The Companion Ubadah ibn As-Samit

Among the early and devout companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Ubadah ibn As-Samit (رضي الله عنه) stands out as a figure of piety, leadership, and valor.

His life was marked by unwavering faith, noble service to Islam, and remarkable contributions to the Muslim ummah during both the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ and the period of the rightly-guided Caliphs.

Ubadah ibn As-Samit Family and Lineage

Ubadah ibn As-Samit was born in Yathrib (present-day Madinah) and belonged to the Khazraj tribe, one of the two prominent Arab tribes in the city. Within Khazraj, he was from the Banu Auf ibn al-Khazraj clan, a respected family known for its leadership and influence among the Ansar.

His father was As-Samit ibn Qays, and Ubadah inherited not just the noble lineage but also the honorable values upheld by his family. He was among the earliest members of his clan to embrace Islam and dedicate himself to the service of the Prophet ﷺ. His family later became known for their piety and devotion to Islam, and Ubadah himself would become a figure of great reverence and admiration in Islamic history.

Ubadah ibn As-Samit Life

Ubadah ibn As-Samit's life was a testament to dedication, wisdom, and sacrifice. He was among the first twelve people from Yathrib to accept Islam during the First Pledge of Aqabah, a significant event that laid the foundation for the eventual migration of the Prophet ﷺ to Madinah. His early conversion and participation in this event signaled the beginning of his active role in Islamic history.

Following the Prophet's migration to Madinah, Ubadah became one of the Ansar, the helpers who supported the Prophet ﷺ and the Muhajirun (emigrants from Makkah). He played a central role in organizing the new Muslim community, helping establish the foundations of the Islamic state.

Ubadah participated in all major battles of the Prophet Muhammad, including Badr, Uhud, and Khandaq. His bravery and wisdom earned him high regard among both the Muhajirun and the Ansar. His skills in combat were matched by his eloquence and knowledge of the Qur’an, making him a trusted advisor to the Prophet ﷺ and later to the Caliphs.

Ubadah ibn As-Samit Role in Islam

As an Ambassador and Teacher

One of his early roles was that of a da’i (caller to Islam) and teacher. The Prophet ﷺ sent him to teach Islam and the Qur’an to tribes who were entering the fold of Islam. His knowledge, patience, and sincerity made him effective in educating new Muslims, especially in places where Islam was newly introduced.

He was among the scribes of revelation, responsible for writing down the verses of the Qur’an as they were revealed. This trusted responsibility highlights his close relationship with the Prophet ﷺ and the level of trust the Prophet placed in him.

As a Military Commander

Ubadah also served as a military commander, leading armies in the early Islamic conquests. During the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه), he was sent as part of the Muslim forces to Syria. He distinguished himself as a strategic leader and fearless warrior. His contributions were instrumental in the expansion of the Islamic state into the Levant.

As a Judge and Governor

Due to his wisdom and understanding of Islamic law, Ubadah was appointed as a judge (qadi) in several regions. One of his notable roles was as a qadi in Palestine, where he worked to establish justice and the rule of Islamic law. Later, during Caliph Uthman’s rule, Ubadah also served as a governor in Hims (Syria). His tenure was marked by justice, integrity, and a strict adherence to Islamic principles.

He is remembered for standing up to injustice, even if it meant disagreeing with other leaders. His boldness in upholding the truth made him beloved by the people and respected even by his political opponents.

Ubadah ibn As-Samit Attributes

• Ubadah was known for his bravery on the battlefield. He fought in every major battle alongside the Prophet ﷺ and played key roles in Muslim victories. His presence inspired courage in others, and his tactical leadership earned the trust of commanders and soldiers alike.
• Ubadah was a learned man, well-versed in the Qur’an and Islamic jurisprudence. He was one of the few companions who issued fatwas (legal opinions) and was recognized for his deep understanding of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
• He was upright and unshakably honest. As a judge and governor, he never allowed personal interests or tribal affiliations to influence his decisions. His rulings were known for being just, impartial, and strictly based on Islamic principles.
• Ubadah was a devout worshipper. He would spend long hours in prayer, often waking in the middle of the night to pray Qiyam. His recitation of the Qur’an was beautiful and heartfelt, and he always encouraged others to remain mindful of their faith.

Ubadah ibn As-Samit: Virtues and Legacy

1. Loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ: He never wavered in his support for the Prophet ﷺ. He was among the few who pledged loyalty during both Aqabah pledges, and he stood by the Prophet through all hardships and battles.
2. Fearlessness in Truth: Ubadah spoke the truth even in the face of power. When he saw a deviation from Islamic values, he voiced his concerns—no matter who was in authority. This fearlessness earned him respect and demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Islam.
3. Role in Spreading Islam: As a teacher and judge, Ubadah played a major role in educating new Muslims and establishing Islamic practices in newly conquered lands. He helped lay the foundations for Islamic governance and jurisprudence in Palestine and Syria.
4. Hadith Transmission: Though not as prolific in narration as some other companions, Ubadah did narrate several authentic hadiths from the Prophet ﷺ, many of which pertain to Islamic rulings and principles of faith. These hadiths are preserved in major collections such as Sahih Muslim and Sunan Abu Dawood.

Ubadah ibn As-Samit Death

Ubadah ibn As-Samit passed away in Al-Quds (Jerusalem) around the year 34 AH (approximately 654 CE) during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه). At the time of his death, he was serving as a senior advisor and Islamic authority in the region. He was buried in Jerusalem, and his grave remains a place of historical and spiritual significance.

His death was deeply mourned by the Muslim community, particularly those in Syria and Palestine, where he had worked tirelessly to teach and implement Islamic law.