Zayd ibn Harithah

Zayd was captured as a child during a tribal raid and sold into slavery. He passed through several owners until Khadijah bint Khuwaylid purchased him and gifted him to the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet freed him immediately. When Zayd's father and uncle eventually traced him to Makkah and came to buy his freedom, the Prophet gave Zayd the choice: go with your father, or stay with me. Zayd chose the Prophet, saying: 'I would never choose anyone over you. You are to me in the place of a father and an uncle.' The Prophet was so moved that he took Zayd to the Ka'bah and declared: 'Bear witness that Zayd is my son.' From that day, he was known as 'Zayd ibn Muhammad' until the Qur'anic revelation in Surah al-Ahzab abolished the practice of attributing adopted sons to their adoptive fathers. Zayd was among the very first to accept Islam — some scholars list him as the first male to believe after Khadijah. He was utterly devoted to the Prophet and the cause of Islam. He participated in virtually every military expedition, and the Prophet entrusted him with significant commands. He led several sariyyah (expeditions) and was known for his courage and reliability. The Prophet appointed Zayd as the first of three successive commanders for the expedition to Mu'tah in 8 AH against the Byzantines in southern Jordan. The Muslim force of 3,000 faced a Byzantine army estimated at 100,000 or more. Zayd took the banner and fought valiantly until he was struck down and martyred. The banner then passed to Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, and then to Abdullah ibn Rawahah, both of whom were also martyred. When news of Zayd's death reached Madinah, the Prophet went to Zayd's household and his young daughter rushed to him weeping. The Prophet held her and wept. Sa'd ibn Ubadah said: 'What is this, O Messenger of Allah?' He replied: 'This is the longing of a loved one for his beloved.' The Prophet's deep love for Zayd remained throughout his life, and he later showed special affection to Zayd's son, Usamah ibn Zayd, whom he appointed to lead an army despite his young age.