Ayyub Ibn Sulaiman ibn Ibrahim was a Muslim victim of the slave trade who was first taken to Maryland but then made his way to England. He was then freed by a number of men in high society and became friends of many of them. This included Sloane, as Ayyub had the ability to translate Arabic into English which was very useful to Sloane in his collecting and research. His service to Hans Sloane included organizing the collection of Arabic Manuscripts at the British Museum.
In letter 4242 he writes to Sloane to thank him for his favours and wish him well in his life. He refers to Sloane as his ‘best friend’.
Reference:
Ayyuh Ibn Sulaiman ibn Ibrahim to Hans Sloane, 1734-12-08, Sloane MS 4053, f. 341, British Library, London.
Ayuba Suleiman Diallo, Wikipedia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayuba_Suleiman_Diallo, accessed 18/08/17]
Dates: to
Occupation: Unknown
Relationship to Sloane: Virtual International Authority File: