The Killing of Abu Jahl [Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib's (ra) Narration]
Whilst describing the circumstances during the Battle of Badr and the incident regarding the killing of Abu Jahl, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) writes:
“Now, the field of battle was heated by bloodshed. Before the Muslims was a party three times their number, which had entered the field of battle, embellished with all kinds of military equipment, determined to erase all traces of Islam. The poor Muslims were fewer in number, lesser in equipment and struck by shocks of poverty and exile, and as far as apparent means were concerned, they were a prey of a few minutes before the people of Mecca. However, they had become intoxicated in the love of Divine Unity and Prophethood. Living faith is a power in comparison to which there is no greater power on the earth, and it had instilled within them a supernormal strength. At that time, in the field of battle, they were displaying an unparalleled example of service to the faith.
“Every man would step ahead further than the other, and seemed restless to offer his life for the sake of God. Hamza (ra), Ali (ra) and Zubair (ra) cut down rank upon rank of the enemies. The passionate sincerity of the Ansar was such that Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra) relates:
‘When the war fully commenced, I looked to my right and left, but found two youngsters from the Ansar to both my sides. Upon seeing them, my heart sank, because in such wars, the outcome of battle greatly depends on the companions to the right and left. Only such a person can fight effectively, whose sides are secure.’
“Abdur Rahman (ra) adds:
‘I was still in this state of mind, when one of the two boys enquired of me in a whisper, as if to keep it secret from the other, (i.e. lest the boy on the other side should hear them) “O Uncle! Where is that Abu Jahl who would give grief to the Holy Prophet (sa) in Mecca? I have made an oath with God that I shall either kill him or die trying.” I had not yet responded when the other also whispered the same enquiry. Upon witnessing their courage, I was stunned because Abu Jahl was the general of the army and he was surrounded by veteran warriors. I pointed to him saying, “That is Abu Jahl.”’
Abdur Rahman (ra) states:
‘I had only to make an indication, when both children sprung forward like hawks and cutting through the enemy ranks reached there in an instant. They executed an assault so swiftly, that Abu Jahl and his comrades were left dumbstruck, and Abu Jahl was mixed to dust.’
“Ikramah bin Abi Jahl also accompanied his father. Although he was unable to save his father, he managed to strike Mu‘az (ra) from behind in such a manner, that his left arm was cut and began to dangle. Mu‘az (ra) pursued Ikramah, but he escaped. Since a semi-attached arm was a hindrance in battle, Mu‘az (ra) tore it forcefully from his body and continued to fight.”
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 362)