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What information do you have about the Companion Abdullah ibn Rawahah, and can his famous poem be cited in which he describes the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, praying while the polytheists are asleep?

2 min readAlso available in العربية

Abdullah ibn Rawahah al-Ansari al-Khazraji, one of the chieftains at the Pledge of Aqabah and one of the commanders in the Battle of Mu'tah, where he was martyred. He was the poet of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and one of the Companions who witnessed Badr, Uhud, al-Khandaq, al-Hudaybiyah, Khaybar, and Umrat al-Qada'. He could write during the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah), which was a rare trait among Arabs at that time. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, appointed him as his deputy over Medina during some military expeditions, and sent him on military detachments and as a tithe collector for Khaybar. He was renowned for his righteousness, piety, and bravery, and he encouraged the Muslims to fight in Mu'tah. It is narrated that he would take his companion's hand and say, "Come, let us believe for an hour," meaning to sit in a gathering of remembrance (dhikr). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, mourned his martyrdom before the news arrived. He entered Mecca during Umrat al-Qada' reciting poetry in front of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in the Sacred Mosque, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, approved of this, saying to Umar, "Leave him, O Umar, for his words are swifter among them than the impact of arrows." He was also among the few who fasted with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, on a day of intense heat. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, described him as one who did not utter obscenities. And among his poetry describing the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, are these lines: "And among us is the Messenger of Allah, reciting His Book... When a well-known, bright dawn breaks... He showed us guidance after blindness, so our hearts... Are certain by him that what he says is true... He spends the night keeping his side from his bed... While the beds of the polytheists are heavy [with sleep]."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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