Zayd ibn Haritha

Beloved of the Prophet ﷺ

Zayd ibn Haritha was a boy of Banu Kalb, captured in a raid and sold into slavery, who came into the household of Khadija and so to the Prophet ﷺ. When his father and uncle found him and came to ransom him, the Prophet ﷺ let him choose freely — and Zayd chose the Prophet ﷺ over his own family, saying he would not leave him for anyone. The Prophet ﷺ took him to the Ka’ba, freed him, and declared him his own; so beloved was he that he was called al-Hibb, “the beloved.” 1 History of Islam · Vol 1 · pp. 103–104 — Najeebabadi — Zayd chooses the Prophet over his father and uncle; the Prophet frees him and declares him his own.

Named in the Qur’an

When revelation ended the custom of reckoning an adopted son a true son, Zayd returned to his father’s name, Zayd ibn Haritha. He holds a distinction no other Companion shares: his name is mentioned in the Qur’an, in Surah al-Ahzab, as the one upon whom Allah and His Messenger ﷺ had bestowed favour. 2 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 2 · pp. 536 — Kandhlawi — the verse of Surah al-Ahzab (33:37) naming Zayd; the ending of adoption-based lineage.

Commander and First Martyr of Mu’ta

The Prophet ﷺ entrusted Zayd with the command of the army of Mu’ta, ordering that if he fell, Ja’far should take the flag, and then Ibn Rawaha. Against an overwhelming Byzantine host, Zayd led the charge and was the first of the three to be martyred, holding the Prophet’s ﷺ banner. 3 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 1 · pp. 513–514 — Kandhlawi — Zayd appointed first commander at Mu'ta and martyred holding the flag. The Prophet ﷺ grieved deeply for him.