The Disciple of the Prophet ﷺ

Az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam الزُّبَيْر بْن الْعَوَّام

Cousin of the Prophet ﷺ through his aunt Safiyyah, husband of Asma bint Abi Bakr, and the first to draw his sword in defence of Islam. One of the ten promised Paradise, the Prophet ﷺ said every prophet has a disciple (hawari) and 'my disciple is az-Zubayr'.

First Sword Drawn for Islam

Embracing Islam at fifteen, az-Zubayr was so devoted that when a false rumour spread that the Prophet ﷺ had been seized, the boy ran through Makkah with his sword unsheathed — the first Muslim ever to draw a weapon for the faith. The Prophet ﷺ prayed for him and his sword.

The Disciple

He emigrated to Abyssinia and then Madinah and was present at Badr, Uhud, the Trench, and beyond. The Prophet ﷺ honoured him uniquely: 'Every prophet had a hawari (devoted disciple), and my hawari is az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam.' At the Battle of the Trench the Prophet ﷺ called for a scout, and az-Zubayr volunteered three times.

A Warrior and a Father

Married to Asma bint Abi Bakr, az-Zubayr fathered Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr, the first child born to the Muhajirun in Madinah. He bore many wounds from his battles, scars he wore as marks of a life spent in struggle for Allah.

Death at the Camel

Drawn into the Battle of the Camel in 36 AH, az-Zubayr withdrew from the fighting after Ali reminded him of a saying of the Prophet ﷺ, but was pursued and killed as he prayed in a valley. He died among the ten promised Paradise.

Lessons

  • Zeal for the truth shows in being first to act when others hesitate.
  • A sincere reminder can turn a man away from conflict even mid-battle.
  • Honour from the Prophet ﷺ is the highest rank a believer can attain.

Quran references

3:172-173