The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 134
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 134 extended to the other children as well, who were present at the time. Moreover, it is clarified in the occurrence itself that the purpose of this incident was for an Angel incarnate of God to make an incision into the chest of the young Muḥammad sa in a world of divine inspiration, and thereby fully removed the taint of weakness from within him. It is evident from authentic Aḥādīth that during the night of the Mi‘rāj 1 the Holy Prophet sa experienced an occurrence almost identical to the one mentioned above. An angel took the heart of the Holy Prophet sa out and cleansed it with the pure water of Zamzam and then restored it to its original place. 2 At this point, it would not be inappropriate to mention that Sir William Muir has mentioned this occurrence and remarked in malice that God forbid Muḥammad sa underwent an epileptic fit. It is impossible for us to halt someone’s tongue, nonetheless, by making such an objection, Mr. Muir has most definitely resorted to prejudice of the lowest degree. Firstly, it is a well established fact that one who suffers from epilepsy possesses a weak physical and mental structure. As far as Muḥammad sa is concerned, Muir himself admits that Muḥammad sa was an individual who possessed excellent physical and mental faculties. Aside from this, the narration in itself, and the basis upon which this objection is made, refutes the allegation. It is clearly mentioned in the narration that this sight was witnessed by the foster brother of the young Muḥammad sa , who ran to his parents and informed them that his brother of the Quraish had been laid down by two men in white cloaks and they were slitting open his chest. Is there also a form of epilepsy in which other witnesses can testify to such a sight? Can a person who undergoes an epileptic fit have the ability to think, reflect and recall the fact that someone has laid him on the ground but moreover, that the people around him also see such a vision? Words of this nature are such as none other than a prejudiced man can dare bring to his tongue. In any case, when Muḥammad sa was four years of age, Ḥalīmah ra brought the child back and entrusted him to his mother. The four years of service offered by Ḥalīmah ra were not of inconsequentiality. As far as the Holy Prophet sa was concerned, he would never forget even the smallest of services. Therefore, the Holy Prophet sa remembered the sincere service of Ḥalīmah ra all his life and dealt with her in kindness of the greatest calibre. At one instance 1 The Night of Ascension (Publishers) 2 Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Kitābu Faḍā’iliṣ-Ṣaḥābah, Bābu Mā Jā’a fil-Mi‘rāj, Ḥadīth No. 3887