Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (587 - 668) - born Khalid ibn Zayd ibn Kulayb in Yathrib - hailed from the tribe of Banu Najjar and was a close companion (Arabic: الصحابه, sahaba) of Muhammad. Abu Ayyub was one among the Ansar (Arabic: الأنصار, meaning aiders, helpers or patrons) of early Muslim history, or those who supported Muhammad after the hijra (migration) to Medina in 622 C.E. The name Abu Ayyub, means father (abu) of Ayyub.