Abu Dujana [radiyallahu anh]

Abu Dujana (radiyallahu anh) was from Medina and belonged to the Khazraj tribe. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) established a brotherhood between him and Utba bin Ghazwan. He was known for the red turban he wore in battles, which distinguished him unmistakably on the battlefield. 

Sources describe him as a mighty and courageous person who would train for war during his free time. He carried two swords, one of which belonged to Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), and thus he was called “Dhu’l-Sayfayn: The Owner of Two Swords.”

Giving the Sword Its Due

The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had prepared for the Battle of Uhud and gathered his companions around him. Among them were prominent companions such as Abu Bakr, Umar, the famous warrior Zubair bin Awwam, and Ali (radiyallahu anhum). The Prophet lifted his sword and said:

- Who will take this sword from me?

All the companions extended their hands, volunteering to take it. Everyone there said, “I will take it, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) asked again:

- Who will take this sword and give it its due?

Upon this, all the companions lowered their hands and waited in anticipation to learn the implications of this caveat. When one of them asked what the sword’s due was, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) replied:

- The due of this sword is that no believer is killed with it and that one fights against the enemy without retreating, no matter what.

Among the companions, first Zubair bin Awwam and then Abu Dujana (radiyallahu anhuma) extended their hands and volunteered. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) gave the sword to Abu Dujana.

The Battle of Uhud

Zubair bin Awwam (radiyallahu anh) narrates: “When the Prophet asked who would take the sword, I extended my hand before Abu Dujana. Moreover, I was the son of the Prophet's aunt Safiyya and a Qurayshi. Despite this, the Prophet gave the sword to Abu Dujana. I thought to myself, ‘I will see what Abu Dujana does with this sword,’ and decided to watch him during the battle with one eye.

As the battle lines were drawn, Abu Dujana tied his red turban. When the Ansar next to me saw this, they excitedly exclaimed, ‘Abu Dujana has tied his turban of death again!’ After tying his turban, Abu Dujana took both swords in his hands and began to walk in front of the Muslim army. But this walk was the proud, confident walk that the Prophet had forbidden us. He walked with a swagger, twirling the swords in his hands. This walk provoked the polytheists, intimidating some. Seeing his walk, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) remarked:

- By Allah, Allah does not love this walk except on a battlefield.

Zubair bin Awwam (radiyallahu anh) continues: 

- The battle began. Reciting poetry, Abu Dujana confidently plunged into the ranks of the polytheists. He swung his swords, recited poetry, and provoked the polytheists. He advanced, cutting down everyone who came before him. Just as no one could stand against Abu Dujana, there was also a man who broke through the Muslim ranks, and no one could stand against him. He advanced towards Abu Dujana. When they finally faced each other, the man swung his sword at Abu Dujana. Abu Dujana parried the attack and, with a single strike, felled the giant polytheist.

The Prophet's Prayer

When the Muslim army dispersed during the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) found himself in a difficult situation, surrounded by only a handful of companions protecting him. Abu Dujana was among them, using his body as a shield to protect the Prophet from arrows. During this time, Abdullah bin Humayd, one of the fiercest polytheists, began to charge towards the Prophet with his horse, shouting:

- I am the son of Zuhair! Show me Muhammad! Either I will kill him, or I will die!

This fierce polytheist, fully armored, was confident because of his armor. However, when he faced Abu Dujana, he hesitated. Abu Dujana drew his sword and shouted:

- Come to me! I am the one who shields the Messenger of Allah. Get past me first!

Then he struck the legs of the man’s horse. As the horse fell, he said:

- Here! I am the son of Harisha! 

And with a single sword strike, he killed him.

Seeing Abu Dujana's dedication to protecting him, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) prayed:

“O Allah! I am pleased with the son of Harisha; be pleased with him as well!”