EPISODE 1: THE ACCEPTANCE OF ISLAM BY HAZRAT HAMZA (RA)
1. Makkah Before the Incident
In the early Makkan period, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was openly calling people to Islam near the Ka‘bah. The Quraysh strongly opposed him, and among the most aggressive in insulting and harming him was Abu Jahl (Amr ibn Hisham). He would regularly mock the Prophet ﷺ, verbally insult him, and encourage others to humiliate him publicly. At that stage, the Muslims were few, weak, and unable to openly defend themselves, and the Prophet ﷺ endured much of this harm with patience.
2. Hamza (RA): The Strong Hunter of Makkah
Hazrat Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA), the uncle of the Prophet ﷺ, was a respected noble of Quraysh. He was known for his strength, bravery in hunting expeditions, and his independent warrior nature. Although he had not yet embraced Islam, he had a strong sense of honor, loyalty, and protection for his family.
3. The Incident at the Ka‘bah
One day, while the Prophet ﷺ was sitting at the Ka‘bah, Abu Jahl began insulting and verbally abusing him in a very harsh and humiliating manner in front of the Quraysh leaders. He mocked him and tried to belittle his message. The Prophet ﷺ did not respond in anger and remained patient, as he always did.
4. The Woman’s Message to Hamza (RA)
Later that same day, Hazrat Hamza (RA) returned from a hunting expedition carrying his bow. A woman from the Quraysh (reported in seerah sources as either a freed servant or someone from the social circle of Banu Makhzum) approached him and informed him about what had happened. She told him that Abu Jahl had severely insulted and humiliated his nephew Muhammad ﷺ at the Ka‘bah.
5. The Anger of Hamza (RA)
Upon hearing this, Hamza (RA) became deeply angered. His anger was not based on tribal pride alone but on a sense of justice and protection for his family. Without hesitation, he went straight to the Ka‘bah where Abu Jahl was sitting among the Quraysh elders.
6. The Confrontation with Abu Jahl
Hamza (RA) confronted him directly and struck him on the head with his bow, injuring him and causing blood to flow. Then Hamza (RA) declared:
> “Do you insult Muhammad ﷺ while I am upon his religion? I believe in what he believes and I say what he says!”
This moment marked the first public declaration of Islam by Hazrat Hamza (RA). At that time, he had not yet fully studied the detailed teachings of Islam, but his heart had accepted the truth and he openly aligned himself with the Prophet ﷺ.
7. Quraysh Reaction and Abu Jahl’s Response
The tribe of Banu Makhzum, who were allies of Abu Jahl, became angry and prepared to respond. However, Abu Jahl stopped them himself. Even though he was injured, he understood the seriousness of the situation and feared escalation. He said that he had unjustly insulted Muhammad’s nephew and that Hamza was justified in defending him. This was not sincere repentance but a political move to prevent tribal conflict from escalating.
8. The Transformation Begins
After this incident, Hamza (RA) began to reflect deeply. He experienced internal conflict between his ancestral beliefs and the truth he had just witnessed. He sincerely turned to Allah seeking guidance. His heart was already moving toward acceptance of Islam, and this incident became the turning point.
9. Formal Acceptance of Islam
Shortly after, Hamza (RA) met the Prophet ﷺ and formally embraced Islam. He confirmed his belief in the message of Islam and pledged full support to the Prophet ﷺ. From that moment, he became one of the strongest defenders of Islam in Makkah.
10. His New Identity in Islam
After accepting Islam, Hamza (RA) became a shield for the Prophet ﷺ. Quraysh could no longer openly harm the Prophet ﷺ as before. His presence changed the balance of power in Makkah, and he became a symbol of strength and protection for the Muslim community.
---
Key outcome
Abu Jahl insults the Prophet ﷺ publicly at the Ka‘bah
Hazrat Hamza (RA) hears about the insult and becomes angered
He confronts Abu Jahl and strikes him in defense of the Prophet ﷺ
He publicly declares his support for Islam
Quraysh become cautious due to Hamza’s entry into Islam
Hamza (RA) becomes a strong protector of the Muslim community in Makkah
---
References
Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah (as preserved by Ibn Hisham)
Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya
Al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Rusul wa’l-Muluk
(Note: The incident is widely transmitted in classical seerah literature. Exact wording varies across narrations, but the core event is consistently reported in early Islamic historical sources. |