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Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ belonged to the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ father’s name was Harith bin Rifa‘ah. His mother’s name was Afraa bint Ubaid. Muaz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Auf Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ were his brothers. All three of these brothers used to be referred to by the name of their father as well as their mother. Hence, all three were also known as Banu Afraa [the sons of Afraa].
Ibn Ishaq is the only one to have reported that Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was among the 70 Ansar who participated in the Second Pledge at Aqabah.
Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ married Umm Yazid bint Qais رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. The names of his two daughters from this marriage were Uba 'bint Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Umairah bint Muawiz (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا.).
Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ had the opportunity to participate in the Battle of Badr alongside his two brothers: Muaz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Auf Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.
(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 5, Muawiz bin Afra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003] 231)
During the Battle of Badr, Muaz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ, Auf Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ. and Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ, who were referred to as the Banu Afraa and their freed slave Abul Hamraa, had one camel between them, and they would take turns to ride on it.
(Al-Waqidi, Kitab al-Tarikh wa al-Maghazi, Vol. 1, Badr al-Qital [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah (2013)] 38)
I presented the following narration once before in relation to Hazrat Muaz (ra), but it is also important to mention it here in relation to Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ; hence, I will narrate it here as well. Hazrat Anas (ra) narrates, “On the day of the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Who will go to see what became of Abu Jahl?’ Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) went and saw that both sons of Afraa had attacked him with their swords to such an extent that he was on the brink of death. Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) went to him and asked, ‘Are you Abu Jahl?’”
Anas bin Malik (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) further narrates, “ Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) grabbed hold of Abu Jahl by the beard. Abu Jahl said, ‘Have you killed a greater man than this?’ or he said, ‘has his tribe had killed a greater man?’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Qatl Abi Jahl, Hadith 3962)
This is a narration from Sahih Bukhari.
In the commentary to this narration, Sayyid Zain-ul-Abideen Waliullah Shah Sahib states:
“In some narrations, it is mentioned that the two sons of Afraa, Muaz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ attacked Abu Jahl to the extent that he was on the brink of death and that Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) severed his head later on. Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani has expressed the possibility of Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ bin Afraa having also attacked him [i.e. Abu Jahl] after Muaz bin Amr (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) and Muaz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) bin Afraa had already done so.”
The killing of Abu Jahl at the Battle of Badr [Musleh Ma'ud's (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ)
On the occasion of the Battle of Badr, Muawiz (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) was martyred during combat by Abu Musafi‘.
Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (also spelled Mu'awwidh or Mu'awwidh) was a prominent Companion (Sahabi) of the Prophet Muhammad from the Ansar (Helpers) of Madinah. He is best known in Islamic history as one of the brave young men who mortally wounded Islam's fiercest early adversary, Abu Jahl, during the Battle of Badr.
Biography and Background
Birthplace: Yathrib (Medina), Saudi Arabia. The Clans and Tribe: He belonged to the Khazraj tribe, specifically the noble clan of Banu Malik bin al-Najjar. His father was Harith bin Rifa'ah, and his mother was Afraa bint Ubaid.
The "Banu Afraa" boya, Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ, and his brothers, Muaz and Auf, were unique because Arab society often referred to them by both their father's and mother's names. They were famously known collectively as Banu Afraa (the sons of Afraa) out of deep respect for their mother. Immediate family were married to Umm Yazid bint Qais and had two daughters, Rubai' and Umairah.
Early Days as a Muslim: When the message of Islam reached Madinah before the Prophet's formal migration (Hijrah), Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was among the earliest residents to accept the faith. Historical accounts by Ibn Ishaq note that he traveled to Makkah and participated in the Second Pledge at al-Aqabah, binding himself and his clan to protect the Prophet, Muhammad.
Significant deeds and propagation of Islam, where Muawiz bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ acted as a crucial pillar for the early Muslim community during its transition from a persecuted minority in Makkah to an established community in Madinah.
Hosting and providing logistics alongside the Ansar, he committed his wealth, family, and home to support the Makkan immigrants (Muhajirun).
He was known for his steadfast devotion and his absolute loyalty to the Prophet. When the call to defend Madinah arose at Badr, Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and his brothers resourcefully shared a single camel alongside a freed slave, Abul Hamraa, showcasing an unwavering eagerness to fight despite their lack of advanced military transport.
His major and minor Roles in Early Islam
Major Role: The Subduing of Abu Jahl at the Battle of Badr. Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ's most significant role in Islamic history took place on the battlefield of Badr (2 AH / 624 CE). Abu Jahl was the commander of the Quraysh army and a brutal persecutor of Muslims.
During the battle, Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and his brother Muaz (both quite young at the time) actively sought out Abu Jahl after hearing of his transgressions against the Prophet Muhammad,
The two brothers charged through the enemy lines, fiercely attacked Abu Jahl, and left him mortally wounded on the battlefield. Following their assault, Abdullah bin Mas'ud located the fallen commander and severed his head, ending his reign of tyranny. When the brothers reported back to the Prophet Muhammad, he famously asked to see their swords and remarked that both of their weapons bore the blood of the enemy leader.
Minor Role: Early Pledge and Martyrdom;
The Aqabah Pledge (Minor/Preparatory Role): Before Islam became politically dominant, his participation in the low-profile Aqabah pledges served as a foundational brick for the coming Islamic state. It was a minor, behind-the-scenes role that set the stage for the historic migration.
Martyrdom (Shahadah): Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ early life was cut short during that very same battle. Shortly after his encounter with Abu Jahl, he was struck down and martyred on the battlefield of Badr by an idolater named Abu Musafi'.
Because of his sacrifice, Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ is forever honored as one of the sacred Shuhada-e-Badr (Martyrs of Badr), cementing his legacy in early Islamic history.
Muawiz Bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ(also spelled Mu'awwidh or Mu'awwidh) was a prominent Companion (Sahabi) of the Prophet Muhammad from the Ansar (Helpers) of Madinah. He is best known in Islamic history as one of the brave young men who mortally wounded Islam's fiercest early adversary, Abu Jahl, during the Battle of Badr.
The Roles of Muadh and Awf (The Sons of Afra)
Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ were just as fiercely dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad as their brother Muawiz. Together, this trio of brothers formed a legendary sibling unit among the Ansar (Helpers).
Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (The Brother Who Asked the Ultimate Question)
Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ was a highly spiritual and brave companion who also participated in the Second Pledge of al-Aqabah and fought at Badr. Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ is most famous in Islamic tradition for a poignant conversation he had with the Prophet Muhammad right before the battle began.
The question: as the heavily outnumbered Muslim army faced the Quraysh, Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ approached the Prophet and asked,
"O Messenger of Allah, what makes the Lord laugh with joy at His servant?"
The Prophet's Reply: The Prophet Muhammad answered: "When he plunges into the midst of the enemy without armor."
His Action: Upon hearing this, Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ immediately took off his coat of mail, threw it aside, grabbed his sword, and charged directly into the thick of the enemy lines.
Martyrdom: Like his brother Muawiz, Awf bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ fought valiantly until he was killed, becoming one of the earliest martyrs (Shuhada) of Badr.
Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (The Surviving Brother): Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ is the brother who famously teamed up with Muawiz bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ to hunt down Abu Jahl.
The Pact at Badr: During the battle, Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Muawwiz bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ stood next to Abdur Rahman bin Awf رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (a senior Meccan companion). Abdur Rahman bin Auf رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ later narrated that the two young boys whispered to him secretly, asking him to point out Abu Jahl because they had sworn an oath to Allah to either kill him or die trying.
The Attack: Once pointed out,
Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ and Muawwiz bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ charged simultaneously. Muadh struck Abu Jahl's leg, nearly severing it, while Muawiz also dealt heavy blows. Abu Jahl's son, Ikrimah (who later became a Muslim), retaliated by striking Muadh's arm, leaving it hanging by the skin. In an incredible display of battlefield adrenaline, Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ reportedly dragged his injured arm behind him as he kept fighting, eventually tearing it off completely so it wouldn't slow him down.
Life After Badr: Unlike his two brothers who achieved martyrdom that day, Muadh bin Harith رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ survived the Battle of Badr. He went on to live through the early caliphates and passed away later during the caliphate of Sayyidina Ali Ibn Abu Talib رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ or Sayyidina Umar Al Khattab رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ (historical accounts vary), keeping the memory of his heroic brothers alive.
The Exceptional Mother: Afra bint Ubaid رضي الله عنها.
You cannot truly understand the bravery of these brothers without knowing about their mother, Afra bint Ubaid رضي الله عنها. She was one of the earliest women of Madinian to accept Islam. When news reached Madinah that her sons had fought so bravely—and that two had died—she showed immense patience (Sabr) and pride in their sacrifice. Because of her immense righteousness, her sons preferred to be called Banu Afra (Sons of Afra) rather than by their father's name, a rare honor in patriarchal ancient Arabia.
alfakir albakr allatifi
referensi:
(Ibn Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma‘rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 4, Muawiz bin Afra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Jil, 1992] 1442)
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fard al-Khumus, Bab man lam Yakhmus al-Aslab, Hadith 3141, Vol. 5, p. 491, footnote, Urdu translation, published by Nazarat-e-Ishaat Rabwah)
(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Muawiz bin Afra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990] 374)
(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 5, Muawiz bin Afra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003] 231) (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Muawiz bin Afra (Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990), 374.)
