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Therefore, Islam had to make its sacrifices and have its victims, the meaning of which is illustrated
and illuminated in more than one verse of the Qur'aan for the Muslims. Allah says: "Do the people think
that they will be left to say: "We believe", and they shall not be tried?" (29 : 2).
"Do you think that you will enter Paradise before Allah tests those of you who fought (in His Cause)
and (also) tests those who remained patient?" (3:142).
"And we indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the
truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars,
(although Allah knows all that before putting them to test)" (29 : 3).
"Do you think you shall be left alone while Allah has not yet tested those among you who have
striven hard..." (9 : 16).
"Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the
wicked from the good." (3 179).
"And what you suffered (of the disaster) on the day (of the Battle of Uhud when) the two armies
met, was by the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers" (3 : 166).
That is true. This was the way the Qur'aan taught its bearers and descendants that sacrifice is the
essence of faith and that resistance of unjust, oppressive challenges is through firmness, patience, and
persistence, which form the best and the most superb virtues of faith.
Therefore, this religion of Allah, when it was laying down its foundation, establishing its principles,
and giving its models and examples, had to support and purify itself with sacrifice. In carrying out this
great mission, a number of its disciples, supporters, and righteous people were chosen to be lofty models
and elevated examples for the coming believers.
Sumaiyah, Yaasir and `Ammaar were of this great and blessed group, chosen by Islam's destiny to
make of their sacrifices, firmness, and persistence a document of Islam's greatness and immortality.
We said that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) used to go out every day to Yaasir's family, commending
their fortitude and heroism. His big heart was melting out of mercy and kindness to see them so severely
tortured. One day while he was looking for them, `Ammaar called to him, "O Messenger of Allah, we are
suffering from extreme torment." The Messenger called to him saying, "Patience, Abu Yaqdhaan,
patience O Yaasir's family. Verily, your meeting place will be in Paradise."
`Ammaar's companions described the torture that was inflicted upon him in many of their reports.
`Amr lbn Al-jiakam, for instance, said, "`Ammaar used to be tortured so much that he would not be
aware of what he was saying." `Amr lbn Maimuun said, "The polytheists scorched `Ammaar lbn Yaasir
with fire, and Allah's Messenger (PBUH) used to pass by him, pass his hand over Yaasir's head and say,.
"O fire, be cool and peaceful on `Ammaar, as you were cool and peaceful on lbraahiim."
Despite that overwhelming terror, it did not vanquish `Ammaar's spirit, though it overburdened his
back and strained his strength.
`Ammaar did not feel utterly ruined except on that day when his executioners employed all their
devilry in crime and injustice. They burned his skin with fire, laid him on the heated sands of the desert
under the burning stones, ducked him in water until he could hardly breathe and until his wounds and
gashes were skinned. On that day, when he fell unconscious under the effect of that horror, they said to
him, "Say something good about our gods." They kept saying things which he repeated without being
conscious of what he was saying.