Seventy-two companions of the Holy Prophet (S) were martyred in the battle...

Seventy-two companions of the Holy Prophet (S) were martyred in the battle, including Hamzah ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet’s uncle.[^6] In order to incite and encourage the polytheists to fight at the Battle of Uhud, Abu Sufiyan shouted, “Long live Hubal!

Long live Hubal!”[^7] When they heard this, the Muslims replied, “Allah is more Elevated and more Majestic!” When he heard this, Abu Sufiyan personally answered, “We have (the idol) al-‘Uzza, whereas you have no ‘Uzza.” The Holy Prophet (S) ordered his followers to say, «الله مولانا ولا مولى لکم.» “Allah is our Master and you have no master.” [^8] After the martyrdom of Hamzah, Abu Sufiyan came to thrust spears into Hamzah’s corpse.

He was doing this while saying, “Taste of this, you who has been disinherited and cursed.”[^9] Even after the death of the Holy Prophet (S), Abu Sufiyan came to the tomb of Hamzah and started trampling and stamping upon it saying, “O Aba ‘Ammarah! That over which you fought with us and for which you died has now fallen into the hands of our youths and they are playing with it.”[^10] One day Abu Sufiyan saw people walking behind the Holy Prophet (S).

With a heart filled with jealousy and envy, he said, “If I can, I will organize an army against this man once again.” The Holy Prophet touched his chest and said, “On that day, Allah will make you abject, contemptible and despised.”[^11] Abu Sufiyan’s conversion to Islam It is well known that Abu Sufiyan did not convert to Islam of his own volition and inclination. On the contrary, he became a Muslim out of a feeling of fear and intimidation.

When the Holy Prophet (S) conquered Mecca, Abu Sufiyan came with ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib before the Holy Prophet (S) and requested immunity and safe-conduct from the Holy Prophet (S). The Holy Prophet (S) said, “Woe unto you O Abu Sufiyan! Has the time not yet come for you to know that there is no god but Allah?” Abu Sufiyan said, “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you. How generous and kind you are!” Again, the Holy Prophet (S) said, “O Abu Sufiyan!

Has the time not yet arrived for you to accept that I am Allah’s Prophet?” Abu Sufiyan repeated his previous statement and added, “This issue of you being Allah’s Prophet has not yet been settled in my heart.” ‘Abbas said to him, “Woe unto you!