Zubayr ibn al-Awam

Born around 594, Zubayr joined Islam early and proved himself at the Battle of Badr in 624, where his command helped break the Quraysh. Muhammad gave him the title Hawari Rasul Allah after the Battle of the Trench. Following the prophet's death in 632, he led forces in the Ridda Wars under Abu Bakr, then pushed into Persia, Syria, Egypt, Sudan, and North Africa under Umar. After Umar's assassination he became chief advisor to the council that elected Uthman as third caliph. When Uthman was killed, Zubayr pledged to Ali but broke the oath after Ali refused to pursue vengeance. In December 656 t…