How did Husain abu Imran (ra) become Muslim?

In a Nutshell: Husain abu Imran (ra) was brought to the Messenger (saw) by Quraish who were hoping that as a wise individual who was also an outsider, he may be able to resolve their dispute with the Messenger (saw). Instead he believed in the Messenger (saw) and converted. Introduction When the Messenger (saw) first received revelation, he was not asked to give call people to a new faith as individuals. The revelation was for a nation, community or polity to accept and reorient their entire collective way of life. After he was commanded to do so, he focused on the tribal leaders, those whom society trusted and would follow should they change the collective way of life, influentials who thus could collectively reorient society - as opposed to individuals who would personally agree with him whilst society still continued with their existing way of life. Husain's Conversion Story Some Quraish members believed an outsider might succeed where they had failed so they approached him and asked, "Speak to this man on our behalf, for indeed, he speaks ill of our gods and curses them." He agreed to do so. They accompanied him to the Messenger's house and waited outside whilst he and other members of his tribe entered. Husain said, "What is this that has reached us about you: You speak about our gods and curse them? Your father was indeed good and wise (for having adhered to the religion of his fathers)." The Messenger replied, "O Husain, indeed my father and your father are in the Hellfire. O Husain, how many gods do you worship?" Husain said, "Seven on earth and one in the heavens." The Messenger then asked, " And when you are afflicted with harm, whom do you invoke?" Husain replied, "The One that is in the heavens" The Messenger asked, "And when (your) wealth is wiped out, whom do you invoke?" He said, "The One that is in the heavens." The Messenger said, "He alone answers you, yet you make them His partners!" Continuing with the discussion, the Messenger said to him, "O Husain, submit (i.e., embrace Islam) and you will have achieved safety." Husain said, "Verily I have my people and my clan, then what should I say?" The Messenger said, "Say: 'O Allah, guide me, so that my affair becomes good, and increase me in knowledge that benefits me." Husain repeated those words, and he didn't stand up from their meeting until he embraced Islam. Al-Husain' s son, Umraan stood up, went to his father and kissed his head, his hands, and his feet. When the Messenger (saw) saw him doing that, he began to cry, saying, "I cried because of what Umraan did: When Al-Husain entered here, he was a disbeliever, and Umraan neither stood up for him nor turned in his direction; then when Al-Husain embraced Islam, Umraan fulfilled his (father' s) right (over him). A feeling of warmness and mercy entered me because of that." When Al-Husain wanted to leave, the Messenger (saw) said to his Companions "Stand and escort him to his home." The Quraish leaders who had been waiting for Husain to return, hoping for some good news, now saw him coming out, surrounded by Muslims. "He has changed his religion!" they exclaimed, after which they departed in anger. Conclusion Husain abu Imran (ra) was brought to the Messenger (saw) by Quraish who were hoping that as a wise individual who was also an outsider, he may be able to resolve their dispute with the Messenger (saw). Instead he believed in the Messenger (saw) and converted. References Ibn Hisham, al-Seera al-Nabawiyyah