Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 343
343 Tr uce We now approach the most important event of the sixth year after the Hijra, which was pregnant with tremendous possibilities, and opened the way for the final triumph of Islam throughout Arabia. The Holy Prophet, and those who had emigrated with him, had n ot since seen their native city, or worshipped at the Holy House, or performed the Umra, which from childhood they had regarded as an essential part of their social and religious life. Since the change of the Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca, the attention of the Holy Prophet and the Muslims had been concentrated on Mecca. They longed to revisit the scenes of their childhood and to perform the circuits of the Ka’aba. It so happened that about this time the Holy Prophet, peace be on him, saw in a vision that he was performing the circuits of the Ka’aba in the company of his followers. One of the four sacred months was approaching during which all fighting and conflict was, by established Arab custom, laid aside. The Holy Prophet communicated his vision to the Mu slims and every one longed for its realization. It foretold nothing of fighting or contest; the entrance was to be quiet and unopposed. If the Holy Prophet and the Muslims approached at this time the Ka’aba in the peaceful garb of pilgrims, Quraish would b e bound by every