Persecution & The Steadfastness of the Oppressed

Fearing the loss of their social hierarchy and economic power centered around idol worship, Quraysh launched intense persecution against the Muslims, especially the enslaved and vulnerable. Bilal ibn Rabah was dragged across burning sands under heavy boulders, chanting: 'Ahad! Ahad!' (The One! The One!). Sumayyah bint Khayyat and her husband Yasir were brutally martyred, becoming the first martyrs of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ comforted them: 'Patience, O family of Yasir, for your destination is Paradise!' Khabbaab ibn al-Aratt was pressed onto burning coals. Despite unbearable torment, not a single believer apostatized.