Suhayl ibn Amr (RA):Voice of Quraysh to Spokesman of Islam

Suhayl ibn Amr RA was one of the leading figures of the Quraysh in Makkah before Islam. He belonged to the noble clan of ʿĀmir ibn Luʾayy, among the respected lineages of Quraysh. Known for his eloquence, intelligence, and sharp tongue, Suhayl was one of the finest orators and negotiators of the tribe.

Ibn Saʿd describes him as “one of the wise men of Quraysh, a man of opinion and eloquence”. His speeches were powerful, and he was often chosen to represent Quraysh in diplomatic and political affairs.

In the early Makkan period, Suhayl opposed Islam. Like many of Quraysh’s elders, he saw the new faith as a threat to their social and religious order. His two sons, however, Abdullah and Abu Jandal (RA) accepted Islam early, leading to tension within the family.

Opposition to Islam and Role at Badr

Suhayl’s hostility to Islam was rooted in his allegiance to the Makkan order and his fear of losing prestige. When the Prophet ﷺ began preaching in Makkah, Suhayl used his eloquence against him. He publicly argued with Muslims and tried to dissuade people from following the new faith.

When the Prophet ﷺ and his followers migrated to Madinah, Suhayl remained among the Quraysh leadership who conspired to destroy the Muslim community. He was present in the Battle of Badr (2 AH), fighting against the Muslims. His son, Abdullah ibn Suhayl (RA), however, had secretly joined the Muslims in Madinah and fought on their side. This caused Suhayl great anguish, and he reportedly said,

“Had I known my son would desert me at Badr, I would have tied him with chains so he could not flee to Muhammad.” Later, when he came to know of the Islam of his younger son Abu Jandal (RA), he kept him under house arrest and severely punished him for his faith.

During the battle, the Muslims were victorious, and several Quraysh nobles were captured — among them Suhayl ibn Amr himself.

Captured at Badr: The Prophet’s Mercy

When Suhayl was brought as a prisoner to Madinah, Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) saw him and said,

“O Messenger of Allah, let me pull out Suhayl’s two front teeth, so that his tongue will never be able to speak against you again!”

But the Prophet ﷺ, displaying remarkable restraint and foresight, replied:

“I will not mutilate him, lest Allah mutilate me, even though I am a Prophet. Perhaps he will one day say something that will please you.”

The Prophet ﷺ ordered that Suhayl be treated kindly and released after ransom. After providing a guarantee, he was freed and later sent 4,000 as ransom. This act of mercy would later play a major role in Suhayl’s transformation.

The Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah (6 AH): The Negotiator of Quraysh

Suhayl reappeared six years later during the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah, a turning point in early Islamic diplomacy. When the Prophet ﷺ and his companions arrived at Ḥudaybiyyah intending to perform Umrah, Quraysh sent several envoys to negotiate. he informed all of them that he did not come to fight but to visit the Sacred House and glorify its sacredness. The envoys returned with stories of the devotion of the companions of Prophet ﷺ towards him. One of them said, “O people of Quraish, indeed I went to the Persian emperor in his kingdom and Caesar in his kingdom and the Negus in his kingdom, but, by Allah, I swear I never saw a king whose people magnify him as the Companions of Muhammad magnify him. I saw around him a people that shall never surrender to evil”. Eventually, they dispatched Suhayl ibn Amr as their chief representative, a sign that they were ready to reach a settlement.

Ibn Hishām records:

“When the Prophet ﷺ saw Suhayl approaching, he said: ‘The matter has been made easy for you. They have sent Suhayl, his name means “ease.”’”

The negotiation was long and tense. Suhayl insisted on strict terms to maintain Quraysh’s dignity. When the Prophet ﷺ dictated the peace treaty to ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA), he said, “Write: Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm (In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate).”

Suhayl objected:

“We do not know this ‘Raḥmān’ and ‘Raḥīm.’ Write instead, ‘In Your name, O Allah (Bismika Allāhumma),’ as we used to write.”

The Prophet ﷺ agreed, demonstrating his humility for the sake of peace. Then the Prophet ﷺ said, “Write: This is what Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, has agreed with Suhayl ibn Amr.”

Again Suhayl objected:

“If we believed that you are the Messenger of Allah, we would not have fought you. Write instead, Muhammad, the son of Abdullāh.’”

Although some companions were deeply upset, the Prophet ﷺ accepted Suhayl’s request. The treaty was signed under these terms — a historic moment of patience and foresight.

During the signing, Abu Jandal (RA) — Suhayl’s son, who had embraced Islam and was chained in his house for several years, escaped from Makkah in chains and threw himself at the Prophet’s feet, pleading for asylum. Suhayl, bound by the newly signed treaty, demanded his son’s return, saying,

“This is the first matter I make you agree upon.”

The Prophet ﷺ, in deep pain, honored the treaty and handed Abū Jandal back, saying,

“Be patient, O Abū Jandal. Allah will make for you and those with you a way out.” -Sahih al-Bukhari

Abu Jandal (RA) was taken back by his father to Mecca and muslims felt heart broken by this whole incident.

This incident left a lasting impression on Suhayl — he witnessed firsthand the Prophet’s integrity, mercy, and commitment to his word.

Conversion to Islam

Two years later, when the Muslims marched to conquer Makkah (8 AH), Suhayl remained among the elders who awaited the outcome. Upon the Prophet’s peaceful entry into the city, Suhayl witnessed the complete reversal of power. When polytheists were panicking about their fate, Prophet received them and asked, “O people of Quraish, what do you think I will do with you?“

At that time it was Suhail lbn Amr who stepped forward and answered, ”We think you will treat us well, O noble brother and son of a noble brother.“

The Prophet ﷺ offered a general amnesty, saying:

“Whoever enters the house of Abū Sufyān is safe, whoever closes his door is safe, and whoever enters the Sacred Mosque is safe.”

This mercy moved Suhayl deeply. Soon after the conquest, he declared his Islam sincerely, together with many of the Quraysh elite.

The Prophet ﷺ welcomed him warmly, and Suhayl became a steadfast believer.

After Islam: A New Heart

Following his conversion, Suhayl’s RA transformation was profound. The same tongue that once opposed the Prophet ﷺ now defended him and the faith with passion and eloquence. He would spend his time in worship and in learning Quran. He wanted to compensate the lost time when he was working against Islam by doing as much for the cause of Islam.

At the Battle of Ḥunayn (8 AH), Suhayl fought alongside the Muslims, proving his loyalty. He also participated in the Battle of Ṭā’if, standing firm against his old allies from the days of disbelief.

His son Abū Jandal (RA) fought alongside him — father and son now united in faith. Their story became one of Islam’s most beautiful symbols of reconciliation and guidance.

After the Prophet’s Death (ﷺ)

When the Prophet ﷺ passed away in 11 AH, the city of Makkah, like many other regions, was shaken. Some tribes began wavering in faith. Suhayl (RA) , however, stood firm. He gathered the people of Makkah and addressed them with a powerful sermon:

“O people of Quraysh! Do not be the last to enter Islam and the first to leave it. By Allah, this religion only rises by the truth and submission to Allah. Whoever worshipped Muhammad — Muhammad has died; but whoever worships Allah, Allah is Ever-Living and does not die.”

These words echoed those of Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (RA) in Madinah, showing how deeply Suhayl had absorbed the spirit of Islam. His eloquence, once used against the Prophet ﷺ, now strengthened the faith of the people.

Service in the Caliphates of Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA)

During the caliphate of Abū Bakr (RA), Suhayl participated in the wars against the apostates (Riddah) and later in the Syrian campaigns under Khalid ibn al-Walīd (RA) and Abū ʿUbaydah ibn al-Jarrāḥ (RA). He fought bravely at Yarmūk (15 AH), one of the decisive victories over Byzantium.

He was respected by both the Muhajirun and Ansar for his deep faith and humility. Despite his noble lineage and past prominence, he lived simply, spending much of his wealth in charity.

Suhayl was also known for his constant worship. He frequently wept during prayer and was often seen reciting the Qur’an late at night. Ibn Kathīr reports that he once said:

“I lived long enough to see Allah take the most beloved of people to me, Muhammad ﷺ. If Allah takes me after him while I am firm upon his path, that is the best of fates.”

Death and Legacy

Suhayl ibn ʿAmr (RA) passed away in Shām (Syria) during the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA), around 18–20 AH (639–641 CE). He was buried there.

When news of his death reached the Muslims, Umar (RA) praised him, saying:

“Suhayl was among the noblemen of Quraysh. Islam elevated him, and he honored Islam.”

Suhayl’s (RA) life stands as a vivid testament to the transformative power of Islam — how it changed an adversary into a pillar of the Ummah.

Character and Lessons

Suhayl ibn Amr (RA) exemplified sincerity after repentance. Once a fierce opponent of Islam, he became one of its most eloquent defenders. His story reflects Allah’s mercy and the truth of the Prophet’s ﷺ words at Badr — “Perhaps he will one day say something that will please you.”

Indeed, Suhayl’s (RA) speeches after the Prophet’s death strengthened the faith of many. His life teaches that no one is too far from Allah’s guidance, and that true nobility lies not in lineage or eloquence, but in submission to the truth.