Abdullah bin Salam (RA) was belong to which religion before accepting Islam.

The correct answer is None of these.

Before embracing Islam, Hazrat Abdullah bin Salam (RA) was a prominent Jew. He was not just a common follower of the faith but a highly respected Rabbi and a profound scholar of the Torah. His original name was Al-Husayn bin Salam, which the Holy Prophet (PBUH) later changed to Abdullah upon his conversion.

Background and Lineage

Abdullah bin Salam (RA) was a descendant of the Prophet Yusuf (AS). He belonged to the tribe of Banu Qaynuqa, one of the three major Jewish tribes residing in Yathrib (now Medina). His life before Islam was dedicated to the study of the scriptures, and he was known throughout the city for his piety, righteousness, and immense knowledge of the prophecies contained within the Hebrew Bible. He spent much of his time in his orchard or in the study of the Torah, specifically looking for the signs of the "Awaited Prophet" mentioned in the ancient texts.

The Encounter with Truth

The arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Medina during the Hijrah (622 CE) marked the turning point in Abdullah's life. While he was working in his palm grove, he heard the news of the Prophet's arrival at Quba. Abdullah bin Salam (RA) rushed to the scene to observe the newcomer.

He famously recounted that the moment he looked upon the face of Muhammad (PBUH), he recognized that it was "not the face of a liar." He was particularly struck by the first words he heard the Prophet (PBUH) speak: "O people, spread peace, feed the hungry, maintain the ties of kinship, and pray at night while people are asleep; you will enter Paradise in peace." For a scholar who had studied the characteristics of a true Messenger for decades, these words and the Prophet's physical appearance served as undeniable evidence.

The Test of Character

Abdullah bin Salam (RA) accepted Islam immediately but realized the social weight his conversion would carry. He devised a test to show the Prophet (PBUH) the nature of his people. He hid in a room while the Prophet (PBUH) invited the Jewish leaders of Medina and asked them, "What is the status of Al-Husayn bin Salam among you?" The leaders replied, "He is our leader and the son of our leader; he is our Rabbi and our scholar." Then, Abdullah bin Salam (RA) emerged from his hiding place and announced his conversion to Islam. Immediately, the Jewish leaders changed their stance, calling him the "worst among them" and the "son of the worst." This event highlighted his integrity and the difficulty he faced in leaving a position of high social status for the sake of the truth.

Quranic Recognition

The significance of his conversion is so profound that many commentators of the Quran believe he is the "witness" referred to in Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:10), which states:

"Say, 'Have you considered: if the Qur'an was from Allah, and you disbelieved in it while a witness from the Children of Israel has testified to something similar and believed while you were arrogant...'"

Throughout his life as a companion, Abdullah bin Salam (RA) was a bridge between the Abrahamic traditions. He was given the glad tidings of Paradise by the Prophet (PBUH) during his lifetime, a rare honor that reflected his sincere heart and his role as a vanguard of the faith in Medina. His story remains a powerful example of how intellectual honesty can lead to spiritual enlightenment.