📘 Abdullah ibn Salam: The Rabbi Who Recognized the Truth
A Companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
📍 Introduction
Among the many companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, there was one man whose story stands out — a Jewish rabbi, respected by his people, who recognized the truth of Islam through deep knowledge and sincerity. His name was Abdullah ibn Salam (رضي الله عنه), and he was among the first people in Madinah to embrace Islam.
🧔🏻♂️ Who Was He?
Abdullah ibn Salam, originally named Al-Husayn ibn Salam, was a learned rabbi from one of the Jewish tribes in Yathrib (Madinah). Known for his truthfulness, humility, and religious devotion, he was well respected by his community.
He spent his days studying the Torah, teaching his people, and praying to the One God, hoping to live long enough to meet the final prophet foretold in his scriptures.
🌅 The Arrival of the Prophet ﷺ
When news reached Yathrib that a man claiming to be a prophet had arrived from Makkah, Abdullah was curious. He went to meet Muhammad ﷺ among a crowd.
He later said:
❝When I saw his face, I knew it was not the face of a liar.❞
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
❓ The Test of Prophethood
Abdullah asked the Prophet ﷺ three questions — tests that he believed only a true prophet could answer:
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What is the first sign of the Hour?
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What is the first food of the people of Paradise?
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Why does a child sometimes resemble his father and sometimes his mother?
The Prophet ﷺ answered all three correctly, including the sign of the Hour and a scientific explanation of genetics — things unknown to people of the time.
At that moment, Abdullah ibn Salam testified:
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and you are the Messenger of Allah."
🤫 Secret Faith, Public Declaration
Abdullah feared the reaction of his tribe, so he asked the Prophet ﷺ to question the Jews about his character before announcing his conversion.
They replied:
“He is the best among us, the most learned.”
Then when Abdullah appeared and announced his Islam, they turned and said:
“He is the worst of us, the most ignorant!”
This showed their denial was not based on truth, but pride and jealousy.
🕌 His Life as a Muslim
After embracing Islam, Abdullah ibn Salam became:
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A dedicated scholar and teacher in the Muslim community.
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A bridge between Muslims and Jews, using his scriptural knowledge to show the continuity of divine messages.
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A trusted advisor during the caliphates of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman.
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A man praised by the Prophet ﷺ himself as:
“A man of Paradise.”
(Hadith reported in al-Tirmidhi)
🛏️ His Death and Legacy
He died in Madinah, beloved and respected. His journey — from a Jewish rabbi to a Companion of the Prophet ﷺ — remains a powerful example of sincerity, scholarship, and submission to truth.
📖 Qur’anic Reference
Many scholars believe this verse refers to Abdullah ibn Salam:
“And a witness from among the Children of Israel has testified to something similar, and he believed…”
(Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:10)
💡 Lessons from His Life
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Seek truth sincerely — regardless of where it comes from.
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Scriptural knowledge can guide us to recognize what is right.
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Jealousy and pride can blind people from accepting truth.
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Courage to stand alone for what is right is a sign of real faith.
📚 About This Booklet
This booklet is a short tribute to Abdullah ibn Salam (رضي الله عنه), one of the early believers in Islam. His story shows how people of different backgrounds can find the truth in the message of Islam.
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