Biography of Zayd ibn al-Khattab [radiyallahu anh]

Among the noble Companions, Zayd ibn al-Khattab was known for his quiet demeanor and composed nature—yet on the battlefield, he shone with unmatched courage. He was the elder brother of Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with them both.  

Born into a powerful and respected family, Zayd and his brother Umar endured much hardship under their stern and harsh father, who subjected them to grueling labor and punished them both verbally and physically.  

In appearance, Zayd resembled his brother Umar, though his complexion was slightly darker. However, in temperament, they were strikingly different. While Umar was known for his formidable presence and forceful character, Zayd was gentle and soft-spoken—almost silent in daily life. Yet, in the theater of war, his voice alone would strike terror into the hearts of his enemies.  

Their dynamic bore a resemblance to that of Prophet Musa (alayhissalam) and his brother Harun (alayhissalam). Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) once likened Abu Bakr to Prophet Ibrahim, and Umar to Prophet Musa. In this light, Zayd mirrored Harun: gentle, noble, and supportive—older than his brother by a year, as Harun was to Musa.  

Zayd accepted Islam a year before Umar, migrated to Medinah before him, and was martyred before him. He was assigned as the brother-in-faith of Ma’n ibn Adi from the Ansar and attained martyrdom in the Battle of Yamamah, fighting against the false prophet Musaylimah.  

A Warrior at the Side of the Messenger

Zayd ibn al-Khattab (radiyallahu anh) held a special place beside the Prophet, not only for his strength and wisdom but also for his unwavering loyalty. In battle, he was always close to the Messenger. During the digging of the trench for the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq), Zayd swung his pickaxe side-by-side with the Prophet.

Umar ibn al-Khattab once recounted his brother’s bravery at Badr:  

“On the Day of Badr, I saw my brother fighting amidst the enemy ranks with no armor on. I rushed to him, removed my own armor, and offered it to him, saying, ‘Take it and wear it!’  

He replied,  

‘Brother! Just as you seek martyrdom, I too long for it.’” 

The Battle of Yamamah

Zayd’s greatest valor was displayed in the Battle of Yamamah—one of the bloodiest confrontations the Muslims ever faced. Among the 600 martyrs of that day were many Companions who had seen and known the Messenger of Allah.  

They faced the forces of the false prophet Musaylimah and his army, which—according to various reports—numbered between 60,000 and over 100,000. In contrast, the Muslim army consisted of 15,000 men. The enemy troops were battle-hardened warriors from the Banu Hanifah, a tribe renowned among the Arabs for their martial prowess.  

Among the enemy ranks was Rajjal ibn Unfuwa, a man once esteemed for his piety and devotion to the Qur’an. He had once been a close companion of the Prophet, spending nights in recitation and gaining a reputation for his righteousness. But after the Prophet’s passing, Rajjal defected and joined Musaylimah’s ranks.

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu anh) narrated:  

“One day we were sitting in the presence of the Messenger of Allah, and Rajjal ibn Unfuwa was with us. Suddenly, the Prophet said:  

‘Among you is a man whose molar tooth in the Hellfire will be larger than Mount Uhud.’  

I kept a close eye on everyone in that gathering. Over time, all of them passed away as Muslims—except Rajjal and myself. When I learned that Rajjal had believed in Musaylimah, I knew he was the one the Prophet had spoken of.”  

Musaylimah placed great trust in Rajjal and frequently presented him before the army to boost morale. Before the battle, he recited his own false “revelations” over him and claimed that no harm would come to Rajjal during the conflict.  

Yet it was Zayd ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, who struck Rajjal down in battle—bringing a wave of strength to the Muslim ranks and demoralizing the enemy.  

His Martyrdom

As the battle raged, and the ferocity of the false prophet’s army drove some Muslims to retreat, Zayd stood firm. Though typically a man of few words, that day he roared across the battlefield, calling out in defiance and charging deep into the enemy ranks.  

When many of his comrades began to fall back, Zayd—still clutching the standard in one hand and his sword in the other—raised his voice to the heavens and said:  

“O Allah! I am ashamed that my companions are retreating. I declare You far above all that Musaylimah falsely claims.”  

He fought valiantly until he was martyred. The banner he carried was picked up by Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah, who continued the fight.  

Eventually, the Muslims triumphed. Wahshi ibn Harb (radiyallahu anh) hurled the spear that killed Musaylimah, putting an end to one of the greatest trials that had faced the Ummah.  

May Allah be pleased with Zayd ibn al-Khattab and reward him abundantly for his faith, valor, and sacrifice.