Abdur Rahman bin Awf

ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf (; born ʿAbd Amr ibn ʿAwf; ) was one of the companions of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. One of the wealthiest among the companions, he is known for being one of the ten to whom Paradise was promised.

Background His parents were both from the Zuhra clan of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. His father was Awf ibn Abd Awf and his mother was al-Shifa bint Abdullah. From about 614 the pagan Quraysh in Mecca "showed their enmity to all those who followed the apostle; every clan which contained Muslims was attacked." The two met again in the Battle of Badr in March 624.

Abd al-Rahman was one of those who stood with Muhammad at the Battle of Uhud when most of the warriors fled. Abd al-Rahman participated in all military operations led by Muhammad.

Invasion of Dumatul-Jandal In August 626 Muhammad directed Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf to raid the Kalb tribe in Daumatul-Jandal, instructing him: “Take it, Ibn Awf; fight everyone in the way of Allah and kill those who disbelieve in Allah. Do not be deceitful with the spoil; do not be treacherous, nor mutilate, nor kill children. This is Allah's ordinance and the practice of His prophet among you.” Muhammad also told him how to wind a turban.

Rashidun caliphate

In August 634 the dying Caliph Abu Bakr called in Abd al-Rahman and Uthman to inform them that he had designated Umar ibn al-Khattab as successor.

Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf witnessed the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah, which took place in 14 AH, before the Muslim armies continued to subdue Ctesiphon, the capital of the Sasanian Empire. Later, Abd al-Rahman also participated in the Battle of Jalula in the year of 16 AH, where the Muslims managed to seize massive spoils of war.

Death Abd al-Rahman died in Medina in 32 AH (653-654 CE) at the age of 72 years. He was buried in Al-Baqi'.

Personal life Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf was known for his wealth. He was also known for his astute entrepreneurship. After his Hijra to Medina, at which time he was a poor man, he started a business making clarified cheese and butter. That business, combined with the gift by Muhammad of two small palm groves called al-Hashsh and al-Salil in Syria, were hugely profitable for him.

Abd al-Rahman was recorded as possessing a hundred horses in his stable and a thousand camels and ten thousand sheep, which all grazed on land in Al-Baqi'.

There is an anecdote regarding his "Midas touch". When he was asked about the secret for his success, Abd al-Rahman replied that he never lifted a stone unless he expected to find gold or silver under it.

Family tree

+ Legend descent adoption marriage spouse order

His sister was married to Bilal Ibn Rabah.

He married at least sixteen times and had at least thirty children. Umm Habiba bint Zama'a, a sister of Sawda. No children are known from this marriage. Umm Kulthum bint Utba of the Abdshams clan of the Quraysh in Mecca.

Abdel Rahman also reportedly gave in charity 50,000 gold dinars of his personal wealth.