Reflections From Age of Bliss

Umayr bin Wahb (radiyallahu anh)

Umayr bin Wahb (radiyallahu anh) was once known as one of the "devils of Quraysh" due to his vehement opposition to Islam and his persecution of Muslims. His son Tulayb had embraced Islam at the Daru’l-Arqam and had migrated to Abyssinia, later joining the Muslim ranks at the Battle of Badr. Meanwhile, Umayr and his other son, Wahb, fought on the side of the polytheists. Known for his intelligence, foresight, and tactical prowess in warfare, Umayr was assigned the task of scouting the Muslim army's encampment at Badr, determining their numbers, and assessing whether they had received any reinforcements.

After the Battle of Badr, Umayr converted to Islam. He migrated to Medina before the Battle of Uhud. During the conquest of Makkah, he sought protection from Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) for Safwan bin Umayya. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) granted protection by giving Umayr his turban and cloak to pass on to Safwan. This act of compassion led Safwan to embrace Islam as well.

Umayr passed away in the early years of Caliph Uthman's (radiyallahu anh) rule. May Allah be pleased with him. We will delve into the captivating tale of his embracing of Islam.

Even if It Meant Certain Death

During the Battle of Badr, Umayr (radiyallahu anh) fought on the side of the polytheists. The polytheists were defeated, and Umayr was forced to leave his son, Wahb, behind as a prisoner. Before his migration, Umayr had been relentless in his persecution of Muslims, and now he feared they would seek revenge by killing his son.

One day at dawn, Umayr went to circumambulate the Kaaba and prostrate before the idols. There, he encountered another notorious polytheist, Safwan bin Umayya. They exchanged greetings and sat together. With the memories of the Battle of Badr still fresh in their minds, they began discussing the event. Safwan lamented:

"By Allah, life has lost its flavor since we lost our loved ones at Badr."

Umayr replied:

"You're right. I swear that if it weren't for the debts I need to repay and my concern for the family I would leave behind, I would go and finish off Muhammad with my sword, knowing full well that I might die in the process. They would think I had come to pay the ransom for my captive son, Wahb, and I would easily gain access to Muhammad."

Sensing an opportunity in Umayr's words, Safwan eagerly offered:

"O Umayr, leave all your debts to me! I will pay whatever is necessary. As for your family, I will consider them my own and protect and care for them. Just do as you have said!"

Upon hearing this, Umayr (radiyallahu anh) said, "Let our conversation remain between us." He then strapped on his sword and set off towards Medina.

At the Gate of the Prophet's Mosque

When Umayr (radiyallahu anh) arrived in Medina, Caliph Umar (radiyallahu anh) was conversing with some companions near the Prophet's Mosque. They were discussing the Battle of Badr, recalling Allah's help and the valiant deeds of the Muslims. Upon seeing Umayr dismount his horse and walk towards the gate of the Mosque, Umar, filled with anger, stood up and exclaimed:

"By Allah, this wretched man is Umayr, the enemy of Allah and His Messenger. He must have come to commit some evil act!"

Then, turning to the companions, he instructed:

"Go and stand by the Messenger of Allah! Prevent this enemy of Allah from causing any harm to the Prophet."

However, Umar himself swiftly went to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and reported:

"O Messenger of Allah, Umayr is outside the Mosque. He has a sword strapped on and is approaching. I believe he intends to commit some evil act."

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) calmly replied:

"Bring him to me."

Closer Than a Brother

Umar (radiyallahu anh) went straight to Umayr. Before he could even comprehend what was happening, Umar had taken his sword and wrapped the strap around Umayr's neck. He then brought Umayr before the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) in this manner. The Prophet commanded:

"Let him go, Umar."

Umar released him. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) then said:

"Step back, Umar."

Umar retreated, and Umayr approached the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). The Prophet asked Umayr:

"What brings you here?"

"I have come to save my son."

"Then what is the purpose of the sword the strap of which Umar has wrapped around your neck?"

"May Allah bury that sword! Did it bring us any benefit on the day of Badr?"

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) replied:

"No! By Allah, on that day, at that time, you and Safwan were sitting together on a rock. You spoke about…" and he recounted their entire conversation.

Hearing his words being relayed verbatim by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), Umayr (radiyallahu anh) exclaimed in horror:

"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah! By Allah, it is impossible for you to know what transpired between Safwan and me! You could only know this through revelation. Praise be to Allah, who guided me from the path of evil intentions to the path of righteousness."

Everyone in the Mosque was astonished to see a staunch polytheist like Umayr embracing Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) smiled and said:

"Teach your brother about his religion. Teach him the Qur'an. And set his captive free."

As Umar (radiyallahu anh) left the Mosque arm in arm with Umayr, he said to those around him:

"By Allah, when Umayr entered through that door, even a dog seemed more lovable to me than him. Now, however, he is more beloved to me than my own brother."