Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl

Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl al-Makhzumi (died 13 AH / 634 CE) was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ whose life story represents one of the most dramatic transformations of the early Islamic period. His father Abu Jahl — 'Amr ibn Hisham — was among the most implacable enemies of the Prophet ﷺ and was killed at Badr fighting against the Muslims. Ikrimah himself inherited his father's hostility and fought against Islam in multiple engagements, including Uhud and al-Khandaq.

At the Conquest of Makkah in 8 AH, Ikrimah fled to Yemen fearing execution. His wife Umm Hakim, who had herself embraced Islam, sought safe conduct for him from the Prophet ﷺ and was granted it. She traveled to Yemen, found Ikrimah, and convinced him to return. When he presented himself before the Prophet ﷺ, Muhammad ﷺ received him warmly and without reproach, saying: 'Welcome, O riding emigrant.' This generous reception completed Ikrimah's transformation: he embraced Islam wholeheartedly and resolved to expend in the service of Islam the same energy he had previously devoted to opposing it.

From his conversion until his martyrdom, Ikrimah demonstrated a remarkable sincerity and fervor. He participated in the Ridda Wars under Abu Bakr, leading forces against the apostates in Yamama and elsewhere. He then took part in the early conquests of Syria, where he fell in battle at Ajnadayn in 13 AH, or according to other accounts at Yarmouk in 15 AH. His death in battle was seen as fulfilling his vow to compensate for his years of opposition to Islam. The classical biographical sources, while noting his difficult history, unanimously count him among the Sahabah and honor his sacrifice.