KA’B IBN MALIK كعب بن ملك
A companion of the Prophet and one of the Ansars of the tribe of Khazraj. He was celebrated as a poet, and embraced Islam after the second pledge of ‘Akabah. He was one of the three companions who refused to accompany Muhammad on the expedition to Tabuk (Hilal and Mararah being the other two), and who are referred to in the Qur’an, Surah ix. 118, 119: “Veily He is kind to them, unto the three who were left behind.” For a time Muhammad was displeased with them, but he afterwards became reconciled. Ka’b became a companion of some note, and died during the reign of ‘Ali.

Based on Hughes, Dictionary of Islam