The Issue of Blasphemy

would become supporters of Islam and make history by contributing to its cause. Today’s Enemy is Tomorrow’s Friend Amr bin Hisham, famously known as Abu Jahl, played one of the most antagonistic roles among the early opponents of the Prophet. Before the conquest of Makkah, his son, Ikrima, followed in his father’s footsteps as a staunch adversary of the Prophet, engaging in various forms of abuse against him. Even after Abu Jahl’s death, his son continued to conspire against the Prophet. For instance, Khalid bin Walid led the Makkan army in the Battle of Uhud, and Ikrima commanded the left wing. Ikrima’s hostility towards the Prophet was evident to the extent that, following the conquest of Makkah, he fled to Yemen out of fear of being held accountable for his actions. However, his wife, who had embraced Islam, travelled to Yemen to convince him to return. Upon his return, he approached the Prophet, humbled and remorseful, seeking refuge. In response, the Prophet reassured him, saying, “Yes, you are safe.” (Al-Waqidi, Kitab Maghazi, Vol. 2, p. 852) Detailed accounts of these incidents can be found in the books of Seerah, but the essence of the story is that Ikrima eventually accepted Islam by professing the declaration of faith. When Ikrima returned from Yemen to meet the Prophet, the Prophet addressed his Companions, saying, “Ikrima is coming to us. Do not speak ill of his father, Abu Jahl.