Persecution of Early Muslims

The Quraysh intensified their persecution of Muslims, especially those without tribal protection. Bilal ibn Rabah was tortured by Umayyah ibn Khalaf, who placed heavy rocks on his chest under the scorching sun, but Bilal repeated 'Ahad, Ahad' (One, One). Abu Bakr purchased and freed him. The family of Yasir suffered terribly: Sumayyah bint Khayyat became the first martyr of Islam when Abu Jahl killed her with a spear, and her husband Yasir also died from torture.