Hashim ibn Utbah al-Zuhri

Hashim ibn 'Utbah al-Makhzumi, known as al-Mirqal (the Javelin-Thrower), (died 37 AH / 657 CE) was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and one of the most distinguished military commanders of the early Islamic conquests. His kunya 'al-Mirqal' reflected his prowess with the javelin in battle. He was the nephew of Abu Sufyan ibn Harb through his mother's side, and a cousin of Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan.

Hashim ibn 'Utbah had initially been among the opponents of Islam, fighting at Badr and Uhud on the Quraysh side. He embraced Islam at the Conquest of Makkah in 8 AH and subsequently dedicated himself to the cause of the Muslims with great ardor. He participated in the major campaigns of Syria and Iraq during the caliphates of Abu Bakr and 'Umar, serving under Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas at the decisive Battle of al-Qadisiyyah against the Persian Sassanid Empire, where his courageous actions were widely noted.

Hashim lost one eye in battle, a wound that became a point of pride among the early Muslims who valued physical sacrifice in the path of Allah. He later settled in Kufa, which became a major center of Islamic civilization in Iraq. During the First Fitna, he sided with 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, becoming one of the commanders at the Battle of Siffin (37 AH / 657 CE). He was killed at Siffin fighting on 'Ali's side, his death mourned as the loss of one of the great warrior-companions of the first generation of Islam. 'Ali ibn Abi Talib is reported to have wept at his funeral and praised his long years of service.