The Companion Thabit ibn Qays

Thabit ibn Qays was the son of Tha'labah ibn Zuhayr ibn Imru' al-Qays ibn Malik ibn al-Harith ibn al-Khazraj. His nickname was Abu Muhammad. He had a powerful voice, which made him the orator of the Ansar (the supporters of the Prophet).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) testified that Thabit would enter Paradise. Among those who narrated from him were Anas ibn Malik, his sons Muhammad, Isma'il, Qays, and Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Layla, among others.

Thabit ibn Qays Family

Thabit ibn Qays ibn Shamas al-Ansari al-Khazraji, also known by his kunya Abu Abd al-Rahman, and sometimes referred to as Abu Muhammad al-Madani, was the orator of the Ansar and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

His mother was Hind al-Ta’iyyah, although some sources mention otherwise. Thabit had several children, Muhammad, Yahya, and Abdullah, who all tragically died during the Battle of al-Harrah. His family ties extended through his maternal siblings, as he shared his mother with Abdullah ibn Rawahah, a distinguished companion of the Prophet, and 'Amrah bint Rawahah.

Thabit married Jamila, the daughter of Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul, a known figure in Medina, and together they had a son named Muhammad. His family background connected him to significant figures in early Islamic history, and his lineage reflected a blend of strong tribal affiliations and close bonds to the Prophet’s companions.

Characteristics of Thabit ibn Qays

Thabit ibn Qays was known for his piety, generosity, asceticism, courage, and deep love for the Messenger of God (peace be upon him). He was also recognized for his selflessness and love of spending in the way of God. Once, he learned of a Muslim who had been fasting for three days without finding anything to break his fast with.

Thabit instructed his family to host the man for iftar (the meal to break the fast). He asked them to deliberately extinguish the lamp so that the guest wouldn't feel embarrassed, and pretended to eat themselves, allowing the guest to eat freely and satisfy his hunger without discomfort.

Thabit ibn Qays’s Embrace of Islam

Thabit was among the early converts to Islam in Yathrib (Medina). His heart was opened to Islam after he listened to Mus'ab ibn Umair reciting the Quran with a beautiful and moving voice, and he was pleased by the guidance and teachings he heard.

Thabit ibn Qays’s Stances with the Prophet (peace be upon him)

When the following verse was revealed:

"O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet or speak loudly to him as you do to one another, lest your deeds become worthless while you perceive not".
— [Quran, 49:2]

Thabit avoided attending the Prophet’s gatherings, despite his great love and attachment to him. When the Prophet noticed his absence, he sent a man from the Ansar to check on him. The man found Thabit sitting sadly at home, with his head bowed. When asked why, Thabit explained that he had a loud voice, and he feared that he had unknowingly raised his voice above the Prophet's, thus invalidating his deeds and being destined for Hell. The Ansari returned and conveyed this to the Prophet, who then instructed him to go back to Thabit and tell him: "You are not among the people of Hell; rather, you are among the people of Paradise".

Death of Thabit ibn Qays

During the caliphate of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, when he called on Muslims to confront the apostates and fight the people of Yamama and Musaylimah the Liar, Thabit ibn Qays joined the Muslim fighters. He fought bravely until he was killed in battle.