The Merit of Two Rewards and the Prophecy of Martyrdom
Mother of the Believers, Ummu Salama (RA), narrated:
“When the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions were building the mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), every companion carried one brick at a time. However, Ammar (RA) was carrying two bricks—one for himself and one on behalf of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Seeing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) went to him, wiped his back, and said: ‘O son of Sumayya! Others have one reward, but for you, there are two rewards. Your last sustenance in this world will be a cup of milk, and a rebellious, transgressing group will martyre you.’“
— Sahih al-Bukhari
Protected from Satan and Deep in Faith
Just as the Prophet (ﷺ) honored Hazrat Umar (RA) by saying that if Umar takes one path, Satan takes another, Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) was another companion praised by the Prophet (ﷺ) for being granted protection from the atrocities of Satan.
Ammar (RA), who held such a lofty status, was the beloved son of Sumayya (RA) and Yasir (RA)—the very first martyrs of Islam. Because they accepted Islam in its earliest days, the Quraysh of Makkah inflicted unimaginable tortures upon Ammar (RA).
He was stripped of his clothes and made to lie on the scorching desert sand, and was tortured by being placed over pits filled with burning charcoal. Despite this, the steadfastness of Ammar’s (RA) faith (Imaan) never wavered. This is why Hazrat Umar (RA) once remarked:
“Ammar’s faith has penetrated beyond his flesh and is deeply embedded into his very bones.”
Prophetic traditions also state that whoever harbors enmity towards Ammar harbors enmity towards Allah, and that wherever the truth is, Ammar (RA) will be there.
The Love of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Apology of Khalid bin Walid (RA)
Ammar (RA) participated in all the battles led by the Prophet (ﷺ). Once, Khalid bin Walid (RA), famously known as the ‘Sword of Islam’, said something that hurt Ammar’s (RA) feelings, leaving him deeply grieved.
When the Prophet (ﷺ) heard about this, he held Ammar’s (RA) hand and announced within earshot of the people:
“Whoever angers Ammar angers Allah, and whoever harms Ammar, Allah will harm him.”
Upon hearing this, Khalid bin Walid (RA) immediately rushed to Ammar (RA), embraced him, kissed his forehead, and sincerely begged for his forgiveness. This incident beautifully illustrates the immense respect and honor the Prophet (ﷺ) accorded to Ammar (RA).
Leadership and the Battle of Siffin
After the era of the Prophet (ﷺ), during the Caliphate of Umar (RA) in 21 AH, Ammar (RA) was appointed as the Governor of Kufah in the Iraq region. He served in this position for one or two years.
Later, when Hazrat Ali (RA) became the Caliph, Ammar (RA) stood by him like his trusted right hand and played a pivotal role in rallying the people of Kufah to support Ali (RA).
In 37 AH, just before the Battle of Siffin between Ali (RA) and Muawiyah (RA), Ammar (RA) addressed the people of Iraq with a powerful, stirring speech:
“By Allah! Justice is on our side. Whoever joins Ali’s army and fights will attain the honor of martyrdom for Islam in this world and the eternal bliss of Paradise in the Hereafter. Therefore, follow me! The gates of Paradise are wide open, and the beautiful maidens of Paradise are waiting to welcome you. If we die in this battle, we will meet the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions in Paradise!”
Final Sustenance and Martyrdom
After delivering this roaring speech, Ammar (RA) felt thirsty and asked for water. Instead of water, he was brought milk. Seeing this, he reminded those around him of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) prophecy: “O Ibn Sumayya! Your last food in this world will be milk.”
He then joyfully exclaimed, “Today, I am going to meet the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions!” He charged into the battlefield, fought with immense bravery, and achieved martyrdom (Shahadah) in 657 CE.
His final resting place is located in Siffin.
Prayer: O Allah! Bestow Your eternal grace, mercy, and peace upon Ammar (RA) forever. Ameen!
