Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah

Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (583-639 CE), born Amir ibn Abdullah ibn al-Jarrah, was one of the ten companions promised Paradise and held the distinguished title of 'Amin al-Ummah' (Trustee of the Muslim Nation), given to him by Prophet Muhammad himself. A member of the Quraysh's Banu al-Harith ibn Fihr clan, he was among the earliest converts to Islam and was known for his sincerity, humility, and selflessness.

Abu Ubaidah participated in all the major battles alongside the Prophet. At the Battle of Badr, he faced his own father fighting on the side of the Quraysh, and in the course of battle, he was compelled to fight and kill him. This painful incident is referenced in the Quran (58:22) regarding those who put faith above family ties. At the Battle of Uhud, Abu Ubaidah pulled out the rings of the Prophet's helmet that had been driven into his cheek, losing two of his own front teeth in the process.

During the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, Abu Ubaidah was appointed supreme commander of the Muslim forces in Syria (Sham), where he led the conquest of Damascus and other major cities. Umar held him in such high regard that he once stated he would have appointed Abu Ubaidah as his successor had he been alive. Abu Ubaidah died during the Plague of Amwas in 18 AH (639 CE) in the Jordan Valley, along with many other prominent companions.