Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Every Umma (nation) has its custodian of trust (Ameen), and the custodian of this Ummah is Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah.”
Born into Quraysh tribe, he shared a noble lineage with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, meeting in ancestry through Fihr. His remarkable life is a story that every family can treasure, one that teaches us integrity and true leadership.
A Promise of Paradise and the Trust of the Prophet ﷺ
Abu Ubaidah رضي الله عنه was among the early people accepting Islam. Alongside notable companions like Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf رضي الله عنه, he accepted Islam even before the Prophet ﷺ entered Dar Al-Arqam, the safehouse of early believers in Makkah. His commitment earned him not only the Prophet’s trust but also the guarantee of Paradise.
A Leader of Sacrifice and Bravery
Abu Ubaidah did not miss any expedition that the Prophet ﷺ participated in. In the very first test for Muslims, in the Battle of Badr, Abu Ubaidah’s loyalty to Allah was put to the test when he faced his own father— who was fighting on the enemy side. Abu Ubaidah stood firm and chose faith over blood. Abu Ubaydah saw his father among the ranks of the Mushrekeen (disbelievers) and moved away from him initially, while his father insisted on fighting his son. Abu Ubaidah found no escape but to confront his father. The two swords met, and the father was killed by his son, who preferred the love of Allah and His Messenger over the his father. Then the following Ayah was revealed:
‘You will never find a people who ˹truly˺ believe in Allah and the Last Day loyal to those who defy Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their parents, children, siblings, or extended family. For those ˹believers˺, Allah has instilled faith in their hearts and strengthened them with a spirit from Him.He will admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. They are the party of Allah. Indeed, Allah’s party is bound to succeed.’ [Al-Mujadila: 22]
During the Battle of Uhud, he demonstrated immense courage. When two metal rings from the Prophet’s helmet pierced his blessed face, Abu Ubaidah رضي الله عنه rushed to help. Using his own teeth, he carefully removed the rings, breaking his own teeth in the process. This sacrifice left him gap-toothed, yet his humility turned this injury into a mark of honour. People would say, “No smile was more beautiful than that of Abu Ubaidah, even with his broken teeth.”
A Role Model of Leadership and Humility
Abu Ubaidah رضي الله عنه’s leadership was unparalleled. He led expeditions with fairness, putting the success of Islam above personal glory. When disagreements arose during the Battle of Dhat al-Salasil, where both he and Amr ibn al-As رضي الله عنه commanded forces, Abu Ubaidah gracefully gave up leadership. His humility ensured unity among the believers.
When Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه visited Abu Ubaidah during his caliphate, he was stunned to find the great commander living in complete simplicity. No luxurious furnishings, just a sword, shield, and mat. Moved to tears, Umar رضي الله عنه said:
“The world has changed everyone except you, Abu Ubaidah.”
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s love for Abu Ubaidah رضي الله عنه was profound. When asked who the most beloved companion was, after Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and Umar رضي الله عنه, the Prophet ﷺ named Abu Ubaidah رضي الله عنه.
Even Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه, during his final days, expressed his desire to appoint Abu Ubaidah as his successor if he were alive, saying:
“If I am asked why I chose him, I would say: I heard the Prophet ﷺ call him the ‘Trustworthy of the Ummah.'”
His Death: A Legacy of Service
Umar Ibn Al-Khattab wrote to Abu Ubaidah, commanding him to move from Amwas to the area of Jabiyyah so that the entire army would not be destroyed by the plague. Abu Ubaidah took the army to the place ordered but then fell ill with the plague. He passed on the leadership of the army to Mu’adh ibn Jabal, then passed away at the age of 58, in 639 CE. It is reported that Abu Ubaydah—may Allah be pleased with him—narrated fourteen hadiths from the Prophet.
His final words reflected his humility and faith:
“Let me leave you with some advice: Stick to prayer, charity, and trust in Allah, for this life is but a passing moment.”
May Allah be pleased with Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah رضي الله عنه and unite us with him in Jannah, alongside Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.