Abdurrahman Ibn Awf Biography, Children & Death
The Conversion of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf to Islam
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, also called Abu Muhammad, was the son of Awf ibn Abd al-Harith. Before becoming a Muslim, he was known by names like Abd Umar, Abd al-Kaaba, and Abd al-Harith. After converting to Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) renamed him Abd al-Rahman.
He accepted Islam through Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) and was among the early Muslims before the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to Al-Arqam’s house.
Abd al-Rahman was also influential in helping others convert to Islam, including Uthman ibn Affan, Az-Zubair ibn Al-Awam, and Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with them all).
After converting, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf made two migrations. When he arrived in Medina, he became close to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and formed a special bond with Sa’ad ibn Ar-Rabi (may Allah be pleased with both of them). He participated in all the battles led by the Prophet, including standing firm during the Battle of Uhud.
Migration of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf migrated to Medina, joining the first migration of Muslims there. He also took part in both migrations to Abyssinia and to Medina.
He migrated to Abyssinia a second time with Amir ibn Abi Waqqas. In Mecca, the Prophet (peace be upon him) created a brotherhood between Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf and Uthman ibn Affan, and in Medina, between him and Sa’ad ibn Ar-Rabi.
Brotherhood Between Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf and Sa’ad ibn Ar-Rabi
The Prophet (peace be upon him) established brotherhood (Mu’akhah) between Muslims both in Mecca and Medina.
One notable instance was the bond between Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf and Sa’ad ibn Ar-Rabi. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) made them brothers, Sa’ad offered to share half of his wealth with Abd al-Rahman and even proposed to divorce his two wives so Abd al-Rahman could marry them.
Abd al-Rahman declined and instead asked Sa’ad to show him the market. He then worked, bought some milk and ghee, got married, and hosted a feast of roasted meat, following the Prophet’s advice.
This story shows Abd al-Rahman’s selflessness and his preference for earning his way through his own efforts. It also highlights Islam’s encouragement to support one another and the strong sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims.
Stories of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf in Jihad
- Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf in the Battle of Badr
During the Battle of Badr, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf stood with two young Ansar boys. He wished he had been placed between stronger men. When he heard the boys talking about killing Abu Jahl for insulting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he was impressed by their courage. He pointed out Abu Jahl to them, and they quickly went to kill him.
When they returned to the Prophet (peace be upon him), he asked if they had both struck their swords. He checked their swords for blood and found that both boys had contributed equally.
Before he embraced Islam, Abd al-Rahman was friends with Umayyah ibn Khalaf. After converting and being renamed by the Prophet (peace be upon him), Umayyah criticized the new name.
During the Battle of Badr, Abd al-Rahman tried to protect Umayyah and his son, but Bilal ibn Rabah recognized Umayyah and called for his death. Despite Abd al-Rahman’s efforts, Umayyah was killed. Abd al-Rahman prayed for Bilal, saying, “May Allah have mercy on Bilal.”
- Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf in the Battle of Uhud
In the Battle of Uhud, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf showed great bravery. He stood firm with the Prophet (peace be upon him) when many fled. He received twenty-one wounds and was injured in the leg, which affected his tendons. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight, even killing Asid ibn Abi Talha and Klab ibn Abi Talha. He fought until his injuries eventually led to his death.
- Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf’s Participation in Campaigns
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf took part in all the campaigns led by the Prophet (peace be upon him). He was involved in the campaigns against Bani Nadir, the Battle of the Trench (Al-Khandaq), Bani al-Mustaliq, and Bani Qurayzah. During the Campaign against Bani Qurayzah, he gave the Prophet two horses and kept one for himself.
He also participated in the Campaign of Dhil Qa’dah, the Conquest of Mecca, and the Campaign of Hunayn. On the day of the Conquest of Mecca, he was among the wealthy contributors who provided camels for sacrifices. He returned to Medina with the Prophet (peace be upon him) after the campaign.
Abd al-Rahman witnessed the Hudaybiyyah peace treaty and joined the Khaybar campaign. He was also present at the Battle of Hunayn and the siege of Ta’if, where he returned a woman from the captives to her tribe. He participated in the Battle of Tabuk, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed behind him for Fajr.
- Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf in the Expedition to Dumat al-Jandal
The Prophet (peace be upon him) appointed Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf to lead an expedition to Dumat al-Jandal to fight the Bani Kalb tribe. He was instructed to marry the king’s daughter if they succeeded. Abd al-Rahman spent three days inviting the tribe to Islam and converted many, including Al-Asbagh ibn Amr al-Kalbi, who was a Christian.
He married Tamadur, the daughter of Al-Asbagh, and brought her to Medina. They had a son, Abu Salama. Abd al-Rahman successfully followed the Prophet’s instructions, spreading Islam and forming alliances through marriage.
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf During the Caliphates
Under the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab
During Umar’s rule, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf was in charge of an expedition to Dumat al-Jandal to fight the Bani Kalb tribe. He was also asked to marry the king’s daughter if they won, as instructed by the Prophet. Abd al-Rahman successfully spread Islam in that region, and many people converted.
Umar valued Abd al-Rahman’s wisdom and trustworthiness. When he needed advice on important matters, he turned to Abd al-Rahman, calling him “the truthful, the trustworthy.”
Under the Caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan
As Umar’s health worsened after being attacked, he chose a council of six companions, including Abd al-Rahman, to help select a successor. These companions were all promised Paradise by the Prophet. After discussing their options, Umar agreed to appoint a new caliph based on their advice.
When Umar died, Uthman ibn Affan became the caliph. Abd al-Rahman continued to be active and was given the responsibility of leading the Hajj pilgrimage in the 24th year of the Hijra.
The Death of Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf died in Medina in the 31st year of the Hijra, around seventy-five years old. There are some differences in accounts, with estimates ranging from seventy-two to eighty-eight years old. He was buried in the Baqi’ Cemetery.
At his death, he left behind four wives, each receiving a share of his inheritance, which was over eighty thousand. When he was seriously ill, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) offered to have him buried in her chamber next to the Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, and Umar.
However, he declined to avoid disrupting her space and arranged instead to be buried beside Ibn Maz’un.
