The Companions Who Attended the First Pledge of Aqabah

During the pilgrimage season in the twelfth year after the Prophethood began, twelve men from Yathrib (later known as Madinah) met the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at Al-Aqabah.

They declared their Islam and pledged their obedience and loyalty to the truth in what became known as the First Pledge of Aqabah. These men were from the tribes of Al-Aws and Al-Khazraj and formed the first building blocks of the Islamic society in Madinah. Below is a glimpse into each of them:

1. Asad ibn Zurarah - from Al-Khazraj

Asad ibn Zurarah was one of the first to embrace Islam from the people of Madinah, and he was the very first to pledge allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ from the Ansar. He played a leadership role in spreading Islam among the Khazraj and accompanied the Prophet in inviting his people, many of whom embraced Islam through him.

Known for his deep sincerity, he was among the earliest and most devoted supporters of the faith. He passed away shortly before the Prophet's migration, and it is said that the Prophet ﷺ personally prayed over him and buried him with his own hands, showing his closeness and status.

2. Awf ibn Al-Harith ibn Rafi'ah (Ibn Afra) – from Al-Khazraj

Awf ibn Al-Harith came from a family known for courage and heroism. His brothers were also among the martyrs of Badr. He was a sincere believer who pledged allegiance in the First Aqabah and supported the call to Islam from its beginning. His fighting spirit later manifested in the battles he participated in, defending Islam fearlessly and selflessly.

3. Rafi' ibn Malik ibn Al-Ajlan – from Al-Khazraj

Rafi' was one of the most prominent who carried Islam from Makkah to Madinah. After pledging to the Prophet ﷺ, he returned to his people and spread the message, leading many to Islam. He was a passionate preacher, lover of truth, and participated in the Battle of Badr, contributing to the early formation of the Islamic state in Madinah.

4. Qutbah ibn Amir ibn Hadidah – from Al-Khazraj

Qutbah was a man of deep faith and courage. After pledging at the First Aqabah, he remained loyal to the mission and was among the narrators of hadith. He fought in the Prophet’s battles, loved knowledge and religion, and was well-regarded among his fellow Companions.

5. Ubadah ibn Al-Samit – from Al-Khazraj

Ubadah ibn Al-Samit was a leading figure in Islamic jurisprudence and knowledge. He witnessed both the First and Second Pledges of Aqabah and was one of the scribes of revelation. He fought in Badr and other battles and later became a judge in Palestine, known for justice, piety, and adherence to the Sunnah. He narrated many hadiths and was a steadfast upholder of the truth.

6. Yazid ibn Thalabah – from Al-Khazraj

Yazid was one of the Companions who attended the First Aqabah and believed early in the Prophet’s message. He contributed to the spread of Islam among his people. Although not many details are preserved about him, his participation in this early pledge reflects his bravery and sincerity, making him among the elite who helped build the Islamic society.

7. Al-Abbas ibn Ubadah ibn Nadlah – from Al-Khazraj

Al-Abbas was a man of intellect and eloquence. During the First Pledge of Aqabah, he showed great enthusiasm in defending the Prophet ﷺ and even suggested that the group begin fighting Quraysh, but the Prophet ﷺ did not permit it at that time. He was strong in faith, sharp-minded, and deeply committed to the truth.

8. Dhakwan ibn Abd Qays – from Al-Khazraj

Dhakwan was among the early Muslims who pledged in the First Aqabah and supported the Islamic call from its beginnings in Madinah. Though few specific events are recorded about him, he is remembered among the blessed group who laid the foundation for Islam in Yathrib.

9. Ubayd ibn Al-Tayihan – from Al-Aws

Ubayd was from the tribe of Al-Aws and embraced Islam early. He witnessed the First Pledge of Aqabah and was known for his enthusiasm for the religion. He was among those who called his people to Islam after returning from Makkah and played a role in strengthening the faith among the Aws.

10. Abu Al-Haytham ibn Al-Tayihan – from Al-Aws

Abu Al-Haytham was one of the most well-known Companions from the Aws. He was among those who welcomed and hosted the emigrants after the Prophet's migration. He witnessed the First Pledge, remained faithful, brave in battles, and generous in character. He is mentioned in several hadiths and was praised by the Prophet ﷺ.

11. Uqbah ibn Amir – from Al-Aws

Uqbah was among the early believers who attended the First Pledge of Aqabah and later contributed to the spread of Islam. He became a narrator of hadith and played a role in the Islamic conquests, especially in the Levant, where he held some administrative positions.

12. Muadh ibn Al-Harith (also known as Ibn Afra) – from Al-Khazraj

Muadh ibn Al-Harith, brother of Awf ibn Afra, was a young man who pledged to the Prophet ﷺ at the First Aqabah with sincere faith. He fought in the Battle of Badr and was martyred there, making him one of the first martyrs of Islam and a symbol of early bravery and sacrifice.

These Companions pledged allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ in what became known as the First Pledge of Aqabah, vowing not to associate partners with Allah, not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to kill their children, not to bring forth falsehood, and to obey the Prophet in all that is right.