Dhul-Janahayn — The One with Two Wings

Ja'far ibn Abi Talib جَعْفَر بْن أَبِي طَالِب

Brother of Ali and cousin of the Prophet ﷺ, leader of the Muslim emigrants to Abyssinia, whose eloquent defence won the protection of the Negus. Martyred at Mu'tah holding the banner aloft after both arms were severed, the Prophet ﷺ said Allah gave him two wings to fly in Paradise.

Spokesman Before the Negus

When persecution drove the early Muslims to seek refuge in Christian Abyssinia, Ja'far led them. Before the Negus and the pursuing Quraysh envoys, he gave a luminous speech describing how Islam lifted them from idolatry and injustice, then recited the opening of Surah Maryam. The king wept and refused to surrender the Muslims.

Qur'an 19 (Surah Maryam)

Ja'far recited the verses about Maryam and the birth of Isa before the Negus, who recognised their truth.

Beloved of the Prophet ﷺ

Ja'far remained in Abyssinia for years, returning at last during the conquest of Khaybar in 7 AH. The Prophet ﷺ was so overjoyed he said he did not know which delighted him more — the victory at Khaybar or the arrival of Ja'far — and kissed him between the eyes. He resembled the Prophet ﷺ in looks and character and was beloved by the poor, who called him 'Father of the Destitute'.

The Banner at Mu'tah

In 8 AH the Prophet ﷺ sent an army to Mu'tah against the Byzantines. Ja'far carried the banner; when his right hand was cut off he held it with his left, and when that too was severed he clutched it to his chest with his arms until he fell, his body bearing dozens of wounds, all in the front.

Two Wings in Paradise

The Prophet ﷺ announced Ja'far's martyrdom to the people in Madinah before any messenger arrived, weeping for him, and said that Allah had replaced his two severed arms with two wings with which he flies in Paradise wherever he wishes — hence 'the one with two wings'.

Lessons

  • Truth spoken with eloquence and sincerity can disarm the most powerful.
  • Care for the poor is the mark of a noble soul.
  • What we lose in Allah's path is restored many times over.

Quran references

19:16-33