Muhammad (saw) – The Perfect Man — Page 332
CHAPTER 17 The Prophet sa as a Summoner to All a h 332 told Hadrat ‘Al i ra that this time Ab u Lahab had interrupted him and he should arrange another meal in which some selected forty guests would be invited. Hadrat ‘Al i ra relates that he arranged the party for the second time. When every one had eaten, the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa addressed them. He said, "O the progeny of Abdul Mu tt alib, by God no Arab has brought a more magnificent or exalted message to their people than the one which I have brought to you. I have brought the message of welfare of this world and in the life hereafter. My God has commanded me to convey this message to you. So who amongst you would support me in this matter and establish the relationship of brotherhood in faith with me? "Every one was quiet. A young child ‘Al i rose up and said, "O Messenger of God, I present myself to you. " All the other people rose up and left mockingly. 9 Even when the commandment of open preaching was revealed, there was deep wisdom in leaving the idolaters aside. Prudence demanded to ignore people who strongly adhered to their polytheism. The other wisdom entailed in this measure, was to avoid a sudden outburst of opposition. Thirdly a hidden message in this commandment was to invite those people first who were inclined towards Tau hi d (unity of God) and were averse to idolatry.