Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansaari (R.A)

When the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) migrated from Makkah Shareef and entered the Holy city of Madina, every tribe of the Ansaar who came to meet the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) held the reins of His (S.A.W) camel and requested Him (S.A.W) to stay at their home.

He (S.A.W) humbly declined and said, "Please leave the reins of my camel, she will stop wherever Allah (S.W.T) wishes her to". The camel finally halted at the residence of Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansaari (R.A) which was close to the area where Masjid-e-Nabawee Shareef currently stands.

Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansaari (R.A) then removed the possessions of Holy Prophet (S.A.W) off the camel and took them into his home; and thus, Rasoolullah (S.A.W) began to stay in the house of this Sahaabi.

He (S.A.W) was first offered the top floor to reside in, but chose the ground floor as convenience for those who shall come to meet Him (S.A.W).

Hazrat Abu Ayoob (R.A) would himself present food for the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) twice a day; and with his wife, have the honour of eating the leftovers which were regarded as sacred. For barkat they would even pick the food up by following the traces of His (S.A.W) fingers found in the plate.

Hazrat Abu Ayoob (R.A) maintained the strictest respect for Rasoolullah (S.A.W). Once, a clay water cooler broke on the second floor of his house, and fearing that it would leak downstairs and be an inconvenience to Holy Prophet (S.A.W). He began to soak it up with the only sheet he had.

Possessing no other sheets, he used it with his wife to sleep upon afterwards. They chose to wear the wet sheet and bear the suffering, than see Rasoolullah (S.A.W) in difficulty.

He (R.A) was host to the Prophet (S.A.W) for a period of seven months until Masjid-e Nabawee Shareef and its adjoining Hujras (apartments) were constructed. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) then, accompanied by his wives began to live within the six Hujras. (Zarqaani, Vol.1, Pg. 357)