al-Nu'man ibn Muqarrin

Al-Numan ibn Muqarrin al-Muzani (died 21 AH / 642 CE) was a senior Companion of the Prophet ﷺ and one of the key commanders of the Islamic conquests of Persia. He and his brothers — said to number six or seven who all embraced Islam — were among the most noted clan of companions from the tribe of Muzayna.

He participated in the campaigns of the Prophet ﷺ and served throughout the period of the early caliphs. He was stationed in Iraq as a commander under Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas and participated in the aftermath of the decisive Battle of al-Qadisiyyah. As the Muslim armies pushed deeper into Persian territory, al-Numan ibn Muqarrin rose in command.

Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab assigned him the governorship of portions of Persia as territories fell. His most significant military action came at the Battle of Nihawand in 21 AH, one of the final pitched battles between the organized Sassanid military and the Muslim armies. This battle, often called "the Conquest of Conquests" (Fath al-Futuh), effectively broke the last major Persian military resistance.

Al-Numan ibn Muqarrin commanded the Muslim forces at Nihawand. As the battle reached its critical point, he was struck by an arrow and mortally wounded. He asked that his death be concealed from the troops until victory was secured, so his commanders hid his body and continued fighting. The Muslims won a decisive victory. He died fulfilling what he believed to be the highest station — martyrdom in the path of Allah, and his death was announced only after the battlefield was won.