An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 17
17 Chapter 5 Two Powerful Converts Muslims in Mecca were still in trouble. The Quresh showed no mercy. But two strong men joined Islam. They were Hamza, an uncle of the Prophet and Umar bin al - Khattab, a fiery chief of great influence. One day a slave girl told Hamza that Abu Jahl had abused his nephew, Muhammad, violently. She said, “Muhammad did not say back a word. ” Hamza felt stung and deeply hurt. He made straight for the Kaaba. Abu Jahl was sitting there with some friends. Hamza hit him with his bow across his face and said: “You abused Muhammad. Listen, I too believe in his religion. I say what he says. Have you anything to say now?” Abu Jahl held his peace. He did not want to alienate Hamza. Hamza went straight to the Holy Prophet and accepted Islam. When Abu Bakr learnt this he was overjoyed. He went to the Kaaba. There he openly glorified God. The Quresh seized hold of him and beat him hard. A few days later, Umar bin al - Khattab decided to slay the