جعفر بن أبي طالب

Ja'far ibn Abi Talib (RA)

Also known as: Ja'far al-Tayyar, Jaafar bin Abi Talib, Dhu al-Janahayn

c. 32 BH – 8 AH · c. 590–629 CE

Companions

Cousin of the Prophet ﷺ who spoke for the Muslim refugees before the Negus of Abyssinia, killed at Mu'tah.

Ja'far was a son of Abu Talib and an elder brother of 'Ali, and the Prophet ﷺ told him he resembled him in looks and in character. He accepted Islam early, and when the persecution in Makkah grew he led the Muslims who sought refuge in Abyssinia. Quraysh sent envoys to have them returned, and before the Negus Ja'far described what Islam had brought them and recited the opening of Surah Maryam. The Negus wept, said that this and what Jesus brought came from the same source, and refused to hand them over.

Ja'far stayed in Abyssinia for many years and reached Madinah in 628, as Khaybar was taken; the Prophet ﷺ said he did not know which made him happier, the conquest of Khaybar or the coming of Ja'far. The next year he went with the army to Mu'tah, took the banner when Zayd ibn Harithah fell, and was killed after losing both arms. The Prophet ﷺ said that Allah had given him two wings in Paradise, and he is known as Ja'far al-Tayyar, 'the one who flies'.

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