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Suhayb’s (RA) story began in a place of unimaginable hardship.

Born into a noble family, Suhayb’s (RA) early life took a dark turn when, as a child, he was captured by Byzantine soldiers during a raid on his village.

He was taken as a slave to Constantinople, far from his home in the Arabian Peninsula.

Suhayb (RA) spent over 20 years as a slave, learning the ways of Byzantine society, which he would later recall with disdain.

He witnessed firsthand the corruption and injustice of the aristocracy and would one day reflect, “A society like this can only be purified by a deluge.”

When he finally managed to escape, Suhayb (RA) didn’t seek revenge or harbor bitterness for what he had endured.

He went straight to the place he felt was home.

Despite arriving in Mecca poor and without resources, Suhayb (RA) drew upon the knowledge and experience he had gained observing the ways of trade and commerce in the grand halls of Byzantine elites.

Partnering with Abdullah ibn Judan, one of Mecca’s noble leaders, he engaged in trade and quickly prospered.

Soon, he became one of the wealthy in Mecca.

It was here that Suhayb’s (RA) true journey began.

Encountering the Prophet ﷺ

In time, Suhayb’s (RA) life took another unexpected turn.

He learned that a man named Muhammad ﷺ had begun preaching the message of Islam, calling people to worship Allah alone and to abandon the injustices and corruptions of their time.

This message resonated with Suhayb (RA), who had seen enough of the Byzantine Empire’s moral decay to recognize this truth when he heard it.

One day, Suhayb (RA) met another seeker of truth, Ammar ibn Yasir (RA), who was also curious about the message of Islam.

Together, they cautiously approached the house of Al-Arqam, where the Prophet ﷺ was secretly preaching.

The two men entered and listened intently to the words of Muhammad ﷺ.

That day, faith entered Suhayb’s (RA) heart, and he embraced Islam alongside Ammar (RA).

Sacrifice for the Sake of Allah

Like many of the early Muslims, Suhayb (RA) endured severe persecution for his new faith.

Remember, Suhayb (RA) had money, but he came to Mecca as a foreigner with no tribe and no protection after Abdullah Ibn Judan died, yet he was still one of the first to declare his Islam openly.

The Quraysh harassed, tortured, and punished him, trying to make him abandon Islam.

But Suhayb (RA) remained steadfast.

When the Prophet ﷺ permitted his followers to migrate to Medina, Suhayb (RA) eagerly prepared to make the journey.

However, the Quraysh, knowing that Suhayb (RA) was wealthy, kept a close eye on him to prevent him from leaving with his riches.

One cold night, he pretended to have stomach troubles, going in and out of his house until his guards grew tired and fell asleep.

Suhayb (RA) seized the moment and set out toward Medina.

But his escape did not go unnoticed.

The Quraysh pursued him, and they soon caught up with him.

Climbing the top of a hill, Suhayb (RA) warned them,

“Ya Quraysh, you know I am one of the best archers among you. By Allah, you will not come near me without me shooting every arrow in my quiver at you, and I will not miss.

And when my arrows are finished, I will fight you with my sword until it breaks or is no longer in my hand.”

Now Suhayb (RA) did not fear death, and The Quraysh, seeing the certainty in his eyes, knew he wasn’t bluffing.

They responded, “We will not let you escape with your life and wealth.”

Suhayb (RA) then proposed: “What if I leave you my wealth? Will you let me go?”

They agreed, and Suhayb (RA), without hesitation, gave it all up.

He left behind everything he worked at for years, all for the sake of following the Prophet ﷺ.

A Fruitful Transaction

When Suhayb (RA) finally arrived in Quba, just outside of Medina, the Prophet ﷺ greeted him with a delighted smile.

The first words the Prophet ﷺ said to him were, “Your transaction has been fruitful, O Abu Yahya. Your transaction has been fruitful.”

Suhayb (RA) was amazed. “By Allah, no one has come before me to you, Messenger of Allah, and only Jibril could have told you about this.”

Imagine the honor he must have felt having Allah send Jibril to commemorate his stand.

The Prophet ﷺ affirmed Suhayb’s (RA) decision, reminding him—and us—that the true wealth is not what we accumulate in this world but the sacrifices we make for Allah.

The Qur’an even confirms this profound moment:

And there are those who would dedicate their lives to Allah’s pleasure. And Allah is Ever Gracious to ˹His˺ servants. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:207)

A Life of Generosity and Piety

Suhayb (RA) continued to live a life of devotion and generosity in Medina. His heart was always with the poor, and he was known for giving away his wealth in charity.

Even Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) took note of Suhayb’s (RA) generosity, once remarking, “I have seen you giving out so much food that you appear to be extravagant.”

Suhayb (RA) replied, “I have heard the Messenger of Allah say: ‘The best of you is the one who gives out food.’”

Suhayb (RA) was so esteemed that when Umar (RA) was on his deathbed, he appointed Suhayb (RA) to lead the Muslims in prayer during the interim period between his death and the election of the next caliph.