Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman

Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman al-Absi was originally from the tribe of Abs, but his father, Husayl ibn Jabir — known as al-Yaman because of his alliance with the Ansar — had settled in Madinah. Hudhayfah and his father both accepted Islam early and were devoted to the Prophet's cause. At the Battle of Uhud, Hudhayfah's father was accidentally killed by fellow Muslims who did not recognise him in the confusion of battle. Hudhayfah forgave them immediately, saying: 'May Allah forgive you, for He is the Most Merciful of the merciful,' and he gave away the blood money as charity. The Prophet confided in Hudhayfah the names of the hypocrites who outwardly professed Islam but secretly worked to undermine the Muslim community. This was a unique trust not shared with any other Companion. So exclusive was this knowledge that Umar ibn al-Khattab would watch Hudhayfah at funeral prayers — if Hudhayfah prayed over the deceased, Umar would do so as well, and if Hudhayfah stayed away, Umar would also abstain, understanding that the deceased may have been among the hypocrites. During the Battle of al-Khandaq, the Prophet sent Hudhayfah on a dangerous night reconnaissance mission into the enemy camp to gather intelligence. In freezing, dark conditions, Hudhayfah infiltrated the confederate forces and witnessed the disarray caused by the fierce wind that Allah sent against them, with Abu Sufyan announcing the retreat. He returned with the decisive intelligence that the siege was over. This mission demonstrated both his courage and the Prophet's particular trust in him. Hudhayfah was also distinguished for his knowledge of the fitan — the trials and tribulations that would afflict the Muslim Ummah after the Prophet's death. He narrated extensively about these matters, and his reports form a significant body of hadith literature on the subject. During the caliphate of Umar, he served as governor of al-Mada'in (Ctesiphon) in Iraq. He died in al-Mada'in in 36 AH, shortly after the assassination of Uthman ibn Affan, reportedly saying that he was grateful to Allah for taking him before the onset of the greater tribulations.