Abu al-Darda al-Ansari

Abu al-Darda Uwaymir ibn Zayd al-Ansari (died ca. 32 AH / 652 CE) was a distinguished Companion of the Prophet ﷺ, one of the greatest Quranic scholars among the Ansar and a judge of Damascus. He converted to Islam relatively late — reportedly after most of the Ansar had embraced the faith — but compensated with extraordinary dedication. He is counted among the six or seven Companions who were considered the foremost reciters and teachers of the Quran during the Prophet's lifetime.

He was paired with Salman al-Farisi as brothers in the Islamic bond of brotherhood (mu'akhat) established by the Prophet ﷺ in Medina. Salman famously visited Abu al-Darda at home and found that he had been neglecting his wife and family in excessive devotion. Salman said: "Your Lord has a right over you, your soul has a right over you, and your family has a right over you — give each their due." When Abu al-Darda reported this to the Prophet ﷺ, the Prophet confirmed: "Salman is right."

He settled in Damascus after the conquest of Syria and served as the primary Quran teacher and judge there under Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan's governorship. He taught hundreds of students in Damascus and reportedly had seventy learning circles under his supervision. His wife Umm al-Darda al-Sughra became one of the notable female scholars of Syria in the next generation.

He narrated many hadith including widely quoted sayings about knowledge, wisdom, and the afterlife. His statement "Seek knowledge before it is taken away" became one of the most frequently quoted Companion sayings on learning. He died in Damascus around 32 AH, leaving behind a scholarly legacy that shaped the religious life of Syria for generations.