In the early days of Islam, the family that endured the most intense trials and persecution for truth was that of Hazrat Ammar ibn Yasir (RA). His mother, Sumayyah (RA), holds the honor of being the first martyr of Islam, while his father, Yasir (RA), was also subjected to oppression for embracing Islam. Ammar (RA) himself achieved high ranks through companionship with the Prophet (SAAW), defending the faith, and eventually martyrdom.
Lineage, Embrace of Islam, and Sacrifices: Hazrat Ammar ibn Yasir ibn Amir al-Ans? was from a persecuted family in Makkah. When his parents, Yasir (RA) and Sumayyah (RA), accepted Islam, they were severely tortured by the polytheists of Makkah.
The Messenger of Allah SAAW used to say: “Patience, O family of Yasir! Indeed, your promised abode is Paradise.” (Tabqat ibn Saad).
After migrating to Madinah, Ammar (RA) participated in Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, and all other battles alongside the Prophet Muhammad SAAW.
Virtue and Prophetic Prophecy: Regarding the greatness of Hazrat Ammar (RA), the Prophet Muhammad SAAW said: “Alas, Ammar! You will be killed by the rebellious group. You will be calling them to Paradise, and they will be calling him to Hell.” (Sahih Bukhari).
Battle of Siffin and Martyrdom: During the caliphate of Hazrat Ali (A.S), Ammar (RA) supported him and was martyred in the Battle of Siffin (37 AH) while fighting against the people of falsehood.
Ibn Sa’d, Ibn Athir, and al-Tabari narrate that Ammar (RA) was struck with a spear by Abu al-Ghadiyah Yasir al-Fazari, who was part of Muawiyah’s army.
Hazrat Ali (A.S) led his funeral prayer and said, “Ammar kept calling us toward Paradise. We disassociate ourselves from his killers!”
Ammar’s killer: The name of the killer: Abu al-Ghadiyah Yasir ibn Sabi’ al-Fazari. He was part of the Syrian army during the Battle of Siffin. He himself confessed that he had struck Ammar (RA) with a spear.
The Prophet Muhammad SAAW had said: “The killer of Ammar and the one who strips him (of his belongings) will be in Hell.” (Musnad Ahmad).
Sunni Viewpoint: Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani writes in Fath al-Bari, “Based on the Hadees of Ammar, Ahl al-Sunnah hold that Hazrat Ali (A.S) was on the side of truth.” (Fath al-Bari)
Imam Ibn al-Arabi al-Maliki writes: “The identity of the rebellious group was revealed through the Hadees of Ammar, and there was consensus on the legitimacy of Ali’s (A.S) caliphate. (Al-‘Aw??im min al-Qaw??im).
Tailpiece: The faith, sacrifice, steadfastness, and martyrdom of Hazrat Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) stand as a shining beacon in Islamic history.
The words of the Prophet Muhammad SAAW – “He” will be killed by the rebellious “group” – remain an eternal criterion between truth and falsehood.
The group that killed him was a rebellious faction, and Ammar (RA), alongside Hazrat Ali (A.S), was on the path of truth.
His martyrdom is a testimony of truth, and his name shall forever remain a symbol of the righteous until the Day of Judgment.
The post Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) – A brief introduction appeared first on The Financial Daily.
