Jaʿfar ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA) was among the most noble and courageous companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Born into the noble clan of Banū Hāshim in Makkah, he was the elder brother of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA) and cousin of the Prophet ﷺ. Known for his generosity, eloquence, and dignity, he embraced Islam early and endured the hardships of Quraysh’s opposition.

Migration to Abyssinia

When persecution of Muslims in Makkah intensified, Jaʿfar (RA) led the second migration to Abyssinia (Habasha). There, he represented Islam before Negus (Najashi), the Christian king. His eloquence and sincerity became a turning point in early Islamic history. When questioned about their faith, Jaʿfar recited verses from Surah Maryam (19:16–36) describing the purity of Maryam (AS) and the miraculous birth of Isa (AS). These verses moved the king and his court to tears. The Qur’an describes such moments:

“When they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they recognize of the truth.”
(Qur’an 5:83)

Najashi granted Muslims full protection, making Jaʿfar one of the first ambassadors of Islam.

Return to Madinah and Khaybar

Years later, Jaʿfar (RA) returned from Abyssinia during the conquest of Khaybar. The Prophet ﷺ embraced him with immense joy, declaring:

“I do not know what makes me happier: the conquest of Khaybar or the arrival of Jaʿfar.”
(Ibn Hajar, Al-Isabah)

This reflects the Prophet’s deep love and appreciation for Jaʿfar’s sacrifices.

Martyrdom at Muʾtah

In 629 CE (8 AH), Jaʿfar (RA) was appointed one of the commanders in the Battle of Muʾtah, fought against the Byzantine forces. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he carried the banner of Islam with unshakable bravery. When his right arm was severed, he held the flag in his left. When that too was cut, he embraced it with the stubs of both arms until he was struck down, bearing over seventy wounds.

The Prophet ﷺ, upon hearing of his martyrdom, said:

“Allah has replaced his two arms with wings in Paradise, with which he flies wherever he wishes.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3709)

From that day, he became known as Jaʿfar al-Ṭayyār (the Winged).

Legacy and Lessons

Jaʿfar ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA) combined eloquence, leadership, and sacrifice. His defense of Islam before Najashi safeguarded the early Muslim community, and his martyrdom at Muʾtah became a symbol of courage.

From his life, Muslims today can learn:

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  To stand firm in faith, even in hardship.

  
  
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  To speak the truth with wisdom in interfaith dialogue.

  
  
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  To value sacrifice for Allah over worldly ease.

  
  
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  To love and follow the Prophet ﷺ wholeheartedly.

  
  
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  To see leadership as service, not status.

  
  
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  To live with hope in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

  
  

Jaʿfar’s legacy reminds us that true honor lies in living and dying for the sake of Allah, with the certainty that every sacrifice is rewarded beyond measure.