STAGE 3 · THE OPEN CALL
Chapter 11: Ḥamzah and ‘Umar Accept Islam
Two strong men join Islam in the sixth year — and the Muslims grow stronger
© 2026 Sheikh Mohamed Fawzy. All rights reserved. Version 1.7
Ḥamzah ibn ‘Abd al-Muṭṭalib
Who was he?
The Prophet’s uncle — and also his brother through nursing (al-Bukhari 2645). One of the strongest, bravest men of Quraysh.
When?
In the sixth year of prophethood, Ḥamzah accepted Islam.
A new strength
His courage and strength now stood with the Muslims.
The popular story that Ḥamzah struck Abū Jahl after he insulted the Prophet ﷺ is told by Ibn Isḥāq without a connected chain, so it is not taught here. The title “Asad Allāh” (the lion of Allah) also comes through weak reports: al-Albānī graded the hadith “written in the seventh heaven: Ḥamzah, the lion of Allah” munkar (al-Silsilah al-Ḍa‘īfah 6355), and the report of him saying “I am the lion of Allah” at Uḥud is mursal.
From a fierce enemy to al-Fārūq
Before
‘Umar was one of the hardest men against the Muslims — strong, feared and respected in Makkah.
After
A few days after Ḥamzah, in the same sixth year, ‘Umar accepted Islam. He later became the second caliph, called al-Fārūq — the one who separates truth from falsehood.
Point out that Allah can change the hardest heart. Never give up on anyone. The famous story of ‘Umar at his sister’s house is reported through weak chains, so it is not taught here.
“‘Umar has left his religion!”
‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar was a young boy watching from his roof — that is why he remembered every detail.
“We have been strong ever since…”
Before ‘Umar
The Muslims were few and weak, and often hid their worship.
After ‘Umar
Ibn Mas‘ūd said they felt strong from that day — the Muslims were no longer an easy target.
A report that after ‘Umar’s Islam they could pray openly at the Ka‘bah comes from al-Qāsim ibn ‘Abd al-Raḥmān, who did not meet his grandfather Ibn Mas‘ūd (al-Haythamī, Majma‘ al-Zawā’id 9/65) — so it is not taught as fact here; the authentic wording is the one on the slide (al-Bukhari 3863).
What we learn
Hearts are in Allah’s hand
Even the fiercest enemy can become the strongest believer.
Courage for the truth
Ḥamzah and ‘Umar used their strength to protect the weak.
Be proud of your faith
‘Umar did not hide his Islam — and Allah protected him.
Quick quiz
Two lions joined the believers
ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam ﷺ