Salim mawla Abi Hudhayfah

Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah (died 12 AH / 633 CE) was a freed slave and one of the four Companions singled out by the Prophet ﷺ as the foremost reciters of the Quran. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Take the Quran from four: from Abd Allah ibn Masud, Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah, Ubayy ibn Ka'b, and Muadh ibn Jabal." This designation placed a freed slave alongside three distinguished Ansar and Qurayshi companions as the premier Quran authorities.

His origins are uncertain — some accounts say he was Persian, others that he was from Yemen or elsewhere. He was freed and attached to the household of Abu Hudhayfah ibn Utba in Mecca. He emigrated to Medina and became renowned for the beauty and precision of his Quran recitation. He participated in the campaigns alongside the Prophet ﷺ.

The question of his legal status in relation to Abu Hudhayfah's household led to a notable ruling. Abu Hudhayfah's wife Sahla bint Suhayl asked the Prophet ﷺ about the awkwardness of Salim — an adult man — living in the household, and the Prophet ﷺ made an exceptional arrangement specific to their situation. This incident became the basis for extensive juristic discussion about nursing relationships and mahram status.

Salim was killed at the Battle of Yamama in 12 AH fighting against the forces of Musaylima. He reportedly tied himself to the battle standard when his right hand was cut off so he would not let it fall, and continued fighting until he was killed. His death in that battle was among the losses that motivated the collection of the Quran into a single document, as many Quran memorizers had fallen at Yamama.