Muslim

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: Abu Sufyan Sakhr bin Harb, since he was the leader of the disbelievers in battles during his state of disbelief and the Muslims had to endure many hardships from him, and he became Muslim at the time of the conquest of Makkah due to the persuasion and mediation of Abbas radi Allahu anhu, he did not become Muslim of his own will and desire in ordinary circumstances. Therefore, the Muslims did not give him much importance, and after the conquest of Makkah, he participated with the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam in the battle of Ta’if, and in the battle of Yarmouk he fought under the command of his son Yazid radi Allahu anhu. The leadership of his son was, in a way, an honor for him, and the daughter whose marriage proposal he made was the sister of Umm Habibah. The desire and proposal for this marriage was made by Umm Habibah herself, because the marriage of Umm Habibah radi Allahu anha had already taken place with the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam long before Abu Sufyan became Muslim, in 6 AH or 7 AH, and by saying “yes,” what was meant was that this honor and dignity had already been attained by you through the marriage of Umm Habibah.

It is not correct to declare this hadith as fabricated (mawdu‘) as Ibn Hazm did, because the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did not give leadership to one who desired it, and here his saying “yes” is evidence that he considered Abu Sufyan worthy of it. Therefore, he may have given him some minor responsibility, or making his son a leader was itself a cause of honor and respect for him.