In the Name of Allāh.
As one delves into the historical accounts of notable figures from the past, it becomes clear that among the most significant individuals to have lived are none other than the cherished companions of the Prophet (ﷺ). Their virtuous and exceptional qualities earned them the distinction of being the greatest people to have walked this earth, following the Prophets (‘Alayhim Salām).
Notably, there are individuals whose legacies continue through their children, who are also regarded as companions, including ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘As, Nu’mān Ibn Bashir, Jābir Ibn ‘Abdullāh, ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Abbās, Hudhayfah Ibn Yamman, Ā’ishah Bint Abī Bakr, Hafsah Bint ‘Umar, and others (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhum).
This morning, let us discuss ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘As (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu). Abū Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ remarked: “The two sons of Al-‘As are believers, ‘Amr and Hishām.” [Musnad Aḥmad 2/304] ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘As embraced Islām concurrently with Khālid Ibn Walīd (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu), a considerable time after his son (‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Amr) had accepted the faith.
‘Amr Ibn al-‘As reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) sent for me and he ordered me to put on my armor and weapons, then come to him. I did so and came to him while he was performing ablution. The Prophet raised his eyes to me, then lowered them, and he said, “O ‘Amr, I intend to send you at the head of an army and Allāh will award you with spoils. I will give you an appropriate portion of the property.” ‘Amr said, “I did not embrace Islām in hopes of earning spoils, but rather I submitted in hopes of Islām and to be with the Messenger of Allāh.” The Prophet said, “O ‘Amr, lawful wealth is excellent for a righteous man.” [Al-Adab al-Mufrad 297]
It is no surprise that ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘As (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) was a successful trader. He was a man of great intellect; his conversion to Islām was driven not by a desire for wealth but by his love for Islām and the desire to accompany the Prophet (ﷺ). In no time, ‘Amr formed a deep connection with the Words of Allāh, attaining an understanding of matters through the verses of the Qur’ān, showcasing his eagerness to learn about Islām.
He later emerged as an exceptional commander, fighting for the Cause of Allāh. He participated in the Battle of Yarmuk and recorded significant feats, later traveling to Misr (Egypt) to conquer it, as well as Alexandria and Tripoli in Libya during the years 23 or 24 AH.
Imām Adh-Dhahabī (Raḥimahullāh) stated: “It was authentically reported from Abī ‘Uthmān An Nahdy, from ‘Amr that the Prophet (ﷺ) appointed him as the leader of an army at Dhat Salāsil, which included Abū Bakr and ‘Umar.” He (Raḥimahullāh) further remarked: “He is among the most respected men of the Quraysh in terms of opinion, cleverness, decisiveness, capability, and military insight. He was one of the most distinguished leaders of the Arabs and a notable figure among the Muhājirūn… His leadership over great men like Abū Bakr and ‘Umar was due to his insight and cleverness.” [Siyar A‘lām an-Nubalā’ 3/59]
I beseech Allāh to shower His Special Mercy upon ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘As and reward him for his noble contributions to the service of Islām with the highest rank in Jannah. Aameen.
Picture Credit: Legacy Project
