The Companion Al-Bara’ ibn Azib
A Brief Biography of Al-Bara’ ibn Azib
Al-Bara’ ibn Azib ibn Al-Harith ibn ‘Adi Al-Ansari Al-Awsi was a noble companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He was also known as Abu Amr and sometimes referred to as Abu Umara. Both he and his father were companions of the Prophet, and he narrated numerous hadiths from him.
The Prophet ﷺ excluded him and Abdullah ibn Umar from participating in the Battle of Badr due to their young age at the time. Al-Bara’ later participated in fourteen or fifteen battles of the Prophet Muhammad and traveled with him on eighteen occasions. According to Abu Amr Al-Shaybani, Al-Bara’ was the one who opened the city of Al-Rayy in the year 24 AH.
Among the battles he participated in were the Battle of Tustar, the Battle of the Camel, the Battle of Siffin, and the fight against the Khawarij alongside Imam Ali (رضي الله عنه). He passed away in 72 AH during the rule of Mus'ab ibn Al-Zubayr, as mentioned by Ibn Hibban.
What Al-Bara’ ibn Azib Was Known For
Al-Bara’ ibn Azib was renowned for his bravery, so much so that it is reported he killed a hundred men in single combat. One of the most remarkable demonstrations of his courage was during the Battle of Yamama when the Muslims were fighting Musaylimah the Liar.
Al-Bara’ threw himself into the Garden of Death, where Musaylimah and his men were fortified, and opened the gate for the Muslim army, leading to their victory.
Notable Incidents from Al-Bara’ ibn Azib Life
One of Al-Bara’s notable encounters was when he met a follower (tabi’i) named Abu Dawud. He took his hand, shook it, and smiled warmly at him. Abu Dawud asked why he had done so, and Al-Bara’ explained that he had experienced a similar moment with the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet had once told him:
"When a Muslim meets his brother and takes his hand, their sins fall away from them like the leaves of a dry tree in a stormy wind—even if their sins were as much as the foam of the sea, they would be forgiven".
The Martyrdom of Al-Bara’ ibn Malik
Al-Bara’ ibn Malik, known for his unmatched bravery and love for jihad, fervently prayed for martyrdom in the path of Allah. His prayer was answered during the fierce Battle of Tustar—one of the most intense battles in Islamic history.
He fought valiantly, displaying extraordinary courage until he was martyred. His heroic stand remains a legendary example of valor and sacrifice in Islamic tradition.
