Story of Shuhayb ar-Rumy: Byzantine Slave Who Became Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam s Shahaba

 

Source: Thought.Co.

Today, we will discuss about Shuhayb ar-Rumy, Byzantine Slave who became Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam s shahaba after lon voyage. And, uniquely, he originally doesnt Byzantine. . Please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations about Islamic History and Civilizations. It is easy verb for you, but have important role for help us develop our blog that focuss at Islamic History and Civilizations. And, dont forget for read this article until end for get complete informations about this topic.

Shuhayb, originally, is Arabians-Iraqi Man and he life at 7 TH Century. He is son from Sinan ibn Malik an-Numairy, Arabian from Tribe of Numayr who became Governor of Ubulla ( now Bashra, Iraq) under Sassanid Empire of Persia. According Syrian Historian Abdurrahman Rafat Basya, Shuhayb is handsome man with red hair.  Shuhayb s mother, originated from Arabi Tribe of Tamim.

One day, Shuhayb with his mother and several guardians and maids, traveled to City of Thaniya, Iraq. And, at this moment, Byzantine Army attack this territories. They kill all guardians, rob the assets, and also kidnapped childrens as Shuhayb. Shuhayb, became slave at Byzantine Empire Territories. He selled at several slave market at Byzantine Empire. And, he seeing Byzantine Peoples doing many immorality. And, Shuhayb who ever moved from one lord to other lord hate this. According Abdurrahman Rafat,spend many time at Byzantine Empire,  make Shuhayb forget Arabic Language, his mother language.

Turnpoint at Shuhayb s life is when Shuhayb hear one priest said to his lord that at Mecca, will appear one propeth who out mens from darkness to light. It is refer to Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Shuhayb tried run for slavery and went to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that at this age became capital from Arabia Peninsula. When Shuhayb achieved Mecca, he get title Shuhayb ar-Rumy ( Shuhayb the Romans. Romans at this era refer to Byzantine Empire that also called by East Roman Empire). It is because his red hair and he doesnt fluent at Arabic.  Shuhayb became one merchant at Mecca. He make covenant with one Meccan Chief, Abdullah ibn Judan.  Shuhayb, doing trade until he can became one richman at Mecca.

When back to Mecca from one trade journey, Shuhayb get informations that Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam was messenged at Mecca as propeth and preach mens for worship Allah and make goodness.  Shuhayb, convert to Islam with one Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam s shahaba, Ammar ibn Yasir. And, Shuhayb, such as other shahabas, get tortured from Pagan Quraish Peoples.

Until, at 622 AD, Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam and his shahabas want moved from Mecca to Medina for avoid Pagan Quraish  disturb to their preach. Shuhayb, want join Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam and his shahabas to Medina. Several Pagan Quraish Peoples chased hem. And, at this moment, Shuhayb also bring weapon. He bring bow and several arrows, and also sword. When Pagan Quraish Peoples chased him and Shuhayb know, he up to high place. And, he threat will attack Pagan Quraish Peoples who chased him with his arrows, after this, attack them with sword. They fear, Shuhayb try to offer his assets to him with terms they dont chased him. They receive it and stopped chased Shuhayb. Shuhayb can moved to Medina. Though lost all assets.Shuhayb can meet Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Propeth Muhammad praised Shuhayb s work as profitable trade. He join several  battle with Propeth Muhammad, such as Battle of Badr 624 AD, Uhud at 625 AD, Khandaq at 627 AD , and also other battles. He die  at 38 Hijriyya at Medina, at age beetwen 70-90 years old. May Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him.

Refrences:

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.

Anonymous: Shuhaib bin Sinan - wikishia, accesed 20 August 2025, 14: 46 PM.