Abu Jahl
The nickname “Abu Jahl” was attributed to a prominent man from the Quraysh tribe named Amr ibn Hashim ibn al-Mughira ibn Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Makhzoum ibn Yaqza ibn Murra ibn Ka’ab ibn Lu’ay. Both Abu Jahl and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) share ancestry through Ka’ab ibn Murra, as they are both from the Quraysh tribe; however, he is not considered one of the Prophet’s uncles. Following the advent of Islam, Abu Jahl became widely known by this name, which was given to him by the Prophet (peace be upon him) due to his intense animosity towards the Prophet and his companions after the proclamation of the message of Islam. Ibn al-Qayyim noted that Abu Jahl was the most deserving of this title, as it accurately portrayed his character and intent.
Quranic Verses Revealed about Abu Jahl
Several verses of the Quran were revealed regarding Abu Jahl. Among those that addressed him during the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) are:
- Abu Jahl was known for his severe harassment of the Prophet (peace be upon him). One day, he confronted the Prophet with threats to abandon the disparagement of their idols; otherwise, he would insult the deity they worshiped. In response, Allah revealed to the Prophet: (And do not abuse those whom they invoke besides Allah, lest they abuse Allah in enmity without knowledge).
- Allah mentioned the Tree of Zaqqum in the Quran as a warning to the disbelievers of Quraysh. Abu Jahl mocked the concept of Zaqqum, telling his people it was merely dates from Yathrib mixed with butter, and he made jokes, claiming, “We are filled with Zaqqum.” In response, Allah clarified the true nature of Zaqqum, describing it as boiling filth in the stomachs of disbelievers: (Indeed, the tree of Zaqqum is the food of the sinful. It is like boiling oil in the bellies like the boiling of hot water).
The Death of Abu Jahl
Abu Jahl met his end during the Battle of Badr. According to Abdul Rahman ibn Awf, as the two armies lined up for battle, two young men approached him asking for Abu Jahl. They wanted to identify him, and he indicated the location of Abu Jahl while inquiring about their intentions. They replied that they sought to kill him in retribution for his fervent enmity towards the Messenger of Allah. Once the armies clashed, the young men raced towards him and struck him with their swords until he was slain. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed two units of prayer upon receiving the news of Abu Jahl’s death at Badr.