Abu Khaythama al-Ansari (ra)
The Ansari who left his cool garden to ride alone after the army to Tabuk.
Hijri fl. 9 AH CE 630 CE
An Ansari Companion whose change of heart on the way to Tabuk became a famous example of overcoming the pull of comfort in the path of Allah.
One-line: the Ansari who abandoned his cool garden to ride alone after the army — “May it be Abu Khaythama!”
Role in the Seerah
Like Ka’b ibn Malik, Abu Khaythama at first delayed. Returning home to two cool shaded bowers, sprinkled water and food prepared by his wife, he was struck with shame: “The Messenger of Allah is in the heat, and I am here in ease? By Allah, I will not even sit down.” He rode off alone; days later at Tabuk, seeing a lone rider break the mirage, the Prophet ﷺ said, “May it be Abu Khaythama,” — and it was. He is also the Companion earlier mocked by the hypocrites for donating a mere sa’ of dates (Q 9:79).
Character & lessons
The triumph of conscience over comfort; the Prophet’s ﷺ tough love — “Woe to you, Abu Khaythama (you just saved yourself)!”
Cross-references
The Expedition of Tabuk · Ka'b ibn Malik (ra) · Nifaq (Hypocrisy) · Muhammad ﷺ
Sources
- S011 — Yasir Qadhi Seerah EP 088 & 090. Ibn Ishaq/Ibn Hisham; Quran 9:79.