Ubayy ibn Kab

Ubayy ibn Kab (d. 29 AH / 649 CE), whose full name is Ubayy ibn Kab ibn Qays al-Ansari of the Khazraj tribe, was one of the most distinguished companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the foremost authority on Quranic recitation in the early Muslim community. He was among the Ansar of Medina who pledged allegiance at the Second Pledge of Aqabah and was one of the earliest Muslims of the city. His kunya was Abu al-Mundhir, and he is also referred to as Abu at-Tufayl.

The Prophet ﷺ explicitly singled out Ubayy as the greatest reciter of the Quran in his community. In a remarkable hadith recorded in both Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet told Ubayy: "Allah has commanded me to recite Surah al-Bayyinah to you specifically." When Ubayy asked in awe whether Allah had named him by name, the Prophet confirmed it. This direct divine commendation elevated Ubayy to a unique position among the companions and established his authority as the master of Quranic recitation.

Ubayy ibn Kab served as one of the principal scribes of Quranic revelation in Medina, writing down verses as they were revealed to the Prophet. His personal copy of the Quran (mushaf) was among the most authoritative reference points during both the Abu Bakr and Uthman compilations. He was one of the companions who had compiled a personal written copy of the Quran during the Prophet's lifetime, and his recitation traditions were among the most studied. Umar ibn al-Khattab appointed him to lead the Tarawih prayers during Ramadan, and he became the first imam of the Tarawih in the Prophet's Mosque.

Beyond Quranic recitation, Ubayy was also a distinguished jurist and hadith narrator. He was consulted by Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali on matters of religious law. His students transmitted his recitation traditions and legal opinions widely. He died in Medina during the caliphate of Uthman, reportedly in the year 29 or 30 AH, and is buried in al-Baqi cemetery. His contribution to the preservation and transmission of the Quran places him among the most important figures in Islamic history.