What title did Holy Prophet (SAW) give to Hazrat Talha on embracing Islam?

The correct answer to this question is Fayyaz.

Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA) was a distinguished companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and is famously known as one of the Ashara Mubashara—the ten companions who were given the glad tidings of Paradise in a single sitting. The title "Fayyaz," which translates to "the generous" or "the munificent," was bestowed upon him by the Holy Prophet (SAW) as a testament to his extraordinary selflessness and his habit of spending his vast wealth in the way of Allah without a second thought.

The Early Days and Acceptance of Islam

Hazrat Talha’s journey into the fold of Islam is a narrative of profound conviction. He was a successful and wealthy merchant of the Quraish tribe, known for his integrity in trade. His conversion was facilitated by Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA). While on a trade caravan to Basra, Talha met a Christian monk who prophesied the arrival of the final Prophet in the land of the Haram. Upon returning to Makkah and hearing of the Prophet’s (SAW) mission, he immediately accepted the faith.

His acceptance of Islam was not without its trials. Despite his noble lineage, he was subjected to persecution by his own family, particularly his mother and the notorious Nawfal ibn Khuwaylid. This period of suffering only strengthened his resolve, earning him a place among the "Early Vanguards" of Islam.

The Origin of His Titles

While "Fayyaz" is a primary title associated with his conversion and early life, the Holy Prophet (SAW) actually gave him several titles at different stages, all revolving around his kindness. During the expedition of Dhul-Ushaira, the Prophet (SAW) called him Talha al-Khayr (Talha the Good). Later, during the Battle of Uhud, he was called Talha al-Jood (Talha the Magnanimous).

The title Fayyaz specifically highlights his nature of being like a "flowing river of charity." One of the most famous incidents involved a day when Hazrat Talha (RA) received a massive sum of money from a business venture in Hadramaut—totaling some seven hundred thousand dirhams. It is recorded that he spent a sleepless night in distress, not out of greed, but out of fear of having such wealth in his house while others were in need. By the following morning, he had distributed every single coin among the poor and the widows of the Muhajireen and Ansar, keeping nothing for himself.

Valor and Sacrifice

Beyond his financial generosity, Hazrat Talha (RA) demonstrated "generosity of the soul" on the battlefield. At the Battle of Uhud, when the Muslim lines were under immense pressure, Talha (RA) acted as a human shield for the Prophet (SAW). He sustained over seventy wounds from swords, spears, and arrows while protecting the Messenger of Allah. It was during this battle that his hand was permanently paralyzed while warding off an arrow aimed at the Prophet (SAW).

This physical sacrifice, combined with his lifelong financial contributions, cemented his status as a pillar of the early Muslim community. His life serves as a definitive example of how wealth, when placed in the hands of a righteous individual, can become a tool for societal upliftment and divine pleasure. His legacy remains a cornerstone of Islamic history, reminding generations of the importance of being "Fayyaz"—generous in both wealth and spirit.