Hamza Enters Islam
One day Abu Jahl (literally “Father of Ignorance”), who was one of the most strident enemies of
the new religion, and also one of the most eminent men of Quraysh, was exceedingly abusive to
Muhammad, injuring and insulting him. Mohamed did not respond to his insults, for by nature he was
not a man to use evil language and the Arabs revered their elders.
Mohamed had an uncle called Hamza who was at the same time his foster brother. Hamza was a brave
and fearless man fond of hunting. Every day when he returned from the hunt, he would go around the
Kaaba. That day when he returned, he was informed of what Abu Jah had done to Muhammad. So he did
not go around the Kaaba, but went straight to where Abu Jahl sat and struck him with his bow. Abu
Jahl fell wounded and people from his clan, Banu Makhzum, tried to stand between him and Hamza,
but, fearing a blood feud between the tribes, he begged them not to interfere and admitted what
he had done. Then Hamza went to Mohamed and swore allegiance to Allah and to Mohamed as His Messenger.
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