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Among the ranks of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ are towering figures whose stories are known by every Muslim.

Yet, there are also those whose names have faded, their acts of devotion scarcely remembered.

Now and then, we come across an incredible moment that shines light on one such forgotten hero.

I want to share the remarkable story of Qatada ibn al-Nu'man (RA), a name few may know but whose sacrifice is nothing short of miraculous.

The Battle of Uhud: A Moment of Chaos

The Battle of Uhud was a day of great trial for the Muslims. Initially, they gained the upper hand, but the tide turned when the archers disobeyed the Prophet’s ﷺ command to stay at their posts, allowing the Quraysh to regroup and launch a fierce counterattack.

Arrows rained down upon the Muslims from all directions, and amidst the chaos, the Prophet ﷺ found himself exposed and vulnerable to the onslaught.

Those Companions near him quickly sought to shield him from harm and fend off the enemy.

One of these brave souls was Qatada ibn al-Nu'man (RA).

Qatada had been using his bow tirelessly throughout the battle, so much so that it had lost its flexibility.

Yet, he continued to fire arrow after arrow, determined to protect the Prophet ﷺ.

As the intensity of the attack grew, Qatada noticed that arrows were dangerously close to striking the Prophet ﷺ.

At that moment, he realized there was only one thing left to do—he positioned himself directly in front of the Prophet ﷺ, using his own body as a shield.

The Arrow and the Sacrifice

Qatada didn’t hesitate. As arrows whizzed through the air, he stood firm, eyes locked on the Prophet ﷺ, ready to intercept any threat.

With unwavering focus, he blocked one arrow with his armor and another with his forearm.

But then, amidst the chaos, he saw an arrow coming too late—he knew he couldn’t block it with his body.

In that split second, Qatada made a decision. He couldn’t use his arms or body to shield the Prophet ﷺ.

So, he did the unthinkable—he used his face.

The arrow struck Qatada’s eye. The pain was excruciating, yet he stood tall, unwavering in his protection.

When the Prophet ﷺ saw what had happened to Qatada, he was moved to tears. The Prophet ﷺ placed his blessed hands on Qatada's face and made a heartfelt dua:

"O Allah! Qatada has protected Your Prophet with his face! Let his eye become the best eye, and let it be the most precise in sight."

Right there, in the heat of battle, the Prophet ﷺ removed the arrow from Qatada’s eye. With the Prophet’s blessed hands, it healed instantly.

Not only did it heal, but Qatada later remarked that this eye became the better and more precise of the two.

The beauty of this moment is overwhelming.

The Prophet’s ﷺ compassion and care for his companion invoked Allah’s mercy, resulting in nothing short of a divine miracle.

A Forgotten Hero’s Legacy

This is one of the only stories we know about Qatada ibn al-Nu'man (RA), yet it is miraculous.

As the dust settled and the Sahaba gathered around the Prophet ﷺ, they saw Qatada.

Half of his face was covered in dried, dark blood, but amidst that darkness, his eye shone with a distinct and powerful light.

Many of the Sahaba, walking back toward the group, were guided by the brightness of his eye to the Prophet ﷺ.

The Companions were not just followers of the Prophet ﷺ; they were lovers of him, willing to give everything for his sake.