Abstract:

The message of Islam delivered by prophet Muhammad was received with a positive response by some members of different segments of Meccan society. Among the first to accept this call was Utba b. Ghazwan. Those who accepted this invitation in Mecca were forced to leave their cities and migrate, as they were faced with oppression, torture and killing. Utba supported the mission of Islam by acting together with Prophet Muhammad in this difficult process. Utba, who settled in Madina after the migration of the prophet, participated in many expeditions and military campaigns as an archer during this period. After the prophet passed away, he participated in the conquests during the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn Khattab, and also served as the founding governor of Basra. Being the first city founded by Muslims who did not have the experience of establishing any other before, Basra is important in this respect. To know the life story of Utba will also contribute to understanding the perspective of Muslims on city building and planning.