Hajj: A Commitment to Ultimate Sacrifice

HAJJ: A Historic Act God, we would not have prevented you from entering the Ka‘bah, nor would we have fought against you. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2732).” Later, history confirmed that Suhail bin Amr was entirely sincere in his words. His opposition stemmed from a lack of understanding. Once he realized that the Prophet was indeed a true messenger, he entered into the fold of Islam wholeheartedly and devoted the rest of his life to supporting the cause of Islam. 3. The third example is of Abu Jahl. Although Abu Jahl did not accept the prophecy of God’s Messenger, he, too, displayed an example of the Arab character that is rarely found elsewhere. During the Makkan period, it is reported that one day, Abu Jahl encountered the Messenger of God and spoke to him very harshly. The Messenger of God remained silent. A woman from Makkah witnessed this incident and informed the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, saying that Abu Jahl had spoken to his nephew in a very inappropriate manner. At that time, Hamza was holding an iron bow. He approached Abu Jahl and struck him on the head with the bow, causing a severe injury. Some members of Abu Jahl’s tribe (Banu Makhzum) rushed to attack Hamza, but Abu Jahl restrained them and said, “Leave Abu Umara (Hamza) alone, for by God, I did indeed speak very harshly to his nephew today.” (Mustadrak Al-Hakim, Hadith No. 4879).’ 4. In the famous incident involving Heraclius, it is reported that he asked Abu Sufyan whether the people had ever found Muhammad lying before his claim to prophethood.