Habsa and Her Two Friends
Habsa, the daughter of Hayyan, emerges from history as a symbol of courage and steadfast faith amidst persecution during the rule of King Dhu Nuwas in Najran. While details of her early life remain scarce, her profound bravery and unyielding devotion to Christ resonate profoundly.
Upon learning of the persecution of fellow Christians, Habsa was deeply moved to tears and fervent prayer. She implored Jesus Christ to deem her worthy of martyrdom, aligning herself with those who had given their lives for their faith.
In a bold act of defiance, Habsa adorned her headdress with a small bronze cross and openly declared her Christian identity in the streets of Najran. Her proclamation was joined by two other women: an elderly woman named Hayya and a young girl also named Hayya. The town’s residents gathered around them, and despite initial hesitation, a Jewish neighbor was eventually persuaded to inform King Dhu Nuwas of their confession in Christ.
Upon hearing of their defiance, King Dhu Nuwas was incensed and summoned Habsa immediately. He demanded that she renounce Christ, desecrate a cross by spitting on it, and swear that Christ was not God under threat of severe punishment. In response, Habsa boldly rebuked the king, prophesying the end of his rule and the eventual triumph of Christianity in their land through the justice and grace of Jesus Christ:
“Your mouth, which has blasphemed your Maker, shall speedily be shut up from this temporal life, and there will be left after thee no offspring to revile its Creator, O thou crucifier, who has hung on the cross your Lord, you who have undertaken to destroy, as you think, all Christians in our land. But we have confidence in the justice of Jesus Christ our Lord and our God, that He will swiftly bring an end to your rule and make it disappear from amongst mankind: He will bring low your pride and your life, and He will uproot your synagogues from our lands, and build there holy churches. Christianity will increase and rule here, through the grace of our Lord and through the prayers of our parents and brothers and sisters who have died for the sake of Christ our Lord.”
Historical accounts recount the brutal torture inflicted upon Habsa and the two Hayyas. They were mercilessly flogged and beaten, with a particular emphasis on striking their foreheads. Despite the excruciating pain and suffering, they remained resolute in their faith.
The persecution culminated in a horrific execution. The elder Hayya succumbed to the torture first, and upon seeing her death, Dhu Nuwas’ men callously discarded her body outside the city. Habsa and the younger Hayya were then tied to wild camels and dragged into the desert, where they met their martyrdom. Even in their final moments, their faith remained steadfast.
Habsa’s brother-in-law, Al-Afau, who initially did not share her Christian faith, later retrieved their bodies with two companions. He ensured they received an honorable burial and cut off their hair as sacred relics. These relics later became objects of veneration at the Martyrion of Najran.
Habsa’s legacy endures as a poignant testament to the sacrifices made by early Christians of Najran. Her unwavering commitment to her faith exemplifies the enduring power of conviction and serves as an inspiration for Christians today, encouraging them to stand firm in their beliefs even amidst the most daunting challenges. Her story resonates as a timeless reminder of the courage and strength found in living out one’s faith with unwavering dedication.