Close follower of the Prophet Muhammad. Died 672.
As an early convert to Islam, Abu Ayyub sheltered Muhammad in his house for a time, after the Prophet was driven into exile in Madinah (Medina). Abu Ayyub participated in all the major battles of the Prophet's war with Mekkah (Mecca), and was later active in the conquest of Egypt. He died of dysentery during a siege of Constantinople (now Istanbul).