Khubayb ibn Adi al-Ansari

Khubayb ibn Adi al-Ansari (died 4 AH / 625 CE) was a Companion of the Prophet ﷺ who became famous as the first Muslim to pray two rakats before his execution — establishing a Sunnah that is observed to this day. He was captured by treachery during the massacre at Bir Mauna and was sold to the Quraysh in Mecca, who held him prisoner for months before executing him.

He was captured along with several other Companions during the Rajii incident — when a group of Muslims were ambushed by tribesmen who had requested teachers and then betrayed them. He was brought to Mecca and held by the family of al-Harith ibn Amir, whom he had killed at Badr. They kept him until they were ready to execute him publicly.

Before his execution near the Taneem area outside Mecca, Khubayb asked for permission to pray two rakats. He prayed them calmly and completely. He was the first to establish this practice of two rakats before execution, and the Prophet ﷺ confirmed its legitimacy. He was then crucified and killed by the Quraysh, reportedly saying as he died: "O Allah, count their number, kill them one by one, and let none of them escape."

As the Quraysh mocked him and asked if he wished the Prophet ﷺ were in his place, he replied that he would not wish even a thorn to prick the Prophet ﷺ to spare himself. His constancy and composure in the face of death became one of the most admired stories of the early Muslim community. The Prophet ﷺ received revelation informing him of Khubayb's death before the news reached Medina by normal means.