Among the remarkable figures of early Islam, Talha ibn Ubaidillah رضي الله عنه stands out as a symbol of sacrifice, generosity, and unwavering faith. His story is one of bravery on the battlefield, immense charity, and a heart devoted to Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ.
From the heat of the battlefields to the quiet nights of restless generosity, Talha رضي الله عنه lived a life that reflected the core values of Islam. His legacy was not only written in the blood he shed for the Prophet ﷺ but also in the wealth he spent in the service of his fellow Muslims.
The Battle of Uhud: A Shield for the Prophet ﷺ
Talha’s رضي الله عنه courage shone brightest during the Battle of Uhud. His daughters, Aisha and Umm Ishaq, later recalled:
جُرِحَ أَبُونَا يَوْمَ أُحُدٍ أَرْبَعًا وَعِشْرِينَ جِرَاحَةً
"Our father was wounded on the day of Uhud, a total of 24 wounds." (Tabaqāt Ibn Sa'd: 3/163)
In total, 24 wounds covered his body. His head bore a deep gash, a vein was severed, his fingers were cut off, and the remaining injuries marked his entire body. Overcome by his wounds, he eventually fainted.
At that moment, the Prophet ﷺ himself was severely wounded—his front tooth had been broken, and his face was injured. Talha رضي الله عنه, despite his own pain, shielded the Prophet ﷺ, pushing him backward while fending off the advancing enemy.
كُلَّمَا أَدْرَكَهُ أَحَدٌ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ قَاتَلَ دُونَهُ
"Every time one of the Mushrikeen (polytheists) came near (the Prophet), Talha would fight and defend him (the Prophet)." (Tabaqāt Ibn Sa'd: 3/163)
Such was his bravery that after the battle, the Prophet ﷺ declared:
"مَنْ سَرَّهُ أَنْ يَنْظُرَ إِلَى شَهِيدٍ يَمْشِي عَلَى وَجْهِ الْأَرْضِ، فَلْيَنْظُرْ إِلَى طَلْحَةَ بْنِ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ"
"Whoever wants to see a living martyr walking on the face of the earth, let him look at Talha ibn Ubaidillah." (Tirmidhi: 3739)
Honoured by the Prophet ﷺ
Talha رضي الله عنه was among those closest to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. One day, as the Prophet ﷺ stood atop Mount Hira alongside Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Talha, and Zubair, the mountain began to tremble. The Prophet ﷺ reassured it:
"اهْدَأْ، فَمَا عَلَيْكَ إِلَّا نَبِيٌّ، أَوْ صِدِّيقٌ، أَوْ شَهِيدٌ"
"Calm down, for there is no one upon you except a Prophet, a Siddiq (truthful one), and martyrs." (Muslim: 2417)
Every one of them—Uthman, Ali, Talha, and Zubair—would later attain martyrdom, sealing their place in history as those who gave everything for their faith.
A Night of Restless Generosity
Despite his immense bravery, Talha رضي الله عنه was equally known for his generosity. One night, wealth arrived for him from Hadhramaut—a staggering 700,000 dirhams. However, instead of rejoicing, he spent the entire night in distress. His wife, Umm Kulthum bint Abi Bakr, asked:
"Why are you so troubled?"
Talha رضي الله عنه replied:
"تَفَكَّرْتُ مُنْذُ اللَّيْلَةِ، فَقُلْتُ: مَا ظَنُّ رَجُلٍ بِرَبِّهِ، يَبِيتُ وَهَذَا الْمَالُ فِي بَيْتِهِ؟"
"I have been thinking all night. What does a man think of his Lord when he sleeps while this wealth remains in his house?"
His wife suggested:
"فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ بَعَّضْتَهُ عَلَى إِخْوَانِكَ"
"Why don’t you distribute it among your brothers?"
At dawn, he ordered that pots and utensils be brought and filled them with the wealth. He then distributed it among the Muhajireen and Ansar, ensuring that even Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه received a share.
When his wife asked, "Is there nothing left for us?" he responded:
"فَأَيْنَ كُنْتِ مُنْذُ الْيَوْمِ؟"
"Where have you been all this time?"
Only a small purse with 1,000 dirhams remained. From a sum of 700,000, he had given away everything. (Tārīkh Dimashq: 25/99)
A Debt Reliever
Talha رضي الله عنه also relieved others of their financial burdens. Once, two men—Ubaydillah ibn Ma’mar and Abdullah ibn Ameen ibn Quraiz—were in deep debt, owing 80,000 dirhams each. Talha رضي الله عنه paid off their entire sum, lifting the weight from their shoulders.
On another occasion, a Bedouin man approached him, reminding him of their kinship and requesting help. Talha رضي الله عنه responded:
"إِنِّي لِي أَرْضًا أَعْطَانِي بِهَا عُثْمَانُ، وَهِيَ بِثَلَاثِ مِائَةِ أَلْفٍ"
"I have a land that Uthman gave me, worth 300,000." (Siyar A'lām al-Nubalā:1/31)
He offered:
- The land itself
- The money, if he chose to sell the land back to Uthman
The man chose the money, and Talha رضي الله عنه handed it over without hesitation.
The Tragedy of the Battle of the Camel
The later years of Talha’s رضي الله عنه life were marked by sorrow.
He became involved in the Battle of the Camel (Ma'rakatul Jamal)—a conflict that arose among the Companions after the assassination of Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه.
Ali رضي الله عنه, seeing Talha’s lifeless body lying in the valley, dismounted his riding beast. He gently wiped the dust from Talha’s face and, with deep sadness, said:
"الى اللَّهِ أَشْكُو عُجْرِي وَبُجْرِي"
"To Allah, I complain of my pain and my sorrow." (Tārīkh Dimashq: 25/115)
Talha رضي الله عنه died in 36 AH during Jumada al-Akhirah at the age of 62. His son, Muhammad al-Sajjad, was known for his righteousness and worship.
The Final Reflection
Talha ibn Ubaidillah’s رضي الله عنه life was one of sacrifice, generosity, and devotion. He shed his blood to defend the Prophet ﷺ, emptied his wealth for the needy, and remained steadfast in his faith until the end. His name remains among the Asharah Mubasharah—the ten promised Jannah.
As we remember his legacy, we are reminded of the immense rewards that come from selflessness, courage, and unwavering faith in Allah ﷻ.
May Allah be pleased with Talha ibn Ubaidillah رضي الله عنه and grant us the ability to embody even a fraction of his virtues. Ameen.
The stories of the Sahabah are not just history—they are lessons for our own lives, shaping our faith and actions. At AMAU Academy, we believe in learning that transforms, connecting our hearts to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
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