Usayd ibn Hudayr

Usayd ibn Hudayr ibn Simak was the son of Hudayr al-Kataib, a chief of the Aws tribe in Yathrib (Madinah). He was himself a leader among his people, respected for his judgement and courage. When Mus'ab ibn Umayr arrived in Madinah as the Prophet's envoy to teach Islam, Usayd initially went to confront him with hostility, carrying his spear. However, upon hearing Mus'ab recite the Qur'an and explain Islam, his heart softened and he accepted the faith on the spot. Usayd's conversion was instrumental in bringing Islam to the Aws. After his acceptance, he went directly to Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, another chief of the Aws, and guided him to Mus'ab as well. Sa'd also accepted Islam, and together they led their entire clan into the faith. Both men were present at the Second Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar formally invited the Prophet to Madinah. The Prophet held Usayd in high esteem. One night, while Usayd was reciting Surah al-Baqarah in his enclosure, his horse became agitated. He looked up and saw something like a canopy of lights descending from the sky. When he told the Prophet about this the next morning, the Prophet said: 'Those were the angels who came close to listen to your recitation. Had you continued reciting, the people would have seen them in the morning.' This account is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Usayd participated in the major battles alongside the Prophet, including Uhud and al-Khandaq. He was known for his cheerful disposition and good humour. The Prophet once playfully poked him in the side, and Usayd asked for reciprocal justice, lifting the Prophet's garment to poke him back — whereupon the Prophet embraced him. Usayd died in Madinah during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab in 20 AH, and Umar himself led his funeral prayer.