Hamza (Uncle)

Hamza, paternal uncle and milk-brother of the Prophet ﷺ, was a respected warrior of Quraysh. His conversion was a major reinforcement for the early Muslims. He fell as a martyr at Uhud, earning him the title of 'Master of the Martyrs.'

Hamza embraced Islam at a decisive moment: learning that Abu Jahl had insulted his nephew, he publicly took his defence and declared his faith, giving the persecuted Muslims a protector of considerable weight.

Courageous and loyal, he fought at Badr alongside the Prophet ﷺ. At the Battle of Uhud (year 3 of the Hijra), he was killed treacherously. His death deeply grieved the Prophet ﷺ, who honoured him with the title Sayyid ash-Shuhada', 'the Master of the Martyrs.'

Hamza embodies courage placed at the service of truth. His conversion shows how God strengthens His religion through men no one expected, and his martyrdom recalls the price paid by the early believers so that the message would reach us.