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amr bin al-aas (rta) was born in a very rich high-class family of Makkah. His father, as bin Wa'al, owned a business of perfume trading, by joining which amr (rta) had the opportunity to travel to neighboring countries and gain great experience of dealing with different people. already in his young age, amr (rta) established friendly relations with many kings and governors both in arabia and beyond its borders.
educated in childhood, which was a rare case in those times, amr (rta) possessed high mental capabilities. He had insightful and sharp thinking and the gift of sound planning. amr (rta) also received excellent military training and was always ready to stand up for the interests of his tribe.
at the time when Muslims were severely persecuted by the Quraish leaders, amr (rta) was among those who did all they could for stopping the spread of Islam. When the torture and harassment of Muslims reached their heights, the Prophet (saw) permitted his followers to migrate to abyssinia in africa, where they would be able to live peacefully under the protection of christian king najashi, who was famous for his good sense of justice.
upon hearing this news, the Quraish leaders became furious. feeling that this group could eventually become dangerous, the Quraish decided to send a delegation to the king najashi for requesting him to expel Muslims. It was decided that amr (rta) was the best choice for heading this delegation, since he had personal friendly contacts with the king and was known for his excellent negotiation skills. However, the hopes of the Quraish were in vain - after listening to what the delegation of amr (rta) and the fugitive Muslims had to say, king najashi not only refused to the hand over Muslims but also promised to them his protection for as long as he would live. at this point, for the first time amr (rta) realized that his excellent negotiation skills were useless. It seemed as if any higher power was protecting Muslims and turning the situation in their favour.
amr (rta) and other Quraish leaders also did all they could for stopping the migration of Muslims to Madinah. They even made a plot to kill the Prophet (saw); however, thanks to allah...