A blind, young cousin of Khadijah (raa) (from mother side), Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum was one of the earliest Muslims.
Abdullah witnessed the rise of Islam in Makkah. He was amongst the first to accept Islam. He lived through the persecution of the Muslims and suffered what the other companions of the Prophet experienced. His attitude, like theirs, was one of firmness, staunch resistance and sacrifice. Neither his dedication nor his faith weakened against the violence of the Quraysh onslaught. In fact, all this only increased his determination to hold on to the religion of God and his devotion to His messenger.
The sixteen verses of Surah Abasa were revealed to the noble Prophet about Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, which have continued to be recited from that time till today and shall continue to be recited.
He was left in charge of Madinah on more than ten occasions during Prophet Muhammed's absences and later, despite his disability, went into battle as the standard bearer of the Muslims. "Place me between two rows and give me the standard. I will carry it for you and protect it, for I am blind and cannot run away."