Several Companions bore this name. Habib ibn Zayd al-Ansari, son of Nusayba bint Kaʿb, was sent by the Prophet ﷺ to Musaylima, who claimed to be a prophet; refusing to acknowledge him as one, he was put to death. Habib ibn Maslama al-Fihri became one of the military leaders of the conquests.
Meaning of the name Habib
Habib comes from the root ḥ-b-b of love (ḥubb, mahabba): it means “loved, dear, beloved” and, according to the lexicographers, also “one who loves, a friend”. The Quran often uses this root for the mutual love between Allah and the believers: “He loves them and they love Him” (5:54). In devotional language, al-Habib often refers to the Prophet ﷺ. The feminine is Habiba; it should not be confused with Khubayb (خُبَيْب), which comes from another root.
O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allāh will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him [who are] humble toward the believers, strong against the disbelievers; they strive in the cause of Allāh and do not fear the blame of a critic. That is the favor of Allāh; He bestows it upon whom He wills. And Allāh is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
Say, [O Muḥammad], "If you should love Allāh, then follow me, [so] Allāh will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful."
