The family tree of Amr ibn Hisham, better known as Abu Jahl, highlights his lineage and connections to key figures in Islamic history. Abu Jahl descends from the noble Quraysh tribe, tracing back to Fihr ibn Malik, through notable ancestors such as Ghalib, Lu’ay, Ka’b, Murrah, and Yaqza, leading to Makhzum, the eponymous ancestor of the Banu Makhzum clan. Abu Jahl’s grandfather, Al-Mughira ibn Abd Allah, was a prominent figure in the tribe.
Among Al-Mughira’s descendants was Al-Walid ibn al-Mughira, the father of Khalid ibn al-Walid and chief of Banu Makhzum. However, his clan’s ties to the wider Quraysh tribe include connections to notable figures in Islamic history, though Hind bint Abi Umayya (Umm Salama), a wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was not directly related to Abu Jahl.
Origins of Banu Makhzum
The Banu Makhzum traced their lineage to Makhzum, the son of Yaqza. This clan was part of the Quraysh tribe, descended from Fihr, an ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Positioned among the elite tribes of Mecca, the Banu Makhzum were renowned for their military prowess, wealth, and leadership abilities.
Makhzum (Founding Ancestor)
Makhzum, the progenitor of the clan, set the foundation for a powerful lineage. His descendants included warriors, leaders, and influential figures who played critical roles in Meccan society.
See Also: Banu Mukhzum Family Tree
Al-Mughirah
Al-Mughirah was a key figure in the clan’s history and served as the chief of Banu Makhzum. He was revered for his leadership, wealth, and political influence, which helped the clan maintain its high status in Mecca.
Abu Jahl (Amr ibn Hisham)
Amr ibn Hisham, better known as Abū Jahl (Father of ignorance) was the Meccan Qurayshi polytheist leader of the Mushrikites known for his opposition to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His father was Hisham ibn al-Mughira, an arbitrator of local disputes in Mecca in the Hejaz and was a grandson of Al-Mughira and a nephew of Al-Walid. He was the most prominent flag-bearer of opposition towards Islam.
A prominent head of the Makhzum clan, Amr was known as Abu al-Hakam (‘Father of Wisdom’) among pre-Islamic Arabs. After Muhammad started preaching monotheism, Amr opposed him and often physically attacked early Muslims. He persecuted many Muslim converts, including Sumayya, and Yasir ibn Amir. His cruel torture methods towards Muslims made Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) give him the title Abu Jahl (‘Father of Ignorance’) and Firawn al-Umma (‘Pharaoh of the nation’).
Following the migration to Medina, Amr gathered a large army of polytheists to attack Medina and kill Muslims. On 13 March 624, the Battle of Badr took place, in which Amr was a major leader. In the battle, Amr was fatally wounded by Mu’awwidh ibn Amr and Mu’ādh ibn ‘Amr and eventually killed by Abd Allah ibn Masud.
The Connection to Umar ibn Al-Khattab
Another significant connection within this family tree is between Abu Jahl and Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam. Umar belonged to the Banu Adi, a sub-clan of the Quraysh, yet his lineage intersects with the Banu Makhzum through his mother, Hantamah bint Hisham, who was Abu Jahl’s sister. This familial tie places Umar in a unique position, as he represents the transformation from opposition to Islam to one of its greatest leaders. Umar’s leadership as caliph is remembered for his administrative reforms, justice, and expansion of the Islamic empire.
Abu Jahl’s Connection to Al-Walid ibn Al-Mughira
Abu Jahl was a close relative of Al-Walid ibn Al-Mughira. Both belonged to the prominent Banu Makhzum clan of the Quraysh tribe, with their fathers, Hisham and Al-Mughira, being brothers. This made Al-Walid the paternal uncle of Abu Jahl. As influential leaders of the Quraysh, both Al-Walid and Abu Jahl were united in their opposition to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his message. Together, their staunch resistance symbolized the significant challenges faced by the early Muslim community.
Abu Jahl’s Children
Ikrima ibn Abi Jahl
Ikrima ibn Abi Jahl, the son of Amr ibn Hisham ibn al-Mughira, hailed from the influential Banu Makhzum clan of the Quraysh tribe. Ikrima’s military leadership became evident at the Battle of Uhud, fought in 625, where the Quraysh emerged victorious. At this battle, Ikrima commanded the left wing of the Quraysh army, while his cousin, Khalid ibn al-Walid, led the right wing.
As the years progressed, Ikrima rose in prominence within the Quraysh and became the foremost leader of the Banu Makhzum by the late 620s. He strongly opposed the peace negotiations between the Quraysh and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. His defiance intensified when he led an attack on the Banu Khuza’a, violating the terms of the agreement.
Conversion to Islam and Role in Battles:
When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conquered Mecca in 630, Ikrima chose to flee rather than submit. He escaped toward Yemen, a region where the Makhzum clan had established commercial ties. However, his wife and cousin, Umm Hakim bint al-Harith, who had embraced Islam, interceded on his behalf. Through her efforts, Muhammad extended a pardon to Ikrima, marking a turning point in his life.
After his pardon, Ikrima embraced Islam wholeheartedly and redirected his energy, once devoted to opposing Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), toward supporting the Muslim cause. Historical accounts, such as those of the historian al-Waqidi, indicate that Muhammad later entrusted Ikrima with responsibilities as a tax collector for the Hawazin tribes in 632. Ikrima was in Tihama, the region between Mecca and Yemen, when Muhammad passed away later that year.
With Abu Bakr succeeding Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the first caliph, Ikrima was appointed to lead military campaigns during the Ridda Wars, which were fought against Arab tribes rebelling against the nascent Islamic state. Ikrima commanded forces across the Arabian Peninsula, with a particular focus on Yemen. By 634, his military efforts were redirected to support Khalid ibn al-Walid’s army during the Muslim conquests in Syria.
Ikrima’s devotion to Islam remained unwavering until his death. He is believed to have been martyred in 634 while fighting the Byzantine forces during the Battle of Ajnadayn in Palestine. Some sources, however, suggest that he may have fallen later, in 636, during the pivotal Battle of Yarmouk. Regardless of the exact circumstances, Ikrima’s transformation from a staunch opponent of Islam to a fervent supporter reflects a profound change, one that left a lasting impact on Islamic history.
Abu Jahl’s Siblings
Al-Harith ibn Hisham
Al-Harith ibn Hisham was a member of the influential Banu Makhzum clan of Mecca. His father, Hisham ibn al-Mughira, was a respected Quraysh leader. His brother, Abu Jahl, played a key role in leading the opposition against the Islamic prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Like his brother, Al-Harith initially opposed Islam. He fought against the Muslims at the Battle of Badr (624), where Abu Jahl met his demise. Later, he participated in the Battle of Uhud (627) near Medina, continuing his resistance against Muhammad (PBUH).
Despite his early opposition, Al-Harith embraced Islam during the conquest of Mecca (629/30). After converting, he fought alongside the Muslims at the Battle of Hunayn (630) against the Arab polytheists. He played a vital role in the Muslim conquest of Syria. He fought in the Battle of Ajnadayn (634) in Palestine and later in the Battle of Fahl in Transjordan. Under the command of his paternal cousin, Khalid ibn al-Walid, he took part in the legendary Battle of Yarmouk (636).
After the conquests, Caliph Umar granted stipends to the warriors. However, due to his late conversion, Al-Harith received a lower stipend than many others. Discontented with his pay, he relocated to Syria with seventy family members, seeking a new beginning. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear. Some sources suggest he died in battle at Ajnadayn (634) or Yarmouk (636). Others claim he perished during the plague of Amwas (639). Regardless of the cause, the plague devastated his family, leaving only two to four survivors from his seventy relatives.
Ayyash ibn Abi Rabi’a
Ayyash ibn Abi Rabi’a was among the early converts to Islam before the migration to Medina. He was the half-brother of Abu Jahl, sharing the same mother, and was also his paternal cousin. His commitment to Islam led him to leave Mecca and join the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Medina, where he sought refuge from Quraysh persecution.
Determined to bring him back, Abu Jahl devised a deceptive plan. He traveled to Medina with his brother Harith, spreading false news that their mother was critically ill. Despite Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s warnings, Ayyāsh decided to return. Umar even gave him his strongest camel, advising him to escape if needed. However, on the way back to Mecca, Abu Jahl betrayed him. He tied Ayyāsh up and imprisoned him, forcing him to endure harsh treatment in captivity.
Ayyāsh’s suffering deeply concerned Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). According to Sahih Bukhari (6541), he would often pray:
“O Allah, rescue Ayyāsh ibn Abī Rabīʿa! O Allah, rescue Salama ibn Hisham! O Allah, rescue al-Walid ibn al-Walid! O Allah, rescue all oppressed believers!”
This prayer highlighted the plight of the persecuted Muslims and the urgency of their liberation.
Salma ibn Hisham
Salama ibn Hisham, another early Muslim convert, also faced severe persecution in Mecca. Like Ayyāsh, he endured captivity and remained faithful to Islam despite immense pressure. He later gained freedom and participated in several key battles.
In 636 AD, both Ayyāsh and Salama fought in the historic Battle of Yarmouk. This battle was a decisive victory against the Byzantine Empire. Unfortunately, they both fell as martyrs on the battlefield. They were buried alongside Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl, Ayyāsh’s nephew. Their sacrifices became a symbol of devotion, resilience, and unwavering faith.
Hantamah bint Hisham
Hantamah bint Hisham was born in Mecca into the Banu Makhzum clan, a prominent branch of the Quraysh tribe. She was the daughter of Hisham ibn al-Mughirah, a respected figure in Meccan society. Her father arranged her marriage to Khattab ibn Nufayl, a member of the Banu Adi clan. The couple had two children:
- Umar ibn al-Khattab (born around 583 or 584 CE), who later became the second Caliph of Islam.
- Fatimah bint al-Khattab, who married a man from the Banu Adi clan.
Abu Jahl’s Cousins
Khalid ibn Al-Walid
As the son of Al-Walid ibn Al-Mughira, Khalid ibn Al-Walid was Abu Jahl’s first cousin. Both were influential members of the Banu Makhzum clan and shared a deep connection through their familial ties. In the early years of Islam, Khalid followed a similar path to his cousin Abu Jahl, opposing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and playing a key role in the Quraysh’s military efforts, including his command at the Battle of Uhud.
However, after converting to Islam, he became one of its greatest champions. Earned the title “The Sword of Allah” (Sayf Allah), Khalid’s leadership in battles such as Battle of Mutah and Battle of Yarmouk contributed to the rapid expansion of the Islamic empire.
See Also: Khalid bin Walid Family Tree
Umm Salama: The Mother of the Believers
Umm Salama (Hind bint Abi Umayya or Hind al-Makhzūmiyya), a descendant of the Banu Makhzum, holds a revered position in Islamic history as one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a “Mother of the Believers” (Umm al-Muʼminin). Known for her intelligence, wisdom, and devotion, Umm Salama contributed to the early Islamic community with her guidance and narration of hadith.
Al-Walid ibn Al-Walid
Al-Walid ibn Al-Walid, the brother of Khalid ibn Al-Walid, was an early convert to Islam. His embrace of the new faith despite the hostility of his clan highlights the courage and conviction of the early Muslims. Al-Walid played a vital role in supporting the Muslim community and advocating for his brother Khalid to join Islam.
Al-Muhajir ibn Abi Umayya
Al-Muhajir ibn Abi Umayya, born as al-Walid, but Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) renamed him, as al-Walid was linked to a Pharaoh and overused by his clan. His father, Abu Umayya Suhayl, was renowned for his generosity, earning the title Zad al-Rakb (“Provider for the Passengers”).
Appointed as tax collector over Yemenite tribes, he later married Asma bint al-Nu’man, a Kindite noblewoman. In 631 CE, Muhammad assigned him as governor of Sana’a, though he remained in Medina until Caliph Abu Bakr took office.
During the Ridda Wars, Abu Bakr sent al-Muhajir to support Ziyad ibn Labid in suppressing the Banu Mu’awiya rebellion in Hadhramawt. He and Ikrima ibn Abi Jahl successfully secured the region, strengthening early Islamic rule.
