The Acceptance of Islam by Hazrat Hamza (RA)

July 18, 2025 by syedalihussaingilani@yahoo.com

Hazrat Hamza (R.A.), famously known as “Asadullah” (The Lion of Allah), was among the earliest and bravest companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was not only the Prophet’s paternal uncle but also a staunch supporter and fearless defender of Islam in its early years.

Early Life and Background

Hazrat Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib was born in Makkah around 568 CE, into the noble Quraysh tribe of Banu Hashim. He was the son of Abdul Muttalib and thus the uncle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Interestingly, Hazrat Hamza and the Prophet (PBUH) were not only uncle and nephew but also foster brothers; both were nursed by Thuwaybah, a freed slave woman.

From a young age, Hazrat Hamza developed a reputation as a skilled hunter, athlete, and warrior. His physical strength, courage, and chivalrous nature were widely respected among the Quraysh.

Conversion to Islam

Hazrat Hamza’s acceptance of Islam was a pivotal moment in the history of the Muslim community. His conversion came shortly after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began to preach Islam publicly. One day, Abu Jahl insulted and physically assaulted the Prophet at Mount Safa. When Hazrat Hamza heard of this incident upon returning from hunting, he was enraged. He went straight to Abu Jahl, struck him with his bow, and declared:

“I now follow the religion of Muhammad. Say what you will if you are brave enough!”

This moment marked not only his acceptance of Islam but also his public declaration as a protector of the Prophet. His support gave strength to the Muslim minority and shook the confidence of the Quraysh.

Role in the Early Islamic Struggles

Hazrat Hamza’s influence in Makkah helped shield Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the early Muslims from persecution. He stood tall in the face of oppression and became a symbol of courage and defiance against the tyrants of Quraysh.

The Battle of Badr

One of the most defining moments in the life of Hazrat Hamza was his participation in the Battle of Badr (2 AH / 624 CE), the first major battle in Islamic history. Hazrat Hamza fought valiantly and killed several key warriors of Quraysh, including Utbah ibn Rabi’ah, one of the most powerful enemies of Islam.

The courage and strength Hazrat Hamza displayed in Badr earned him legendary status among Muslims and furthered his title as the Lion of Allah.

Martyrdom in the Battle of Uhud

Tragedy struck during the Battle of Uhud (3 AH / 625 CE). Hazrat Hamza was martyred by Wahshi ibn Harb, a slave hired by Hind bint Utbah, who sought revenge for her father’s death at Badr.

Wahshi used a spear to strike Hazrat Hamza from a distance, fulfilling his task. After his death, Hind mutilated Hazrat Hamza’s body in an act of revenge, even cutting open his chest and removing his liver.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was deeply grieved upon seeing the condition of his beloved uncle and said:

“I have never been more grieved than I am today.”

Legacy of Hazrat Hamza

Hazrat Hamza’s sacrifice became a symbol of ultimate loyalty, bravery, and love for Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) titled him “Sayyid al-Shuhada” (Leader of the Martyrs).

Even today, Hazrat Hamza is remembered not just for his physical strength, but for his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the cause of Islam.

Conclusion

The life of Hazrat Hamza (R.A.) is a timeless example of how courage and faith can change the course of history. From a noble warrior of Quraysh to a lion-hearted martyr of Islam, his legacy lives on as a beacon of strength for Muslims around the world.

Introduction to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Importance of Seerah

Lineage of Prophet Muhammad SAW

Birth Prophet Muhammad PBAU

Join Us on Social Media

Social Boycott in Sha‘b Abi Talib

July 15, 2025 by syedalihussaingilani@yahoo.com

The Islam religion text faced one of its most severe trials during the social boycott in Sha‘b Abi Talib. After Quraysh’s failed attempts to silence the message of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through insults, threats, and torture, they escalated their opposition to an organized and cruel form of suppressiona full-blown social and economic boycott. This marked one of the most difficult and painful chapters in early Islamic history. Implemented in the 7th year of Prophethood, this boycott continued for nearly three years, bringing unimaginable hardship to the Prophet (PBUH), his family, and his loyal followers.

Background of the Boycott

As the number of Muslims steadily grew, the Qurayshi chiefs grew increasingly alarmed. The message of Islam religion text was not only gaining acceptance among the poor and enslaved but had begun entering influential households. Fearing loss of their religious authority and political control, Qurayshi leaders such as Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab, and Walid ibn al-Mughirah gathered at Dar al-Nadwah, the council hall of Makkah, to devise a plan to socially isolate the Prophet (PBUH).

They resolved to boycott:

Banu Hashim (the Prophet’s tribe)
Banu Muttalib (closely allied family)

The boycott included both Muslims and non-Muslims of those clans who supported Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) out of tribal loyalty. The Quraysh drafted a formal agreement and hung it on the wall of the Kaaba as a declaration of commitment.

Terms of the Boycott:

No trade or business dealings
No marriages between the clans and others
No social interactions or visits
No financial support or lending

(Reference: Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol 1, p. 403)

Life Inside Sha‘b Abi Talib

The Prophet (PBUH), along with Abu Talib, Khadijah (RA), Ali (RA), and the rest of the Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib, were forced to relocate to Sha‘b Abi Talib, a small valley with only one narrow entrance, located near the mountains of Makkah.

Living Conditions:

Food scarcity: Supplies were blocked. People survived on tree leaves, dried hides, and wild grass. (Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya, Ibn Kathir, Vol 3)
Malnutrition and starvation became common. Children’s cries echoed in the valley due to hunger.
Complete isolation: No social visits, business interactions, or external communication.
Dangerous surveillance: Anyone attempting to help was threatened or punished.

Khadijah (RA), a wealthy and noble woman of Makkah, spent all her resources to feed the people in exile. Her sacrifice during this period greatly affected her health and led to her eventual death.

Acts of Secret Support

Despite the strict ban, a few noble-hearted Makkans tried to help secretly:

Hakim ibn Hizam (nephew of Khadijah): Secretly smuggled food and supplies through the mountains.
Hisham ibn ‘Amr, Zuhair ibn Abi Umayyah, Mut‘im ibn ‘Adi, and Abu al-Bakhtari were among those who later took steps to end the pact, opposing its cruelty.

(Reference: Dala’il an-Nubuwwah, Al-Bayhaqi, Vol 2)

The Miracle of the Eaten Scroll

When a few Makkans began to feel remorse over the boycott, they decided to bring it to an end. As they marched to the Kaaba to revoke the written agreement, Abu Talib informed the Quraysh that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had told him Allah had sent termites to eat away the parchment, sparing only the words: “In Your Name, O Allah.”

Upon checking, they found the pact completely destroyed, except for the blessed words. This miracle stunned the onlookers and shamed the Quraysh. The boycott officially ended.

(Reference: Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol 1, p. 407)

Emotional and Physical Impact

The end of the boycott was a relief, but the damage had already taken its toll:

Khadijah (RA) passed away shortly after, weakened by years of sacrifice and hunger.
Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle and protector, also died the same year. His loss left the Prophet (PBUH) more vulnerable to attacks.
These events led to the naming of the year as ‘Aam al-Huzn (The Year of Sorrow).

Their deaths marked the end of a period of both protection and personal comfort for the Prophet (PBUH), yet his mission only grew stronger in resolve.