Relationship with the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet witnessed the torture of Sumayya and her family and could only console them with the promise of Paradise, as he lacked the power to intervene physically at that early stage. Her death steeled the resolve of all early Muslims.
Key Life Events
Accepted Islam among the first believers
Subjected to severe torture by the Quraysh for refusing to recant Islam
Killed by Abu Jahl becoming the first martyr in Islamic history
Full Biography
Sumayya bint Khayyat was the mother of Ammar ibn Yasir and the first person in Islamic history to be martyred for the faith. As a freed slave woman of weak social standing, she was among the most vulnerable early Muslims and thus among the most brutally persecuted by the Quraysh. She refused under all torture to recant her faith in Allah and His Messenger, and was ultimately killed by Abu Jahl who stabbed her, earning her eternal glory as the First Martyr of Islam.
Famous Quotes
"Patience, O family of Yasir, for your promised place is Paradise." — The Prophet ﷺ
Lessons for Your Life
The first drop of martyr's blood consecrated the foundation of Islam.
Social weakness becomes strength when rooted in faith.
No power of oppression can extinguish sincere conviction.
How to Be Like Them
Want to walk in the footsteps of Sumayya bint Khayyat? Begin with these practical steps drawn from their life.
- 1
The first drop of martyr's blood consecrated the foundation of Islam.
- 2
Social weakness becomes strength when rooted in faith.
- 3
No power of oppression can extinguish sincere conviction.