It is narrated from Muhammad bin Umar that it has been said of Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him), the mawla of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), that he was from the people of al-Sarah, and another view is that he was from Himyar. He came as a captive, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) bought him and set him free. He remained in the service of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) until his (peace and blessings be upon him) passing, then he moved to Syria and settled in Hims. He has a house there that is endowed as charity, and he passed away there in 54 AH.