It is said that his name was Jawal and that he was called by the kunya Abū Malika. He was from the Banū ʿAbs tribe. He lived during the Jāhiliyya (pre-Islamic period) and the early days of Islam. He would travel through various lands, praise the leaders of people, and exploit their sense of generosity. Nevertheless, it is related that he himself was a miserly person. On one occasion, when setting out on a journey, he bade farewell to his wife and said to her:
"When I set out on a journey, count the years. Do not bother counting the months, for months are short."
He was both a satirist and a panegyrist. He composed fine poetry. One of his poems, which he recited in the presence of the Commander of the Faithful (Amīr al-Muʾminīn), ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, in which he requested his generosity, is as follows:
"The rewards of one who does good never come to an end. Between Allah and people, goodness does not perish."
Hubayb b. Yasāf b. ʿUtba al-Anṣārī
This person was among those who participated in the Battle of Badr.