The Virtues and Status of Hazrat Zubair bin Al-Awam (RA)
**The Virtues and Status of Hazrat Zubair bin Al-Awam (RA)**
## **Introduction**
Islamic history is graced with the lives of noble companions who stood firm in the face of adversity and offered their everything for the cause of Islam. Among these shining stars is **Hazrat Zubair bin Al-Awam (RA)** — a valiant warrior, a pious soul, and one of the **Ashara Mubashshara**, the ten companions promised Jannah by the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during their lifetimes.
This article explores the blessed life, virtues, and sacrifices of Hazrat Zubair (RA), supported by **authentic references (ahadith and historical sources)**, and includes **Islamic English poetry** honoring his legacy.
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## **Genealogy and Early Life**
Hazrat Zubair bin Al-Awam (RA) belonged to the noble Quraysh tribe. He was the **son of Al-Awam ibn Khuwaylid** and **Safiyyah bint Abdul Muttalib**, the **paternal aunt of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ**, which made him a cousin of the Prophet ﷺ.
As a result, Hazrat Zubair (RA) shared a spiritual and familial bond with the Prophet. > **“He (Zubair) is my Hawari (disciple), and every prophet has a Hawari.” **
> *(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3710)*
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## **Acceptance of Islam**
Hazrat Zubair (RA) accepted Islam at the tender age of **15 years**. He was among the **earliest converts to Islam**, even before **Dar al-Arqam** was established as a secret center for Muslims.
His acceptance of Islam invited the wrath of Quraysh. In an effort to persuade him to abandon his faith, his own uncle used to wrap him in a mat and smoke him over a fire. But Zubair (RA) stood strong.
> **“By Allah, even if I burn to death, I shall not abandon the faith of Muhammad ﷺ.” **
> *(Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah)*
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## **His Physical Strength and Courage**
Zubair (RA) was renowned for his unmatched valor and physical strength. In every major battle, his bravery was exemplary. Once, the Prophet ﷺ said:
> **"Zubair is the son of my aunt and the best of my companions in bravery." **
> *(Musnad Ahmad, 1415)*
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## **Role in the Battle of Badr**
At the **Battle of Badr**, Hazrat Zubair (RA) played a significant role. He wore a **yellow turban**, and the Prophet ﷺ said that **angels descended wearing turbans like Zubair** as a sign of honor.
He killed several leading warriors of Quraysh and showed remarkable fearlessness.
> **“Verily, Zubair fought like a thousand men.” **
> *(Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d, Vol. 3, Pg. 101)*
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## **Poetry Tribute – Battle of Badr**
> "A sword unsheathed in the name of Allah," > *Zubair struck fear, put foes to shame. *
> *With tawakkul and mighty hand,*
> *He stood like a wall, made of sand." *
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## **The Prophet’s Trust and Love for Zubair**
The Prophet ﷺ trusted Zubair (RA) immensely. He included him in many **important consultations**. In fact, during the **Battle of the Trench**, he appointed Zubair as one of the key defenders.
Once, the Prophet ﷺ said:
> **“Every prophet has a disciple. My disciple is Zubair bin Al-Awam.” **
> *(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3710)*
Another time he said:
> **“I swear by the One in Whose Hand is my soul, Zubair and Talha will be my neighbors in Paradise.” **
> *(Tirmidhi, Hadith 3747)*
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## **Role in Battle of Uhud**
Hazrat Zubair (RA) fought fiercely during the **Battle of Uhud**, and was among the few who remained near the Prophet ﷺ when the Muslims scattered. He defended the Prophet ﷺ with his life and stood firm despite injury.
> **“Zubair is the living lion of Allah.” **
> *(Siyar A’lam al-Nubala)*
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## **Ashara Mubashshara**
Hazrat Zubair (RA) is one of the ten companions **promised Paradise during their lifetimes**.
> **“Abu Bakr is in Paradise, Umar is in Paradise, Uthman is in Paradise, Ali is in Paradise... Zubair is in Paradise.” **
> *(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3747)*
What a lofty status indeed!
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### His modesty and taqwa Despite his wealth, bravery, and closeness to the Prophet ﷺ, Zubair (RA) was extremely humble.
He once said:
> **“I have never lied in my life, nor have I ever betrayed a trust.” **
> "Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd" He offered tahajjud regularly and fasted frequently. He lived a life of **God-consciousness and simplicity**.
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## **Poetic Praise – Virtues of Zubair (RA)**
> *“The disciple true, of the Seal of all,*
> *At every command, he’d rise and call. *
> *The lion of battle, yet soft in heart,*
> *A friend of truth, from lies apart.” *
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## **Role during Caliphate**
Throughout the **Caliphates of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (RA)**, Zubair (RA) served as a top advisor, military commander, and jurist. His opinions were often sought in **Shura (consultative councils)**.
Hazrat Umar (RA) said:
> **“Zubair is among those who are stronger in faith than even mountains.” **
> *(Kanz al-Ummal, Vol. 13)*
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## **Role in the Battle of the Camel**
After the martyrdom of Uthman (RA), chaos erupted in Madinah. Hazrat Zubair (RA), along with Hazrat Talha and Aisha (RA), sought justice for Uthman’s blood. The **Battle of the Camel** (Jamal) was a tragic misunderstanding among the Sahaba.
When Ali (RA) mentioned a "prophetic hadith," Zubair remembered: > **“You will fight Ali one day, and you will be in the wrong.” **
> *(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3120)*
Zubair (RA) immediately **withdrew from battle**, realizing his error. He was "treasonously assassinated" while returning by a hypocrite named Amr bin Jurmuz. ---
## **Martyrdom**
Hazrat Zubair (RA) was martyred at the age of **around 64** in 36 AH. His sword, armor, and turban were brought to Ali (RA), who wept bitterly and said:
> **“I swear by Allah, I have heard the Prophet ﷺ say: Zubair is in Paradise.” **
Ali (RA) then prayed for his forgiveness and buried him with honor.
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## **Poetry – On His Martyrdom**
> *“O sword of Islam, you now sleep,*
> *Your lion’s heart, in earth so deep. *
> *Zubair! O martyr, with wounds adorned,*
> *By angels and light, you are now mourned.” *
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## **Character Traits of Hazrat Zubair (RA)**
| Trait | Description |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Courage** | Fearless in every battle |
| **Faith** | Among the earliest Muslims |
| **Taqwa** | God-fearing, truthful, upright |
| **Humility** | Avoided arrogance despite closeness to the Prophet ﷺ |
| **Loyalty** | Defended the Prophet ﷺ at all costs |
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## **Legacy and Children**
Hazrat Zubair’s son, **Abdullah bin Zubair (RA)**, also became a great leader and warrior. Zubair’s lineage continued to serve Islam with honor.
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## Lessons Learned from His Life 1. **Early commitment to truth** – Accepted Islam in his youth.
2. **Never feared persecution** – Stood firm despite torture.
3. **Balance between dunya and deen** – Wealthy yet humble.
4. **Quick to repent** – Withdrew when reminded of a hadith.
5. **Loyal to the Prophet ﷺ and Ummah** – Gave everything for Islam.
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## The Conclusion A "true soldier of Islam," a "disciple of the Prophet," and a "man of high moral stature" were Hazrat Zubair bin Al-Awam (RA). His bravery, humility, and deep connection to Allah ﷻ made him among the greatest Muslims to walk the earth.
May Allah be pleased with Hazrat Zubair (RA), and may He guide us to follow the example of such noble companions.
> **"RadiAllahu anhu wa ardah" – May Allah be pleased with him and grant him eternal peace. **
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