Abdurrahman ibn Awf [radiyallahu anh]

Abdurrahman ibn Awf (radiyallahu anh) was born in Makkah in 581, ten years after the Year of the Elephant. His name during the Age of Ignorance was Abdu Amr (according to some reports, Abdul Kaaba) and was changed to Abdurrahman by the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) after he embraced Islam. He was the eighth person to accept Islam. A close friend of the Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr, Abdurrahman participated in the migration to Abyssinia and fought alongside the Prophet in all major battles, including Uhud, where he sustained an injury that caused him to limp for the rest of his life.

During the expedition to Tabuk, he once led the salah in the absence of the Prophet. When the Prophet joined the salah later, he became the first Companion to lead the prayer during the Prophet's lifetime. He served as an advisor to both Abu Bakr and Umar during their caliphates. When Umar was choosing his successor from among three candidates (the others being Uthman and Ali, radiyallahu anhuma), Abdurrahman withdrew his candidacy to join the council appointed to select the caliph.

One of the ten Companions promised Paradise by the Prophet, Abdurrahman amassed great wealth both before and after his guidance to Islam, becoming one of the wealthiest among the Companions. He passed away in the year 652 at the age of 72. May Allah be pleased with him.

Here are some glimpses from his life…

***

Where Is the Market?

After the migration to Medina was complete, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) established a bond of brotherhood between the Muhajirun (emigrants) and the Ansar (helpers) in pairs. When it came to Abdurrahman ibn Awf, the Prophet called Sa'd ibn Rabi and declared them brothers. Sa'd ibn Rabi said:

“Dear brother! I’m one of the wealthiest people in Medina. I have two large gardens and two wives. I can give you whichever of my gardens you like so that you can work the land. I can divorce one of my wives for you to marry her. Would you like that?”

To this, Abdurrahman replied:

“Dear brother! May Allah bless your family and wealth for you. Just show me where the market is.”

Upon visiting the marketplace together, Abdurrahman started trading. He would buy and sell, gradually accumulating wealth, as Allah blessed his trade, leading it to flourish. In a short period, he saved enough to afford marriage and proposed to a woman from Medina. Surprised by how swiftly Abdurrahman settled down and prospered, the Prophet asked:

“What is this I hear?”

“I got married, O Messenger of Allah!”

“And what did you give her as a dowry?”

“A weight of gold equivalent to a date seed.”

“Then hold a wedding feast so that Allah may bless your wealth.”

Following the Prophet's advice, Abdurrahman said:

“My share in this world increased so much that it seemed if I lifted a stone, I would find gold or silver beneath it.”

What Did You Leave Behind?

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was overseeing the preparations for the battle of Tabuk. This expedition required not just manpower but substantial logistical support, as the enemy was the formidable Roman army, which was both larger in number and superior in equipment. Additionally, Medina suffered from a drought that year, further complicating the journey ahead with challenges like long distances and scarce provisions.

As the Muslim army prepared, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) called upon his companions to donate generously, promising them rewards in the hereafter from Allah. The Muslims mobilized all their resources in response. Abdurrahman ibn Awf was among those who contributed the most.

Abdurrahman ibn Awf brought approximately 250 kg of gold, donating all his possessions to the Islamic cause. Witnessing him giving away his entire fortune to the Muslim army, Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, reported him to the Prophet, saying:

“O Messenger of Allah! I see that Abdurrahman is sinning. He gives away all he owns without leaving anything for his family.”

The Prophet then asked Abdurrahman:

“Did you leave anything for your family?”

“Yes, O Messenger of Allah! I left for them what is far better and more valuable than what I have given away.”

“What have you left for your family?”

“I left for them the promise of provision, goodness, and reward that you have promised us.”

Upon hearing this, the Prophet prayed:

“May Allah bless what you have given and what you have left for your family.”

Blessings Through Prayer

Rasulullah’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) prayer brought continual blessings to Abdurrahman's wealth, making him one of the wealthiest among the Companions until his death.

After the Prophet's demise, there was a day when a caravan belonging to Abdurrahman ibn Awf, consisting of 700 camels laden with goods, arrived in Medina. Their arrival caused a slight tremor in Medina. Aisha, the mother of the believers, asked:

“What is this tremor?”

A woman beside her replied:

“It is the caravan of Abdurrahman ibn Awf.”

“Allah granted him prosperity in this world in return for what he gave, and his reward in the hereafter is even greater. I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) say: ‘Abdurrahman will enter Jannah crawling.’”

Before the caravan's goods were even unloaded, this news reached Abdurrahman. Concerned, he visited Aisha to verify the Prophet's statement. Upon confirmation, Abdurrahman responded:

"If I am able, I will enter Paradise walking. Bear witness, O our mother! I now donate these camels, with their valuable saddles, the goods they carry, everything, for the sake of Allah."