The Sacrifice of Ammār ibn Yāsir

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Contents

Difficulty brings ease!Learning from sacrifice A legacy of toughness Action points

Ammār and his parents Yāsir and Sumayya (radiy Allahu ‘anhum) were among the first to embrace a new religion in a hostile environment, in early Makkah. A poor family, they did not take the decision lightly.

The Quraysh, as the ruling tribe, fiercely opposed Islam. As a result, the Yāsir family faced unimaginable cruelty for refusing to renounce their newfound faith.

Difficulty brings ease!

While in difficulty, a Muslim should always remember that Allah brings ease to help with that situation and a person is not tasked with more than he can handle.

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you…” [1]

One of the five major principles of Fiqh is that with difficulty comes ease.

Ammār ibn Yāsir (radiy Allahu ‘anhum) found himself in a deadly situation where his parents were killed in front of him — the first and second martyrs of Islam. It is important to note that being killed for becoming a Muslim was unknown until then, adding to the shock.

The Quraysh turned their vicious intent towards the boy and tortured him into uttering words in praise of their idols. He ran to the Prophet ﷺ once he was let go.

And Allah revealed in this regard the following,

“Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief — except one who was forced while his heart is at peace with the faith — but whoever opens their breasts to disbelief, on them is wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a terrible torment.” [2]

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) turned to him in Mercy as he protected his īmān within his heart, staying steadfast in the storm of tyranny.

Learning from sacrifice

The faith of the Yāsir family teaches us intense lessons about the true meaning of belief and the price one may pay for holding onto it.

Their example is a reminder that the path of faith isn’t always easy.

In fact, it’s often paved with trials and requires abandoning things dear to oneself. However, it’s these very challenges that refine our faith.

As mentioned in previous chapters, adversity, when faced with steady conviction, becomes the crucible that forges strength.

A legacy of toughness

Despite the tragic loss of his parents and the persecution he endured, Ammār (radiy Allahu ‘anhu) remained steadfast in his faith.

Indeed, he became a warrior of Islam and a pillar of the fledgling Muslim community, embodying the verse from the Qur’ān,

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise without such [trials] as came to those who passed away before you?” [3]

Action points

Let the story of Ammār inspire you to remain patient. Remember, trials are tests of faith.
Hold fast to your convictions; it can be your anchor, providing strength during difficult times.
Just as the Prophet ﷺ supported the Yāsir family, be a source of comfort for those facing challenges.