The Biography of Abdurrahman ibn Awf (RA)
Abdurrahman ibn Awf (RA) was one of the greatest companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He was among the ten companions who were promised Paradise. His full name was Abdurrahman ibn Awf ibn Abd Awf ibn Harith ibn Zuhra al-Qurashi az-Zuhri. He was born in Makkah around 10 years after the Year of the Elephant.
His Acceptance of Islam
Abdurrahman ibn Awf was among the earliest converts to Islam, accepting the faith through Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA). Before embracing Islam, his name was Abdul Ka‘bah, but the Prophet (ﷺ) renamed him Abdurrahman, meaning “Servant of the Most Merciful.”
Migration and Patience
Like many other early Muslims, he faced persecution from Quraysh. Due to the hardship, he first migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and later to Madinah.
When the Prophet (ﷺ) established brotherhood between the Muhajirun (emigrants) and Ansar (helpers), he paired Abdurrahman with Sa‘d ibn Rabi‘ (RA). Sa‘d offered to share half of his wealth and even one of his wives, but Abdurrahman politely declined and said:
“May Allah bless your family and wealth. Just show me where the marketplace is.”
He then began trading in Madinah with honesty and hard work, and Allah blessed him with great wealth.
His Role in Battles
Abdurrahman ibn Awf took part in all the major battles alongside the Prophet (ﷺ).
At the Battle of Badr, he fought bravely and killed two prominent Quraysh warriors.
At the Battle of Uhud, he was severely wounded, sustaining more than 20 wounds, losing a tooth, and developing a limp for the rest of his life.
Despite these struggles, he remained steadfast and continued to serve Islam.
Wealth and Generosity
Allah blessed Abdurrahman with immense wealth, but he was also known for his unmatched generosity.
At one time, he donated 4,000 dirhams, then later 40,000 dirhams, and eventually 40,000 dinars.
He once equipped the Muslim army with 700 horses and 500 camels for the sake of Allah.
He gave charity so abundantly that even the Mothers of the Believers (the wives of the Prophet ﷺ) received shares from his donations.
Despite being extremely wealthy, Abdurrahman lived a humble life and never let his riches distract him from his faith.
His Death
Abdurrahman ibn Awf passed away in 32 AH, during the caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). He was buried in Madinah, and Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (RA) led his funeral prayer.
Lessons from His Life
Balance between wealth and religion – He showed that one can be rich and still righteous.
Generosity – His constant charity reminds Muslims of the virtue of giving for Allah’s sake.
Steadfastness – His early acceptance of Islam despite persecution shows courage and faith.
Trust in Allah’s blessings – Starting with nothing in Madinah, Allah enriched him because of his honesty and reliance on Him
