Ḥakīm bin Ḥizām, the nephew of Ḥaḍrat Khadījahra, was a merchant who constantly moved about with various trade caravans. Once he purchased a few slaves during a trade expedition and gifted one of them to Ḥaḍrat Khadījahra. The name of the slave gifted to Ḥaḍrat Khadījahra was Zaid bin Ḥārithah. In actuality, Zaid belonged to a free family, but during a plunder he was taken captive and was made a slave forcefully. Khadījahra found Zaid to be wise and intelligent, so she entrusted him to Muḥammadsa.
It was always the practice of the Holy Prophetsa that he would treat his servants and slaves with extreme love like his own kith and kin. Hence, Muḥammadsa was affectionate to Zaid. Since Zaid possessed a sincere heart, he also developed love for Muḥammadsa. Meanwhile, Zaid’s father Ḥārithah and paternal uncle Ka‘b came to Makkah while looking for him. Both of them presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and with great humility requested the freedom of Zaid, thus that he may return home with them. Muḥammadsa responded, “Absolutely! If Zaid wishes to leave with your I delightedly give him permission to do so”. At this, Zaid was called upon and was asked by Muḥammadsa, “Zaid, Do you recognize these people?” “Yes,” responded Zaid, “they are my father and paternal uncle”. Muḥammadsa said, “They have come to take you. If you wish to leave with them, I gladly give you permission to do so.” “I shall not leave you on any account,” answered Zaid, “to me, you are far dearer than my own uncle or father.” Zaid’s father responded with great anger and grief, “What? Do you give preference to a life of slavery over that of freedom?” “Yes,” responded Zaid, “for I have witnessed such virtues in him as now, I can give preference to none above him.”
When Muḥammadsa heard this response he immediately stood up and took Zaid to the Ka‘bah and announced in a loud voice, “O People! Remain witness that as of this day I free Zaid and make him my son. He shall be my heir and I shall be his.” When Zaid’s uncle and father observed this sight, they were astounded. They happily left Zaid with Muḥammadsa. Since then, Zaid bin Ḥārithah became known as Zaid bin Muḥammad.1 However, after the Ḥijrah, God revealed a commandment that it is unlawful to take an adopted child as an actual son.2 Upon this, Zaid was once again given his original name, Zaid bin Ḥārithah. Nonetheless, the loving conduct of the ever-loyal Muḥammadsa remained unaltered with this ever-sincere servant, rather, it increased day after day. After the demise of Zaid, the Holy Prophetsa extended the same graciousness and love to his son Usāmah bin Zaidra who was born of Ummi Aimanra, a servant of the Prophetsa.
In addition to the honourable distinctions of Zaidra, one is that among all the companions of the Prophetsa, only his name is specifically mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān.3
1 * Usdul-Ghābah, Volume 2, pp. 141-142, Zaidubnu Ḥārithahra, Dārul-Fikr, Beirut (2003)
* As-Sīratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abū Muḥammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hishām, p. 188, Bābu Islāmi Zaidibni Ḥārithahra Thāniyyan, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001)
2 Al-Aḥzāb (33:5)
3 Al-Aḥzāb (33:38)