Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam was a cousin of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, one of the Ten Promised Paradise, and among the most courageous knights in Islamic history. The Prophet ﷺ called him his hawari, or devoted disciple, after he volunteered for a dangerous mission during the Battle of the Trench. Al-Zubayr was the first to draw a sword for Islam, the husband of Asma bint Abi Bakr, and a hero of Badr, Yarmouk, and the conquest of Egypt. His life story moves from his early faith in Mecca to his tragic death after the Battle of the Camel, offering lessons in loyalty, sacrifice, and courage.
Who Was Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam?
Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam belonged to Banu Asad of Quraysh and was closely tied to the Prophet’s family through both his mother and his aunt. Key facts about him include:
- Full name: Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam ibn Khuwaylid al-Asadi al-Qurashi.
- Kunya: Abu Abdullah.
- Mother: Safiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet’s aunt.
- Paternal aunt: Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the Prophet’s first wife.
- Rank: one of the Ten Promised Paradise and a member of Umar’s shura council.
قال النبي ﷺ: «عَشَرَةٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ: أَبُو بَكْرٍ فِي الْجَنَّةِ، وَعُمَرُ فِي الْجَنَّةِ، وَعُثْمَانُ وَعَلِيٌّ وَالزُّبَيْرُ وَطَلْحَةُ وَعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ وَأَبُو عُبَيْدَةَ وَسَعْدُ بْنُ أَبِي وَقَّاصٍ» (جامع الترمذي، حديث 3748، من رواية سعيد بن زيد رضي الله عنه)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Ten are in Paradise: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Al-Zubayr, Talhah, Abd Al-Rahman, Abu Ubaydah, and Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 3748)
Early Islam and the First Sword
Al-Zubayr accepted Islam in its earliest years and quickly proved that threats and pain could not shake his faith.
Embracing Islam Under Pressure
He embraced Islam through the invitation of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq. His uncle tried to force him back to idolatry by wrapping him in a mat and filling it with smoke, but Al-Zubayr refused, declaring that he would never return to disbelief.
Zubayr the First to Draw a Sword in Islam
One day in Mecca, a moment of alarm revealed the depth of his loyalty:
- A false rumor spread that the Prophet ﷺ had been seized or killed.
- Al-Zubayr ran through the streets of Mecca with his sword drawn.
- He found the Prophet ﷺ safe, and the Prophet ﷺ asked him what he intended.
- He replied that he had come to strike whoever harmed him, so the Prophet ﷺ prayed for him and for his sword.
Historians therefore describe his sword as the first ever drawn for the sake of Allah.
Zubayr and Asma bint Abu Bakr Marriage
Al-Zubayr married Asma bint Abi Bakr, known as Dhat al-Nitaqayn, “the woman of the two belts,” for her role during the Hijrah. Their marriage began in poverty, as Asma later described that he owned little more than a horse, yet it became one of the most blessed households of early Islam. Notable aspects of this family include:
- Asma cared for the household and the horse, and carried date stones from distant farmland.
- Their son Abdullah was the first child born to the Muhajirun in Medina.
- Their son Urwah became one of the leading scholars of Medina.
قالت أسماء بنت أبي بكر رضي الله عنهما: «تَزَوَّجَنِي الزُّبَيْرُ، وَمَا لَهُ فِي الْأَرْضِ مِنْ مَالٍ، وَلَا مَمْلُوكٍ، وَلَا شَيْءٍ غَيْرَ نَاضِحٍ، وَغَيْرَ فَرَسِهِ»
(صحيح البخاري، حديث 5224)
Asma bint Abi Bakr رضي الله عنهما narrated: “Al-Zubayr married me when he had no property, servant, or anything else apart from a water-carrying camel and his horse.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5224)
Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam Bravery Stories
Al-Zubayr took part in every major battle alongside the Prophet ﷺ, and his courage continued in the campaigns that followed. Some of his most memorable moments include:
- Badr: he fought wearing a yellow turban, and reports describe angels descending in the same color.
- Uhud: he remained firm among those who defended the Prophet ﷺ.
- Yarmouk: he charged through the Byzantine ranks twice, leaving deep scars on his shoulder.
Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam in the Battle of the Trench
During the siege of Medina in 5 AH, the Muslims needed urgent information about Banu Qurayzah, who were suspected of breaking their treaty. The events unfolded as follows:
- The Prophet ﷺ asked who would bring him news of the enemy.
- Al-Zubayr volunteered, and he volunteered again each time the question was repeated.
- The Prophet ﷺ declared that every prophet has a disciple and that his disciple was Al-Zubayr.
- During the same campaign, the Prophet ﷺ honored him with the words, “May my father and mother be ransomed for you.”
روى جابر بن عبد الله رضي الله عنهما: «نَدَبَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ النَّاسَ يَوْمَ الْخَنْدَقِ، فَانْتَدَبَ الزُّبَيْرُ، ثُمَّ نَدَبَهُمْ فَانْتَدَبَ الزُّبَيْرُ، ثُمَّ نَدَبَهُمْ فَانْتَدَبَ الزُّبَيْرُ، قَالَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ: إِنَّ لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ حَوَارِيًّا، وَحَوَارِيَّ الزُّبَيْرُ» (صحيح البخاري، حديث 2997)
Jabir ibn Abdullah رضي الله عنهما narrated: “On the day of the Trench, the Prophet ﷺ called for volunteers, and Al-Zubayr volunteered. He called again, and Al-Zubayr volunteered again. He called a third time, and Al-Zubayr volunteered. The Prophet ﷺ then said, ‘Every prophet has a devoted disciple, and my devoted disciple is Al-Zubayr.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2997)
How Did Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam Die?
Al-Zubayr’s death came during the strife that followed the assassination of Uthman ibn Affan. The final chapter of his life unfolded in these stages:
- In 36 AH, he traveled to Basra seeking justice against Uthman’s killers.
- Before the Battle of the Camel, Ali ibn Abi Talib reminded him of a warning he had heard from the Prophet ﷺ, and Al-Zubayr withdrew from the fighting.
- On his way back, at a valley called Wadi al-Siba’, he was killed by Amr ibn Jurmuz while praying.
- Ali grieved deeply and declared that the killer of Safiyyah’s son would face the Fire.
Lessons from the Life of Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam
The life of Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam provides timeless guidance for believers who seek to serve their faith with sincerity:
- Hold firmly to the truth, even under pain and pressure.
- Volunteer for difficult tasks when others hesitate.
- Build a home on faith and patience, even with modest means.
- Step back from conflict once the truth becomes clear.
Final Thoughts on Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam
Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam remains a symbol of fearless devotion to the Prophet ﷺ. From the first sword drawn in Mecca to his final decision to withdraw from strife, his life teaches courage guided by faith.
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Guidance from the Quran and Hadith
قال الزبير لابنه عبد الله رضي الله عنهما: «يَا بُنَيَّ، إِنَّهُ لَا يُقْتَلُ الْيَوْمَ إِلَّا ظَالِمٌ أَوْ مَظْلُومٌ، وَإِنِّي لَا أُرَانِي إِلَّا سَأُقْتَلُ الْيَوْمَ مَظْلُومًا، وَإِنَّ مِنْ أَكْبَرِ هَمِّي لَدَيْنِي» (صحيح البخاري، حديث 3129)
Al-Zubayr رضي الله عنه said to his son Abdullah: “My son, today a person will be killed either as an oppressor or as one who has been wronged. I believe I shall be killed today as one who has been wronged. One of my greatest concerns is my debts.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3129)
قال الله تعالى: ﴿مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ رِجَالٌ صَدَقُوا مَا عَاهَدُوا اللَّهَ عَلَيْهِ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مَّن قَضَىٰ نَحْبَهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَنتَظِرُ وَمَا بَدَّلُوا تَبْدِيلًا﴾
(سورة الأحزاب 33:23)
Allah says: “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. Some have fulfilled their pledge, while others are still waiting, and they have not changed in the least.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:23)
FAQs
How old was Al-Zubayr when he accepted Islam?
Several reports state that Al-Zubayr accepted Islam at around eight years old, while others mention sixteen. Either way, he was among the youngest early Muslims, and his firm stance against his uncle's punishment showed remarkable maturity far beyond his age.
Did Al-Zubayr migrate to Abyssinia?
Yes. Al-Zubayr was among the companions who migrated to Abyssinia to escape persecution in Mecca. He later returned and joined the migration to Medina, making him one of those honored with both great emigrations in the early years of Islam.
What was Al-Zubayr's role in the conquest of Egypt?
Umar ibn al-Khattab sent Al-Zubayr with reinforcements to support Amr ibn al-As in Egypt. During the siege of the Babylon fortress, Al-Zubayr climbed its wall with a ladder and called out the takbir, helping the Muslims secure a decisive victory there.
How were Al-Zubayr's debts settled after his death?
Al-Zubayr accepted people's deposits as guaranteed loans to keep their money safe, leaving large debts. His son Abdullah sold his lands, repaid every creditor over four years of announcements during Hajj, and then divided the remaining inheritance among the heirs.
Where is Al-Zubayr buried?
Al-Zubayr was buried near Basra, in present-day Iraq. The town that grew around his tomb was named Al-Zubayr in his honor, and it carries that name today, preserving the memory of this great and noble companion of the Prophet ﷺ.