The persecution of the Muslims was a terrible phase in early Islam. There were numerous heart-rending incidents in which Muslims were tortured and often killed by the Quraysh. The collective memories of the early Muslim community catalogued the injuries and casualties suffered by its members, and in thisbiography of the Prophet of Islam it is fitting that we mention the lives and deaths of his most ardent followers, those who recognised the truth of his message and died believing in Allah and His Messenger .

Bilal bin Rabah was the slave of Umayya bin Khalaf. Incensed at his slave’s assertion of spiritual independence, Umayya would hand him over to the street urchins after tying a rope around his neck. As they would drag him, Bilal would reiterate “One! One!” in reference to the Oneness of God.

Umayya would also bring Bilal out at noon and throw him on his back on the burning sand or stone with a heavy rock on his chest. Then he would say to Bilal, “Now, by God, you will lie here till you either die or deny Muhammad and worship Lat and Uzza.” Bilal endured the affliction, reaffirming his faith in Allah by calling out “One! One!”

Finally, the torture ended when Abu Bakr saw Bilal as he was passing by. His wealth was now a tool with which to earn Allah’s pleasure, and he purchased Bilal and freed him. Amir bin Fuhayrah , was another early believer who endured beatings so merciless that he lost his senses and did not know what he was saying.

Aflah, also known as Abu Faqih, was the slave of Banu Abdul Dar. He was usually taken out in the scorching heat at noon in fetters and forced to lie naked, with a heavy stone on his chest. Often the agony rendered him insensible. On one occasion, the pagans tied a rope around his feet and neck and dragged him about until he nearly died. He was finally rescued by Abu Bakr , who, unable to see a fellow Muslim suffer so, bought him out of bondage. Aflah was among the early Muslims who later migrated to Abyssinia.

Khabbab ibn Al-Aratt , a well known Companion of the Prophet , was bought by a woman of Banu Khuzaa named Umm Anmar bint Sabaa’. He was a blacksmith, and to make Khabbab renounce his belief in the Prophet , Umm Anmar would brand him on the back with his own tools. Others would also join in the torture. They would twist his neck, pull out his hair, and even throw him on the burning coals. A rock would be placed on him so that he could not move. Miraculously, Khabbab’s faith grew stronger with each attempt to drive him back to disbelief.