Suhayb

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Suhayb
صُهَيْب
صهيب الرومي.png
1st Caretaker Caliph of the Rashidun
Reign3 November 644 – 6 November 644
PredecessorUmar Ibn Al-Khattab
SuccessorUthman ibn Affan
Born35 BH
Mesopotamia
Died38 AH (age 73)
Jannat al-Baqi, Hejaz
(Modern Saudi Arabia)
TribeBanu Tamim
FatherSinan ibn Malik
ReligionIslam

Suhayb ibn Sinan (Arabic: صُهَيْب ٱبْن سِنَان‎; 35 BH–38 AH) also known as Suhayb the Roman (Arabic: صُهَيْب ٱلرُّومِيّ‎, Ṣuhayb ar-Rūmīy), was a prominent companion of Muhammad. After the assassination of Omar, Suhayb led the entire Muslim community for three days.

Formerly a slave in the Byzantine Empire, Suhayb belonged to the Roman ethnicity.[1] He is viewed as the Muslim forerunner of the Romans.[1]

Early life[]

Suhayb was born in 35 BH in Mesopotamia. He was the son of Sinan ibn Malik who governed the city of al-Uballah on behalf of the Persian emperor.[1] Malik had several children. Suhayb's mother belonged to the Tamim tribe.[1] When his father was the governor, Suhayb was barely five years old with blond hair and a fair-complexion. He grew up speaking Greek and couldn't speak Arabic fluently.[1]

Career[]

Slavery[]

One day Suhayb's mother took him to a village called Thani for a picnic. That day Thani was attacked by Byzantine soldiers who killed the guards and took a large number of children, including Suhayb as slaves.[1] Suhayb was taken to one of the slave markets of the Byzantine Empire, thereafter he passed from one master to another, remaining for about twenty years in Byzantine lands as a slave.[1]

At the first opportunity Suhayb escaped from bondage and headed for Mecca, which was considered a place of asylum. There, people called him ar-Rumi, meaning "the Roman", because of his background, including of his Roman accent and blond hair. He became the representative of an aristocrat in Mecca, Abdullah ibn Judan, engaging in trade and becoming quite wealthy.[2]

Acceptance of Islam and escape to Medina[]

One day he was told that Muhammad was calling people to a new religion in the house of al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam. After meeting with him, he was convinced of the truth of his message and pledged fealty to Muhammad. The ruling tribe of Quraish soon learned of Suhayb's acceptance of Islam and began harassing him. When Muhammad gave permission for his followers to migrate to Medina in 622, Suhayb resolved to accompany Muhammad and Abu Bakr, but the Quraish discovered his intentions and placed guards over him to prevent him from leaving Mecca and taking the wealth he had acquired through trade. After the departure of Muhammad and Abu Bakr, Suhayb continued to bide his time, unsuccessfully attempting to escape several times.

One night, Suhayb feigned stomach problems and went out repeatedly as if responding to calls of nature. His captors became relaxed and Suhayb quietly armed himself, readied a mount and headed for Medina. When his captors realized Suhayb was gone they left in pursuit and eventually caught up with him. Seeing them approach, Suhayb clambered up a hill and holding his bow and arrow, he shouted:

"Men of Quraish! You know, by God, that I am one of the best archers and my aim is unerring. By God, if you come near me, with each arrow I have, I shall kill one of you. Then I shall strike with my sword."

The men responded "By God, we shall not let you escape from us with your life and money. You came to Mecca weak and poor and you have acquired what you have acquired.."

"What would you say if I leave you my wealth?" interrupted Suhayb. "Would you get out of my way?" "Yes," they answered.

Suhayb described the place in his house in Mecca where he had left the money, and they allowed him to go. When Suhayb reached Quba, just outside Medina, Muhammad saw him approaching and said, "Your transaction has been fruitful, O Abu Yahya. Your transaction has been fruitful." He repeated this three times. Suhayb's face beamed with happiness as he said: "By God, no one has come before me to you, Messenger of God, and only Jibril could have told you about this."

Following the death of Omar[]

After the Second Rashidun Caliph, Omar ibn Khattab was attacked by Piruz Nahavandi, Suhayb was appointed by Omar to lead the Muslims until the Third Rashidun Caliph was elected.[3] Suhayb led the Muslim community for three days, with his brief intermediate period ending after Uthman being elected. During Suhayb's leadership, he was also responsible for leading Muslims in their prayers.

Death[]

According to some sources, Suhayb died in 38 AH, and was buried at al-Baqi in Hejaz.

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ English: Commander of the Faithful
  2. ^ English: The Roman

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g "Suhaib Rumi, Imam of the Ummah". Arab News.
  2. ^ al Mishry, Mahmud. "Seeratul Sahabatur Rasulullah". 4 read. Islamic Sciences. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  3. ^ "Suhaib Rumi, Imam of the Ummah". Arab News.

Sources[]

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