اشتداد الاضطهاد
Intensification of Persecution
9-7 BH (613-615 CE)
Makkah
As the public call to Islam grew, the Quraysh intensified their persecution of Muslims. Bilal ibn Rabah was tortured by his master Umayyah ibn Khalaf, placed on burning sand with heavy stones on his chest, yet he continued saying 'Ahad! Ahad!' (One! One!). The family of Yasir — Yasir, Sumayyah, and their son Ammar — were severely tortured. Abu Bakr purchased and freed Bilal and several other enslaved Muslims.
Why this matters
The persecution revealed the depth of faith in these early believers and their willingness to suffer for the truth. Sumayyah bint Khayyat became the first martyr in Islam, killed by Abu Jahl with a spear. The Prophet ﷺ, witnessing their suffering, could only say: 'Be patient, O family of Yasir, for your appointment is Paradise.'
Quran references
ثُمَّ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لِلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا فُتِنُوا۟ ثُمَّ جَٰهَدُوا۟ وَصَبَرُوٓا۟ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا لَغَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
Surah An-Nahl, 110
Then, indeed your Lord, to those who emigrated after they had been compelled [to renounce their religion] and thereafter fought [for the cause of Allah] and were patient - indeed, your Lord, after that, is Forgiving and Merciful
Hadith references
Al-Mustadrak, al-Hakim, #5777
Narrated by: Jabir ibn Abdullah
Grading: Sahih
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed by Ammar and his family while they were being tortured and said: 'Glad tidings, O family of Ammar and family of Yasir, for your appointed place is Paradise.'”