The Companion Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi Marthad ibn Abi Marthad was one of the ten noble Companions involved in the Incident of al-Raji’. He fought courageously against the tribe of Hudhayl alongside his fellow Muslims until he was martyred. Marthad had previously fought in both the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud. At only 23 years old, he was known for his powerful physique, exceptional bravery, speed, and remarkable self-control. His name, Marthad, carried the meaning of a wise and lion-hearted man. The Prophet ﷺ possessed remarkable insight in choosing the right people for each mission. He carefully matched every Companion to the task best suited to his abilities. When some Muslims remained trapped in Makkah and were prevented by Quraysh from migrating to Madinah, the Prophet selected Marthad to rescue them. Under the cover of night, Marthad would secretly enter Makkah, reach the places where Muslims were imprisoned and tortured, carry them away while they were still in chains, escort them outside the city, remove their shackles, and lead them safely to Madinah so they could live under the justice and freedom of Islam. Through his courage and faith, he successfully rescued a number of persecuted Muslims. On one occasion, however, Marthad made a risky decision by entering Makkah on a moonlit night. He reached one imprisoned Muslim, who was too weak to walk, lifted him while he was still bound, and carried him out. After stopping briefly to rest, he was recognized by a woman from Makkah named ’Anaq, who had known him before his conversion to Islam. She approached him and said, “Welcome, Marthad. Come and spend the night with us.” He replied, “Allah has forbidden adultery.” Angered by his response, she shouted, “People of Makkah! People of the tents! This is the man who smuggles prisoners out of Makkah!” Marthad immediately set the captive down and fled toward Mount Khandamah, one of the rugged mountains surrounding Makkah. He hid inside a cave. Eight men pursued him after the woman pointed out the direction he had taken. They reached the mountain, entered the very cave where Marthad was hiding, and stood directly before him as he lay on the ground. Yet Allah caused them to be unable to see him, and they left without finding him. Remarkably, Marthad did not return to Madinah after escaping. Instead, he went back for the captive he had left behind, carried him safely out of Makkah, freed him from his chains, and then returned with him to Madinah. After arriving in Madinah, Marthad asked the Prophet ﷺ, “O Messenger of Allah, may I marry ’Anaq?” He was not seeking an unlawful relationship; rather, he wished to marry her, believing that despite her attempt to expose him, she still cared for him. The Prophet ﷺ did not answer immediately. Marthad repeated his question, but the Prophet remained silent until Jibril (Gabriel) brought down the revelation: “The adulterer does not marry except an adulteress or an idolatrous woman, and the adulteress—none marries her except an adulterer or an idolater. That has been forbidden to the believers.” (Qur’an 24:3) Marthad رضي الله عنه was later martyred with the ten Companions during the Incident of al-Raji’.