The Conquest and the Flight
When the Prophet conquered Mecca and issued a general pardon, Ikrima was among the few specifically excluded — his personal crimes against Muslims were severe. He fled to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), intending to remain.
His wife, Umm Hakim bint al-Harith, had converted to Islam at the Conquest. She went to the Prophet and obtained safe conduct for Ikrima — then traveled to Abyssinia herself to bring him back.
When they returned, Ikrima came before the Prophet. He declared: “I testify that there is no deity except Allah and that you are His Messenger.”
The Prophet’s response was remarkable: “Welcome to the emigrant!” — giving him the title of muhajir even though he had fled away from Islam, not toward it.
The Condition He Could Not Meet
In one account, Ikrima said to the Prophet: “I ask you to forgive me for everything I said against you.”
The Prophet forgave him — and then gently said: “Only do not say ‘Abu Jahl’ in my presence, or call him your father proudly.” This was the one request — not a command.
Martyrdom at Yarmouk
Ikrima became a zealous fighter for Islam. At the Battle of Yarmouk (636 CE) against the Byzantine forces, he fought in the front line and was mortally wounded. He died on the battlefield, having spent the last years of his life in the cause he had previously fought against.
See also: Seerah Safwan Ibn Umayyah, Seerah Abu Bakr, Seerah Umar Ibn Khattab, Hijra, Prophet Muhammad, Seerah Aisha