Uqba ibn Amir hailed from the Juhayna tribe, a branch of the Quda'a confederation resident across Syria and northwestern Arabia. He became a well-known companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and had been the latter's muleteer. Uqba was also a poet and became known for his writing skills. He developed a reputation as an early reader of the Quran and possessed a version of the Muslim holy book that was different than the version descended from Caliph Uthman (r. 644 - 656). Uqba is credited with the transmission of several hadith (traditions of Muhammad).