Zayd ibn Harithah (RA) - The Beloved Son
Learn about Zayd (RA), the Prophet's adopted son and one of the earliest Muslims.
Zayd ibn Harithah (may Allah be pleased with him) was a young boy from a noble Arab family who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He was bought by Khadijah (RA), who gave him to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet freed Zayd and treated him as his own son. When Zayd's real father and uncle came to take him back, Zayd refused, saying: 'I will never leave the Prophet ﷺ for anyone.' The Prophet ﷺ was so moved that he publicly adopted Zayd, who became known as 'Zayd ibn Muhammad' until adoption was later forbidden by Allah. Zayd (RA) was one of the earliest Muslims. He was so dear to the Prophet ﷺ that he was the only companion mentioned by name in the Quran: 'So when Zayd had no more need of her, We gave her to you in marriage.' This referred to Zayd's divorce from Zaynab, whom the Prophet ﷺ later married. Zayd (RA) was a brave warrior and was appointed by the Prophet ﷺ to lead the army at the Battle of Mu'tah — the only time a non-Makkah companion was given command over the Makkans. Zayd fought bravely and was martyred at Mu'tah. The Prophet ﷺ wept for Zayd's death.
Qur'an Verses
فَلَمَّا قَضَىٰ زَيْدٌ مِّنْهَا وَطَرًا زَوَّجْنَاكَهَا
Falamma qada Zaydun minha wataran zawwajnakaha
Translation: So when Zayd had no more need of her, We gave her to you in marriage.
Authentic Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'I have not heard anyone refusing to go back to their family after seeing them, except Zayd. He chose me over his father and uncle.'
Explanation
Zayd's choice to stay with the Prophet ﷺ over returning to his biological family showed extraordinary love and faith. He was the only companion mentioned by name in the Quran.
Family is not just blood — it is faith and love. Zayd (RA) chose the Prophet ﷺ over his own family, and Allah honored him by mentioning him by name in the Quran.
- 1.Why did Zayd refuse to return to his real family?
- 2.What was Zayd's role at the Battle of Mu'tah?
- 3.Why is Zayd mentioned by name in the Quran?
1. Was Zayd brave?
2. What do we learn from Zayd?
3. What does 'Mu'taq' mean?
4. Is faith more important than blood ties?
5. Did Allah honor Zayd?
6. When Zayd's real family came to take him back, what did Zayd do?
7. What was Zayd's relationship to the Prophet?
8. What was Zayd's defining quality?
9. Did the Prophet ﷺ love Zayd?
10. Was Zayd the only companion mentioned by name?
11. What did the Prophet do for Zayd?
12. Did Zayd choose the Prophet over his real father?
13. What do we learn from Zayd's choice?
14. Was Zayd mentioned by name in the Quran?
15. What lesson do we learn from Zayd?
16. What does 'Tabanni' mean?
17. Is loyalty to the Prophet important?
18. What happened to Zayd at Mu'tah?
19. How did Zayd come to the Prophet ﷺ?
20. Was Zayd grateful to the Prophet?
21. Was Zayd a good warrior?
22. Was Zayd the only non-Makkah companion given command over Makkans?
23. Was Zayd among the earliest Muslims?
24. Did the Prophet weep for Zayd's death?
25. What role was Zayd given at the Battle of Mu'tah?
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