Zayd ibn Harithah

Zayd ibn Harithah (581-629 CE) was the adopted son of Prophet Muhammad and the only companion mentioned by name in the Quran (33:37). Originally from the Kalb tribe, Zayd was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery. He eventually came into the possession of Khadijah bint Khuwailid, who gave him to the Prophet as a servant. When Zayd's father and uncle later found him and offered to buy his freedom, Zayd chose to remain with Muhammad, so deep was his love and loyalty. The Prophet was so moved that he adopted Zayd publicly, and he was known as 'Zayd ibn Muhammad' until the Quran abolished the practice of calling adopted sons by their adoptive fathers' names.

Zayd was among the earliest converts to Islam and was one of the Prophet's most trusted companions. He was appointed commander of several important military expeditions, demonstrating his capabilities as a leader. The Prophet married him to his own cousin Zaynab bint Jahsh, though the marriage was ultimately unsuccessful. After their divorce, Allah commanded the Prophet to marry Zaynab, abolishing the pre-Islamic taboo against marrying the former wife of an adopted son.

Zayd was appointed as the first commander of the Muslim army at the Battle of Mutah in 8 AH (629 CE) against the Byzantine forces in modern-day Jordan. He fought valiantly but was martyred on the battlefield. The Prophet wept deeply upon learning of his death. Zayd's son, Usamah ibn Zayd, later became one of the youngest military commanders in Islamic history, appointed by the Prophet himself.