Umar Embraces IslamIslam was then further strengthened by the conversion of ‘Umar to the truth as brought
about by the Prophet of God (r).
‘Umar was one of the nobles of the Quraysh, broad-shouldered, tall and brave. He was
feared and respected by all. How the Prophet (r) wished that he should accept Islam, as he
often prayed to God for showing him the right path.
Fatima bint al-Khattab, the sister of ‘Umar, accepted Islam and shortly thereafter, her
husband Sa’id Ibn Zayd followed suit. But both kept it a closely guarded secret since they
feared the violent inclination of ‘Umar’s nature. They knew that ‘Umar was a zealous adhe-
rent of his forefathers’ religion and carried a bitter aversion to the new faith in his bosom.
Khabbab Ibn Aratt secretly taught the Qur’an to Fatima bint al-Khattab after her conversion.
‘Umar planned to murder the Prophet (r). One day he sallied forth, with a sword hanging
from his neck to find out the house near as-Safa where the Prophet (r) and his companions
were reported to have assembled. Nu’aym Ibn ‘Abdullah, who belonged to ‘Umar’s tribe of
Bani ‘Adiy and who had already acknowledged faith in the Prophet (r), happened to see
‘Umar along the way armed and fiercely agitated. He asked, “Umar, where are you going?”
“I seek for Muhammed,” was ‘Umar’s reply, “And I will slay him; he has forsaken our reli-
gion, shattered the unity of the Quraysh; ridiculed them and vilified their gods. Today I will
settle the matter once and for all.”
“Anger has blinded you,” retorted Nu’aym, “Would it not be better to set your own family
in order?”
‘Umar was taken aback. He asked, “And who are they in my family?”
Nu’aym replied, “Your brother-in-law and cousin Sa-id Ibn Zayd and your sister Fatima.
They have given faith to Muhammed and accepted his religion. Better deal with them first.”
‘Umar immediately hurried on to the house of his sister. Khabbab was at that time reading
the Soorah Ta Ha (20th Chapter of the Qur’an) to the couple from a manuscript he had with
him. When they caught the footsteps of ‘Umar, Khabbab hid himself inside a small room
whereas Fatima instantly concealed the manuscript beneath her thigh. But as ‘Umar had
already heard Khabbab reciting the scripture, he demanded on entering the house, “What
was this nonsense murmur that I heard?’
“Nothing”, both answered, but “What have you heard?”
“Yes, I accidentally discovered,” continued ‘Umar angrily. “I know that both of you have
joined the sect of Muhammed.” With these words, ‘Umar threw himself upon his brother-in-
law. Fatima rushed in to save her husband, but ‘Umar struck her hard and wounded her.