The Companion Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman

Family and Lineage of Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman

Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman was one of the prominent Companions of the Prophet Muhammad. His full name was Hudhayfah ibn Hissal, though some say Hissil ibn Jabir ibn Amr ibn Rabi’ah ibn Jurwah ibn al-Harith ibn Mazin ibn Qati’ah ibn Abs al-Absi al-Qati’i, from the tribe of Banu Abs of Ghatfan. Al-Yaman was a nickname given to him because he was a descendant of al-Yaman Jurwah ibn al-Harith ibn Qati’ah ibn Abs. Jurwah was also called al-Yaman because he had committed bloodshed among his people and fled to Madinah, where he allied with the Banu Abd al-Ashhal. His people began calling him al-Yaman because of this alliance with the people of Yemen.

He was known by the kunya (nickname) Abu Abdullah. His mother was al-Rabab bint Ka’b ibn Adi ibn Abd al-Ashhal, from the Aws tribe of the Ansar (Helpers of Madinah). Hudhayfah witnessed the Battle of Uhud, where his father was martyred. Hudhayfah was among the noble and prominent Companions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) sent him during the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq) to spy on the Quraysh and gather intelligence. He became known as the “Keeper of the Prophet’s Secret”. Even Umar ibn al-Khattab used to ask him about the hypocrites.

As mentioned by Imam al-Nawawi, Hudhayfah had three siblings: Safwan, Umm Salamah, and Fatimah. Ibn Sa’d added a fourth: Sa’d, Safwan, Madlij, and Layla. Hudhayfah had five children: Abu Ubaydah, Simak, Sa’d, Umm Salamah, and Sa’id. He was raised in a household of knowledge, jihad, and faith, and he raised his children with the same values.

Hudhayfah's Status with the Prophet

Hudhayfah accepted Islam early in the Prophet’s mission and emigrated to the Prophet (PBUH), who gave him the choice between hijrah (emigration) and nusrah (support). Hudhayfah chose nusrah because he was allied with the Banu Abd al-Ashhal from the Ansar, showing his loyalty. The Prophet (PBUH) made him a brother in Islam to Ammar ibn Yasir. The Prophet also entrusted him with the names of the hypocrites, earning him the title Keeper of the Prophet’s Secret.

The Prophet (PBUH) selected Hudhayfah to gather intelligence during the Battle of the Trench. He was also among those who pledged allegiance at al-‘Aqabah. The Prophet entrusted Hudhayfah with his secrets because of his rare qualities, his honesty, his ability to keep secrets, his calmness during crises, and his discretion. Hudhayfah reached a high status and even served as a scribe for the Prophet, witnessing letters and messages sent to tribes and rulers.

Notable Incidents Involving Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman

1. Battle of Badr

Hudhayfah did not witness the great battle of Badr because he and his father were stopped by Quraysh on their way. They told Quraysh they only wanted to go to Madinah, not to fight, and gave their word not to fight against Quraysh. When they told the Prophet what happened, he instructed them to honor their promise.

2. Battle of Uhud

Hudhayfah participated in Uhud. His father was mistakenly killed by fellow Muslims due to confusion in the battlefield, combatants covered their faces and lacked distinguishing marks. When Hudhayfah saw him, he cried out, “O servants of Allah, my father, my father!” and forgave those who killed him, donating the blood money for his father to the Muslim community, an example of great patience and balance in hardship.

3. Battle of the Trench

He played a major role in this battle. He helped dig the trench and remained steadfast throughout. At the end of the battle, the Prophet chose him to infiltrate the enemy camp to gather intelligence. Despite the cold and danger, Hudhayfah entered the enemy camp at night and overheard their plans to withdraw. He cleverly avoided detection, even as Abu Sufyan ordered his troops to verify who stood beside them. Hudhayfah preemptively questioned his neighbor to avoid suspicion. He returned to the Prophet (PBUH), who was in prayer, and relayed the news of the enemy’s departure.

Merits of Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman

• Exceptional intelligence and quick thinking: He had the wisdom to handle crises easily. He once said: “People used to ask the Messenger of Allah about good, but I would ask him about evil for fear it might overtake me”.
• Rare bravery and composure under pressure: This was evident in the Trench incident and his extreme loyalty to the Prophet’s commands. He was secretive, sharp-witted, disciplined, and decisive, ideal for military and intelligence roles.

Death of Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman

Hudhayfah died in al-Mada’in (Ctesiphon) after the martyrdom of Caliph Uthman by forty nights. He died in 35 AH, or possibly in 36 AH. Imam al-Nawawi mentioned that he died at the end of Muharram in 36 AH. His grave is said to be located in the Mosque of Salman al-Farisi in al-Mada’in.