Muhammad (saw) – The Perfect Man — Page 494
CHAPTER 20 The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa 's good Conduct 494 Hospitality and Calling to All a h The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa started propagation of Islam with selfless hospitality and service to humanity. When he conveyed the message of truth to his relatives on Mount S af a they rejected him and left. He tried to gather them together by showing hospitality. He instructed Hadrat ‘Al i ra to arrange a banquet. In this meal the lower parts of the leg of goat were prepared. Forty guests from his family and relatives came. Every one ate to their fill. Then they were offered milk. After the meal, the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa wanted to talk them, when Ab u Lahab left saying. "Your companion has cast a spell over you. " Hearing this others left as well. Hadrat ‘Al i ra relates that the next day, the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa instructed him to arrange another banquet. On this occasion H u du r sa addressed the people of Ban i Mu tt alib and said, "I have brought the goodness of this life and the life Hereafter. Who would be my helper?" At this Hadrat ‘Al i ra agreed to help him. This was the first fruit which the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa gained through hospitality. 5 This system of hospitality is often a means of winning over the hearts and may lead some people to guidance. Once a non-believer stayed as a guest of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. H u du r sa instructed that he should be given milk. He was offered milk. He