The Last Companion to Pass Away
Historical records indicate that the final companion of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to die was the notable companion Abu al-Tufayl, whose full name was Amir ibn Wathila ibn Abdullah ibn Amr al-Laythi al-Kanani al-Hijazi. He was born after the Prophet’s migration. Scholars, however, have differing opinions concerning the exact date of his death. Some suggest that he passed away in the year 100 AH, while others believe it occurred more than 110 years after the migration. Despite these variations, Abu al-Tufayl himself affirmed that he was the last living companion of the Prophet. He remarked, “I saw the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and there was no one on the face of the earth who saw him except me. I asked him, ‘How did you see him?’ He replied, ‘He was white, beautiful, and of medium stature.’” Additionally, it is noted that the last companion to die before Abu al-Tufayl was Anas ibn Malik, who passed away in 93 AH.
Highlights from the Life of the Companion Abu al-Tufayl
Abu al-Tufayl, may Allah be pleased with him, encountered the Prophet during the Farewell Pilgrimage, where he witnessed the Prophet embracing his staff (Al-Mahjan) and kissing it while performing Tawaf around the Kaaba. This marked his initial meeting with the Prophet. Abu al-Tufayl transmitted some narrations from the Prophet and reported hadith from notable figures such as Abu Bakr, Umar, Ali, and Muadh ibn Jabal. He was well-regarded for his honesty, knowledge, and poetry. As a valiant knight, he participated in battles alongside Ali and was also part of his followers. He fought against the killers of Hussein and lived a long life before passing away in Mecca.
Definition of a Companion
In historical literature, several definitions of a companion (Sahabi) have been presented. Ibn Hajar defines a companion as anyone who met the Prophet, peace be upon him, while believing in him and died in that state, regardless of whether their companionship was long or short, whether they participated in battles with him or not, or whether they narrated hadith from him. This definition encompasses those who saw him, even if they were blind. An exception is made for those who met him as non-believers and later converted to Islam but did not see him again.