Ja'far ibn Abi Talib

Ja'far ibn Abi Talib was the Prophet's first cousin, the son of Abu Talib, and the elder brother of Ali. He closely resembled the Prophet in appearance and character. He accepted Islam early and was among those who endured the persecution of the Quraysh in Makkah. When conditions became unbearable, the Prophet instructed a group of Muslims to emigrate to Abyssinia, and Ja'far was appointed as their leader. The Quraysh sent Amr ibn al-As and Abdullah ibn Abi Rabi'ah to the Negus (Najashi) with lavish gifts, demanding the return of the Muslim refugees. The Negus summoned both parties and asked the Muslims to explain their religion. Ja'far delivered a speech that is among the most celebrated passages in all of Seerah literature. He said: 'O King, we were a people of ignorance — we worshipped idols, ate carrion, committed shameful deeds, severed ties of kinship, and mistreated our neighbours. The strong among us devoured the weak. We remained in this state until Allah sent us a Messenger from among us, whose lineage, truthfulness, trustworthiness, and chastity we knew. He called us to worship Allah alone, to abandon the stones and idols our fathers had worshipped. He commanded us to speak the truth, fulfil trusts, maintain family ties, be good to neighbours, and refrain from forbidden things and bloodshed.' The Negus wept until his beard was wet, and he refused to hand over the Muslims. Ja'far remained in Abyssinia for over a decade, returning to Madinah in 7 AH — on the very day the Prophet conquered Khaybar. The Prophet embraced him and said: 'I do not know which makes me happier — the conquest of Khaybar or the arrival of Ja'far.' He kissed him on the forehead. Just a year later, the Prophet appointed Ja'far as the second commander at the Battle of Mu'tah. When Zayd ibn Harithah fell, Ja'far took the banner. He dismounted his horse, hamstringing it so there could be no retreat, and fought until both his arms were severed. He clasped the banner between his stumps until he was martyred. Over seventy wounds were found on his body, all on the front. The Prophet informed the Companions that Allah had replaced Ja'far's arms with two wings with which he flies in Paradise — hence his title 'at-Tayyar' and 'Dhu al-Janahayn.'