Jafar ibn Abi Talib

Jafar ibn Abi Talib (590-629 CE) was the elder brother of Ali ibn Abi Talib and a cousin of Prophet Muhammad. He was among the early converts to Islam and was chosen to lead the first migration (hijrah) of Muslims to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) to escape persecution by the Quraysh. In the court of the Negus (Najashi), Jafar delivered a historic speech describing Islam's teachings about justice, honesty, and the worship of one God. His eloquent address moved the Christian king to grant the Muslims asylum and refuse the Quraysh delegation's demand to return them.

Jafar spent over a decade in Abyssinia and returned to the Muslim community in Medina in 7 AH (628 CE), just as the Prophet was celebrating the conquest of Khaybar. The Prophet was overjoyed at his return, saying he did not know which made him happier: the conquest of Khaybar or the return of Jafar. He embraced Jafar and kissed him on the forehead. Jafar was known for his remarkable resemblance to the Prophet in both appearance and character, and the Prophet told him, 'You resemble me in looks and in character.'

In 8 AH (629 CE), Jafar was appointed as the first commander of the Muslim forces at the Battle of Mutah against the Byzantines in modern-day Jordan. He fought with extraordinary valor, and when his right hand was cut off, he held the banner with his left; when that too was severed, he clasped the banner with his arms until he was martyred. The Prophet gave him the title Jafar at-Tayyar (Jafar the Flyer), saying that Allah had replaced his two arms with wings in Paradise.