New Hope: The Uncle and Umar of the Prophet Muhammad Convert to Islam
CHAPTER 7
When Muslims witness a new convert to Islam in mosques or at conferences, they frequently exhibit a jubilant disposition. But why do we rejoice?
In addition to the convert's genuine sense of happiness, there is an important community dimension. As Islam is perpetually under attack, new converts strengthen the faith of their Muslim brothers and sisters. They provide us with indirect moral support and additional confidence and reassurance.
Islam is not only an individual faith, but also a religion based on community. Remember this the next time you observe takbir in a mosque following a new Shahadah.
New converts require the assistance of their local Muslim community. In addition, the entire Muslim community needs the support that new converts provide, as they are an integral part of their societies. In fact, each new convert provides the Muslim community with additional strength.
Similar events occurred in the sixth year following the revelation. After more than one hundred Muslims emigrated to Abyssinia, the number of Muslims remaining in Makkah declined significantly. According to one estimate, less than forty Muslim men remained at that time.
Moreover, those who were unable to flee were subjected to increasing pressure as the weakest among them endured extreme hardships.
During this dark and difficult period, two prominent men discovered Islam and joined its ranks.
The Tale of Hamza
Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was the first of these two individuals. Hamza once went hunting in the countryside surrounding Makkah. On his return, he learned that his other uncle, Abu Lahab, had just severely cursed and abused his nephew.
Hamza, upon hearing the news, raced to the Ka'bah to confront Abu Lahab, where he struck him over the head with a bow and exclaimed, “You have been disparaging Muhammad; I too accept his religion and profess what he preaches.”
There is no doubt that Hamza's original reaction was one of vengeance for the sake of his nephew, rather than a genuine commitment to Islam. Eventually, though, he came to believe in Allah after hearing more about the religion from the Prophet (peace be upon him).
As a result of Hamza's conversion, Prophet Muhammad received a significant boost (peace be upon him). One of the most prominent Quraish converts at the time, he was an outspoken advocate for Islam's spread. In truth, after Hamza's conversion, Islam's opponents in Makkah were temporarily silenced.
After nine years of training, Hamza was a formidable fighter who helped bring Islam victory at the Battle of Badr. He was killed in the Battle of Uhud, which took place a year later, close to Madinah. As the Master of Martyrs, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) dubbed him the Lion of Allah.
Umar's Conversion Narrative
Back in Makkah, the little Muslim community was pleased to hear that Hamza had converted to Islam; fortunately, more good news was to follow only three days later.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed:
Holy God! Provide Islam with leadership through one of two men you cherish, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab or Abu Jahl bin Hisham.
Umar was on his way to assassinate Prophet Muhammad when Allah (SWT) answered the Prophet's (peace be upon him) prayer and guided him to Islam (peace be upon him). Umar sought to eliminate the source of the strife that had occurred in Makkah after the man who had cursed their gods had spoken.
During his travels, Umar ran into a friend of his who was a closet Muslim. Fatimah and her husband Zayd had secretly accepted the message of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and converted to Islam, and this person proposed that he deal with them first. They were hidden converts who attended meetings in Dar Al-Arqam to hear the Prophet teach (peace be upon him).
Fatimah was at home that day with her husband and teacher, reciting verses from the Quran. The educator went into hiding as Umar blasted his way into her home. When Zayd admitted to following Muhammad's religion, Umar attacked him (peace be upon him). Fatimah tried to defend her husband from Umar, but she was hit in the face and had to drop to the ground, bleeding.
Umar felt compassion for his sister and asked her to hand over the Qur'an scrolls they were using. They argued, and she finally conceded that he needed to wash his hands before he could even touch the Qur'an.
With considerable curiosity, he read the first 14 verses of Surah Taha and said, “Very excellent it is, and how lovely!” I need your help finding Muhammad.
Umar Gives In At Last
As soon as the instructor, Khabbab ibn Al-Arat, heard these remarks, he emerged from his hiding spot and told Umar that he might visit the Prophet (peace be upon him) at Dar Al-Arqam.
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) questioned Umar about his presence, Umar explained:
I have come to you, O Messenger of Allah, to affirm my faith in Allah and His Messenger and the message that they have delivered from their Lord. (The Protected Honey)
The new convert was welcomed with takbir by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions upon hearing this. The little Muslim group felt the effects of Umar's conversion immediately, as they were now permitted to pray openly at the Ka'bah. They marched in two rows, with Umar in the front and Hamza at the back, and the Quraish didn't bother them.
These events marked a turning point that offered the persecuted Muslims renewed optimism. It was a great victory for Islam, and it bolstered their resolve to overcome the many obstacles that lay ahead.
