What is Suraqa?

Answer 1

Suraqa ibn Malik is one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh). Before becoming a Muslim, Suraqah Ibn Malik, who was well-known for his valor and expertise in tracking people, followed the Prophet and his horse sank in the sand, whereupon he called out to the Prophet to pray for him. Suraqah tried again to follow the Prophet (pbuh), but the legs of his horse again sank to the knees in the sand. Then, he realized that the pursuit was futile because the man he pursued was certainly a true Prophet protected by Allah. He called out for help and promised not only to stop pursuing the Prophet (pbuh) but also to mislead and discourage others from so doing. He offered the Prophet (pbuh) and Abu Bakr his arms and food supplies, which they refused, asking him only to discourage others from following them. The Prophet (pbuh) prayed for him, whereupon his horse was free again. Suraqah started off for Makkah and suddenly stopped and called out: "Please wait! I would like to talk to you, and I promise not to harm you." When he was asked about his request, he said: "O Muhammad! By God, I know that your message will spread and our status will be high. Promise me that you will help me when I come to see you, and put this in writing." The Prophet (pbuh) dictated and Abu Bakr wrote the Prophet's promise. Upon leaving the presence of the Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) addressed Suraqah: "How would you feel if you were to wear the bracelets of Khosra (the Emperor of Persia)?" "Khosra, son of Hurmuz?" asked Suraqah. "Yes, Khosra son of Hurmuz," answered the Prophet (pbuh).

Answer 2

Suraqa is a masculine Arabic name that means "one who follows closely" or "pursuer." It is also the name of a Bedouin chief who pursued the Prophet Muhammad during his migration from Mecca to Medina, but later converted to Islam.