Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 15
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 15 he agreed to refer it to the decision of the arrows of Hubal, the god whose image was set up within the Ka’aba. Lots were cast, one for the Ka’aba and two for the respective claimants. The gazelles fell to the share of the Ka’aba, and the swords and suits of armour to that of Abdul Muttalib, while the arrows of Quraish drew blank. Acquiescing in the divine decree, they relinquished their pretensions to the well. Abdul Muttalib beat out the gazelles into plates of gold, and fixed them by way of ornament to t he door of the Ka’aba. He hung up the swords before the door as a protection to the treasures within; but at the same time added a more effectual guard in the shape of a golden lock and key. The plentiful flow of fresh water, soon apparent in the newly discovered well, was a great triumph for Abdul Muttalib. All other wells in Mecca were deserted, and this alone was resorted to. From it Abdul Muttalib supplied the pilgrims, and the water itsel f soon shared the sanctity of the Ka’aba and its rites. The fame and influence of Abdul Muttalib now waxed greater and greater, a large family of powerful sons added to his dignity; he became, and continued to his death, the virtual chief of Mecca. During his early troubles, while supported by an only son, Abdul Muttalib had felt his weakness so bitterly in contending with the large and influential families of his opponents, that he vowed that if Providence should grant him ten sons he would devote o ne of them to His service. Years rolled on, and the father at last found himself surrounded by the longed - for number, the sight of whom daily reminded him of his vow. He bade his sons accompany him to the Ka’aba, each was made to write his name upon a lot, and the lots were made over to the attendant of the