—Islam will not benefit him until he has renounced polytheism.
Ibn Ḥudhāfah died during the caliphate of ʿUthmān.
- Abū Rāfiʿ, the freedman of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace)
He was a Copt from Egypt. It is said that his name was Ibrāhīm, and others say it was Aslam.
He had been a slave of al-ʿAbbās, who then presented him to the Prophet. When the Prophet received the glad tidings of al-ʿAbbās’s acceptance of Islam, he set Abū Rāfiʿ free.
He transmitted several hadiths. Among those who narrated from him are his son ʿUbaydullāh ibn Abī Rāfiʿ, his grandson al-Faḍl ibn ʿUbaydullāh, Abū Saʿīd al-Maqburī, ʿAmr ibn al-Sharīd, and many others.
ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn also reported from him, though it appears he did not meet him in person.
Abū Rāfiʿ was present at the battles of Uhud and the Trench and was known for his knowledge and virtue.
He passed away during the caliphate of ʿAlī; some say he died in Kūfa in the year 40 AH. It is likewise related that he appointed ʿAlī as the executor of his estate, and ʿAlī used to pay the zakāt on the property of Abū Rāfiʿ’s children while they were orphans.
Bukayr ibn al-Ashajj said, “I was informed that he was a Copt.”