From Idol-Keeper to Believer
Amr ibn al-Jamuh was a chief of Banu Salima who kept a wooden idol, Manat, in his house. The young Muslims of his clan — among them his own son — would cast it into a pit by night; when at last they tied a dead dog to it and threw it down a well, Amr saw its utter helplessness, reflected, and embraced Islam, composing verses mocking the idol he had once revered. 1 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 1 · pp. 246–250 — Kandhlawi — Amr's idol repeatedly thrown down by the young Muslims; his realisation and conversion.
To Walk in Paradise
Amr was lame, and excused from battle. Yet at Uhud he refused to stay behind: when his sons tried to hold him back, he went to the Prophet ﷺ and said, “By Allah, I wish to tread Paradise with this limp of mine.” The Prophet ﷺ let him go, and he was martyred. Passing his body, the Prophet ﷺ said: “I can see him walking in Paradise on a sound leg.” 2 Hayatus Sahaba · Vol 1 · pp. 338 — Kandhlawi — the lame Amr insists on going to Uhud seeking martyrdom; the Prophet says he sees him walking in Paradise on a sound leg.
Life Timeline
Born in Madinah
A chief of Banu Salima; once a keeper of an idol.
Embraces Islam after his idol's helplessness
Insists on Uhud, seeking martyrdom — and is granted it
References
- Hayatus Sahaba — Kandhlawi — Amr's idol thrown down by the young Muslims; his conversion and his repentant verses Vol 1 · pp. 246–250
- Hayatus Sahaba — Kandhlawi — the lame Amr insists on Uhud, is martyred; 'I see him walking in Paradise on a sound leg' Vol 1 · pp. 338