9.11. ABU SUFYAN EMBRACING ISLAM
Umm Habibah never gave up the hope that her father might embrace Islam just like Umar ibn al-Khattab, Khalid ibn al-Walid, Abu al-As ibn ar-Rabi’ and her brother Miawiyah (may Allah be pleased with them all). She was afraid that her father might die on polytheism and consequently would be forbidden from entering Paradise. She kept on praying to Allah and begging Him to guide her father to the right path and she always recited the verse where Allah, the Almighty, says,
It may be that Allah will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom you (now) hold as enemies. For Allah has power (over all things); and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Al-Mumtahanah: 7)
Talking about the occasion for which this verse was revealed Ibn said that it was revealed on the occasion of the marriage of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to Umm Habibah. Al-Qurtubi also said, “The intimacy mentioned in this verse refers to the marriage of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to Umm Habibah as then the haughtiness of Abu Sufayan became broken and he became more flexible.
The starting point of Abu Sufyan’s embracing Islam story was exactly before the conquest of Makkah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) marched towards Makkah and ordered the Muslims to kindle fires. On seeing that, Quraysh were taken by surprise and so they sent Abu Sufyan to see what was going on. On his way, Abu Sufyan met al- Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib who said to him, “Woe unto you, Abu Handhalah, this is the Messenger of Allah supported by his followers. What a calamitous morning it would be for Quraysh if he entered Makkah by force! Thus you should embrace Islam. May your mother and your tribe be bereft of you. “But how could I get the outlet?,” Abu Sufayan said. Jas far said, “By Allah, if he (peace be upon him) got you, he would cut your neck. i.e. kill you. So quickly mount behind me on this mule in order to meet the Messenger (peace be upon him) and ask for his promise of security. Passing by the Muslims force he saw ten thousand Muslims who were burning fire so as to scare the polytheists.
When they passed by ibn al-Khattab, the latter recognized Abu Sufyan and hurried to the tent of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to ask for his permission to kill Abu Sufyan. Al- Abbas then said, “O Messenger of Allah, I promised to save him”. The Prophet (peace be upon him) then ordered Al-Abbas to accompany Abu Sufyan. Next day, when they came to the Prophet (peace be upon him), he said to Abu Sufyan, “Woe unto you, Abu Sufyan! Is it not high time for you to believe that there is no god but Allah?” Abu Sufyan said, “How forbearing, generous, and kind you are! By Allah, I do believe that there is no god but Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, “And woe unto you, Abu Sufyan! Is it not high time for you to believe that I am the Messenger of Allah?” He said, “How forbearing, generous, and kind you are! As for this, I still have doubts about it.” However after a short time Abu Sufyan came to announce his embracing Islam and this made Umm Habibah be so happy.
(SOURCE: Wives of Prophet Muhammad, Their Strives and Their Lives by Muhammad Fathi Mus’ ad)
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