Hamza and Omar

The Muslims were facing hard times in Mecca. A turning point in the history of Islam came when Hamza and 'Umar embraced Islam. Both men were very strong and brave. One day, Abu Jahl insulted the Prophet Muhammad, in the compound of the Ka'ba. When Hamza heard about Abu Jahl's disgusting behaviour, he was very annoyed and went at once to the Ka'ba, where the non-Muslims of Mecca were sitting. Hamza declared openly that he had accepted Muhammad as the true Prophet of Allah and that he believed in the Oneness of God. He further declared that from that day on anyone who abused Muhammad would have him to reckon with. This incident greatly encouraged the Muslims and struck a blow against those who opposed them. The Muslims were facing hard times in Mecca. A turning point in the history of Islam came when Hamza and 'Umar embraced Islam. Both men were very strong and brave. One day, Abu Jahl insulted the Prophet Muhammad, in the compound of the Ka'ba. When Hamza heard about Abu Jahl's disgusting behaviour, he was very annoyed and went at once to the Ka'ba, where the non-Muslims of Mecca were sitting. Hamza declared openly that he had accepted Muhammad as the true Prophet of Allah and that he believed in the Oneness of God. He further declared that from that day on anyone who abused Muhammad would have him to reckon with. This incident greatly encouraged the Muslims and struck a blow against those who opposed them.

Shortly after Hamza had become a Muslim, 'Umar, who had always opposed the Prophet, also embraced Islam. One day when he was still an unbeliever he was in a violent rage and he decided to kill the Prophet Muhammad. He took down his sword and strode off to attack him. On the way he met a friend who told him that his sister and brother-in-law had already embraced Islam. This news made 'Umar so furious that he decided to kill his sister and brother-in-Iaw if it were true. He set off at once for his sister's house. On reaching the house he heard someone reciting verses from the Qur'an. He forced open the door and started beating his brother-in-Iaw and sister. In spite of 'Umar's blows they said again and again to him: 'You may kill us but we will not abandon Islam.‘ Shortly after Hamza had become a Muslim, 'Umar, who had always opposed the Prophet, also embraced Islam. One day when he was still an unbeliever he was in a violent rage and he decided to kill the Prophet Muhammad. He took down his sword and strode off to attack him. On the way he met a friend who told him that his sister and brother-in-law had already embraced Islam. This news made 'Umar so furious that he decided to kill his sister and brother-in-Iaw if it were true. He set off at once for his sister's house. On reaching the house he heard someone reciting verses from the Qur'an. He forced open the door and started beating his brother-in-Iaw and sister. In spite of 'Umar's blows they said again and again to him: 'You may kill us but we will not abandon Islam.‘

'Umar understood that he could not force them to give up their belief in Islam. Impressed by their strong conviction, he asked his sister to read the verses of the Qur'an to him.

Hearing the verses changed 'Umar completely. A light of guidance came to him from Allah and he apologised to his sister and her husband for hitting them and went to find the Prophet. 'Umar went to Arqam's house where the Prophet was with his Companions and sought permission to enter. The Prophet allowed him in and asked him why he had come. 'Umar replied: ‘I have come here to become a Muslim.‘

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