Lesser-Known Companions and the Stories Behind Their Names

Most parents know the names of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali. But the Prophet ﷺ had many other Companions, and their names are rarely heard today, even though their stories are in the books of hadith and history. If you are looking for a meaningful name that is not on every list, or you just want to read about people who are not often mentioned, this short guide introduces eight of them.

The details below come from the hadith collections and the books of the Companions’ biographies. We say where scholars differ. Dates are approximate and vary between sources.

1. Ubayy ibn Ka’b

Ubayy was among the Ansar, and is remembered as one of the Companions most skilled in the Quran. Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim record the report that the Prophet ﷺ told Ubayy that Allah had commanded him to recite Surah al-Bayyinah to him, and that Ubayy asked whether Allah had named him. Scholars take the report as a sign of his closeness to the Quran. See our page on Ubayy.

2. Miqdad ibn Amr

Miqdad was among the early Muslims. The sources report that he rode a horse at the Battle of Badr, and Sahih al-Bukhari records a statement of his that day, promising to fight to the left, right, front and rear of the Prophet ﷺ. His name is often explained as meaning “brave”, but references differ. See Miqdad.

3. Salim, the freed servant of Abu Hudhayfah

Salim was a freed servant who became one of the well-known reciters. Sahih al-Bukhari records that the Prophet ﷺ told the people to take the Quran from four, and mentioned Salim among them. He was killed in the Battle of Yamamah. See Salim and Abu Hudhayfah.

4. Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman

Hudhayfah is known as the keeper of the Prophet’s ﷺ secret, because the sources report that he was told the names of certain hypocrites. His hadith about asking the Prophet ﷺ about evil, so that he could avoid it, is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari. See Hudhayfah.

5. Ukashah ibn Mihsan

Ukashah is mentioned in the hadith of the seventy thousand who will enter Paradise without reckoning, in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. In the account, he asked the Prophet ﷺ to pray that he be among them. Scholars discuss the details of the report, so we mention it without drawing further conclusions. See Ukashah.

6. Tufayl ibn Amr al-Dawsi

Tufayl accepted Islam in Makkah and returned to his tribe, Daws, to call them. The hadith records that when he told the Prophet ﷺ that Daws had refused, the Prophet ﷺ prayed for their guidance. Abu Hurayrah was also from Daws. See Tufayl.

7. Dihyah al-Kalbi

Dihyah carried the Prophet’s ﷺ letter to the ruler of Busra, according to Sahih al-Bukhari. Another report in Sahih Muslim, narrated by Umm Salamah, tells that she saw Jibril in the form of Dihyah. See Dihyah.

8. Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl

Ikrimah was the son of one of the Prophet’s ﷺ fiercest opponents, and the sources report that he accepted Islam after the conquest of Makkah. His story is often told to show that a person’s past does not close the door of Islam. See Ikrimah.

Looking for more?

Our page of rare Sahaba names for boys has a longer list, and the page of Sahaba names has over a hundred. For girls, browse Sahabiyat names. And if you are choosing a name, our guide to choosing an Islamic name covers the main points.

A note on choosing a Companion’s name

Many parents choose the name of a Companion in the hope that the child will follow a good example. It is a nice intention, but the name itself does not guarantee anything, and some of these names carry meanings that differ between sources. Check the meaning and spelling, and ask a scholar if you have a question.

Frequently asked questions

Are rare names a good choice?

They can be, if the meaning is good and the family can pronounce and spell them. A rare name will need to be explained, so think about whether you are happy with that.

Do all these Companions have confirmed dates?

No. Many dates are approximate, and sources differ, so our pages give ranges and note the differences.

Can a girl be named after a male Companion?

Scholars generally advise against giving a child a name that is specific to the other gender. Female Companions have many names to choose from. See our guide to Sahabiyat names.

Sources and further reading: Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim; Ibn Sa’d, al-Tabaqat al-Kubra; Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, al-Isti’ab; Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, al-Isabah.