Participation in Battles
Hazrat Zubair (ra) accompanied the Holy Prophet (sa) in the Battles of Badr, Uhud and all subsequent battles. During the Battle of Uhud, he remained steadfast by the side of the Holy Prophet (sa) and pledged allegiance even if it meant death. On the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca, one of the three flags representing the Muhajireen was carried by Hazrat Zubair (ra).
(al-Tabaqat al-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 77, Zubair (ra) bin al-Awwam, Dar-ul-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
On the day of [the Battle of] Badr, the Holy Prophet (sa) only had two horses with him, Hazrat Zubair (ra) was mounted on one of them.
(al-Tabaqat al-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 76, Zubair (ra) bin al-Awwam, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
It is related by Hazrat Urwah (ra) that Hazrat Zubair (ra) had three very deep sword-wounds on his body, in which he [Hazrat `Urwah] was able to put his fingers through. Two of these deep wounds were suffered during the Battle of Badr and one was suffered during the Battle of Yarmuk.
(al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 2, p. 459, Zubair (ra) bin al-Awwam, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)
Musa bin Muhammad narrates from his father that Hazrat Zubair bin al-Awwam (ra) could be recognised by his yellow turban, which he was wearing during the Battle of Badr. Upon seeing him, the Holy Prophet (sa) said that angels had descended in likeness of Hazrat Zubair (ra) – meaning the angels which Allah the Almighty had sent for their help were also dressed in the same attire.
(al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 2, p. 459, Zubair bin al-Awwam (ra), Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)
Hisham bin Urwah narrates from his father that Hazrat Zubair (ra) would say that on the day of the Battle of Badr, he encountered Ubaidah bin Saeed on the battleground. He was fully clad in armour and only his eyes were visible. He was known by the title of Abu Dhaat al-Karish and began declaring “I am Abu Dhaat al-Karish.” Upon hearing this, Hazrat Zubair (ra) attacked him with a spear and injured his eye, which resulted in his death. Hisham relates being told that Hazrat Zubair (ra) would say that he had to place his foot on him and pull the spear out with great difficulty, and when he did, he found that both edges had become twisted. Urwah said that the Holy Prophet (sa) asked Hazrat Zubair (ra) for that spear which he presented to him. When the Holy Prophet (sa) passed away, it came back into the possession of Hazrat Zubair (ra). Then Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) asked for the spear which he gave to him. After Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) had passed away, Hazrat Umar(ra) asked for the spear and Hazrat Zubair (ra) gave it to him. When Hazrat Umar (ra) passed away, it returned to the possession of Hazrat Zubair (ra), after which Hazrat Uthman (ra) asked to take the spear from him, and Hazrat Zubair (ra) gave it to him. When Hazrat Uthman (ra) was martyred, the spear was given to the family of Hazrat Ali (ra). Eventually, it came into the possession of Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (ra) and it remained with him until he was martyred.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Hadith no. 3998)