Life of Muhammad — Page 25
sa 25 prayer. " ‘ Umar's ra mind was made up. He asked where the Prophet sa was and made straight for him at Dari Arqam, his bare sword still in his hand. As he knocked at the door, the Prophet's sa Companions could see ‘ Umar ra through the crevices. They feared lest he should have some evil design. But the Prophet sa said, "Let him come in. " ‘ Umar ra entered, sword in hand. "What brings you?" inquired the Prophet sa. "Prophet sa of God," said ‘ Umar ra , "I am here to become a Muslim. " All a hu Akbar , cried the Prophet sa. All a hu Akbar , cried the Companions. The hills around Mecca echoed the cries. News of the conversion spread like wild fire and henceforward ‘ Umar ra , the much-feared persecutor of Islam, himself began to be persecuted along with other Muslims. But ‘ Umar ra had changed. He delighted now in suffering as he had delighted before in inflicting suffering. He went about Mecca, a much harassed person. PERSECUTION INTENSIFIES Persecution became more and more serious and more unbearable. Many Muslims had already left Mecca. Those who stayed behind had to suffer more than ever before. But Muslims swerved not a bit from the path they had chosen. Their hearts were as stout as ever, their faith as steadfast. Their devotion to the One God was on the increase and so was their hatred for the national idols of Mecca. The conflict had become more serious than ever. The Meccans convened another big meeting. At this they resolved on an all-out boycott of the Muslims: The Meccans were to have no normal dealings with Muslims. They were neither to buy from them, nor to sell them anything. The Prophet sa , his family and a number of relations who, though not Muslims, still stood by him, were compelled to take shelter in a lonely place, a possession of Ab u Ta lib. Without money, without means and without reserves, the Prophet's sa family and relations suffered untold