Zaid was enslaved as a young child. He was brought to Mecca and given as a present to Muhammad the prophet. He was treated so well by Muhammad that when his father located him and tried to redeem him he preferred to stay with Muhammad, who then freed him and adopted him.

His name was changed to Zain bin Muhammad, and he was made one of his father's generals. He was commander of the army during the Ghazwa of Mu'tah. Muhammad's marriage to Zainab (who was Zaid's divorced wife) has been the cause of considerable controversy inside and outside Islam.

References

Armstrong, Karen. Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet. (London: Victor Gollancz, 1991)
"Unjust Sacrilege against The Prophet (pbuh): The West's Confession." Available at: http://www.jamaat.org/islam/unjust.html

Indexes

Arab, Middle Eastern
Near East
Saudi Arabia
1st to 10th Centuries Ce
Military and Defense
Slaves
Family Friends or Acquaintances
Priest, Religious, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Patron, Apprentice Master or Owner
Wealthy, Famous, Noble or Divine Adoptive or Foster Families
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care
Birth Family Traced Adoptee/Fosteree