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SUHAIB IBN SINAAN
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He was born surrounded by comfort and luxury. His father was the governor of Al Uballah and its
ruler on behalf of the Persian king, and was one of the Arabs who emigrated to Iraq long before Islam. In
his palace on the bank of Euphrates, next to Mosul, the child lived happily and comfortably.
One day the country was attacked by the Romans (Byzantines) who captured a large number and
enslaved the boy Suhaib lbn Sinaan.
He was taken by slave traders until finally his long journey ended in Makkah. There he was sold to
`Abd Allah lbn Jud'aan, after having spent his childhood and most of his youth in Roman lands, where he
adopted their language and dialect.
His master was so amazed by his intelligence, energy, and sincerity that he emancipated him and set
him free, giving him the privilege to trade with him.
One day.. . let his friend `Ammaar Ibn Yaasir tell us what happened on that day: I met Suhaib lbn
Sinaan in front of the door of Daar Al-Arqam when the Prophet (PBUH) was there. I asked, "What do
you want?" He answered, "And what do you want?" I said, "I want to meet Muhammad (PBUH) to hear
what he is saying." He said, "I want the same." We both entered and met the Prophet (PBUH), who
invited us to embrace Islam, and we converted. We stayed as we were till evening. Secretly he went out.
Thereupon, Suhaib got to know his path to Daar Al- Arqam. He got to know his path to guidance
and light, but also to difficult sacrifice and great redemption. Entering through that wooden door, which
separated Daar Al-Arqam and what was inside from the outer world, was not just crossing a threshold,
but crossing of a whole world of limitations. An old world, with all that represented it - religion,
manners, customs and life - crossing it towards a new world with all that represented it - religion,
manners, customs, and life. Crossing the threshold of Daar Al-Arqam, a threshold not wider than one
foot, meant, in reality, to cross an ocean of terror, wide and expanding. Stepping over such an obstacle,
such a threshold, meant the beginning of an era full of great responsibilities. As for the poor, the stranger,
the enslaved, stepping over Daar Al-Arqam's threshold meant exceptional, extraordinary sacrifices.
Suhaib, our hero, was a stranger; Ammar Ibn Yaasir, his friend whom he met in front of the door, was a
poor man. Why did they go voluntarily to face terror and, moreover, do their best when they me with it in
combat?
It was the call of faith, which could not be resisted. It was the good character of Muhammad
(PBUH), the scent of which filled the hearts of the reverent with love and guidance. It was his new,
shining magnificence. Dazzling minds were fed up with the old, its misguidance and bankruptcy. Above
all, it was Allah's mercy, bestowed upon whomever He wishes, His guidance and protection bestowed on
whomever turns to Him.
Suhaib holds a position in the ranks of the faithful. He held a great and high position among the
persecuted and tortured. He held a high position among the generous and self -sacrificing.
He frankly described his great loyalty to his responsibilities as a Muslim who had pledged
allegiance to the Prophet (PBUH) and walked under Islam's standard: I was present in every situation
witnessed by the Prophet (PBUH). I was present at every pledge called by him. I was present in every
detachment organized by him. The Prophet (PBUH) never took part in a raid, at the beginning of the
period or the end, without my being on his right or left. Whenever the Muslims feared a danger facing