Zayd ibn Amr

Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl was a monotheist and poet who lived in Mecca before the advent of Islam. He rejected idol worship, believing that idols could neither benefit nor harm anyone. Zayd sought the true religion of Abraham and traveled extensively to Syria and Iraq, engaging with monks and rabbis to learn more about it. A monk in Syria told him that the religion he sought would soon be revived by a prophet from his own people, prompting Zayd to return to Mecca in hopes of meeting this prophet.

Zayd encountered Muhammad during his travels, but there are differing accounts of their interaction. Some reports suggest Muhammad offered Zayd meat sacrificed to idols, which Zayd refused to eat. Other accounts indicate that both Muhammad and Zayd declined such offerings. However, some scholars question the authenticity of these narratives, arguing that Muhammad would never consume or offer forbidden food.

Zayd faced significant opposition from his half-brother, al-Khattab, who harassed him for abandoning their traditional religion. This led Zayd to live in isolation near Mecca and eventually flee the region. He was killed by nomadic Arabs while traveling back toward Mecca before he could meet the prophet he had been seeking.

Zayd's son, Sa'id ibn Zayd, became one of the earliest converts to Islam and was among those promised paradise. Zayd's story highlights his commitment to monotheism and his anticipation of a prophetic figure who would restore Abraham's religion.