Asʿad ibn Zurāra (Arabic: أسعد بن زرارة) (died 623), often known by his kunya Abū Umāma, was a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the first chief in Medina to become a Muslim.
As'ad was the son of Zurara ibn Udas and Suwad (al-Furaya) bint Rafi, both of the Malik branch of the Najjar clan of the Khazraj tribe in Medina.
[2]: 285 Saad ibn Muadh, an important chief of the Aws tribe, was their maternal first cousin.
[1]: 473 [2]: 248 He married Amira (Umayra) bint Sahl, also from the Malik ibn Najjar clan, and they had three daughters: al-Furaya, Habiba and Kabsha.
During the pilgrimage season that summer, they both travelled to Mecca, hoping that Utba ibn Rabia could settle it for them.
[1]: 475 They told their people about Islam, and the news spread around Medina until Muhammad had been mentioned in every home.
[3]: 198 In the summer of 621 As'ad brought eleven friends to the trade-fair, and they met Muhammad at al-Aqaba.
[4]: 280 [1]: 474 He gathered forty men together, and they met to hear Musab read the Quran to them, teach them about Islam and lead the prayers.
[3]: 201 As'ad and Musab continued calling people to Islam until nearly every family included some Muslims.
[3]: 201 The Muslims left camp in the middle of the night to meet Muhammad secretly at al-Aqaba.
[1]: 474–475 The Muslims from Mecca began to arrive in Medina, where they lodged as guests in the homes of the Medinan converts.
[3]: 218 In spring 623 As'ad suffered from an illness, similar to diphtheria or meningitis, that entailed a rattling in his throat.
[1]: 476 Muhammad attended his ritual washing and had him shrouded in three garments; he walked in front of the bier and conducted the funeral prayers.
"[3]: 235 As'ad left his mother, three daughters, an aunt and some gold and pearl jewellery in the care of Muhammad.
[2]: 285–286 Since As'ad had not left any sons,[1]: 473 the Najjar asked Muhammad to appoint a new leader for their clan.