Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf

Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf (c. 581-654 CE) was one of the ten companions explicitly promised Paradise by the Prophet ﷺ and one of the most remarkable figures in early Islamic history. He was among the earliest converts to Islam, accepting the faith through Abu Bakr al-Siddiq in the very first days of Islam. Born into a wealthy Meccan merchant family, he gave up his fortune when he emigrated to Medina, demonstrating an extraordinary readiness to sacrifice worldly possessions for his faith. Upon arrival in Medina, the Prophet paired him in brotherhood with Sa'd ibn al-Rabi al-Ansari, who offered to share half of his wealth and even offered one of his two wives in marriage. Abd al-Rahman famously declined, saying, 'May Allah bless you in your family and wealth — just show me the market.' He started trading with a small capital and, through skill and hard work, became the wealthiest companion of the Prophet ﷺ. Yet his wealth never turned him away from worship or charity. He participated in every major battle of early Islam — Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Hudaybiyyah, and all subsequent campaigns. He once donated 500 horses in the path of Allah and gave enormous sums to equip the Muslim armies. At Badr, he killed two enemy chieftains in single combat. He led the prayer when the Prophet ﷺ appointed him during the expedition of Dumat al-Jandal — a notable honor. He was among the six companions nominated by Umar to select the next caliph, and it was Abd al-Rahman who conducted the consultation process and ultimately gave the pledge to Uthman. He died in 32 AH / 654 CE in Medina and was buried in al-Baqi. Aisha said she wished to be buried near him as he was among the most beloved of companions to the Prophet ﷺ.