On his insistence the father and the son were recompensed...

On his insistence the father and the son were recompensed for their crimes and were put to death. SELF-SACRIFICE OF AMMAR AND HIS PARENTS Arnmar and his parents were amongst the early Muslims. They embraced Islam when the Prophet had selected the house of Arqam bin Abil Arqam as the rendezvous for the propagation of Islam. When the idolaters became aware of their having adopted the Divine religion they did not neglect torturing and persecuting them.

Ibn Athir [^14] says: "The idolaters compelled these three persons to quit their house in the hottest season and to spend their time in the heat and the scorching wind of the desert. This torture was repeated so many times that Yasir succumbed to his troubles. One day his widow Sumayyah quarrelled with Abu Jahl on this account. That hard-hearted and cruel person thrust a spear in her heart and killed her also.

The Holy Prophet was very much moved on account of the persecution to which they were subjected. One day he saw them being tortured. He turned his face to them with tears in his eyes and said "O family of Yasir! Be patient for your place is in Paradise ". After the death of Yasir and his wife the idolaters tormented and tortured Ammar as well as they had tormented Bilal.

To save his life he had no alternative left but to abjure Islam but he repented soon and ran to the Prophet with a palpitating heart. He related the incident to the Prophet who enquired of him: "Has any instability taken place in your inner faith?" He replied: "My heart is abounding with faith". The Prophet then said: "Do not entertain the least fear in your mind and keep your faith hidden to save yourself from their mischief".

The following verse was revealed with regard to the faith of Ammar: [^15] (There shall be a grievous punishment for him) who disbelieves in Allah after believing in Him other than him who is compelled while his heart is firm in his faith. (Surah Nahl 16:106) It is said that Abu Jahl decided to take to task the family of Yasir who belonged to the class of the most unprotected persons in Makkah. He therefore ordered that fire end scourage might be made ready.

Yasir Sumayyah and Ammar were then dragged to the appointed place and tormented with the point of the sword and with the flames of fire and whipping. This persecution was repeated so many times that Yasir and Sumayyah consequently breathed their last but they did not forsake the praise of the Prophet till their last moments.