Virtues of Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl (may Allah be pleased with him), whose father's name is well known

Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) says: We (the Companions) used to say that whoever abandons his religion after accepting Islam and coming to know it, his repentance will not be accepted. Then Allah Almighty revealed this verse concerning them: "Say (O Prophet): O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah" [Surah al-Zumar: 53]. Ibn Umar says: I wrote this verse with my own hand and sent it to Hisham bin al-As bin Wa'il. He recited it aloud, then mounted his camel and went to Madinah.

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with them both) that when Makkah was conquered, Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl fled (out of fear). His wife, Umm Hakim bint al-Harith bin Hisham, was a very intelligent woman. She accepted Islam and then sought protection (for her husband) from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and he (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed her to bring Ikrimah back. She went to Ikrimah and said: "I have come to you from the one who is the most devoted of people to kinship, the most righteous of people, and the best of people. I have sought protection for you, and he has granted you protection." So Ikrimah returned with her. When they drew near to Makkah, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to his Companions: "Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl is coming to you as a believer and an emigrant, so do not revile his father, for reviling the dead hurts the living and does not reach the dead." When he reached the door of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), he (peace and blessings be upon him) was delighted, and, rejoicing at his arrival, stood up on his feet to receive him.