The Message of Islam — Page 20
20 Thou strivest to restore the high moral qualities that thy people have lost. Thou honourest the guest and goest to the assistance of those in distress. ’ At Khadijah’s suggestion, Muhammad saw accompanied her to her aged cousin, Waraqah, who was a Christian hermit, and related the experience to him. Waraqah assured him, ‘The Angel that descended on Moses hath descended on thee. I wish I would be alive to give thee my support when thy people turn thee out. ’ ‘Will they turn me out?’ Muhammad saw exclaimed in surprise. ‘Never has that come to any which has come to thee,’ Waraqah replied, ‘but that his people have turned against him. ’ Possibly Waraqah’s reference to Moses as was prompted by the prophecy: I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee, and I will put My words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass that whosoever will not hearken unto My words which he shall speak in My name, I will require it of him. (Deut. 18:18–19) It is striking that the very first revelation that came to the Prophet saw commanded him: Recite in the name of thy Lord. Also, chapters of the Quran open with: ِمْسِب ِهّٰللا ِنٰمْحَّرلا ِمْيِحَّرلا In the name of God, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful. For a while there was no further experience of the same kind; but