Khubayb ibn ʿAdiy () was a Sahabi (companion) of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. He was killed during the Expedition of Al Raji.

Background to death

In 625, some men requested Muhammad to send instructors to teach them about Islam, After killing Asim ibn Thabit, Hudhayl wanted to sell his head.

Death

Khubaib ibn Adiy was taken captive and escorted in a procession of thousands which was led by men like Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, and Safwan ibn Umayah, and which included Said ibn Amir.

The women and children pushed him to the place set for his death. Khubaib's death was to be in revenge for Quraysh losses in the Battle of Badr. When the assembled throng arrived at the appointed place with him, the prisoner, Khubaib said in a firm but quiet voice amid the shouting of women and children:

:"If you would, leave me to pray two rakaats before my death."

Khubaib ibn Adi requested and was granted permission to offer two rak'ahs (units) of salah (prayer) before he was executed by crucifixion. He then prayed, "Had I not feared that you would think that I was afraid (of being executed), I would have prolonged the prayer". Khubaib ibn Adi thus established a tradition for Muslims facing death in captivity to pray two rak'ahs before their execution.

This the Quraysh allowed. Khubaib faced the Ka'bah and prayed two rakaats. Then Khubaib faced the Quraysh leaders.

:"By God, if you thought that I asked to pray out of fear of death, I would think the prayer not worth the trouble," he said. Khubaib's act set a precedent for other Muslims sentenced to death in captivity to offer a two-rak'ah prayer before their execution.

Then the Meccans set about dismembering Khubayb's body while he was yet alive and taunting him in the process.

:"Would you like Muhammad to be in your place while you go free?"

With his blood flowing, he replied, "By God, I would not want to be safe and secure among my family while even a thorn hurts Muhammad."

People shook their fists in the air and the shouting increased.

:"Kill him. Kill him!"

Khubaib lifted his eyes to the heavens above the wooden cross.

:"O Allah, send my salam to my prophet Muhammad"

Thereafter it could not be counted the number of swords and spears which cut through Khubaib's body.

See also

  • List of battles of Muhammad
  • Sahaba

References

  • https://web.archive.org/web/20051210064103/http://www.anwary-islam.com/companion/s_said-ibn-amir-al-jumahi.htm