Biography of Muhammad ibn Maslama [radiyallahu anh]

Muhammad ibn Maslamah [radiyallahu anh] was born in Medina thirty-five years before the Hijrah. His father belonged to the Aws tribe, and his mother to the Khazraj. Through the efforts of Mus'ab ibn Umayr, he became one of the first to embrace Islam in Medina—accepting the faith even before Sa'd ibn Mu'adh [radiyallahu anh]. After the Prophet’s migration to Medina, the Messenger of Allah [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] established a bond of brotherhood between him and Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah [radiyallahu anh].

Muhammad ibn Maslamah [radiyallahu anh] was entrusted with the most dangerous missions by the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam], earning him the title “The Horseman of the Messenger of Allah.” He spoke only when necessary, and when he did, his words were wise and precise. He was tall, dark-skinned, and strikingly handsome—his presence drawing the attention of all who saw him.

He was known for his unmatched courage on the battlefield, never retreating and always advancing upon the enemy. Often assigned reconnaissance before battle, he would assess the terrain and the enemy’s position. Except for the Tabuk Expedition, he participated in every campaign. In each battle, the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] entrusted him with a detachment of five hundred men, assigning him to the critical task of guarding the army.

During the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab [radiyallahu anh], he was the trusted emissary sent to investigate the governors. May Allah be pleased with him.

Here are some episodes from his life…

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Muhammad ibn Maslamah [radiyallahu anh] once narrated a memorable encounter with the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam]:

One day, the Messenger of Allah handed me a sword and said:

“Take this sword and use it against the polytheists. But if you ever see the Muslims divided among themselves, go to Mount Uhud, strike this sword against the mountain until it shatters, and then return to your home and do not leave it until death reaches you.”

The Horseman of the Messenger of Allah

Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf was one of the Jewish leaders of Medina. His father, Ashraf, had fled from his homeland due to a crime and taken refuge in Medina, where he married a woman from the Banu Nadir tribe. From this union, Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf was born. Like many Jews, he became wealthy over time and constructed a fortress for himself and his men. Charismatic and eloquent, he was also a military figure in Medina and thus highly influential.

Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf harbored intense hostility toward the Muslims. Unable to bear their victory at the Battle of Badr, he began composing poetry mocking Muslim women. Driven by rage, he traveled to Makkah and, addressing Abu Sufyan, declared:
“If only you had been victorious and Muhammad defeated—then life would be worth living! Why don't you prepare for war again? This time, you’ll attack from the outside, and I’ll strike from within.”

In this way, Ka'b incited the Quraysh and helped lay the groundwork for the Battle of Uhud.

When the Muslims learned of his treacherous activities, the Messenger of Allah [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] asked his companions:

- Who will take responsibility for Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf?

Muhammad ibn Maslamah [radiyallahu anh] immediately stood up and asked:

- O Messenger of Allah, do you wish for me to kill him?

When the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] replied in the affirmative, Muhammad ibn Maslamah said:

- To get close to him, I may need to say certain things. Will you permit me to speak words that are not from my heart?

The Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] granted him permission.

Accompanied by Ka'b’s Muslim brother, Muhammad ibn Maslamah [radiyallahu anh] made his way to Ka'b’s fortress. At the gate, they told the guards they had come to seek help from Ka'b. Once before him, Muhammad ibn Maslamah said:

- This man (referring to the Prophet) is constantly demanding charity from us. Our wealth is depleted. You are known for your generosity—lend us something so that we may find relief.

Cautious, Ka'b responded:

- If what you say is true, leave something with me as collateral.

- Name your terms, they replied.

After a moment's thought, Ka'b said:

- Then leave your women with me.

To this, Muhammad ibn Maslamah replied:

- You are the most handsome and imposing of men. If our women were to see you, they would never wish to return to us. Ask for something else.

- Then leave your children.

- Our children would curse us if they were taken by you and later returned. If you wish, we can leave our weapons as collateral. That way, you’ll also gain possession of Muhammad’s army's arms.

Ka'b found this suggestion agreeable and accepted it. Muhammad ibn Maslamah then said:

Give us some time. There are others who feel as we do. We’ll all come back and bring the weapons to you together.

Having left the fortress, Muhammad ibn Maslamah [radiyallahu anh] returned later with an armed group of Muslims. They bypassed the guards and eliminated Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf.