Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam, may Allah be pleased with him, was one of the most distinguished Companions of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

He was among the earliest Muslims, one of the ten Companions promised Paradise, and one of the six Companions chosen for consultation regarding the succession after Umar ibn Al-Khattab.

He was also known as the Hawari, or close supporter, of the Messenger of Allah, and was the son of Safiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet’s paternal aunt.

Who Was Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam?

Al-Zubayr was the son of Al-Awwam ibn Khuwaylid ibn Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza.

He was known by the kunyah Abu Abdullah and belonged to the Quraysh.

His mother was Safiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib, making him a cousin of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

Al-Zubayr embraced Islam at a very young age and became one of the earliest followers of the Prophet.

Why Was Al-Zubayr Called the Prophet’s Hawari?

One of Al-Zubayr’s greatest distinctions was the Prophet’s description of him as his Hawari, meaning a close supporter and devoted defender.

The Prophet Muhammad said:

“Every prophet has a Hawari, and my Hawari is Al-Zubayr.”

This statement represents one of the greatest honors given to Al-Zubayr.

It reflected his loyalty, courage, and willingness to defend the Prophet and the Muslim community.

Al-Zubayr and the First Sword Raised for Islam

Al-Zubayr became famous for being regarded as the first person to draw his sword in defense of Islam.

A report describes how a rumor spread in Makkah that the Prophet had been captured.

Al-Zubayr, still a young man, immediately went out carrying his sword, determined to defend the Messenger of Allah.

When he reached the Prophet, Muhammad asked him why he had come with his sword.

Al-Zubayr explained that he had heard the Prophet had been captured and intended to fight whoever had taken him.

The Prophet then prayed for Al-Zubayr and his sword.

Al-Zubayr at the Battle of Badr

Al-Zubayr participated in the Battle of Badr, one of the most important battles in early Islamic history.

He was one of the two horsemen among the Muslim forces that day, positioned on the right side of the army, while Al-Miqdad ibn Amr was on the other side.

Reports also mention that Al-Zubayr wore a yellow turban during Badr and that angels appeared in his likeness.

His courage and fighting ability became among the most notable aspects of his military career.

Al-Zubayr at the Battle of Uhud

After the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet feared that the opposing forces might return to attack Madinah.

He called upon his Companions to pursue them and demonstrate that the Muslims remained strong.

Abu Bakr and Al-Zubayr were among those who responded, together with approximately seventy Companions.

They pursued the enemy until they learned that the opposing army had withdrawn.

The Quran praised those who responded to Allah and His Messenger after suffering hardship.

Al-Zubayr at the Battle of the Trench

Al-Zubayr’s courage was particularly evident during the Battle of the Trench.

The Prophet asked his Companions who could bring information about Banu Qurayzah.

Al-Zubayr immediately volunteered.

He went on horseback and returned with the requested information.

The Prophet asked him again, and Al-Zubayr went a second time.

When he volunteered for the third time, the Prophet said:

“Every prophet has a Hawari, and my Hawari is Al-Zubayr.”

This incident demonstrates the trust the Prophet placed in Al-Zubayr.

The Prophet Honored Al-Zubayr

Among the famous statements attributed to the Prophet during the Battle of the Trench was:

“Shoot, may my father and mother be your ransom.”

This expression reflected the special honor and confidence the Prophet had in Al-Zubayr.

It also demonstrated the importance of his role during difficult military missions.

Physical Characteristics of Al-Zubayr

Historical reports describe Al-Zubayr as a tall man whose feet could reach the ground when riding.

He was also described as having a relatively light beard.

His physical strength, courage, and determination were among the characteristics frequently mentioned in accounts of his life.

Al-Zubayr Was One of the Ten Promised Paradise

Al-Zubayr was one of the ten Companions promised Paradise.

He was also one of the six Companions selected by Umar ibn Al-Khattab to participate in the consultation regarding the next caliph.

The six were:

• Ali ibn Abi Talib.
• Uthman ibn Affan.
• Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam.
• Talhah ibn Ubaydullah.
• Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas.
• Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf.

This position reflected his exceptional status among the senior Companions.

Al-Zubayr’s Narration of Hadith

Al-Zubayr was not among the Companions who narrated the largest number of hadiths.

He was extremely cautious about transmitting statements from the Prophet because of the Prophet’s severe warning against attributing false statements to him.

Among the narrations attributed to Al-Zubayr is the famous warning:

“Whoever deliberately lies about me, let him take his place in Hell.”

His caution demonstrates the seriousness with which the Companions treated the transmission of Prophetic teachings.

The Children of Al-Zubayr

Al-Zubayr had several children who later became prominent figures in Islamic history.

Among the best known were:

• Abdullah ibn Al-Zubayr.
• Mus'ab ibn Al-Zubayr.
• Urwah ibn Al-Zubayr.
• Ja'far ibn Al-Zubayr.

His son Urwah became particularly well known as a scholar and narrator of Prophetic traditions.

Al-Zubayr and His Wealth

Al-Zubayr was a successful man of wealth, but worldly possessions were not his ultimate concern.

Reports state that he owned a large number of servants who generated income for him, but that he did not keep their revenues for himself.

Instead, the income was reportedly given in charity.

This illustrates another aspect of his character: generosity and devotion to charitable spending.

The Scars of Al-Zubayr

Al-Zubayr participated in numerous military campaigns and suffered many injuries.

Historical accounts describe scars from sword strikes, stabbing, and arrows across his body.

These wounds were physical reminders of his years of service and sacrifice in defense of the Muslim community.

Al-Zubayr and the Council of Six

Umar ibn Al-Khattab included Al-Zubayr among the six senior Companions who would consult on the matter of succession after his death.

This was a major recognition of Al-Zubayr’s position and trustworthiness.

He belonged to the small group of Companions whose judgment was considered especially significant in the affairs of the Muslim community.

Al-Zubayr’s Status Among the Companions

Al-Zubayr held an honored position among the Companions.

Reports attribute great praise of him to senior figures including Umar ibn Al-Khattab and Uthman ibn Affan.

His combination of courage, faith, loyalty, and closeness to the Prophet made him one of the most prominent figures among the early Muslims.

The Death of Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam

Al-Zubayr’s life ended after decades of companionship, struggle, and service to Islam.

During the events surrounding the Battle of the Camel, he withdrew from the fighting after remembering a statement he had heard from the Prophet.

He subsequently died after leaving the battlefield.

His death was a major loss because he was among the earliest Muslims, one of the ten promised Paradise, and the Prophet’s distinguished Hawari.

Conclusion

Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam was a remarkable Companion whose life combined courage, faith, sacrifice, and loyalty.

He was the Prophet’s Hawari, the son of his aunt Safiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib, one of the ten promised Paradise, and one of the six members of the consultation council.

He participated in major events including Badr, Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench, and became renowned for his bravery and unwavering commitment to defending Islam.

His life remains an important example of courage, devotion, and loyalty to the Messenger of Allah.

Who was Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam?

Al-Zubayr was a prominent Companion of Prophet Muhammad, one of the ten promised Paradise and the Prophet’s Hawari.

Why was Al-Zubayr called the Prophet’s Hawari?

The Prophet Muhammad said, “Every prophet has a Hawari, and my Hawari is Al-Zubayr.”

Was Al-Zubayr the first person to draw his sword for Islam?

He is widely described in historical accounts as the first person to draw his sword in defense of Islam after hearing that the Prophet had been captured.

Was Al-Zubayr one of the ten promised Paradise?

Yes. Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam was one of the ten Companions who received the glad tidings of Paradise.

Who were the most famous children of Al-Zubayr?

Among his best-known children were Abdullah ibn Al-Zubayr, Mus'ab ibn Al-Zubayr, Urwah ibn Al-Zubayr, and Ja'far ibn Al-Zubayr.