Ubayy ibn Ka’b
Ubayy ibn Ka’b ibn Qais ibn Ubayd ibn Muawiya ibn Amr ibn Malik was a prominent Ansari from the Aws and Khazraj tribes, who resided in Medina. His mother was Suhaylah bint al-Najjar. He was known by two kunyas: the first being Abu al-Mundhir, a title given to him by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the second being Abu al-Tufayl, a name bestowed upon him by the companion Umar ibn al-Khattab. This article aims to provide an overview of his life and contributions.
Embracing Islam
Ubayy ibn Ka’b was among the early converts to Islam, having pledged his faith during the Second Pledge of Aqabah. Following the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Medina, he remained closely associated with him, participating in numerous battles including the Battle of the Trench, the Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of Badr. He also served as a scribe for the revelations and was entrusted by the Prophet with the task of teaching the community the Qur’an. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) appointed Ubayy as the leader of prayers when he was away, as stated in the hadith: “Take the Qur’an from four: Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, then he began with him, and Salim, the freedman of Abu Hudhayfah, and Muadh ibn Jabal, and Ubayy ibn Ka’b” [Sahih al-Bukhari].
Ubayy ibn Ka’b and Qur’anic Recitation
Ubayy ibn Ka’b was renowned for his exceptional recitation of the Qur’an. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) acknowledged him as one of the foremost reciters in the ummah, and Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, recognized him as one of the best among the companions in reading the Qur’an. Historical accounts suggest that Ubayy would complete recitation of the Qur’an every eight days at a minimum. He was also celebrated for his calligraphy skills, which led to his selection as one of the primary scribes of revelation.
Character Traits of Ubayy ibn Ka’b
Ubayy ibn Ka’b exemplified the highest moral standards among the companions, nurtured under the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was known for his piety, strong faith, and devotion, regularly engaging in worship and responding to invitations for religious participation. Ubayy dedicated himself to teaching and guiding individuals in the Qur’an and the tenets of Islam, continuing his efforts even after the Prophet’s passing, including imparting the noble hadiths.
Physical Appearance of Ubayy ibn Ka’b
Ubayy ibn Ka’b was of average height, neither too short nor too tall. He was distinguished by his fair complexion and white beard.
Death of Ubayy ibn Ka’b
Ubayy ibn Ka’b passed away during the caliphate of Osman ibn Affan. However, the exact year of his death is still debated; some sources suggest it occurred in the 19th year of Hijra, while others cite the 20th year as the date of his demise.