Said ibn Aamir al-Jumahi

Who is Said ibn Aamir al-Jumahi?

Said ibn Aamir al-Jumahi was a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and Governor of Homs in Syria during the caliphate of Umar.

As a youth he was among the thousands who left for Tanim on the outskirts of Mecca at the invitation of the Quraish to witness the killing of Khubayb ibn Adiy, a companion of Muhammad whom they had captured and whose death was to be in revenge for Quraish losses in the battle of Badr. After accepting Islam shortly following Khubayb’s death Said ibn Aamir migrated to Medina and attached himself to Muhammad, participating in the battle of Khaybar and other engagements thereafter. After Muhammad’s death in 632 he continued active service under his two successors, Abu Bakr and Umar, who both knew Said for his honesty and piety and listened to his advice.

Umar appointed him as governor of Homs in Syria, which was then called little Kufa because, like Kufa, its inhabitants complained a lot about their leaders. During a visit to Syria, Umar asked the people of Homs if they had any complaints against their governor, to which they mentioned four. Umar summoned Said ibn Aamir, and in his presence asked the representatives of Homs to state their complaints.