Taim ibn Murrah ibn Kaab ibn Lu’ay was a member of the Quraysh tribe, specifically the Timi branch. He was also known by the nickname “Abu Muhammad.”

Talha was among the early converts to Islam, embracing the faith upon the invitation of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him.

He was one of the ten companions promised Paradise and, along with Abu Bakr, was referred to as “Al-Qarainan” due to their close bond, formed when they both accepted Islam under the sponsorship of Nawfal ibn Khwa-ilid. Renowned for his generosity, he earned titles such as Talha Al-Khair (Talha the Good), Talha Al-Jood (Talha the Generous), and Talha Al-Fayad (Talha the Benevolent).

Talha, may Allah be pleased with him, was known for his courage, particularly during the Battle of Uhud. When idolaters attempted to strike the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, Talha shielded him with his own hand, which was ultimately paralyzed due to the severity of the blow.

Al-Zubair ibn Al-Awam, may Allah be pleased with him, recounted:
“On the day of Uhud, the Prophet of Allah, peace be upon him, had two shields. He tried to climb a rock but couldn’t. So, Talha sat down beneath it, allowing the Prophet to step on him and ascend. I heard the Prophet say, ‘Talha has earned Paradise.’”

Due to his exceptional sacrifice that day, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, would often say, “The day of Uhud belonged to Talha.” Reports state that he sustained over seventy wounds in the battle.

Talha held a significant place in Islamic history. He was among the ten companions the Prophet, peace be upon him, explicitly promised Paradise. As narrated by Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet said:
“Abu Bakr is in Paradise, Umar is in Paradise, Uthman is in Paradise, Ali is in Paradise, Talha is in Paradise, and Zubair is in Paradise, Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf is in Paradise, Saad ibn Abi Waqqas is in Paradise, Sa’id ibn Zaid is in Paradise, and Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah is in Paradise.”

His generosity was unparalleled. He once received 700,000 dirhams and distributed it among the Muhajirun (Emigrants) and the Ansar (Helpers), keeping only 1,000 dirhams for himself and his family. When a Bedouin relative approached him for financial help, Talha replied, “No one has ever claimed kinship with me before. I have a piece of land that Uthman gave me for 300,000 dirhams. It is yours if you want it, or I will pay you its price.”

Talha ibn Ubaidullah met his end during the Battle of the Camel in 36 AH – fought in Basra, Iraq, between the army of the fourth caliph Ali bin Abi Talib, on one side, and the rebel army led by the Prophet’s wife, Aisha, Talha and Zubayr, on the other side.

Talha was struck in the neck by an arrow shot by Marwan ibn al-Hakam, and he succumbed to his wounds.

He was the first casualty of the battle. His death deeply grieved Ali, may Allah be pleased with him.