Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr

Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr was the eldest son of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, born of a different mother than Aisha. He was one of the last members of Quraysh to convert to Islam, having fought against the Muslims at Badr and Uhud while his father was among the leading Muslims. He embraced Islam after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Once Muslim, he distinguished himself militarily. At the Battle of Yamama against Musaylima the False Prophet (12 AH), he played a memorable role: he challenged Musaylima's ally Ibn al-Nawwaha to single combat, defeated him, and cut off his head. He was a man of courage and later became known as a fearless critic of power. When Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan sought to appoint his son Yazid as successor — effectively converting the caliphate into a hereditary monarchy — Abd al-Rahman was one of the most vocal opponents. He reportedly said in Muawiyah's court that the Sahabah had never made caliphate hereditary. Muawiyah tried to silence him but Abd al-Rahman refused to give allegiance to Yazid before his death. He died in 53 AH during a journey, reportedly in his sleep, and was buried where he died.