Abu Dujana Simak bin Kharasha (?–632) was a sahaba of meritorious swordsmanship who is mentioned in hadith narrations from Sahih Sittah, the six major collections of Sunni Islam.
Skilled in melee combat[]
Abu Dujana is remembered as being one of Muhammad's most skilled companions in the battlefield, highly excelling in melee combat. He frequently distinguishing himself in battle by wearing a red band in his head, and engaged in bravado before fighting by strutting in front of his adversaries. In the Battle of Uhud, Muhammad gave Abu Dujana his sword as the often cited hadith narration reads:
- Anas reported that prophet Muhammad took hold of his sword on the Day of Uhud and said: Who would take it from me? All the persons stretched their hands saying: I would do it, I would do it. He (Muhammad) said: Who would take it in order to fulfil its rights? Then the people withdrew their hands. Abu Dujana said: I am here to take it and fulfil its rights. He took it and struck the heads of the polytheists. (Sahih Muslim 31:6040)
During the Battle of Uhud, Abu Dujana pierced into the enemy's lines, and even came within striking distance to the notorious Quraish leader, Hind bint Utbah who was encouraging others to mutilate the body of dead Muslims. According to various accounts, Abu Dujana spared her since he did not want to stain Muhammad's sword with the blood of a woman.
Abu Dujana, during the Battle of Uhud, received several wounds in his back after placing himself around Muhammad so as to act as a protection from arrows.
Mentioned in various hadiths[]
After the Battle of Uhud, the skilled warrior Ali spoke highly of his sword, though in a stunning pronouncement, Muhammad told Ali that Abu Dujana had likewise fought just as courageously.
Abu Dujana is mentioned in other hadiths including in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (see also 23:4887) he is found being served a drink by Anas alongside Abu Suhail bin Al-Baida' made from unripe and ripe dates. When the prohibition came on alcoholic drinks, Anas promptly rid them of this drink (he spilt it).
Death[]
He died in Battle of Yamama in 632. He was one of the two warriors (the other was Wahshy ibn Harb) who killed the self proclaimed Prophet Musailima.