🌟 The Virtues of Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA)🌟
# Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA)'s virtues ## *A Glorious Companion Promised Paradise*
## ✦ Introduction
Among the glittering stars in the galaxy of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ companions, there are some whose brilliance radiates through their unparalleled loyalty, immense sacrifices, and unwavering faith. One such towering figure is **Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA)** — one of the **Ashara Mubashshara** (Ten Companions Promised Paradise), a man whom the Prophet ﷺ praised with such honor that he became known as *“The Living Martyr”*.
Talha (RA) was well-known for his bravery, kindness, and commitment to Islam. He lived a life of sacrifice and service, earning eternal bliss in Jannah by the words of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself.
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## ✦ Lineage and Early Life
Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA) was born approximately **28 years before Hijrah (594 CE)** in the noble Qurayshi tribe of **Banu Taym**. His full name was:
> **Talha ibn Ubaidullah ibn Uthman ibn Amr ibn Ka‘b ibn Sa‘d ibn Taym ibn Murrah al-Qurashi at-Taymi**
He was related to Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), and their ancestral lines met at Murrah ibn Ka‘b. Talha (RA) was a successful merchant and had traveled to **Syria and the Levant**, gaining both experience and wealth. He was renowned for his honesty and honor, and he was one of the few people in Makkah who could read and write at the time. ---
## Islam's acceptance Talha (RA) was one of the **first eight people to accept Islam**, invited personally by **Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA)**.
> “Talha accepted Islam at the hands of Abu Bakr (RA) and endured the persecution of the Quraysh in Makkah.”
> — *Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani*
His early conversion to Islam sparked a lot of controversy among his people, who began to torture and harass him. He was once tied up by his cousin and dragged in the streets for accepting Islam. Yet he remained steadfast and patient.
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## ✦ Participation in the Hijrah
Talha (RA) made **Hijrah (migration) to Madinah** shortly before the Prophet ﷺ, carrying provisions and money for the Muslims. He met the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) on their migration route and provided them with white clothing from Syria.
This act of loyalty and generosity is mentioned in early Islamic biographies, showing Talha’s constant readiness to serve the Messenger ﷺ.
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## ✦ Talha and the Battle of Badr
Due to being sent on a reconnaissance mission to Syria, Talha (RA) **missed the Battle of Badr**. However, the Prophet ﷺ **granted him a full share of the spoils** and counted him among the **participants of Badr**, a title of great honor.
> “Though Talha did not fight in Badr, the Prophet ﷺ gave him a share of its spoils and rewards.”
> — Al-Dhahabi, Vol. Siyar A'lam al-Nubala 1, Pg. 165*
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## Valor at the Battle of Uhud One of the most remarkable events of Talha’s life was his **heroic defense of the Prophet ﷺ** during the **Battle of Uhud**. When the Muslim army was routed, Talha (RA) placed himself as a **human shield** between the enemies and the Prophet ﷺ.
He received **more than 70 wounds** in this battle — arrows, spears, and sword cuts — yet he never stepped back. One of his fingers was paralyzed while blocking an arrow for the Prophet ﷺ.
> The Prophet ﷺ said:
> **"Whoever wishes to see a martyr walking on the face of the earth, let him look at Talha ibn Ubaidullah." **
> — Hadith 3752, Jami' al-Tirmidhi > The Prophet ﷺ also said:
> **"Talha fulfilled his promise (to Allah) on the Day of Uhud." **
> — *Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Virtues, Hadith: 4063*
This battle earned him the nickname:
**"The Living Martyr" (Ash-Shahid al-Hayy)**
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## ✦ The Ten Promised Paradise (Al-Ashara al-Mubashshara)
Talha (RA) is among those **blessed companions who were promised Paradise** by the Prophet ﷺ in a single sitting. This honor is only for ten companions, and Talha’s name was fifth.
> The Prophet's words were: > **"Abu Bakr is in heaven, Umar is in heaven, Uthman is in heaven, Ali is in heaven, and Talha is in heaven..." **
> — *Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3747*
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## Distinguished Titles Talha (RA) was given a number of titles in recognition of his noble character and generous nature: 1. **Talha al-Khayr** – Talha the Good
2. Talha the Generous, also known as **Talha al-Jood** 3. **Talha al-Fayyad** – Talha the Overflowing (in charity)
> Imam Dhahabi writes:
> **"Talha was extremely generous. He would not let a beggar leave empty-handed, and he spent in Allah’s path without hesitation." **
> — *Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala, Vol. 1, Pg. 162*
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## ✦ Talha’s Wealth and Generosity
Though he was a successful merchant, Talha’s (RA) wealth was never a hindrance to his piety. He used his money to support the poor, the widows, the orphans, and the cause of Islam.
It is reported that he once received **700,000 dirhams**, and before nightfall, he distributed it all among the needy.
> "He never declined anyone who asked, even if he had to borrow to give."
> — Abu Nu'aym, Hilyat al-Awliya ---
## ✦ Political Neutrality and the Fitnah
After the assassination of **Caliph Uthman (RA)**, Talha (RA) initially supported justice for the murderers. However, he advocated for reconciliation and attempted to avoid bloodshed during the "Battle of the Camel" (Jamal). When he saw the conflict was escalating, **he withdrew from the battlefield**, but sadly, he was fatally struck by an arrow shot by **Marwan ibn al-Hakam**.
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## ✦ Death and Burial
Talha (RA) was martyred in **36 AH (656 CE)** at the age of approximately **62 years**. He was buried in **Basra, Iraq**, and his funeral was attended by both supporters and adversaries, all recognizing his piety and righteousness.
> When Ali (RA) heard of Talha’s death, he wept and said:
> ** "I hope Talha, Zubayr, and I are among the people Allah said: > 'We removed from their breasts any rancor, \[so they will be] brothers, facing each other on thrones.'" **
> — *Qur’an, Surah Al-Hijr (15:47)*
> — *Tafsir al-Qurtubi*
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## Status and Legacy The name of **Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA)** lives on as a symbol of:
* **Martyrdom**
* **Generosity**
* **Courage**
* **Loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ**
Every Muslim child is familiar with his name on the list of the Ashara Mubashshara because he is regarded as one of the greatest Sahaba. ---
## ✦ Poetry in Honor of Talha (RA)
### Poem 1:
**O Talha, Uhud's brave fighter,** **You shielded the Prophet with all your might. **
**Wounded and bleeding, yet firm you stood,**
**For Allah's sake and the greater good. **
### Poem 2:
**He gave all he had, from gold to grain,**
**Relieving the orphan and easing their pain. **
**Jannah awaits such a soul so bright,**
**Talha’s name shall shine with light. **
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## 📚 References
1. **Sahih al-Bukhari**, Hadith 4063
2. **Jami’ al-Tirmidhi**, Hadith 3747, 3752
3. Imam al-Dhahabi, Siyar A'lam al-Nubala 4. **Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah**, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
5. Abu Nu'aym, "Hilyat al-Awliya" 6. **Tafsir al-Qurtubi**, Surah Al-Hijr: 47
7. **Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d**, Vol. 3
8. **Tarikh al-Tabari**, Ibn Jarir al-Tabari
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## ✦ Conclusion
Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA) was a hero, a saint, a martyr, and a servant of Allah. His life teaches us courage in adversity, generosity in prosperity, and unwavering faith in all conditions. He stood tall in the battlefield of life and earned his place in Paradise through noble character and sincere actions.
May Allah grant us the ability to follow the footsteps of such glorious companions. Ameen.
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