Abu Lahab - Bitter and Humiliated
Abu Lahab, the uncle of the
Prophet (s.a.w.) was his inveterate enemy. In the early days of Islam,
whenever the Prophet (s.a.w.) came to the market place to proclaim
Oneness of Allah and denounce idolatry, Abu Lahab would follow him and
announce: "O people! This young man is an impostor do not listen to
him."
In the Battle of Badr, he decided to stay
behind while other veterans joined the army to fight the Prophet
(s.a.w.). He was anxious of the outcome of the battle and would ask
anyone who would come from the vicinity of Madina if he had any news.
At last when Abu Sufyan returned, crest fallen and ashamed, Abu Lahab
inquired: "Tell me what happened, for no doubt you have the reliable
news."
Abu Sufyan related how his army of Meccans
suffered a shameful defeat, and how the great veterans of Quraish fell,
one after the other. "Believe me, it was an effortless surrender.
We seemed to be at their command, submitting our necks for slaughter and
our hands for being taken prisoners. And I do not blame the Quraish.
By God! We saw white robed soldiers on black horses fill the place, and
none of us could stand against their onslaught."
Abu Lahab was overtaken by grief; he began
to cry and wail. Sitting next to him was a slave called Abu Rafe' who
was known for leaning towards Islam. In a fit of uncontrolled anger,
Abu Lahab slapped him on the face; and then there was a commotion in
which a lady, Ummul Fadhl, hit Abu Lahab on his head.
Abu Lahab entered his house,
bitter and humiliated; and within 7 days thereafter, died a miserable
death.
Reference:
Pearls of Wisdom. A String of Incidents in the History of
Islam. The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim
Communities. Page 26. |