Abu Dujana al-Ansari

The noble biography of the Prophet ﷺ is filled with stories of heroic men who made their lives a bridge for the victory of Islam and their blood a path to the honor of the ummah. Among these great figures stands Abu Dujana al-Ansari, one of the fiercest warriors in Islam, known for wearing the red headband that struck fear into the hearts of enemies on the battlefield.

He was a man who combined strength with sincerity and devotion, and his courage became legendary in more than one battle.

Abu Dujana Name and Lineage

His full name is Simak ibn Kharasha ibn Lawdhān al-Ansari al-Sa‘di, from the tribe of Banu Sa‘ida, a branch of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. He was a native of Madinah and among the early converts to Islam. He pledged allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ during the Second Pledge of Aqabah and was among the first Muslims from the Ansar.

He is famously known by his nickname, Abu Dujana.

Abu Dujana Qualities and Character

Abu Dujana was known for his rare courage. He was a formidable horseman and an incredibly brave fighter who feared nothing in the path of Allah. He combined physical strength with deep piety and sincerity.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, and well-built. He became known for the red headband he would tie around his head before going into battle, signaling his readiness to fight to the death. Whenever he wore it, his companions knew that Abu Dujana was about to enter combat with unmatched determination.

Outside of battle, he was humble, devout, and often engaged in dhikr (remembrance of Allah). But when he wore his red band, it was as if he transformed into a fearless lion.

His Islam and Status Among the Companions

Abu Dujana accepted Islam early and played a significant role in supporting the Prophet ﷺ after the Hijrah. He witnessed all of the major battles alongside the Messenger, starting with the Battle of Badr, where he was among those who fought bravely and contributed to the Muslim victory.

The Prophet ﷺ trusted him deeply, and he held a high rank among the Sahabah due to his remarkable combat skills and unwavering loyalty.

Abu Dujana Role in the Battle of Badr

In the Battle of Badr, the first major confrontation in Islam, Abu Dujana displayed extraordinary valor. He was one of the first to rush into battle and directly faced the warriors of Quraysh.

He fought courageously alongside the other Companions, and his efforts were instrumental in turning the tide of battle in favor of the Muslims.

The Battle of Uhud: When He Wore the Red Headband

Abu Dujana’s name is most famously associated with the Battle of Uhud, where he had one of the most legendary moments in Islamic history.

The Prophet ﷺ held up a sword on the day of Uhud and said:

"Who will take this sword and fulfill its right?"

Several companions came forward to take it, including Ali ibn Abi Talib, Umar ibn al-Khattab, and Abu Bakr al-Siddiq. The Prophet ﷺ, however, kept declining until Abu Dujana stepped up and asked:

"O Messenger of Allah, what is its right?"
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
"That you strike the enemy with it until it bends".
Abu Dujana said:
"I will take it with its right".

The Prophet ﷺ handed him the sword, and Abu Dujana tied his red headband and marched forward with a confident stride. The Prophet ﷺ observed:

"Indeed, this is a type of walk that Allah dislikes—except in this situation".

Abu Dujana fought fearlessly, striking down the elite fighters of Quraysh. It is narrated that he came upon Hind bint Utbah, who was encouraging the polytheist army. Though he could have struck her down, he chose to spare her out of respect for the Prophet ﷺ’s teachings, showing remarkable discipline even in war.

He continued fighting until he was severely wounded, but he never stopped or retreated.

Battle of the Trench and Other Campaigns

In the Battle of the Trench (al-Khandaq), Abu Dujana helped dig the protective trench around Madinah and was among those who remained firm when fear and danger overwhelmed many.

He also participated in the Battle of Hunayn, Ta’if, and other major military expeditions, always in the frontlines, fearless, and ready to give his life for Allah and His Messenger.

Abu Dujana Martyrdom and Ultimate Sacrifice

Despite the many wounds he suffered in battle, Abu Dujana lived on after the Prophet ﷺ passed away. During the Wars of Apostasy (Hurub al-Ridda), under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Abu Dujana joined the Muslim army in the Battle of al-Yamamah against the false prophet Musaylimah al-Kadhdhab.

Though he was older and still bore the scars of previous battles, Abu Dujana bravely stormed the Garden of Death, where Musaylimah and his forces had barricaded themselves.

Abu Dujana fought like a lion until he fell as a martyr in that battle, achieving the honor he always sought in the path of Allah.