Origins & Early Life

ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf (Arabic: عبد الرحمن بن عوف; born ʿAbd Amr ibn ʿAwf; c. 581–654) was one of the companions of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. One of the wealthiest among the companions, he is known for being one of the ten to whom Paradise was promised. His parents were both from the Zuhra clan of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father was Awf ibn Abd Awf and his mother was al-Shifa bint Abdullah. His original name was Abd Amr ("servant of Amr"). It was Muhammad who renamed him Abd al-Rahman ("servant of the Most Merciful"). It is also said that his original name was Abdul Kaaba. His name has also been transliterated as Abdel Rahman Ibn Auf.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He married Habiba bint Jahsh, whose entire brethren joined Islam. Abu Bakr spoke to Abd al-Rahman about Islam, then invited him to meet Muhammad, who heard his declaration of faith and taught him the Islamic prayers. This was before the Muslims had entered the house of Al-Arqam; Abd al-Rahman was one of the first eight men to accept Islam. From about 614 the pagan Quraysh in Mecca "showed their enmity to all those who followed the apostle; every clan which contained Muslims was attacked." The usual threat to...

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