The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 198
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 198 Anguish Inflicted upon the Holy Prophet sa In comparison to these hardships inflicted upon the Muslims, the personal state of the Holy Prophet sa in this storm of dishonour was not well either. No doubt, after the decision of the Banū Hāshim and Banū Muṭṭalib, although the Holy Prophet sa commanded the general support of his dear ones and relatives, and in intertribal politics, this support held significant weight, yet first and foremost, because of the disloyalty and betrayal of the Holy Prophet’s sa paternal uncle, Abū Lahab, the strength of this decision was weakened. Secondly, the Quraish had also threatened that if the Banū Hāshim and Banū Muṭṭalib did not refrain from backing and protecting the Holy Prophet sa , they would fight them all. Until now, although they had not given this threat a practical form, they were engaged in its preparation. However, through reproach and slander, and by mockery, whilst safeguarding themselves they would instigate physical confrontations as well. The first thing they did was to organize a meeting and deliberated upon the issue that with the season of Ḥajj in the offing, Islām would definitely find popularity among the pilgrims and people will flock to us to inquire about this new prophet, and what he claims. For this reason, through mutual consultation, we should think up an answer, so that our inter-discrepancy does not give a negative impression to the pilgrims. Therefore, all the chieftains of the Quraish gathered at the home of Walīd bin Mughīrah. Walīd made an inaugural speech and elucidated the entire issue. He explained: “Now the time for Ḥajj has arrived and word of Muḥammad’s [peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him] claim has reached out, and the people who shall come for Ḥajj shall most definitely question us about him. Therefore, by consultation, we should agree upon a compelling answer, so that we do not negate one another and thus lessen the influence of our plan. ” At this, one person suggested, “Our answer is simple: This man is a soothsayer. And through his soothsaying, he has gathered a few people around him. ” Walīd said: “How can we call him a soothsayer, when none of his qualities correspond to this? He does not sing like a soothsayer, nor does he possess the precise exposition of a soothsayer. ” Another person said, “Then we can say that Muḥammad [peace and blessings of Allāh