Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) - The Family of Patience
Learn about Ammar (RA) and his family, who endured the worst torture for Islam.
Ammar ibn Yasir (may Allah be pleased with him) was one of the earliest Muslims. His father Yasir, his mother Sumayya, and his brother Abdullah all accepted Islam. The Prophet ﷺ called them 'The Family of Yasir.' They endured some of the worst torture in Makkah. The Quraysh would take them out into the scorching desert heat, place heavy stones on their chests, and torture them. The Prophet ﷺ would pass by them and say: 'Patience, O family of Yasir, for your meeting place is Paradise.' Ammar's mother, Sumayya (RA), became the first martyr in Islam — she was killed by Abu Jahl for refusing to renounce her faith. His father Yasir (RA) was also tortured to death. Ammar (RA) himself was tortured so severely that at one point, under extreme pressure, he said words that appeared to be disbelief. But Allah revealed a Quran verse: 'Except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith.' This verse showed that Ammar's heart never left Islam. Ammar (RA) fought in all the major battles. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Ammar is full of faith from head to toe.' He also said: 'Alas, Ammar will be killed by the rebellious group.' This prophecy came true when Ammar was killed at the Battle of Siffin.
Qur'an Verses
إِلَّا مَنْ أُكْرِهَ وَقَلْبُهُ مُطْمَئِنٌّ بِالْإِيمَانِ
Illa man ukriha wa qalbuhu mutma'innun bil-iman
Translation: Except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith.
Authentic Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Patience, O family of Yasir, for your meeting place is Paradise.' He also said: 'Ammar is full of faith from head to toe.' And: 'Alas, Ammar will be killed by the rebellious group.'
Explanation
These prophecies show Ammar's extraordinary faith. Despite being tortured to the point of saying words of disbelief under duress, his heart remained firm in Islam — as confirmed by the Quran.
Patience through the worst persecution is the mark of true faith. The family of Yasir endured unimaginable torture, and Allah promised them Paradise.
- 1.What did the Prophet say to the Family of Yasir?
- 2.Who was the first martyr in Islam?
- 3.What prophecy did the Prophet make about Ammar?
1. Was Ammar's father also killed?
2. Did the prophecy come true?
3. What lesson do we learn from the Family of Yasir?
4. Did Ammar fight in major battles?
5. Did Allah forgive Ammar for what he said under duress?
6. What do we learn from Ammar?
7. What did the Quraysh do to the Family of Yasir?
8. Where was Ammar killed?
9. What did Ammar say under extreme torture?
10. Was Ammar tortured?
11. What was Ammar's defining quality?
12. Was Ammar's heart firm in faith?
13. Should we be patient during hardship?
14. What does 'Aal Yasir' mean?
15. What does 'Sabr' mean?
16. What did the Prophet say about Ammar's faith?
17. Were they among the earliest Muslims?
18. What does the Quran say about forced renunciation?
19. Who killed Sumayya (RA)?
20. What did the Prophet say to them?
21. Who was in the Family of Yasir?
22. Did Allah honor the Family of Yasir?
23. What prophecy did the Prophet make about Ammar?
24. Who was the first martyr in Islam?
25. Is patience under persecution rewarded?
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