The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Take the Qur’an from four: Ibn Mas‘ud, Salim the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah, Ubayy ibn Ka‘b, and Mu‘adh ibn Jabal.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Salim, mawla Abu Hudhayfah was originally a Persian slave. He was freed by Abu Hudhayfah ibn ‘Utbah, a prominent Qurayshi companion, and adopted as a son before adoption was later nullified in Islamic law (Surah Al-Ahzab:5). 

After his emancipation, Salim became a highly regarded member of the Muslim community and one of the foremost memorizers (huffaz) of the Qur’an. He was a teacher of the Qur’an and known for his deep sincerity and love for Allah. He fought bravely in the Battle of Yamamah during Abu Bakar’s caliphate, and was martyred. He was considered one of the greatest Qur’an martyrs. 

Salim’s inclusion among the four companions from whom the Prophet ﷺ said to learn the Qur’an is a testament to Islam’s meritocratic values: a former slave, non-Arab man was honored for his knowledge, sincerity, and taqwa.