The correct answer is the Sixth Nabvi.
Hazrat Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib (RA), the uncle and foster brother of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), embraced Islam in the sixth year of the Prophethood (616 CE). This event occurred during a period when...
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The correct answer is the Sixth Nabvi.
Hazrat Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib (RA), the uncle and foster brother of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), embraced Islam in the sixth year of the Prophethood (616 CE). This event occurred during a period when the early Muslim community in Makkah was facing intense persecution and social boycotts from the leaders of the Quraish. The conversion of a man of Hamza’s stature—known for his immense physical strength, hunting prowess, and unyielding courage—represented a massive shift in the social dynamics of Makkah.
The Character of Hazrat Hamza (RA)
Before his conversion, Hazrat Hamza (RA) was one of the most respected and feared warriors among the Quraish. He was not deeply involved in the initial religious debates of the city, preferring the solitude of the desert for hunting and the company of his peers in the sporting arenas of Makkah. However, he maintained a deep, protective affection for his nephew, Muhammad (SAW), even before he accepted the message of Islam. His neutral stance changed abruptly due to a specific incident involving Abu Jahl, one of the most staunch opponents of the early Islamic movement.
The Incident at Mount Safa
The story of his conversion begins on a day when Hamza (RA) returned to Makkah from a hunting trip, his bow still slung over his shoulder. He was met by a woman who had witnessed Abu Jahl insulting and physically harassing the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) near the hill of Safa. She described how Abu Jahl had heaped abuse upon the Prophet (SAW) while the latter remained silent and patient.
The news ignited a fierce sense of tribal honor and familial loyalty in Hamza (RA). Without returning home, he went straight to the Kaaba, where the leaders of the Quraish were gathered in a circle. He approached Abu Jahl and struck him violently with his bow, causing a wound to his head. In the heat of that confrontation, Hamza (RA) declared his faith, challenging anyone to stop him.
A Turning Point for the Muslim Community
While the conversion began as a defense of his nephew’s dignity, Hazrat Hamza (RA) soon found deep spiritual conviction in the teachings of Islam. His entry into the faith provided the small and vulnerable Muslim community with a much-needed shield. Before Hamza (RA) and Hazrat Umar (RA) (who followed shortly after) embraced Islam, the Muslims often prayed in secret to avoid harassment.
With a warrior like Hamza (RA) now counted among the believers, the Quraish became more cautious in their physical attacks. His presence gave the early Muslims the courage to practice their faith more openly. It was during this period that he earned the title "Asadullah" (The Lion of Allah) and "Asad-ur-Rasool" (The Lion of the Prophet).
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