Real name was ‘Khalid ibn Zayd ibn Kulayb’
He belonged to the Khazraj tribe of Ansar at Madina and was one of those who embraced Islam at the second Pledge of Aqaba.
He had the privilege and honour of hosting the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself when he came to Madina after migration.
Abu Ayyub's house had two storeys. He emptied the upper floor of his and his family's possessions so that the Prophet could stay there. But the Prophet, peace is on him, preferred to stay on the lower floor. Night came and the Prophet retired. Abu Ayub went up to the upper floor. But when they had closed the door, Abu Ayub turned to his wife and said:
"Woe to us! What have we done? The messenger of God is below and we are higher than he! Can we walk on top of the messenger of God? Do we come between him and the Revelation (Wahy)? If so, we are doomed."
He actively participated in all the major campaigns, both in the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and after his death in the reign of the four Righteous Caliphs.
Even though he rich he gave in the way of Allah profusely. Once the prophet said about his blessings:
"This is a bountiful blessing about which you will be asked on the Day of Judgment. If such comes your way, put your hands to it and say, 'Bismillah' (In the name of God) and when you have finished say, 'Al hamdu lillah alladhee huwa ashba'na wa an'ama a layna (Praise be to God Who has given us enough and Who has bestowed his bounty on us). This is best."
He was witness to the fall of Egypt at the hands of Hazrat Amar bin Aas under whose command he fought this battle against the Romans.
During the period of Hazrat Ali’s Caliphate, he remained Governor of Madina.
He also had a distinguished military career. Much of his time was spent as a warrior until it was said of him ,
"He did not stay away from any battle the Muslims fought from the time of Muhammad to the time of Muawiya, unless he was engaged at the same time in