Zayd b. Harithah [radiyallahu anh]

Zayd b. Harithah (radiyallahu anh) was born forty-eight years before the Hijrah. As a child, he was kidnapped by a group of raiders and sold as a slave at the Ukaz fair to Hakim, the nephew of Khadijah (radiyallahu anha). Hakim gifted him to Khadijah, who in turn presented him to Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) treated Zayd not as a slave but as a son, and thus, he became known in Makkah as "the son of Muhammad." 

Zayd (radiyallahu anh) is the only companion whose name is mentioned in the Qur'an. He was always by the Prophet’s side and was among the first to believe in his message. Some sources even suggest that he was the first male to embrace Islam. 

When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was stoned by the people of Ta'if, Zayd shielded him with his own body. 

Here are some glimpses from his blessed life.

The Best Choice

During one pilgrimage season, some of Zayd b. Harithah’s relatives came to Makkah. As they were wandering through the city, they encountered Zayd. They immediately recognized each other. Zayd inquired about his parents’ condition and relayed his situation. After a heartfelt reunion, the relatives returned home and informed Zayd's father, Harithah, about his whereabouts. Harithah, determined to free his son, gathered sufficient money and, along with his brother, traveled to Makkah. They approached Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and said:

"O grandson of Muttalib! You are neighbors of Allah’s House. You feed the hungry, assist the needy, and open your doors to the destitute. We have come to take back our son, Zayd, who is under your protection and service. We have brought enough money to secure his freedom. Please do us a kindness and ask for whatever amount you wish; we are willing to pay it to have our son back."

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked:

- Who is the child you speak of?

Harithah replied:

- The one under your care, Zayd.

The Prophet then said:

- I propose something better than what you suggest. How about we call Zayd and let him choose? If he wishes to return with you, he is free to go. If he chooses to stay with me, I will not compel him to leave.

Harithah agreed, appreciating the fairness of the proposal.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) called Zayd and asked:

- Do you recognize these men?

Zayd responded:

- Yes, O Messenger of Allah! This is my father, Harithah b. Sharahil, and this is my uncle, Ka’b.

The Prophet then said:

- I have set you free, Zayd. If you wish to go with them, you may do so. If you prefer to stay with me, you are welcome to remain.

Without hesitation, Zayd replied:

- I choose to stay with you, O Messenger of Allah! I have seen such goodness with you that I cannot part from you.

Delighted by Zayd's response, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) took him by the hand and went to the Ka’bah, where he announced publicly:

- Listen, everyone! Bear witness that this child, Zayd, is my son. He will inherit from me, and I from him.

Seeing how much their son was loved and well-cared for, Zayd's father and uncle returned home with their hearts at ease.

Being Missed by Him

Zayd chose the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) over his own family, and in return, the Prophet embraced him as his own. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) loved Zayd dearly, missed him when he was away, and rejoiced at his return. Our beloved mother Aisha (radiyallahu anha) narrated:

"One day, Zayd had gone out of Medina for some task. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was staying in my room at the time. When Zayd was delayed, he began to look out for him. There was a knock on the door, and realizing it was Zayd, the Prophet went to open the door. I saw that he ran to greet Zayd without even putting on his shirt. When he opened the door, he hugged and kissed Zayd. By Allah, I had never seen the Prophet without his shirt before that day."

Due to the Prophet's deep affection for him, people referred to Zayd as "Hibbu Rasulillah," meaning “the beloved of the Messenger of Allah.”

The Beloved's Tears

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had prepared an army to confront the Romans who had killed his envoy. He appointed Zayd b. Harithah as the commander of the army and said:

"If Zayd is martyred, then let Ja'far b. Abi Talib take command. If he is martyred, then let Abdullah b. Rawahah take command. If he is also martyred, then the Muslims should choose a commander from among themselves."

When the two armies faced each other at the Battle of Mu'tah, the Muslims saw that their opponents numbered a hundred thousand while they were only about three thousand. The Muslims consulted among themselves. One suggested:

"Let us write to the Prophet and inform him of the enemy's numbers, and then we will act according to his instructions."

Another said:

"Remember, we are not fighting based on our numbers, strength, or superiority. We are fighting for our faith today. Do what you set out to do!"

The decision to fight was made, and the Muslims fought bravely. Following the Prophet’s instructions, Zayd, Ja'far, and then Abdullah (radiyallahu anhum) were martyred in succession.

Later, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) visited the families of the martyrs of Mu'tah to offer his condolences. When he arrived at Zayd b. Harithah's house, Zayd's young daughter ran into his arms, crying. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) could not hold back his tears and began to weep. Sa'd b. 'Ubadah (radiyallahu anh) asked:

- O Messenger of Allah, what is this?

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied:

- These are the tears of the beloved for his beloved.

(Though vastly outnumbered in the Battle of Mu'tah, the Muslim army fought strategically and courageously, returning to Medina with fifteen martyrs and some spoils of war.)