Steadfastness in the face of hardships---Hadhrat Ammaar (Radhiyallaho anho) and His Parents

It is really very hard for the Muslims of to-day to imagine, and much less to endure or even to attempt to endure, the hardships that were borne by the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and his illustrious companions in the path of Allah. Books of history are full of stories of their sufferings. It is a pity that we are
so indifferent to those events and our knowledge is so poor in this regard. I open this chapter with a story about the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) himself to get the blessings of Allah, which are sure to attend his auspicious mention. '



Hadhrat Ammaar (Radhiyallaho anho) and His Parents

Hadhrat Ammaar (Radhiyallaho anho) and his parents were also subjected to the severest afflictions. They were tormented on the scorching sands of Mecca. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) while passing by them would enjoin patience giving them glad tidings about paradise. Ammar's father Yasir (Radhiyallaho anho) died after prolonged sufferings at the hands of persecutors, and his mother Sumayya (Radhiyallaho anha) was killed by Abu Iahl, who put his spear through the most private part of her body, causing her death. She had refused to renounce Islam in the face of terrible torture in her old age. The blessed lady was the first to meet martyrdom in the cause of Islam. The first mosque in Islam was built by Ammaar (Radhiyallaho anho).

When the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) emigrated to Madinah, Ammaar (Radhiyallaho anho) offered to build a structure for him where he could sit, take rest in the afternoon, and say his Salaat under its roof. He first collected the stones and then built the musjid in Quba. He fought against the enemies of Islam with great zeal and courage. Once he was fighting in a battle when he said rejoicingly:

"I am to meet my friends very soon, I am to meet Muhammad  (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and his companions."

He then asked for water. He was offered some milk. He took it and said:

"I heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying to me, "Milk shall be the last drink of your worldly life. "

He then fought till he met his coveted end. He was then aged about ninety-four.