Islamic History
The Martyrdom of Hamza
Hamza; when Siba’ b. Ummü Enmar, a polytheist, challenged the Muslims saying: “Is there anyone among you who will fight me?!”[308] Hamza responded: “O Siba’, O son of Ummü Enmar the circumciser! Are you challenging Allah and His Messenger?![310] O son of a circumcising woman! Come to me!”[311] He then approached him[312] and struck him with his sword so powerfully that Siba’ disappeared in an instant, as if he had never been there the previous day![314] Vahshi b. Harb, a slave of Jubayr b. Mut’im, was hiding behind a rock to strike Hamza. After Hamza finished dealing with Siba’, he approached Vahshi b. Harb but slipped on the ground and fell backwards.[315] His shirt opened at the front, exposing his chest[316]. Vahshi b. Harb immediately threw his harbesin (short spear) like an arrow, piercing Hamza’s side. The tip of the spear came out from between Hamza’s two lower ribs, causing him to fall and become a martyr.[317] Hamza was a hero among warriors[318]. He was also the leader of the martyrs.[319] May Allah be pleased with him.[320]