Reasons Behind the Prophet’s Choice of Dar al-Arqam
The location for the gatherings was Dar al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam. The esteemed leader, peace be upon him, selected this site for several reasons, including:
- **Location of the House**
The house is situated near Mount Safa, a place frequented by the residents of Mecca. This made it less likely for the Muslims’ gatherings to attract unwanted attention.
- **Connection to Banu Makhzum**
Al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam belonged to the Banu Makhzum tribe, which was a rival to Banu Hashim. The polytheists could not conceive that a Makhzumian household would harbor the Islamic message led by Muhammad al-Hashimi, peace be upon him.
- **Youth of Al-Arqam**
At the age of sixteen, al-Arqam was considered too young for many people to meet at his home.
- **Secrecy Surrounding Al-Arqam’s Conversion**
His conversion to Islam was not widely known among the people of Mecca.
The Prophet, peace be upon him, commenced his blessed mission in secrecy, gradually spreading it among those closest to him, selecting individuals he believed would embrace the message and keep it confidential. This careful approach characterized the early converts among the honorable companions and was a wise and logical method.
This clandestine phase continued throughout the initial three years of the mission. Following the public announcement of his message, the Prophet implemented various measures to protect aspects of the early Muslim community’s lives, including keeping the meeting place of Muslims hidden to facilitate their learning about Islam.
About Dar al-Arqam
Known as Dar al-Khayzaran and Dar al-Islam, this house is located at the site of Mount Safa, as previously mentioned. After the emergence of Islam, al-Arqam deeded the house to his son, stipulating that it could neither be inherited nor sold. This arrangement remained until the caliphate of Abu Ja’far, with al-Arqam being the seventh person to embrace Islam.
Owner of Dar al-Arqam
Al-Arqam ibn Abdu Manaf, commonly known as Abu al-Arqam, was a prominent figure. He participated in the Battle of Badr and others that followed, passing away in 53 AH at the age of 83.
Stories of Companions Who Embraced Islam at Dar al-Arqam
Dar al-Arqam is honored as the cradle of the initial calling of Islam, where many companions accepted the faith. Notable among them are:
Omar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him)
Omar ibn al-Khattab was among the most fervent opponents of the nascent Islamic call, rivaled only by Abu Jahl. His conversion was a surprise to both the people of Mecca and the Muslims themselves. The stages of Omar’s embracing Islam can be summarized as follows:
- Omar set out with his sword intending to kill the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his companions.
- He was met by an unknown companion who tried to dissuade him by warning of retribution from Banu Abdu Manaf, but Omar was unyielding.
- The companion then revealed that Omar’s sister and her husband had converted to Islam, advising him to address issues within his household first.
- Fueled by anger, Omar proceeded to his sister’s home.
- Upon arrival, he found Khabbab ibn al-Arat teaching them Surah Taha, and when they sensed Omar’s presence, Khabbab hid and Fatimah concealed the manuscript.
- Omar inquired about what he had heard, but Fatimah denied it.
- In a fit of rage, Omar struck her husband and beat Fatimah until she bled.
- Fatimah stood firm in her faith, stating that they had both accepted Islam and he could do as he wished.
- Seeing the blood on his sister’s face filled Omar with remorse. He requested the manuscript to read, but Fatimah insisted he cleanse himself first.
- Omar complied, took the manuscript, and upon reading part of the Surah, he was moved by its eloquence and depth.
- Khabbab then emerged and led Omar to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
- As Omar approached Dar al-Arqam still wielding his sword, the companions feared for the Prophet’s safety.
- The Prophet ordered Omar to be admitted, instructing that neither any companion, including his uncle Hamza, should intervene.
- The Prophet stood up, grasped Omar’s cloak, shook him strongly, and asked why he had come. Omar replied that he had come to embrace Islam, prompting the Prophet to proclaim Allahu Akbar.
Amar ibn Yasir and Suhayb al-Rumi (may Allah be pleased with them)
Both were among the weak and vulnerable in Mecca, lacking tribal protection. They met at Dar al-Arqam and inquired about each other’s presence there. Amar stated he had come to hear from Muhammad, and Suhayb affirmed his intention was the same. After entering and listening to the Prophet’s teachings, they accepted Islam and spent the day there until evening, leaving discreetly.
Musab ibn Umayr (may Allah be pleased with him)
Musab was known as the most elegant and attractive youth in Mecca, cherished by his wealthy mother. Upon hearing about the Prophet’s call to Islam at Dar al-Arqam, he went to visit, was captivated by Islam, and embraced it. However, when his mother learned of his conversion, she confined him and subjected him to torture to revert to his previous beliefs. Nevertheless, he remained steadfast, enduring the abuse until he eventually migrated to Abyssinia.