Uthman ibn al-Huwayrith | |
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Born | DOB unknown Mecca, Hejaz |
Died | Byzantium |
Occupation | Poet, Hanif, Interpreter |
Language | Arabic |
Nationality | Quraysh |
Uthman ibn al-Huwayrith (Arabic: عثمان بن الحويرث) was an Arab of the Quraysh who was one of the four major hanifs (followers of the Abrahamic tradition) during the time of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and converted to Christianity.[1] After revolting against idol worship in Mecca in favor of monotheism during the late 6th century, he sought assistance from the Byzantine Empire in 590 in a ploy to install himself as king of Mecca. While in Byzantium, he converted to Christianity.[2] He is also known for having compiled poetic works.[3]