Life of Muhammad — Page 166
sa 166 announcing his decision to forgive and forget, misgivings arose in the minds of the An sa r, the Medinite Muslims. Some of them were upset over the scenes of home- coming and of reconciliation which they witnessed on the return of Meccan Muslims to Mecca. Was the Prophet sa parting company with them, his friends in adversity who provided the first home to Islam? Was the Prophet sa going to settle down at Mecca, the town from which he had to flee for his life? Such fears did not seem too remote now that Mecca had been conquered and his own tribe had joined Islam. The Prophet sa might want to settle down in it. God informed the Prophet sa of these misgivings of the An sa r. He raised his head, looked at the An sa r and said "You seem to think Muhammad sa is perturbed by the love of his town, and by the ties which bind him to his tribe. " "It is true," said the An sa r. , "we did think of this. " "Do you know," said the Prophet sa , "Who I am? I am a Servant of God and His Messenger. How can I give you up? You stood by me, and sacrificed your lives when the Faith of God had no earthly help. How can I give you up and settle elsewhere? No, An sa r. , this is impossible. I left Mecca for the sake of God and I cannot return to it. I will live and die with you. " The An sa r were moved by this singular expression of love and loyalty. They regretted their distrust of God and His Prophet sa , wept and asked to be forgiven. They explained that they would not have any peace if the Prophet sa left their town and went elsewhere. The Prophet sa replied that their fear was understandable and that, after their explanation, God and His Prophet sa were satisfied about their innocence and acknowledge their sincerity and loyalty. How must the Meccans have felt at this time? True they did not shed the tears of devotion but their hearts must have been full of regret and remorse. For, had they not cast away with their own hands the gem which had been found in their own town? They had all the more