Introduction to the Study of The Holy Quran — Page 231
231 persecution to which he was subjected by the people of Mecca, he did not leave the town till he received the divine command to do so. When persecution became very severe and he gave permission to his Companions to migrate to Abyssinia, some of them expressed a desire that he should accompany them. He declined to do so on the ground that he had not received divine permission to that effect. Thus, during a period of hardships and persecution when people usually like to keep their friends and relations close to themselves, he directed his Companions to seek refuge in Abyssinia and himself stayed behind in Mecca, for God had not yet directed him to leave it. Whenever he heard the word of God being recited, he was overcome by emotion and tears would start from his eyes, especially if he was listening to verses which emphasised his own responsibilities. ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud relates that he was on one occasion asked by the Holy Prophet to recite some verses of the Quran to him. He said: "O Messenger of Allah! The Quran has been revealed to you (i. e. you know it best of all). How then shall I recite it to you?" But the Holy Prophet said: "I love to hear it recited by other people also. " Thereupon ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud began to recite from Surah an-Nisa’. When he recited the verse: "And how will it fare with them when We shall bring a witness from every people, and shall bring thee as a witness against them," 263 the Holy Prophet exclaimed: ‘Enough! Enough!" ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud looked up and saw that tears were streaming from the Holy Prophet’s eyes. 264 He was so particular about joining the congregational prayers that, even during severe illness when it is permissible not only to say one’s prayers in one’s room but even to say them lying in bed, he would go to the mosque to lead the prayers himself. On one occasion when he was unable to proceed to the mosque he directed that Abu Bakr should lead the prayers. Presently however, he felt some improvement in his condition and asked to be supported into the mosque. He rested his weight on the shoulders of two men but was in so feeble a condition that, according to Ayesha, his feet trailed along the ground. 265 It is a common practice to give expression to one’s pleasure or to draw attention to any particular matter by the clapping of hands and the Arabs used to follow the same practice. The Holy Prophet, however, so loved the remembrance of God that for these purposes also he substituted the praise and remembrance of God in place of the clapping of hands. On one occasion while he was occupied with some important matter, the time of the next service drew near and he directed that Abu Bakr should lead the prayers. Shortly thereafter he was able to conclude the business upon which he was engaged and proceeded at once to the mosque. Abu Bakr was leading the prayers but when the congregation perceived that the Holy Prophet had arrived, they began to clap their hands for the purpose both of giving expression to their joy at his arrival and also to draw Abu Bakr’s attention to the fact that the Prophet himself had arrived. Thereupon Abu Bakr stepped back and made room for the Holy Prophet to