Did you know that Al Sahabi Al Jalil Ammar Bin Yasser Mosque is named after a very special person? He was one of the first people to embrace Islam. Ammar ibn Yasir faced much persecution in Mecca for his beliefs.
Let’s delve into the story of Ammar ibn Yasir. He was not just an early convert. He was a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Ammar was the son of parents who became martyrs for Islam. He was a fearless warrior. He remained a devoted Muslim until his death.
Ammar ibn Yasir was born in Mecca around 570 CE. He was about the same age as Prophet Muhammad. Some historians say that Ammar helped arrange Prophet Muhammad’s marriage to Khadijah. When Prophet Muhammad called his family and friends to Islam, Ammar and his parents were among the first to listen.
Ammar’s father Yasir had a dream. In it, his wife and son called to him from across a valley of fire. The family embraced Islam together. At first, they attended secret lessons. But when their belief became known, they faced public abuse from enemies of the new religion.
The rich and powerful men of Mecca mostly rejected Prophet Muhammad’s message. But many slaves and poor people found comfort in Islam. When these people began to question their treatment, the elite started torturing the new Muslims. Abu Jahl was especially cruel. He designed tortures such as walking over hot coals. He also staked victims in the sun with rocks piled on their chests. Ammar and his family were tormented. Prophet Muhammad urged them to be patient. He reminded them they were destined for Paradise.
Ammar’s mother Summaya is known as the first martyr in Islam. She was a strong member of the Muslim community. Her faith never wavered despite her suffering. One day, Abu Jahl stabbed her in the stomach with a spear. She died almost immediately. After this, Abu Jahl and his companions tortured and killed Ammar’s father and brother. Ammar was heartbroken. Overwhelmed with grief and fear, he cursed Islam and Prophet Muhammad. Abu Jahl then released Ammar.
The grief-stricken Ammar ran to Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet comforted him. He reminded him of God’s forgiveness. A verse of the Quran was revealed about Ammar’s despair. It spoke of those forced to disbelieve, but whose hearts remained at peace with faith.
Prophet Muhammad took a special interest in Ammar. When the first mosque was built in Medina, Ammar worked tirelessly on its construction. Prophet Muhammad noticed that Ammar carried two bricks at a time. Everyone else carried only one. The Prophet said Ammar would receive double the reward.
Ammar was involved in every battle. This included the Battle of Badr. It was where Abu Jahl was killed. Prophet Muhammad told Ammar that the murderer of his mother was dead. Ammar also witnessed Prophet Muhammad’s farewell sermon.
Ammar died in the Battle of Siffin at about ninety years old. Prophet Muhammad had predicted his death. He said a rebellious group would kill Ammar. Ammar would be calling them to Paradise. But they would be calling him to Hell.
Al Sahabi Al Jalil Ammar Bin Yasser Mosque stands as a reminder of Ammar’s unwavering faith. It also symbolizes his significant contributions to Islam. Remember his story as you reflect in this peaceful space.