Zaid bin Thabit bin Al-Dhahhak Al-Ansari
was an esteemed companion of the Prophet, a prominent scribe of revelation, a notable Qur'an reciter, and the Mufti of Medina. He narrated Hadiths from the Prophet and read the Qur'an to him, either in part or entirely.
Lineage:
Zaid's lineage is traced to Thabit bin Al-Dhahhak bin Zaid bin Luwazan bin Amr bin Abd Awf bin Ghanim bin Malik bin Al-Najjar bin Tha'labah. He belonged to the city of Medina.
Conversion to Islam:
Zaid became an orphan when the Prophet migrated to Medina, and his father passed away during the Battle of Badr when Zaid was around eleven years old. He embraced Islam along with his family, and the Prophet blessed him with supplications.
Knowledge:
Zaid was highly educated and excelled in knowledge and wisdom. When the Prophet extended his call to the wider world, Zaid was instructed to learn some languages of other nations, which he quickly mastered. The Prophet asked him to learn Syriac, and Zaid accomplished this in just seventeen days.
Zaid actively followed the revelation and memorized the Qur'an. Whenever new revelations came, the Prophet would send for Zaid to write them down.
The Prophet once remarked about Zaid, saying, "The most knowledgeable among my Ummah regarding the Book of Allah is Zaid bin Thabit."
Zaid narrated Hadiths from the Prophet, as well as from Abu Bakr, Umar bin Al-Khattab, and Uthman bin Affan. Numerous companions learned from him, including Ibn Abbas, Abu Huraira, Ibn Umar, Abu Said Al-Khudri, Anas bin Malik, Sahl bin Saad, Abu Umamah bin Sahl, Abdullah bin Yazid Al-Khattami, Marwan bin Al-Hakam, Saeed bin Al-Musayyab, Qubaysah bin Thaabit, and others.
His role in Islam
Zaid's prominence in the Islamic society stemmed from his knowledge and respect among Muslims. He played a pivotal role in the division of war spoils during the Battle of Yarmouk and was one of the six companions known for giving religious verdicts (fatawa). Umar ibn Al-Khattab would deputize him in the absence of Umar himself during the pilgrimage to Medina.
Zaid was exceptional in preserving the knowledge of the Qur'an. He played a crucial role in the compilation of the Qur'an after the demise of the Prophet. Upon the suggestion of Umar, Abu Bakr consulted Zaid to undertake this monumental task. Zaid initially hesitated but eventually accepted the responsibility, diligently collecting and compiling the Qur'an from various written and oral sources. This compilation was later preserved and disseminated among the Muslim community.
Jihad the early years
Zaid bin Thabit, one of the prominent figures of the Ansar, accompanied a group to the Battle of Badr. But because of his young age and physical structure, the Prophet Muhammad sent him. During the Battle of Uhud, Zaid expressed his desire to join the ranks of the Mujahideen. The Prophet, who recognized the enthusiasm of his companions, seemed to consider their request. However, one of them, Rafi’ bin Khadij, came forward carrying a spear, declaring his proficiency in archery, and asking permission to participate. The Prophet agreed to his request. While some feared that Rafi would harm himself, the Prophet, expressing his gratitude, allowed him to join.
In the aftermath of the Prophet's death, in Saqifa Bani Sa'idah, when discussions took place about choosing a leader, Zayd ibn Thabit, the scribe of the revelation, played an important role. When the Ansar proposed a leader from among them and the Muhajirs from their group, Zaid, who was wise, said that the leader should be from the Muhajirs because the Prophet was from that sect. This marked the beginning of Zaid's active participation in the political arena.
death
Zaid ibn Thabit continued to play a crucial role in Islamic society even after the death of the Prophet. He lived during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan and contributed greatly to the collection of the Qur’an during the caliphate of Abu Bakr. His role in preserving the sciences of the Qur’an and his contributions to early Islamic society earned him respect and admiration.
Zaid died in the year 45 AH during the caliphate of Muawiyah. Many mourned his death, as Ibn Abbas expressed that a great source of knowledge was buried on that day. Abu Hurairah said: Today the writer of the nation died. Despite his physical passing, Zaid's legacy lived on, and his contributions to early Islamic society were recognized and remembered.