Acceptance Of Islam

Hazrat Zubair (ra) accepted Islam after Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). He was the fourth or the fifth person to accept Islam. Hazrat Zubair (ra) accepted Islam at the age of 12. According to some narrations, he accepted Islam when he was eight or 16 years of age.

Hazrat Hilal (ra) bin Umayyah was among the earliest converts to Islam. He destroyed the idols of the tribe of Banu Waqif and was the flag bearer of his people on the day of the Victory of Mecca.

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 381, Hilal bin Umayyah (ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Urwah bin Zubair narrates that Hazrat Bilal bin Rabah (ra) was amongst those individuals, who were considered amongst the weak members of society. When he accepted Islam, he was persecuted so that he may turn back from his faith. However, not once did he utter such words which they desired to hear from him – that is to deny belief in Allah the Almighty. Umayyah bin Khalf would punish him.

(Ibn Sa‘d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Bilal bin Rabah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2017] 175)

When Hazrat Bilal (ra) accepted the Holy Prophet (sa), he was persecuted through different means. When people would intensify their punishment against Hazrat Bilal (ra), he would say, “Ahad, Ahad” [i.e., God is one, God is one]. His tormentors would tell him to repeat as they did but in reply, Hazrat Bilal(ra) would say, “My tongue cannot utter such a thing.” According to another narration, when the mushrikeen [idolaters] would punish him so that they could deter him away from his belief, Hazrat Bilal (ra) would respond by saying, “Allah, Allah.”

(Ibn Sa‘d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Bilal bin Rabah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-‘Arabi, 2017] 175) (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 1, Bilal bin Rabah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2003] 283)

In one narration, it is mentioned that when Hazrat Bilal (ra) became a Muslim, his masters took hold of him and laid him on the ground and placed stones and cow skin on him and said, “Your gods are Lat and Uzza [names of idols].” However, Hazrat Bilal (ra) would only repeat, “Ahad, Ahad [God is One, God is One].” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) approached his masters and said, “For how long will you continue to torment this man?” Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) paid seven auqiyah for Hazrat Bilal (ra) and freed him. One auqiyah is equivalent to 40 dirham; that is, he paid 280 dirhams for him. Thereafter, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) narrated this incident to the Holy Prophet (sa), upon which the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “O Abu Bakr! Include me in this deed as well.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied, “O Prophet (sa) of Allah! I have already freed him.”

(Ibn Sa‘d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Bilal bin Rabah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2017] 175) (Waheed al-Zaman, Lughat al-Hadith, Vol. 4 [Lahore, Pakistan: Ali Asif Printers, 2002] 527)

Accounts on the life of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) were being narrated. In relation to the second pledge at Aqabah, it is written that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hazrat Ali (ra) and the paternal uncle of the Holy Prophet (sa), Hazrat Abbas (ra), were with the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Abbas (ra), who was the organiser of this meeting, appointed Hazrat Ali (ra) as a guard in one mountain pass and he appointed Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) to guard and protect another mountain pass.

(Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, p. 21, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

Narration 1

The Holy Prophet (sa) had also prayed for Hazrat Umar (ra) to accept the message of Islam. In relation to this, there is a narration. Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (sa) stated:

اَللّٰهُمَّ أَعِزَّ الْاِسْلَامَ بِأَحَبِّ هٰذَيْنِ الرَّجُلَيْنِ إِلَيْكَ بِأَبِيْ جَهْلٍ أَوْ بِعُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ

“O Allah! Whoever is dearer to you between Abu Jahl and Umar bin Al-Khattab, grant honour to Islam through him.”

Ibn Umar (ra) relates further, “Among these two, Hazrat Umar (ra) was dearer to Allah.”

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abwab al-Manaqib, Bab fi Manaqib Abi Hafs Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), Hadith 3681)

Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (sa) stated:

اَللّٰهُمَّ أَيِّدِ الدِّيْنَ بِعُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ

“O Allah! Grant support to the faith through Umar bin Al-Khattab.”

Hazrat Aisha (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (sa) stated:

اَللّٰهُمَّ أَعِزَّ الْإِسْلَامَ بِعُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ خَاصَّةً

“O Allah! Grant honour to Islam especially through Umar bin Al-Khattab.”

(Mustadrak lil Hakim ala al-Sahihain, Vol. 3, p. 89, Kitab Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, bab min Manaqib Amir al-Mu‘minin Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), Hadith 4483-4485, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

One day prior to Hazrat Umar (ra) accepting Islam, the Holy Prophet (sa) prayed:

اَللّٰهُمَّ أَيِّدِ الْإِسْلَامَ بِأَحَبِّ الرَّجُلَيْنِ إِلَيْكَ، عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ أَوْ عَمْرِو بْنِ هِشَامٍ

“O Allah! Whoever is dearer to you between these two men, that is, Umar bin Al-Khattab and Amr bin Al-Hisham, grant honour to Islam through him.”

When Hazrat Umar (ra) accepted Islam, Angel Gabriel (as) descended [from the heavens] and said, “O Muhammad (sa)! Even the heavens are pleased with Umar’s acceptance of Islam.” This is a narration from Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra.

(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Bab Islam Islam Umar (ra) [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], p. 123)

Narration 2 : Further Details

Further details in relation to Hazrat Umar (ra)’s acceptance of Islam are as follows: Hazrat Umar bin Al-Khattab (ra) accepted Islam in Dhul-Hijjah, 6 Nabawi.

(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 204)

There are various accounts and narrations mentioned in the books of hadith and history in relation to the factors that led to his acceptance of Islam.

One of the narrations regarding his acceptance of Islam has been recorded in Al-Sirah Al-Halabiya in which it states that on one occasion, Abu Jahl said to the people:

“O people of Quraish! Muhammad (sa) speaks against your idols and considers you bereft of wisdom. Moreover, he states that your idols are the fuel for the hell-fire. Thus, I announce that whosoever among you kills Muhammad (sa), he will receive a reward of a hundred red camels and a 1,000 auqiyah of silver.”

One auqiyah was equal to 40 dirhams at the time, which is approximately 126 grams; however, according to others, it was even more than this. In any case, it was a very large amount which was fixed as a reward. One auqiyah is equivalent to 126 grams, which is a very large amount that had been fixed as a reward. According to another narration, he stated that whoever would kill the Holy Prophet (sa) would receive “X” auqiyah of gold and silver and also such and such amount of musk, precious clothes as well as many other items. Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) stated that he would be the one who would attain this reward. The people present at the time all agreed that he would indeed be the one to attain this reward. Thereafter, Hazrat Umar (ra) settled a formal agreement with him. Hazrat Umar (ra) states that after this, he set out in search of the Holy Prophet (sa) with an unsheathed sword hanging from his shoulder. Along the way, he passed by a certain place where a calf was being slaughtered. From the stomach of the calf, he heard a voice, “O progeny of Dhareeh!” Dhareeh was the name of the calf that was being slaughtered. And the one who was saying this then stated in a clear voice, inviting him to the bear witness that “there is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad (sa) is His Messenger”. Hazrat Umar (ra) states that he felt as if this indication for him.

(Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 1, Bab al-Hijrah al-Ula ila Ard al-Habshah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 470) (Lughat al-Hadith, Vo. 4, p. 527)

That is, if this tradition from Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah is correct, it is possible that this was a vision which Hazrat Umar (ra) experienced at the time whereby he also heard this voice.

Third Narration

The third narration in regard to Hazrat Umar’s (ra) acceptance of Islam is as follows:

Hazrat Umar (ra) relates, “One day I arrived at the Haram with the intention to perform tawaf [i.e. perform circuits of the Ka‘bah]. At the time, the Holy Prophet (sa) was standing there offering his prayers. Whenever he would offer his prayers, he would face in the direction of Syria, i.e. towards the rock in Baitul Maqdas. And he would stand in such a way that the qiblah would come between him and the direction of Syria. Thus, the Holy Prophet (sa) would be stood between the Hajr al-Aswad [Black Stone] and Rukn al-Yamani [The Yemeni Corner]. (The Rukn al-Yamani is the south-eastern corner of the Ka‘bah and is in the direction of Yemen) and without [standing there] one cannot not face Baitul Maqdas.

Hazrat Umar (ra) further states:

“When I saw the Holy Prophet (sa), I decided that I would listen to what he recited. Then I thought that if I went close to him in order to listen, he may become alerted [of my presence], therefore I came from the side of the Hajr al-Aswad and stood behind the drapes of the Ka‘bah and began to slowly walk across. The Holy Prophet (sa) remained occupied in his prayer and was reciting Surah al-Rahman. I eventually stood right before the Holy Prophet (sa) in the direction he was facing and there was nothing between me and him apart from the drapes of the Ka‘bah. When I heard the recitation of the Holy Quran, my heart began to melt and I began to cry and the message of Islam had penetrated inside me. I remained standing where I was until the Holy Prophet (sa) had completed his prayer and returned from there. I began to walk behind the Holy Prophet (sa). When the Holy Prophet (sa) heard the sound of my footsteps, he recognised me. The Holy Prophet (sa) thought that perhaps I was walking behind him in order to cause him harm. And so, the Holy Prophet (sa) admonished me, saying, ‘O Ibn Khattab! With what intention have you come here so late into the night?’ I submitted, ‘I have come to profess my belief in Allah, His Messenger (sa) and that which has been revealed to him by Allah.’”

Fourth Narration:

The fourth narration that is found is as follows:

Hazrat Umar (ra) relates:

“One night, my sister began to feel labour pains and so I left my house and went to the Ka‘bah. Whilst holding onto the drapes of the Ka‘bah, I began to pray. At the same time, the Holy Prophet (sa) also arrived and offered his prayer near the Hajr al-Aswad as much as Allah had willed for him. At that moment, I had heard such words, which I had never heard before. And so, when the Holy Prophet (sa) left from there, I began to walk behind him.

“The Holy Prophet (sa) enquired, ‘Who is it?’ to which I replied, ‘Umar’. The Holy Prophet (sa) then stated, ‘O Umar, you do not leave me alone in the day nor in the night.’ Upon this, I became fearful lest the Holy Prophet (sa) prayed against me and immediately proclaimed:

اَشْهَدُ‭ ‬اَنْ‭ ‬لَّا‭ ‬اِلٰهَ‭ ‬اِلَّا‭ ‬اللّٰهُ‭ ‬وَاَنَّكَ‭ ‬رَسُوْلُ‭ ‬اللّٰهِ‮ ‬‭ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“‘I bear witness that there is none of worthy of worship except Allah and indeed you are the Messenger (sa) of Allah.’

“Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘O Umar! Do you wish to keep your Islam hidden [from others]?’ I submitted, ‘No, I swear by Him Who has sent you with the true religion that I will declare my acceptance of Islam just as I would previously declare my belief in shirk.’ Upon this the Holy Prophet (sa) praised Allah the Almighty and said, ‘O Umar! May Allah keep you steadfast upon the truth.’ Thereafter, the Holy Prophet (sa) rubbed his hand over my chest and prayed for me to remain steadfast. After this, I left from there and the Holy Prophet (sa) returned to his home.”

(Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 1, Bab al-Hijrah al-Ula ila Ard al-Habshah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002] p. 469) (Farhang-e-Sirat, p. 135)

Fifth Narration

The fifth narration in regard to Hazrat Umar’s (ra) acceptance of Islam, which is a very famous one, and some of its details have been briefly mentioned previously as well is as follows:

Hazrat Anas (ra) bin Malik relates that one day, Hazrat Umar (ra) left his house with his sword drawn. Along the way he met someone from among the Banu Zuhra and asked, “O Umar! What are your intentions?” Hazrat Umar (ra) responded, “I am going to kill Muhammad (sa)” (God-forbid). To this, he replied, “By killing Muhammad (sa) will you remain safe from the Banu Hashim and Banu Zuhra?” Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, “I believe you have forsaken your religion.” This individual then said, “O Umar! Shall I not inform you of something even more astonishing than this? You say that I have abandoned my faith, but let me tell you a news even bigger than this and that is that your sister and brother-in-law have both left the religion which you follow.”

Upon hearing this, Hazrat Umar (ra) went to their house whilst cursing them. At the time, a companion from among the Muhajireen, Hazrat Khabbab (ra) was with them. (I related this account previously in relation to Hazrat Khabbab (ra).) When he heard Hazrat Umar’s (ra) voice, he hid inside the house. Hazrat Umar (ra) entered the house and asked, “What were you reading? What was this that I just heard coming from here?” At the time, they were reciting Surah Ta Ha. They replied that apart from one thing there was nothing else they were talking about. Hazrat Umar (ra) then asked, “I have heard that you both have abandoned your religion.” Hazrat Umar’s (ra) brother-in-law asked, “O Umar! Have you ever pondered that the truth may be found in a faith other than yours?” (If you are searching for the truth, have you considered that the truth may be found in another religion?) Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) took hold of his brother-in-law and began to hit him. Hazrat Umar’s (ra) sister tried to come in the way to save her husband and Hazrat Umar (ra) raised his hand against her as well as a result of which blood began to pour from her face. She became extremely angry and said, “O Umar! If the truth is to be found in a faith other than yours, then proclaim that ‘there is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad (sa) is His Messenger.’” When Hazrat Umar (ra) failed to come up with a response, he stated, “Give me the book which you have with you, so that I may read it.” (Hazrat Umar (ra) knew how to read.) Hazrat Umar’s (ra) sister stated, “You are not clean and no one can touch this in a state of impurity. Therefore, either take a bath or perform ablution first.”

And so, Hazrat Umar (ra) performed ablution and then took hold of the book and began to read Surah Ta Ha. When he reached the verse:

اِنَّنِيْ اَنَا اللّٰهُ لَا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِيْ وَ اَقِمِ الصَّلٰوةَ لِذِكْرِيْ

“Verily, I am Allah; there is no God beside Me. So serve Me, and observe Prayer for My remembrance” [Ch.20: V.15]

After reading this verse, Hazrat Umar (ra) said, “Tell me where Muhammad (sa) is.” Upon hearing this, Hazrat Khabbab (ra) came out of the house and said, “O Umar! Let there be glad-tidings for you. I wish that the prayer of the Holy Prophet (sa) which he offered on Thursday night may be accepted in your favour. The Holy Prophet (sa) had prayed:

اَللّٰهُمَّ أَعِزَّ الْاِسْلَامَ بِعُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ اَوْ بِعَمْرِو بْنِ هِشَامٍ

“‘O Allah! Grant honour to Islam through Umar bin Al-Khattab or Amr bin Hisham.’”

At the time, the Holy Prophet (sa) was in a house that was situated in the valley of Safa. And so, Hazrat Umar (ra) left from there and reached the house. At the time, Hazrat Hamzah (ra), Hazrat Talhara and various other companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) were at the door. Hazrat Hamzah (ra) noticed that they were scared of Hazrat Umar (ra) and he said, “Alright, so this is Umar. If Allah has bought him for his own good, then he shall accept Islam and follow the Holy Prophet (sa). However, if he has come with any other intention then it will be easy for us to kill him.”

At the time, the Holy Prophet (sa) was inside the house and was receiving divine revelation. The Holy Prophet (sa) came outside and went to Hazrat Umar (ra) and took hold of him from the chest and said, “O Umar! Will you not refrain from your actions until Allah causes your ruin and sends down a terrible punishment just as he did for Walid bin Mughira?” Thereafter, the Holy Prophet (sa) prayed to Allah the Almighty, “O Allah! This is Umar bin Al-Khattab. O Allah! Grant honour to the faith through Umar bin Al-Khattab.” After this, Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, “I testify that you are the Messenger (sa) of Allah.” Hazrat Umar (ra) then accepted Islam and stated, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah! Come out for the propagation of Islam.”

It is narrated from Ma‘mar and Zuhri that Hazrat Umar (ra) accepted Islam after the Holy Prophet (sa) was in Dar al-Arqam and he was the fortieth person to accept Islam, or he accepted Islam slightly after 40 men and women had entered Islam. Dar al-Arqam was the house or centre which belonged to a new convert Arqam bin Abi al-Arqam and was situated just outside of Mecca. The Muslims would gather here and this became a centre for Muslims to learn about their faith and worship etc. For this reason, it also became known as Dar al-Islam and this remained the centre for the Muslims in Mecca for three years; here, they would worship away from others and also the Holy Prophet (sa) would hold gatherings. Then when Hazrat Umar (ra) accepted Islam, the Muslims came out from there. In a narration it is stated that Hazrat Umar (ra) was the last person to accept Islam in this centre and after he accepted Islam, it gave courage to the Muslims and they came out from Dar al-Arqam and began preaching openly.

(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], pp. 142-143) (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 129)

There is another narration with regard to Hazrat Umar (ra) accepting Islam with a slight variation. In the aforementioned incident, it was stated that [Hazrat Umar (ra) heard] the opening verses of Surah Ta Ha being recited in his sister’s house, whereas in another narration it is mentioned that it was the opening verses of Surah al-Hadid.

(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003], p. 140)

Sixth Narration

There is a sixth narration as well regarding Hazrat Umar’s (ra) acceptance of Islam. Hazrat Umar (ra) states:

“One day, prior to accepting Islam, I set out in search for the Holy Prophet (sa), but noticed that he had reached the mosque [Al-Haram] before him. I stood behind him. He began to recite Surah al-Haqqah. Upon hearing the order and composition of the Holy Qur‘an I was left amazed and I said, ‘By God! He is a poet, just as the Quraish say he is.’”

Hazrat Umar (ra) further says, “When I thought of this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said:

اِنَّهٗ لَقَوْلُ رَسُوْلٍ كَرِيْمٍ۔ وَّ مَا هُوَ بِقَوْلِ شَاعِرٍ۔ قَلِيْلًا مَّا تُؤْمِنُوْنَ

Meaning, “That it is surely the word brought by a noble Messenger; And it is not the word of a poet; little is it that you believe!”

Hazrat Umar (ra) then said, “He is a fortune-teller” i.e. a sorcerer. “Subsequently, the Holy Prophet (sa) recited the following:

وَلَا بِقَوْلِ كَاهِنٍ۔ قَلِيْلًا مَّا تَذَكَّرُوْنَ۔ تَنْزِيْلٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ۔ وَلَوْ تَقَوَّلَ عَلَيْنَا بَعْضَ الْأَقَاوِيْلِ۔ لَأَخَذْنَا مِنْهُ بِالْيَمِيْنِ۔ ثُمَّ لَقَطَعْنَا مِنْهُ الْوَتِيْنَ۔ فَمَا مِنْكُمْ مِّنْ أَحَدٍ عَنْهُ حَاجِزِيْنَ

And then he recited to the end of the chapter. The translation is as follows: “Nor is it the word of a soothsayer; little is it that you heed! It is a revelation from the Lord of the worlds. And if he had forged and attributed any sayings to Us; We would surely, have seized him by the right hand, and then surely, We would have severed his life-artery, And not one of you could have held Our punishment off from him.”

Hazrat Umar (ra) then says, “From that moment, Islam was etched on my heart.”

(Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 1, Musnad Umar (ra) bin al-Khattab, Hadith 23966 [Beirut, Lebanon: Alam al-Kutub, 1998], pp. 108-109)

Seventh Narration

There is a seventh narration [regarding Hazrat Umar (ra) accepting Islam], which is a narration of Bukhari. Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Umar narrates:

“Whenever I heard Hazrat Umar (ra) say, ‘I think that such and such will happen’, it would come true just as he had stated. Once, while Hazrat Umar (ra) was sitting, a handsome man passed by him. Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘If I am not mistaken, this person still follows the religion of the Jahiliyyah [era of ignorance before the advent of Islam] or he was their fortune-teller. Bring this man to me.’

“The man was brought to Hazrat Umar (ra) and informed of what was said [about him]. The man said, ‘I have never seen such a day on which a Muslim was faced with such an accusation.’” This man later accepted Islam.

“Hazrat Umar (ra) then said, ‘I am adamant that you should tell me the truth.’ He said, ‘I was a fortune-teller in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance.’ Then Hazrat Umar said, ‘Tell me the most astonishing thing your female jinn has told you of.’” They were fortune-tellers and magicians and so he asked what peculiar thing the Jinn had told him about. “He replied, ‘One day while I was in the market, she came to me and was petrified. She said, “Have you not seen the jinn and their state of despair and anxiousness they have been left in? [For now, all they do is] follow the camels and their saddles.”’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘He is right,’ and added, ‘One day, while I was sleeping near their idols, a man came with a calf and slaughtered it [as an offering to the idols]. Someone let out a shriek, the likes of which I had never heard before. He was exclaiming, “O transgressing enemy! A matter of success [approaches]! An eloquent man proclaims: ‘No one has the right to be worshipped except Allah.’” Upon hearing this the people fled, but I [i.e. Hazrat Umar (ra)] said, “I shall not flee till I know who is behind this.” Then the cry came again: “O transgressing enemy! A matter of success [approaches]! An eloquent man proclaims: ‘None has the right to be worshipped except Allah.’” I then went away and a few days later it was said, “A prophet has appeared.”’”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al-Ansar, Bab Islam Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), Hadith 3866)

In some versions of Bukhari, instead of “there is none worthy of worship except Allah”, the wording is “there is none worthy of worship except Thee”. This is a narration of Bukhari.

With regard to Hazrat Umar’s (ra) acceptance of Islam, there are various accounts mentioned in the books of history and biographies. Among them the most well-known, i.e. the one that is commonly cited is the one in which Hazrat Umar (ra) went with his sword in order to kill the Holy Prophet (sa), God-forbid, but someone along the way, informed him to first see to his sister and brother-in-law and then he went to their house. This is the narration that is widely accepted and is mentioned in most of these places. Although there are various other narrations as have been mentioned earlier; however, historians and biographers have greatly debated the authenticity of these narrations according to their own understanding. Nonetheless, we accept the narration in which there is mention of the events that took place in Hazrat Umar’s (ra) sister and brother-in-law’s house and that Hazrat Umar (ra) went to Dar al-Arqam from there.

It can be said that there is a possibility that all the aforementioned narrations about Hazrat Umar’s (ra) acceptance of Islam are correct in their own right which would indicate that at different times, Hazrat Umar’s (ra) viewpoint began to slowly change. At times, one undergoes changes at various stages but is unable to take the final step. Perhaps the final step was when Hazrat Umar (ra) heard the Quran in the house of his sister and brother-in-law and then he presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa) in order to accept Islam. In any case, Allah the Almighty knows best.

At the time of his acceptance of Islam, he was 33 years old and he was the chief of the Banu Adi tribe. [Prior to] pledging allegiance, he had the responsibility of being an envoy for the Quraish. Furthermore, he was extremely influential, brave and courageous. After he accepted Islam, it strengthened the Muslims and they came out from Dar al-Arqam and offered prayers openly in Masjid al-Haram. Hazrat Umar (ra) was the last companion who accepted Islam in Dar al-Arqam and this took place in the last month of the sixth year after the advent of the Holy Prophet. At the time, the total number of Muslim men in Mecca was 40.

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 159)

The Promised Messiah (as) states with regard to Hazrat Umar (ra) accepting Islam:

“Observe just how beneficial Hazrat Umar (ra) proved to be. There was a time when he had not accepted Islam and remained in this state for four years. Allah the Almighty knows best the secret behind this. Abu Jahl was searching for someone who would kill the Holy Prophet (sa).

“At the time, Hazrat Umar (ra) was well-known for his bravery and courage and he possessed great might. They discussed amongst themselves and he took up the task of killing the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Umar (ra) and Abu Jahl signed a contract in which it was stated that if Hazrat Umar (ra) killed the Holy Prophet (sa), he would be rewarded with such and such amount.

“It is the power of Allah the Almighty that the same Umar (ra) who once went forth to slay the Holy Prophet (sa) later accepted Islam and was himself martyred. What an extraordinary era that was!

“Hence, the contract was signed that he would be the one to kill him. After signing this, he would go about in search of the Holy Prophet (sa) and spend the nights doing the same”, i.e. Hazrat Umar (ra) would spend his time searching for the Holy Prophet (sa) and go about the night as well hoping for an opportunity to kill him in secret.

“He would enquire of the people as to when the Holy Prophet (sa) would be alone. They would say that after half the night had passed, he would go to the Ka‘bah to offer his prayers. Hazrat Umar (ra) was delighted to hear this, so he went and hid in the Ka‘bah. After a short while, he could hear the sound of:

لَا اِلٰهَ‭ ‬اِلَّا اللّٰهُ‬‬

“‘There is no god except Allah’ emanating from the wilderness; it was the voice of the Holy Prophet (sa). Having heard his voice and understanding that he was making his way there, Hazrat Umar (ra) sat even more diligently and decided that he would strike him with his sword when he lay in prostration, severing his head from his shoulders. As soon as the Holy Prophet (sa) arrived, he began performing his prayers. Hazrat Umar (ra) relates what happened thereafter.”

The Promised Messiah (as) states:

“Hazrat Umar (ra) himself relates what subsequently took place: ‘The Holy Prophet (sa) wept so much as he supplicated during his prostration that I was shaken to the core, to the point where the Holy Prophet (sa) even said:

سَجَدَ‭ ‬لَكَ‭ ‬رُوْحِيْ‭ ‬وَجَنَانِيْ‬‬‬‬‬‬

“O my Lord, my soul and my heart prostrate before You.”’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) states, ‘Having heard these prayers, my heart was torn apart. In the end my sword fell from my hand in awe of the truth. I realised from witnessing the Holy Prophet (sa) in such a state that he was truthful and would indeed be successful, yet the soul that incites to evil is indeed wicked and would incite over and over again.

“‘When the Holy Prophet (sa) had completed his prayers and left, I pursued him. The Holy Prophet (sa) heard my footsteps. The night was dark. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked, “Who is it?” I replied, “Umar.” He then said, “Umar, neither do you leave us in the night nor in the day.” In that moment, I sensed the scent of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) soul and I felt as though he was about to curse me. I said, “Do not curse me.”’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) states, ‘That time and that moment was for my acceptance of Islam, and God Almighty enabled me to become a Muslim.’”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 180-181)

This is an extract of the Promised Messiah (as) and there is another quote of the Promised Messiah (as) which also sheds further light on this. It mentions more or less the same details but with a slightly different conclusion.

The Promised Messiah (as) states:

“Prior to accepting Islam, Hazrat Umar (ra) would often meet with Abu Jahl. In fact, it is mentioned that once, Abu Jahl conspired to kill the Holy Prophet (sa) and for this, he even fixed a reward. Hazrat Umar (ra) was chosen to carry out this task and so he sharpened his sword and remained in search of the opportunity to carry this out. Hazrat Umar (ra) came to learn that the Holy Prophet (sa) would go to the Ka‘bah in the middle of the night every day to offer his prayers. Subsequently, Hazrat Umar (ra) went to the Ka‘bah and hid. He then began to hear the words:

لَا‭ ‬اِلٰهَ‭ ‬اِلَّا‭ ‬اللّٰهُ‬‬‬‬‬‬

“‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah’ coming from the direction of the wilderness and the sound started coming closer and closer until the Holy Prophet (sa) entered inside the Ka‘bah and began to offer his prayers.

“Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘The Holy Prophet (sa) supplicated so profusely that I no longer had the courage to strike my sword. When the Holy Prophet (sa) concluded his prayer, he left and I walked behind him. When the Holy Prophet (sa) heard my footsteps, he enquired as to who it was. I replied, “It is Umar!” Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, “O Umar! You do not leave me alone in the day nor in the night.”’ Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘I felt as if the Holy Prophet (sa) was going to pray against me and so I stated, “As of today, I shall no longer cause you any hardship.”’

“Since the Arabs had great regard for their vows, therefore the Holy Prophet (sa) took his word, but the reality was that the time for Hazrat Umar’s (ra) [good fortune] had been decreed.” This is slightly different from the previous quote.

“At that moment, the Holy Prophet (sa) felt that God would not allow him to go to ruin and eventually Hazrat Umar (ra) became a Muslim and immediately severed his ties of friendship and relations with Abu Jahl and the other opponents and a new bond of brotherhood was established in its stead with Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and the other companions; not once did he ever think about those previous relations.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 340)

Then, mentioning Hazrat Umar’s (ra) acceptance of Islam in a similar manner – perhaps with a difference of just a few words – the Promised Messiah (as) states:

“You will have heard of the incident when Hazrat Umar (ra) went forth to kill the Holy Prophet (sa). Abu Jahl had circulated a form of announcement amongst the people that whoever killed the Holy Prophet (sa) would be granted great reward and honour. Prior to him embracing Islam, Hazrat Umar (ra) settled an agreement with Abu Jahl to kill the Holy Prophet (sa). Following this, he remained in search for the perfect opportunity. Upon enquiring, he was informed that the Holy Prophet (sa) would go the Ka‘bah in the middle of the night in order to offer his prayers. Deeming this to be the perfect opportunity, Hazrat Umar (ra) went in the evening and hid in the Ka‘bah. In the middle of the night, the words:

لَا‭ ‬اِلٰهَ‭ ‬اِلَّا‭ ‬اللّٰهُ‬‬‬‬‬‬

“‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah…’ began to emerge from the wilderness. Hazrat Umar (ra) decided that as soon as the Holy Prophet (sa) would go into prostration, he would kill him. The Holy Prophet (sa) began to offer his prayers with such anguish and fervency and offered praise to Allah the Almighty in his prostrations in such a manner that Hazrat Umar’s (ra) heart was moved. He lost all his courage and the hand with which he sought to carry out the act of killing became completely lax” – the softening of his heart has been described in this particular manner in this quote.

“Upon completing his prayer, when the Holy Prophet (sa) left to go home, Hazrat Umar (ra) followed him. The Holy Prophet (sa) heard footsteps and enquired who it was. Upon learning who it was, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘O Umar! Will you not leave me?’ Fearing lest the Holy Prophet (sa) would pray against him, Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘I have abandoned the plan to kill you; please do not pray against me!’ Hazrat Umar (ra) would often say that this was the very first night in which the love for Islam entered his heart.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 7, p. 61)

I have read out three different quotes; they are from January 1901, August 1902 and June 1904 or perhaps 1907. In all three quotes, the Promised Messiah (as) has mentioned Hazrat Umar (ra) going to the Ka‘bah in order to attack [the Holy Prophet (sa)]. It is possible that perhaps, after this incident, having been overcome by “nafs-e-amarah” [the state that incites to evil], he may have left during the day as well and that is when the incident involving his sister took place, which is generally quoted [in reference to his acceptance of Islam].

However, in any case, in all three instances, the Promised Messiah (as) stated this particular incident. Since the Promised Messiah (as) also mentioned the subject of nafs-e-amarah here, therefore it is possible that he was overcome by his emotions once again and left [to his sister’s house].

In any case, in both incidents, whether it be the one involving his sister and brother-in-law or going in the night to kill [the Holy Prophet (sa)], Hazrat Umar (ra) decided to do this due to the incitement of Abu Jahl and him fixing a reward.

The Promised Messiah (as) states:

“Abu Jahl has been described as Pharaoh, but in my view, he was far worse than Pharaoh because after all, Pharaoh had proclaimed:

اٰمَنۡتُ اَنَّهٗ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا الَّذِيۡۤ اٰمَنَتۡ بِهٖ بَنُوۡۤا اِسۡرَآءِيۡلَ

[‘… I believe that there is no god but He in Whom the children of Israel believe…’ (Ch.10: V.91)]

“However, he [i.e. Abu Jahl] did not accept at all. All of the disorder in Mecca was owing to him. He was extremely arrogant, selfish and pretentious. His real name was Amr. Both Umars belonged to Mecca and it was the divine decree that one of them was drawn towards [the truth] whilst the other remained unfortunate. Whilst his soul is burning in the hellfire, Hazrat Umar (ra), on the other hand, did not show stubbornness and eventually became a king.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 247)

Yazid bin Rumaan relates that once, Hazrat Uthman (ra) and Hazrat Talha (ra) bin Ubaidullah followed Hazrat Zubair bin Awwam (ra) and when they reached the Holy Prophet (sa), he conveyed the message of Islam to them and recited the Holy Quran before them, informed them of the rights within Islam and promised them the honour they were to receive from God Almighty. Hazrat Uthman (ra) and Hazrat Talha (ra) then accepted Islam and testified to the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Uthman (ra) then said, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah, I have just returned from Syria. When, on my return, I reached my intended place of stay between Ma‘an (this is the name of a place situated just before Mautah; it was at the time of the battle of Mautah that the Muslims reached this place when they came to realise that the Byzantines had prepared an army 200,000 strong to combat them and so, the Companions (ra) stayed there for two days) and Zarqah (this too is a place near Ma‘an), we set up camp there. As we were sleeping, we heard a caller announce, ‘O ye who sleep, awaken! Ahmad has appeared in Mecca!’ We then returned [to Mecca] from and heard news regarding you.”

(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 40, Uthman bin Affan, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Farhang Sirat, p. 279, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003) (Mu‘jamul Buldan, Vol. 3, p. 173, al-Zurqaa al-Maktabah al-Asriyyah, Beirut, 2014)

Hazrat Talha (ra) bin Ubaidullah relates, “I was in Busra (which is an ancient town of Syria where the Holy Prophet (sa) also stayed when he went there to trade goods with his paternal uncle) when a monk was proclaiming from his Sawma‘ah (i.e., synagogue), ‘Find out if there is anyone from among the travelling merchants who has come from Mecca.’ I told him that I was from there, so he asked, ‘Has Ahmad really appeared?’ I replied, ‘Which Ahmad do you refer to?’ He said, ‘The son of Abdullah bin Muttalib. This is the month in which he is to appear, and he will be the final Prophet; his advent will be in Mecca and his migration will be to a place with date-fields, where the land would be rocky, barren and saline. Do not forsake him.’” Hazrat Talha (ra) states, “Everything he said deeply affected me, so I departed swiftly and reached Mecca. I asked the people if anything new had transpired, to which they answered, ‘Yes, Muhammad (sa) bin Abdullah, the Ameen [trustworthy] (the title given to the Holy Prophet (sa) by the Meccans) has made a claim to prophethood and Ibn Abi Qahafah (the title of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)) has accepted him.’ Hence, I left and went straight to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and asked if he had truly become his follower. He answered, ‘Yes, and you should also go to him and accept him as he calls towards the truth.’”

Hazrat Talha (ra) then related to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) everything the monk had stated, subsequently he took Hazrat Talha (ra) to the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Talha (ra) then accepted Islam and informed the Holy Prophet (sa) in regard to what the monk had said. The Holy Prophet (sa) was pleased to hear this.

(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 161, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Various narrations have been recorded with regard to Hazrat Umar’s (ra) date of birth and the year of his birth differs from one narration to another. One view is that Hazrat Umar (ra) was born four years prior to the great Battle of Fijar, whereas at another place, it is written that he was born four years after the great Battle of Fijar. It is called the Battle of Fijar as it was fought during a sacred month, which is a matter of grave immorality and sin. This battle was fought in four periods. Aside from calling the fourth battle al-Fijar al-A‘zam i.e. the greatest Battle of Fijar, it is also called al-Fijar al-A‘zam al-Akhir i.e. the last great Battle of Fijar. This battle was fought between the Quraish, Banu Kinanah and Hawazin tribes.

Another viewpoint is that Hazrat Umar (ra) was born in Mecca 13 years after the Year of the Elephant.

(Tarikh Dimashq al-Kabir li Ibn Asakir, Vol. 47, p. 54, Umar (ra) bin al-Khattab, Dar Ihya al-Turah al-Arabi, Beirut, 2001) (Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Umar (ra) bin al-Khattab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 484) (Atlas Sirat Nabawisa, p. 102, Dar al-Islam, Riyad, 1424 AH)

The Year of the Elephant was 570 CE and adding 13 years to this would make the year of Hazrat Umar’s (ra) birth 583 CE. A third opinion is that Hazrat Umar (ra) accepted Islam in the sixth year Nabawai and at the time he was 26 years old.

(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Islam Umar (ra) [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 204)

According to the Gregorian calendar, the sixth Nabawi year is 616 CE. If Hazrat Umar (ra) was 26 at the time, the year of his birth would be 590 CE. A fourth opinion is that Hazrat Umar (ra) was born when the Holy Prophet (sa) was 21 years of age.

(Tarikh al-Khamis fi Ahwal Anfus Nafis, Vol. 1, p. 259, Wiladat Umar (ra), Mu‘assisat Sha‘ban, Beirut)

Nonetheless, there are various opinions in this regard; at the time he accepted Islam, he was somewhere between 21 and 26 years old.

With regard to the Second Pledge at Aqabah, it is written:

“The Holy Prophet (sa) had been informed of the arrival of the Ansar by Mus‘ab (ra), and a few of them had also met the Holy Prophet (sa) personally. On this occasion, since a collective and private meeting was necessary, after the rites of Hajj, the middle dates of the month of Dhul-Hijjah were set for this purpose. On that day near the middle of the night, all these people were to come and meet the Holy Prophet (sa) in the same valley as last year, so that a private meeting could be held in peace and complete attention. The Holy Prophet (sa) ordered the Ansar, ‘Do not come as a group, but arrive in pairs of one or two to the valley at the appointed time. Do not wake the sleeping and do not wait for the absent.’ Therefore, when the appointed date arrived, during the night, when about a third of the night had passed, the Holy Prophet (sa) left his home. He took his uncle Abbas along with him, who was still an idolater, but loved the Holy Prophet (sa) and was a chieftain of the Hashim dynasty. Both of them reached this valley, and it was not long before the Ansar began to arrive in pairs of one and two. These were 70 souls from the Aus and the Khazraj. In the very beginning, Abbas – the uncle of the Holy Prophet (sa) – began the discourse saying:

“‘O party of the Khazraj! Muhammad (sa) is revered and beloved within his dynasty. To this day, his dynasty has always remained responsible for his protection, and in times of danger has always come forward. But now, Muhammad (sa) intends to leave his homeland and reside with you. As such, if you wish to take him, you must protect him in every way, and will have to face every enemy. If you are prepared for this, then well and good, otherwise give a forthright answer, for true speech is good’

“Al-Bara bin Ma‘rur (ra), an aged and influential man from the tribe of the Ansar, said:

“‘Abbas, we have heard your address, but we would like to hear the Holy Prophet (sa) from his own blessed tongue, that he may expound the responsibility which he wishes to put upon us.’

“Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) recited a few verses from the Holy Quran and described the teachings of Islam in a brief address. Whilst alluding to Huqooqullah [rights owed to God] and Huqooqul-Ibad [rights owed to mankind], the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘With regard to myself, all I desire is that, just as you protect your dear ones and your kindred, if need be, you deal with me in the same manner.’ When the Holy Prophet (sa) had completed his address, as per the custom of Arabia, al-Bara bin Ma‘rur (ra) took the hand of the Holy Prophet (sa) into his own, and said, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! We swear by the God Who has sent you with the truth that we shall protect you with our lives, for we have been raised under the shadows of swords…’ he had not yet completed his statement, when Abul-Haitham bin Tayyihan interjected and said:

“‘O Messenger of Allah! We have had long relations with the Jews. By supporting you, they shall be severed. May it not happen that when Allah grants you victory, you leave us and return to your homeland, and we are left with nothing.’

“The Holy Prophet (sa) laughed and said, ‘Nay, Nay! That shall not happen. For your blood shall be mine, your friends shall be my friends and your enemies shall be my enemies.’ Upon this, ‘Abbas (ra) bin Ubadah Ansari looked to his companions and said, ‘O People! Do you understand the purpose of this treaty and pledge? This means that you should prepare yourselves to confront everyone, no matter who they may be, and should be ready to offer any sacrifice.’

“The people said, ‘Yes, we understand, but O Messenger (sa) of Allah! What shall we receive in exchange for this?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘You will receive the paradise of Allah, which is the greatest of all His rewards.’ Everyone said, ‘We agree to this bargain. O Messenger (sa) of Allah, extend your hand.’

“The Holy Prophet (sa) brought forth his blessed hand, and this group of seventy devotees were sold at the hand of the Holy Prophet (sa) in a defensive pact. The name of this Bai‘at is ‘The Second Bai‘at at Aqabah.’

“When the Bai‘at had taken place, the Holy Prophet (sa) said:

“‘Moses (as) appointed twelve chiefs among his people who served as their supervisors and protectors. I also wish to appoint twelve chiefs from among you who shall be your supervisors and your protectors. They shall be like the disciples of Jesus (as) unto me, and they shall be answerable to me regarding the people. As such, propose the names of worthy men before me.’

“Therefore, twelve men were proposed, who the Holy Prophet (sa) approved. Appointing each as a supervisor to one tribe, he explained to them their duties. For some tribes, the Holy Prophet (sa) appointed two chiefs.

“When the chiefs had been appointed, Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib who was the paternal uncle of the Holy Prophet (sa) reminded the Ansar to tread wisely and cautiously, for spies of the Quraish have their eyes set in every direction; may news of this meeting not leak out and cause further problems. He was perhaps still reminding, when in the middle of the night from atop the valley, the sound of a miscreant (who was spying on them) was heard saying, ‘O Quraish! Are you aware that here Mudhammam (God-forbid) and the rest of his apostates are making vows and pledges against you?’

“This voice startled everyone but the Holy Prophet (sa) remained completely calm and said, ‘Now you people should return to your dwellings just as you arrived, in pairs of one and two.’

“Abbas bin Nazla Ansari (ra) said, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah, we fear no one. If you were to order, we shall attack the Quraish at dawn and give them a taste of their cruelties.’ ‘Nay, Nay!’ said the Holy Prophet (sa), ‘For I have not yet received permission to fight. Do this much, quietly return to your pavilions,’ upon which everyone silently dispersed from the valley in pairs of one and two. The Holy Prophet (sa) also returned to Mecca with his paternal uncle Abbas.

“Since the Quraish had already found out that a secret meeting was held at night, the next morning, they reached the encampment of the people of Yathrib and said:

“‘We have had an old relationship and we do not desire in the least that these relations be tainted. But we have heard that last night, you had a secret mutual agreement with Muhammad (sa), what is this all about?’

“Since the idolatrous people of the Aus and the Khazraj were completely unaware of this, they were extremely bewildered and outright denied the occurrence of such a meeting. Abdullah bin Ubaiyy bin Sulul, who later became the leader of the hypocrites of Medina, was also among that group. He said, ‘This can never happen. How is it possible that the people of Medina agree to such a significant issue and I remain unaware of it?’

“Thus, the suspicion of the Quraish was dispelled and they returned. A short time thereafter, the Ansar left for Yathrib, but after their departure, the Quraish somehow received an affirmation that the people of Yathrib did in fact have a pledge and agreement with the Holy Prophet (sa). Upon this, a few men chased the people of Yathrib. The caravan had left, but for some reason, Sa‘d (ra) bin Ubadah was left behind. These people brought him back and assaulted him on the stony streets of Mecca. They dragged him here and there by the hair on his head. Finally, when Jubair bin Mut‘im and Harith bin Harb, who knew Sa‘d, received news of this, they saved him from the cruel Quraish.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 227-229, 232-233)

According to one narration, Hazrat Mu‘az (ra) bin Harith and Hazrat Rafay (ra) bin Malik Zuraqiyy were among the foremost Ansar who accepted the Holy Prophet(sa) in Mecca. Hazrat Mu‘az (ra) was among those eight Ansar who accepted the Holy Prophet (sa) at the occasion of the First Pledge at Aqabah in Mecca. Likewise, Hazrat Mu‘az (ra) was also present during the Second Pledge at Aqabah. When Hazrat Ma‘mar bin Harith (ra) migrated from Mecca to Medina, the Holy Prophet (sa) established a bond of brotherhood between him and Hazrat Mu‘az bin Harith (ra).

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, pp. 190-191, Mu‘az bin al-Harith bin Rifa‘ah (ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 374, Mu‘az bin al-Harith (ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Hazrat Hamza (ra) was enabled to accept Islam in the sixth nabawi year, during the period of [the stay at] Darul Arqam.

(At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.6, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut)

In accordance with historical accounts, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) has narrated the incident of Hazrat Hamza’s acceptance of Islam in his own style. I will narrate its summary [before you] as well as present some of its details. A person ought to hear this incident and ponder over the reasons as to why Hazrat Hamza (ra) accepted Islam, and how he was overcome with jealousy for the honour of the Holy Prophet (sa) at the time when Abu Jahl acted unjustly toward the Prophet (sa).

Nevertheless, this incident is narrated as follows: Once, the Holy Prophet (sa) was sitting on a rock between the hills of Safa and Marwa. He was most certainly pondering over how to establish the unity of God Almighty in the world when, in the meanwhile, Abu Jahl approached him. As soon as he arrived, he said, “O Muhammad (sa)! Why do you not refrain from spreading your message?” Following this statement, Abu Jahl began to verbally abuse the Prophet in a most vile manner. The Holy Prophet (sa) quietly continued to listen to Abu Jahl’s abuse and tolerated him. He did not utter a single word in reply. After Abu Jahl had finished uttering these words of abuse, this wretched person came forward and slapped the Holy Prophet (sa) on his face.

However, even then, the Prophet did not say a word to him. Hazrat Hamza’s house was right in front of the place where the Holy Prophet (sa) was sitting and where Abu Jahl had abused him.

Hazrat Hamza (ra) had not yet accepted [the Prophet (sa)] by then. His daily routine was that he would take his bow and arrow and go hunting every morning and return in the evening. Furthermore, he would participate in the gatherings of Quraish.

That day, when Abu Jahl had cursed the Holy Prophet (sa) and treated him harshly, he was away hunting. However, it so happened that when Abu Jahl was acting in this manner, one of the female servants of Hazrat Hamza (ra) was standing at the door, observing this scene. When Abu Jahl repeatedly attacked the Holy Prophet (sa) and hurled innumerable curses at him, the Prophet quietly and peacefully tolerated his abuse. The female servant stood at the door and continued to observe this scene.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) writes that that was undoubtedly a woman and a disbeliever. However, in the older times, whereas the people of Mecca inflicted cruelties upon their slaves, there were also some noble people, who treated their slaves with kindness, and after a long period of time, those slaves were considered a part of that very family. The same was the case for this female slave of Hazrat Hamza (ra). When she observed this entire scene with her eyes and heard it with her ears, it impacted her greatly. However, she was unable to do anything. She continued to observe and hear, however, she became distressed and was burning with rage from within. When the Holy Prophet (sa) got up and left that place, she also returned to her work.

When Hazrat Hamza (ra) returned from his hunt that evening and came home, he disembarked from his mount with his bow and arrow in hand, in a manner of demonstrating his courage and pride. Seeing this, the female servant, who had suppressed her anger and sorrow for a long time, approached Hazrat Hamza (ra) and passionately said:

“Do you have no shame that you walk around acting brave?”

Hearing this, Hazrat Hamza (ra) became perplexed and asked her in astonishment what the matter was. The female servant said:

“The matter is that your nephew, Muhammad (sa), was sitting here when Abu Jahl approached him, and began to attack and hurl abuse at him, and then Abu Jahl slapped him on the face. However, Muhammad (sa) did not make as much as a sound in response to this and quietly continued to bear this. Abu Jahl continued to curse him until he became tired and then left. However, I saw that Muhammad (sa) did not respond to any of his actions. You walk around with great courage and have returned from your hunt with great pride. Are you not ashamed that your nephew has been treated in this manner in your presence?”

Hazrat Hamza (ra) had not yet accepted Islam. One of the reasons for this was that he was counted among the leaders of Quraish and he was also not willing to accept Islam due to [his] position in the tribe, even though he believed the Prophet (sa) to be true.

However, until that time, Hazrat Hamza (ra) was unprepared to sacrifice his status, honour and prominence for the sake of religion. Nevertheless, when he heard this incident from his female slave, his eyes became bloodshot and he became indignant for his family’s honour. Hence, without taking a moment of rest, he marched toward the Ka‘ba in that very state of anger. First, he performed a circuit around the Ka‘ba and following this he marched towards the gathering in which Abu Jahl was present.

There, Abu Jahl was narrating the incident with great arrogance, pride and boastfulness. He mentioned that earlier that day he had abused Muhammad (sa) and treated him in a vile manner.

When Hazrat Hamza (ra) reached this gathering, he forcefully struck his bow against the head of Abu Jahl and said:

“You claim to be brave and are telling people that you disgraced Muhammad (sa) in such manner and that he did not make as much as a sound. Now I will disgrace you. If you have the courage, speak before me.”

At that time, Abu Jahl was considered to be a king and he was a chief of [their] nation. He was similar to the pharaoh. When his friends saw this, they passionately got up and tried to attack Hazrat Hamza (ra). However, Abu Jahl, who had become awestruck due to the Holy Prophet (sa) quietly tolerating his abuse and due to the bravery and courage of Hazrat Hamza (ra), intervened and stopped them from attacking Hazrat Hamza (ra). He said, “Let him be. The fact of the matter is that I committed an injustice and Hamza is in the right.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further writes in his own manner that when Muhammad (sa) returned home from the hills of Safa and Marwa, he was repeating in his heart that his duty was not to fight, but to patiently tolerate all abuse. However, God Almighty from His throne was declaring

اَلَیۡسَ اللّٰہُ بِکَافٍ عَبۡدَہٗ

In other words, “O Muhammad (sa)! You are not prepared to fight, however, are We not present in order to overcome the opponents on your behalf?”

Hence, the very same day, God Almighty endowed the Holy Prophet (sa) with a devoted soul in order to confront Abu Jahl. Furthermore, Hazrat Hamza (ra) professed his belief in the very gathering in which he struck his bow against the head of Abu Jahl. He addressed Abu Jahl and said:

“You abuse Muhammad (sa) merely because he says that he is the Messenger of God and that angels descend upon him. Listen carefully that from today, I also follow the religion of Muhammad (sa), and I also profess all that which Muhammad (sa) professes. If you have the courage and dare, then confront me.” Having said this, Hazrat Hamza (ra) entered the fold of Islam.

(Rasul-i-Karim ki zindagi ke tamaam aham waqiaat… Anwarul Uloom, Vol. 19, pp. 137-139)

In the narrations we find that after Hazrat Hamza (ra) accepted Islam, it strengthened the faith of the Muslims in Mecca.

(At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.6, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut)

In fact, the English historian, Sir William Muir, has also testified to this fact that the objective of the Holy Prophet (sa) was strengthened by Hazrat Hamza (ra) and Hazrat Umar (ra) entering the fold of Islam.

(The Life of Mohammad, Sir William Muir, Heading – Prophet Insulted, p. 89, 1923)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“Prophet Moses (as) had to supplicate to Allah the Almighty to be granted a helper; however, the Holy Prophet (sa) holds such a lofty status that he was granted a helper without even having to ask for it.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) here is referring to Hazrat Khadijah (ra) and is explaining how she became a helper to the Holy Prophet (sa).

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further writes:

“The Holy Prophet (sa) holds such a lofty status that he was granted a helper without even having to ask for it; in other words, his wife, whom he loved dearly and who was the first to accept Islam.

“Everyone is free to adopt whatever religion and belief they wish to and no one can compel anyone to believe in something. Thus, it was possible that when the Holy Prophet (sa) informed her about receiving his first revelation from God Almighty, she would not have supported him and may have wanted to take her time to think about her decision. But this was not the case. Without any kind of hesitation or reluctance, Hazrat Khadijah (ra) immediately stood in support of his claim and the Holy Prophet’s (sa) concern that Khadijah (ra) may not accept him was removed and she in fact became the very first person to profess belief in the Holy Prophet (sa).

“At that time, God Almighty, from the heavenly throne, was stating:

أَلَيْسَ‭ ‬اللّٰهُ‭ ‬بِكَافٍ‭ ‬عَبْدَهٗ‬‬‬

“‘O Muhammad (sa)! You have great love and affection for Khadijah and you feared that perhaps Khadijah may leave you and were concerned as to whether or not Khadijah would profess her belief in you. However, did We not fulfil your need?’”

After this Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further continues:

“After this, when the conversation regarding the divine revelations took place in the home [of the Holy Prophet (sa)], Zaid (ra) bin Haritha, who was a freed slave and lived in their home, came forward and submitted, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! I profess my belief in you.’

“Hazrat Ali (ra), who at the time was 11 years old and only a child, was stood by the door and listened to the conversation taking place between the Holy Prophet (sa) and Hazrat Khadijah (ra). When he heard that the Holy Prophet (sa) had received a message of God and realised that now was the time for his passion to truly manifest; now was the time for the nurturing of his emotions and sentiments that were hidden within; when he saw that God was now calling him towards Him, the young Ali (ra) – who was a talented and intelligent child; who had piety rooted in his nature; whose passion to perform virtuous deeds would reinvigorate every now and then but was yet to reach its full perfection; who had such strong sentiments and feelings but were still deeply concealed within; whose disposition had been ingrained to accept belief in Allah the Almighty but had not yet found the opportunity to do so – in his state of deep anxiousness nervously and shyly went forth and submitted, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! I also affirm belief in that which my aunt and Zaid have also accepted.’”

(Rasul-e-Karim ki Zindagi ke Tamam Aham Waqi‘at, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 19, p. 127)

Hazrat Amr bin Jamuh’s son performed the Bai’at [pledge of initiation] before him. His father was a mushrik [idolater] and when he had exhausted all means in his efforts to preach to him, his son threw his father’s idol, which he had adorned in his house, in a pit of waste. Amr bin Jamuh searched for the idol and brought it back home, furiously saying, “If I find out who is responsible for this, I will punish them severely.” The next day his son did the exact same thing with the idol and his father found it again in a pit. Eventually, his father cleaned and adorned the idol again and then placed his sword next to it saying, “I do not know who is committing these acts against you, but I am now placing this sword next to you, so that now you can protect yourself.”

The following day, he saw that the idol had vanished. When he set out to find it, he discovered that it was tied around the neck of a dead dog, lying in a pile of rubbish. Amr then thought to himself that the idol which he deemed to be a god, despite having a sword nearby, did not even have the strength to defend itself; how could it then defend him? He then addressed the idol and said: “If you were the True God, you would not be tied around the neck of a dog. Thus, I proclaim to the Lofty and Exalted God, the Provider and Just.” He then says, “From among the Ansar, the last person to accept Islam was Amr bin Jamuh.”

*(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 7, p. 688, Al-Mizan Nashiran Wa Tajiran Lahore) *

Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari (ra) was blessed with the opportunity to do the Bai‘at on the occasion of the second pledge at Aqabah along with 70 other companions. Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari’s mother was Hind bint Saeed, whereas, according to one narration, her name was Zahra bint Saad. Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari’s wife was Hazrat Umm-e-Hasan (ra) bint Zaid, who bore a son by the name of Abdur-Rahman.

There is a difference of opinion among historians regarding the first male to accept the Holy Prophet (sa); as to whether it was Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hazrat Ali (ra), or Hazrat Zaid bin Haritha (ra).

(Subul Al-Huda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 2, pp. 300-304, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, 1993) (Tarikh Al-Tabari, Vol. 1, pp. 537-540, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

Some present the solution that Hazrat Ali (ra) was the first child, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was the first adult and Hazrat Zaid (ra) was the first slave. Allama Ahmad bin Abdullah reconciles these various points views as follows:

“The very first to accept Islam was Hazrat Khadija (ra) bint Khuwailid. The first to accept Islam from among the men was Hazrat Ali (ra), who was only a child”, as has been mentioned previously that he was only 10 years old, “and had kept his belief in Islam hidden. The first adult from among the Arabs to accept Islam and to express his belief was Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) bin Abi Quhafa. The first from among the freed slaves to accept Islam was Zaid (ra) bin Haritha. All agree on this unanimously and there is no doubt about this.”

(Al-Riyadh Al-Nadira Fi Manaqib Al-Ashara, Vol. 1, p. 89, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2014)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib’s (ra) Narration

The following is what Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) has said regarding this debate:

“When the Holy Prophet (sa) began the propagation of his mission, the first to believe was Hazrat Khadija (ra), who did not hesitate, even for a moment. There is a disagreement among historians in reference to who the first convert among the men was after Hazrat Khadija (ra). Some name Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) Abdullah bin Abi Quhafah, while others say Hazrat Ali (ra) […] or Hazrat Zaid (ra) bin Harithah”.

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) says:

“However, to us, this argument is useless. Hazrat Ali (ra) and Zaid (ra) bin Harithah were among the house-folk of the Holy Prophet (sa) and lived with him as his own children. They were to follow whatever was said by the Holy Prophet (sa)”, as they were children – whatever the Holy Prophet (sa) said, they accepted it. It is possible that they accepted this in the same way as well. “Thus, their names need not be included. Among the rest, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) is unanimously accepted as the first and foremost in his acceptance of Islam. Therefore, with regard to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hassan (ra) bin Thabit Ansari, the court poet of the Holy Prophet (sa), says:

اِذَا‭ ‬تَذَكَّرْتَ‭ ‬شَجْوًا‭ ‬مِنْ‭ ‬اَخِيْ‭ ‬ثِقَةٍ‬‬‬‬‬ فَاذْكُرْ‭ ‬اَخَاكَ‭ ‬اَبَابَكْرٍ‭ ‬بِمَا‭ ‬فَعَلَا‬‬‬‬ خَيْرَ‭ ‬الْبَرِيَّةِ‭ ‬اَتْقَاهَا‭ ‬وَ‭ ‬اَعْدَلَهَا‬‬‬‬ بَعْدَ‭ ‬النَّبِيِّ‭ ‬وَ‭ ‬اَوْفَاهَا‭ ‬بِمَا‭ ‬حَمَلَا‬‬‬‬‬ اَلثَّانِيَ‭ ‬التَّالِيَ‭ ‬الْمَحْمُوْدَ‭ ‬مَشْهَدُهٗ‬‬‬ وَاَوَّلَ‭ ‬النَّاسِ‭ ‬مِنْهُمْ‭ ‬صَدَّقَ‭ ‬الرُّسُلَا‬‬‬‬

“Meaning, ‘Whenever a compassionate reminiscence of any of your noble brethren rises in your heart, remember your brother Abu Bakr (ra) as well, on account of his virtues – worthy of remembrance. After the Holy Prophet (sa), he was the most righteous and most just of all men and the greatest of those who fulfil their responsibilities. Indeed, it was Abu Bakr (ra) who was the second individual with the Holy Prophet (sa) in the Cave of Thaur, who had effaced himself in the obedience of the Prophet (sa). Whatever task he would undertake, he would make it beautiful, and he was the first of all people to believe in the Messenger.’

“Due to his nobility and abilities, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was greatly honoured and respected by the Quraish, and in Islam he acquired a status which no other companion has attained. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) did not, even for a moment, doubt the claim of the Holy Prophet (sa); rather, he accepted him instantaneously. Then he devoted his entire interest and his entire life and wealth in the service of the religion brought by the Holy Prophet (sa). Among his companions, the Holy Prophet (sa) held Abu Bakr (ra) most dear to himself. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa) he became his first Caliph. During the time of his Caliphate, he furnished evidence of his unparalleled ability.

“Regarding Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), a renowned European orientalist named Sprenger writes, ‘The faith of Abu Bakr is, in my opinion, the greatest guarantee of the sincerity of Mohammad in the beginning of his career. Even though Mohammad himself may have been misled, he would not deceive anyone. In fact, he believed himself to be the prophet of God with full sincerity of heart’.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) further writes that Sir William Muir was also in agreement with the opinion held by Sprenger.

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 121-122)

After accepting Islam, he also suffered persecution. Musa bin Muhammad narrates on the authority of his father that after Hazrat Uthman (ra) bin Affan accepted Islam, his uncle, Hakam bin Abil Aas bin Umayyah, grabbed and tied him with a rope. He said to him, ‘You forsake the religion of your forefathers to accept this new faith? By God, I will not untie you until you relinquish your new religion.’ To this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) responded, ‘I swear by God that never will I abandon, nor renounce my faith.’ Hakam was compelled to release him witnessing the unwavering faith of Hazrat Uthman (ra).

*(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Uthman (ra) bin Affan [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-‘Arabi, 1996], p. 31) *

In relation to this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) presents his view. He writes:

“There is a discord amongst historians in reference to who the first convert among the men was after Hazrat Khadijah (ra). Some name Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) Abdullah bin Abi Quhafah, while others say Hazrat Ali (ra), whose age at the time was only 10 years. Others assert that the freed slave of the Holy Prophet (sa), Hazrat Zaid (ra) bin Harithah was the first one to embrace Islam. However, to us, this argument is futile.

“Hazrat Ali (ra) and Zaid (ra) bin Harithah were among the house-folk of the Holy Prophet (sa) and lived with him as his own children. They were to follow whatever was said by the Holy Prophet (sa); as a matter of fact, no verbal declaration was even necessary. Thus, their names need not be included.” Whether the Holy Prophet (sa) issued a declaration or not, it was the same; they did not need any verbal declaration to accept Islam. “Among the rest, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) is unanimously accepted as the first and foremost in his acceptance of Islam.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 121)

Hazrat Mu‘az (ra) bin Jabal participated in the second pledge of initiation at Aqabah, along with 70 other Ansar and was 18 years old at the time of his acceptance of Islam.

It is narrated about Hazrat Abu Abas bin Jabr that he could write in Arabic prior to the advent of Islam. Even though it was not customary in Arabia to write at the time. When Hazrat Abu Abas and Hazrat Abu Burdah bin Nayar accepted Islam, they both had destroyed the idols of Banu Haritha.

Hazrat Umar (ra) and Hazrat Usman (ra) would send those two to collect Sadqa [charity] from the people, meaning that they managed the department of finance.

(Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra Li-ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 238, Dar-e-Ihyaa, Al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, 1996)

With regard to his acceptance of Islam, it is related by Yazid bin Rauman:

“Once, both Hazrat Uthman (ra) bin Affan and Hazrat Talha (ra) bin Ubaidillah followed Hazrat Zubair bin Awam and went to the Holy Prophet (sa). The Holy Prophet (sa) presented the message of Islam to both of them, recited [a portion of] the Holy Quran, informed them of the responsibilities placed upon them by Islam and the honour and respect that would be bestowed upon them by Allah the Almighty. Upon this, both Hazrat Uthman (ra) and Hazrat Talhah (ra) accepted Islam and testified to the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (sa). Following this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) said, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! I have just returned from Syria. When we had set up our camp between Ma‘an and Zarqa …”

Ma‘an is a city in the south of Jordan, near the border of the Hijaz and Zarqa is situated close to Ma‘an.

Nevertheless, he says, “… and were asleep, when someone loudly proclaimed, ‘Awake, O you who are asleep, as certainly Ahmad has appeared in Mecca.’ Upon returning, we came to learn about your claim.”

Hazrat Uthman (ra) was amongst the early converts of Islam and accepted Islam before the Holy Prophet (sa) entered Dar al-Arqam.

(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Uthman (ra) bin Affan [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], p. 31) (Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah], p. 320 & 472)

Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir (ra) states, “I met Suhaib (ra) at the door of Dar-e-Arqam. The Holy Prophet (sa) was also present there. I asked Suhaib (ra), ‘What is your intention?’ Suhaib (ra) asked me, ‘What is your intention?’ I replied, ‘I want to go to Muhammad (sa) and listen to his words.’ Hazrat Suhaib (ra) said, ‘This is also my intention.’” Hazrat ‘Ammar (ra) states, “Both of us then went to the Holy Prophet (sa) and he preached the message of Islam to us. So, we both accepted Islam. We spent the entire day there until the evening. Then, we left in secret.”

Hazrat Ammar (ra) and Hazrat Suhaib (ra) accepted Islam after more than 30 people had accepted Islam.

(al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 171, Suhaib bin Sinaan, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2017)

Hazrat Anas (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (sa) stated:

“Four people have excelled others in accepting Islam. I [i.e. the Holy Prophet (sa)] am first to accept amongst the Arabs. Suhaib (ra) is the first to accept amongst the Roman people. Salman (ra) is the first to accept from amongst the people of Persia. Bilal is the first to accept amongst the people of Abyssinia.”

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 39, Suhaib bin Sinaan, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2016)

Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Mas‘ud relates:

“The first seven individuals who professed to be Muslims were: the Holy Prophet (sa) to whom the law was revealed, Abu Bakr (ra), Ammar (ra) and his mother Sumayyah (ra), Suhaib (ra), Bilal (ra) and Miqdad (ra). The Holy Prophet (sa) was protected through his paternal uncle, Abu Talib and Allah the Almighty protected Abu Bakr (ra) through his tribe”…

It is further narrated:

“Hazrat Suhaib (ra) was among those believers, who were considered to be weak and was tortured in Mecca because of his belief. These believers also had to go through many hardships. According to one narration, Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir (ra) would be tortured to such an extent that he would have no recollection of what was happening. The same was the case with Hazrat Suhaib (ra), Hazrat Abu Fa‘id (ra), Hazrat Aamir (ra) bin Fuhaira and other companions. The following verse was revealed in relation to these companions:

ثُمَّ اِنَّ رَبَّکَ لِلَّذِیْنَ ہَاجَرُوْا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا فُتِنُوْا ثُمَّ جٰہَدُوْا وَصَبَرُوْا اِنَّ رَبَّکَ مِنْ بَعْدِہَا لَغَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ

‘Then, surely, thy Lord – to those who fled their homes after they had been persecuted and then struggled hard in the cause of Allah and remained steadfast – aye, surely, after that thy Lord is Most Forgiving, Merciful.’ [Surah al-Nahl, Ch.16: V.111]”

(al-Isabah Fi Tamyeez al-Sahabah, Vol. 3, p. 34, Suhaib bin Sinaan, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2001)

Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was among the most prominent companions and was also among the first people who accepted Islam. He accepted Islam at the time when the Holy Prophet (sa) used to preach in Dar-e-Arqam. However, he kept it a secret for fear of opposition from his mother and his people. Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) used to meet the Holy Prophet (sa) in secret. Once, Uthman (ra) bin Talha caught him while he was praying and informed his mother and other members of his household and consequently, his parents imprisoned him. He remained imprisoned until his migration to Abyssinia. When he saw an opportunity, he escaped and migrated. After some time, when some of the migrants returned from Abyssinia to Mecca, Hazrat Mus‘ab (ra) bin Umair was also among them. When his mother saw his poor state, she decided to give up the opposition and let her son be.

Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) relates that when Hazrat Umar (ra) bin Al-Khattab accepted Islam, the Holy Prophet (sa) tapped his hand on his chest three times and recited the following prayer:

اَللّٰهُمَّ اَخْرِجْ مَا فِيْ صَدْرِهٖ مِنْ غِلٍّ، وَ أَبْدِلْهُ اِيْمَانًا

“O Allah! Remove whatever malice is in his heart and replace it with faith.” The Holy Prophet (sa) offered this prayer three times.

(Ibn Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma‘rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 3, Bab Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 237)

It was mentioned earlier that prior to his acceptance of Islam, Hazrat Umar (ra) extremely opposed the Muslims. However, upon accepting Islam, his acceptance proved to be a means of victory for the Muslims and alleviating them from their hardships.

With regard to Hazrat Umar (ra) accepting Islam, Hazrat Musleh-e Maud (ra) narrates:

“Hazrat Umar (ra) fiercely opposed Islam.” That is, until he accepted Islam, he continuously opposed the spread of Islam. “One day, the thought crossed his mind as to why not simply put an end to its founder. As soon as this thought crossed his mind, he took his sword and left his home in order to kill the Holy Prophet (sa).

“On the way, someone asked him, ‘Where are you going, Umar?’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘I am going to kill Muhammad (sa).’ The person laughed and said, ‘You should first see what is happening within your own house. Your sister and brother-in-law have already accepted him.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘This is a lie.’ The individual responded by saying that he ought to go and investigate for himself. Hazrat Umar (ra) went there and found the door to be locked. Inside, a companion was teaching the Holy Quran. Hazrat Umar (ra) knocked. His brother-in-law asked from inside, ‘Who is it?’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied that it was Umar.

“When they saw that it was Hazrat Umar (ra), they hid the companion who was teaching them the Holy Quran, as they knew that Hazrat Umar (ra) was a fierce enemy of Islam. Similarly, they also hid the parchment of the Holy Quran in a corner and then opened the door.

“As Hazrat Umar (ra) had already heard that his brother-in-law and sister had accepted Islam, he immediately asked them why they took so long in opening the door. His brother-in-law replied that, at times, it can take a while to open the door. Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘This is not the case’ and that ‘a particular issue must have hindered you from opening the door. I could also hear that you were listening to the words of a sabi man.’” The idolaters of Mecca used to call the Holy Prophet (sa) “Sabi” [i.e. one who had abandoned their old faith].

“His brother-in-law tried to brush off the matter, but Hazrat Umar (ra) became infuriated and stepped forward in order to strike him. However, out of love for her husband, Hazrat Umar’s (ra) sister jumped between them. As Hazrat Umar (ra) had already raised his hand to strike and his sister suddenly jumped in between, he was unable to hold back. It struck the nose of his sister with full force and blood started to flow from it. Hazrat Umar (ra) was a compassionate person.

“Seeing that he had hit a woman, which was against the custom of Arabia, on top of that it was his own sister, he tried to change the topic and said, ‘Right, tell me about what you were reading.’ His sister understood that Hazrat Umar (ra) had overcome with sentiments of kindness and said, ‘Go! I am not prepared to give something pure in the hands of a person like you.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) asked what he should do? His sister replied, ‘There is some water. Bathe, as only then I will hand it to you.’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) took a bath and returned. His sister then placed the parchments of the Holy Quran, which they were listening to, in his hands. Since he was already affected by the earlier incident, reciting the verses of the Holy Quran melted his heart. Once he had completed reciting the verses, he spontaneously said:

اَشْهَدُ اَنْ لَّا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَاَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَّسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ

“‘I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (sa) is His Messenger.’ Hearing this, the companion, who was hiding out of fear of Hazrat Umar (ra), also came out.

“Subsequently, Hazrat Umar (ra) enquired as to where the Holy Prophet (sa) was residing in those days. Due to the opposition, the Holy Prophet (sa) frequently changed homes during those days. He told him that these days, the Holy Prophet (sa) was staying in Dar al-Arqam. Hazrat Umar (ra) immediately left, with his sword out of its sheath and headed towards this place. His sister became extremely anxious, thinking that he might be heading there with evil intentions. She stepped forward and said, ‘By God! I will not let you go until you reassure me that you are not going there to cause some mischief.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘I give you a solemn promise that I will not cause any disorder.’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) approached the place where the Holy Prophet (sa) was staying and knocked on the door. The Holy Prophet (sa) and his companions were sitting inside and discussing matters of religion. One of the companions asked who it was. Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘It is Umar.’

“The companions said: ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! The door should not be opened, lest he causes some disorder.’ Hazrat Hamzah (ra) had recently accepted Islam and had the disposition of a warrior. He said, ‘Open the door. I shall see to what he does!’ Hence, an individual opened the door and Hazrat Umar (ra) entered. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Umar! How long will you go on opposing me?’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah, I have not come in opposition; rather, I have come to become your follower.’ Umar (ra), who an hour earlier was a staunch enemy of Islam and had left his home to kill the Holy Prophet (sa), became the highest calibre of a believer within a single moment. Hazrat Umar (ra) was not among the chieftains of Mecca, but due to his courage, he had a great influence over the youth. When he became a Muslim, the Muslims raised slogans of ‘Allah is the Greatest’ [Allahu Akbar]. Then came the time for prayer and the Holy Prophet (sa) desired to offer his prayers, but that same Umar (ra), who two hours previously left his home to kill the Holy Prophet (sa), once again took out his sword, saying, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! How can it be that God’s Messenger (sa) and those who follow him pray in hiding whilst the idolaters of Mecca wander about freely? Let me see who will dare to stop us from offering our prayers in the vicinity of the Ka‘bah.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘This passion is commendable indeed, but for the moment, it is not suitable for us to go forth in such a state.’”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, pp. 141-143)

Explaining the incident of Hazrat Umar’s (ra) acceptance of Islam, Hazrat Zain-ul-Abideen Waliullah Shah Sahib makes reference to Aas bin Waa‘il Sahmi, stating:

“There is mention regarding the persecution of the few people who accepted Islam prior to Hazrat Umar (ra). Hazrat Umar (ra) would also have suffered persecution had Aas bin Waa‘il Sahmi not announced his protection. Aas bin Waa‘il was considered among the esteemed leaders of the Quraish and belonged to the Banu Sahm tribe. His ancestry is as follows: Aas bin Waa‘il bin Hashim bin Saeed bin Sahm. He died as a disbeliever prior to the migration. Hazrat Umar (ra) belonged to the Banu Adi tribe who were allies of the Banu Sahm tribe. Owing to this pledge of friendship and support, Aas bin Waa‘il thought it his moral responsibility to assist Hazrat Umar (ra).”

(Sahih al-Bukhari [translated], Kitab Manaqib al-Ansar, Bab Islam Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), Vol. 7, pp. 346-347)

However, as I mentioned earlier, Hazrat Umar (ra) renounced his protection soon after. Regarding this, Hazrat Umar (ra) himself states:

“I did not wish to see a Muslim persecuted but remain safe from it myself. (Hazrat Umar (ra) states) I thought to myself that this is not right. I should also suffer what the other Muslims are made to suffer. (Hazrat Umar (ra) further says) I waited until they were all gathered near the Ka‘bah. I then went to my uncle, Aas bin Waa‘il and said, ‘Listen to what I have to say’ to which he replied, ‘What is the matter?’ I said, ‘I renounce your protection.’” Hazrat Umar (ra) states, “Aas bin Waa‘il said, ‘O my nephew! Do not do this.’ I replied, ‘This is how it will be,’ to which he replied, ‘As you wish.’” Hazrat Umar (ra) then states, “From this time onwards, either I would be beaten up or I would retaliate and fight, until a time came when Allah the Almighty established the honour of Islam.”

(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003], p. 141)

Muhammad bin Ubaid narrates, “I remember that we were never able to offer prayers inside the House of Allah until Hazrat Umar (ra) accepted Islam. When Hazrat Umar (ra) accepted Islam, he fought against the disbelievers to the extent that they eventually left us alone and we began to offer prayers.”

(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Islam Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], p. 143)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (ra) says, “From the time Hazrat Umar (ra) became a Muslim, we were granted honour.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabi (sa), Bab Hazrat Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), Hadith 3684)

There were difficult times later as well, but they would not consider those difficulties to be as severe as the ones they suffered previously, even though from history we know that even Hazrat Umar (ra) suffered persecution.

Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Hisham states:

“We were with the Holy Prophet (sa), who was holding on to Hazrat Umar’s (ra) hand. Hazrat Umar (ra) said to the Holy Prophet (sa), ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! You are dearer to me than everything except for my own self.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘No, by God in Whose hands is my life, your faith can never be complete unless I become dearer to you than your own self.’” This is a very important aspect. Hazrat Umar (ra) said to the Holy Prophet (sa), ‘By God! You are now dearer to me than myself.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Indeed [that is correct] now Umar.’” Meaning that this was now the true state of faith.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Iman wa al-Nudhur, Bab kaif Kanat Yamin al-Nabi (sa)…, Hadith 6632)

Those who have compiled the biographies have also discussed at length as to whether it was Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hazrat Ali (ra) or Hazrat Zaid (ra) who was the first among the men to accept Islam. Some have reconciled this matter by stating that Hazrat Ali (ra) was the first to accept Islam amongst the children, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was the first amongst the elders and Hazrat Zaid (ra) was the first amongst the slaves.

Hazrat Saeed (ra) bin Zaid was the brother-in-law of Hazrat Umar (ra). Hazrat Saeed (ra) bin Zaid’s (ra) sister, Atikah (ra) bint Zaid was married to Hazrat Umar (ra). Hazrat Saeed (ra) bin Zaid and his wife, Hazrat Fatima (ra) bint Khattab accepted Islam in its very early days. They had professed their belief in Islam before the Holy Prophet (sa) went to Dar-e-Arqam. As has been mentioned earlier, Hazrat Saeed’s (ra) wife was the reason for Hazrat Umar (ra) to accept Islam.

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 476, Saeed bin Zaid, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 292, Saeed bin Zaid wa min Bani Adiyy bin Ka‘b bin Lu‘ayy, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, “Bilal is سَابِقُ الْحَبَشَۃ” i.e., the foremost believer from among the Abyssinians.

(Ibn Sa‘d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Bilal bin Rabah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2017] 175)

Hazrat Anas (ra) narrates that the Messenger (sa) of Allah said, “There are four people who have taken the lead in accepting Islam. أَنَا سَابِقُ الْعَرَبِ (i.e., I am the foremost believer from among the Arabs). سَلْمَانُ سَابِقُ الْفُرْسِ (i.e., Salman is the foremost believer from among the Persians). بِلَالٌ سَابِقُ الْحَبَشَۃِ (i.e., Bilal is the foremost believer from among the Abyssinians). صُہَیْبٌ سَابِقُ الرُّوْمِ (i.e., Suhaib is the foremost believer from among the Romans).”

(Shamsuddin adh-Dhahabi, Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala, Vol. 1, Bilal bin Rabah [Beirut, Lebanon: Mu‘assisat al-Risalah, 2014] 349)

Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Mas‘ud relates that they did not openly worship Allah until Hazrat Umar (ra) accepted Islam.

(Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Dhikr Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 484)

Abdur Rahman bin Harith relates that Hazrat Umar (ra) stated:

“The night in which I accepted Islam, I thought, ‘Who is the most severe in his enmity towards the Holy Prophet (sa) from among the Meccans, so that I may go to him and inform him that I have accepted Islam?’”

Hazrat Umar (ra) states further, “I thought it was none other than Abu Jahl. Thus, in the morning, I went to him and knocked on his door.” Hazrat Umar (ra) states, “Abu Jahl came to me and said, ‘O my nephew! Welcome. What brings you here?’” Hazrat Umar (ra) states, “I replied, ‘I have come to let you know that I have professed my belief in Allah and His Messenger (sa) and testify to that which he has brought.’”

Hazrat Umar (ra) states, “Upon this, he closed the door on me and said, ‘May Allah cause you and what you have believed in to be ruined.’”

(Ibn Hisham, Sirat Ibn Hisham, Islam Dhikr Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ibn Hazm, 2009], p. 162)

These were the words of Abu Jahl.

Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) relates:

“When my father (i.e. Hazrat Umar (ra)) accepted Islam, he asked the people who among the Quraish had the habit of spreading news. They informed him that it was Jameel bin Ma‘mar Jumhi.” Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) states, “Hazrat Umar (ra) went to him early in the morning and I also followed behind him in order to see what he did. Even though I was quite young; however, I could understand everything.” This is Ibn Umar (ra) saying this.

“When Hazrat Umar (ra) reached him, he said, ‘O Jameel! Are you aware that I have accepted Islam and have entered the religion of Muhammad (sa)?’”

Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) states, “By God, Hazrat Umar (ra) did not have to repeat this statement of his that he [i.e. Jameel] left with his cloak dragging across the floor and Hazrat Umar (ra) also followed after him.”

Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) states:

“I followed after my father and saw that he, i.e. Jameel, stood at the door of the Ka‘bah and loudly exclaimed, ‘O people of the Quraish!’” This was an announcement he made whilst standing at the door of the Ka‘bah.

“‘O People of the Quraish!’ At the time, people were sat in groups near the Ka‘bah and all turned their attention towards him. He then continued, ‘Let it be known that Umar bin Al-Khattab has become a sabi.’”

The narrator of this tradition states that Hazrat Umar (ra) said from behind him, “He is lying for I have accepted Islam and I am not a sabi. And I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad (sa) is His servant and Messenger.” Upon this, the Quraish leapt towards Hazrat Umar (ra). They both began fighting with one another until the sun had completely risen. The narrator states that when Hazrat Umar (ra) became tired and exhausted, he sat down. The people stood around him. Hazrat Umar (ra) said to them, “You can do whatever you wish to do. But I swear by Allah that if we reach 300 in number, then either we will leave Mecca for you or you will leave it for us.” In other words, they would then be able to freely do whatever they wanted.

The narrator further states that the Quraish were still in their current state when an elderly man came forward, who was wearing an embroidered upper garment made from a Yemeni cloth. He came close to them and enquired what the matter was. They told him that Hazrat Umar (ra) had become a sabi. To this, he said, “So what if he has? If a person has chosen something for himself, then what concern is that of yours? Do you think that the Banu Adi bin Kaab will hand their people over to you? Leave this person alone.” The narrator states that by God, they all immediately left him.

Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) – Hazrat Umar’s (ra) son – states, “Long after my father had migrated to Medina, I asked him, ‘O father! On the day you accepted Islam, who was the person in Mecca who admonished the people who were fighting against you and he sent them away?’ Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘My dear son! It was Aas bin Waa‘il Sahmi.’”

(Ibn Hisham, Sirat Ibn Hisham, Dhikr Islam Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ibn Hazm, 2009], pp. 161-162)

There is a narration mentioned in Bukhari in which Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) relates:

“One day, Hazrat Umar (ra) was sat at home in a state of fear. In that instance, Abu Amr Aas bin Waa‘il Sahmi came and was wearing an embroidered cloak and an upper garment made of silk with designs on its hems. He belonged to the Banu Sahm tribe with whom we had an allegiance during the era of Jahiliyyah [era of ignorance prior to the advent of Islam]. Aas bin Waa‘il said to Hazrat Umar (ra), ‘What is this condition of yours?’ Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘Your people think that since I have become a Muslim, they will now kill me.’

“Aas bin Waa‘il stated, ‘No one will be able to get to you.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) states that he felt assured after he said this. Aas bin Waa‘il then left and met the people. The valley of Mecca at the time was full of people; Aas bin Waa‘il asked them where they were heading to. They replied, they were going to the son of Khattab who had forsaken his religion. Upon this, Aas bin Waa‘il stated that they were not to go to him and subsequently the people returned.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al-Ansar, Bab Islam Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), Hadith 3864)

This mention of Hazrat Umar (ra) being fearful does not seem to be correct; this would be against the disposition of Hazrat Umar (ra). Perhaps seeing Hazrat Umar (ra) worried, the narrator thought that he was fearful, as it was mentioned in an earlier narration that Hazrat Umar (ra) renounced his protection, and this will be mentioned again later on as well.

Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) accepted Islam through the preaching of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) at a time when the Muslims had not yet sought refuge in Dar al-Arqam. He converted before this time. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah (ra) was the ninth person to accept Islam.

(Asharah Mubasharah, Bashir Sajid, p. 798, al-Badr Publications, Lahore, 2000) (Sheikh Shah Moinuddin Ahmad Nadvi, Siyar al-Sahabah, Vol. 2 [Karachi, Pakistan: Dar al-Isha‘ah, 2004], 124.)

Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah was among the early converts of Islam. He accepted Islam through Hazrat Musab (ra) bin Umair before Hazrat Saad (ra) bin Muaz accepted Islam.

All of these companions, i.e., the Ashrah Mubasharah were from among the Muhajireen [i.e., those who migrated from Mecca to Medina] and the Holy Prophet (sa) was pleased with them at the time of his demise. In relation to his acceptance of faith, Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas (ra) relates:

“The day I accepted Islam, no one else accepted Islam on that day. I waited for seven days and the condition at the time was such that I made up one third of the total Muslims, i.e., there were only three of us.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib An-Nabi, Bab Manaqib Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas, Hadith 3727) (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al-Ansar, Bab Islam, Hadith 3858)

Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas (ra) states that he accepted Islam even before the obligatory prayers had been prescribed.

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 453, Sa‘d bin Malik, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Narrating the account of his acceptance of Islam, Hazrat Sa‘d’s (ra) daughter relates that Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) stated:

“I saw in a dream that it was extremely dark and I could not see anything. Suddenly, I saw that the moon had risen and I began walking towards it. However, I noticed that Hazrat Zaid bin Haritha (ra), Hazrat Ali (ra) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) had started walking towards the moon before me. I asked them when they reached and they replied that they had just reached.”

Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) further states that by then, he already knew that the Holy Prophet (sa) was discreetly inviting people to Islam. Thus, he went to Shai‘b Ajyaad to meet the Holy Prophet (sa). Ajyaad is the name of a place situated next to the mountain of Safa in Mecca where the Holy Prophet (sa) used to graze sheep. The Holy Prophet (sa) had just finished his Asr prayer when Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas (ra) arrived and became a Muslim after doing the Bai‘at.

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 455, Sa‘d bin Malik, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, pp. 63-64) (Farhang Sirat, p. 30, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003)

The daughter of Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas (ra), Aisha bint Sa‘d narrates, “I heard my father say that when he accepted Islam; he was 17 years old.” According to other narrations, it is mentioned that when he accepted Islam he was 19 years old.

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 103, Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas (ra), Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

From among the pioneer Muslims, there were five individuals who accepted Islam owing to the preaching of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and later went on to become some of the most distinguished companions of a lofty status. The third person [out of these five] was Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas (ra). This has been taken from Sirat Khataman-Nabiyyin where it is stated that he was a youth when he accepted Islam, i.e., he was 19 years old at the time.

Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas (ra) belonged to the Banu Zuhrah tribe and was a very brave and courageous individual. During the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar (ra) he conquered Iraq and passed away during the reign of Amir Muawiyyah (ra).

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 122-123)

Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas (ra) has recorded many narrations from the Holy Prophet (sa).

(Al-Isabah fi Tamyeez al-Sahabah, Vol. 2, p. 324, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2001)

Mus‘ab, Hazrat Sa‘d’s (ra) son, states that his father said to him, “My mother (i.e., Hazrat Sa‘d’s (ra) mother) had made an oath that she would never speak to him unless he abandons his faith,” i.e., until he forsakes Islam. Accordingly, she stopped eating and drinking. Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) further stated, “My mother said to me, ‘You say that Allah the Almighty instructs you to show kindness to your parents. I am your mother and therefore I instruct you to leave this faith and listen to what I have to say.’” The narrator states that she remained in this state [without food and drink] for three days and due to extreme weakness, she was in a state of semi consciousness. Her son, Amarah, went to bring water and gave it to her. When she regained consciousness, she began to curse Hazrat Sa‘d (ra). On this occasion Allah the Almighty revealed the following verse:

وَوَصَّیْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَیْہِ حُسْنًا

‘And We have enjoined on man, kindness to his parents.’ [29:9]

The verse is from Surah al-Ankabut. Further, in Surah Luqman, it is stated:

وَإِنْ جَاہَدَاکَ عَلٰى أَنْ تُشْرِکَ بِیْ

“And if they contend with thee to make thee set up equals with Me… obey them not.” [31:16]

It is also mentioned:

وَصَاحِبْہُمَا فِی الدُّنْیَا مَعْرُوفًا

“But be a kind companion to them in all worldly affairs.” [31:16]

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab Faza‘il as-Sahabah, Bab Fadl Sa‘d bin Abi Waqqas, Hadith 1748)

If the question arises of associating partners with God Almighty, then one should not obey them. This matter is then discussed here in detail, but as far as worldly relations is concerned, one must show them compassion.

وَصَاحِبْہُمَا فِی الدُّنْیَا مَعْرُوفًا

“But be a kind companion to them in all worldly affairs.” [31:16]

The first narration was from [Sahih] Muslim. From another source, it is mentioned in a book of history that Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas (ra) stated, “I loved my mother dearly, but when I accepted Islam, she said, ‘What sort of religion have you accepted. Either you forsake this faith or I will stop eating and drinking until death overtakes me.’”

Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) states that he said to his mother, “My dear mother! Please do not do this, because I will never forsake my religion.” Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) further narrates, “For one day and one night, my mother did not eat or drink anything and as a result her health deteriorated. At this point, I said to her, ‘By Allah! If you had a thousand lives and lost each of them, one after the other, I would still not abandon my faith.’” When his mother saw this reaction, she began to eat and drink. It was on this occasion that God Almighty revealed the following verse:

وَإِنْ جَاہَدَاکَ عَلٰى أَنْ تُشْرِکَ بِیْ مَا لَیْسَ لَکَ بِہٖ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْہُمَا وَصَاحِبْہُمَا فِی الدُّنْیَا مَعْرُوْفًا

“And if they contend with thee to make thee set up equals with Me concerning which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not, but be a kind companion to them in all worldly affairs.” [31:16]

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 455, Sa‘d bin Malik, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Hazrat Yasir (ra), Hazrat Sumaiyyah (ra), Hazrat Ammar (ra) and his brother Hazrat Abdullah bin Yasir (ra) embraced Islam upon its advent. Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir (ra) narrates, “I met with Hazrat Sohaib Bin Sinaan at the gate of Dar-e-Arqam. The Holy Prophet (sa) was in Dar-e-Arqam at the time. I asked Sohaib, ‘What is your purpose of coming here?’ and he replied, ‘What is your purpose?’ I replied, ‘I wish to go to the Holy Prophet (sa) and listen to his words.’ Sohaib said, ‘I have the same intention.’” Hazrat Ammar further narrates, “We presented ourselves before the Holy Prophet (sa). He informed us about Islam and we accepted it. We stayed there until night and then departed Dar-e-Arqam in secret.” Thirty people had preceded them in accepting Islam prior to Hazrat Ammar (ra) and Hazrat Sohaib (ra).

(At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 186-187, Ammar bin Yasir, Dar Ihya At-turath Al-Arabi, 1990, Beirut)

It is narrated in a Hadith [tradition of the Holy Prophet (sa)] of Sahih Bukhari that Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir (ra) said, “I saw the Holy Prophet (sa) at a time when his companions included only five slaves, two women and Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (ra) with him.”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Munaqib, Hadith 3857)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) has written in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin:

“Only a few days had passed after the acceptance of Hazrat Hamza (ra), when Allah the Exalted blessed the Muslims with another instance of happiness, in other words, Hazrat Umar (ra) who was a vehement enemy, accepted Islam. The disposition of Hazrat Umar (ra) enclosed a kind of stiffness, which was further increased by his enmity towards Islam. Therefore, prior to his acceptance of Islam, Umar (ra) subjected poor and weak Muslims to great torture on account of their Islam. But when he was exhausted of inflicting this agony and saw no signs of their return, he thought, ‘Why not finish the founder of this very fitna’, i.e. the Holy Prophet (sa). Upon this thought, he took hold of his sword and set out in search of the Holy Prophet (sa).

“On the way, when someone noticed him walking with an unsheathed sword in his hand, he enquired, ‘O Umar [ra], where to?’ Umar (ra) responded, ‘I have set off to slay Muhammad [sa].’ He replied, ‘Why do you not look after your own home first? Your sister and brother-in-law have accepted Islam.’

“Hazrat Umar (ra) immediately turned and started walking towards the home of his sister Fatima (ra). As he approached the home, he could hear the sound of the recitation of the Holy Quran from inside, which Khabbab (ra) bin Arat was reciting very melodiously.

“When Hazrat Umar (ra) heard this voice, he was further enraged and entered the home. As soon as Khabbab (ra) heard his footsteps, he hid somewhere and Fatima (ra) (his sister) also hid the various pages of the Holy Quran here and there. When Hazrat Umar (ra) entered, he shouted (at Hazrat Fatima (ra) and Hazrat Saeed (ra)) that, ‘I heard that you have left your faith!’ Then, he attacked his brother-in-law Saeed (ra) bin Zaid. Fatima (ra) was also wounded as she moved forward, in an attempt to save her husband and after that very courageously said, ‘Yes Umar! We have become Muslim. Do as you wish, we shall not leave Islam.’”

“When he heard the courageous words of his sister, he cast a glance upon her and noticed that she was covered in blood. This sight had an inexplicable impression upon the heart of Hazrat Umar (ra). After a short silence, he said to his sister, ‘Show me the word that you were reading.’ ‘I shall not,’ responded Fatima (ra), ‘for you will destroy the pages.’ Umar (ra) replied, ‘Nay, Nay! Please show me, I shall indeed return them to you.’ ‘But you are unclean,’ said Fatima (ra), ‘and the Quran should be touched in a state of purity. First bathe, then read.’”

“When Umar (ra) had taken a bath, Fatima (ra) placed the pages of the Quran before him. When he took hold of them and saw, they were the opening verses of Surah Ta Ha. Hazrat Umar (ra) began to read them with an awe-inspired heart and every single word deeply impressed the heart of this well-natured man” and the Holy Prophet (sa) had prayed for him as well. “While reading, Hazrat Umar (ra) reached the following two verses:

إِنَّنِیٓ أَنَا ٱللَّہُ لَآ إِلَٰہَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعۡبُدۡنِی وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰۃَ لِذِکۡرِیٓ إِنَّ ٱلسَّاعَۃَ ءَاتِیَۃٌ أَکَادُ أُخۡفِیہَا لِتُجۡزَىٰ کُلُّ نَفۡسِ بِمَا تَسۡعَىٰ

“‘Verily, I am Allah; there is no God beside Me. So serve Me, and observe Prayer for My remembrance. Surely, the Hour is coming; I am going to manifest it, that every soul may be recompensed for its endeavour.’ (Ch.20: V.15-16)

“When Hazrat Umar (ra) recited this verse, it was as if his eyes were opened and his latent disposition was suddenly aroused. He powerlessly said, ‘What a strange and holy word this is!’

“When Khabbab (ra) heard these words, he immediately came out from where he was hiding, thanked God and said, ‘This is due to the prayer of the Messenger (sa) of Allah. By God, it was only yesterday I heard the Holy Prophet (sa) pray that, “O Allah! Do bless either Umar bin al-Khattab or Amr bin Hisham (Abu Jahl) with Islam.’

“And so Hazrat Umar (ra) said to Khabbab (ra), ‘Tell me the way to Muhammad (sa) at once.’ In the fervour of his excitement, he kept his sword unsheathed.” He did not even remember to place the sword back in its cover.

“During this time, the Holy Prophet (sa) was in Dar-e-Arqam; as such, Khabbab (ra) gave him the location. Hazrat Umar (ra) went there and firmly knocked on the door. When the companions (ra) peered through the crack in the door and saw Hazrat Umar (ra) holding an unsheathed sword, they were reluctant in opening the door, but the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Open the door.’ Hazrat Hamza (ra) who was also present there also said, ‘Open the door. If he has come with pure intentions then well and good, otherwise, if his intentions are evil, by Allah, I shall sever his head by his own sword.’

“The door was opened and Hazrat Umar (ra) entered with an unsheathed sword in hand. Upon seeing him, the Holy Prophet (sa) moved forward and taking hold of Umar’s (ra) mantle, pulled it, saying, ‘O Umar, with what intention have you come? ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah,’ responded Hazrat Umar (ra), ‘I wish to become a Muslim.’

“When the Holy Prophet (sa) heard these words, in the fervour of his happiness, he said, ‘Allahu Akbar!’ and his companions (ra) called out the slogan of ‘Allahu Akbar’ so loudly that the mountains of Mecca began to resonate.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 157-159)

Thus, this was Hazrat Saeed (ra) who became a means of Hazrat Umar (ra) accepting Islam.

The following is what Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) has said regarding this debate:

“When the Holy Prophet (sa) began the propagation of his mission, the first to believe was Hazrat Khadija (ra), who did not hesitate, even for a moment. There is a disagreement among historians in reference to who the first convert among the men was after Hazrat Khadija (ra). Some name Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) Abdullah bin Abi Quhafah, while others say Hazrat Ali (ra) […] or Hazrat Zaid (ra) bin Harithah”.

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) says:

“However, to us, this argument is useless. Hazrat Ali (ra) and Zaid (ra) bin Harithah were among the house-folk of the Holy Prophet (sa) and lived with him as his own children. They were to follow whatever was said by the Holy Prophet (sa)”, as they were children – whatever the Holy Prophet (sa) said, they accepted it. It is possible that they accepted this in the same way as well. “Thus, their names need not be included. Among the rest, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) is unanimously accepted as the first and foremost in his acceptance of Islam. Therefore, with regard to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hassan (ra) bin Thabit Ansari, the court poet of the Holy Prophet (sa), says:

اِذَا‭ ‬تَذَكَّرْتَ‭ ‬شَجْوًا‭ ‬مِنْ‭ ‬اَخِيْ‭ ‬ثِقَةٍ‬‬‬‬‬ فَاذْكُرْ‭ ‬اَخَاكَ‭ ‬اَبَابَكْرٍ‭ ‬بِمَا‭ ‬فَعَلَا‬‬‬‬ خَيْرَ‭ ‬الْبَرِيَّةِ‭ ‬اَتْقَاهَا‭ ‬وَ‭ ‬اَعْدَلَهَا‬‬‬‬ بَعْدَ‭ ‬النَّبِيِّ‭ ‬وَ‭ ‬اَوْفَاهَا‭ ‬بِمَا‭ ‬حَمَلَا‬‬‬‬‬ اَلثَّانِيَ‭ ‬التَّالِيَ‭ ‬الْمَحْمُوْدَ‭ ‬مَشْهَدُهٗ‬‬‬ وَاَوَّلَ‭ ‬النَّاسِ‭ ‬مِنْهُمْ‭ ‬صَدَّقَ‭ ‬الرُّسُلَا‬‬‬‬

“Meaning, ‘Whenever a compassionate reminiscence of any of your noble brethren rises in your heart, remember your brother Abu Bakr (ra) as well, on account of his virtues – worthy of remembrance. After the Holy Prophet (sa), he was the most righteous and most just of all men and the greatest of those who fulfil their responsibilities. Indeed, it was Abu Bakr (ra) who was the second individual with the Holy Prophet (sa) in the Cave of Thaur, who had effaced himself in the obedience of the Prophet (sa). Whatever task he would undertake, he would make it beautiful, and he was the first of all people to believe in the Messenger.’

“Due to his nobility and abilities, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was greatly honoured and respected by the Quraish, and in Islam he acquired a status which no other companion has attained. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) did not, even for a moment, doubt the claim of the Holy Prophet (sa); rather, he accepted him instantaneously. Then he devoted his entire interest and his entire life and wealth in the service of the religion brought by the Holy Prophet (sa). Among his companions, the Holy Prophet (sa) held Abu Bakr (ra) most dear to himself. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa) he became his first Caliph. During the time of his Caliphate, he furnished evidence of his unparalleled ability.

“Regarding Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), a renowned European orientalist named Sprenger writes, ‘The faith of Abu Bakr is, in my opinion, the greatest guarantee of the sincerity of Mohammad in the beginning of his career. Even though Mohammad himself may have been misled, he would not deceive anyone. In fact, he believed himself to be the prophet of God with full sincerity of heart’.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) further writes that Sir William Muir was also in agreement with the opinion held by Sprenger.

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 121-122)

Hazrat Bilal (ra) is among the foremost believers; he accepted Islam at a time when only seven people had announced their acceptance.

(Ibn Sa‘d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Bilal bin Rabah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2017] 176)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (ra) narrates there were seven people who initially announced their acceptance of Islam; the Holy Prophet (sa), Abu Bakr (ra), Ammar (ra) and his mother Sumayyah (ra), Suhaib (ra), Bilal (ra) and Miqdad (ra). It is narrated that Allah the Almighty kept the Holy Prophet (sa) safe by way of his uncle, Abu Talib, and kept Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) safe by way of his people – as mentioned in a previous sermon, the Holy Prophet (sa) was not exempt from the hardships afflicted by the opponents, nor could Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) people keep him safe from their cruelties. Both were also made to endure extreme cruelties. There was some leniency in the beginning, but there were great hardships later on. In any case, this is the account of the narrator; he says that they both had someone to support them – someone who would speak up for them. However the others who were weak or slaves fell victim to the disbelievers. They would be chained in iron shackles and burned in the sun. There was none among them who did not eventually give in to what the disbelievers sought to hear, except for Bilal (ra). In the cause of Allah, his own being held no significance to him. It was Hazrat Bilal (ra) who always remained steadfast. He was also considered insignificant by his nation, so they would grab him and hand him over to the youngsters, who would drag him around the valleys of Mecca, and all the while, Bilal (ra) would continue saying “Ahad! Ahad!”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Fada‘il Bilal, Hadith 150, Noor Foundation translation)

At one instance, while mentioning Hazrat Bilal’s (ra) acceptance at the outset of Islam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) states that Hazrat Khabbab (ra) was also among the foremost believers and there is a difference of opinion as to whether he or Hazrat Bilal (ra) accepted Islam first. The Holy Prophet (sa) once said that a slave and a free man were the very first to accept him. Some believe this refers to Hazrat Bilal (ra) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), while others believe it refers to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Khabbab (ra).

(Misri Sahib ke Khilafat se Inhiraf ke Muta‘aliq Taqrir, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 14, p. 598)

This incident has been related in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyin as follows:

“Dhul-Hijjah of 13 Nabawi, on the occasion of Hajj, many hundreds of people from the Aus and the Khazraj came to Mecca. Among them, there were 70 such people who had either become Muslim or now desired to become Muslim, and came to Mecca to meet the Holy Prophet (sa). Mus‘ab bin Umair (ra) was also among them. Mus‘ab’s (ra) mother was alive, and although she was an idolatress, she loved him very much. When she was informed of his coming, she sent word that, ‘First come and meet me, then go elsewhere.’ Mus‘ab (ra) responded, ‘I have not yet met the Holy Prophet (sa), I shall come to you once I have met him’ (he said this to his mother). Therefore, he presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa) first, and briefed him on key issues, then visited his mother. She was very upset (that he did not visit her first). When she saw him, she began to weep and complain. Mus‘ab (ra) said, ‘Mother! I tell you something wonderful which is very beneficial for you, and shall put an end to every disagreement.’ She inquired, ‘What is that?’ Mus‘ab (ra) quietly responded, ‘This, that you forsake idol worship and become a Muslim, and believe in the Holy Prophet (sa).’ She was a firm idolatress, and as soon as she heard this, she began to put up a commotion saying, ‘I swear by the stars that I shall never enter your religion,’ and signalled her relatives to capture Mus‘ab (ra), however he was wise and quickly escaped.”

Ibn Ishaq is the only one to have reported that Hazrat Muawiz (ra) was among the 70 Ansar who participated in the Second Pledge at Aqabah.

After accepting Islam, Hazrat Mu‘az (ra) bin Jabal, along with the youth of Banu Salama, broke the idols of their tribe.

(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd-ul-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 5, Mu‘az(ra) bin Jabal [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003] 187) (Ibn Sa‘d, al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Mu‘az(ra) bin Jabal wa min Sa‘ir Bani Salamah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990] 437-438) (Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 6 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1995] 107-108) (Sheikh Shah Moinuddin Ahmad Nadvi, Siyar al-Sahabah, Vol. 3, Mu‘az(ra) bin Jabal [Karachi, Pakistan: Dar al-Isha‘ah, 2004] 497)

Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Jamooh placed an idol made out of wood in his home. He named it Manaat and would show great respect to it and revere it. On the occasion of the second Bai‘at [pledge] at Aqabah, some youths from Banu Salama also pledged their allegiance. Among them was Hazrat Mu‘az (ra) bin Jabal and also Mu‘az (ra), the son of Amr [bin Jamooh] who also pledged his allegiance.

Hazrat Amr (ra) bin Jamooh’s son devised a plan to call his father towards Islam. He would take the idol of Hazrat Amr (ra), which he had placed in his home, and throw it into a pit or a pile of rubbish. Some of the youths would assist him in this, including Hazrat Mu‘az (ra) bin Jabal. Nevertheless, he threw the idol into the pit of rubbish one day. Amr (ra) found it, brought it back home and said, “If I come to know who is doing this to my idol, I will punish him severely.”

The following day, these young men did the same with the idol and it was once again lying face down in the pit. He once again picked it up and brought it back. The third day, he cleaned the idol again and placed it in his home, but this time, he hung his sword around the idol and said, “By God! I am not aware of who is doing this to you, but I am leaving a sword with you so that you may protect yourself. You now have a sword.”

The following day, Hazrat Amr (ra) noticed that the idol was once again not in its place and found it in that very pit nearby, tied to the neck of a dead dog. Seeing this, he was taken aback and became extremely concerned and was compelled to ponder over the fact that the idol he considered to be a god and had placed in his home did not even have the strength and power to protect itself even with a sword by its side; how then could it possibly protect him? Furthermore, it was lying around the neck of a dead dog. Thus, he deeply reflected on how this could possibly be a god. Nevertheless, this incident was the cause for his inclination towards Islam and later accepting Islam.

(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Amr bin al-Jamuh [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003] 195)

Narration 1

The Promised Messiah (as) states:

“The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, bestowed the title of Siddiq [the Truthful] to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). So, Allah the Exalted knows best the countless excellences of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). The Holy Prophet (sa) also said that the superiority of Hazrat Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, is owed to a quality that exists in his heart. In truth, the sincerity demonstrated by Abu Bakr (ra) is truly matchless. The fact of the matter is that in every era, anyone who desires to develop within themselves the excellences of a Siddiq and be one from among the Truthful must struggle, insofar as is possible, to inculcate within their being the nature and disposition of Abu Bakr (ra) and then pray for this purpose as much as possible. Until a person is covered by the shade of Abu Bakr’s nature and does not take on the hue of his disposition, they cannot attain the excellences of the Truthful.”

The Promised Messiah (as) further states:

“What is the nature of Abu Bakr (ra)? This is not the occasion for a detailed discussion and discourse on this subject, as much time would be required for such an exposition. To be brief, I shall narrate an incident.

“When the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, made his claim to prophethood, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, had travelled to Syria for the purpose of trade. On his return, he was still en route when he happened to meet someone. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) enquired of him as to the circumstances in Mecca and asked him if there was any current news. It is commonly observed that when a person returns from a journey, they will ask their fellow countrymen about the circumstances of their homeland. The individual responded, ‘What is new is that your friend [Muhammad (sa)] has made a claim to prophethood.’ As soon as Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) heard this, he responded, ‘If he has made such a claim, then he is truthful indeed.’ This shows the degree to which Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) thought well of the Holy Prophet (sa). He felt no need to ask for a miracle. In actuality, only such a one who is uninformed of a claimant’s circumstances, or who is unrelated to them, will ask to be shown a miracle for their heart’s satisfaction. But as for the one who has no objection, what need has he for a miracle?

“In short, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) affirmed his belief in the Holy Prophet (sa) even before he had returned home. When he arrived in Mecca, he presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa) and enquired, ‘Have you claimed to be a Prophet?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Yes, this is correct.’ At this, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) said, ‘Bear witness that I am the first of those who have affirmed your truthfulness.’ However, these were not mere words; in fact, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) demonstrated that his actions accorded with his words. This was to such an extent that he fulfilled his oath until his very last breath and did not leave the Holy Prophet (sa) even after death.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 372-374)

Narration 2

In the commentary of the verse of Surah al-Rahman:

وَلِمَنْ‭ ‬خَافَ‭ ‬مَقَامَ‭ ‬رَبِّهٖ‭ ‬جَنَّتَانِ‬‬‬‬

“But for him who fears to stand before his Lord there are two Gardens” [Ch.55: V.47], the Promised Messiah (as) presented the example of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and stated:

“Take Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) as an example; he encountered a person whilst returning from Syria and asked him for the latest news. The person replied, ‘There is no news other than the fact that your friend, Muhammad[sa] has claimed prophethood’. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied, ‘If he has claimed prophethood then he is truthful. He could never be a liar.’ Afterwards, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) went straight to the Holy Prophet (sa) home and said to him, ‘May you bear witness that I was the very first to believe in you.’ Ponder over the fact that he did not demand a miracle from the Holy Prophet (sa). It was solely on the basis of what he knew about him from before that made him accept him.

“Remember, miracles are demanded by those who are unacquainted. For an old friend, the events of a person’s life suffice as a miracle. Thereafter, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) had to face great struggles; he endured hardships and extreme pain. Although he endured the most pain and suffering, he was also the first to succeed the throne of prophethood.” Allah the Almighty rewarded him in this world, and was assured Paradise in the Hereafter. “He who once had to toil all day in his business, was eventually appointed as the first successor to the Holy Prophet (sa).”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 10, pp. 78-79)

Narration 3

Then, at one instance, the Promised Messiah (as) states: “There are two types of people: there are those who are pure in nature and are the foremost to believe. Such people are wise and sagacious, just like Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra). Then there are those foolish, who only act when something befalls them.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 261)

In other words, they only think to accept when they are faced with a hardship or affliction.

Hisham bin Urwah relates from his father that when the Holy Prophet (sa) departed for the Conquest of Mecca, the Quraish had received news of this. Consequently, Abu Sufyan bin Harb, Hakim bin Hizam and Budail bin Waraqah went out to seek information about the Holy Prophet (sa) until they reached a place called Marruz Zahran. Marruz Zahran is a place 5 miles from Mecca, wherein are plentiful springs and gardens of dates. When they reached this place, they saw countless fires lit, just as there are at Arafat during the pilgrimage. Abu Sufyan then said, “What is this? It seems as though these are the fires of Arafat.” Budail bin Waraqah then said, “These seem to be the fires of Banu Amr, (i.e., of the Khuza’ah tribe).” Abu Sufyan said, “The Banu Amr tribe are much fewer in numbers.” Thereafter, some guards of the Holy Prophet (sa) saw them and seized the three of them. They were then brought to the Holy Prophet (sa) and Abu Sufyan accepted Islam. When the Holy Prophet (sa) left towards Mecca, he told Hazrat Abbas (ra), “Keep Abu Sufyan at the mountain-pass, so that he may see the Muslims.” Therefore, Hazrat Abbas (ra) kept him there. Numerous tribes passed by, alongside the Holy Prophet (sa), and each division of the army passed in front of Abu Sufyan. When one group was passing by, Abu Sufyan asked, “Abbas, who are these people?” Hazrat Abbas (ra) replied, “These are the people of the Ghiffar tribe,” to which Abu Sufyan said, “I have no concern for the Ghiffar tribe.” Then the people of the Juhainah tribe passed by and Abu Sufyan posed the same question. Then the people of the Sa‘d bin Huzaim tribe passed by and he asked the same question, then the people of the Sulaim tribe passed by and he asked the same question, up to the point where the last division of the army passed by, which he had not seen before. Abu Sufyan asked, “Who are these people?” Hazrat Abbas (ra) said, “These are the Ansar and their chief is Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) bin Ubadah, who is holding the flag. Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) bin Ubadah exclaimed, “O Abu Sufyan, today is the day of a fierce battle, and in which fighting shall be permissible in the precinct of the Ka‘bah.” Having heard this, Abu Sufyan then said, “Abbas, what a great day of destruction this would be if I were to contest you” (i.e., if he was on the opposing side and had the opportunity [to fight them], but he was on the side of the Muslims due to having accepted Islam). Then another division of the army arrived which was the smallest of all the battalions. Among them was the Holy Prophet (sa) and the Muhajireen and the flag of the Holy Prophet (sa) was being carried by Hazrat Zubair (ra) bin al-Awwam. When the Holy Prophet (sa) passed by Abu Sufyan, he said, “Are you not aware of what Sa‘d (ra) bin Ubadah has just said?” The Holy Prophet (sa) asked, “What did he say?” He then told him whatever Hazrat Sa‘d bin Ubadah (ra) uttered. The Holy Prophet (sa) then replied, “Sa‘d has erred, in fact, today is the day that God Almighty shall restore the honour of the Ka‘bah and it shall be covered with a sacred cloth [Ghilaf]. There shall be no fighting on this day.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Bab Aina Rakaza an-Nabi ar-Ra’ya Yaumal Fath, Hadith 4280) (Mu’jamul Buldan, Vol. 4, p. 247)

Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has mentioned this incident in more detail and is as follows: “While the Muslims marched towards Mecca, the Holy Prophet (sa) had ordered Hazrat Abbas (ra) to take Abu Sufyan and his friends to a spot from where they could easily view the Muslim army, and its loyalty and devotion. Hazrat Abbas (ra) did so and from a vantage point Abu Sufyan and his friends watched the Arab tribes go past on whose power the Meccans had banked all these years for their plots against Islam. The people of Mecca thought that they would be able to receive help from them but now they all stood in support of the Holy Prophet (sa). They marched that day not as soldiers of disbelief but as soldiers of belief. They raised now the slogans of Islam, not the slogans of their pagan days. They marched in formation, not to put an end to the Prophet’s life (as the Meccans desired), but rather to lay down their lives to save his; not to shed his blood, but their own for his sake. Their ambition that day was not to resist the Prophet’s message and save the superficial solidarity of their own people. It was to carry to all parts of the world the very message they had so far resisted. It was to establish the unity and solidarity of man. Column after column marched past until the Ashja‘ tribe came in Abu Sufyan’s view. Their devotion to Islam and their self-sacrificing zeal could be seen in their faces, and heard in their songs and slogans.

“‘Who are they?’ asked Abu Sufyan.

‘They are the Ashja‘ tribe’, replied Hazrat Abbas (ra).

“Abu Sufyan looked astonished and said, ‘In all Arabia, no one bore greater enmity to Muhammad (sa) than them.’

“Hazrat Abbas (ra) replied, ‘We owe it to the grace of God. He changed the hearts of the enemy of Islam as soon as He deemed fit.’

“Last of all came the Holy Prophet (sa), surrounded by the armies of Ansar and Muhajirin.

“They must have been about 2,000 strong, dressed in suits of armour. Hazrat Umar (ra) directed their marching and would continuously tell them to be mindful of their steps so that the rows remained intact.

“The sight proved the most impressive of all. The devotion of these Muslims, their determination and their zeal seemed overflowing. When Abu Sufyan’s eyes fell on them, he was completely overpowered. ‘Who are they?’ he asked. ‘They are the Ansar and the Muhajirin surrounding the Prophet (sa),’ replied Abbas (ra).

“‘No power on earth could resist this army,’ said Abu Sufyan, and then, addressing Hazrat Abbas (ra) more specifically, ‘Abbas, your nephew has become the most powerful king in the world.’

“‘You are still far from the truth, Abu Sufyan. He is no king; he is a Prophet, a Messenger of God,’ replied Hazrat Abbas (ra).

‘Yes, yes, let it be as you say, a Prophet.’ added Abu Sufyan

“As the Muslim army marched past Abu Sufyan, the commander of the Ansar, Sa‘d (ra) bin Ubadah happened to eye Abu Sufyan and could not resist saying that God that day had made it lawful for them to enter Mecca by force and that the Quraish would be humiliated.

“As the Holy Prophet (sa) was passing, Abu Sufyan raised his voice and addressing the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! Have you allowed the massacre of your own kith and kin? I heard the commander of the Ansar, Sa‘d and his companions say so. They said it was a day of slaughter. The sacredness of Mecca will not avert bloodshed and the Quraish will be humiliated. Prophet (sa) of God, you are the best, the most forgiving, the most considerate of men. Will you not forgive and forget whatever was done by your own people?’

“Upon hearing this plea from Abu Sufyan, those very Muslims who used to be insulted and beaten in the streets of Mecca, who had been dispossessed and driven out of their homes, began to entertain feelings of mercy for their old persecutors. ‘O Prophet of God,’ they said, ‘the accounts which the Ansar have heard of the excesses and cruelties committed by Meccans against us, may lead them to seek revenge. We know not what they may do.’

“The Holy Prophet (sa) understood this. Turning to Abu Sufyan, he said, ‘What Sa‘d has said is incorrect. It is the day of forgiveness. The Quraish and the Ka‘bah will be honoured by God.’

“Then he sent for Sa‘d and ordered him to hand over the Ansar flag to his son, Qais, for he would now be the commander of the Ansar’s army. In this way, it placated the Meccans and saved the Ansar’s disappointment. Qais, a pious young man, was fully trusted by the Holy Prophet (sa).”

Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra), in relation to Qais’ (ra) level of piety, states: “An incident of his last days illustrates the piety of his character. Lying on his deathbed, Qais received his friends. Some came and some did not. He could not understand this and asked why some of his friends had not come to see him. ‘Your charity is abundant,’ explained one (Qais was extremely generous and would help people).

“‘You have been helping the needy with your loans. There are many in the town who are in debt to you. Some may have hesitated to come lest you should ask them for the return of the loans.’

“He replied, ‘Then I have been the cause of keeping my friends away. Please announce that no one now owes anything to Qais.’ After this announcement, Qais had so many visitors during his last days that the steps to his house gave way.”

(Dibacha Tafsir-ul-Quran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 341-343)

There are many narrations recorded that mention how Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) accepted Islam. Some instances are very detailed whilst others are brief; however, I will make mention of some of them. Hazrat Aisha (ra) relates, “Ever since I can remember, my mother and father were followers of Islam. There was never a day when the Holy Prophet (sa) did not visit us in the morning and evening.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Kafalah, Bab Jawar Abi Bakr fi Ahd al-Nabisa wa Aqdih, Hadith 2297)

There are various narrations about Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and his acceptance of Islam.

Narration 1

In Sharah Zarqani, the incident of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) acceptance of Islam is mentioned as follows:

“One day, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was in the home of Hakim bin Hizam. One of his housemaids came and said, ‘Your aunt, Khadija, is saying that her husband claims to be a prophet just like Moses (as).’ On hearing this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) quietly departed, went to meet the Holy Prophet (sa) and accepted Islam.”

(Sharh Zurqani ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 1, pp. 447-448, Dhikr Awwal min Aamana billah wa Rasulih, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996)

Narration 2

In the commentary of Sirat Ibn Hisham, known as Al-Raud al-Unf, the incident surrounding Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) acceptance of Islam as well as one of his dreams is mentioned as follows:

“Before the advent of the Holy Prophet (sa), Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) saw a dream. He saw that the moon had descended in Mecca and broke into small pieces, spreading to all the places and dwellings of Mecca. A piece [of that moon] entered each and every household, and it seemed as though all the pieces were gathered into his lap. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) mentioned this dream to some scholars among the People of the Book and they interpreted it to mean that the time of the awaited prophet was nigh and that he”, i.e. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), “would accept him and owing to this he would become the most fortunate among all the people. Following this, when the Holy Prophet (sa) invited Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) to accept Islam, he immediately accepted him without any hesitation.”

(Ibn Hisham, Al-Raud al-Unf fi Tafsir al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Vol. 1, Islam Abi Bakr (ra) [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2013], p. 431)

Narration 3

In Subul al-Huda, there is also mention of the incident of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) acceptance of Islam. Kaab relates that Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) accepted Islam as a result of the revelation he received from the heavens. The details are as follows:

“Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was away on a business trip to Syria. While he was there, he saw a dream and told Bahira the Monk about it. Upon hearing about the vision, Bahira asked, ‘Where are you from?’ Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied that he was from Mecca. Bahira asked which tribe in Mecca he belonged to. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied that he belonged to the Quraish. Bahira then asked what he did to make a living. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied that he was a merchant. Upon this, Bahira said, ‘If Allah the Almighty fulfils your dream, then there will be a prophet raised from among your people. You will be subservient to him during his life, and will become his caliph after his demise.’ Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) kept this matter hidden until the advent of the Holy Prophet (sa), and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said, ‘O Muhammad (sa), what is the proof of your claim?’” In all other narrations about this, there is no mention that he ever asked for proof. Nonetheless, it is mentioned in this narration. “The Holy Prophet (sa) responded, ‘The dream you saw whilst in Syria is my proof.’ Upon hearing this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) embraced the Holy Prophet (sa) and kissed him between the eyes, saying, ‘I bear witness that you are the Messenger (sa) of Allah.’”

(Mustafa Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-Ibad, Vol. 1, Chapter 9, fi ma Akhbara bihi al-Ahbar… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1993], p. 124)

In this narration, there was mention of a dream of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), but there were no details recorded about what he saw in that dream. However, according to the account in Sirat al-Halabiyyah it seems to be the same dream in which Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) saw the moon falling and breaking into pieces, which has already been mentioned. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) told Bahira the Monk about this dream.

(Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 1 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 391)

In any case, biographers have mentioned various narrations and, insha-Allah, they will be mentioned in the future.

Accounts related to Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) acceptance of Islam were previously being narrated. There are some more narrations in this regard. Certain accounts have been mentioned in different perspectives, but they all seem to be one incident. I will now mention a few more of these details.

Narration 4

Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) acceptance of Islam has been recorded in Usd al-Ghabah as follows:

Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Mas‘ud relates that Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) said:

“Prior to the advent of the Holy Prophet (sa), I once went to Yemen and stayed with an elderly gentleman belonging to the tribe of Azd. He was a scholar and had studied divine scriptures. He was also an expert in genealogy. When he saw me, he said, ‘I believe that you are a resident of the Haram.’ I replied that this was correct and I was indeed from the Haram. Following this, he said, ‘I believe that you belong to the Quraish.’ I replied that this was correct and I was from the Quraish. He then said, ‘I believe you to be from the tribe of Taym.’ I replied that this was correct and I belonged to the tribe of Taym bin Murrah. I stated, ‘My name is Abdullah bin Uthman and I am the offspring of Kaab bin Saad bin Taym bin Murrah.’ He said, ‘I only have one thing left to say to you.’”

Here, he mentioned his name to be Abdullah bin Uthman. However, I believe that the Holy Prophet (sa) had not yet changed his name to Abdullah. Nevertheless, this is what is in the narration.

“The elderly man said, ‘I only have one thing left to say to you.’ I asked what it was. He said, ‘Lift the shirt from your stomach and show me.’ I replied that I would not do so unless he told me why he asked this of me. He said, ‘Based on true and authentic knowledge, a prophet will be appointed in Haram and a young man and an elderly individual will support him in his task. As far as the young man in concerned, he will throw himself into difficulties and dispel worries and concerns. And as far as the elderly individual is concerned, he will be slim and of a fair complexion. He will have a birthmark on his stomach and a mark on his left thigh.’ He further said, ‘It is not necessary for you to show me what I ask of you. For me, all the other signs have been fulfilled in you, apart from that which is hidden from me.’”

Hazrat Abu Bakrsa said, “I removed the shirt from my stomach and he saw a black birthmark above my navel. Upon this, he said, ‘By the Lord of the Ka‘bah! It is you! I will now present a matter before you and you should listen carefully.’”

Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said, “What is it?” He replied, “Be cautious of not deviating from the guidance; hold firmly on to this exemplary and lofty path. Remain fearful of God in relation to the wealth and prosperity that He will endow you with!”

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) says, “I completed my work in Yemen and met the elderly gentleman once more in order to bid farewell to him. Upon this, he said, ‘Will you remember some verses of mine, which I have composed in honour of that prophet?’ I replied that I would do so. Hence, he recited a few couplets.”

Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) says, “I then went to Mecca and the Holy Prophet (sa) had already made his claim. Following this, Uqba bin Abi Mu‘ayt, Shaybah, Rabi‘ah, Abu Jahl, Abu Bakhtari and various other chiefs of the Quraish came to me. I asked them whether some form of affliction had befallen them, or whether something had happened for all of them to come there together. They said, ‘O Abu Bakr! A grave incident has taken place! Abu Talib’s orphan claims to be a prophet. If it were not for you, we would not delay in this matter, but seeing as you have now come, you are the one we turn to and you are sufficient for us to deal with this matter.’”

Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) further says, “I politely avoided the subject, and when I enquired about the Holy Prophet (sa), I was told that he was at the home of Khadija[ra]. I went and knocked on the door. When he came outside, I said, ‘O Muhammad (sa), you have left the home of your family, and you have abandoned the religion of your forefathers.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, ‘O Abu Bakr, I am the Messenger of Allah unto you and to all people, so believe in Allah.’ I asked, ‘What proof do you have of this?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) answered, ‘That elderly man whom you met in Yemen.’ I then said, ‘There were many elderly men in Yemen whom I met.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘The elderly man who recited couplets to you.’ I then said, ‘My dear friend, who informed you of this?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, ‘The same Archangel did, who appeared to the prophets before me.’ I then stated, ‘Extend your hand so that I may bear witness that there is no god besides Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah.’”

Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) states, “I then returned and no one between the mountains of Mecca was more pleased upon my acceptance of Islam than the Holy Prophet (sa).”

(Usd al-Ghabah Fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, pp. 312-313, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008)

This was a narration of Usd al-Ghabah. It may well be that some aspects are exaggerated for the sake of narrating the account; nevertheless, many aspects will be correct as well.

Narration 5

The following account of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) acceptance of Islam has been mentioned in Riyad al-Nadirah in the following manner:

Umm al-Mominin, Hazrat Umm Salamahra relates, “Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) was a close and sincere friend of the Holy Prophet (sa). When he was commissioned as a prophet, the people of the Quraish went to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) saying, ‘O Abu Bakr, your companion has gone mad’”, God forbid. “Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) asked, ‘What has happened to him?’ They answered, ‘He calls the people towards the unity of God at the Sacred Mosque and says that he is a prophet.’ Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) said, ‘Is this what he claimed?’ The people replied, ‘Yes, and he is saying this in the Sacred Mosque!’ Therefore, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) went to the Holy Prophet (sa), knocked on his door and called him outside. When the Holy Prophet (sa) came outside, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said, ‘O Abul-Qasim, what is this I hear of you?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) replied by asking, ‘O Abu Bakr! What is it that you heard about me?’ Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said, ‘I have been informed that you call towards the unity of God, and you say that you are the Messenger of Allah.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘Yes, Abu Bakr. My Lord, the Exalted and Majestic has indeed sent me as a bearer of glad tidings and as a warner, He has made me the [fulfilment of] the prayer of Abraham (as), and sent me for the whole of mankind.’ Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said to the Holy Prophet (sa), ‘By Allah, I have never heard you utter a lie. You safeguard trusts, show kindness to your relatives and perform other good deeds, you are most worthy of prophethood. Extend your hand so that I may pledge my allegiance to you.’ So the Holy Prophet (sa) extended his hand and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) pledged his allegiance to him, testified to his truthfulness and declared that what he had been sent with was indeed the truth. Hence, by Allah, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) did not delay nor hesitate in the slightest when the Holy Prophet (sa) invited him to Islam.”

(Al-Riyadh Al-Nadira, Vol. 1, pp. 84-85, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2014)

Narration 6

In one narration, it is mentioned that the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “Whoever I called to Islam either stumbled, hesitated or waited, except for Abu Bakr. The moment I spoke to him about Islam, he neither moved away, nor hesitated.”

( Usd al-Ghabah Fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, pp. 205-206, Abdullah bin Uthman, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2003)

Narration 7

The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, “O people, Allah has sent me to you but you said that I am a liar. However, Abu Bakr said that I am truthful and he has expressed his support for me with his life and with his wealth.” This was a narration of Sahih al-Bukhari.

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab Fazail Al-Sahab-ul-Nabi, Hadith no. 3661)

There are differing opinions in relation to his acceptance of Islam. According to some, he accepted Islam a short while prior to the migration of the Holy Prophet (sa) to Medina. Whereas, according to others, he accepted Islam a short while after the Holy Prophet (sa) had migrated. The Holy Prophet (sa) formed a bond of brotherhood between Mihja Maula ‘Amr and Suraqa bin ‘Amr. He participated in the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq and Khyber. Furthermore, he was also blessed to be in the company of the Holy Prophet (sa) on the occasion of the treaty of Hudaibiyah as well as ‘Umrat-ul-Qadha [the first pilgrimage to Mecca]. Hazrat Suraqa bin ‘Amr was among those fortunate Companions, who were blessed with the opportunity to partake in the Bai‘at-e-Ridhwan. He did not have any progeny, and as I mentioned earlier, he was martyred in the eighth year of Hijra during the battle of Mautah.

(Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 2, p. 580, Suraqa bin ‘Amr, Darul Jaleel, Beirut, 1992), (Al-Asaba Fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 393, Suraqa bin ‘Amr, Da-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, 1995, Beirut), (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 393, Suraqa bin ‘Amr, Da-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut) & (Ayun Al-Asar, Vol. 1, p. 233, Zikr-ul-Mua’kha, Dar-ul-Qalam, Beirut, 1993)

After Hazrat Khadijah (ra), Hazrat Ali (ra) was the first to accept Islam. At the time, he was 13 years of age and according to other narrations, his age has been reported as 15, 16 and 18.

(Ibn Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma‘rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 3, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], 200)

In relation to Hazrat Ali’s (ra) acceptance of Islam, Ibn Ishaq relates that Hazrat Ali (ra) bin Abi Talib came to the Holy Prophet (sa) a day after Hazrat Khadijah (ra) had accepted Islam and she was now offering prayers alongside the Holy Prophet (sa). The narrator states that upon observing the Holy Prophet (sa) and Hazrat Khadijah (ra) offering prayers, Hazrat Ali (ra) enquired, “O Muhammad (sa), what is this you are doing?” The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, “This is the religion of Allah which He has chosen and has established it through His messengers. Thus, I invite you to Allah and His worship and to denounce Lat and Uzza [idols of the Meccans].”

Upon this, Hazrat Ali (ra) stated, “This is something which I had never heard of till this day. However, I cannot say anything until I have mentioned it to Abu Talib.” The Holy Prophet (sa) did not wish for this matter to be disclosed before his formal announcement of prophethood. And so, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, “O Ali, even if you do not wish to accept Islam, keep this matter to yourself.”

That very night, Allah inspired the heart of Hazrat Ali (ra) to accept Islam and so, the next morning he presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa) and submitted, “O Muhammad (sa), what is it that you called me towards yesterday?” The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, “To testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is One and has no partner. And to denounce belief in Lat and Uzza and express your aversion to those who are held as partners of Allah the Almighty.” Hazrat Ali (ra) gave testimony and accepted Islam.

Fearing Abu Talib, Hazrat Ali (ra) would discreetly visit the Holy Prophet (sa) and kept his acceptance of Islam hidden from others.

(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003], 88-89)

According to the narrations, Hazrat Ali (ra) was already staying in the house of the Holy Prophet (sa), but nonetheless, this is how it is narrated in Usdul Ghabha.

Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf had accepted Islam after being preached by Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) even before the Holy Prophet (sa) established Dar-e-Arqam as the centre of Islam. Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf took part in both migrations to Abyssinia.

(Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif, pp. 103-104) (al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 92, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

He accepted Islam before the Holy Prophet (sa) went to Dar-ul-Arqam.

(Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 112, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990)

Dar-ul-Arqam is the place which was built in Mecca for Muslims to be able to gather. Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud relates, “I was the sixth person to accept Islam. At that time, there was no other Muslim on the face of the earth apart from the six of us.” Narrating his acceptance of Islam, Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud says, “When I reached the age of understanding (an age where a person is able to correctly recognise and distinguish between good and bad, the age of maturity), I was grazing the sheep of Uqba bin Mu‘ayt one day. The Holy Prophet (sa) approached me and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was also alongside him. The Holy Prophet (sa) said to me, ‘Young man! Do you have any milk?’ I replied that I did, but as I had been entrusted with that, I could not give him any.” He was extremely pious from his very childhood. “The Holy Prophet (sa) then said to bring him a sheep, which is not expecting, nor producing any milk.” He further states, “I brought a young sheep to the Holy Prophet (sa). Following this, the Holy Prophet (sa) tied its feet together, rubbed his hands on its teats and started to pray until they were filled with milk. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) then brought a bowl, which the Holy Prophet (sa) filled with its milk and then told Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)to drink from it. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) drank the milk and then the Holy Prophet (sa) drank from it. The Holy Prophet (sa) then rubbed his hands over the teats and said, “Contract” and they began to contract and returned to their previous form. I asked the Holy Prophet (sa) to teach me the words he had recited. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) placed his hand on my head and said, ‘You are an intelligent young man.’” He then states that he memorised seventy chapters of the Holy Quran directly from the Holy Prophet (sa).

(Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 382, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-ilmiyyah, Beirut)

Narration 1

Mentioning Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) acceptance of Islam, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“When the Holy Prophet (sa) announced his prophethood, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) at the time was away [from Mecca]. When he returned, one of his housemaids said to him, ‘Your companion has lost his senses,’” God forbid, “‘and he is uttering strange things. He states that angels descend upon him from the heavens.’

“Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stood up at once and went to the house of the Holy Prophet (sa) and knocked at his door. The Holy Prophet (sa) came outside and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) submitted, ‘I have only come to ask one thing from you. Have you stated that the angels of God descend upon you and speak to you?’ Thinking that perhaps Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) may misunderstand, the Holy Prophet (sa) tried to explain the situation.” This is the more common narration in our literature of the Jamaat on the history of Islam. “However, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) submitted, ‘Please do not explain yourself. All I want to know is, have you said such a thing?’ Again, thinking that perhaps Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) may ask questions such as the appearance of the angels and how they would descend upon him etc., the Holy Prophet (sa) wanted to say a few words to give some context; however, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) again submitted, ‘No, no, just tell me, is it true?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) stated that it was indeed true. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) submitted, ‘I profess my belief in you.’ He then said, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! The reason I stopped you from giving any explanation is that I wanted my faith to be on the basis of witnessing the truth for myself rather than pondering over the proofs. This is because after having witnessed you as truthful and virtuous, I am not in need of any other proof.’ Thus, what the Meccans had tried to conceal was manifested by Hazrat Bakr (ra) through this action of his.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, pp. 251-252)

Narration 2

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) has mentioned the incident of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) acceptance of Islam in another place as well. While elaborating on another matter, he mentions this incident in the following manner:

“The way in which Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) became a believer was extraordinary. When it was revealed to the Holy Prophet (sa) that he should claim prophethood, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was sitting in the house of a chief of Mecca. The chief’s housemaid came and said, ‘I do not know what has happened to Khadija. She is saying that her husband is a prophet just like Moses (as).’ People began to laugh upon hearing this news and said that people who made such claims were mad. However, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), who was very well acquainted with the life of the Holy Prophet (sa), stood up at once and went to the door of the Holy Prophet (sa) and asked, ‘Have you made a claim?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) replied in the affirmative, saying, ‘Allah the Almighty has appointed me for the reformation of the world and has commanded me to abolish shirk [associating partners with Allah].’ Without any further enquiry, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied, ‘I swear by my father and mother, you have never spoken a lie and I cannot accept that you would lie regarding God. Thus, I profess belief in the fact that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that you are His Messenger.’ Following this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) assembled such youths who acknowledged his virtue and righteousness”, i.e. those individuals who had witnessed the virtues and righteousness of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), “and began to enlighten them. As a result, seven more individuals accepted the Holy Prophet (sa). All these youths were between the age of 12 and 25.”

(Daura-e-Europe, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 8, pp. 543-544)

Narration 3

Then, in another place, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) mentions this incident in the following manner:

“Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) accepted the Holy Prophet (sa) based on a single proof and never for a moment did any doubt enter his heart.” It is the same proof, but the incidents vary slightly. “That proof was that he had observed the Holy Prophet (sa) ever since childhood and he knew that he never told a lie, never did anything mischievous and never uttered anything vulgar or obscene. Thus, this is what he knew about him. He had no knowledge of any specific shariah [religious law] based upon which he could judge the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (sa). He followed no law and knew nothing about what a prophet of God was, nor did he know about the proofs to substantiate a prophet’s truthfulness. All he knew was that the Holy Prophet (sa) never told a lie.

“He was on a journey, and on his way back, someone told him, ‘Your friend Muhammad (sa) says that he is a messenger of God.’ Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) enquired, ‘Did Muhammad (sa) really say this?’ The person replied in the affirmative. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) then said, ‘He does not lie. Whatever he says must be true. Since he has never spoken a lie about anyone, he could never lie about God. If he never betrayed the people before, it is impossible that he would betray them to such an extent as to ruin their souls.’ This was the only proof for Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) to accept the Holy Prophet (sa), and this is exactly what God Almighty has also stated as a proof [of his truthfulness]. As such, He commanded [the Holy Prophet (sa)] to tell the people:

فَقَدْ‭ ‬لَبِثْتُ‭ ‬فِيْكُمْ‭ ‬عُمُرًا‭ ‬مِّنْ‭ ‬قَبْلِهٖ‭ ‬اَفَلَا‭ ‬تَعْقِلُوْنَ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“[Ch.10: V.17]. In other words, ‘I lived amongst you for some time. Observe, during that time, I have not betrayed you in any way. How then, could I come to betray you with regard to God Almighty?’

“This was the evidence accepted by Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), who said, ‘If he claims to be the messenger of God, then he is truthful and I believe him.’ After this, no doubt ever entered his heart, nor did his trust ever waver. He faced many a great trial and was forced to leave his wealth and homeland and even fight against his loved ones, but he never once doubted the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (sa).”

(Bai‘at Karne Walo Ke Liyea Hidaayaat, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 6, pp. 76-77)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) mentioned this incident of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) acceptance of the Holy Prophet (sa) while he was imparting guidance to those who had taken the bai‘at [pledge of allegiance].

He accepted Islam before the migration (i.e. from Mecca to Medina) along with his mother, while his father had already passed away.

(Sirat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 299, Dar-ul-Isha’at, Karachi, 2004)