The Attempt to Kill the Prophet During the Ransom of the Prisoners ‘Umayr ibn Wahb was one of the fiercest enemies of Islam. Before the migration to Madinah, he was among those who most severely harmed the Muslims and the Prophet ﷺ. Both ‘Umayr ibn Wahb and his son Wahb ibn ‘Umayr participated in the Battle of Badr. When Quraysh was defeated, ‘Umayr escaped back to Makkah, while his son was taken prisoner. Among Quraysh, ‘Umayr was known by the nickname “The Devil of Quraysh.” He was intelligent, cunning, and dangerous. At Badr, he had ridden around the Muslim camp and accurately estimated their number, saying they were “about three hundred, a little more or a little less.” The Muslims numbered 313. A Secret Plot in Makkah After Badr, ‘Umayr was deeply distressed over his son’s captivity. One day he went to the Ka‘bah and found his friend Safwan ibn Umayyah sitting there in grief. Safwan was mourning the loss of his father, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, and his brother, who had been killed at Badr. As they discussed their losses, Safwan said: “By Allah, there is no good left in life after them.” ‘Umayr replied: “You are right. By Allah, were it not for a debt I owe and a family I must provide for, I would travel to Muhammad under the pretense of ransoming my son and kill him among his companions.” Safwan immediately seized the opportunity and said: “O ‘Umayr! I will pay off your debt for you, and your family will be cared for as if they were my own. Nothing I possess will be withheld from them. Carry out what you have proposed.” ‘Umayr replied: “Then keep this matter secret.” Safwan agreed, and the two swore beside the Ka‘bah that no third person would ever know of their conversation. Journey to Madinah ‘Umayr returned home, prepared his sword, and coated it with poison. His plan was that even if he failed to kill the Prophet immediately, a wound from the poisoned blade would eventually prove fatal. He then traveled to Madinah and tied his camel outside the mosque while carrying his sword. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab noticed him. ‘Umar was known for his keen insight into people’s character and intentions. Seeing him, ‘Umar said: “This is the devil of Quraysh. By Allah, he has come for no good purpose.” Some people replied: “But he has a son among the prisoners.” ‘Umar answered: “That is not why he has come.” He went to the Prophet ﷺ and informed him of ‘Umayr’s arrival. The Prophet said: “Bring him to me, O ‘Umar.” The Meeting ‘Umar approached ‘Umayr and asked: “What has brought you here?” ‘Umayr replied: “I have come concerning the prisoner you hold. Treat him well.” ‘Umar took his sword, hung it around his neck, and firmly escorted him into the Prophet’s presence. When the Prophet saw that ‘Umayr was under control, he said: “Leave him, O ‘Umar. Come closer, ‘Umayr.” As he approached, ‘Umayr greeted him with the pre-Islamic greeting: “Good morning.” The Prophet replied: “Allah has honored us with a better greeting than yours, O ‘Umayr—the greeting of peace, the greeting of the people of Paradise.” Then he asked: “What has brought you here, ‘Umayr?” He answered: “I came regarding the prisoner in your custody. Treat him well.” The Prophet said: “Tell me truthfully, ‘Umayr. Why have you really come?” ‘Umayr insisted: “For no other reason.” The Prophet then asked: “Then why are you carrying that sword?” ‘Umayr replied: “May Allah disgrace such swords! They did us no good yesterday.” The Revelation of the Secret The Prophet ﷺ then confronted him directly. He described, in detail, the secret conversation that had taken place between ‘Umayr and Safwan beside the Ka‘bah: “You and Safwan sat together near the Ka‘bah and spoke about the dead of Quraysh who had fallen at Badr. You said: ‘Were it not for my debt and my family, I would go and kill Muhammad.’ Then Safwan promised to pay your debt and care for your family if you killed me. But Allah stands between you and that plan.” ‘Umayr was stunned. No one had known of that conversation except him and Safwan. He exclaimed: “I bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allah! We used to deny you, O Messenger of Allah. But this matter—by Allah, no third person knew of it besides me and Safwan. Who could have informed you except Allah? I testify that there is no god but Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah.” His Conversion to Islam The Prophet placed his hand on ‘Umayr’s chest and said to his companions: “Teach your brother his religion and release his prisoner.” The companions taught him prayer and the Qur’an. Soon afterward, ‘Umayr came to the Prophet and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I used to strive to extinguish the light of Allah and was among those who most harmed the followers of this religion. Allow me to return to Makkah and call its people to Islam. Perhaps Allah will guide them.” The Prophet granted him permission. Return to Makkah ‘Umayr returned to Makkah and began openly inviting people to Islam. He became the only Muslim whom the Prophet allowed to remain in Makkah after the migration for the purpose of calling people to the faith. Meanwhile, Safwan ibn Umayyah—still expecting news of the Prophet’s assassination—would tell the people of Makkah: “Soon you will hear news that will make you forget the disaster of Badr.” He repeatedly asked travelers about ‘Umayr. Then one traveler arrived and informed him that ‘Umayr had embraced Islam. Safwan was shocked. When ‘Umayr reached Makkah, he tirelessly preached Islam. Because he was respected, courageous, and protected by a powerful clan, few dared oppose him directly. Many people accepted Islam through him, and he continued his efforts until the conquest of Makkah. Years later, even his old friend Safwan ibn Umayyah accepted Islam.