Talha bin Ubaydullah [radiyallahu anh]

Talha bin Ubaydullah [radiyallahu anh] was the cousin of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq [radiyallahu anh] and embraced Islam through his influence. He was the fifth companion to receive the glad tidings of Paradise and the eighth person to accept Islam. He was also among the six individuals chosen to select a successor after the passing of Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with them all.

He was one of the twelve companions famously referred to as the Apostles (Hawari) of the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam]. A prominent merchant of Makkah, he shared a unique bond with Abu Bakr, enduring torture together for their faith, which earned them the title "Qarinayn" (close companions).

Here are glimpses from his life…

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The Monk of Busra’s Prophecy

Talha [radiyallahu anh] narrated:

“I had gone to the marketplace in Busra for trade when I heard a monk addressing the crowd:

- O merchants! Ask among yourselves if anyone here has come from Makkah.

Being nearby, I approached him and said, 

- I am from Makkah.

He asked, 

- Has Ahmad appeared among you?

- Who is Ahmad? I inquired.

- Ahmad is the final prophet, he replied. These days, he will arise from your region and call people to Allah. Young man, do not delay in believing in him.

The monk’s words lingered in my mind. Upon returning to Makkah, I asked my wife if anything noteworthy had occurred in my absence.

- Indeed, she said. 

- Muhammad bin Abdullah has declared himself a prophet, saying that revelation has come to him. Abu Bakr has believed in and followed him.

I remarked, 

- I know Abu Bakr. He is gentle, trustworthy, and of noble character—a beloved merchant. I enjoy his company.

I went to Abu Bakr and relayed what the monk had told me. He was astounded and began explaining Islam to me, urging me to embrace it. Eventually, he took my hand and brought me to the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam]. The Prophet recited ayahs from the Qur’an and explained Islam to me, softening my heart. I accepted Islam then and there.”

“Uhud Was Talha’s Day”

During the Battle of Uhud, when the disbelievers falsely claimed to have killed the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam], the Muslim army was thrown into disarray. Only a handful of companions remained by his side, fighting off the attackers and attempting to retreat to the safety of Uhud’s rocky terrain.

At one point, a group of disbelievers approached the Prophet. He asked, 

- Who among you will drive these men away from us? 

Talha [radiyallahu anh] responded, 

- I will, O Messenger of Allah.

But the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] said, 

- No, stay by my side.

A different companion was sent instead. That companion fought valiantly but was martyred, and the attackers came closer. The Prophet repeated his request, and again Talha volunteered. The Prophet declined, sending another companion, who also fell in battle.

Eventually, all the companions, including Abu Bakr and Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, may Allah be pleased with them, left the Prophet’s immediate side to engage the enemy, leaving Talha as his sole protector.

As the Prophet retreated, Talha shielded him. When they reached a boulder they needed to climb for safety, the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] was too exhausted to ascend. Talha knelt, offering himself as a step for the Prophet to climb. Once the Prophet reached the top, Talha joined him and began cleaning the blood from his face, kissing his blessed body, and saying, “May the lives of my mother and father be laid down for you, O Messenger of Allah!” The Prophet smiled, even in the midst of hardship, and said, “Paradise is assured for you, O Talha!”

When the disbelievers approached once more, Talha fought fiercely, driving them away while repeatedly returning to move the Prophet to higher ground. He defended the Prophet with unparalleled courage until Abu Bakr and Abu Ubaydah reached them.

The Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] instructed them, 

- Leave me and go help your brother. 

When they reached Talha, they found him gravely injured, his arm severed, and unconscious from the battle.

From that day onward, whenever Abu Bakr [radiyallahu anh] recounted the events of Uhud, he would say, “That day was Talha’s day.” Among the companions, the Battle of Uhud became known as “The Day of Talha.”