Torture of Ammar ibn Yasir and His Family

The family of Yasir ibn Amir was among the earliest to face brutal persecution for embracing Islam. Yasir, his wife Sumayyah bint Khayyat, and their son Ammar were subjected to severe torture by Abu Jahl and other Quraysh leaders. They were taken out to the scorching desert at midday and tortured mercilessly. The Prophet would pass by them and console them, saying: 'Patience, O family of Yasir, for your appointment is Paradise.' Sumayyah bint Khayyat was killed by Abu Jahl, who stabbed her with a spear, making her the first martyr (shahidah) in Islam. Yasir also died from the torture. Ammar endured further abuse and was forced under extreme duress to say words of disbelief, after which Allah revealed: 'Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief, except for one who is forced while his heart is secure in faith' (an-Nahl 16:106).