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14.Umar and Hamza embrace Islam

In the sixth year of Prophethood, Hamza, the Prophet’s uncle and Umar ibn al-Khattab both embraced Islam. The Quraish were greatly upset at the conversion of Hamza and Umar , since both of them were known for their strength and courage.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) had specifically prayed to Allah, asking Him, to guide Umar to Islam. Once Umar embraced Islam, the Muslims gained in confidence. Previously, Muslims used to pray in secret, afraid of the disbelievers. However, when Umar became a Muslim; they began to pray openly in front of the Ka’bah.

Abdullah Ibn Masud (peace be upon him), a famous companion of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say: “The Muslims were never able to pray near the Ka’bah until when Umar embraced Islam”. It was for this reason; the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave Umar, the honourable title, “al-Farooq”.

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