The Conversion of Abu Sufyan, Muawiyah’s father, may Allah be pleased with them both
Selections from the Book Muawiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan (His Character And Era) And The Sufyanid State …
Written by Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi...
Episode (03)
Abu Sufyan was one of the staunch opponents of Islam during the pre-Islamic period. The books of the Prophet’s biography describe his actions against the Islamic call. However, Allah Almighty willed guidance for him, and he accepted Islam shortly before the conquest of Mecca. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) honored him during the conquest by proclaiming: “Whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is safe.”
This noble gesture from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) carries an educational message. By specifically singling out Abu Sufyan’s house, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) satisfied a longing in his soul, thus strengthening his faith and affirming his place in Islam. This Prophetic approach helped to absorb the resentment in Abu Sufyan’s heart, assuring him that the position he held among Quraysh would not be diminished in Islam—provided he was sincere and devoted in its cause. This is a noble Prophetic method that scholars and callers to Islam should understand and apply in their dealings with people.
Abu Sufyan’s Islam became strong and sincere. He witnessed several key battles and rendered valuable services to Islam. He was with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) at the Battle of Hunayn, participated in the siege of Ta’if, and lost one of his eyes there. At the Battle of Yarmouk, he lost the other. After the submission of the tribe of Thaqif, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent him with al-Mughirah ibn Shu‘bah to destroy the idol al-Lat—which was revered not only by Thaqif but also by Quraysh, who used to swear by it. This was a clear sign of the deep faith that had taken root in Abu Sufyan’s heart.
Abu Sufyan had delayed embracing Islam because of his love for leadership and his attachment to power. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was aware of these psychological factors affecting Abu Sufyan and other Quraysh elites. Thus, after the conquest, he granted safety to anyone who entered Abu Sufyan’s house and also gave him a share of the spoils of Hunayn, along with others, whose hearts were to be reconciled.
Abu Sufyan never forgot his past opposition to Islam during the pre-Islamic era and was eager to double his efforts in serving Islam. Ibn Kathir said about him: "He was one of the leaders of Quraysh in the pre-Islamic era and became distinguished in leadership after the Battle of Badr. Then when he accepted Islam, his Islam became good. He had honorable stances and commendable contributions at Yarmouk and elsewhere."
It was narrated from Sa‘id ibn al-Musayyib from his father, who said: “On the Day of Yarmouk, all voices were silent except for one man who kept calling: ‘O help of Allah, come near!’ The Muslims were fighting the Romans, and when I looked, it was Abu Sufyan standing beneath the banner of his son Yazid.”
It is also reported that on the Day of Yarmouk, he stood at the battalion lines saying: “Fear Allah! You are the defenders of the Arabs and the supporters of Islam, and they are the defenders of the Romans and supporters of shirk. O Allah, this is one of Your days. O Allah, send down Your victory upon Your servants.”
It is said that he died in the year 31, or 32, or 33, or 34 AH. His funeral prayer was led either by his son Muawiyah or by Uthman—according to differing narrations. He was said to be 83 years old, and some reports say he was in his early 90s.
- Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, Muawiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan (His Character And Era) And The Sufyanid State, pp. 39-41.
- Al-Bukhari, No. (4280).
- Benefit from the stories of the Qur’an (2/403).
- The Beginning and the End (11/397).
- Explanation in the genealogies of the Quraysh, p. 203.
- A Political Reading of the Prophet’s Biography, by Muhammad Rawas, p. 245.
- The Biography of the Prophet, by Al-Sallabi (2/497).
For further information and review of the sources for the article, see:
The Book of “Muawiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan (His Character And Era) And The Sufyanid State” on the official website of Sheikh Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi:
