In the Name of Allāh.
Subḥānallāh! I struggled to hold back tears as I read about this remarkable hero, warrior, leader, and embodiment of truth. He was among the earliest individuals to embrace Islām, making two migrations — first to Habasha (historically known as Abyssinia, present-day Ethiopia) and later to Madīnah — for the Sake of Allāh. He stated: “I saw Allāh’s Messenger (ﷺ), and the only converts (to Islām) with him were five slaves, two women, and Abu Bakr.” [Ṣaḥiḥ al-Bukhārī 3857]
His name is ‘Ammār Ibn Yasir Ibn Āmir Abu Al-Hawāzan Al-Anasi Al-Makki (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhuma). He and his parents were enslaved by Abu Jahl. Upon learning of their acceptance of Islām, Abu Jahl went into a frenzy, inflicting severe torture and persecution upon them, even exposing their bodies to the scorching sun of Makkah. ‘Ammār endured such immense torture that he often did not know what he was saying. It was for people like him that Allāh revealed the verse: “And as for those who emigrated for the Cause of Allāh, after suffering oppression, We will certainly give them goodly residence in this world, but indeed the reward of the Hereafter will be greater if they but knew!” [Sūrah An-Nahl (16): 41]
On one occasion, the Prophet (ﷺ) passed by the family of ‘Ammār being tortured and encouraged them, saying: “O family of Yasir, be patient! Your meeting place (i.e. reward) will be Paradise.” Sadly, his mother (Sumayyah Bint Khubāt [Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha]) was tortured to death by Abu Jahl for her steadfastness in Islām, earning her the distinction of being the first martyr in Islām. By Allāh! Our righteous predecessors endured significant suffering in the service of Allāh.
‘Ammār (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) held numerous virtues regarding his faith, character, resilience, and determination. He actively participated in many military expeditions (including Badr and Uhud) during the era of the Prophet (ﷺ) and in battles that followed his passing. The Prophet (ﷺ) held a deep affection for ‘Ammār.
It has been reported that he said: “‘Ammār is with the truth and the truth is with ‘Ammār. He turns wherever the truth turns. ‘Ammār is as near to me as an eye is near to the nose.”
Like ‘Umar, ‘Uthmān, and several other companions, the Prophet (ﷺ) also foretold ‘Ammār’s martyrdom, telling him: “You will be killed by a group of transgressors.” Tragically, he was unjustly killed during the caliphate of ‘Alī Ibn Abī Ṭālib (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) at the Battle of Siffin by a man from Mu’awiyah Ibn Abī Sufyān’s (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhuma) army.
I beseech Allāh to be Especially Merciful to ‘Ammār and his family. Aameen
Picture Credit: Freepik
