Ubadah bin As-Samit

A dedicated follower of the Prophet, it is said that As-Samit fought alongside Muhammad (saw) in every major battle of the era. He is also claimed to be one of the scribes involved in penning the Holy Quran. His conversion to Islam came at a relatively early stage of the Prophet’s hijrah from Makkah to Madina, becoming one of the first 12 to embrace the religion prior to the journey.

Conquest of Egypt

He was one of the main field commanders during the Muslim conquest of Egypt, sent with reinforcement from Medina. At Alexandria, Ubadah bin As-Samit was sent heading a delegation to the Roman commander to work out terms of treaty if it could be struck. But the white Romans waxed proud and said they did not like to negotiate with a black. Ubadah told their commander that there were 1000 black men in the camp behind him each of who would not fear to confront 100 men at a time. The commander was alarmed by the conviction that resonated with Ubadah’s voice. 

He attempted to first intimidate him with the news of the imminent arrival of a Roman force and then bribe him. But Ubadah bin As-Samit stubbornly told him that Muslims actually welcomed battling any force as it would eventually result in victory or martyrdom, two desirable consequences. Ubadah bin As-Samit gave him three options: accept Islam, pay Jizyah, or fight it out. Following consultations, they opted to fight it out, and the same day the castle fell to Muslims.

Ubadah ibn As-Samit was commandeering the Right Flank during the last battle with the Romans at Qaysariyyah. It was a hard fought battle. Muslims were repelled several times. Finally, Ubadah climbed down his horse and began advancing towards the Romans. Several others joined him. Ultimately, they became a big block moving forward. The Romans could not withstand and the day was for the Muslims.

He was appointed as the first teacher and judge of the Palestinian people by the second caliph Omar. He is believed to have spent some period of time in the city of Jerusalem where he is buried in Bab al-Rahma Cemetery, next to Jerusalem’s old city walls.