Abu Ayoub bin Zaid bin Kulaib bin Tha’alibah bin Aouf bin Ghanam bin Maalik bin An-Najaar Al-Ansaari Al-Khazraji was one of the first and earliest of Al-Ansaar. He was in attendance at the Pledge of Al-Aqabah. When the Prophet (Peace be upon him) emigrated to Al-Madinah, he resided with him until he built his house. Abu Ayoub was profound in his hospitality to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and of his generosity. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) formed a brotherhood between Abu Ayoub and Mus’ab bin Umair. He participated with the Prophet (Peace be upon him) at the Battles of Badr and Uhud, as well as all of the rest.

Ali bin Abi Taalib RA appointed him as successor (in his absence) over Al-Madinah, then over Iraq. After that he was constantly with him and fought the Al-Khawaarij with him. He said, Allah, the Almighty, said (in Surah 9, p/o verse 41), March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor). I am not heavy or light, because of that the struggle becomes necessary. He reported about the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and about the community of Sahaabah and Taabi’yeen.

He died a martyr in Jihaad (struggling in the cause of Allah), in the year 52 AH, in all probability. He was in the army of Yazeed bin Mu’aawiyah bin Abi Sufyaan that battled against Rome. Yazeed went to visit him and said, what do you need, Oh Companion of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)! He said, (Provide) my needs if I die. I ride and arrive in the earth of the enemy and find what I meet. If you don’t find (it), bury me and then return. He died (Allah be pleased with him). Yazeed carried out his wishes as he had been requested, even burying him under the wall of Al-Qastantiniyah. His grave is known. (They [the people there] pray for rain at it. They say it’s the grave of a pious man).