Zubayr ibn al-Awwam

Zubayr ibn al-Awwam (594-656 CE) was one of the ten companions promised Paradise and one of the earliest converts to Islam. He was the son of Safiyyah bint Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet's aunt, making him the Prophet's cousin. He accepted Islam at the age of sixteen, reportedly the fifth or sixth person to do so, and endured severe torture from his uncle who would wrap him in a mat and smoke him to force him to renounce his faith.

Az-Zubayr was the first person to draw a sword in defense of Islam. When a false rumor spread in Mecca that the Prophet had been killed, Zubayr rushed out sword in hand ready to fight. The Prophet called him his disciple (hawari), a title of great honor. He participated in every major battle alongside the Prophet, including Badr, Uhud, the Trench, and the conquest of Mecca. He was known as one of the finest cavalrymen and warriors among the companions, and he also participated in the Muslim conquests of Egypt and North Africa.

Zubayr was killed during the Battle of the Camel in 656 CE. According to accounts, Ali ibn Abi Talib reminded him of a hadith in which the Prophet had told Zubayr that he would one day fight Ali and be in the wrong. Upon hearing this, Zubayr withdrew from the battle, but was followed and killed by a man named Amr ibn Jurmuz. Ali wept when he learned of Zubayr's death and expressed deep sorrow. Zubayr is revered as one of the bravest and most loyal companions of the Prophet.