Horses have long been associated in Arabian culture with courage, strength, and nobility, serving as trusted companions in travel and moments of significance alike. The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave special attention to horses, and they were present throughout his life — used as a means of transport and relied upon in various situations.
The Prophet’s horses carried distinctive names, each connected to a story or defining characteristic, reflecting their importance and status at the time. Learning about these horses brings us closer to an aspect of the Prophet’s life and offers insight into the environment that formed part of early Islamic history.
The Prophet is reported to have owned several horses. Scholars have differed regarding their exact number and names; some have stated that seven are agreed upon, while others have suggested more. Among the horses attributed to the Prophet in historical sources are the following:
It was given this name because of its white coat and beautiful neigh. The Prophet purchased it from a Bedouin of Banu Murrah.
It was named for its long tail that seemed to cover the ground. It was also said that the horse would “wrap” itself at ‘Arafah, or that it resembled a mountain. Some reported its name as Al-Luhayf. It was a gift from Farwah ibn ‘Amr Al-Judhami (may Allah be pleased with him), while others said it was a gift from Ibn Abi Al-Bara’.
It was a gift from Al-Muqawqis, the ruler of Alexandria. It was named for its strong, well-built physique.
It was also a gift from Farwah ibn ‘Amr Al-Judhami. It was known for the beauty of its neigh, as well as its firmness and great strength, and the Prophet used it in battles.
It was named for its fullness, and it was also said that the name referred to the strength and solidity of its hooves. It was the first horse upon which the Prophet rode into battle. He purchased it in Madinah from a man of Banu Fazara for ten silver coins (uqiyyahs). Previously, it had been called Ad-Dars. It had a white blaze and white markings and was unrestrained on the right side.
It was a chestnut-coloured horse that the Prophet purchased from a Bedouin of Banu Juhaynah for ten camels. The Prophet used to race it.
It was used in battles and was a gift from Tamim Ad-Dari (may Allah be pleased with him). The name refers to a colour between reddish-brown and blond. The Prophet later gifted it to ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).
It was purchased from Yemeni traders. The Prophet raced it several times, and when it knelt, he stroked its head.
It is also said that among his horses were Al-Bahjah, At-Tarf (meaning noble), An-Najib, and Al-Mandub. Another opinion states that the number of the Prophet’s horses reached twenty-three, including Al-Ablaq, Dhu Al-‘Uqal, Dhu Al-Limmah, Al-Murtajil, As-Sarhan, Al-Ya‘bub, Al-Ya‘soub, Ash-Shahha’, and As-Sijl.
