The Story of Suhayl ibn Amr and His Journey to Islam

Suhayl ibn Amr of the Quraysh was one of the most eloquent orators and staunchest opponents of Islam in Mecca. He was the Quraysh negotiator at Hudaybiyyah who objected to writing 'Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah' in the treaty. After the Battle of Badr, where he was captured, Umar suggested pulling out his front teeth so he could never speak against Islam again, but the Prophet refused, saying: 'Perhaps one day he will take a stand for which you will not blame him.' This prophecy was fulfilled after the Prophet's death, when news of his passing reached Mecca and some new converts began to waver. Suhayl, who had accepted Islam at the conquest of Mecca, stood up and delivered a rousing speech: 'O people of Mecca! Whoever leaves Islam, I will strike his neck with this sword! The death of Muhammad should only increase your faith.' His eloquence that had once served to fight Islam now served to defend it. He later participated in the conquests of Syria and was among the Muslim army at the Battle of Yarmouk.