An Early Muslim
Utbah ibn Ghazwan was among the earliest to accept Islam — Umar called him one of the first of the Muhajirun “for whom Allah has decreed Paradise.” He took part in the early expeditions, including that of Nakhla. 1 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 2 · pp. 158–159 — Kandhlawi — Umar names Utbah among the first Muhajirun for whom Allah decreed Paradise; sets him over Basra.
Governor and Preacher
Umar appointed him governor of Basra, and there he delivered a famous sermon on the fleeting lowliness of the world — that it had “announced its end” and what remained of it was but the dregs in a vessel — recalling how he had been one of seven with the Prophet ﷺ who had nothing to eat but the leaves of trees until their mouths were sore. 2 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 3 · pp. 494–496 — Kandhlawi — Utbah's sermon on the lowliness of the world and the days of eating tree-leaves with the Prophet. He died on the road returning from Makkah.
Life Timeline
Among the earliest Muslims
Sent on the expedition of Nakhla
Governs Basra; his sermon on the world
Dies on the road from Makkah
References
- Hayatus Sahaba — Kandhlawi — Umar calls Utbah one of the first Muhajirun for whom Allah decreed Paradise; sets him over Basra Vol 2 · pp. 158–159
- Hayatus Sahaba — Kandhlawi — Utbah's sermon on the lowliness of the world; eating tree-leaves with the Prophet ﷺ Vol 3 · pp. 494–496