Zayd Al-Khayr (Formerly Known as Zayd Al-Khayl) (RA)
Zayd Al-Khayr’s Journey to Islam:
Decision to Meet the Prophet:
When Zayd al-Khayr heard the news about the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he decided to go to Madinah to meet the Prophet himself.
Zayd went to Madinah with a group of people which included Zurr ibn Sudoos.
First Encounter in the Prophet’s Mosque:
When they reached Madinah, they went straight to the Prophet’s Mosque and as they entered, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was on the mimbar addressing the Muslims.
The Prophet’s speech inspired Zayd and his delegation as they were amazed by the attention of the Muslims and the effect that the Prophet’s words were having on them.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: I am better for you than al-Uzza (one of the main idols of the Arabs in Jahiliyyah) and everything else that you worship. I am better for you than the black camel which you worship besides Allah.
Zurr in Sudoos’ Envy for the Prophet:
When one of the members from Zayd’s group, Zurr ibn Sudoos saw the impact that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had on the Muslims, he became very envious towards him and said: I see a man who shall certainly captivate all Arabs and bring them under his sway. I shall not let him control me ever.
Testimony in Faith:
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ finished speaking, Zayd al-Khayr stood up in the front of the Muslims and said: O Muhammad, I testify that there is no God but Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked: Who are you? Zayd replied: I am Zayd al-Khayl.
New Name From the Prophet:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ then said: From now on you are Zayd al-Khayr instead, not Zayd al-Khayl. Praise be to Allah Who has brought you from the hills and dales of your native land and softened your heart towards Islam.
After this, Zayd became known as Zayd al-Khayr (Zayd the Good).
Hospitality of the Prophet:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ took Zayd al-Khayr to his house and gave him a cushion to sit on, but Zayd felt very uncomfortable with this and returned the cushion to him.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave him the cushion again but Zayd returned it and this happened three times.
Recognition of Zayd al-Khayr’s Qualities:
Eventually, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to Zayd al-Khayr: O Zayd, no man has ever been described to me and when I see him he does not fit the description at all except you. You have two characteristics which are pleasing to Allah and His Prophet.
Zayd asked: what are they? The Prophet responded: Perseverance and sagacity (wisdom).
Zayd al-Khayr replied: Praise be to Allah, who has given me what He and His Prophet like.
Zayd’s Passion for Islam:
Zayd al-Khayr then told the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: Give me, O Messenger of Allah, three hundred horsemen and I promise you that I will secure Byzantine territory with them.
The Prophet praised him and said: What manner of man are you!
Conversion of his Companions:
Whilst in Madinah, those who accompanied Zayd al-Khayr in the delegation also accepted Islam.
Final Illness:
In Madinah, there was an epidemic and Zayd al-Khayr suffered from it. He said to those with him: Take me away from the land of Qays. I have the fever of smallpox. By Allah, I shall not fight as a Muslim before I meet Allah.
Zayd then headed back to Najd despite the fact that his fever was getting worse. He wanted to return to his city so that the residents would accept Islam from his dawah.
Death of Zayd al-Khayr:
Zayd al-Khayr did not recover from the illness he was suffering and before arriving in Najd, he passed away.