Authored by: Hafiz Muhammad Anwar Zahid حفظه الله
It is somewhat accurate that Abu Jahl verbally abused Sumayyah, inflicted severe torture upon her, and ultimately martyred her by thrusting a spear. However, among public speakers and preachers, a widely circulated narration states:
Abu Jahl felt no mercy and shouted, “Tie both her legs with ropes!”
Some young men stepped forward and tied Sumayyah’s legs.
At Abu Jahl’s command, the ends of the ropes were fastened to two camels.
In a fit of rage, Abu Jahl struck the camels with a blade and had them run in opposite directions.
According to the narrators, one camel was sent east and the other west, resulting in the elderly body of Sayyidah Sumayyah being torn into two.
Baba Ji Samsam رحمه الله also mentioned this incident in his poetry, saying:
"When a woman uttered the Kalimah in front of me,
Countless calamities befell her, yet her heart did not waver.
Her body, tied with camels, was torn into two parts—
This was the outcome of her love for the Pure Prophet ﷺ.
Even a sinner among millions found salvation through her sacrifice."
Despite extensive effort, this specific story of Sumayyah being tied to camels and torn apart has not been found in any authentic book, and thus this incident is not deemed authentic.
In contrast, there is a narration according to which:
Abu Jahl thrust a spear or a sharp object into Sumayyah’s private area, which led to her martyrdom.
This has been mentioned in Musnad Ahmad 1/404, and is narrated as a Mursal report from Mujahid, a Tabi’i.
A Mursal narration from a Tabi’i is considered weak. Although it is also weak, it at least has some documented basis in contrast to the fabricated story involving camels.
❖ Common Narrative Among Preachers
It is somewhat accurate that Abu Jahl verbally abused Sumayyah, inflicted severe torture upon her, and ultimately martyred her by thrusting a spear. However, among public speakers and preachers, a widely circulated narration states:
Abu Jahl felt no mercy and shouted, “Tie both her legs with ropes!”
Some young men stepped forward and tied Sumayyah’s legs.
At Abu Jahl’s command, the ends of the ropes were fastened to two camels.
In a fit of rage, Abu Jahl struck the camels with a blade and had them run in opposite directions.
According to the narrators, one camel was sent east and the other west, resulting in the elderly body of Sayyidah Sumayyah being torn into two.
❖ Reference in Poetry
Baba Ji Samsam رحمه الله also mentioned this incident in his poetry, saying:
"When a woman uttered the Kalimah in front of me,
Countless calamities befell her, yet her heart did not waver.
Her body, tied with camels, was torn into two parts—
This was the outcome of her love for the Pure Prophet ﷺ.
Even a sinner among millions found salvation through her sacrifice."
✖ Veracity of the Story of Tying to Camels
Despite extensive effort, this specific story of Sumayyah being tied to camels and torn apart has not been found in any authentic book, and thus this incident is not deemed authentic.
✔ A Narration with Some Basis
In contrast, there is a narration according to which:
Abu Jahl thrust a spear or a sharp object into Sumayyah’s private area, which led to her martyrdom.
This has been mentioned in Musnad Ahmad 1/404, and is narrated as a Mursal report from Mujahid, a Tabi’i.
A Mursal narration from a Tabi’i is considered weak. Although it is also weak, it at least has some documented basis in contrast to the fabricated story involving camels.
