Umayr Bin Wahb

 

Umayr Bin Wahb returned safely from the Battle of Badr.  But his son was taken prisoner by the Muslims.  Umayr was afraid the Muslims would punish his son because of him.  In the past Umayr had done many bad things to the Prophet and his companions.

One morning, Umayr went to the masjid to make tawaf around the Ka’ba and worship the idols.  He saw Safwan Bin Umayya there.  Safwan was sitting near the Ka’ba.

Umayr approached him and said, “Good morning.”  Safwan replied, “ Good morning, Umayr.  Sit down and let’s talk.  That’s the only way to kill time.”

Umayr sat down beside him.  The two men began to talk about the Battle of Badr.  They talked about the prisoners in the Muslim’s hands.  Also they talked about Qureish men. Many were killed by the Muslims.  They were buried in a mass grave at Badr.  Safwan shook his head and said, “It’s not worth living anymore.”

“You’re right,” said Umayr.  Then he remained silent for a while.

“I swear,” continued Umayr, “if  I had no debts and no family, I would go and kill Muhammad.  That would be the end to this evil.  My son Wahb is in their hands.  They won’t suspect me.”

Safwan was happy to hear that.  He said, “Umayr, I can pay your debts.  I’ll look after your family as my own.  I have enough wealth for all of them.”

“Okay,” replied Umayr.  “We’re agreed.  But keep our talk a secret.  Don’t tell anyone about it.”

“All right,” said Safwan.

Umayr left the masjid and prepared for his journey.  He didn’t think anyone would suspect his real intention.  Other Meccans were going to Medina to ransom family members.

Umayr had his sword sharpened and poisoned.  He was full of hatred for the Muslims.  Umayr reached Medina and went straight to the mosque.  He squatted his camel down near the door and began to wait for the Prophet.

At that moment Omar and some of the companions were sitting close to the masjid door.  They were talking about the Battle of Badr, the prisoners of war and the number of dead Qureish.

Also they talked about the heroism of the Muslims.  They thanked God for the great victory He had given them. Suddenly Omar saw Umayr going towards the mosque.  He jumped up and shouted, “This dog is Umayr Bin Wahb, an enemy of God.  I swear he has only come to do evil.  He led the pagans against us in Mecca.  He spied on us for them shortly before the Battle of Badr.  Go to Rasulullah.  Stand around him and protect him.  Warn him about this dirty traitor.”

Omar went to Muhammad’s (pbuh) side as well.  He said to the Prophet, “ Rasulullah, this enemy of God, Umayr Bin Wahb, has come with his sword to do evil.”

“Bring him to me,” said the Prophet.  Omar went to Umayr.  He grabbed him by the collar, held his sword against his neck and took him to the Prophet. 

When the Prophet saw Umayr in this condition, he told Omar to release him.  The Prophet said, “Let go of him, Omar, and you stand back.”  Omar let go of Umayr’s collar and stepped back a little.  Turning to Umayr, the Prophet said, “Come closer. Umayr.”

Umayr went closer and said, “Good morning.”

“God has given us a greeting better than this, Umayr,” said the Prophet.  He has given us the greeting of Qessalam.’  It’s the greeting of the people of Paradise.”  Then the Prophet asked Umayr, “Why have you come here?”

“I’ve come here because my son is your prisoner,” answered Umayr.  “I hope to take him with me.  I’m asking your help.”

“Then what is this sword around your neck for?”  Muhammad (pbuh) asked.  “Tell me the truth.  Why have you come?”

“I’ve only come to take my son,” replied Umayr.

“No,” said the Prophet.  “You and Safwan Bin Umaya sat near the Ka’ba and talked about your friends buried at Badr.  Then you said that if you didn’t have any debt or a family, you would kill me.  Safwan agreed to pay your debt and look out for your family if you killed me.  But God is a barrier between you and your goal.”

Umayr was stunned for a moment.  Then he said, “I bear witness that you are the Messenger of God.”  He continued, “Rasulullah, we rejected every revelation that came to you.  But no one knew about my talk with Safwan.  I’m certain that God let you know.  Praise be to God Who brought me to you.”

Then Umayr declared his faith and became a Muslim. The Prophet said to his companions, “Teach your brother, Umayr, the religion and the Qur’an.  Set his son free.”

The Muslims were pleased with Umayr’s acceptance of Islam.  Omar once said about him, “A pig was dearer to me than Umayr when he first came to the Prophet.  But today he is dearer to me than my own children.”

Omar spent a lot of time with Umayr and taught him about Islam and the Qur’an.  Umayr spent his best and most productive days there.  He almost forgot about Mecca.

In Mecca Safwan was full of hope.  He said to the Qureish, “I’ll soon have some good news  and you’ll forget all about Badr.”

Safwan waited for a long time.  He became more and more anxious.  He asked different travelers about Umayr.  But he could not learn anything about him.  Then one day someone came and said, “Umayr became a Muslim.”  The news hit Safwan like a thunderbolt.  He was sure Umayr would never become a Muslim.

Safwan said to himself, I will never talk to him or help him again.

Umayr learned Islam very well.  He memorized the Qur’an.  Then he went to the Prophet to get permission to go to Mecca.  He said, “Rasulullah, when I was a pagan, I worked hard against Islam.  Now I want your permission to go to Mecca and invite people to Islam.  If they accept it that will be great.  If they don’t, I’ll punish them like I punished Muslims before.”

The Prophet gave permission and Umayr returned to Mecca.  He went straight to Safwan’s house.  “Safwan,” he said, “you are one of the leaders of Mecca.  You are one of the most intelligent of the Qureish.  Do you really think it’s religious to worship stones and to make sacrifices to them?  As for me, I declare there is no god but God and Muhammad is His Messenger.”

After that Umayr invited many Meccans to accept Islam.  With Umayr’s help many became Muslim.  However, Safwan did not accept Islam until later.  When the Prophet liberated Mecca, Safwan finally accepted Islam.  He gave outstanding service to Islam.