An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 28
28 Chapter 7 The Prophet Leaves Mecca The Quresh kept a vigil around the house of the Prophet. They were waiting to lay their swords on him. The Prophet asked Ali to sleep in his bed. He then departed. The Quresh did not expect that he would leave so early. They were hardly aware of him when h e went out from their midst. He met Abu Bakr, waiting on the way, as arranged before. Both made for the cave Saur, a cosy hide - out three miles south of Mecca. The Quresh found Ali in the Prophet’s bed. They were mad with anger and beat him mercilessly. The placed a reward of 100 camels for any one who would bring Muhammad back dead or alive. Many men set out to win the prize. The search grew hot. The Quresh soon reached the mouth of the cave. They found a spider’s web across it. They also found a pigeon’s n est on a branch of the tree that shaded the cave. The guide of the Quresh said, “Muhammad is either in the cave or has gone up to the heaven. ” Nobody looked down into the cave. The Prophet and Abu Bakr could see the men outside. They could see their feet. Abu Bakr felt afraid on account of the Prophet. He spoke out his fear to him. The Prophet said,