Talha ibn Ubaydullah

Talha ibn Ubaydullah (c. 594-656 CE) was one of the ten companions explicitly promised Paradise by the Prophet ﷺ (the Asharah Mubashsharah). He was among the earliest converts to Islam, having accepted Islam through Abu Bakr al-Siddiq before the Prophet began his public mission. He suffered significantly for his faith in the early Meccan period and was counted among the most committed of the early companions. At the Battle of Uhud (3 AH / 625 CE), Talha performed one of the most heroic acts in Islamic military history. When the Prophet ﷺ was in great danger after the Muslim archers abandoned their posts, Talha shielded the Prophet with his own body, receiving severe wounds — his hand was rendered useless from a sword blow he absorbed to protect the Prophet ﷺ. For this act of sacrifice, the Prophet said, 'Talha fulfilled his obligation.' He is known by the title al-Fayyad (the Generous) for his extraordinary charitable giving. He was one of the most successful merchants of Quraysh and gave away immense wealth in the path of Allah. He was among the six companions designated by Umar ibn al-Khattab on his deathbed to select the next caliph from among themselves, a testament to his high standing. He was killed at the Battle of the Camel (36 AH / 656 CE) in Basra — a civil war conflict that Ahl us-Sunnah regard as a tragedy involving sincere companions who had a difference of interpretation regarding the killing of Uthman. His death is mourned, and Ahl us-Sunnah refrain from cursing any party involved in the conflict.