Suhayb ar-Rumi

The Profitable Transaction

Suhayb ibn Sinan was raised among the Byzantines — hence his name ar-Rumi, “the Roman” — and embraced Islam early, at the house of Arqam, together with Ammar ibn Yasir. 1 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 1 · pp. 362 — Kandhlawi — Suhayb ar-Rumi embraces Islam at the house of Arqam. When he set out to emigrate to Madinah, the Quraysh pursued him to stop him. He offered them all the wealth he had left in Makkah in exchange for safe passage; they took it and let him go. When word reached Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ greeted him: “Your transaction has profited, O Abu Yahya!” — and the verse was revealed: “And among mankind is he who would sell himself seeking the pleasure of Allah.” 2 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 1 · pp. 362–363 — Kandhlawi — Suhayb gives up his wealth for safe passage; the Prophet says his transaction profited; the revelation about selling oneself for Allah's pleasure. 3 The Noble Qur'an · pp. Surah al-Baqara 2:207 — The verse revealed concerning Suhayb: one who sells himself seeking Allah's pleasure.

A Trusted Companion

So high was his standing that when Umar was struck down, it was Suhayb whom he appointed to lead the prayers and the people until a caliph should be chosen — and Suhayb led Umar’s funeral prayer. 4 History of Islam · Vol 1 · pp. 370–371 — Najeebabadi — Suhayb appointed to lead the prayers after Umar was struck; he led Umar's funeral prayer.