Persecution of the Early Muslims
اضطهاد المسلمين الأوائل
Summary
The Quraysh intensified their persecution of the Muslims, particularly those without tribal protection. Bilal ibn Rabah was tortured by Umayyah ibn Khalaf. The family of Yasir — Yasir, Sumayyah, and their son Ammar — were tortured, and Sumayyah became the first martyr in Islam.
Details
The persecution took many forms: physical torture, social boycott, mockery, and economic pressure. Bilal was placed on the burning sand with heavy rocks on his chest, yet he repeated 'Ahad, Ahad' (One, One). Abu Bakr purchased and freed him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) passed by the family of Yasir while they were being tortured and said: 'Patience, O family of Yasir, for your appointment is Paradise.' Sumayyah was killed by Abu Jahl with a spear, becoming the first shaheedah (female martyr) in Islam. Khabbab ibn al-Aratt was tortured with hot coals on his back.