Abu Jahl
Introduction to Abu Jahl
His name is Amr ibn Hisham ibn al-Mughira ibn Abdullah ibn Umar ibn Makhzum, a prominent figure among the Quraish tribe. Initially known as Abu al-Hakam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave him the title Abu Jahl due to his numerous transgressions against the Prophet and the Muslim community. Abu Jahl had four wives.
During the Battle of Badr, many companions sought the honor of killing him due to the immense suffering he inflicted upon them. This honor was ultimately claimed by Mu’adh and Mu’awwad, the sons of Afra, who were still young at the time. After slaying him, they hurried to share the news with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Later, Ibn Mas’ud encountered Abu Jahl, who was still alive, and swiftly beheaded him, bringing the head to the Prophet.
Abu Jahl’s Stance Towards the Prophet and the Islamic Call
Abu Jahl was one of the fiercest adversaries of the Muslims and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He relentlessly sought opportunities to harm them, both verbally and physically. His despicable actions towards the Prophet were numerous; he frequently mocked and denied the words of the Prophet. Each time he heard a verse from the Qur’an, his defiance and commitment to disbelief only grew stronger.
After the Prophet’s return from the Isra and Mi’raj journey, he shared the experiences of that night with his people. Abu Jahl took it upon himself to present these accounts sarcastically to his community, expressing disbelief and ridicule towards everything the Prophet recounted. He even went so far as to bring camel dung and placed it on the back of the Prophet while he was prostrating in prayer in Mecca, attempting to humiliate him. At that moment, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) invoked destruction upon him.
Revelation of a Qur’anic Verse Regarding Abu Jahl
A significant verse from the Qur’an was revealed addressing Abu Jahl and those like him, wherein Almighty Allah spoke to the Prophet using the words: (Indeed, your enemy is abtar); meaning that your adversary, O Muhammad, is the one who is utterly cut off and humiliated. This verse was revealed after the death of the Prophet’s son, Al-Qasim, leading the disbelievers to think that Muhammad would be humiliated due to the loss of his child. In response, Allah revealed this verse, which many scholars interpret as directed towards Abu Jahl, while others suggest it may refer to Abu Lahab.
Abu Lahab
Introduction to Abu Lahab
Abu Lahab, whose real name was Abdul Uzza ibn Abdul Muttalib, is the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the half-brother of the Prophet’s father, Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib. He is more widely recognized by the name Abu Lahab, a title attributed to his handsome appearance and the brightness of his face, characterized by flushed cheeks.
Abu Lahab’s Opposition to the Prophet and the Islamic Message
Abu Lahab was the first to openly declare his enmity towards Islam as soon as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) publicly advocated for his divine mission. His opposition was not limited to mere dissent; he actively worked against the Islamic message and inflicted severe harm upon the Prophet while attempting to steer others away from him.
Unlike his brother Abu Talib, who, despite not embracing Islam, staunchly supported his nephew, Abu Lahab did not join his tribe during the siege imposed by the Quraish on Banu Hashim. Instead, he openly criticized the Prophet when he gathered people to preach, scornfully declaring, “Is this why you have gathered us? May you be cursed, all day long.”
Revelation of Surah Al-Masad Regarding Abu Lahab
The name of Abu Lahab appears in the Qur’an within Surah Al-Masad, one of the early Meccan chapters also referred to as Surah Al-Tabbat and Surah Al-Lahab. According to a narration by Ibn Abbas, this surah was revealed when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ascended Mount Safa one day and called out to the Quraish, declaring, “What if I informed you that an enemy were to attack you at dawn or dusk, would you believe me?” They affirmed their trust in him. He then proclaimed, “I am a warner to you before a severe punishment.” Abu Lahab responded harshly, “Damn you! Is this why you gathered us?” In response, Allah revealed: {May the hands of Abu Lahab perish}, promising to condemn him and his wife, Umm Jamil, to a blazing fire that would encircle their necks until the Day of Judgment.