The Brother of Abu Jahl
The relationship is striking: Abu Jahl (Amr ibn Hisham) was so hostile to the Prophet that the Prophet gave him the nickname Abu Jahl (Father of Ignorance) — his given name was Amr, but the Prophet’s name stuck in history. His full biological brother al-Harith chose a different path.
The Banu Makhzum were one of the most powerful clans of the Quraysh, and both brothers carried that prestige. Where Abu Jahl wielded it to resist, al-Harith ultimately used it in service.
Late Conversion and Deep Commitment
Al-Harith is counted among the tulaqaa’ — those who converted at the Conquest of Mecca and received the Prophet’s amnesty. Some of the tulaqaa’ were suspected of lukewarm commitment (Muawiyah’s eventual political success being the most famous case). Al-Harith was an exception: he converted with evident sincerity and became known for his scholarship and his personal piety.
The Deathbed of Ajnadayn
At the Battle of Ajnadayn (634 CE) — one of the decisive early battles against Byzantine forces in Palestine — al-Harith was mortally wounded. As he lay dying, water was brought to him. He waved it to Ikrima ibn Abi Jahl (also mortally wounded nearby). Ikrima waved it to Suhayb ibn Sinan (also dying). By the time the water reached any of them, each had died.
This scene — three of the early Muslims giving water to one another in their final moments — is preserved as a parable of selfless brotherhood that transcends the individual.
See also: Seerah Ikrimah Ibn Abi Jahl, Seerah Suhayb Ibn Sinan, Fath Mecca, Seerah Khalid Ibn Walid, Seerah Hindun Bint Utbah