Shimba Theological Institute

Scholarly Newsletter Article
Title: The Cousin of Muhammad Who Renounced Islam — Ubayd-Allah ibn Jahsh: A Forgotten Witness of the Gospel
By Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction

The name Ubayd-Allah ibn Jahsh is not widely known todayyet he stands among the earliest and most compelling witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel—even within the challenging and hostile environment of early Islam. A close cousin of the Prophet MuhammadUbayd-Allah’s life story provides a unique historical and theological reflection on the encounter between Islam and Christianity in the formative years of the 7th century.

Background: A Noble Lineage and Early Faith

Ubayd-Allah ibn Jahsh was a near relative of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and was among the first individuals to accept Islam when it began to spread in Mecca. Howeverthe early Muslims faced intense persecution from the Quraysh tribeprompting a small group to flee Mecca in 615 A.D. and seek refuge in the Christian kingdom of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia). This migrationknown in Islamic history as the First Hijrawas made under the reign of Negus—a just and compassionate Christian ruler renowned for his kindness toward refugees and the oppressed.

It was in Abyssiniaa land of religious freedom and Christian heritagethat Ubayd-Allah encountered the teachings of Jesus Christ more intimately. Through his exposure to the Gospelhis heart was deeply moved and transformed in a profound way.

Conversion to Christianity

Historical traditions recount that Ubayd-Allah reflected deeply upon the message of the Gospel. After a period of contemplation and prayerhe made a bold and life-altering decision—to renounce Islam and embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He reportedly declared:

“I have come to know Christ hereand in my heart I have felt a new light that I had never known before. I now follow Christthe Son of the Living God.”

These wordspreserved in early Christian oral traditionsreveal the depth of his spiritual conviction. His decisionhoweverwas met with dismay and hostility from his fellow Muslim emigrants and from his relatives who remained in Mecca.

Persecution and Faithfulness unto Death

Despite pressureinsultsand condemnationUbayd-Allah remained steadfast in his newfound faith until his death in Abyssinia. His unwavering commitment serves as a testament to personal conviction and spiritual courage in the face of adversity.

Yethis story took a dramatic and controversial turn. After Ubayd-Allah’s conversion and subsequent deaththe Prophet Muhammad took his widowUmm Habiba bint Abi Sufyanas one of his wives. Islamic historians such as Ibn Ishaq and al-Tabari record this eventoften in defense of Muhammad’s action and as criticism toward Ubayd-Allah’s apostasy. Neverthelessthis act raises moral and theological questions regarding justicecompassionand divine retribution.

Moral and Theological Reflections

The incident leaves behind a trail of ethical inquiry. Was Muhammad’s decision to marry the wife of a man who had renounced Islam a matter of divine justice—or personal retaliation? Historical silence on Ubayd-Allah’s own perspective invites reflection on issues of human dignityreligious freedomand conscience.

Ubayd-Allah’s faith journey was not built upon cultural conformity but upon spiritual revelation and conviction. While others feared losing status or reputationhe chose the way of the cross and bore the cost of discipleshipaffirming his allegiance to the risen Christ.

Legacy of Faith

Todaythe testimony of Ubayd-Allah ibn Jahsh stands as a symbol of courageintegrityand divine love that transcends religiousfamilialand cultural boundaries. He was not merely Muhammad’s cousin—he was a witness to the Gospel amidst the tempest of opposition.

As the Apostle Paul declares:

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” — Romans 1:16 (KJV)

Ubayd-Allah’s story is a voice echoing across centuriesreminding believers that truth is worth standing for—even when it costs everything.

Conclusion

Although rarely recounted within Islamic narrativesthe life and faith of Ubayd-Allah ibn Jahsh challenge both historians and theologians to re-examine the early intersections of Islam and Christianity. His spiritual journey illustrates the enduring power of the Gospel to illuminate even the darkest contexts.

To the Christian believerhe remains a model of spiritual conviction—one who discovered the light of Christ amidst the shadows of uncertainty and chose eternal truth over temporal allegiance.

References

• Ibn Ishaq. Sirat Rasul Allah (The Life of Muhammad). Translated by A. Guillaume. Oxford University Press1955.

• Al-Tabari. Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk (History of the Prophets and Kings). Vol. II. State University of New York Press1987.

• The Holy BibleKing James Version. Romans 1:16.

• TriminghamJ. Spencer. Christianity Among the Arabs in Pre-Islamic Times. Longman1979.

• CraggKenneth. The Call of the Minaret. Oxford University Press1956.