Jannah is the most expensive commodity a Muslim yearns and longs for. Whoever Allah subhanahu wa ta 'ala promises Jannah to, undoubtedly will enter it. Nothing can thwart the decree of Allah subhanahu wa ta 'ala. Congratulations to its inhabitants and dwellers. From among those Allah gave this grand glad tiding for and Rasulullah salla Llahu 'alayhi wa sallam conveyed it was Zubayr ibn al-'Awwam radiya Llahu 'anhu.

He is thus one of the Ten Promised Jannat, one of the first forerunners to Islam in the path of Allah. While there were many honors bestowed upon the companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that were shared and unique, Zubayr (ra) was the only one named as the Prophet's disciple. He was a man of firmness without leniency, determination without lassitude, and conviction without uncertainty.

He played magnanimous roles in the different battles prominent in Islam such as the battle of Badr, the battle of Uhud, battle of the Trench, battle of Yarmuk and so many more. He has to his valiant credentials the glory of never having missed a campaign or battle that was led by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. He was an embodiment of honesty, trustworthiness and self-sacrifice.

He is Zubayr ibn al-Awwam ibn Khuwaylid ibn Asad. His mother is Safiyyah bint Abd al Muttalib ibn Hashim. His mother is the paternal aunt of the prophet SAW Hence, he is the first cousin of Rasulullah. He is also the nephew of Sayyidah Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of the prophet SAW, Zubayr being the son of her brother. He was also the husband of Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr as-Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him). His lineage goes back to Qusayy, one of the ancestors of the Prophet. His two prominent sons who find a place in the history of Islam are – Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr and Urwah ibn Zubayr.

Zubayr (ra) was brought up by his mother since his father died when he was very young. His mother Safiy­ya acted very carefully to educate her son. She had high hopes and ambitions in her son. Therefore she applied a firm and strict parenting style in bringing him up. When some people saw her beating him, they said, "You break the heart of your son. You will destroy him." She answered them as follows:

"I only beat him so that he becomes intelligent and leads a huge army."

Ibn Saʿd narrates in al-Ṭabaqāt:

Zubayr broke the hand of a youngster―or man (according to another report). The youngster was brought to Ṣafiyyah and told what had happened. Ṣafiyyah enquired, "How did you find Zubayr? Did you find him to be like cottage cheese, or a date, or a fiery falcon?"

Ibn Ḥajar mentions in al-Iṣābah in the book on lineage on the strength of Zubayr ibn Bakkār from ʿAbd Allāh ibn Muṣʿab:

When al-ʿAwwām passed away, Nawfal ibn Khuwaylid looked after his brother's son, Zubayr. Ṣafiyyah would beat him when he was young and display harshness towards him. Nawfal scolded her for this saying, "A child is not beaten in this manner. You beat him like a hateful woman." Hearing this, she sang poetry in the rajaz meter: "Whoever says I hate him has spoken a lie. I only hit him so he becomes smart, defeats the army, and obtains spoils. He should not be a concealer of the hidden thing he has, eating in the house from dates and grains."

Indeed, the basic education that Zubayr received from his mother was seen in his life. He was known for his courage and heroism. After he became a Muslim, he fought very bravely and was ready to sacrifice his life.

Zubayr (ra) grew into a strong and handsome young man. He enjoyed all the dignity and reputation that his horsemanship gave him amongst his tribesmen. He enjoyed his time with his peers. His main concern was to spend as much as he could of his time hunting and training with his sword and spear.

After Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (ra) accepted Islam, he succeeded in making wise use of his network to spread Islam. He approached the ones he trusted, not only for their friendship but for their preference of faithfulness, sincerity, and willingness to accept the truth, regardless.

One of those he succeeded in inviting to Islam was al-Zubayr ibn al-'Awwām (RA). Thus, Sayyidunā al-Zubayr was among the first batch of people to embrace Islam. Zubayr accepted Islam when he was young. It is reported that he embraced the faith at the age of 15, 16 or 19 according to different opinions, and he was tortured because of that. It was narrated that Zubair's paternal uncle used to roll him up in a mat and hang it up, and then he would light a fire underneath so that the smoke would reach him. His uncle would tell him to go back to disbelief, but Zubayr radiya Llahu 'anhu would say:

I will never go back to disbelief.

In spite of all hardships, Zubayr kept steadfast to his belief. The more they added to his punishment, the more he held fast to his faith. He saw no difference between himself and any other Muslim subjected to pressure and agonies that would allow him to abandon his religion. Rather, he considered himself fortunate to be treated by pagans in this harsh way. He knew that such hardships would bring him closer to Allah and make his reward on the Day of Judgment greater.

The Prophet (pbuh) and the few early Muslims met unbearable hardships in Mecca. They were oppressed by the Quraish to the extent that they had no chance even to worship Allah or live in peace. Muslims were mostly weak people and slaves. They had nobody to support them against the wave of oppression they were facing in Mecca.

The Muslims complained to the Prophet (pbuh), they felt that there was no choice but to leave the city or to face death. The prophet SAW suggested to them that they should migrate to Abyssinia, where they could live under care of the Negus, the just king. They would receive good treatment under his rule. Zubayr (ra) left to travel to Abyssinia with the other Muslims. He was from the early Muhājirīn and the youngest of them in age. He immigrated taking along with him―after reliance in Allah—bravery, courage, and self-confidence.

Zubayr was rightfully self-confident and dependable. He utilised this quality for the service of the religion. He was unparalleled. He fought as if he is fighting single-handedly. When he attacked, no one would stand in his way. How many times his love for his religion and self-honour urged him to present his soul for sacrifice in challenging circumstances, ready to give his life for his religion and nation.

One of these episodes is when he was in Abyssinia.

Umm Salamah (ra) relates to us one of the stories of the adventure in Abyssinia which highlights the bravery of Sayyidunā Zubayr.

She says:

We stayed with the best neighbour in the best country. It was not long before a man from Abyssinia rebelled against him,Najashi, contesting with him for his kingdom. By Allah, we never experienced any grief more serious than this, fearing that this new king will overpower him―a king who will not recognize our right the way he did. So we began imploring Allah seeking His aid for Najashi. He went out to face the man, in full force.

The Companions of Rasūlullāh said to one another, "Who will travel and attend the battle to see who is victorious?" Zubayr, who was the youngest of them, shouted, "I will." They blew up a waterskin and attached it to his chest. He then left swimming upon it in the Nile until he came out on the other side where the people were assembling for war and witnessed the battle. Allah defeated that other king and killed him and Najashi was triumphant over him. Thereafter, Zubayr came to us, flashing his shawl to draw our attention, yelling, "Be of good cheer. Najashi has prevailed, and Allah has destroyed his enemies and established him in his land." By Allah, we never experienced such jubilation with anything the joy we experienced upon Najashi's victory. We then continued staying by him. Some of us left to Makkah while others stayed on.

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Zubayr radiya Llahu 'anhu returned from Abyssinia to Makkah, he stayed under the care of the beloved Rasul of Allah salla Llahu 'alayhi wa sallam learning from him the principles, commands and prohibitions of Islam. When the Rasul of Allah salla Llahu 'alayhi wa sallam migrated to Madinah, Zubayr was among those who migrated there.

Zubayr was a courageous horseman and fearless hero. He did not stay behind from any military campaign; he was present on every campaign and at every battle. He himself confirms this as reported by al-Ḥakīm via ʿUrwah ibn al-Zubayr: By Allah, Rasūlullāh did not travel on any campaign or expedition except that I was part of it.

He possessed extraordinary courage, rare heroism, utter sincerity and devotion to making the word of truth reign supreme.

Zubayr sacrificed a great deal for the sake of Allah and dedicated his life and his wealth to Allah, so Allah honoured him and raised his status in this world and in the hereafter. It was narrated that 'Urwah said:

On the day of Badr, Zubayr radiya Llahu 'anhu was wearing a yellow turban, and Angels came down in the same dress as Zubayr.

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Zubayr was accustomed to a rough life and dramatics of war. He was the experienced warrior and the expert champion. He would fight all alone, having full reliance on Allah and then on his strength. This is the way his mother nurtured him and prepared him from his infancy to make him worthy to lead armies and bear responsibilities.

His courage did not end at the battle of Badr.

On the day of Uhud. He remained steadfast with Rasūlullāh on that day. One of the flags of the Muhājirīn was held by him. When the Mushrikīn turned away from Uḥud and Rasūlullāh encouraged his Ṣaḥābah to pursue them, Zubayr was one of those who left in compliance to Rasūlullāh's command. His uncle Hamza (ra) was killed in the battle and his body was mutilated. His mother came to see the body of her brother, but the Prophet (pbuh) told him to stop her. She was a true Muslim and told her son that she knew that her brother's body was deformed by the pagans and that she would keep patient for she knew that her brother's soul would go to paradise.

In the Battle of Khandaq(Trench), when the eyes shifted in fear and the hearts reached the throats, Zubayr remained steadfast and resolute. The adversities did not frighten him and the dangers did not perturb him. Rather, he remained a man of dangerous tasks and the prophet SAW despatched him to bring information of the Banū Qurayẓah.

Aḥmad narrates in his al-Musnad on the strength of Jābir ibn ʿAbd Allāh who says:

Matters intensified on the Day of the Trench, so Rasūlullāh announced, "Which individual will bring us intelligence of the Banū Qurayẓah?" Zubayr departed and gathered intelligence. Thereafter, matters intensified further―altogether three times this happened [and every time Zubayr gathered intelligence]. Upon this the prophet commented, "Every nabī has a disciple and Zubayr is my disciple."

What is meant by his words "my disciple is Zubair". The same Arabic word (hawari) is used to refer to the disciples or Sahabah of 'Isa 'alayh al Salam those who were his inner circle and supporters. The helper or disciple is one who offers support and is a close companion. This hadith refers to this great virtue by which Zubayr radiya Llahu 'anhu was distinguished.

It was in the course of this very battle that Rasūlullāh said to him: May my father and mother be sacrificed for you.

In Umdat al Qari fi Sharh Sahih al Bukhari by al 'Ayni, it says:

If you say: all of the Sahabah are supporters of the Rasul of Allah salla Llahu 'alayhi wa sallam and close to him, so why is Zubair singled out for this title? We would say: "He said this on the day of the Trench, when Rasul salla Llahu 'alayhi wa sallam asked: 'Who will bring me news of the people?' and Zubair said: 'I will.' That happened three times, and undoubtedly on that occasion he offered more support than anyone else."

Zubayr's attitude at the Battle of the Trench shows us his character and his upbringing in the qualities of courage, support and love of Rasul s salla Llahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

The Nabī SAW loved Zubayr ibn al-ʿAwwām dearly and the Ṣaḥābah testified to this love. One of the signs of Zubayr's position by Rasūlullāh and his love for him is the following.

Al-Bukhārī and Muslim document from ʿUrwah―that ʿAbd Allāh ibn al-Zubayr reported to him:

A man from the Anṣār disputed with Zubayr by the Nabī regarding the streams of Ḥarrah with which the date-palms were irrigated. The Anṣārī said, "Let the water flow," but Zubayr refused. So they took their dispute to the Nabī . Rasūlullāh told Zubayr, "Irrigate (your land), O Zubayr. Then allow the water to pass to your neighbour." Hearing this, the Anṣārī got upset and remarked, "Just because he is your cousin." The face of Rasūlullāh turned colour and he said, "Irrigate, O Zubayr, and keep the water until it fills up till the walls."

Zubayr remarks, "By Allah, I have strong conviction that this verse was revealed regarding this: But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muḥammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves.

The Nabī SAW unequivocally announced that Zubayr is one of the dwellers of Jannah in the ḥadīth reported by Aḥmad:

Abū Bakr is in Jannah. ʿUmar is in Jannah. ʿAlī is in Jannah. ʿUthmān is in Jannah. Ṭalḥah is in Jannah. Zubayr is in Jannah. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf is in Jannah. Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqāṣ is in Jannah. Saʿīd ibn Zayd ibn ʿAmr ibn Nufayl is in Jannah. Abū ʿUbaydah ibn al-Jarrāḥ is in Jannah.

Zubayr (ra) took part in all the campaigns of Rasul salla Llahu 'alayhi wa sallam and carried out honourable exploits. At the time of the Rightly Guided Khulafa' radiya Llahu 'anhum, he was one of the pillars of the state during the major conquests.

After the death of Abu Bakr (ra), Umar bin Al-Khattab (ra) was selected as Caliph. He gave his orders to Amr bin Al-Aas (ra) to conquer Egypt. The Romans in Egypt were oppressing the people. He was told by the Caliph that his mission was to liberate it from their unjust rule. After conquering most part of Egypt, Amr bin Al-Aas (ra) asked the Caliph to send him supplies and support. Umar (ra) sent four men to him, one of whom was Zubayr (ra). He told him that these four men were equal to four thousand soldiers.

Umar bin Al-Khattab (ra) chose Zubayr (ra) as one of the six persons who would possibly be the next Caliph after him. This selection shows the rank that Az-Zubair (ra) had among the Companions of the Prophet (pbuh).

Along with his stoutness, daringness, bravery and heroism in the battle, Zubayr was a man of taqwa; he was a very merciful, righteous, delicate, decent and distinguished person.

He was very rich but he lived modestly and wore plain clothes. He had a modest life. He accepted the Prophet as his model in his deeds and life. He was famous for his trustworthiness among Muslims. The Companions entrusted their most valuable possessions to him.

It was narrated that 'Urwah ibn Zubair said:

Seven of the Sahabah appointed Zubair to be the guardian of their children after they died, including 'Uthman, Ibn Mas'ud and 'Abdul Rahman. He would spend on the heirs from his own wealth and protect their wealth.

This is an excellent example of generosity and sincerity that embodies noble ideals that will have a strong impression on the heart of every man of dignity. A person may show generosity time after time and then tire of it, but for this generous man to be in charge of spending on the heirs of many of the Sahabah and protecting their wealth is a unique example in real life and an indication of the sublime attitude that the Sahabah attained, may Allah be pleased with them.

In the chapter of 'Uthmān(ra), We see the fact that a fitnah was cooked that led to the killing of 'Uthmān ibn 'Affān ra. The killing of 'Uthmān was just the beginning of a prolonged fitnah the Ummah was afflicted with. This fitnah continues to this very moment.

With the killing of the Sayyidunā 'Uthman, division was created among the companions. To the extent of internal fighting in the Ummah. Of course, the fuelers were also unknown. Perhaps, they're forever unknown.

So, while Ali raḍiya Allahu 'anhu was the caliph, he was required to find the killers of 'Uthmān raḍiya Allahu 'anhu.

When the rebels murderedʿUthmān , without consent and approval of the Ṣaḥābah, they called to give bayʿah toʿAlī knowing fully well that he was the most superior of the remaining Ṣaḥābah . The rebels themselves entered the army of ʿAlī with the support and protection of their tribes. Matters were muddled.

They feared that the Ṣaḥābah will reach a unanimous decision and the ummah will unite against them and subsequently take revenge from them for ʿUthmān's murder. Therefore, it was necessary that matters remain disordered so they remain safe. That is why, when Umm al-Mu'minīn ʿĀ'ishah, Ṭalḥah, and Zubayr travelled to Baṣrah to create unity among the Muslims and they united withʿAlī, the rebels jumped to initiate the fighting between the two factions which resulted in the ranks of both armies getting locked in battle without knowledge of the Ṣaḥābah. Thus, the disaster of Camel took place, against the desire and knowledge of ʿAlī and his supporters.

As a result of this battle, Ṭalḥah was martyred although he did not fight. Thereafter,Zubayr was deceived while he was departing from the battlefield, displeased with what occurred and without him participating in the fight. ʿAlī on the other hand arranged for the return of Umm al-Mu'minīn Sayyidah ʿĀ'ishah to Madīnah.

Undoubtedly, the episode of Jamal (Camel) was one of the catastrophes which the enemies of dīn and those Muslim who possess little knowledge, those misled by the enemies' speech and who follow in their tracks, use to criticise Zubayr and his brothers.

As the two parties were about to fight, Sayyidunā 'Ali reminded al-Zubayr ibn al-'Awwām of an incident when the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu 'alayhi wa sallam mentioned a fitnah that would happen to 'Ali and that al-Zubayr would fight Ali unjustly." It was there and then that al-Zubayr remembered and decided to withdraw from fighting 'Ali, and from involving in the fight altogether. Sayyidunā Ṭalḥah also withdrew with al-Zubayr.

Al-Bayhaqī narrates from Abū Jarw al-Māzinī who says:

I was present when ʿAlī and Zubayr settled on an agreement. ʿAlī said, "O Zubayr, I implore you in the name of Allah, did you hear Rasūlullāh saying that you will fight me while you are oppressing me?" He replied, "Yes and I have not recalled it except right now." He then immediately left

Zubayr left the Battle of the Camel during the first round, for reasons that we have explained above. After he left, he was followed by 'Amr ibn Jurmuz, Faddalah ibn Habis and Nafi', along with a group of the evildoers of Banu Tamim. It was said that when they caught up with him, they ganged up on him and killed him; It was also said that 'Amr ibn Jurmūz al-Tamīmī caught up with him while he was taking a nap in a valley that was known as Wadi al Siba', and he attacked and killed him there. This is the most well-known version, and the poetry of his wife 'Atikah bint Zaid ibn 'Amr ibn Nufayl testifies to that. She was the last of his wives; When Zubair was killed, she eulogised him in beautiful verse.

Zubeyr was killed on the Day of Jamal in Jumādā al-Ūlā 36 A.H. He was buried in the valley of Sibāʿ in the section of Baṣrah.