THE STORY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD - Persecution and Torture of Muslims

The efforts of the infidels of Quraysh for months to stop the preaching of Rasulullah did not get results. So they gathered again to discuss the next action. The discussion led directly by Abu Lahab agreed on acts of violence against Rasulullah and the Muslims. But not all unbelievers dare to commit violence against Rasulullah, because of his position which was highly respected in the Quraysh community of Mecca at that time, moreover his uncle, Abu Talib, who was also respected by his community also provided protection. Only their leaders were full of hatred who dared to disturb Rasulullah physically, such as Abu Lahab, Abu Jahal, Ubay bin Khalaf, and his friends.

Various painful actions were received by Rasulullah from Abu Lahab and his friends. It was one day when Prophet Muhammad prayed before the Ka'bah, while infidel figures of Quraysh were gathering. When he was prostration, one of them took the contents of the stomach of the camel that had just been slaughtered and threw it into Rasulullah, so he could not get up from prostration. Fatimah, his daughter who knew this immediately removed the dirt from her father's body.

Prophet Muhammad also experienced other disturbances, even though he was protected by Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib. Ummu Jamil, wife of Abu Jahal, once threw unclean in front of his house. But Rasulullah simply threw it away. In the face of interference, Khadijah always accompanied and entertained Rasulullah. With her sincere faith and great love, Khadijah is someone who can eliminate all the sadness of Rasulullah.

Besides Rasulullah, the Muslims also accepted torture and oppression which were more cruel by the infidels, especially the weak. For example Uthman ibn Affan when he converted to Islam, by his uncle he was folded by a mat, then made smoke from below. Mush'ab bin Umair after entering Islam, his mother kicked him out and did not get food so that his life was miserable, even though he was a young man who was known to live luxuriously.

When Bilal bin Rabah converted to Islam, he was brutally tortured by his employer, Umayyah bin Khalaf Al-Jumahi. He was tied with a rope around his neck and the children were told to pull him around the Ka'bah. He also received another more cruel torment, it is on a summer day he was dragged out and thrown to the ground, then his chest was crushed with a large rock. His employer said, "By God, you will continue like this until you die or you deny Muhammad and return to worship Latta and Uzza". But Bilal's belief remained firm, in that condition he only said, "Ahad ... Ahad ..." (meaning God Almighty). Abu Bakr saw the incident and redeemed Bilal with some money to be freed. Not a few slaves who experienced torture were bought by Abu Bakr to be saved. Among them were slave girl of Umar bin Khattab (before entering Islam).

Ammar bin Yasir and his parents converted to Islam. He was a slave to Bani Makhzum. They were dragged into the desert by polytheists led by Abu Jahal and left tortured in the heat of the intense sun. Rasulullah passed them and advised, "Be patient, Yasir's family, the promise for you is heaven".

Yasir, Ammar's father, finally died because he could not resist torture. While his mother, Sumayyah (Umm Ammar) by Abu Jahal was stabbed with a spear on her vital organs so she died and was known as the first woman who was martyred in Islam. Ammar was still persecuted continuously and getting heavier, while those who tortured said, "We will not release you until you berate Muhammad or praise Latta and Uzza".

Ammar could no longer bear torture so he made compliments of their gods because he had to. Then he was free and faced Rasulullah, crying and apologizing. Allah revealed His word in the Surah An-Nahl verse 106:

مَن كَفَرَ بِٱللَّهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ إِيمَٰنِهِۦٓ إِلَّا مَنۡ أُكۡرِهَ وَقَلۡبُهُۥ مُطۡمَئِنُّۢ بِٱلۡإِيمَٰنِ وَلَٰكِن مَّن شَرَحَ بِٱلۡكُفۡرِ صَدۡرٗا فَعَلَيۡهِمۡ غَضَبٞ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٞ  ١٠٦

106.  Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief... except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith. But those who [willingly] open their breasts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah, and for them is a great punishment;

Similarly, other friends who received various forms of torture because of their faith. In conclusion, none of the weak people known to enter Islam did not experience various forms of torture.

Torment continues to occur, but Muslims are more determined by their faith. They patiently accept torment and ridicule for their faith.

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Reference:

·         Mubarakfuri, Syekh Shafiyyur-Rahman, and Haidir, Abdullah (Translator). 2005. Sejarah Hidup dan Perjuangan Rasulullah. Riyadh: Kantor Dakwah dan Bimbingan bagi Pendatang Al-Sulay.

·         Haekal, Muhammad Husain, and Audah, Ali (Translator). Sejarah Hidup Muhammad.