Abdullah ibn Rawahah

Abdullah ibn Rawahah was one of the most celebrated poets of the Ansar and a companion of the Prophet ﷺ. He was among the twelve Ansari representatives who pledged allegiance at the first Bay'at al-Aqabah, before the hijra. He was a devoted companion who would recite poetry in praise of the Prophet in the streets of Madinah. At the Battle of Mu'tah in 8 AH, the Prophet designated three commanders in succession: Zayd ibn Haritha, then Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, then Abdullah ibn Rawahah. When both Zayd and Ja'far fell, Ibn Rawahah took command. Before advancing, he composed verses exhorting himself to fight for Allah — the poetry of a warrior-poet heading into his final battle. He was martyred there. The Prophet ﷺ said of him that he was praised in the three heavens: by Allah, by the angels, and by the believers on earth. His poetry was noted for being truthful in its imagery even when using the poetic conventions of hyperbole.