Abu Ayyub al-Ansari

Who was Abu Ayyub al-Ansari?

Hazrat Abu Ayyub al-Ansari — born Khalid ibn Zayd ibn Kulayb in Yathrib — hailed from the tribe of Banu Najjar and was a close companion of Muhammad. He was named after the biblical Job. Abu Ayyub was one among the Ansar of early Muslim history or those who supported Muhammad after the hijra to Medina in 622. The patronym Abu Ayyub, means father of Ayyub. Abu Ayyub died during the First Arab Siege of Constantinople.

When Muhammad arrived in Medina, he was offered accommodation by all of its inhabitants. He wished to stay with the Banu Najjar, whom he was distantly related to. Upon making inquiries as to the member of Banu Najjar closest to him, Muhammad was introduced to Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, with whom Muhammad then stayed for seven months.

Following the Muslim conquest of Egypt, Abu Ayyub moved to a house in Fustat adjacent to the mosque of Amr bin Al'aas which was completed in 642. Several other notable Companions were his neighbors, including Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Ubaida, Abu Dhar, Abdullah ibn Umar and Abdullah ibn Amr bin Al'aas.

He also led a distinguished military career.