Zayd Ibn Haritha: From Slavery became Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam s Shahaba.

 

Source: Klik212.

Syrian Historian, DR.Abdurrahman Rafat Basya,  quoted one Hadith from Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam that written at Book Of Shahih Muslim, that Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam said Zayd Ibn Haritha is one people who most loved by Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam. How Zayd s biography until he became most loved man by Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Ok, please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations about Islamic History and Civilization.

His full name is Zayd Ibn Haritha Ibn Sharahil. He is come from Tribe Of Kalb, one Syrian Arab Tribe. But, he born at 576 AD, at Nejd, Saudi Arabia.  According Middle Age Islamic Historian, Imam Dhahabi, Zayd is one man who  first convert to Islam.

One day, Zayd with his mother, Suda bint Thalaba, want visit her tribe, Tribe Of Maan, Zayd join his mother. And, when they achieve village of Tribe Of Maan, several cavalry from Tribe Of al-Qayn attack them and kidnapped Zayd. At this event, Zayd still 8 year. Tribe Of Maan bring Zayd to Market Of Ukaz and they sell Zayd as slave. One Quraish leader, Hakim Ibn Hizam Ibn Khuwaylid, buy Zayd with price 400 Dirham. Hakim also buy several childrens for slave. Until, Hakim Ibn Hizam meet his aunt, Khadija bint Khuwaylid,  wife of Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam.  Hakim offered his slaves to Khadija bint Khuwaylid. Khadija choose Zayd Ibn Haritha, one Hakim s slave for her. Khadija, bring Zayd Ibn Haritha back to her home.  It is happened before Khadija married Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

After this, Khadija married Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam and because this, Zayd became adoption child from Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam and Khadija bint Khuwaylid. Zayd s mother, Suda bint Thalaba, sad and she fear her son was die.  His father, Haritha also search his son.  One day, Haritha and his brother, Kaab find Zayd at Mecca and find Zayd with Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Haritha meet his son and ask question, his son join him or join Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Zayd said he will join Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam ever claim Zayd as his son, until Allah Subhanahuwataala give revelation by Koran ( Islamic Holy Book), Surah .Al-Ahzab: 5 that contained:

ٱدْعُوهُمْ لِـَٔابَآئِهِمْ هُوَ أَقْسَطُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ فَإِن لَّمْ تَعْلَمُوٓا۟ ءَابَآءَهُمْ فَإِخْوَٰنُكُمْفَإِخْوَٰنُكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَمَوَٰلِيكُمْ ۚ وَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌۭ فِيمَآ أَخْطَأْتُم بِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِن مَّاتَعَمَّدَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورًۭا رَّحِيمًا

Let your adopted children keep their family names. That is more just in the sight of Allah. But if you do not know their fathers, then they are ˹simply˺ your fellow believers and close associates. There is no blame on you for what you do by mistake, but ˹only˺ for what you do intentionally. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Since this, Zayd back called by Zayd Ibn Haritha. Zayd, included several people who convert to Islam.  When Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam leave his basic , Medina, Zayd became leader at Medina replaced Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

At 629 AD, Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam send 3000 warriors to Muta, Jordan under Zayd Ibn Haritha for reply Shurahbil Ibn Amr, King Of Bostra, Syria,  who became vassal of Byzantine Empire and kill Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaih Wasallam s messenger. Zayd became commander from this expedition. At this battle, Muslims Army faced Byzantine Army , according Historian Martin Lings, achieve 100.000 army. Battle broke and at this time, Zayd die when lead battle because enemy s spear. Two Muslim Commander who replaced Zayd, Jafar Ibn Abu Thalib and Abdullah Ibn Rawaha die , until Muslim Commander lead by one commander, Khalid Ibn Walid who can save Muslims Army from destroyed.

When Zayd die, Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam cry seeing Zayd s daughter cry and one man ask why Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam cry,Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam answer he cry for his beloved man, Zayd Ibn Haritha. May Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him.

Refrences:
Imam ad-Dzahabi: Siyar Alam an-Nubala Jilid 4: Pembahasan Generasi 1 As-Sabiqunal Awwalun, Syuhada Perang Uhud-Yarmuk: Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah-Bilal, Tahqiq oleh Syuaib al-Arnauth & Team, Pustaka Azzam, 2017 M.

Hitti, Philip.K: History Of The Arabs: Rujukan Induk dan Paling Otoritatif Tentang Sejarah Peradaban Islam, Penerbit Serambi, 2006 M.

Basya, DR,.Abdurrahman Rafat: Sirah Sahabat: Kisah Indah dan Sejarah Gemilang Generasi Terbaik Umat Ini, Pustaka Al-Haura, 2012 M.

Lings, Martin: Rasulullah Muhammad: Kisah Hidup Nabi Berdasarkan Sumber Klasik, Penerbit Serambi, 2012 M.

Hafs, Umar Abu: Zaid Bin Haritsah: Biodata dan Kisah Hidupnya - Aku Muslim, accesed 11 May 2025, 09: 54 PM.

Surah Al-Ahzab - 1-73 - Quran.com, accesed 11 May 2025, 09: 54 pm.