Islamic History
The Killing of Ibn Süneyne
Ibn Süneyne Ka’b b. Yehuza was a Jewish merchant. [502] When Ensar Muhayyisa b. Mes’ud heard our Prophet (peace be upon him) say, “Among the prominent men of the Jews, kill whomsoever you find!”[503], he killed Ibn Süneyne. Muhayyisa’s brother Huvayyisa b. Mes’ud, who was not yet a Muslim, began to strike him and said: “O enemy of Allah! You killed him?! By Allah, in your share from his property there is much oil!” Muhayyisa said: “By Allah, he ordered me to kill him with such zeal that if he had ordered me to kill you, I would certainly have cut your neck too!” The first reason for Huvayyisa’s acceptance of Islam was this response. Huvayyisa said: “Amazing! If Muhammad had ordered you to kill me, would you really kill me?” Muhayyisa said: “Yes! By Allah, if he had ordered me to cut your neck, I would certainly have cut your neck too!” Huvayyisa said: “By Allah, the religion that has brought you to this state is indeed astonishing!” and became a Muslim.[504] May Allah be pleased with him and his brother![505]