Ṣuhayb ibn Sinan

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Ṣuhayb ibn Sinān al-Rūmī, also known as Abu Yahya, was born around 592 in Mosul, Mesopotamia. He was Arab by origin but spent many years as a slave in the Byzantine Empire, where he learned Greek and nearly forgot Arabic. After escaping, he headed to Mecca, where people called him “the Roman” because of his background.

In Mecca, Suhayb worked as a trader for Abdullah ibn Judan at-Taymi and became wealthy. He later converted to Islam after meeting the Prophet Muhammad. The Quraysh persecuted him for his faith.

In 622, when Muslims began migrating to Medina, Suhayb tried to leave with Muhammad but was watched by the Quraysh to prevent him from taking his wealth. He then made a daring escape: pretending to have stomach problems, he left his captors, mounted his horse, and fled toward Medina. When asked to surrender his wealth, he warned the pursuers that he would defend himself, but they allowed him to go after he explained where his money was kept. Suhayb reached Quba near Medina, where Muhammad greeted him and said, “Your transaction has been fruitful,” praising Suhayb for his brave act.

Suhayb participated in several early Muslim campaigns, including the battles of Badr, Uhud, and Hunayn. The second caliph, Umar, chose him to lead the prayers for a period, and after Umar’s death Suhayb led prayers until Uthman became caliph.

He died in Medina in 659 CE and was buried in Jannat al-Baqi', the cemetery of Hejaz. Suhayb is remembered as a devoted companion of the Prophet Muhammad who sacrificed wealth for the sake of Allah.