Some narrations mention that he met Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the market of Ukkaaz, while other narrations mention that he met Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) at the Ka’bah Shareef during the night. Upon meeting Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he immediately embraced Islam.
Below is the incident of how he embraced Islam. Hazrat Amr bin Abasah (Radiyallahu Anhu) says: From the very beginning of my life, I disassociated myself from idol worship and I was completely averse to it. I understood and knew that idols could neither benefit nor harm and were mere pieces of stone.
On one occasion, I met a scholar from the Ahl ul Kitaab (people of the past heavenly scriptures viz. Jews or Christians). I asked him, “Which religion is the best and most virtuous?” The scholar replied, “A man will soon appear in Makkah. His religion will be the best religion. He will turn people away from idolatry, and invite them towards the oneness of Allah. When you hear about him, then go to him and follow him.”
From that moment, the city of Makkah was constantly in my thoughts. I would enquire regarding the news of Makkah from every person going to Makkah or returning from it until I finally heard of Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) appearance.
As soon as I heard of Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) appearance, I went to Makkah and met him in secret. On meeting him, I asked, “Who are you?” He replied, “I am the messenger of Allah.” I asked, “Did Allah Ta‘ala send you as the Nabi?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied in the affirmative.
I then asked, “What message did Allah Ta‘ala send you with?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Allah Ta‘ala sent me with the message that you should believe in Him as One God and not ascribe any partners to Him. You should destroy idols and maintain family ties.”
I then enquired, “In regard to this deen, who is with you?” He replied, “A free man and a slave (referring to Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radiyallahu Anhu) and Hazrat Bilaal (Radiyallahu Anhu)).”
I submitted, “I wish to remain with you in Makkah Mukarramah and follow your teachings.” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) advised, “You will not manage to remain here (bearing all the difficulties) so return to your homeland. When you hear that I have gained dominance over the enemies, then you should come and join me.” I thus embraced Islam and returned home, and continued to enquire regarding news of Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) condition.”
In some narrations, it is mentioned that Hazrat Amr bin Abasah (Radiyallahu Anhu) either migrated to Madinah Munawwarah after the Battle of Khaybar, or around the time of Fat-he-Makkah.
Hazrat Amr bin Abasah (Radiyallahu Anhu) mentions: When Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) migrated to Madinah Munawwarah, I travelled to Madinah Munawwarah. When I presented myself before him, I asked him, “O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)! Do you remember me?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Yes, you are the same person who met me while I was in Makkah (a few years ago).”
I responded, “Yes, I am the same person. O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)! Teach me from that knowledge which Allah Ta‘ala has taught you.” He then asked Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to teach him about wudhu and salaah, after which Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had taught him. (Istee’aab 3/1192, Isaabah 4/545-547, Saheeh Muslim #832, Usdul Ghaabah 4/239)
