Abo Lahab
Abo Lahab, known as the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), bears the name Abd al-Uzza and is also referred to as Abu ‘Utbah. The term “Abo Lahab” is not merely a nickname; rather, it stems from his radiant appearance, as his face was described to be glowing. Consequently, what he took pride in during his life became a source of torment and regret for him in the Hereafter. From the very moment the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) announced his prophethood, Abo Lahab openly rejected him. He exhibited extreme hostility towards the Prophet, actively working to undermine his reputation. While the Prophet walked among the people inviting them to monotheism, Abo Lahab followed closely behind, contradicting him and discouraging others from listening. When questioned about the Prophet’s character, people tended to believe Abo Lahab, assuming that as his uncle he was well-informed about him. However, it was not only Abo Lahab who sought to harm the Prophet; his wife, Umm Jamil, would gather thorns and firewood to injure him along his path, and she pressured her sons, ‘Utbah and ‘Atabah, to divorce the Prophet’s daughters, Umm Kulthum and Ruqayyah. In response to their actions, Allah revealed verses that are recited today, condemning Abo Lahab and his wife to severe punishment in the Hereafter. This is poignantly captured in Surah Al-Masad.
Abo Jahl
Abo Jahl, whose real name was Amr ibn Hisham, held the title of Abu al-Hakam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave him the title of Abo Jahl, which aptly reflects his nature and behavior, as he was notoriously obstinate and a fierce opponent of the path of Allah. He actively deterred his people from the truth and guidance. The companions of the Prophet drew comparisons between Abo Jahl and Pharaoh due to his profound animosity towards Muslims. Notably, it was said that while Pharaoh professed faith at the moment of his death, Abo Jahl did not utter a single word of belief when he met his end. Although Abo Jahl never denied the existence of God or claimed divinity, much like Pharaoh, he never embraced true faith either.
The Demise of Abo Jahl and Abo Lahab
Abo Jahl met his demise during the Battle of Badr. As the battle commenced, two young men, Mu’adh ibn ‘Afra and Mu’adh ibn Amr ibn al-Jamuh, set out with the intention of killing him. They searched until they found Abo Jahl and each struck him with their swords. Subsequently, they rushed to inform the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) of his death. The Prophet, wanting to confirm the news, sent someone to verify the details. Anas ibn Malik recounts that Ibn Mas’ud found Abo Jahl dying from the wounds inflicted by the two men and asked him, “Are you Abo Jahl?” Upon confirming his identity, Abo Jahl reportedly replied, “Is there any greater shame than being killed by my own people?”
Abo Lahab’s demise was attributed to the immense distress he experienced following Abo Jahl’s death and their defeat at Badr. This distress manifested in what the Arabs called “al-nadsa,” typically regarded as an ill omen, affecting his stomach. He suffered until he ultimately succumbed to his illness. Out of fear of being reproached for failing to bury him, his relatives hastily transported his remains to the heights of Mecca, placing him in a mountain and covering him with stones to conceal him beneath the earth.